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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______to_______
evrg-20200930_g1.jpg
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter,
Commissionstate of incorporation, address of principalI.R.S. Employer
File Numberexecutive offices and telephone numberIdentification Number
001-38515EVERGY, INC.82-2733395
(a Missouri corporation)
1200 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(816) 556-2200
001-03523EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.48-0290150
(a Kansas corporation)
818 South Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 575-6300
000-51873EVERGY METRO, INC.44-0308720
(a Missouri corporation)
1200 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(816) 556-2200
      Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Evergy, Inc. common stockEVRGNew York Stock Exchange


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Evergy, Inc.YesxNo
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.YesxNo
Evergy Metro, Inc.YesxNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 registrant was required to submit such files).
Evergy, Inc.YesxNo
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.YesxNo
Evergy Metro, Inc.YesxNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Evergy, Inc.Large Accelerated FilerxAccelerated FilerNon-accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting CompanyEmerging Growth Company
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated FilerNon-accelerated FilerxSmaller Reporting CompanyEmerging Growth Company
Evergy Metro, Inc.Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated FilerNon-accelerated FilerxSmaller Reporting CompanyEmerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Evergy, Inc.
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.
Evergy Metro, Inc.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Evergy, Inc.YesNox
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.YesNox
Evergy Metro, Inc.YesNox
On October 30, 2020, Evergy, Inc. had 226,831,800 shares of common stock outstanding.  On October 30, 2020, Evergy Metro, Inc. and Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. each had 1 share of common stock outstanding and held by Evergy, Inc.
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. and Evergy Metro, Inc. meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is provided by the following registrants: Evergy, Inc. (Evergy), Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. (Evergy Kansas Central) and Evergy Metro, Inc. (Evergy Metro) (collectively, the Evergy Companies). Information relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating exclusively to the other registrants.
This report should be read in its entirety.  No one section of the report deals with all aspects of the subject matter.  It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the 2019 Form 10-K for each of Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro.


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Page Number
[X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR
[ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-3523

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

KansasItem 1.48-0290150
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612(785) 575-6300
(Address, including Zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    X       No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes    X      No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Large accelerated filer    X     Accelerated filer     Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company   Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has 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 Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes     No    X  
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share142,094,176 shares
(Class)(Outstanding at October 25, 2017)
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Item 1.
Note 1:
Note 2:
Note 3:
Note 4:
Note 5:
Note 6:
Note 7:
Note 8:
Note 9:
Note 10:
Note 11:
Note 12:
Note 13:
Item 2.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements made in this report that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our strategic plan, including, without limitation, those related to earnings per share, dividend, operating and maintenance expense and capital investment goals; the outcome of legislative efforts and regulatory and legal proceedings; future energy demand; future power prices; plans with respect to existing and potential future generation resources; the availability and cost of generation resources and energy storage; target emissions reductions; and other matters relating to expected financial performance or affecting future operations. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by forward-looking words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "forecasts," "should," "could," "may," "seeks," "intends," "proposed," "projects," "planned," "target," "outlook," "remain confident," "goal," "will" or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information.
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Evergy Companies are providing a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: economic and weather conditions and any impact on sales, prices and costs; changes in business strategy or operations; the impact of federal, state and local political, legislative, judicial and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, securitization and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding, among other things, customer rates and the prudency of operational decisions such as capital expenditures and asset retirements; changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices, or the interpretations thereof, governing tax, accounting and environmental matters, including air and water quality and waste management and disposal; the impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of significant weather events and the extent to which counterparties are willing to do business with, finance the operations of or purchase energy from the Evergy Companies due to the fact that the Evergy Companies operate coal-fired generation; prices and availability of electricity in wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry and the Evergy Companies; the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on, among other things, sales, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and also on operational issues, such as the availability and ability of our employees and suppliers to perform the functions that are necessary to operate the Evergy Companies; changes in the energy trading markets in which the Evergy Companies participate, including retroactive repricing of transactions by regional transmission organizations (RTO) and independent system operators; financial market conditions and performance, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark interest rate; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of terrorist acts, including cyber terrorism; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; cost, availability, quality and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the Evergy Companies' ability to manage their transmission and distribution development plans and transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility, including environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including those related to increased costs of, or changes in, retirement, health care and other benefits; disruption, costs and uncertainties caused by or related to the actions of individuals or entities, such as activist shareholders or special interest groups, that seek to influence our strategic plan, financial results or operations; the possibility that strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and long-term financial plans, may not create the value that they are expected to achieve in a timely manner or at all; difficulties in maintaining relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties.
This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed from time to time in current, quarterly and annual reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC should
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also be read for more information regarding risk factors. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The Evergy Companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at sec.gov. Additionally, information about the Evergy Companies, including their combined annual reports on Form 10-K, combined quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with the SEC, is also available through the Evergy Companies' website, www.evergy.com. Such reports are accessible at no charge and are made available as soon as reasonably practical after such material is filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Investors should note that the Evergy Companies announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidelines, the Evergy Companies also use the Investor Relations tab on their website, www.evergy.com, to communicate with investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on Evergy's website is not part of this document.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found throughout this report.
Abbreviation or AcronymDefinition
AAOAccounting authority order
ACEAffordable Clean Energy
AEPAmerican Electric Power Company, Inc.
AFUDCAllowance for funds used during construction
AMTAlternative Minimum Tax
AROsAsset retirement obligations
Abbreviation or AcronymDefinition
2016 Form 10-KBSERAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016Best system of emission reduction
AFUDCCAAAllowance for funds used during construction
AROAsset retirement obligation
CAAClean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CCRCCRsCoal combustion residualresiduals
CO2
Carbon dioxide
COLICorporate-owned life insurance
CPPCOVID-19Coronavirus
CPPClean Power Plan
CWAClean Water Act
DOEDepartment of Energy
ELG
ELGEffluent limitations guidelines
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency
EPSEarnings per common share
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
ERSPEarnings Review and Sharing Plan
EvergyEvergy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries
Evergy BoardEvergy Board of Directors
Evergy CompaniesEvergy, Evergy Kansas Central, and Evergy Metro, collectively, which are individual registrants within the Evergy consolidated group
Evergy Kansas CentralEvergy Kansas Central, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evergy, and its consolidated subsidiaries
Evergy Kansas SouthEvergy Kansas South, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy MetroEvergy Metro, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evergy, and its consolidated subsidiaries
Evergy Missouri WestEvergy Missouri West, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evergy
Evergy Transmission CompanyEvergy Transmission Company, LLC
Exchange ActThe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FERCFASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FMBsFirst mortgage bondsMortgage Bonds
GHGGAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
GHGGreenhouse gas
Great Plains EnergyGreat Plains Energy Incorporated
HSR ActJECHart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
JECJeffrey Energy Center
KCCKansasState Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas
KDHEKansas
kVKilovolt
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Abbreviation or AcronymDefinition
kWhKilowatt hour
MDNRMissouri Department of Health & EnvironmentNatural Resources
KGEMECGKansas Gas and Electric CompanyMidwest Energy Consumers Group
La CygneMEEIALa Cygne Generating StationMissouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act
MergerMPSCPending merger of equals between Westar Energy, Inc. and Great Plains Energy Incorporated
MPSCMissouri Public Service Commission of the State of Missouri
NAAQSMWMegawatt
MWhMegawatt hour
NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAVNet Asset Valueasset value
NDTNOLNuclear Decommissioning TrustNet operating loss
NOxNRCNitrogen oxides
NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
NSPSNSRNew Source Performance Standardsource review
PMOCIParticulate matterOther comprehensive income
RECAOPCRetail energy cost adjustmentOffice of the Public Counsel
RSUPrairie WindPrairie Wind Transmission, LLC, 50% owned by Evergy Kansas Central
RSURestricted share unit
RTORegional transmission organization
SO2
SEC
Sulfur dioxideSecurities and Exchange Commission
SPPSouthwest Power Pool, Inc.
TFR
TDCTransmission delivery charge
TFRTransmission formula rate
VIETransourceTransource Energy, LLC and its subsidiaries, 13.5% owned by Evergy Transmission Company
VIEVariable interest entity
Wolf CreekWolf Creek Generating Station
WOTUSWaters of the United States

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend” and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning matters such as, but not limited to:

-the pending merger of equals (merger) between Westar Energy, Inc. and Great Plains Energy Incorporated (Great Plains Energy), including the expected timing of closing the merger and costs expected to be incurred in connection with the merger,
-amount, type and timing of capital expenditures,
-earnings,
-cash flow,
-liquidity and capital resources,
-litigation,
-accounting matters,
-compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,
-interest rates and dividends,
-environmental matters,
-regulatory matters,
-nuclear operations, and
-the overall economy of our service area and its impact on our customers’ demand for electricity and their ability to pay for service.

What happens in each case could vary materially from what we expect because of such things as:

-risks related to operating in a heavily regulated industry that is subject to unpredictable political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments, which can impact our operations, results of operations, and financial condition,
-the difficulty of predicting the magnitude and timing of changes in demand for electricity, including with respect to emerging competing services and technologies and conservation and energy efficiency measures,
-the impact of weather conditions, including as it relates to sales of electricity and prices of energy commodities,
-equipment damage from storms and extreme weather,
-economic and capital market conditions, including the impact of inflation or deflation, changes in interest rates, the cost and availability of capital and the market for trading wholesale energy,
-the impact of changes in market conditions on employee benefit liability calculations and funding obligations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on invested plan assets,
-the impact of changes in estimates regarding our Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek) decommissioning obligation,
-the existence or introduction of competition into markets in which we operate,
-the impact of changing laws and regulations relating to air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water emissions, waste management and other environmental matters,
-risks associated with execution of our planned capital expenditure program, including timing and receipt of regulatory approvals necessary for planned construction and expansion projects as well as the ability to complete planned construction projects within the terms and time frames anticipated,
-cost, availability and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel we need to operate our business,
-availability of generating capacity and the performance of our generating plants,
-changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown or required modification of nuclear generating facilities,
-uncertainties with respect to procurement of nuclear fuel and related services, which are dependent on a single supplier,
-additional regulation due to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversight to ensure the safe operation of Wolf Creek, either related to Wolf Creek’s performance, or potentially relating to events or performance at a nuclear plant anywhere in the world,
-uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal,
-homeland security and information and operating systems security considerations,
-our inability to fully utilize expected tax credits,
-changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,

-changes in the energy markets in which we participate such as the development and implementation of real time and next day trading markets, and the effect of the retroactive repricing of transactions in such markets following execution because of changes or adjustments in market pricing mechanisms by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators,
-reduced demand for coal-based energy because of actual or perceived climate impacts and the development of alternate energy sources,
-current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries,
-cost of fuel used in generation and wholesale electricity prices,
-certain risks and uncertainties associated with the merger, including, without limitation, those related to:
-receipt of approval from our shareholders and shareholders of Great Plains Energy,
-the timing of, and the conditions imposed by, regulatory approvals required for the merger,
-the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or could otherwise cause the failure of the merger to close,
-the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that have been or may be instituted in connection with the merger,
-the receipt of an unsolicited offer from another party to acquire our assets or capital stock (or those of Great Plains Energy) that could interfere with the proposed merger,
-the timing to consummate the proposed merger,
-disruption from the proposed merger making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers,
-the diversion of management time and attention on the merger,
-the amount of costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger,
-the possibility that the expected value creation from the merger will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period,
-difficulties related to the integration of the two companies,
-the credit ratings of the combined company following the merger, and
-the effect and timing of changes in laws or in governmental regulations (including environmental laws and regulations) that could adversely affect our participation in the merger, and
-other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2016 Form 10-K), including in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in other reports we file from time to time with the SEC.

These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. This report should be read in its entirety and in conjunction with our 2016 Form 10-K and the other reports we file from time to time with the SEC. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter and additional information on some matters that could impact our condensed consolidated financial results may be included in our 2016 Form 10-K and the other reports we file from time to time with the SEC. The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, as forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.



PART I.I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Par Values)
(Unaudited)
 As of As of
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS   
CURRENT ASSETS:   
Cash and cash equivalents$3,388
 $3,066
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,658 and $6,667, respectively308,275
 288,579
Fuel inventory and supplies285,074
 300,125
Taxes receivable
 13,000
Prepaid expenses15,781
 16,528
Regulatory assets94,777
 117,383
Other25,754
 29,701
Total Current Assets733,049
 768,382
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET9,494,023
 9,248,359
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET178,058
 257,904
OTHER ASSETS:   
Regulatory assets748,934
 762,479
Nuclear decommissioning trust229,927
 200,122
Other241,384
 249,828
Total Other Assets1,220,245
 1,212,429
TOTAL ASSETS$11,625,375
 $11,487,074
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
CURRENT LIABILITIES:   
Current maturities of long-term debt$
 $125,000
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities28,534
 26,842
Short-term debt189,100
 366,700
Accounts payable147,933
 220,522
Accrued dividends53,770
 52,885
Accrued taxes114,317
 85,729
Accrued interest64,851
 72,519
Regulatory liabilities14,068
 15,760
Other74,273
 81,236
Total Current Liabilities686,846
 1,047,193
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:   
Long-term debt, net3,686,852
 3,388,670
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net81,433
 111,209
Deferred income taxes1,866,583
 1,752,776
Unamortized investment tax credits208,597
 210,654
Regulatory liabilities237,065
 223,693
Accrued employee benefits497,298
 512,412
Asset retirement obligations397,505
 323,951
Other84,296
 83,326
Total Long-Term Liabilities7,059,629
 6,606,691
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes 11 and 13)

 

EQUITY:   
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:   
Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 275,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 142,094,176 shares and 141,791,153 shares, respective to each date710,471
 708,956
Paid-in capital2,022,072
 2,018,317
Retained earnings1,196,460
 1,078,602
Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity3,929,003
 3,805,875
Noncontrolling Interests(50,103) 27,315
Total Equity3,878,900
 3,833,190
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$11,625,375
 $11,487,074

EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
ASSETS(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT ASSETS: 
Cash and cash equivalents$361.6 $23.2 
Receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $15.2 and $10.5, respectively318.5 228.5 
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral395.0 339.0 
Fuel inventory and supplies512.1 481.6 
Income taxes receivable53.9 85.5 
Regulatory assets205.9 231.7 
Prepaid expenses and other assets67.7 78.2 
Total Current Assets1,914.7 1,467.7 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET19,624.1 19,184.4 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET156.7 162.0 
OTHER ASSETS:  
Regulatory assets1,734.1 1,740.5 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund587.5 573.2 
Goodwill2,336.6 2,336.6 
Other527.5 511.5 
Total Other Assets5,185.7 5,161.8 
TOTAL ASSETS$26,881.2 $25,975.9 
The accompanying notesNotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
REVENUES$794,327
 $764,654
OPERATING EXPENSES:   
Fuel and purchased power189,804
 155,673
SPP network transmission costs62,578
 57,939
Operating and maintenance79,856
 86,758
Depreciation and amortization94,668
 84,972
Selling, general and administrative65,630
 60,582
Taxes other than income tax41,815
 48,154
Total Operating Expenses534,351
 494,078
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS259,976
 270,576
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):   
Investment earnings2,593
 2,619
Other income3,849
 13,353
Other expense(6,493) (5,887)
Total Other (Expense) Income(51) 10,085
Interest expense43,458
 40,897
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES216,467
 239,764
Income tax expense55,743
 81,211
NET INCOME160,724
 158,553
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests2,418
 3,833
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.$158,306
 $154,720
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See Note 2):   
Basic earnings per common share$1.11
 $1.09
Diluted earnings per common share$1.11
 $1.08
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:   
Basic142,472,987
 142,090,706
Diluted142,516,049
 142,577,945
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE$0.40
 $0.38


EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Current maturities of long-term debt$353.5 $251.1 
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities18.8 32.3 
Notes payable and commercial paper200.0 561.9 
Collateralized note payable395.0 339.0 
Accounts payable358.9 528.8 
Accrued taxes305.8 145.1 
Accrued interest118.6 122.3 
Regulatory liabilities35.1 63.3 
Asset retirement obligations66.5 71.3 
Accrued compensation and benefits69.9 59.2 
Other176.1 161.6 
Total Current Liabilities2,098.2 2,335.9 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:  
Long-term debt, net9,276.4 8,746.7 
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net0 18.8 
Deferred income taxes1,682.9 1,744.4 
Unamortized investment tax credits188.3 375.4 
Regulatory liabilities2,589.8 2,248.3 
Pension and post-retirement liability1,047.8 1,017.6 
Asset retirement obligations882.3 602.8 
Other331.3 340.7 
Total Long-Term Liabilities15,998.8 15,094.7 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
EQUITY:
Evergy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock - 600,000,000 shares authorized, without par value
226,832,410 and 226,641,443 shares issued, stated value
7,077.0 7,070.4 
Retained earnings1,773.5 1,551.5 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(48.4)(50.0)
Total Evergy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity8,802.1 8,571.9 
Noncontrolling Interests(17.9)(26.6)
Total Equity8,784.2 8,545.3 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$26,881.2 $25,975.9 
The accompanying notesNotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

























WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
9
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
REVENUES$1,976,222
 $1,955,552
OPERATING EXPENSES:   
Fuel and purchased power415,449
 374,361
SPP network transmission costs185,015
 173,925
Operating and maintenance248,211
 250,135
Depreciation and amortization277,322
 252,838
Selling, general and administrative182,367
 192,762
Taxes other than income tax126,421
 145,529
Total Operating Expenses1,434,785
 1,389,550
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS541,437
 566,002
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):   
Investment earnings8,384
 6,916
Other income5,672
 26,212
Other expense(14,457) (14,338)
Total Other (Expense) Income(401)
18,790
Interest expense128,232
 121,011
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES412,804
 463,781
Income tax expense112,559
 160,376
NET INCOME300,245
 303,405
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests10,213
 10,760
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.$290,032
 $292,645
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See Note 2):   
Basic earnings per common share$2.03
 $2.06
Diluted earnings per common share$2.03
 $2.05
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:   
Basic142,458,586
 142,039,320
Diluted142,495,896
 142,413,189
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE$1.20
 $1.14


EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
(millions, except per share amounts)
OPERATING REVENUES$1,517.6 $1,577.6 $3,819.0 $4,016.2 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Fuel and purchased power316.2 357.3 832.5 978.9 
SPP network transmission costs66.1 62.4 197.8 188.7 
Operating and maintenance304.6 311.6 865.5 907.1 
Depreciation and amortization218.0 216.1 658.1 645.1 
Taxes other than income tax91.0 91.5 274.2 276.4 
Total Operating Expenses995.9 1,038.9 2,828.1 2,996.2 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS521.7 538.7 990.9 1,020.0 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Investment earnings1.7 1.8 4.0 7.6 
Other income7.1 2.8 17.0 17.1 
Other expense(20.1)(19.7)(57.7)(57.2)
Total Other Expense, Net(11.3)(15.1)(36.7)(32.5)
Interest expense94.8 90.8 290.5 277.3 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES415.6 432.8 663.7 710.2 
Income tax expense50.0 65.5 93.8 99.2 
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes1.9 3.6 6.1 7.9 
NET INCOME367.5 370.9 576.0 618.9 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests3.0 4.1 8.7 12.9 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVERGY, INC.$364.5 $366.8 $567.3 $606.0 
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVERGY, INC. (see Note 1)
Basic earnings per common share$1.60 $1.56 $2.50 $2.49 
Diluted earnings per common share$1.60 $1.56 $2.49 $2.49 
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic227.3 234.6 227.2 243.5 
Diluted227.5 235.0 227.5 243.8 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME$367.5 $370.9 $576.0 $618.9 
Derivative hedging activity
Loss on derivative hedging instruments0 (29.4)0 (64.4)
Income tax benefit0 7.5 0 16.5 
Net loss on derivative hedging instruments0 (21.9)0 (47.9)
Reclassification to expenses, net of tax1.4 0.2 1.7 0.2 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax1.4 (21.7)1.7 (47.7)
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of net losses included in net periodic benefit costs, net of tax0 (0.1)
Change in unrecognized pension expense, net of tax0 0 (0.1)0 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)1.4 (21.7)1.6 (47.7)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME368.9 349.2 577.6 571.2 
Less:  comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest3.0 4.1 8.7 12.9 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVERGY, INC.$365.9 $345.1 $568.9 $558.3 
The accompanying notesNotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

10
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$300,245
 $303,405
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization277,322
 252,838
Amortization of nuclear fuel24,150
 22,518
Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback(4,121) (4,121)
Gain on lease modification(3,500) 
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance15,744
 13,779
Non-cash compensation6,777
 7,025
Net deferred income taxes and credits126,986
 160,429
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(1,094) (7,894)
Changes in working capital items:   
Accounts receivable(19,696) (64,100)
Fuel inventory and supplies15,515
 11,680
Prepaid expenses and other current assets61,287
 (385)
Accounts payable(10,044) 9,736
Accrued taxes35,631
 40,711
Other current liabilities(108,503) (61,879)
Changes in other assets20,085
 (4,377)
Changes in other liabilities5,538
 13,208
Cash Flows from Operating Activities742,322
 692,573
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Additions to property, plant and equipment(564,622) (821,936)
Purchase of securities - trusts(15,262) (43,252)
Sale of securities - trusts15,896
 44,326
Investment in corporate-owned life insurance(13,875) (14,648)
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance265
 24,242
Investment in affiliated company
 (655)
Other investing activities(3,411) (3,095)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities(581,009) (815,018)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Short-term debt, net(177,732) (67,402)
Proceeds from long-term debt296,215
 396,472
Proceeds from long-term debt of variable interest entities
 162,048
Retirements of long-term debt(125,000) (50,000)
Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities(26,840) (190,357)
Repayment of capital leases(2,592) (2,327)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance53,422
 55,952
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
 (22,921)
Issuance of common stock659
 2,003
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests(5,760) (2,551)
Cash dividends paid(166,340) (152,787)
Other financing activities(7,023) (4,979)
Cash Flows (used in) from Financing Activities(160,991) 123,151
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS322
 706
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:   
Beginning of period3,066
 3,231
End of period$3,388
 $3,937

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EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Year to Date September 3020202019
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:(millions)
Net income$576.0 $618.9 
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization658.1 645.1 
Amortization of nuclear fuel43.8 42.6 
Amortization of deferred refueling outage19.1 19.4 
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance14.8 16.5 
Non-cash compensation12.1 12.9 
Net deferred income taxes and credits136.5 111.4 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(9.9)(0.9)
Payments for asset retirement obligations(11.0)(11.6)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes(6.1)(7.9)
Income from corporate-owned life insurance(6.8)(19.5)
Other0.7 (3.6)
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable(68.6)(68.4)
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral(56.0)(30.0)
Fuel inventory and supplies(30.0)57.0 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets20.9 65.7 
Accounts payable(87.5)(111.5)
Accrued taxes192.3 155.3 
Other current liabilities(43.9)(77.7)
Changes in other assets88.4 56.1 
Changes in other liabilities(21.2)(22.5)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities1,421.7 1,447.3 
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Additions to property, plant and equipment(1,058.1)(849.1)
Purchase of securities - trusts(50.3)(37.4)
Sale of securities - trusts44.2 32.3 
Investment in corporate-owned life insurance(16.4)(17.2)
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance60.6 99.1 
Other investing activities(9.9)0.2 
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities(1,029.9)(772.1)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Short-term debt, net(361.9)(378.0)
Proceeds from term loan facility0 1,000.0 
Repayment of term loan facility0 (1,000.0)
Collateralized short-term borrowings, net56.0 30.0 
Proceeds from long-term debt889.3 2,374.0 
Retirements of long-term debt(251.1)(701.1)
Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities(32.3)(30.3)
Payment for settlement of interest rate swap accounted for as a cash flow hedge0 (69.8)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance54.5 57.2 
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance(52.5)(77.4)
Cash dividends paid(343.6)(347.5)
Repurchase of common stock under repurchase plan0 (1,628.7)
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests0 (8.5)
Other financing activities(11.8)(5.3)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities(53.4)(785.4)
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH338.4 (110.2)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period23.2 160.3 
End of period$361.6 $50.1 
The accompanying notesNotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

11
 Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders   
 Common stock shares 
Common
stock
 
Paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Non-controlling
interests
 
Total
equity
Balance as of December 31, 2015141,353,426
 $706,767
 $2,004,124
 $945,830
 $15,242
 $3,671,963
Net income
 
 
 292,645
 10,760
 303,405
Issuance of stock40,441
 202
 1,801
 
 
 2,003
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends350,016
 1,750
 5,565
 
 
 7,315
Tax withholding related to stock compensation
 
 (4,979) 
 
 (4,979)
Dividends declared on common stock
($1.14 per share)

 
 
 (163,002) 
 (163,002)
Stock compensation expense
 
 6,938
 
 
 6,938
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 (2,551) (2,551)
Cumulative effect of accounting change - stock compensation
 
 
 3,326
 
 3,326
Balance as of September 30, 2016141,743,883
 $708,719
 $2,013,449
 $1,078,799
 $23,451
 $3,824,418
            
Balance as of December 31, 2016141,791,153
 $708,956
 $2,018,317
 $1,078,602
 $27,315
 $3,833,190
Net income
 
 
 290,032
 10,213
 300,245
Issuance of stock12,131
 61
 598
 
 
 659
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends290,892
 1,454
 3,490
 
 
 4,944
Tax withholding related to stock compensation
 
 (7,023) 
 
 (7,023)
Dividends declared on common stock
($1.20 per share)

 
 
 (172,174) 
 (172,174)
Stock compensation expense
 
 6,690
 
 
 6,690
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling
interests

 
 
 
 (81,871) (81,871)
Distribution to shareholders of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 (5,760) (5,760)
Balance as of September 30, 2017142,094,176
 $710,471
 $2,022,072
 $1,196,460
 $(50,103) $3,878,900

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EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
Evergy, Inc. Shareholders
Common stock sharesCommon stockRetained earningsAOCINon-controlling interestsTotal equity
(millions, except share amounts)
Balance as of December 31, 2018255,326,252 $8,685.2 $1,346.0 $(3.0)$(37.5)$9,990.7 
Net income— — 99.5 — 3.9 103.4 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding60,594 (1.6)— — — (1.6)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.475 per share)— — (119.8)— — (119.8)
Stock compensation expense— 5.4 — — — 5.4 
Repurchase of common stock under repurchase plan(10,548,060)(578.3)— — — (578.3)
Consolidation of noncontrolling interests— — — — 3.8 3.8 
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — — (1.4)(1.4)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (10.2)— (10.2)
Other— (0.3)— — — (0.3)
Balance as of March 31, 2019244,838,786 8,110.4 1,325.7 (13.2)(31.2)9,391.7 
Net income— — 139.7 — 4.9 144.6 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding41,982 (0.7)— — — (0.7)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.475 per share)— — (115.8)— — (115.8)
Dividend equivalents declared— — (0.5)— — (0.5)
Stock compensation expense— 4.0 — — — 4.0 
Repurchase of common stock under repurchase plan(9,414,920)(550.4)— — — (550.4)
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — — (2.1)(2.1)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (15.8)— (15.8)
Other— (0.3)— — — (0.3)
Balance as of June 30, 2019235,465,848 7,563.0 1,349.1 (29.0)(28.4)8,854.7 
Net income— — 366.8 — 4.1 370.9 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding4,737 — — — 
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.475 per share)— — (111.9)— — (111.9)
Dividend equivalents declared— — (0.9)— — (0.9)
Stock compensation expense— 3.5 — — — 3.5 
Repurchase of common stock under repurchase plan(7,569,029)(500.0)— — — (500.0)
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — — (5.1)(5.1)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (21.7)— (21.7)
Other— 0.4 — — — 0.4 
Balance as of September 30, 2019227,901,556 $7,066.9 $1,603.1 $(50.7)$(29.4)$8,589.9 
The accompanying notesNotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensedstatements.
12

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EVERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
Evergy, Inc. Shareholders
Common stock sharesCommon stockRetained earningsAOCINon-controlling interestsTotal equity
(millions, except share amounts)
Balance as of December 31, 2019226,641,443 $7,070.4 $1,551.5 $(50.0)$(26.6)$8,545.3 
Net income— — 69.4 — 2.8 72.2 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding97,305 (3.0)— — — (3.0)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.505 per share)— — (114.5)— — (114.5)
Dividend equivalents declared— — (0.7)— — (0.7)
Stock compensation expense— 4.6 — — — 4.6 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — 1.3 — 1.3 
Other— 0.2 — — — 0.2 
Balance as of March 31, 2020226,738,748 7,072.2 1,505.7 (48.7)(23.8)8,505.4 
Net income— — 133.4 — 2.9 136.3 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding86,357 (2.9)— — — (2.9)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.505 per share)— — (114.6)— — (114.6)
Dividend equivalents declared— — (0.4)— — (0.4)
Stock compensation expense— 4.1 — — — 4.1 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (1.0)— (1.0)
Change in unrecognized pension expense, net of tax— — — (0.1)— (0.1)
Other— 0.1 — — — 0.1 
Balance as of June 30, 2020226,825,105 7,073.5 1,524.1 (49.8)(20.9)8,526.9 
Net income— — 364.5 — 3.0 367.5 
Issuance of stock compensation and reinvested dividends, net of tax withholding7,305 — — — 
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.505 per share)— — (114.5)— — (114.5)
Dividend equivalents declared— — (0.6)— — (0.6)
Stock compensation expense— 3.4 — — — 3.4 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — 1.4 — 1.4 
Other— 0.1 — — — 0.1 
Balance as of September 30, 2020226,832,410 $7,077.0 $1,773.5 $(48.4)$(17.9)$8,784.2 
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

13

Table of Contents

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
ASSETS(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT ASSETS: 
Cash and cash equivalents$68.4 $5.2 
Receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $5.5 and $3.8, respectively256.5 140.4 
Related party receivables39.0 9.9 
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral200.0 171.0 
Fuel inventory and supplies279.8 266.4 
Income taxes receivable29.3 30.4 
Regulatory assets93.3 93.3 
Prepaid expenses and other assets23.3 34.3 
Total Current Assets989.6 750.9 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET10,054.8 9,864.9 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET156.7 162.0 
OTHER ASSETS:  
Regulatory assets699.7 730.4 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund279.1 272.5 
Other267.4 266.0 
Total Other Assets1,246.2 1,268.9 
TOTAL ASSETS$12,447.3 $12,046.7 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Kansas Central included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
14

Table of Contents

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Current maturities of long-term debt$0 $250.0 
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities18.8 32.3 
Notes payable and commercial paper0 249.2 
Collateralized note payable200.0 171.0 
Accounts payable192.2 200.5 
Related party payables50.1 14.8 
Accrued taxes159.5 98.7 
Accrued interest64.4 74.2 
Regulatory liabilities23.6 42.3 
Asset retirement obligations23.3 23.3 
Accrued compensation and benefits21.1 14.2 
Other134.5 116.0 
Total Current Liabilities887.5 1,286.5 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:  
Long-term debt, net3,931.1 3,436.1 
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net0 18.8 
Deferred income taxes853.6 817.7 
Unamortized investment tax credits67.0 253.2 
Regulatory liabilities1,410.9 1,132.5 
Pension and post-retirement liability462.4 495.5 
Asset retirement obligations398.6 249.6 
Other160.5 151.8 
Total Long-Term Liabilities7,284.1 6,555.2 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
EQUITY: 
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. Shareholder's Equity:  
Common stock - 1,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 1 share issued2,737.6 2,737.6 
Retained earnings1,556.0 1,494.0 
Total Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. Shareholder's Equity4,293.6 4,231.6 
Noncontrolling Interests(17.9)(26.6)
Total Equity4,275.7 4,205.0 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$12,447.3 $12,046.7 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Kansas Central included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

15

Table of Contents

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
(millions)
OPERATING REVENUES$733.6 $749.0 $1,864.5 $1,931.3 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Fuel and purchased power128.6 144.9 329.9 375.3 
SPP network transmission costs66.1 62.4 197.8 188.7 
Operating and maintenance137.4 140.4 376.3 396.4 
Depreciation and amortization113.4 110.9 339.0 331.3 
Taxes other than income tax47.4 48.0 145.1 145.3 
Total Operating Expenses492.9 506.6 1,388.1 1,437.0 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS240.7 242.4 476.4 494.3 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Investment earnings1.0 0.6 3.4 3.0 
Other income2.7 2.3 11.3 13.0 
Other expense(9.7)(10.8)(26.9)(29.9)
Total Other Expense, Net(6.0)(7.9)(12.2)(13.9)
Interest expense40.3 41.7 127.7 134.1 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES194.4 192.8 336.5 346.3 
Income tax expense22.5 25.8 149.2 46.2 
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes1.2 1.2 3.4 3.6 
NET INCOME173.1 168.2 190.7 303.7 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests3.0 4.1 8.7 12.9 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.$170.1 $164.1 $182.0 $290.8 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Kansas Central included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Year to Date September 3020202019
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:(millions)
Net income$190.7 $303.7 
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization339.0 331.3 
Amortization of nuclear fuel21.6 21.2 
Amortization of deferred refueling outage9.5 9.7 
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance14.8 16.5 
Net deferred income taxes and credits155.0 9.5 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(5.8)
Payments for asset retirement obligations(2.1)(9.5)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes(3.4)(3.6)
Income from corporate-owned life insurance(6.8)(18.8)
Other(4.1)(4.1)
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable(124.4)(55.4)
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral(29.0)(15.0)
Fuel inventory and supplies(12.9)29.5 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets7.0 12.2 
Accounts payable88.4 (10.4)
Accrued taxes61.9 92.8 
Other current liabilities(47.1)(5.8)
Changes in other assets33.3 23.8 
Changes in other liabilities(35.8)(31.1)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities649.8 696.5 
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Additions to property, plant and equipment(494.2)(418.4)
Purchase of securities - trusts(16.7)(12.6)
Sale of securities - trusts16.3 13.4 
Investment in corporate-owned life insurance(15.6)(16.4)
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance60.6 97.4 
Other investing activities(2.3)(3.2)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities(451.9)(339.8)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Short-term debt, net(249.2)(229.3)
Collateralized short-term debt, net29.0 15.0 
Proceeds from long-term debt493.0 294.7 
Retirements of long-term debt(250.0)(300.0)
Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities(32.3)(30.3)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance51.5 54.2 
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance(52.5)(76.3)
Cash dividends paid(120.0)(110.0)
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests0 (8.5)
Other financing activities(4.2)(3.0)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities(134.7)(393.5)
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH63.2 (36.8)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period5.2 44.5 
End of period$68.4 $7.7 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Kansas Central included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. Shareholder
Common stock sharesCommon stockRetained earningsNon-controlling interestsTotal equity
(millions, except share amounts)
Balance as of December 31, 2018$2,737.6 $1,260.6 $(37.5)$3,960.7 
Net income— — 64.4 3.9 68.3 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (110.0)— (110.0)
Consolidation of noncontrolling interests— — — 3.8 3.8 
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — (1.4)(1.4)
Balance as of March 31, 20192,737.6 1,215.0 (31.2)3,921.4 
Net income— — 62.3 4.9 67.2 
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — (2.1)(2.1)
Balance as of June 30, 20192,737.6 1,277.3 (28.4)3,986.5 
Net income— — 164.1 4.1 168.2 
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests— — — (5.1)(5.1)
Balance as of September 30, 2019$2,737.6 $1,441.4 $(29.4)$4,149.6 
Balance as of December 31, 2019$2,737.6 $1,494.0 $(26.6)$4,205.0 
Net income— — 52.4 2.8 55.2 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (60.0)— (60.0)
Balance as of March 31, 20202,737.6 1,486.4 (23.8)4,200.2 
Net income (loss)— — (40.5)2.9 (37.6)
Dividends declared on common stock— — (60.0)— (60.0)
Balance as of June 30, 20202,737.6 1,385.9 (20.9)4,102.6 
Net income— — 170.1 3.0 173.1 
Balance as of September 30, 2020$2,737.6 $1,556.0 $(17.9)$4,275.7 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Kansas Central included in the accompanying Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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EVERGY METRO, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
ASSETS(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT ASSETS: 
Cash and cash equivalents$224.3 $2.0 
Receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $6.5 and $4.6, respectively80.0 48.1 
Related party receivables225.7 93.9 
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral130.0 118.0 
Fuel inventory and supplies173.2 163.0 
Income taxes receivable0 8.7 
Regulatory assets88.4 95.4 
Prepaid expenses25.4 22.8 
Other assets14.5 15.0 
Total Current Assets961.5 566.9 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET7,027.1 6,839.0 
OTHER ASSETS:  
Regulatory assets490.6 464.4 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund308.4 300.7 
Other137.5 134.1 
Total Other Assets936.5 899.2 
TOTAL ASSETS$8,925.1 $8,305.1 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Metro included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY METRO, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30December 31
 20202019
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY(millions, except share amounts)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Notes payable and commercial paper$0 $199.3 
Collateralized note payable130.0 118.0 
Accounts payable163.9 233.6 
Related party payables34.2 4.6 
Accrued taxes104.3 38.8 
Accrued interest38.2 26.7 
Regulatory liabilities7.5 11.4 
Asset retirement obligations33.0 36.1 
Accrued compensation and benefits48.9 45.1 
Other31.3 34.0 
Total Current Liabilities591.3 747.6 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:  
Long-term debt, net2,922.7 2,525.0 
Deferred income taxes554.7 642.8 
Unamortized investment tax credits118.7 119.6 
Regulatory liabilities885.6 792.2 
Pension and post-retirement liability561.5 499.7 
Asset retirement obligations348.4 217.5 
Other165.4 180.0 
Total Long-Term Liabilities5,557.0 4,976.8 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
EQUITY:  
Common stock - 1,000 shares authorized, without par value, 1 share issued, stated value1,563.1 1,563.1 
Retained earnings1,209.0 1,012.8 
Accumulated other comprehensive income4.7 4.8 
Total Equity2,776.8 2,580.7 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$8,925.1 $8,305.1 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Metro included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY METRO, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
(millions)
OPERATING REVENUES$528.5 $568.8 $1,328.3 $1,431.2 
OPERATING EXPENSES:  
Fuel and purchased power112.2 129.3 306.0 380.4 
Operating and maintenance101.3 111.2 305.7 341.2 
Depreciation and amortization79.4 80.2 243.6 239.0 
Taxes other than income tax31.2 32.6 92.4 96.3 
Total Operating Expenses324.1 353.3 947.7 1,056.9 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS204.4 215.5 380.6 374.3 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Investment earnings0.5 0.5 1.3 1.9 
Other income4.0 1.2 5.1 2.3 
Other expense(6.9)(4.9)(20.2)(15.7)
Total Other Expense, Net(2.4)(3.2)(13.8)(11.5)
Interest expense29.2 28.2 85.5 91.6 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES172.8 184.1 281.3 271.2 
Income tax expense25.1 32.2 5.1 43.9 
NET INCOME$147.7 $151.9 $276.2 $227.3 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME$147.7 $151.9 $276.2 $227.3 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Derivative hedging activity
Reclassification to expenses, net of tax(0.2)(0.1)(0.1)0.7 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax(0.2)(0.1)(0.1)0.7 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(0.2)(0.1)(0.1)0.7 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$147.5 $151.8 $276.1 $228.0 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Metro included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY METRO, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Year to Date September 3020202019
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:(millions)
Net income$276.2 $227.3 
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization243.6 239.0 
Amortization of nuclear fuel22.1 21.4 
Amortization of deferred refueling outage9.5 9.7 
Net deferred income taxes and credits3.0 2.5 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(4.1)(0.9)
Payments for asset retirement obligations(2.7)(1.7)
Other(0.3)0.4 
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable(84.3)(4.1)
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral(12.0)
Fuel inventory and supplies(10.2)20.4 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(4.7)36.2 
Accounts payable(20.1)(66.3)
Accrued taxes74.2 70.3 
Other current liabilities14.5 (49.0)
Changes in other assets37.7 32.7 
Changes in other liabilities14.2 18.6 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities556.6 556.5 
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Additions to property, plant and equipment(384.9)(313.0)
Purchase of securities - trusts(33.7)(24.8)
Sale of securities - trusts27.9 18.9 
Net money pool lending(78.0)
Other investing activities2.5 5.1 
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities(466.2)(313.8)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Short-term debt, net(199.3)(102.0)
Collateralized short-term debt, net12.0 
Proceeds from long-term debt396.4 393.2 
Retirements of long-term debt0 (400.0)
Cash dividends paid(80.0)(135.0)
Other financing activities2.8 1.9 
Cash Flows from (used in) Financing Activities131.9 (241.9)
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH222.3 0.8 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period2.0 2.6 
End of period$224.3 $3.4 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Metro included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY METRO, INC
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 Common stock shares Common Stock Retained earnings AOCI - Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Total Equity
 (millions, except share amounts)
Balance as of December 31, 2018$1,563.1 $932.6 $4.1 $2,499.8 
Net income— — 16.0 — 16.0 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — 0.9 0.9 
Balance as of March 31, 20191,563.1 948.6 5.0 2,516.7 
Net income— — 59.4 — 59.4 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (65.0)— (65.0)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (0.1)(0.1)
Balance as of June 30, 20191,563.1 943.0 4.9 2,511.0 
Net income— — 151.9 — 151.9 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (70.0)— (70.0)
Balance as of September 30, 2019$1,563.1 $1,024.9 $4.9 $2,592.9 
Balance as of December 31, 2019$1,563.1 $1,012.8 $4.8 $2,580.7 
Net income— — 25.6 — 25.6 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (60.0)— (60.0)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (0.1)(0.1)
Balance as of March 31, 20201,563.1 978.4 4.7 2,546.2 
Net income— — 102.9 — 102.9 
Dividends declared on common stock— — (20.0)— (20.0)
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — 0.2 0.2 
Balance as of June 30, 20201,563.1 1,061.3 4.9 2,629.3 
Net income— — 147.7 — 147.7 
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax— — — (0.2)(0.2)
Balance as of September 30, 2020$1,563.1 $1,209.0 $4.7 $2,776.8 
The disclosures regarding Evergy Metro included in the accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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EVERGY, INC.
EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
EVERGY METRO, INC.
Combined Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
The notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Westatements that follow are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates,a combined presentation for Evergy, Inc., Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. and Evergy Metro, Inc., all references inregistrants under this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qfiling.  The terms "Evergy," "Evergy Kansas Central," "Evergy Metro" and "Evergy Companies" are used throughout this report.  "Evergy" refers to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar words are to Westar Energy,Evergy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term “Westar Energy”subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.  "Evergy Kansas Central" refers to Westar Energy,Evergy Kansas Central, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. "Evergy Metro" refers to Evergy Metro, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. "Evergy Companies" refers to Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central, and Evergy Metro, collectively, which are individual registrants within the Evergy consolidated group.
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Organization
Evergy is a Kansas corporationpublic utility holding company incorporated in 1924, alone2017 and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries.headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Evergy operates primarily through the following wholly-owned direct subsidiaries listed below.

We provideEvergy Kansas Central, Inc. (Evergy Kansas Central) is an integrated, regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution servicesutility that provides electricity to approximately 707,000 customers in the state of Kansas. WestarEvergy Kansas Central has 1 active wholly-owned subsidiary with significant operations, Evergy Kansas South, Inc. (Evergy Kansas South).
Evergy Metro, Inc. (Evergy Metro) is an integrated, regulated electric utility that provides electricity to customers in the states of Missouri and Kansas.
Evergy Missouri West, Inc. (Evergy Missouri West) is an integrated, regulated electric utility that provides electricity to customers in the state of Missouri.
Evergy Transmission Company, LLC (Evergy Transmission Company) owns 13.5% of Transource Energy, LLC (Transource) with the remaining 86.5% owned by AEP Transmission Holding Company, LLC, a subsidiary of American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP). Transource is focused on the development of competitive electric transmission projects. Evergy Transmission Company accounts for its investment in Transource under the equity method.
Evergy Kansas Central also owns a 50% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC (Prairie Wind), which is a joint venture between Evergy Kansas Central and subsidiaries of AEP and Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. Prairie Wind owns a 108-mile, 345 kV double-circuit transmission line that provides these servicestransmission service in centralthe Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP). EvergyKansas Central accounts for its investment in Prairie Wind under the equity method.

Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Kansas South, Evergy Metro and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGEEvergy Missouri West conduct business in their respective service territories using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is locatedEvergy. Collectively, the Evergy Companies have approximately 14,700 MWs of owned generating capacity and renewable purchased power agreements and engage in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 1.6 million customers in the states of Kansas and Missouri.
Basis of Presentation
These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K.
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These unaudited consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the unaudited consolidated financial statements for each of the Evergy Companies for these interim periods. In preparing financial statements that conform to GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

We prepare ourEach of Evergy's, Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance withincludes the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10accounts of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority ownedtheir subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest orthey are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment.beneficiary. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis.  Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminatedeliminated. The Evergy Companies assess financial performance and allocate resources on a consolidated basis (i.e., operate in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, have been included.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Use of Management’s Estimates

When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations (AROs) including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

1 segment).
Fuel Inventory and Supplies

We stateThe Evergy Companies record fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following areThe following table separately states the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.supplies.
September 30
2020
December 31
2019
Evergy(millions)
Fuel inventory$153.7 $146.4 
Supplies358.4 335.2 
Fuel inventory and supplies$512.1 $481.6 
Evergy Kansas Central
Fuel inventory$84.9 $80.2 
Supplies194.9 186.2 
Fuel inventory and supplies$279.8 $266.4 
Evergy Metro  
Fuel inventory$47.5 $46.1 
Supplies125.7 116.9 
Fuel inventory and supplies$173.2 $163.0 
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 As of As of
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (In Thousands)
Fuel inventory$87,429
 $107,086
Supplies197,645
 193,039
Fuel inventory and supplies$285,074
 $300,125
Property, Plant and Equipment

The following tables summarize the property, plant and equipment of Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
September 30, 2020EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
(millions)
Electric plant in service$28,670.5 $13,947.2 $11,110.9 
Electric plant acquisition adjustment724.3 724.3 
Accumulated depreciation(10,849.4)(5,210.0)(4,487.3)
Plant in service, net18,545.4 9,461.5 6,623.6 
Construction work in progress946.6 527.1 337.6 
Nuclear fuel, net131.2 65.3 65.9 
Plant to be retired, net(a)
0.9 0.9 
Property, plant and equipment, net$19,624.1 $10,054.8 $7,027.1 
December 31, 2019EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
(millions)
Electric plant in service$27,768.8 $13,538.1 $10,776.5 
Electric plant acquisition adjustment740.6 740.6 
Accumulated depreciation(10,293.7)(4,951.5)(4,272.0)
Plant in service, net18,215.7 9,327.2 6,504.5 
Construction work in progress839.2 472.8 269.9 
Nuclear fuel, net128.5 63.9 64.6 
Plant to be retired, net(a)
1.0 1.0 
Property, plant and equipment, net$19,184.4 $9,864.9 $6,839.0 

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC)(a) As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, represents the allowed costplanned retirement of capital usedEvergy Kansas Central analog meters prior to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We creditthe end of their remaining useful lives.
Other Income (Expense), Net
The table below shows the detail of other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for each of the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income as follows.Evergy Companies.
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Evergy(millions)
Non-service cost component of net benefit cost$(13.7)$(13.7)$(43.7)$(40.9)
Other(6.4)(6.0)(14.0)(16.3)
Other expense$(20.1)$(19.7)$(57.7)$(57.2)
Evergy Kansas Central
Non-service cost component of net benefit cost$(4.1)$(4.9)$(14.1)$(14.5)
Other(5.6)(5.9)(12.8)(15.4)
Other expense$(9.7)$(10.8)$(26.9)$(29.9)
Evergy Metro
Non-service cost component of net benefit cost$(6.5)$(5.0)$(19.7)$(15.3)
Other(0.4)0.1 (0.5)(0.4)
Other expense$(6.9)$(4.9)$(20.2)$(15.7)
26

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Borrowed funds$1,210
 $2,537
 $3,958
 $6,884
Equity funds321
 2,647
 1,094
 7,894
Total$1,531
 $5,184
 $5,052
 $14,778
Average AFUDC Rates2.2% 3.6% 2.0% 4.2%
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Earnings Per Share

We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computingTo compute basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).

To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated, Evergy divides net income attributable to common stockEvergy, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of issuable common shares resulting from our RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We computerestricted share units (RSUs), performance shares and restricted stock. Evergy computes the dilutive effecteffects of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method.



The following table reconciles ourEvergy's basic and diluted EPSEPS.
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Income(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income$367.5 $370.9 $576.0 $618.9 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests3.0 4.1 8.7 12.9 
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.$364.5 $366.8 $567.3 $606.0 
Common Shares Outstanding  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic227.3 234.6 227.2 243.5 
Add: Effect of dilutive securities0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - dilutive227.5 235.0 227.5 243.8 
Basic EPS$1.60 $1.56 $2.50 $2.49 
Diluted EPS$1.60 $1.56 $2.49 $2.49 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from net income.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income$160,724
 $158,553
 $300,245
 $303,405
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests2,418
 3,833
 10,213
 10,760
Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.158,306
 154,720
 290,032
 292,645
 Less: Net income allocated to RSUs289
 325
 515
 605
Net income allocated to common stock$158,017
 $154,395
 $289,517
 $292,040
        
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic142,472,987
 142,090,706
 142,458,586
 142,039,320
Effect of dilutive securities:       
RSUs43,062
 487,239
 37,310
 373,869
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)142,516,049
 142,577,945
 142,495,896
 142,413,189
        
Earnings per common share, basic$1.11
 $1.09
 $2.03
 $2.06
Earnings per common share, diluted$1.11
 $1.08
 $2.03
 $2.05
_______________
(a) We had no antidilutive securitiesthe computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended and year to date September 30, 20172020, were 124,136 RSUs with performance measures. There were 0 anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended and 2016.year to date September 30, 2019.

Dividends Declared
In November 2020, Evergy's Board of Directors (Evergy Board) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.535 per share on Evergy's common stock. The common dividend is payable December 21, 2020, to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2020.
In November 2020, Evergy Kansas Central's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend payable to Evergy of $40.0 million, payable on December 18, 2020.
In November 2020, Evergy Metro's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend payable to Evergy of $40.0 million, payable on December 18, 2020.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Evergy
Year to Date September 3020202019
Cash paid for (received from):(millions)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$267.8 $240.8 
Interest of VIEs0.8 1.6 
Income taxes, net of refunds(73.8)(13.1)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities4.1 3.0 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities5.0 2.3 
Non-cash investing transactions:
Property, plant and equipment additions371.0 99.4 
Non-cash financing transactions:
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends0.9 (0.3)
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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
 (In Thousands)
CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):   
Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized$108,965
 $100,828
Interest on financing activities of VIEs3,061
 5,846
Income taxes, net of refunds(12,645) 13,004
NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:   
Property, plant and equipment additions112,493
 94,007
Deconsolidation of property, plant and equipment of VIE(72,901) 
NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:   
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends4,944
 7,315
Deconsolidation of VIE(83,096) 
Assets acquired through capital leases4,611
 1,310
Evergy Kansas Central
Year to Date September 3020202019
Cash paid for (received from):(millions)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$114.1 $109.4 
Interest of VIEs0.8 1.6 
Income taxes, net of refunds(6.4)1.8 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities3.8 0.6 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities3.7 2.3 
Non-cash investing transactions:
Property, plant and equipment additions183.8 35.3 

Evergy Metro
Year to Date September 3020202019
Cash paid for (received from):(millions)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$73.3 $83.5 
Income taxes, net of refunds(7.3)32.8 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities0.3 2.4 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities1.3 
Non-cash investing transactions:
Property, plant and equipment additions165.6 60.8 

New Accounting Pronouncements

We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new accounting pronouncements that may affect our accounting and/or disclosure.
Compensation - Retirement Benefits

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2017-07, which requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit costs and to disclose the amounts of net periodic benefit costs that are included in each income statement line item. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs and to report the other components of net periodic benefit costs (which include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credits and actuarial gains and losses) separately and outside a subtotal of operating income. Of the components of net periodic benefit cost, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization asNon-cash property, plant and equipment which isadditions year to be applied prospectively. The other componentsdate September 30, 2020 for Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro include a non-cash addition related to the revision in estimate of net periodic benefit costs that are no longer eligible for capitalization as property, plant and equipment will be recorded as a regulatory asset. The guidance changing the presentationWolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek) asset retirement obligation (ARO) liability in the statementsthird quarter of income is2020. See Note 6 for more details.
2. REVENUE
Evergy's, Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's revenues disaggregated by customer class are summarized in the following tables.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Revenues(millions)
Residential$636.4 $262.9 $241.2 
Commercial499.5 205.2 213.3 
Industrial166.8 105.7 36.6 
Other retail9.5 4.4 2.7 
Total electric retail$1,312.2 $578.2 $493.8 
Wholesale85.0 68.7 9.7 
Transmission80.7 72.9 3.5 
Industrial steam and other5.6 0.9 0.8 
Total revenue from contracts with customers$1,483.5 $720.7 $507.8 
Other34.1 12.9 20.7 
Operating revenues$1,517.6 $733.6 $528.5 
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Year to Date September 30, 2020EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Revenues(millions)
Residential$1,515.6 $627.5 $572.2 
Commercial1,272.9 511.0 558.1 
Industrial446.7 284.6 99.6 
Other retail29.2 13.3 8.9 
Total electric retail$3,264.4 $1,436.4 $1,238.8 
Wholesale195.8 168.1 16.7 
Transmission238.5 215.2 10.4 
Industrial steam and other16.8 2.1 2.7 
Total revenue from contracts with customers$3,715.5 $1,821.8 $1,268.6 
Other103.5 42.7 59.7 
Operating revenues$3,819.0 $1,864.5 $1,328.3 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Revenues(millions)
Residential$653.0 $268.9 $249.2 
Commercial539.1 219.3 234.1 
Industrial175.3 111.3 40.8 
Other retail16.0 5.6 7.0 
Total electric retail$1,383.4 $605.1 $531.1 
Wholesale96.3 67.7 23.5 
Transmission80.4 67.7 7.8 
Industrial steam and other6.2 1.7 0.6 
Total revenue from contracts with customers$1,566.3 $742.2 $563.0 
Other11.3 6.8 5.8 
Operating revenues$1,577.6 $749.0 $568.8 
Year to Date September 30, 2019EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Revenues(millions)
Residential$1,536.3 $640.4 $575.5 
Commercial1,391.2 556.4 613.5 
Industrial478.9 308.5 106.7 
Other retail35.3 15.8 12.3 
Total electric retail$3,441.7 $1,521.1 $1,308.0 
Wholesale251.7 182.5 54.7 
Transmission233.5 205.5 14.0 
Industrial steam and other18.9 4.6 2.3 
Total revenue from contracts with customers$3,945.8 $1,913.7 $1,379.0 
Other70.4 17.6 52.2 
Operating revenues$4,016.2 $1,931.3 $1,431.2 
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3. RECEIVABLES
The Evergy Companies' receivables are detailed in the following table.
September 30
2020
December 31
2019
Evergy(millions)
Customer accounts receivable - billed$8.6 $7.2 
Customer accounts receivable - unbilled143.9 104.0 
Other receivables181.2 127.8 
Allowance for credit losses(15.2)(10.5)
Total$318.5 $228.5 
Evergy Kansas Central
Customer accounts receivable - billed$$
Customer accounts receivable - unbilled55.3 49.7 
Other receivables206.7 94.5 
Allowance for credit losses(5.5)(3.8)
Total$256.5 $140.4 
Evergy Metro  
Customer accounts receivable - billed$4.9 $3.1 
Customer accounts receivable - unbilled56.9 26.5 
Other receivables24.7 23.1 
Allowance for credit losses(6.5)(4.6)
Total$80.0 $48.1 
Evergy's, Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's other receivables at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, consisted primarily of receivables from partners in jointly-owned electric utility plants, wholesale sales receivables and receivables related to be applied on a retrospective basis.alternative revenue programs. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating the guidance and do not expect it to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which addresses revenueEvergy Companies' other receivables also included receivables from contracts with customers. Subsequent ASUs have been released providing modifications and clarificationscustomers as summarized in the following table.
September 30
2020
December 31
2019
(millions)
Evergy$58.8 $42.0 
Evergy Kansas Central49.9 37.7 
Evergy Metro6.1 1.2 
Allowance for Credit Losses
Historical loss information generally provides the basis for the Evergy Companies' assessment of expected credit losses. The Evergy Companies use an aging of accounts receivable method to ASU No. 2014-09. The objective ofassess historical loss information. When historical experience may not fully reflect the new guidance is to establish principles to report useful information to users of financial statementsEvergy Companies' expectations about the nature, amount, timingfuture, the Evergy Companies will adjust historical loss information, as necessary, to reflect the current conditions and uncertaintyreasonable and supportable forecasts not already reflected in the historical loss information.

Receivables are charged off when they are deemed uncollectible, which is based on a number of revenue from contractsfactors including specific facts surrounding an account and management's judgment.
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The change in the Evergy Companies' allowance for credit losses is summarized in the following table.
20202019
Evergy(millions)
Beginning balance January 1$10.5 $9.2 
Credit loss expense15.5 22.4 
Write-offs(20.8)(31.9)
Recoveries of prior write-offs10.0 9.2 
Ending balance September 30$15.2 $8.9 
Evergy Kansas Central
Beginning balance January 1$3.8 $3.9 
Credit loss expense6.9 5.6 
Write-offs(7.3)(8.8)
Recoveries of prior write-offs2.1 2.7 
Ending balance September 30$5.5 $3.4 
Evergy Metro
Beginning balance January 1$4.6 $3.8 
Credit loss expense5.5 11.7 
Write-offs(8.9)(16.2)
Recoveries of prior write-offs5.3 4.6 
Ending balance September 30$6.5 $3.9 
Sale of Accounts Receivable
Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West sell an undivided percentage ownership interest in their retail electric accounts receivable to independent outside investors. These sales are accounted for as secured borrowings with customers. Under the new standard, an entity must identify the performance obligations inaccounts receivable pledged as collateral and a contract, determine the transaction price and allocate the price to specific performance obligations to recognize the revenue when the obligation is completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application of the standard is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective application or modified retrospective method. We will use the modified retrospective method, which requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to be recordedcorresponding short-term collateralized note payable recognized on the balance sheetsheets.  The Evergy Companies' accounts receivable pledged as of the beginning of 2018, if applicable, as if the standard had always been in effect. We have analyzed and documented the impact of the new revenue standard and related ASU’s for our significant revenue streams including retail, transmission and wholesale, as well as other less significant revenue streams. We also continue to monitor unresolved industry issues, including items related to contributions in aid of construction, collectability and alternative revenue programs, and will analyze the related impacts to revenue recognition. We are finalizing our analysis of revenue-related controls and development of revenue-related disclosure with an overarching emphasis on effective internal controls over financial reporting. Based upon our completed assessments, we do not expect the impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements to be material.


3. PENDING MERGER

On May 29, 2016, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Great Plains Energy that provided for the acquisition of us by Great Plains Energy. On April 19, 2017, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) denied our and Great Plains Energy’s merger application.
On July 9, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated agreement and plan of merger with Great Plains Energy that provides for a merger of equals between the two companies. Upon closing, each issued and outstanding share of our common stock will be converted into one share of common stock of a new holding company with a final name still to be determined. Upon closing, each issued and outstanding share of Great Plains Energy common stock will be converted into 0.5981 shares of common stock of the new holding company. Following completion of the merger, our shareholders are expected to own approximately 52.5% of the new holding company and Great Plains Energy’s shareholders are expected to own approximately 47.5% of the new holding company.
The closing of the merger is subject to conditions including, among others, approval of our shareholders representing a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock; approval of Great Plains Energy’s shareholders representing two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Great Plains Energy common stock; clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR Act); receipt of all required regulatory approvals from, among others, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the NRC, the KCC,collateral and the corresponding short-term collateralized note payable are summarized in the following table.
September 30
2020
December 31
2019
(millions)
Evergy$395.0 $339.0 
Evergy Kansas Central200.0 171.0 
Evergy Metro130.0 118.0 
Each receivable sale facility expires in September 2021. Evergy Kansas Central's facility allows for $185.0 million in aggregate outstanding principal amount of borrowings from mid-October through mid-June and then $200.0 million from mid-June through mid-October. Evergy Metro's facility allows for $130.0 million in aggregate outstanding principal amount of borrowings at any time. Evergy Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) (provided that such approvalsWest's facility allows for $50.0 million in aggregate outstanding principal amount of borrowings from mid-November through mid-June and then $65.0 million from mid-June through mid-November.

do not result in a material adverse effect on Great Plains Energy or us, after giving effect to the merger, measured on the size and scale of Westar Energy and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole); effectiveness of the registration statement for the shares of the new holding company’s common stock to be issued to our shareholders and Great Plains Energy’s shareholders upon consummation of the merger and approval of the listing of such shares on the New York Stock Exchange; the receipt of tax opinions by us and Great Plains Energy that the merger will be treated as a non-taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes; there being no shares of Great Plains Energy preference stock outstanding; and Great Plains Energy having not less than $1.25 billion in cash or cash equivalents on its balance sheet. The closing of the merger is also subject to other standard conditions, such as accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance with covenants and the absence of a material adverse effect on either company.
Either party may terminate the amended and restated merger agreement if the merger is not consummated by July 10, 2018, subject to an extension of up to six months. Either party may also terminate the agreement if our shareholders or Great Plains Energy’s shareholders do not approve the merger or an order that prohibits the merger becomes final and non-appealable. There are also termination rights for both parties in certain cases if the other party’s board of directors changes its recommendation to its shareholders regarding approval of the merger, or the other party accepts an alternative, superior offer.
On August 25, 2017, we and Great Plains Energy filed a joint application with the KCC requesting approval of the merger. On August 31, 2017, we and Great Plains Energy applied for approval of the merger from the MPSC. On September 1, 2017, we and Great Plains Energy filed a joint application for approval of the merger with FERC. On September 5, 2017, Wolf Creek filed a request with the NRC to approve an indirect transfer of control of Wolf Creek’s operating license. We and Great Plains Energy each scheduled special meetings for our respective shareholders on November 21, 2017 to vote on the proposed merger.

The amended and restated merger agreement provides that Great Plains Energy may be required to pay us a termination fee of $190.0 million if the agreement is terminated due to (i) failure to receive regulatory approval prior to July 10, 2018, subject to an extension of up to six months, (ii) a non-appealable regulatory order enjoining the merger or (iii) Great Plains Energy’s failure to close after all conditions precedent to closing have been satisfied. In addition, we may be required to pay Great Plains Energy a termination fee of $190.0 million if the agreement is terminated by us under certain circumstances, such as entering into a definitive acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal or by Great Plains Energy as a result of our board of directors changing its recommendation of the merger prior to our shareholder approval having been obtained. Similarly, Great Plains Energy may be required to pay us a termination fee of $190.0 million if the agreement is terminated by Great Plains Energy under certain circumstances, such as entering into a definitive acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal or by us as a result of Great Plains Energy’s board of directors changing its recommendation of the merger prior to its shareholder approval having been obtained. Additionally, if the agreement is terminated by either Great Plains Energy or us as a result of Great Plains Energy’s shareholders not approving the agreement, Great Plains Energy may be required to pay us a termination fee of $80.0 million.

In connection with the merger, we have incurred, and expect to incur additional, merger-related expenses. These expenses are included in our selling, general, and administrative expenses. During 2016, we incurred approximately $10.2 million of merger-related expenses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we incurred approximately $7.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively, of merger-related expenses. In the event that the merger is consummated, we expect total merger-related expenses will be approximately $45.0 million.
See also Note 13, “Legal Proceedings,” for more information on litigation related to the merger.



4. RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION

KCC Proceedings

Evergy Kansas Central 2020 Transmission Delivery Charge (TDC)
In October 2016, we filed an abbreviated rate review with the KCC to update our prices to include capital costs related to La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) environmental upgrades, investment to extend the life of Wolf Creek, costs related to programs to improve grid resiliency and costs associated with investments in other environmental projects during 2015. In May 2017, we entered into a settlement agreement with the major parties to the rate review. In June 2017, the agreement was approved by the KCC. The new prices were effective June 2017 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $16.4 million.

In March 2017,2020, the KCCState Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas (KCC) issued an order allowing us to adjust ouradjusting Evergy Kansas Central's retail prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission formula rate (TFR). The new prices were effective in April 20172020 and are expected to increase ourEvergy Kansas Central's annual retail revenues by approximately $12.7 million.$3.5 million when compared to 2019.

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Evergy Metro 2020 TDC
In December 2016,April 2020, the KCC approvedissued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. The new prices were effective in January 2017 and are expected to decrease our annual retail revenues by approximately $26.8 million.

FERC Proceedings

Our TFR that includes projected 2018 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs will become effective in January 2018 and is expected to increase our annual transmission revenues by approximately $26.1 million.

Our TFR that includes projected 2017 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs was effective in January 2017 and is expected to increase our annual transmission revenues by approximately $29.6 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request with the KCC to adjust ouradjusting Evergy Metro's retail prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the FERC TFR. The new prices were effective in May 2020 and are expected to decrease Evergy Metro's annual retail revenues by $2.7 million when compared to 2019.
Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro Earnings Review and Sharing Plan (ERSP)
As part of their merger settlement agreement with the KCC, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro agreed to participate in an ERSP for the years 2019 through 2022. Under the ERSP, Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's Kansas jurisdiction are required to refund to customers 50% of annual earnings in excess of their authorized return on equity of 9.3% to the extent the excess earnings exceed the amount of Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's annual merger bill credits for the year being measured.
Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's 2019 calculations of annual earnings did not exceed their authorized return on equity of 9.3% and therefore did not result in any customer refund obligations. These calculations were filed with the KCC in April 2020. As of September 30, 2020, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro estimate their 2020 annual earnings will not result in a refund obligation. The final refund obligations for 2020, if any, will be decided by the KCC and could vary from the current estimates.
Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro COVID-19 Accounting Authority Order (AAO) Request
In May 2020, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro filed a joint request for an AAO with the KCC that would allow for the extraordinary costs and lost revenues incurred by the companies, net of any COVID-19-related savings, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered for future recovery from customers as part of their next rate cases.
In July 2020, the KCC granted Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's request for an AAO as discussed above. As a result of the KCC's order, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro will record to a regulatory asset all net incremental costs incurred associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for consideration in their next rate cases, which are expected to be completed no later than the end of 2023. Additionally, the KCC order states that the KCC will also consider granting the recovery of Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's lost revenues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as part of their next rate cases. If granted, these lost revenues would be recognized prospectively as billed to customers in future rates.

MPSC Proceedings

Evergy Missouri West Other Proceedings
In December 2018, the Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) and the Midwest Energy Consumers Group (MECG) filed a petition with the Public Service Commission of the State of Missouri (MPSC) requesting an AAO that would require Evergy Missouri West to record a regulatory liability for all revenues collected from customers for return on investment, non-fuel operations and maintenance costs, taxes including accumulated deferred income taxes, and all other costs associated with Sibley Station following the station’s retirement in November 2018.
In October 2019, the MPSC granted OPC's and MECG's request for an AAO and required Evergy Missouri West to record to a regulatory liability the revenues discussed above for consideration in Evergy Missouri West's next rate case, which is expected to be completed no later than 2022. Depending on the MPSC's decision in this next rate case, Evergy Missouri West could be required to refund to customers all or a portion of amounts collected in revenue for Sibley Station since December 2018 or, alternatively, could be required to make no refunds.
As a result of the MPSC order, Evergy has recorded a regulatory liability of $18.3 million as of September 30, 2020 for the estimated amount of revenues that Evergy Missouri West has collected from customers for Sibley Station since December 2018 that Evergy has determined is probable of refund. Evergy expects that it will continue to defer such amounts as collected from customers until new rates become effective in Evergy Missouri West's next rate case.
The accrual for this estimated amount does not include certain revenues collected related to Sibley Station that Evergy has determined to not be probable of refund in the next rate case based on the relevant facts and
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circumstances. While Evergy has determined these additional revenues to not be probable of refund, the ultimate resolution of this matter in Evergy Missouri West's next rate case is uncertain and could result in an estimated loss of up to approximately $12 million per year in excess of the amount accrued until Evergy Missouri West's new rates become effective. Evergy's regulatory liability for probable refunds as of September 30, 2020 and estimated loss in excess of the amount accrued represent estimates that could change significantly based on ongoing developments including as a result of an appeal of the MPSC order, decisions in other regulatory proceedings that establish precedent applicable to this matter and positions of parties on this issue in a future Evergy Missouri West rate case.
Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West COVID-19 AAO Request
In May 2020, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West filed a joint request for an AAO with the MPSC that would allow for the extraordinary costs and lost revenues incurred by the companies, net of any COVID-19-related savings, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered for future recovery from customers as part of their next rate cases. In October 2020, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West entered into a non-unanimous stipulation and agreement with the MPSC staff and other intervenors that would allow Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West to defer to a regulatory asset certain net incremental costs incurred associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for consideration in their next rate cases. A decision by the MPSC regarding the non-unanimous stipulation and agreement is expected in January 2021.
FERC Proceedings
Evergy Kansas Central TFR
Evergy Kansas Central's TFR, effective in January 2020, includes projected 2020 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs and is expected to increase annual transmission revenues by $6.8 million when compared to 2019. This rate is the most significant component in the retail rate calculation for Evergy Kansas Central's annual request with the KCC to adjust retail prices to include updated transmission costs through the TDC.
Evergy Kansas Central's TFR, effective in January 2021, includes projected 2021 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs and is expected to increase annual transmission revenues by $32.4 million when compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by higher projected capital expenditures and a lower prior year true-up adjustment in 2021. This rate is the most significant component in the retail rate calculation for Evergy Kansas Central's annual request with the KCC to adjust retail prices to include updated transmission costs through the TDC.
Evergy Metro TFR
Evergy Metro's TFR, effective in January 2020, includes projected 2020 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs and is expected to decrease annual transmission revenues by $1.7 million when compared to 2019. This rate is the most significant component in the retail rate calculation for Evergy Metro's annual request with the KCC to adjust retail prices to include updated transmission costs through the TDC.
Evergy Metro's TFR, effective in January 2021, includes projected 2021 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs and is expected to decrease annual transmission revenues by $3.9 million when compared to 2020. This rate is the most significant component in the retail rate calculation for Evergy Metro's annual request with the KCC to adjust retail prices to include updated transmission costs through the TDC.
5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSGOODWILL
Accounting rules require goodwill to be tested for impairment annually and when an event occurs indicating the possibility that an impairment exists. Evergy's impairment test for the $2,336.6 million of goodwill that was recorded as a result of the Great Plains Energy Incorporated (Great Plains Energy) and Evergy Kansas Central merger was conducted as of May 1, 2020. The goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill, to identify potential impairment. In the event that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying amount of the reporting unit and its fair value. Evergy's consolidated operations are considered 1 reporting unit for assessment of impairment, as management assesses financial performance and allocates resources on a consolidated basis. The determination of fair value of the reporting unit consisted of two valuation techniques: an income approach consisting of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market approach
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consisting of a determination of reporting unit invested capital using a market multiple derived from the historical earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and market prices of the stock of peer companies. The results of the two techniques were evaluated and weighted to determine a point within the range that management considered representative of fair value for the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount, including goodwill. As a result, there was no impairment of goodwill.
6. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
AROs associated with tangible long-lived assets are legal obligations that exist under enacted laws, statutes and written or oral contracts, including obligations arising under the doctrine of promissory estoppel. These liabilities are recognized at estimated fair value as incurred with a corresponding amount capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived assets and depreciated over their useful lives. Accretion of the liabilities due to the passage of time is recorded to a regulatory asset and/or liability. Changes in the estimated fair values of the liabilities are recognized when known.
Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West have AROs related to asbestos abatement and the closure and post-closure care of ponds and landfills containing coal combustion residuals (CCRs). In addition, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro have AROs related to decommissioning Wolf Creek and the retirement of wind generation facilities.
The MPSC and KCC require the owners of Wolf Creek, including Evergy Kansas South and Evergy Metro with their respective 47% ownership shares, to submit an updated decommissioning cost study every three years. The most recent study was submitted to the MPSC and KCC in September 2020. As a result of changes in estimates related to the study, Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro recorded increases to their AROs to decommission Wolf Creek of $259.1 million, $140.7 million and $118.4 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2020.
The following table summarizes the change in the Evergy Companies' AROs for the periods ending September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
202020192020201920202019
(millions)
Beginning balance January 1$674.1 $687.1 $272.9 $281.1 $253.6 $261.0 
Revision in timing and/or
estimates
257.0 (22.3)136.9 (12.4)118.4 (9.9)
Settlements(11.0)(17.8)(2.1)(14.8)(2.7)(2.5)
Accretion28.7 27.1 14.2 19.0 12.1 5.0 
Ending balance$948.8 $674.1 $421.9 $272.9 $381.4 $253.6 
Less: current portion(66.5)(71.3)(23.3)(23.3)(33.0)(36.1)
Total noncurrent asset
retirement obligation
$882.3 $602.8 $398.6 $249.6 $348.4 $217.5 
7. PENSION PLANS AND TRADING SECURITIESPOST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Evergy and certain of its subsidiaries maintain, and Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro participate in, qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's employees as well as certain non-qualified plans covering certain active and retired officers. Evergy is also responsible for its indirect 94% ownership share of Wolf Creek's defined benefit plans, consisting of Evergy Kansas South's and Evergy Metro's respective 47% ownership shares.
For the majority of employees, pension benefits under these plans reflect the employees' compensation, years of service and age at retirement. However, for the plan covering Evergy Kansas Central's employees, the benefits for non-union employees hired between 2002 and the second quarter of 2018 and union employees hired beginning in 2012 are derived from a cash balance account formula. The plan was closed to future non-union employees in
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2018. For the plans covering Evergy Metro's employees, the benefits for union employees hired beginning in 2014 are derived from a cash balance account formula and the plans were closed to future non-union employees in 2014.
Evergy and its subsidiaries also provide certain post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all retired employees of Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro and their respective shares of Wolf Creek's post-retirement benefit plans.
The Evergy Companies record pension and post-retirement expense in accordance with rate orders from the KCC and MPSC that allow the difference between pension and post-retirement costs under GAAP and costs for ratemaking to be recognized as a regulatory asset or liability.  This difference between financial and regulatory accounting methods is due to timing and will be eliminated over the life of the plans.
For the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2020, Evergy and Evergy Metro recorded pension settlement charges of $10.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively. For the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2019, Evergy and Evergy Metro recorded pension settlement charges of $14.5 million and $20.8 million, respectively. These settlement charges were the result of accelerated pension distributions related to voluntary severance programs. Evergy and Evergy Metro deferred substantially all of the charges to a regulatory asset and expect to recover these amounts over future periods pursuant to regulatory agreements.
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit costs prior to the effects of capitalization and sharing with joint owners of power plants.
Pension BenefitsPost-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy MetroEvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Components of net periodic benefit costs(millions)
Service cost$20.1 $6.8 $13.3 $0.7 $0.3 $0.4 
Interest cost24.0 11.7 12.1 2.3 1.2 1.1 
Expected return on plan assets(26.3)(13.3)(13.5)(2.4)(1.7)(0.7)
Prior service cost0.4 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss12.1 8.5 11.6 0.1 (0.1)
Settlement and special termination benefits10.0 12.7 
Net periodic benefit costs before regulatory adjustment and intercompany allocations40.3 14.1 36.4 0.8 (0.1)0.7 
Regulatory adjustment(0.4)0.4 (11.3)(1.0)(0.7)(0.2)
Intercompany allocations1.6 (5.8)0.1 (0.1)
Net periodic benefit costs (income)$39.9 $16.1 $19.3 $(0.2)$(0.7)$0.4 
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Pension BenefitsPost-Retirement Benefits
Year to Date September 30, 2020EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy MetroEvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Components of net periodic benefit costs(millions)
Service cost$59.2 $20.4 $38.8 $2.1 $0.9 $1.2 
Interest cost72.9 35.2 37.1 6.9 3.6 3.3 
Expected return on plan assets(79.7)(39.9)(41.5)(7.0)(5.0)(2.0)
Prior service cost1.3 1.2 0.6 0.3 0.3 
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss34.8 25.4 34.2 0.2 (0.4)
Settlement and special termination benefits10.0 12.7 
Net periodic benefit costs before regulatory adjustment and intercompany allocations98.5 42.3 81.9 2.5 (0.2)2.1 
Regulatory adjustment18.6 1.1 (9.2)(2.9)(2.1)(0.3)
Intercompany allocations(0.1)(17.0)0.1 (0.1)
Net periodic benefit costs (income)$117.1 $43.3 $55.7 $(0.4)$(2.2)$1.7 
Pension BenefitsPost-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy MetroEvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Components of net periodic benefit costs(millions)
Service cost$19.1 $7.3 $11.8 $0.6 $0.2 $0.4 
Interest cost27.5 13.4 14.1 2.6 1.4 1.2 
Expected return on plan assets(27.0)(13.7)(12.3)(2.5)(1.7)(0.8)
Prior service cost0.5 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss6.9 6.2 12.2 (0.3)(0.1)(0.3)
Settlement and special termination benefits14.5 20.8 
Net periodic benefit costs before regulatory adjustment and intercompany allocations41.5 13.7 46.8 0.5 (0.1)0.5 
Regulatory adjustment4.9 0.5 (14.7)(0.8)(0.7)0.1 
Intercompany allocations(13.6)(0.2)
Net periodic benefit costs (income)$46.4 $14.2 $18.5 $(0.3)$(0.8)$0.4 
Pension BenefitsPost-Retirement Benefits
Year to Date September 30, 2019EvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy MetroEvergyEvergy Kansas CentralEvergy Metro
Components of net periodic benefit costs(millions)
Service cost$57.3 $21.8 $35.5 $1.9 $0.8 $1.1 
Interest cost82.4 40.3 42.1 7.9 4.2 3.7 
Expected return on plan assets(80.9)(41.1)(36.9)(7.5)(5.0)(2.5)
Prior service cost1.5 1.3 0.7 0.3 0.3 
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss20.6 19.0 36.7 (0.9)(0.4)(1.1)
Settlement and special termination benefits14.5 20.8 
Net periodic benefit costs before regulatory adjustment and intercompany allocations95.4 41.3 98.9 1.7 (0.1)1.2 
Regulatory adjustment30.4 1.5 (15.9)(2.5)(2.2)0.3 
Intercompany allocations(27.6)(0.3)
Net periodic benefit costs (income)$125.8 $42.8 $55.4 $(0.8)$(2.3)$1.2 
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The components of net periodic benefit costs other than the service cost component are included in other expense on the Evergy Companies' consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Year to date September 30, 2020, Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro made pension contributions of $54.3 million, $45.7 million and $8.6 million, respectively. Evergy expects to make additional pension contributions of $78.4 million in 2020 to satisfy the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) funding requirements and KCC and MPSC rate orders, which is expected to be paid by Evergy Metro.
Year to date September 30, 2020, Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro made post-retirement benefit contributions of $0.6 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro expect to make additional contributions in 2020 of $3.1 million, $0.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively, to the post-retirement benefit plans.
8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND SHORT-TERM BANK LINES OF CREDIT
Evergy's $2.5 billion master credit facility expires in 2023. Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West have borrowing capacity under the master credit facility with specific sublimits for each borrower. These sublimits can be unilaterally adjusted by Evergy for each borrower provided the sublimits remain within minimum and maximum sublimits as specified in the facility. A default by any borrower under the facility or one of its significant subsidiaries on other indebtedness totaling more than $100.0 million constitutes a default by that borrower under the facility. Under the terms of this facility, each of Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West is required to maintain a total indebtedness to total capitalization ratio, as defined in the facility, of not greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at all times. As of September 30, 2020, Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West were in compliance with this covenant.
The following table summarizes the committed credit facilities (excluding receivable sale facilities discussed in Note 3) available to the Evergy Companies as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Amounts Drawn
Master Credit FacilityCommercial PaperLetters of CreditCash BorrowingsAvailable BorrowingsWeighted Average Interest Rate on Short-Term Borrowings
September 30, 2020(millions)
Evergy, Inc.$450.0 n/a$0.7 $200.0 $249.3 1.42%
Evergy Kansas Central1,000.0 18.6 981.4 0%
Evergy Metro600.0 600.0 0%
Evergy Missouri West450.0 2.0 448.0 0%
Evergy$2,500.0 $$21.3 $200.0 $2,278.7 
December 31, 2019
Evergy, Inc.$450.0 n/a$0.7 $20.0 $429.3 2.99%
Evergy Kansas Central1,000.0 249.2 14.2 736.6 2.07%
Evergy Metro600.0 199.3 400.7 2.02%
Evergy Missouri West450.0 93.4 2.1 354.5 2.02%
Evergy$2,500.0 $541.9 $17.0 $20.0 $1,921.1 
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9. LONG-TERM DEBT
Mortgage Bonds
In April 2020, Evergy Kansas Central issued, at a discount, $500.0 million of 3.45% First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs), maturing in 2050 and issued a notice of redemption for its $250.0 million of 5.10% FMBs, which had an original maturity date of July 2020. The proceeds from the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $500.0 million of 3.45% FMBs were used to redeem the $250.0 million of 5.10% FMBs in May 2020 and for general corporate purposes.
In May 2020, Evergy Metro issued, at a discount, $400.0 million of 2.25% Mortgage Bonds, maturing in 2030. The proceeds from the issuance of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 2.25% Mortgage Bonds were used to repay a portion of Evergy Metro's borrowings under the master credit facility and for general corporate purposes.
10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. OurManagement's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. In addition, wethe Evergy Companies measure certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at net asset value (NAV), which are not included in the fair value hierarchy. Further explanation of these levels and NAV is summarized below.

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The types of assets and liabilities included in levelLevel 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on public exchanges.

Level 2 -  Pricing inputs are not quoted prices in active markets but are either directly or indirectly observable. The types of assets and liabilities included in levelLevel 2 are typically liquid investments in funds that have a readily determinable fair value calculated using daily NAVs, othercertain marketable debt securities, financial instruments that are comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities,in less than active markets or other financial instruments priced with models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no transparency. The types of assets and liabilities included in levelLevel 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

Net Asset ValueNAV - Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value are measured at NAV. These investments do not consider the observability of inputs and, therefore, they are not included within the fair value hierarchy. WeThe Evergy Companies include in this category investments in private equity, real estate and alternative investment funds that do not have a readily determinable fair value. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments.



WeThe Evergy Companies record cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and short-term borrowings and variable-rate debt on our condensedtheir consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. Wevalue due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Evergy Companies are exposed to market risks arising from changes in interest rates and may use derivative instruments to manage these risks. From time to time, risk management activities may include entering into interest rate swap agreements to protect against unfavorable interest rate changes relating to forecasted debt transactions. These interest rate swap agreements can be designated as cash flow hedges, in which case gains and losses on the interest rate swaps are deferred in other comprehensive income to be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the same period that the hedged interest payments affect earnings. The Evergy Companies classify all cash inflows and outflows for interest rate swap agreements accounted for as cash flow hedges of forecasted debt transactions as financing activities on their consolidated statements of cash flows.
In September 2019, Evergy issued $800.0 million of 2.90% Senior Notes maturing in 2029 and paid $69.8 million to settle an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $500.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest payments on the debt issuance. The $69.8 million pre-tax loss was recorded in accumulated
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other comprehensive loss on Evergy's consolidated balance sheet and is being reclassified to interest expense over the ten-year term of the debt. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, $1.8 million and ($0.4) million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense and income tax expense, respectively, on Evergy's consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Year to date September 30, 2020, $5.3 million and ($3.6) million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense and income tax expense, respectively, on Evergy's consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2020, Evergy expects to amortize $5.3 million to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next twelve months.
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
The Evergy Companies measure the fair value of fixed-ratelong-term debt a levelusing Level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value.

We measure fair value based on informationmeasurements available as of the measurement date. The book value and fair value of the Evergy Companies' long-term debt and long-term debt of variable interest entities is summarized in the following table providestable.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Book ValueFair ValueBook ValueFair Value
Long-term debt(a)
(millions)
Evergy(b)
$9,629.9 $11,126.4 $8,997.8 $9,750.2 
Evergy Kansas Central3,931.1 4,711.5 3,686.1 4,078.8 
Evergy Metro2,922.7 3,555.6 2,525.0 2,932.2 
Long-term debt of variable interest entities(a)
Evergy$18.8 $19.3 $51.1 $51.5 
Evergy Kansas Central18.8 19.3 51.1 51.5 
(a) Includes current maturities.
(b) Book value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, includes $114.1 million and $125.5 million, respectively, of fair value adjustments recorded in connection with purchase accounting for the carrying valuesGreat Plains Energy and measured fair valuesEvergy Kansas Central merger, which are not part of our fixed-rate debt.future principal payments and will amortize over the remaining life of the associated debt instrument.
39

 As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
 (In Thousands)
Fixed-rate debt$3,605,000
 $3,857,763
 $3,430,000
 $3,597,441
Fixed-rate debt of VIEs109,967
 110,586
 137,962
 139,733
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Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table providestables include the amountsEvergy Companies' balances of financial assets and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that areliabilities measured at fair value.value on a recurring basis.
DescriptionSeptember 30, 2020Level 1Level 2Level 3NAV
Evergy Kansas Central(millions)
Assets
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
Domestic equity funds$90.9 $83.5 $$$7.4 
International equity funds55.2 55.2 
Core bond fund39.6 39.6 
High-yield bond fund23.0 23.0 
Emerging markets bond fund18.8 18.8 
Combination debt/equity/other fund18.2 18.2 
Alternative investments fund20.2 20.2 
Real estate securities fund12.8 12.8 
Cash equivalents0.4 0.4 
Total nuclear decommissioning trust279.1 238.7 40.4 
Rabbi trust
Core bond fund25.3 25.3 
Combination debt/equity/other fund6.3 6.3 
Cash equivalents0.2 0.2 
Total rabbi trust31.8 0.2 31.6 
Total$310.9 $238.9 $$$72.0 
Evergy Metro
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
    
Equity securities$208.0 $208.0 $$$
Debt securities
U.S. Treasury48.1 48.1 
U.S. Agency0.5 0.5 
State and local obligations3.7 3.7 
Corporate bonds40.9 40.9 
Foreign governments0.1 0.1 
Cash equivalents7.1 7.1 
Other
Total nuclear decommissioning trust308.4 263.2 45.2 
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
Equity securities1.1 1.1 
Debt securities8.6 3.2 5.4 
Cash and cash equivalents3.3 3.3 
Total self-insured health plan trust13.0 7.6 5.4 
Total$321.4 $270.8 $50.6 $$
Other Evergy
Assets
Rabbi trusts
Fixed income fund$13.1 $$$$13.1 
Cash and cash equivalents0.6 0.6 
Total rabbi trusts$13.7 $0.6 $$$13.1 
Evergy    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
$587.5 $501.9 $45.2 $$40.4 
Rabbi trusts45.5 0.8 44.7 
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
13.0 7.6 5.4 
Total$646.0 $510.3 $50.6 $$85.1 
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As of September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total
 (In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:          
DescriptionDescriptionDecember 31, 2019Level 1Level 2Level 3NAV
Evergy Kansas CentralEvergy Kansas Central(millions)
AssetsAssets
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
Domestic equity funds $
 $64,855
 $
 $5,139
 $69,994
Domestic equity funds$86.1 $78.6 $$$7.5 
International equity funds 
 46,020
 
 
 46,020
International equity funds52.0 52.0 
Core bond fund 
 32,914
 
 
 32,914
Core bond fund39.3 39.3 
High-yield bond fund 
 17,866
 
 
 17,866
High-yield bond fund22.3 22.3 
Emerging markets bond fund 
 17,617
 
 
 17,617
Emerging markets bond fund19.4 19.4 
Combination debt/equity/other fund 
 13,688
 
 
 13,688
Combination debt/equity/other fund16.4 16.4 
Alternative investments fund 
 
 
 21,063
 21,063
Alternative investments fund23.9 23.9 
Real estate securities fund 
 
 
 10,594
 10,594
Real estate securities fund12.6 12.6 
Cash equivalents 171
 
 
 
 171
Cash equivalents0.5 0.5 
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 171
 192,960
 
 36,796
 229,927
Trading Securities:          
Domestic equity funds 
 17,883
 
 
 17,883
International equity fund 
 4,491
 
 
 4,491
Total nuclear decommissioning trustTotal nuclear decommissioning trust272.5 228.5 44.0 
Rabbi trustRabbi trust
Core bond fund 
 11,789
 
 
 11,789
Core bond fund25.3 25.3 
Total Trading Securities 
 34,163
 
 
 34,163
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $171
 $227,123
 $
 $36,796
 $264,090
Combination debt/equity/other fundCombination debt/equity/other fund6.3 6.3 
Cash equivalentsCash equivalents0.1 0.1 
Total rabbi trustTotal rabbi trust31.7 0.1 31.6 
TotalTotal$304.2 $228.6 $$$75.6 
Evergy MetroEvergy Metro
AssetsAssets    
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
   
Equity securitiesEquity securities$211.1 $211.1 $$$
Debt securitiesDebt securities     
U.S. TreasuryU.S. Treasury50.3 50.3 
U.S. AgencyU.S. Agency0.4 0.4 
State and local obligationsState and local obligations2.2 2.2 
Corporate bondsCorporate bonds33.2 33.2 
Foreign governmentsForeign governments0.1 0.1 
Cash equivalentsCash equivalents3.1 3.1 
OtherOther0.3 0.3 
Total nuclear decommissioning trustTotal nuclear decommissioning trust300.7 264.5 36.2 
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
Equity securitiesEquity securities0.5 0.5 
Debt securitiesDebt securities6.7 1.4 5.3 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents2.7 2.7 
Total self-insured health plan trustTotal self-insured health plan trust9.9 4.6 5.3 
TotalTotal$310.6 $269.1 $41.5 $$
Other EvergyOther Evergy
AssetsAssets
Rabbi trustsRabbi trusts
Fixed income fundFixed income fund$13.3 $$$$13.3 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents0.5 0.5 
Total rabbi trustsTotal rabbi trusts$13.8 $0.5 $$$13.3 
          
As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total
 (In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:          
Domestic equity funds $
 $56,312
 $
 $5,056
 $61,368
International equity funds 
 35,944
 
 
 35,944
Core bond fund 
 27,423
 
 
 27,423
High-yield bond fund 
 18,188
 
 
 18,188
Emerging markets bond fund 
 14,738
 
 
 14,738
Combination debt/equity/other fund 
 13,484
 
 
 13,484
Alternative investments fund 
 
 
 18,958
 18,958
Real estate securities fund 
 
 
 9,946
 9,946
Cash equivalents 73
 
 
 
 73
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 73
 166,089
 
 33,960
 200,122
Trading Securities:          
Domestic equity funds 
 18,364
 
 
 18,364
International equity fund 
 4,467
 
 
 4,467
Core bond fund 
 11,504
 
 
 11,504
Cash equivalents 156
 
 
 
 156
Total Trading Securities 156
 34,335
 
 
 34,491
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $229
 $200,424
 $
 $33,960
 $234,613
EvergyEvergy    
AssetsAssets    
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
Nuclear decommissioning trust(a)
$573.2 $493.0 $36.2 $$44.0 
Rabbi trustRabbi trust45.5 0.6 44.9 
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
Self-insured health plan trust(b)
9.9 4.6 5.3 
TotalTotal$628.6 $498.2 $41.5 $$88.9 

(a)Fair value is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the trust and/or valuation models.  

(b)Fair value is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the trust. Debt securities classified as Level 1 are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities. Debt securities classified as Level 2 are comprised of corporate bonds, U.S. Agency, state and local obligations, and other asset-backed securities.

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Some of our
Certain Evergy and Evergy Kansas Central investments included in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT)table above are measured at NAV andas they do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations, these investments may have redemption restrictions.
The following table provides additional information on these Evergy and Evergy Kansas Central investments.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019September 30, 2020
FairUnfundedFairUnfundedRedemptionLength of
ValueCommitmentsValueCommitmentsFrequencySettlement
Evergy Kansas Central(millions)
Nuclear decommissioning trust:
Domestic equity funds$7.4 $2.5 $7.5 $3.3 (a)(a)
Alternative investments fund(b)
20.2 23.9 Quarterly65 days
Real estate securities fund(b)
12.8 12.6 Quarterly65 days
Total$40.4 $2.5 $44.0 $3.3 
Rabbi trust:
Core bond fund$25.3 $$25.3 $(c)(c)
Combination debt/equity/other fund6.3 6.3 (c)(c)
Total$31.6 $$31.6 $
Other Evergy
Rabbi trust:
Fixed income fund$13.1 $$13.3 $(c)(c)
Total Evergy investments at NAV$85.1 $2.5 $88.9 $3.3 
 As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 As of September 30, 2017
 Fair Value 
Unfunded
Commitments
 Fair Value 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Redemption
Frequency
 
Length of
Settlement
 (In Thousands)    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:           
Domestic equity funds$5,139

$2,929
 $5,056
 $3,529
 (a) (a)
Alternative investments fund (b)21,063
 
 18,958
 
 Quarterly 65 days
Real estate securities fund (b)10,594


 9,946
 
 Quarterly 65 days
Total$36,796
 $2,929
 $33,960
 $3,529
    
_______________
(a)This investment is in four long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in 2013. Our initial investment in the fourth fund occurred in the second quarter of 2016. The term of the third and fourth fund is 15 years, subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
(b)
There is a holdback on final redemptions.

Price Risk

We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and condensed consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as from interest rates. Volatility(a)This investment is in 5 long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Investments in these markets impacts our costsfunds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of purchased power, costsinitial liquidation. NaN funds have begun to make distributions. The initial investment in the fourth and fifth funds occurred in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The fourth fund's term is 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to 3 additional one-year periods.  The fifth fund's term is 15 years, subject to additional extensions approved by a fund advisory committee to provide for an orderly liquidation of fuel for our generating plantsfund investments and our participation in energy markets. We strivedissolution of the fund.
(b)There is a holdback on final redemptions.
(c)This investment can be redeemed immediately and is not subject to manage our customers’ and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities and, when we deem appropriate, we economically hedge a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments for non-trading purposes.any restrictions on redemptions.

Interest Rate Risk

We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps.


6. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

We report our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below.

Trading Securities

WeThe Evergy Companies hold equity and debt investments that we classifyclassified as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $34.2 million and $34.5 million, respectively. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded an unrealized gain of $1.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively, on assets still held in the trust. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an unrealized gain of $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, on assets still held in the trust.


Available-for-Sale Securities

We hold investments in a trustvarious trusts including for the purposepurposes of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-saleCreek and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016.

Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized no gains or losses during the three months ended September 30, 2017, and a gain of $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. We realized no gains or losses during the three months ended September 30, 2016, and a loss of $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Webenefit of certain retired executive officers of Evergy Kansas Central. The Evergy Companies record net realized and unrealized gains and losses on the nuclear decommissioning trusts in regulatory liabilities on our condensedtheir consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases, respectively, to regulatory liabilitiessheets and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers.

The following table presents the cost, grossrecord net realized and unrealized gains and losses fair value and allocation of investmentson the Evergy Companies' rabbi trusts in the NDT fund asconsolidated statements of September 30, 2017,income and December 31, 2016.comprehensive income.
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    Gross Unrealized    
Security Type Cost Gain Loss Fair Value Allocation
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
As of September 30, 2017:          
Domestic equity funds $55,387
 $15,227
 $(620) $69,994
 30%
International equity funds 35,937
 10,083
 
 46,020
 20%
Core bond fund 32,980
 
 (66) 32,914
 14%
High-yield bond fund 17,450
 416
 
 17,866
 8%
Emerging markets bond fund 17,186
 431
 
 17,617
 8%
Combination debt/equity/other fund 8,068
 5,620
 
 13,688
 6%
Alternative investments fund 15,000
 6,063
 
 21,063
 9%
Real estate securities fund 9,500
 1,094
 
 10,594
 5%
Cash equivalents 171
 
 
 171
 <1%
Total $191,679
 $38,934
 $(686) $229,927
 100%
           
As of December 31, 2016:          
Domestic equity funds $53,192
 $8,295
 $(119) $61,368
 31%
International equity funds 34,502
 2,075
 (633) 35,944
 18%
Core bond fund 27,952
 
 (529) 27,423
 14%
High-yield bond fund 18,358
 
 (170) 18,188
 9%
Emerging markets bond fund 16,397
 
 (1,659) 14,738
 7%
Combination debt/equity/other fund 9,171
 4,313
 
 13,484
 7%
Alternative investments fund 15,000
 3,958
 
 18,958
 9%
Real estate securities fund 9,500
 446
 
 9,946
 5%
Cash equivalents 73
 
 
 73
 <1%
Total $184,145
 $19,087
 $(3,110) $200,122
 100%


The following table presentssummarizes the fair value and the grossnet unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016.
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 (In Thousands)
As of September 30, 2017:           
Domestic equity funds$1,809
 $(337) $1,904
 $(283) $3,713
 $(620)
Core bond fund32,914
 (66) 
 
 32,914
 (66)
Total$34,723
 $(403) $1,904
 $(283) $36,627
 $(686)
            
As of December 31, 2016:           
Domestic equity funds$1,788
 $(119) $
 $
 $1,788
 $(119)
International equity funds
 
 7,489
 (633) 7,489
 (633)
Core bond fund27,423
 (529) 
 
 27,423
 (529)
High-yield bond fund
 
 18,188
 (170) 18,188
 (170)
Emerging markets bond fund
 
 14,738
 (1,659) 14,738
 (1,659)
Total$29,211
 $(648) $40,415
 $(2,462) $69,626
 $(3,110)


7. DEBT FINANCING

In January 2017, Westar Energy retired $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds (FMBs) bearing a stated interest at 5.15% maturing January 2017.

In March 2017, Westar Energy issued $300.0 million in principal amount of FMBs bearing a stated interest at 3.10% and maturing April 2027.


8. TAXES

We recorded income tax expense of $55.7 million with an effective income tax rate of 26% for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2017, and income tax expense of $81.2 million with an effective income tax rate of 34%gains (losses) for the same period of 2016. We recorded income tax expense of $112.6 million with an effective income tax rate of 27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,Evergy Companies' nuclear decommissioning trusts and income tax expense of $160.4 million with an effective income tax rate of 35% for the same period of 2016. The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, was due primarily to lower income before income taxes, an increase in tax benefits from production tax credits, largely from placing the Western Plains Wind Farm in service, and a favorable deferred tax true-up related to plant differences.rabbi trusts.

Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Evergy(millions)
Nuclear decommissioning trust - equity securities$27.5 $(0.3)$(8.5)$50.9 
Nuclear decommissioning trust - debt securities0.1 1.5 5.4 5.9 
Rabbi trusts - equity securities0.8 0.9 1.6 2.4 
Total$28.4 $2.1 $(1.5)$59.2 
Evergy Kansas Central
Nuclear decommissioning trust - equity securities$16.2 $0.2 $0.2 $26.2 
Rabbi trust - equity securities0.6 0.5 1.1 2.7 
Total$16.8 $0.7 $1.3 $28.9 
Evergy Metro
Nuclear decommissioning trust - equity securities$11.3 $(0.5)$(8.7)$24.7 
Nuclear decommissioning trust - debt securities0.1 1.5 5.4 5.9 
Total$11.4 $1.0 $(3.3)$30.6 
As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $1.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively. We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $0.1 million accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits compared to no amount as of December 31, 2016. We accrued no penalties at either September 30, 2017, or December 31, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, we had recorded $0.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes.



9. PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
  Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):        
Service cost $5,218
 $4,633
 $271
 $271
Interest cost 10,621
 10,922
 1,314
 1,392
Expected return on plan assets (10,760) (10,664) (1,718) (1,708)
Amortization of unrecognized:        
Prior service costs 171
 174
 114
 113
Actuarial loss (gain), net 5,489
 5,146
 (195) (279)
Net periodic cost (benefit) before regulatory adjustment 10,739
 10,211
 (214) (211)
Regulatory adjustment (a) 3,288
 3,306
 (478) (486)
Net periodic cost (benefit) $14,027
 $13,517
 $(692) $(697)
 _______________
(a)The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

  Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):        
Service cost $15,655
 $13,930
 $813
 $813
Interest cost 31,862
 32,802
 3,941
 4,178
Expected return on plan assets (32,280) (31,990) (5,154) (5,125)
Amortization of unrecognized:        
Prior service costs 512
 594
 341
 341
Actuarial loss (gain), net 16,467
 15,680
 (585) (839)
Net periodic cost (benefit) before regulatory adjustment 32,216
 31,016
 (644) (632)
Regulatory adjustment (a) 9,864
 9,919
 (1,434) (1,458)
Net periodic cost (benefit) $42,080
 $40,935
 $(2,078) $(2,090)
 _______________
(a)The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we contributed $20.6 million and $15.7 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust.



10. WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
  Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):        
Service cost $1,950
 $1,687
 $37
 $31
Interest cost 2,475
 2,413
 70
 81
Expected return on plan assets (2,643) (2,431) 
 
Amortization of unrecognized:        
Prior service costs 14
 14
 
 
Actuarial loss (gain), net 1,245
 1,090
 (13) (3)
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment 3,041
 2,773
 94
 109
Regulatory adjustment (a) 247
 483
 
 
Net periodic cost $3,288
 $3,256
 $94
 $109
 _______________
(a)The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

  Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):        
Service cost $5,850
 $5,061
 $110
 $95
Interest cost 7,425
 7,241
 210
 244
Expected return on plan assets (7,928) (7,292) 
 
Amortization of unrecognized:        
Prior service costs 41
 42
 
 
Actuarial loss (gain), net 3,734
 3,268
 (38) (11)
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment 9,122
 8,320
 282
 328
Regulatory adjustment (a) 740
 1,449
 
 
Net periodic cost $9,862
 $9,769
 $282
 $328
 _______________
(a)The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we funded $12.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively, of Wolf Creek’s pension plan contributions.



11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters

Set forth below are descriptions of contingencies related to environmental matters that may impact usthe Evergy Companies' operations or ourtheir financial results. OurManagement's assessment of these contingencies, which are based on federal and state statutes and regulations, and regulatory agency and judicial interpretations and actions, has evolved over time. These laws, regulations, interpretations and actions can also change, restrict or otherwise impact the Evergy Companies' operations or financial results. The failure to comply with these laws, regulations, interpretations and actions could result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties and the imposition of remedial requirements. The Evergy Companies believe that all of their operations are in substantial compliance with current federal, state and local environmental standards.
There are a variety of final and proposed laws and regulations that could have a material adverse effect on ourthe Evergy Companies' operations and condensed consolidated financial results. Due in part to the complex nature of environmental laws and regulations, wethe Evergy Companies are unable to assess the impact of potential changes that may develop with respect to the environmental contingencies described below.

Cross-State Air Pollution Update Rule

In September 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution (CSAPR) Update Rule. The final rule addresses interstate transport of nitrogen oxide (NOx)oxides emissions in 22 states including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma during the ozone season and the impact from the formation of ozone on downwind states with respect to the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Starting withIn December 2018, the 2017EPA finalized a determination, known as the CSAPR Close-Out Rule, demonstrating the CSAPR Update Rule fully addressed certain upwind states' 2008 ozone season, the final rule will revise the existing ozone season allowance budgets for Missouri and Oklahoma and established an ozone season budget for Kansas.NAAQS interstate transport obligations. Various states and others are challenginghave challenged both the ruleCSAPR Update Rule and the CSAPR Close-Out Rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. We do not believe this rule will have a material impact on our operations and condensed consolidated financial results.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

UnderCircuit (D.C. Circuit). In the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA sets NAAQS for certain emissions known as the “criteria pollutants” considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classesfourth quarter of particulate matter (PM), ozone, NOx (a precursor to ozone), carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals.

In October 2015, the EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by lowering the standards from 75 ppb to 70 ppb. In September 2016, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) recommended to the EPA that they designate eight counties in the state of Kansas as in attainment with the standard, and each remaining county in Kansas as attainment/unclassifiable. The EPA was required to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised standards by October 2017, with an option to extend this deadline by one year. However, the EPA failed to issue these designations by the October 2017 deadline. If the EPA agrees with the recommended designations for the state of Kansas, we do not believe this will have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial results.

Various states and others are challenging the revised 2015 ozone NAAQS in2019, the D.C. Circuit. In April 2017, at the request of the EPA, the court issued an order holding the case in abeyance because the new administration is planning to review the 2015 ozone NAAQSCircuit granted these petitions and will determine whether to reconsider all orremanded a portion of the rule. In October 2017, environmental groups sent a noticeCSAPR Update Rule back to the EPA of their intent to sue for failure to makeand vacated the required area designations by theCSAPR Close-Out Rule in its entirety.
In October 2017 deadline.

In December 2012,2020, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one classissued a proposed rule to modify the CSAPR Update Rule. The proposed rule finds that nine of PM. In December 2014, the EPA designatedstates subject to the entire state ofCSAPR Update Rule, including Kansas as attainment/unclassifiable with the standard. Weand Missouri, do not believe thissignificantly contribute to downwind states' ability to achieve attainment during the ozone season. Evergy will have a material impact on our operations or condensed consolidated financial results.

In 2010, the EPA revised the NAAQS for SO2. In March 2015, a federal court approved a consent decree between the EPA and environmental groups. The decree includes specific SO2 emissions criteria for certain electric generating plants that, if met, required the EPA to promulgate attainment/nonattainment designations for areas surrounding these plants.  Tecumseh Energy Center is our only generating station that meets this criteria. In June 2016, the EPA accepted the State of Kansas recommendation to designate the areas surrounding the facility as unclassifiable. In addition, in January 2017, KDHE formally recommended to the EPA a 2,000 ton per year limit for Tecumseh Energy Center Unit 7 in order to satisfy the requirements of the 1-hour SO2 Data Requirements Rule that governs the next round of the designations. Also in January 2017, KDHE recommended the EPA change the designation of the area surrounding the facility from unclassifiable to attainment/unclassifiable. In August 2017, the EPA indicated they would address this area redesignation request in a separate action. By agreeing to the 2,000 ton per year limitation, no further characterization of the area surrounding the plant is required.


We continue to communicate with our regulatory agencies regarding these standards and evaluate what impact the revised NAAQS could have on our operations and condensed consolidated financial results. If areas surrounding our facilities are designatedmonitor this proposed rule as any changes to NOx ozone season allowances in the future as nonattainment and/or we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, it could have a material impact on ourthe Evergy Companies' operations and condensed consolidated financial results.

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Greenhouse Gases

Burning coal and other fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases referred to as GHG.greenhouse gases (GHG).  Various regulations under the federal CAAClean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) limit CO2 and other GHG emissions, and in addition, other measures are being imposed or offered by individual states, municipalities and regional agreements with the goal of reducing GHG emissions.

In October 2015, the EPA published a rule establishing new source performance standards (NSPS) for GHGs that limit CO2 emissions for new, modified and reconstructed coal and natural gas fueled electric generating units to various levels per MWh depending on various characteristics of the units. Legal challenges to the GHG NSPS have been filed in the D.C. Circuit by various states and industry members. Also in October 2015, the EPA published a rule establishing guidelines for states to regulate CO2 emissions from existing power plants. The standards for existing plants are known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP). Under the CPP, interim emissions performance rates must be achieved beginning in 2022 and final emissions performance rates must be achieved by 2030. Legal challenges to the CPP were filed by groups of states and industry members, including us, in the D.C. Circuit. In February 2016, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied requests to stay the CPP, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order granting a stay of the rule pending resolution of the legal challenges. In September 2016, oral arguments were heard before an en banc panel of D.C. Circuit judges and a decision on the legal challenges is pending.

In March 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order instructing the EPA to immediately review the CPP and GHG NSPS, and “if appropriate . . . as soon as practicable . . . publish for notice and comment proposed rules suspending, revising or rescinding those rules.” On the same day the Executive Order was signed, the EPA filed motions with the D.C. Circuit asking the court to hold the challenges to the CPP and the GHG NSPS in abeyance while the EPA completes its administrative review of the rules and issues any forthcoming rulemakings. In April 2017, the court issued orders to hold the cases in abeyance for 60 days and requested briefing on whether the cases should be remanded to the EPA or continue to be held in abeyance. In May 2017, all parties in the case filed supplemental briefs stating their positions regarding remanding the rule back to the EPA or continuing to hold the case in abeyance.

Also in April 2017,August 2018, the EPA published in the Federal Register a notice of withdrawal ofproposed regulations, which contained (1) emission guidelines for GHG emissions from existing electric utility generating units (EGUs), (2) revisions to emission guideline implementing regulations and (3) revisions to the proposed CPP federal plan, proposed model trading rules and proposednew source review (NSR) program. These emission guidelines are better known as the Affordable Clean Energy Incentive Program design details, in light of the Executive Order and the agency’s review of the CPP. Also in April 2017,(ACE) Rule. In July 2019, the EPA published a notice in the Federal Register the final ACE Rule with one significant change from the proposal. The NSR program revisions were not included in the final version of the ACE Rule and are expected to be addressed in a future rulemaking. The ACE Rule establishes emission guidelines for states to use in the development of plans to reduce GHG emissions from existing coal-fired EGUs. This rule defines the "best system of emission reduction" (BSER) for GHG emissions from existing coal-fired EGUs as on-site, heat-rate efficiency improvements. The final rule also provides states with a list of candidate technologies that itcan be used to establish standards of performance and incorporate these performance standards into state plans. In order for the states to be able to effectively implement the emission guidelines contained in the ACE Rule, the EPA is initiating administrative reviewsfinalizing new regulations under Section 111(d) of the CAA to help clarify this process. The ACE Rule became effective in September 2019. In conjunction with the finalization of the ACE Rule, the EPA repealed its previously adopted Clean Power Plan (CPP). Also, in September 2019, the D.C. Circuit granted motions to dismiss challenges to the CPP and the GHG NSPS in lightchallenges to EPA's denial of reconsideration of the Executive Order.CPP.

In October 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. The proposed rule indicates the CPP exceeds EPA’s authority and the EPA has not determined whether or not they will issue a replacement rule. The EPA is soliciting comments on the legal interpretations contained in this rulemaking. Comments on the proposed rule are due in December 2017. On the same day the EPA issued its proposal to repeal the CPP, the EPA filed a motion in the D.C. Circuit to extend the abeyance period for the rulemaking challenges until the conclusion of the new rulemaking. Certain states and environmental groups have opposed the EPA’s motion and asked the court to issue its ruling on the CPP.

Due to uncertainty regarding what future state implementation plans will require for compliance with the future uncertainty ofACE Rule as well as legal challenges that have been filed, the CPP, weEvergy Companies cannot determine the impact of the rule on ourtheir operations or condensed consolidated financial results, but we believe the cost to comply with the CPP,ACE Rule, should it be upheld and implemented in its current or a substantially similar form, could be material.

Water
WeThe Evergy Companies discharge some of the water used in our operations. This water may containgeneration and other operations containing substances deemed to be pollutants. Revised rules governing such discharges from coal-fired power plants were issued inA November 2015. The final2015 EPA rule establishes effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs)(ELG) and standards for wastewater discharges, including limits on the amount of toxic metals and other pollutants that can be discharged. Implementation timelines for these requirementsthis 2015 rule vary from 2018 to 2023. In April 2017,2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit (5th Circuit) issued a ruling that vacates and remands portions of the original ELG rule. Due to this ruling, future ELG modifications for the best available technology economically achievable for the discharge of legacy wastewater and leachate are likely.
In October 2020, the EPA announced it is reconsideringpublished the final ELG reconsideration rule. This rule adjusts numeric limits for flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and court challenges have been placed in abeyance pending the EPA’s review. In September 2017, the EPA finalizedadds a rule to postpone the compliance dates for the new, more stringent, effluent limitations and pretreatment standards10% volumetric purge limit for bottom ash transport water and flue gas desulfurization wastewater. Thesewater. The timeline for final FGD wastewater compliance dates have been postponed for two years while the EPA completes its administrative reconsiderationis now as soon as possible on or after one year following publication of the ELG rule. We are evaluating the final rule in the Federal Register but no later than December 31, 2025. The Evergy Companies are in the process of reviewing the rule and related developments and cannot predict the resulting

impact on our operations or condensed consolidated financial results, but believe costs to comply with these changes could be material if the rule is implemented in its current or substantially similar form.material.

In October 2014, the EPA’sEPA's final standards for cooling water intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life took effect. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven best available technology options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. OurThe Evergy Companies' current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on ourtheir coal plants that employ cooling towers or cooling lakes that can be classified as closed cycle cooling. Wecooling and do not expect the impact from this rule to be material. Plants without closed cycle cooling are under evaluation for compliance with these standards and may require additional controls, the costs of which could be material.

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In June 2015,
Evergy Metro holds a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) covering water discharge from its Hawthorn Station.  The permit authorizes Evergy Metro to, among other things, withdraw water from the Missouri River for cooling purposes and return the heated water to the Missouri River.  Evergy Metro has applied for a renewal of this permit and the EPA along withhas submitted an interim objection letter regarding the allowable amount of heat that can be contained in the returned water.  Until this matter is resolved, Evergy Metro continues to operate under its current permit. Evergy and Evergy Metro cannot predict the outcome of this matter; however, while less significant outcomes are possible, this matter may require a reduction in generation, installation of cooling towers or other technology to cool the water, or both, any of which could have a material impact on Evergy's and Evergy Metro's operations and consolidated financial results.
In April 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana (District Court of Montana) ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issuedEngineers' (Corps) reissuance of Nationwide Permit 12 (NWP 12) in 2017 violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The District Court of Montana determined that the Corps failed to initiate consultation under ESA to ensure that discharge activities under NWP 12 complied with the ESA. As a final rule, effective August 2015, definingresult, the WatersDistrict Court of Montana remanded NWP 12 to the Corps, vacated NWP 12 pending completion of the United States (WOTUS) for purposesESA consultation process and enjoined the Corps from authorizing any dredge or fill activities under NWP 12. The Evergy Companies utilize NWP 12 in the regulatory approval of various types of projects and the ruling and resulting actions of the CWA. This rulemaking hasCorps could have a material impact on the potentialEvergy Companies' operations and consolidated financial results. In May 2020, the District Court of Montana amended the previous ruling such that the vacatur only applies to impact all programs undernew oil and gas pipelines and that NWP 12 remains in place for non-pipeline activities, which would include activities performed by the CWA. Expansion of regulated waterways is possible under the rule depending on regulating authority interpretation, which could impact several permitting programs. Various states and others have filed lawsuits challenging the WOTUS rule in district courts and courts of appeals across the country.Evergy Companies. The appellate court challenges have been consolidated inCorps followed that action with a request to the U.S. Supreme Court (Supreme Court) to stay the District Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and, in October 2015, the Sixth Circuit issued an order that temporarily stays implementation of the WOTUS rule nationwide pending the outcome of the various legal challenges.Montana's order.  In July 2017,2020, the EPASupreme Court granted in part and denied in part the Corps' request to stay.  The Supreme Court ruled that the request was granted and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would, if implemented, reinstate the definition of WOTUS that existed priororder stayed except as it applies to the June 2015 expansion ofKeystone XL pipeline.  As such, the definition. We are currently evaluatingoriginal NWP 12 ruling would no longer apply to the WOTUS ruleEvergy Companies' activities and related developments. We doit is not believebelieved that the rule, if upheld and implemented in its current or substantially similar form,ruling will have a material impact on ourthe Evergy Companies’ operations or condensedand consolidated financial results.

Regulation of Coal Combustion Residuals

In the course of operating ourtheir coal generation plants, wethe Evergy Companies produce coal combustion residuals (CCRs), including fly ash, gypsum and bottom ash. We recycle some of our ash production, principally by selling to the aggregate industry. The EPA published a rule to regulate CCRs in April 2015 which we believe will requirethat requires additional CCR handling, processing and storage equipment and closure of certain ash disposal ponds. Impactsunits.
In March 2019, the D.C. Circuit issued a ruling to operations will be dependent ongrant the development of groundwater monitoring ofEPA's request to remand the Phase I, Part I CCR units being completedrule in 2017 and 2018. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act allows statesresponse to achieve delegated authority for CCR rules from the EPA. This has the potential to impact compliance options. Electric generation industry participants requested anda prior court ruling requiring the EPA has grantedto address un-lined surface impoundment closure requirements. In August 2020, the EPA published the Part A CCR Rule. This rule reclassified clay-lined surface impoundments from "lined" to "un-lined" and established a requestdeadline of April 11, 2021 to reconsider portionsinitiate closure. The prior rule included a deadline of October 31, 2020 for un-lined impoundments to initiate closure. In October 2020, the EPA released a pre-publication version of the final Part B CCR regulation. WeRule. This rule includes a process to allow un-lined impoundments to continue to operate if a demonstration is made to prove that the un-lined impoundments are not adversely impacting groundwater, human health or the environment. The Evergy Companies are in the process of reviewing the Part A and Part B CCR rules and the costs to comply with these changes could be material.
The Evergy Companies have recorded an AROAROs for ourtheir current estimateestimates for the closure of ash disposal ponds, but wethe revision of these AROs may be required to record additional AROs in the future due to changes in existing CCR regulations, the results of groundwater monitoring of CCR units or changes in interpretation of existing CCR regulations or changes in the timing or cost to close ash disposal ponds. If additionalrevisions to these AROs are necessary, we believe the impact on ourthe Evergy Companies' operations or condensed consolidated financial results could be material.

SPP Revenue Crediting

We are a member of the Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) RTO, which coordinates the operation of a multi-state interconnected transmission system. In 2016, the SPP completed a process of allocating revenue credits under its Open Access Transmission Tariff to sponsors of certain transmission system upgrades. Qualifying upgrades are generation interconnection or transmission service projects that benefit SPP members and that are paid for directly by a sponsor without customer support. The SPP determined sponsors are entitled to revenue credits for previously completed upgrades, and members are obligated to pay for revenue credits attributable to these historical upgrades.  As a result, in November 2016 we paid the SPP $7.6 million related to revenue credits attributable to historical upgrades from March 2008 to August 2016. In October 2017, the SPP issued revised allocations and we believe we will receive a small refund.

Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel

In 2010,Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. In 2010, the DOE filed a motion with the NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to withdraw its then pending application to construct a national repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. An NRC board denied the DOE’s motion to withdraw its application and the DOE appealed that decision to the full NRC. In 2011, the NRC issued an evenly split decision on the appeal and also ordered the licensing board to close out its work on the DOE’s application by the end of 2011 due to a lack of funding. These agency actions prompted the states of Washington and South Carolina, and a county in South Carolina, to file a lawsuit in a federal Court of Appeals asking the court to compel the NRC to resume its license review and to issue a decision on the license application. In August 2013, the court ordered the NRC to resume its review of the DOE’s application. The NRC has not yet issued its decision. a final decision on the matter.

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Wolf Creek is currently evaluating alternatives for expandinghas elected to build a dry cask storage facility to expand its existing on-site spent nuclear fuel storage, which is expected to provide additional capacity prior to 2025. Wolf Creek has finalized a settlement agreement through 2019 within 2021. The Evergy Companies expect that the DOE for reimbursementwill reimburse the majority of the costs to construct thisthe dry cask storage facility that would not have otherwise been incurred had the DOE beganbegun accepting spent nuclear fuel. As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, we received $0.8 million of the settlement representing reimbursement of costs incurred through 2015 for project planning. Wolf Creek submitted a settlement claim to the DOE in August 2017 for costs incurred between January 2016 and June 2017, with our share of the claim being approximately $0.5 million. WeThe Evergy Companies cannot predict, when, or if, an off-site storage site or alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek’sCreek's spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity.


12. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
In 2017, Wolf Creek filedthe normal course of business, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West engage in related party transactions with one another. A summary of these transactions and the amounts associated with them is provided below.
Jointly-Owned Plants and Shared Services
Employees of Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro manage Evergy Missouri West's business and operate its facilities at cost, including Evergy Missouri West's 18% ownership interest in Evergy Metro's Iatan Nos. 1 and 2.  Employees of Evergy Kansas Central manage Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) and operate its facilities at cost, including Evergy Missouri West's 8% ownership interest in JEC. Employees of Evergy Metro manage La Cygne Station and operate its facilities at cost, including Evergy Kansas Central's 50% interest in La Cygne Station. Employees of Evergy Metro and Evergy Kansas Central also provide one another with shared service support, including costs related to human resources, information technology, accounting and legal services.
The operating expenses and capital costs billed for jointly-owned plants and shared services are detailed in the following table.
Three Months Ended September 30Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
(millions)
Evergy Kansas Central billings to Evergy Missouri West$13.1 $4.5 $27.4 $17.2 
Evergy Metro billings to Evergy Missouri West46.5 41.6 121.8 125.8 
Evergy Kansas Central billings to Evergy Metro5.4 9.7 24.9 26.0 
Evergy Metro billings to Evergy Kansas Central26.9 33.0 94.5 108.8 
Money Pool
Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West are authorized to participate in the Evergy, Inc. money pool, which is an internal financing arrangement in which funds may be lent on a nuclear decommissioning cost studyshort-term basis to Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West from Evergy, Inc. and between Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West. At September 30, 2020, Evergy Metro had a $78.0 million outstanding receivable from Evergy Missouri West and 0 outstanding payables under the money pool. At December 31, 2019, Evergy Metro had 0 outstanding receivables or payables under the money pool.
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Related Party Net Receivables and Payables
The following table summarizes Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's related party net receivables and payables.
September 30December 31
20202019
Evergy Kansas Central(millions)
Net receivable from (payable to) Evergy$(0.2)$6.9 
Net payable to Evergy Metro(15.4)(14.9)
Net receivable from Evergy Missouri West4.5 3.1 
Evergy Metro
Net receivable from (payable to) Evergy$16.1 $(4.3)
Net receivable from Evergy Kansas Central15.4 14.9 
Net receivable from Evergy Missouri West160.0 78.7 
Tax Allocation Agreement
Evergy files a consolidated federal income tax return as well as unitary and combined income tax returns in several state jurisdictions with Kansas and Missouri being the KCC. most significant. Income taxes for consolidated or combined subsidiaries are allocated to the subsidiaries based on separate company computations of income or loss. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Evergy Kansas Central had income taxes receivable from Evergy of $29.3 million and $37.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Evergy Metro had income taxes payable to Evergy of $0.6 million and $14.1 million, respectively.
Leases
Evergy Metro leases certain transmission equipment from Evergy Kansas Central. This lease was entered into prior to the merger in an arms-length transaction and is accounted for as an operating lease. The right-of-use asset related to this lease is recorded within other long-term assets and the current and long-term lease liabilities are recorded within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. The assets and liabilities related to this lease between Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro are eliminated at consolidated Evergy. As of September 30, 2020, Evergy Metro had a right-of-use asset of $29.1 million, a current lease liability of $0.7 million and a long-term lease liability of $28.4 million on its consolidated balance sheet related to this lease. As of December 31, 2019, Evergy Metro had a right-of-use asset of $29.5 million, a current lease liability of $0.6 million and a long-term lease liability of $28.9 million on its consolidated balance sheet related to this lease.
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13. TAXES
Components of income tax expense are detailed in the following tables.
Evergy
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Current income taxes(millions)
Federal$(16.4)$(31.2)$(35.0)$(10.6)
State(0.4)(0.8)(7.7)(1.6)
Total(16.8)(32.0)(42.7)(12.2)
Deferred income taxes  
Federal46.6 75.5 83.4 78.0 
State21.5 23.0 57.7 36.5 
Total68.1 98.5 141.1 114.5 
Investment tax credit amortization(1.3)(1.0)(4.6)(3.1)
Income tax expense$50.0 $65.5 $93.8 $99.2 
Evergy Kansas Central
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Current income taxes(millions)
Federal$(4.6)$11.2 $7.5 $39.1 
State(6.4)(1.2)(13.3)(2.4)
Total(11.0)10.0 (5.8)36.7 
Deferred income taxes  
Federal17.9 4.6 (10.7)(9.3)
State16.6 12.0 169.4 21.1 
Total34.5 16.6 158.7 11.8 
Investment tax credit amortization(1.0)(0.8)(3.7)(2.3)
Income tax expense$22.5 $25.8 $149.2 $46.2 
Evergy Metro
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Current income taxes(millions)
Federal$(8.9)$(2.2)$(8.4)$32.1 
State9.5 3.9 10.5 9.3 
Total0.6 1.7 2.1 41.4 
Deferred income taxes    
Federal22.2 26.3 38.9 1.4 
State2.6 4.5 (35.1)1.9 
Total24.8 30.8 3.8 3.3 
Investment tax credit amortization(0.3)(0.3)(0.8)(0.8)
Income tax expense$25.1 $32.2 $5.1 $43.9 
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Effective Income Tax Rates
Effective income tax rates reflected in the financial statements and the reasons for their differences from the statutory federal rates are detailed in the following tables.
Evergy
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Effect of:
COLI policies(1.6)(1.6)(1.6)(1.7)
State income taxes3.5 4.0 3.4 3.9 
Flow through depreciation for plant-related differences(4.9)(3.1)(4.8)(3.2)
Federal tax credits(4.6)(3.9)(4.6)(3.9)
Non-controlling interest(0.3)(0.4)(0.3)(0.4)
AFUDC equity(0.2)(0.3)
Amortization of federal investment tax credits(0.7)(0.5)(0.7)(0.5)
Changes in uncertain tax positions, net(0.4)(0.3)
State tax rate change2.0 
Valuation allowance(0.4)(0.2)(1.1)
Stock compensation0.3 (0.1)0.2 
Officer compensation limitation0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 
Other(0.5)— (0.3)
Effective income tax rate12.0 %15.0 %14.0 %13.8 %
Evergy Kansas Central
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Effect of:
COLI policies(2.9)(2.8)(2.9)(3.0)
State income taxes2.3 4.4 2.9 4.2 
Flow through depreciation for plant-related differences(0.4)0.8 (0.2)0.5 
Federal tax credits(6.8)(6.2)(6.8)(6.1)
Non-controlling interest(0.7)(0.8)(0.6)(0.8)
AFUDC equity0.1 (0.1)(0.4)(0.1)
Amortization of federal investment tax credits(1.1)(0.7)(1.0)(0.7)
Changes in uncertain tax positions, net(0.9)(0.5)
State tax rate change32.0 
Valuation allowance(0.5)
Stock compensation(0.1)(0.1)
Other(1.4)(0.7)
Effective income tax rate11.5 %13.3 %43.9 %13.2 %
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Evergy Metro
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020201920202019
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Effect of:
COLI policies(0.2)(0.1)(0.2)(0.1)
State income taxes5.5 3.6 4.5 3.2 
Flow through depreciation for plant-related differences(9.1)(6.1)(9.1)(6.1)
Federal tax credits(2.4)(1.3)(2.4)(1.4)
AFUDC equity(0.5)(0.3)
Amortization of federal investment tax credits(0.4)(0.3)(0.4)(0.3)
State tax rate change(11.4)
Stock compensation(0.4)
Officer compensation limitation0.5 0.3 0.5 0.3 
Other0.1 0.4 (0.4)
Effective income tax rate14.5 %17.5 %1.8 %16.2 %
Tax Reform
In May 2020, the state of Kansas exempted certain public utilities, including Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro, from Kansas corporate income tax beginning in 2021 and authorized the KCC to approve changes in rates related to increases or decreases in federal or state income tax rates.
As a result of the study, we recordedexemption from Kansas corporate income tax, the Evergy Companies revalued their deferred income tax assets and liabilities in May 2020. Evergy decreased its net deferred income tax liabilities by $233.8 million, primarily consisting of a $19.4$400.4 million increaseadjustment for the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in our ARO to reflect revisions to the estimated costs to decommission Wolf Creek. In addition, we revised other AROs by $40.8rate base and a $31.7 million relating to asbestos removal, CCRtax gross-up adjustment on this amount for ratemaking purposes and windfarms other than Western Plains Wind Farm. We recorded a new ARO liability$13.8 million of approximately $13.5 million corresponding to placing Western Plains Wind Farm in service. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies - Regulation of Coal Combustion Residuals,” for additional informationincome tax expense primarily related to the CCR rule.
The change in the balancerevaluation of our ARO liability from December 31, 2016, through September 30, 2017, is summarized in the following table.
 (In Thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2016$323,951
Increase in ARO liabilities13,471
Liabilities settled(1,928)
Accretion expense12,353
Revision to nuclear decommissioning ARO liability19,377
Revisions in estimated cash flows40,829
Balance as of September 30, 2017408,053
Balance included in other current liabilities(10,548)
Long-term AROs$397,505


13. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believedeferred income taxes that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial results. See Note 4, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” and Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information.

Pending Merger

Following the announcement of the original merger agreementbe recovered from customers in May 2016, two putative class action petitions (which were consolidated and supersededfuture rates; partially offset by a consolidated class action petition) and one putative derivative petition challengingdecrease to unamortized investment tax credits of $183.6 million due to the original merger were filed in the District Courtrevaluation of Shawnee County, Kansas. In September 2016, the plaintiffs in both actions agreed in principle to dismiss the actions in exchange for our agreement to make supplemental disclosures to shareholders in connection with the original merger agreement and grant waivers of the prohibition on requesting a waiver of the standstill provisions in the confidentiality and standstill agreements executed by the bidders that participated in a sale process that was conducted as part of the original merger agreement. As described below, since the announcement of the revised merger agreement, the plaintiffs in the consolidated putative class action has moved to amend their petition, and the plaintiff in the putative derivative case has refiled his petition.

The consolidated putative class action petition, originally filed July 25, 2016, is captioned In re Westar Energy, Inc. Stockholder Litigation, Case No. 2016-CV-000457. This petition named as defendants Westar Energy, the members of our board of directors and Great Plains Energy.


On September 25, 2017, the lead plaintiff filed a motion for leave to amend her class action petition and attached an amended petition. The proposed petition now includes an additional plaintiff. The petition challenges the revised proposed merger and alleges a claim of breach of fiduciary duty against our board of directorscertain Kansas income tax credits and a claim of aiding and abetting that alleged breach against us and Great Plains Energy. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief declaring the action maintainable as a class action and certifying that the plaintiffs are the class representatives; preliminarily and permanently enjoining the defendants from closing the merger unless we implement a procedure to obtain a merger agreement providing fair and reasonable terms and consideration to the plaintiffs and the class; rescinding the merger agreement or granting the plaintiffs and the class rescissory damages; directing our board of directors to account to the plaintiffs and the class$16.9 million tax gross-up adjustment on this amount for damages suffered as a result of the alleged breach of fiduciary duty; awarding the plaintiffs reasonable costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expert fees; and granting other equitable relief as the court deems proper. The proposed amended petition alleges inadequacies in our joint proxy statement concerning the revised proposed transaction and the degree to which our board of directors solicited or considered offers from prior bidders after the proposed original merger was deniedratemaking purposes.
Evergy Kansas Central decreased its net deferred income tax liabilities by the KCC, and claims that the consideration our stockholders stand to receive in connection with the revised proposed transaction is unfair. Plaintiffs have added two new defendants, Monarch Energy Holding, Inc. and King Energy, Inc., whom they allege aided and abetted our board of directors in breaching their fiduciary duties.

On October 18, 2017, the putative derivative petition, captioned Braunstein v. Chandler et al., Case No. 2017-CV-000692, was re-filed in the District Court of Shawnee County, Kansas. This putative derivative action names as defendants the members of our board of directors, Great Plains Energy, and subsidiaries of Great Plains Energy, with Westar Energy named as a nominal defendant. The petition asserts that the members of our board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to our shareholders in connection with actions taken after the KCC rejected the proposed original merger. It also asserts that Great Plains Energy and subsidiaries of Great Plains Energy aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties. The petition alleges, among other things, that the members of our board of directors failed to obtain the best possible price for our shareholders because$17.6 million, primarily consisting of a flawed process that discouraged third parties from submitting potentially superior proposals, and that members of our board of directors committed waste by not collecting termination fees that may have been payable following the KCC’s rejection of the original merger agreement. The petition seeks, among other remedies, an order enjoining the merger on the terms proposed and directing that the director defendants exercise their fiduciary duties to obtain a transaction which is in the best interests of us and our shareholders, a declaration that the proposed merger was entered into in breach of the fiduciary duties of the defendants and is therefore unlawful and unenforceable, rescission of the merger agreement if consummated, the imposition of a constructive trust in favor of the plaintiff, on behalf of us, upon any benefits improperly received by the named defendants as a result of their wrongful conduct, and an award for costs, including attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees.

In addition, on September 21, 2017, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court$293.7 million adjustment for the Districtrevaluation of Kansas. The federal class action complaint challenges the merger and alleges violations of sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). The complaint seeks an order declaring that the action is maintainable as a class action and certifying that the plaintiff is the class representative; preliminarily and permanently enjoining defendants from consummating the mergers or, if consummated, setting them aside and awarding rescissory damages; directing the defendants to file a registration statement on Form S-4 that corrects alleged misstatements; directing our board of directors to account to plaintiff and the class for their damages; awarding reasonable costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expert fees; and granting other further relief as the court deems proper. The case is captioned David Pill v. Westar Energy, Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 17-4086.

On October 6, 2017, another putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. This federal class action complaint challenges the proposed merger and alleges violations of sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The complaint seeks an order enjoining the board and other parties from proceeding with, consummating, or closing the merger or, if consummated, setting it aside and awarding rescissory damages; directing the board to disseminate a registration statement that corrects alleged misstatements and includes all material facts the plaintiff asserts are missing; declaring that the defendants violated sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9; awarding reasonable costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expert fees; and granting other equitable relief as the court deems proper. The case is captioned Robert L. Reese v. Westar Energy, Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 2:17-cv-02584.



14. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity’s purpose and design, including the nature of the entity’s activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trust holding our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 is a VIE. The trust holding our 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) was a VIE until the expiration of a purchase option in July 2017. We remain the primary beneficiary of the trust holding our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2.

We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary.

8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center
Under an agreement that expires in January 2019, we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We met the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust until July 2017, when a contractual option to purchase the 8% interest in the plant covered by the lease expired. Accordingly, we deconsolidated the trust in the third quarter of 2017.

In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded at the inception of the lease that the activities of the trust that most significantly impacted its economic performance and that we had the power to direct included (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise an option that expired in July 2017 to purchase the plant at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust’s debt. We had the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement was greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also created the potential for us to receive significant benefits.

50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2

Under an agreement that expires in September 2029, KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE’s 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount.


Financial Statement Impact

We have recorded the followingdeferred income tax assets and liabilities included in rate base and a $17.3 million tax gross-up adjustment on our condensed consolidated balance sheetsthis amount for ratemaking purposes; partially offset by a decrease to unamortized investment tax credits of $183.6 million due to the revaluation of certain Kansas income tax credits and a $16.9 million tax gross-up adjustment on this amount for ratemaking purposes and $109.0 million of income tax expense primarily related to the VIEs described above.revaluation of deferred income taxes that will not be recovered from customers in future rates.
Evergy Metro decreased its net deferred income tax liabilities by $152.9 million, primarily consisting of a $106.7 million adjustment for the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in rate base and a $14.4 million tax gross-up adjustment on this amount for ratemaking purposes and $32.2 million of income tax benefit primarily related to the revaluation of deferred income taxes that will not be refunded to customers in future rates.
 As of As of
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (In Thousands)
Assets:   
Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net$178,058
 $257,904
Regulatory assets (a)
 10,396
    
Liabilities:   
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities$28,534
 $26,842
Accrued interest (b)
 867
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net81,433
 111,209
_______________
(a) IncludedThe changes to the Evergy Companies' net deferred income tax liabilities included in long-termrate base were offset by corresponding changes in regulatory liabilities. The net regulatory liabilities will be refunded to customers in future rates by amortizing the amounts related to plant assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(b) Included in accrued interest on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Allover the remaining useful life of the liabilities notedassets, and amortizing the amounts related to other items over a period to be determined in a future rate case. The changes to the Evergy Companies' unamortized investment tax credits were related to the portion of certain Kansas income tax credits that are not expected to be used after December 31, 2020. The amounts of income tax expense (benefit) recognized by the Evergy Companies related to the revaluation of deferred income taxes that will not be recovered from or
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refunded to customers in future rates primarily pertain to deferred tax adjustments related to the difference between Evergy's consolidated tax rate and the statutory tax rates used for setting rates at Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West as well as deferred income tax adjustments related to non-regulated operations.
Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro currently recover the cost of Kansas corporate income taxes in rates from their customers at the statutory rate of 7% that will be effective until 2021, when the income tax exemption established by the state of Kansas takes effect. In accordance with the provisions of the income tax exemption, Evergy Metro and Evergy Kansas Central filed a joint application with the KCC in July 2020 to reduce their retail rates to reflect their exemption from Kansas corporate income taxes. In the joint application, Evergy Metro requested to implement its rate reduction in one phase, effective January 1, 2021, and Evergy Kansas Central requested to implement its rate reduction in three phases, effective January 1 in each of 2021, 2022 and 2023. A decision on the joint application from the KCC is expected in the table above relate to the purchasefourth quarter of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs’ debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We did not record any gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs.2020.


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’SMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain matters discussed in Management’sThe following combined Management's Discussion and Analysis are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that theseFinancial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend” and wordsaccompanying notes in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K. None of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectationsthe registrants make any representation as to information related solely to Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central or goals.Evergy Metro other than itself.


EVERGY, INC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTIONEvergy is a public utility holding company incorporated in 2017 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Evergy operates primarily through the following wholly-owned direct subsidiaries listed below.

We are the largestEvergy Kansas Central is an integrated, regulated electric utility in Kansas. We produce, transmit and sellthat provides electricity at retail to customers in the state of Kansas. Evergy Kansas Central has one active wholly-owned subsidiary with significant operations, Evergy Kansas South.
Evergy Metro is an integrated, regulated electric utility that provides electricity to customers in the states of Missouri and Kansas.
Evergy Missouri West is an integrated, regulated electric utility that provides electricity to customers in the state of Missouri.
Evergy Transmission Company owns 13.5% of Transource with the remaining 86.5% owned by AEP Transmission Holding Company, LLC, a subsidiary of AEP. Transource is focused on the development of competitive electric transmission projects. Evergy Transmission Company accounts for its investment in Transource under the regulationequity method.
Evergy Kansas Central also owns a 50% interest in Prairie Wind, which is a joint venture between Evergy Kansas Central and subsidiaries of AEP and Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. Prairie Wind owns a 108-mile, 345 kV double-circuit transmission line that provides transmission service in the SPP. Evergy Kansas Central accounts for its investment in Prairie Wind under the equity method.
Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Kansas South, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West conduct business in their respective service territories using the name Evergy. Collectively, the Evergy Companies have approximately 14,700 MWs of owned generating capacity and renewable purchased power agreements and engage in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 1.6 million customers in the states of Kansas and Missouri. The Evergy Companies assess financial performance and allocate resources on a consolidated basis (i.e., operate in one segment).
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Strategy
Evergy expects to continue operating its integrated utilities within the currently existing regulatory frameworks. In March 2020, the Evergy Board announced the creation of a Strategic Review & Operations Committee, whose mandate was to explore ways to enhance long-term shareholder value (taking into account applicable legal and regulatory requirements and any other relevant considerations), including through a potential strategic combination or an enhanced long-term standalone operating plan and strategy. The committee completed its review and unanimously recommended to the Evergy Board that Evergy pursue an enhanced long-term standalone operating plan and strategy and the Evergy Board subsequently unanimously concurred with the recommendation. This "Sustainability Transformation Plan" is a five-year plan to optimize and enhance value creation for shareholders, customers, communities and employees. Significant elements of the KCC. Weplan include:
targeting a reduction of approximately $330 million of operating and maintenance expense by 2024 from 2018 adjusted operating and maintenance expense (non-GAAP) (see "Non-GAAP Measures" within this Executive Summary for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure);
targeting a reduction of approximately $145 million of fuel and purchased power expense between 2019 and 2024; and
approximately $8.9 billion of expected base capital investments through 2024, or $1.4 billion more than Evergy's prior plan. Of this amount, Evergy expects approximately $2.8 billion to qualify for plant-in-service accounting in Missouri, and approximately $1.8 billion to be focused on FERC-jurisdictional improvements. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources; Capital Expenditures", for further information regarding Evergy's projected capital expenditures through 2024.
The plan also supply electric energy at wholesaleenhances Evergy's efforts to mitigate future strategic risk through responsible, accelerated decarbonization. Evergy has already reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 45% from 2005 levels and, earlier in 2020 Evergy announced a goal to achieve an 80% reduction from 2005 levels by 2050. The Sustainability Transformation Plan has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 85% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The new plan expedites carbon dioxide emission reductions by pursuing constructive regulatory recovery mechanisms that would be necessary to economically retire aging, coal-fired generation and expanding Evergy's wind and solar footprint. The pace of decarbonization will ultimately be defined in continued collaboration with stakeholders, including in the remainder of 2020 as part of Evergy's triennial integrated resource plan.
See "Cautionary Statements Regarding Certain Forward-Looking Information" and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a significant impact on the way that the Evergy Companies conduct their operations, including the implementation of social distancing and other preventative protocols and the direction of employees to work remotely when possible. Further, the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in efforts to contain the virus, such as quarantines, restrictions on travel, closures and the reduced operations of businesses, governmental agencies and other institutions. The pandemic, along with the efforts to contain the virus, has caused and could continue to cause an economic slowdown or recession, result in significant disruptions or reductions in various public, commercial or industrial activities and cause employee absences. In the states of Missouri and Kansas as well as certain counties and municipalities within the Evergy Companies' service territory, "stay-at-home" orders were in effect for substantially all of April 2020 and electric cooperativesexpired in Kansas underearly May 2020.
Following the regulationexpiration of FERC. Wethe "stay-at-home" orders in early May 2020, much of the Evergy Companies' service territory was subject to phased reopening guidelines that limited the operations of businesses, governmental agencies and other institutions. Certain of these restrictions continue to remain in effect and a substantial portion of the Evergy Companies' service territory is also now required to utilize preventative measures such as the wearing of face coverings while in public areas. Management cannot foresee whether the outbreak of COVID-19 will be effectively contained, nor can it predict the severity and duration of its impact.
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During 2020, Evergy has experienced an overall reduction in demand and the shifting of usage away from customers with relatively higher load requirements, such as industrial and commercial customers, towards customers with relatively lower load requirements, such as residential customers. Year to date September 30, 2020, approximately 40% of Evergy's total revenues came from residential customers and approximately 45% came from commercial and industrial customers, compared with approximately 37% from residential customers and 47% from commercial and industrial customers in 2019. The KCC and MPSC have contractsestablished different prices for the Evergy Companies' residential, commercial and industrial customers and a similar change in demand across each customer class will have a different impact on earnings. Management estimates that a 1% change in demand for residential, commercial and industrial customers will impact Evergy's 2020 earnings by approximately $10 million, $8 million and $2 million, respectively. As a result, the impacts to Evergy's earnings from a reduction in demand from industrial and commercial customers have been partially offset by an increase in demand from residential customers.
The Evergy Companies have also temporarily implemented policies, and in the future may implement additional policies, that are intended to ease the financial burden of the pandemic on customers. These policies, such as temporarily extending payment options and offering incentives for customer payments on overdue balances as well as the elimination of late payment fees and disconnections for non-payment through July 15, 2020, could lead to lower levels of operating cash flows compared to historical levels for the Evergy Companies. In addition, these policies, along with lower electric sales as a result of the overall reduction in demand discussed above, could also lead to the additional repayment of portions of the Evergy Companies' borrowings under receivable sale facilities.
Finally, the Evergy Companies have incurred, and will continue to incur, expenses related to monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and modifying operations in response to the pandemic that are recorded in operating and maintenance expense.
In May 2020, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West filed joint requests for AAOs with the KCC and MPSC, as applicable, that would allow for the extraordinary costs and lost revenues incurred by the companies, net of any COVID-19-related savings, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered for future recovery from customers as part of their next rate cases.  The KCC approved the AAO request in July 2020.

In October 2020, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West entered into a non-unanimous stipulation and agreement with the MPSC staff and other intervenors that would allow Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West to defer to a regulatory asset certain net incremental costs incurred associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for consideration in their next rate cases. A decision by the MPSC regarding the non-unanimous stipulation and agreement is expected in January 2021.
Evergy's management is actively monitoring, and will continue to monitor, the evolving impact of COVID-19 on its results of operations and any developments affecting its workforce and suppliers and will take additional actions as it believes are warranted. The situation is changing rapidly and future impacts may materialize that are not yet known. Accordingly, the extent to which COVID-19 and the factors noted above may impact the results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity of the Evergy Companies will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information concerning the severity and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and the actions taken to contain it or purchaseto seek recovery of wholesale electricity with other utilities.its impact, among others.

See "Cautionary Statements Regarding Certain Forward-Looking Information" and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information.
In Management’s DiscussionRegulatory Proceedings
See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding regulatory proceedings.
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Earnings Overview
The following table summarizes Evergy's net income and Analysis, we discuss our operating resultsdiluted EPS.
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020Change20192020Change2019
(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.$364.5 $(2.3)$366.8 $567.3 $(38.7)$606.0 
Earnings per common share, diluted1.60 0.04 1.56 2.49 — 2.49 
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same periodsperiod in 2019, primarily due to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather that were partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand; partially offset by lower operating and maintenance expenses in 2020; and lower income tax expense primarily due to lower pre-tax income and lower deferred income tax expense on temporary differences due to the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate.
Diluted EPS increased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a lower number of 2016, our general financial conditiondiluted weighted average common shares outstanding in 2020, which increased EPS by $0.05 for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. decreased year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather and significant changesa decrease in weather-normalized commercial and industrial demand primarily due to temporary business closures as a result of COVID-19 that occurred during 2017. As you read Management’s Discussionwere partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand; higher depreciation expense; and Analysis, pleasehigher interest expense; partially offset by lower operating and maintenance expenses in 2020 and lower income tax expense primarily due to lower pre-tax income partially offset by impacts from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change.
Diluted EPS was impacted year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, by a lower number of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding in 2020, which increased EPS by $0.16 year to date September 30, 2020.
For additional information regarding the change in net income, refer to our condensedthe Evergy Results of Operations section within this MD&A.
Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP)
Evergy's adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2020, were $393.3 million or $1.73 per share and $641.7 million or $2.82 per share, respectively. For the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2019, Evergy's adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) were$369.8 million or $1.57 per share and $621.2 million or $2.55 per share, respectively. In addition to net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted EPS, Evergy's management uses adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) to evaluate earnings and EPS without the costs resulting from rebranding, voluntary severance, advisor expenses and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change.
Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS
Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) are intended to enhance an investor's overall understanding of results. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies' presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.
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The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted EPS as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP).
Earnings (Loss)Earnings (Loss) per Diluted ShareEarnings (Loss)Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended September 3020202019
(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.$364.5 $1.60 $366.8 $1.56 
Non-GAAP reconciling items:
Rebranding costs, pre-tax(a)
— — 3.6 0.01 
Voluntary severance costs, pre-tax(b)
28.7 0.13 0.4 — 
Advisor expenses, pre-tax(c)
9.7 0.04 — — 
Income tax benefit(d)
(9.6)(0.04)(1.0)— 
Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)$393.3 $1.73 $369.8 $1.57 
Earnings (Loss)Earnings (Loss) per Diluted ShareEarnings (Loss)Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Year to Date September 3020202019
(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.$567.3 $2.49 $606.0 $2.49 
Non-GAAP reconciling items:
Rebranding costs, pre-tax(a)
— — 4.7 0.02 
Voluntary severance costs, pre-tax(b)
55.3 0.24 15.1 0.06 
Advisor expenses, pre-tax(c)
26.1 0.12 — — 
Income tax benefit(d)
(20.8)(0.09)(4.6)(0.02)
Kansas corporate income tax change(e)
13.8 0.06 — — 
Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)$641.7 $2.82 $621.2 $2.55 
(a)Reflects external costs incurred to rebrand the legacy Westar Energy and KCP&L utility brands to Evergy and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(b)Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(c)Reflects advisor expenses incurred associated with strategic planning and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(d)Reflects an income tax effect calculated at a statutory rate of approximately 26%, with the exception of certain non-deductible items.
(e)Reflects the revaluation of Evergy Kansas Central's, Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's deferred income tax assets and liabilities from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change and are included in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
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2018 Adjusted Operating and Maintenance Expense
The following table provides a reconciliation between 2018 operating and maintenance expense and 2018 pro forma operating and maintenance expense as determined in accordance with GAAP and 2018 adjusted operating and maintenance expense (non-GAAP).
(millions)
2018 Operating and maintenance expense$1,115.8 
Pro forma adjustments(a):
Great Plains Energy operating and maintenance expense prior to the merger317.9 
Non-recurring merger costs and other(101.3)
2018 Pro forma operating and maintenance expense$1,332.4 
Non-GAAP reconciling items:
Voluntary severance costs(b)
(23.5)
Deferral of merger transition costs(c)
28.5 
Inventory write-offs at retiring generating units(d)
(31.0)
2018 Adjusted operating and maintenance expense (non-GAAP)$1,306.4 
(a)Reflects pro forma adjustments made in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and ASC 805 - Business Combinations. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Evergy Companies' combined 2018 annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding these adjustments.
(b)Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the accompanying notes, which contain our operating results.2018 consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the Evergy Companies' combined 2018 annual report on Form 10-K.


SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Proposed Merger with Great Plains Energy

On July 9, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated agreement and plan(c)Reflects the portion of the $47.8 million deferral of merger with Great Plains Energytransition costs to a regulatory asset in June 2018 that provides for arelated to costs incurred prior to 2018. The remaining merger transition costs included within the $47.8 million deferral were both incurred and deferred in 2018 and did not impact earnings. This item is included in operating and maintenance expense on the 2018 consolidated statements of equals between the two companies. Upon closing, each issued and outstanding share of our common stock will be converted into one share of common stock of a new holding company with a final name still to be determined. Upon closing, each issued and outstanding share of Great Plains Energy common stock will be converted into 0.5981 shares of common stock of the new holding company. Following completion of the merger, our shareholders are expected to own approximately 52.5% of the new holding company and Great Plains Energy’s shareholders are expected to own approximately 47.5% of the new holding company. We currently expect to close the transactioncomprehensive income in the first half of 2018. For more information, see Notes 3 and 13 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Pending Merger” and “Legal Proceedings,” respectively, and Item “1A. Risk Factors.”Evergy Companies' combined 2018 annual report on Form 10-K.

In July 2017, we announced that we intend to retire(d)Reflects obsolete inventory write-offs for Evergy Kansas Central's Unit 7 at Tecumseh Energy Center, Units 3 and 4 at Murray Gill Energy Center, and unitsUnits 1 and 2 at Gordon Evans Energy Center, Evergy Metro's Montrose Station and Evergy Missouri West's Sibley Station and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the 2018 subjectconsolidated statements of comprehensive income in the Evergy Companies' combined 2018 annual report on Form 10-K.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
See Note 11 to the completion of the merger. The decision was based in part on lower demandconsolidated financial statements for energy from the plants. The depreciable lives of the assets have been, and continue to be, based upon us operating as a stand-alone entity. Retiring these units or any other assets identified as part of integration planning could result in the write-down of obsolete inventory or the retirement of assets priorinformation regarding environmental matters.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
See Note 12 to the endconsolidated financial statements for information regarding related party transactions.
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Table of their estimated useful lives.Contents

Earnings Per Share

Following is a summary of our net income and basic EPS.        

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change
  (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc. $158,306
 $154,720
 $3,586
 $290,032
 $292,645
 $(2,613)
Earnings per common share, basic 1.11
 1.09
 0.02
 2.03
 2.06
 (0.03)
Net income and basic EPS increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to lower income tax expense of $25.5 million. Partially offsetting the lower income tax expense were lower retail sales attributable principally to milder weather, recording $10.1 million less in corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) benefits, and recording $9.7 million more in depreciation due in part to placing Western Plains Wind Farm in service.

Net income and basic EPS decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to lower retail sales. The lower retail sales were attributable principally to milder weather. We also recorded $16.7 million less in corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) benefits and $24.5 million more in depreciation due in part to placing Western Plains Wind Farm in service. Partially offsetting these decreases to net income and basic EPS was a decrease in income tax expense of $47.8 million. Refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Taxes,” for additional information on income tax expense.

Current Trends

EVERGY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is an update to and is to be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations affecting our operations are overlapping, complex, subject to changes, have generally become more stringent over time and are expensive to implement. There are a variety of final and proposed laws and regulations that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and condensed consolidated financial results. See Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for a discussion of environmental costs, laws, regulations and other contingencies.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition andtable summarizes Evergy's comparative results of operations are based on our condensed consolidatedoperations.
Three Months Ended
September 30
Year to Date
September 30
2020Change20192020Change2019
 (millions)
Operating revenues$1,517.6 $(60.0)$1,577.6 $3,819.0 $(197.2)$4,016.2 
Fuel and purchased power316.2 (41.1)357.3 832.5 (146.4)978.9 
SPP network transmission costs66.1 3.7 62.4 197.8 9.1 188.7 
Operating and maintenance304.6 (7.0)311.6 865.5 (41.6)907.1 
Depreciation and amortization218.0 1.9 216.1 658.1 13.0 645.1 
Taxes other than income tax91.0 (0.5)91.5 274.2 (2.2)276.4 
Income from operations521.7 (17.0)538.7 990.9 (29.1)1,020.0 
Other expense, net(11.3)3.8 (15.1)(36.7)(4.2)(32.5)
Interest expense94.8 4.0 90.8 290.5 13.2 277.3 
Income tax expense50.0 (15.5)65.5 93.8 (5.4)99.2 
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes1.9 (1.7)3.6 6.1 (1.8)7.9 
Net income367.5 (3.4)370.9 576.0 (42.9)618.9 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests3.0 (1.1)4.1 8.7 (4.2)12.9 
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.$364.5 $(2.3)$366.8 $567.3 $(38.7)$606.0 

Evergy Utility Gross Margin and MWh Sales
Utility gross margin is a financial statements, which have been preparedmeasure that is not calculated in conformityaccordance with GAAP.  Utility gross margin, as used by the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, many of which require the use of estimates and assumptions by management. The policies highlighted in our 2016 Form 10-K have an impact on our reported results that may be material due to the levels of judgment and subjectivity necessary to account for uncertain matters or their susceptibility to change.

From December 31, 2016, through September 30, 2017, we did not experience any significant changes in our critical accounting estimates. For additional information, see our 2016 Form 10-K.

OPERATING RESULTS

We evaluate operating results based on EPS. We have various classifications of revenues,Evergy Companies, is defined as follows:

Retail: Sales of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Classification of customers as residential, commercial or industrial requires judgment and our classifications may be different from other companies. Assignment of tariffs is not dependent on classification. Other retail sales of electricity include lighting for public streets and highways, net of revenue subject to refund.

Wholesale: Sales of electricity to electric cooperatives, municipalities and other electric utilities and RTOs, the prices for which are either based on cost or prevailing market prices as prescribed by FERC authority. Revenues from these sales are either included in the RECA or used in the determinations of base rates at the time of our next general rate review.

Transmission: Reflects transmissionoperating revenues including those based on tariffs with the SPP.

Other: Miscellaneous electric revenues including ancillary service revenues and rent from electric property leased to others. This category also includes transactions unrelated to the production of our generating assets and fees we earn for services that we provide for third parties.

Electric utility revenues are impacted by things such as rate regulation, fuel costs, technology, customer behavior, the economy and competitive forces. Changing weather also affects the amount of electricity our customers use as electricity sales are seasonal. As a summer peaking utility, the third quarter typically accounts for our greatest electricity sales. Hot summer temperatures and cold winter temperatures prompt more demand, especially among residential and commercial customers, and to a lesser extent, industrial customers. Mild weather reduces customer demand. Our wholesale revenues are impacted by, among other factors, demand, cost and availability ofless fuel and purchased power price volatility, available generation capacity,costs and amounts billed by the SPP for network transmission availability and weather.


Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Below we discuss our operating resultscosts. Expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Significant changes in results of operations shown in the table immediately below are further explained in the descriptions that follow.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:               
Residential$278,138
 $282,272
 $(4,134) (1.5) $642,449
 $664,400
 $(21,951) (3.3)
Commercial219,414
 218,377
 1,037
 0.5
 557,232
 572,247
 (15,015) (2.6)
Industrial117,721
 106,021
 11,700
 11.0
 324,227
 314,723
 9,504
 3.0
Other retail149
 7,883
 (7,734) (98.1) (22,293) (23,002) 709
 3.1
Total Retail Revenues615,422

614,553
 869
 0.1
 1,501,615
 1,528,368
 (26,753) (1.8)
Wholesale102,113
 86,421
 15,692
 18.2
 242,524
 220,520
 22,004
 10.0
Transmission69,504
 58,462
 11,042
 18.9
 209,097
 188,996
 20,101
 10.6
Other7,288
 5,218
 2,070
 39.7
 22,986
 17,668
 5,318
 30.1
Total Revenues794,327
 764,654
 29,673
 3.9
 1,976,222
 1,955,552
 20,670
 1.1
OPERATING EXPENSES:               
Fuel and purchased power189,804
 155,673
 34,131
 21.9
 415,449
 374,361
 41,088
 11.0
SPP network transmission costs62,578
 57,939
 4,639
 8.0
 185,015
 173,925
 11,090
 6.4
Operating and maintenance79,856
 86,758
 (6,902) (8.0) 248,211
 250,135
 (1,924) (0.8)
Depreciation and amortization94,668
 84,972
 9,696
 11.4
 277,322
 252,838
 24,484
 9.7
Selling, general and administrative65,630
 60,582
 5,048
 8.3
 182,367
 192,762
 (10,395) (5.4)
Taxes other than income tax41,815
 48,154
 (6,339) (13.2) 126,421
 145,529
 (19,108) (13.1)
Total Operating Expenses534,351
 494,078
 40,273
 8.2
 1,434,785
 1,389,550
 45,235
 3.3
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS259,976
 270,576
 (10,600) (3.9) 541,437
 566,002
 (24,565) (4.3)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):               
Investment earnings2,593
 2,619
 (26) (1.0) 8,384
 6,916
 1,468
 21.2
Other income3,849
 13,353
 (9,504) (71.2) 5,672
 26,212
 (20,540) (78.4)
Other expense(6,493) (5,887) (606) (10.3) (14,457) (14,338) (119) (0.8)
Total Other (Expense) Income(51) 10,085
 (10,136) (100.5) (401) 18,790
 (19,191) (102.1)
Interest expense43,458
 40,897
 2,561
 6.3
 128,232
 121,011
 7,221
 6.0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES216,467
 239,764
 (23,297) (9.7) 412,804
 463,781
 (50,977) (11.0)
Income tax expense55,743
 81,211
 (25,468) (31.4) 112,559
 160,376
 (47,817) (29.8)
NET INCOME160,724
 158,553
 2,171
 1.4
 300,245
 303,405
 (3,160) (1.0)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests2,418
 3,833
 (1,415) (36.9) 10,213
 10,760
 (547) (5.1)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.$158,306
 $154,720
 $3,586
 2.3
 $290,032
 $292,645
 $(2,613) (0.9)
BASIC EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.$1.11
 $1.09
 $0.02
 1.8
 $2.03
 $2.06
 $(0.03) (1.5)
DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.$1.11
 $1.08
 $0.03
 2.8
 $2.03
 $2.05
 $(0.02) (1.0)





Gross Margin

Fuelfuel and purchased power costs, fluctuate with electricityoffset by wholesale sales and unit costs. As permitted by regulators, we adjust our retail pricesmargin, are subject to reflect changes in the costs of fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power costs for wholesale customers are recovered at prevailing market prices or based on a predetermined formula with a pricerecovery through cost adjustment approved by FERC.mechanisms.  As a result, changes in fuel and purchased power costs are offset in operating revenues with minimal impact on net income. In addition, SPP network transmission costs fluctuate primarily due primarily to investments by us and otherSPP members of the SPP for upgrades to the transmission grid within the SPP RTO.  As with fuel and purchased power costs, changes in SPP network transmission costs are mostly reflected in the prices we chargecharged to customers with minimal impact on net income. For
Management believes that utility gross margin provides a meaningful basis for evaluating the Evergy Companies' operations across periods because utility gross margin excludes the revenue effect of fluctuations in these reasons, we believeexpenses.  Utility gross margin is usefulused internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for understandingmanagement and analyzing changes in our operating performance from one period to the next. We calculateEvergy Board.  Utility gross margin should be viewed as a non-GAAP measure, as total revenues, including transmission revenues, less the sum of fuelsupplement to, and purchased power costs and amounts billed by the SPPnot a substitute for, network transmission costs. Accordingly, gross margin reflects transmission revenues and costs on a net basis. The following table summarizes our gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues$794,327
 $764,654
 $29,673
 3.9
 $1,976,222
 $1,955,552
 $20,670
 1.1
Less: Fuel and purchased power expense189,804
 155,673
 34,131
 21.9
 415,449
 374,361
 41,088
 11.0
SPP network transmission costs62,578
 57,939
 4,639
 8.0
 185,015
 173,925
 11,090
 6.4
Gross Margin$541,945
 $551,042
 $(9,097) (1.7) $1,375,758
 $1,407,266
 $(31,508) (2.2)

The following table reflects changes in electricity sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. No electricity sales are shown for transmission or other as they are not directly related to the amount of electricity we sell.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Thousands of MWh)
ELECTRICITY SALES:               
Residential2,081

2,209
 (128) (5.8) 4,828
 5,097
 (269) (5.3)
Commercial2,156

2,230
 (74) (3.3) 5,588
 5,763
 (175) (3.0)
Industrial1,563

1,444
 119
 8.2
 4,319
 4,137
 182
 4.4
Other retail12

19
 (7) (36.8) 56
 60
 (4) (6.7)
Total Retail5,812
 5,902
 (90) (1.5) 14,791
 15,057
 (266) (1.8)
Wholesale3,128
 2,389
 739
 30.9
 7,612
 5,960
 1,652
 27.7
Total8,940
 8,291
 649
 7.8
 22,403
 21,017
 1,386
 6.6

Gross margin decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016, due primarily to lower retail sales. The lower retail sales were attributable principally to more mild weather, which particularly impacts residential and commercial customers. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, there were approximately 11% and 12%, respectively, fewer cooling degree days. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, there were approximately 7% fewer heating degree days. Partially offsetting the impact of less favorable weather for both periods was improved sales to industrial customers due partially to a few of our larger, lower margin chemical and oil customers who experienced improved global demand for their products as well as improved sales to the construction segment taking advantage of the more mild weather.


Incomeincome from operations, which is calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our condensed consolidated statements of income, is the most directly comparable financial measure to our presentationprepared in accordance with GAAP. The Evergy Companies' definition of gross margin. Our presentation of gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income from operations. Additionally, our presentation ofutility gross margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reporteddiffer from similar terms used by other companies.
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The following table reconcilestables summarize Evergy's utility gross margin and MWhs sold and provide a reconciliation of utility gross margin to income from operations withoperations.
 Revenues and ExpensesMWhs Sold
Three Months Ended September 302020Change20192020Change2019
Retail revenues(millions)(thousands)
Residential$636.4 $(16.6)$653.0 4,813 (124)4,937 
Commercial499.5 (39.6)539.1 4,914 (337)5,251 
Industrial166.8 (8.5)175.3 2,273 (99)2,372 
Other retail revenues9.5 (6.5)16.0 34 — 34 
Total electric retail1,312.2 (71.2)1,383.4 12,034 (560)12,594 
Wholesale revenues85.0 (11.3)96.3 3,507 (177)3,684 
Transmission revenues80.7 0.3 80.4 N/AN/AN/A
Other revenues39.7 22.2 17.5 N/AN/AN/A
Operating revenues1,517.6 (60.0)1,577.6 15,541 (737)16,278 
Fuel and purchased power(316.2)41.1 (357.3)
SPP network transmission costs(66.1)(3.7)(62.4)
Utility gross margin (a)
1,135.3 (22.6)1,157.9 
Operating and maintenance(304.6)7.0 (311.6)
Depreciation and amortization(218.0)(1.9)(216.1)
Taxes other than income tax(91.0)0.5 (91.5)
Income from operations$521.7 $(17.0)$538.7 
 Revenues and ExpensesMWhs Sold
Year to Date September 302020Change20192020Change2019
Retail revenues(millions)(thousands)
Residential$1,515.6 $(20.7)$1,536.3 12,114 (49)12,163 
Commercial1,272.9 (118.3)1,391.2 12,974 (1,035)14,009 
Industrial446.7 (32.2)478.9 6,171 (357)6,528 
Other retail revenues29.2 (6.1)35.3 99 (6)105 
Total electric retail3,264.4 (177.3)3,441.7 31,358 (1,447)32,805 
Wholesale revenues195.8 (55.9)251.7 10,242 (630)10,872 
Transmission revenues238.5 5.0 233.5 N/AN/AN/A
Other revenues120.3 31.0 89.3 N/AN/AN/A
Operating revenues3,819.0 (197.2)4,016.2 41,600 (2,077)43,677 
Fuel and purchased power(832.5)146.4 (978.9)
SPP network transmission costs(197.8)(9.1)(188.7)
Utility gross margin (a)
2,788.7 (59.9)2,848.6 
Operating and maintenance(865.5)41.6 (907.1)
Depreciation and amortization(658.1)(13.0)(645.1)
Taxes other than income tax(274.2)2.2 (276.4)
Income from operations$990.9 $(29.1)$1,020.0 
(a) Utility gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure.  See explanation of utility gross margin above.
Evergy's utility gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Income from operations$259,976
 $270,576
 $(10,600) (3.9) $541,437
 $566,002
 $(24,565) (4.3)
Plus: Operating and maintenance expense79,856
 86,758
 (6,902) (8.0) 248,211
 250,135
 (1,924) (0.8)
Depreciation and amortization expense94,668
 84,972
 9,696
 11.4
 277,322
 252,838
 24,484
 9.7
Selling, general and administrative expense65,630
 60,582
 5,048
 8.3
 182,367
 192,762
 (10,395) (5.4)
Taxes other than income tax41,815
 48,154
 (6,339) (13.2) 126,421
 145,529
 (19,108) (13.1)
Gross margin$541,945
 $551,042
 $(9,097) (1.7) $1,375,758
 $1,407,266
 $(31,508) (2.2)

Operating Expenses and Other Income and Expense Items

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Operating and maintenance expense$79,856
 $86,758
 $(6,902) (8.0) $248,211
 $250,135
 $(1,924) (0.8)

Operating and maintenance expense decreased $22.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same period in 2016,2019, driven by:
a $33.3 million decrease primarily due primarily to:to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather (cooling degree days decreased 17%), partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand; partially offset by

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a $5.5$3.9 million increase in revenue recognized for the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) earnings opportunity in 2020 related to the achievement of certain customer energy savings levels in the second cycle of Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA programs;
a $3.8 million decrease in distribution operationsthe amount of revenue deferred in the third quarter of 2020 related to the granting of an AAO by the MPSC in October 2019 requiring Evergy Missouri West to record a regulatory liability for the estimated amount of revenues it has collected from customers for certain costs related to Sibley Station since its retirement in November 2018 as the amount of revenues deferred in the third quarter of 2019 included revenues collected for costs related to Sibley Station since its retirement from November 2018 to September 2019; and maintenance expense due primarily to executing our vegetation management strategy earlier in 2017;
a $1.7 million decrease in nuclear operating and maintenance costs; and
a $1.5 million decrease in steam generation operating and maintenance costs; however,
partially offsetting these decreases was a $2.4$3.0 million increase duein Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA throughput disincentive in 2020 primarily driven by the cumulative amount of customer energy savings achieved in the second and third cycles of Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA programs.
Evergy's utility gross margin decreased $59.9 million year to the start of operation of our Western Plains Wind Farm in March 2017.

Operating and maintenance expense decreased for the nine months endeddate September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same period in 2016,2019, driven by:
a $64.9 million decrease primarily due to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather (cooling degree days decreased 7% and heating degree days decreased 11%) and a decrease in weather-normalized commercial and industrial demand primarily to:due to temporary business closures resulting from government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand;

a $2.3 million decrease related to Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's TDC riders in 2020; and
a $7.7$5.7 million decrease in nuclearrevenue recognized for the MEEIA earnings opportunity in 2020 related to the achievement of certain customer energy savings levels in the second cycle of Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA programs; partially offset by
a $7.0 million increase for recovery of programs costs for energy efficiency programs under MEEIA in 2020, which have a direct offset in operating and maintenance costs due primarily to receiving expense; and
a legal settlement for Wolf Creek; and
a $1.8 million decrease in distribution operations and maintenance expense; however,
partially offsetting these decreases was a $6.3 million increase due to the start of operation of our Western Plains Wind Farm in March 2017; and
a $1.6$6.0 million increase in steam generationEvergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA throughput disincentive in 2020 primarily driven by the cumulative amount of customer energy savings achieved in the second and third cycles of Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's MEEIA programs.
Operating and Maintenance
Evergy's operating and maintenance costs.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Depreciation and amortization expense$94,668
 $84,972
 $9,696
 11.4 $277,322
 $252,838
 $24,484
 9.7

Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016, due in part to the start of operation of our Western Plains Wind Farm in March 2017.



 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expense$65,630
 $60,582
 $5,048
 8.3 $182,367
 $192,762
 $(10,395) (5.4)

Selling, general and administrative expense increased during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to:

an increase of merger-related expenses of $5.9 million; however,
partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in outside services of $1.8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to:

a decrease in outside services of $5.0 million;
a decrease in employee benefit costs of $2.0$7.0 million attributable partially to our having fewer employees; and
a decrease of merger-related expenses of $1.2 million.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Taxes other than income tax$41,815
 $48,154
 $(6,339) (13.2) $126,421
 $145,529
 $(19,108) (13.1)

Taxes other than income tax decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016, due primarily to a decrease of $6.3 million and $18.9 million, respectively, in property tax expense amortization. This represents the amortization of the regulatory asset comprised of actual costs incurred for property taxes in the prior year in excess of amounts collected in our prices in the prior year. These decreases are mostly offset in retail revenues.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Other income$3,849
 $13,353
 $(9,504) (71.2) $5,672
 $26,212
 $(20,540) (78.4)

Other income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016, due primarily to:

our having recorded $10.1 million and $16.7 million, respectively, less in COLI benefits; and
a decrease in equity AFUDC of $2.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, however,
partially offsetting these decreases was an increase of $3.5 million related to the deconsolidation of the trust holding our 8% interest in JEC.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Interest expense$43,458
 $40,897
 $2,561
 6.3 $128,232
 $121,011
 $7,221
 6.0

Interest expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same period in 2016, due2019, primarily to driven by:
a $19.7 million decrease in debt AFUDCvarious administrative and general operating and maintenance expenses primarily driven by a $7.9 million decrease in credit loss expense primarily due to lower levels of $1.3 million. Interestcustomer disconnections in 2020 at Evergy Metro and a $7.8 million decrease in labor and employee benefits expense increasedthat included lower employee headcount in 2020;
a $10.2 million decrease in plant operating and maintenance expense at fossil-fuel generating units primarily due to an $8.4 million write-off of a regulatory asset for costs incurred during the nine months endedJEC lease extension in the third quarter of 2019 and lower employee headcount in 2020;
an $8.1 million decrease in transmission and distribution operating and maintenance expense primarily due to lower labor expense in 2020 and a $2.6 million decrease primarily due to the timing of vegetation management projects at Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro in 2020; and
$4.7 million of external costs incurred to rebrand the legacy Westar and KCP&L utility brands to Evergy in the third quarter of 2019; partially offset by
a $28.0 million increase in voluntary severance expenses at Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West primarily related to Evergy voluntary exit programs in 2020; and
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$9.7 million of advisor expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2020 by Evergy associated with strategic planning.
Evergy's operating and maintenance expense decreased $41.6 million year to date September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same period in 2016,2019, primarily driven by:
a $38.2 million decrease in plant operating and maintenance expense at fossil-fuel generating units primarily due to:
a $23.4 million decrease at Evergy Kansas Central primarily driven by an $11.2 million decrease from maintenance outages at JEC Unit 2 and La Cygne Unit 2 in the first half of 2019, an $8.4 million write-off of a regulatory asset for costs incurred during the JEC lease extension in the third quarter of 2019 and lower employee headcount in 2020; and
a $10.8 million decrease at Evergy Metro primarily driven by a $10.6 million decrease from outages at Hawthorn Station, Iatan Station and La Cygne Unit 2 and lower employee headcount in 2020;
a $33.9 million decrease in transmission and distribution operating and maintenance expense primarily due to an$13.1 million of costs at Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West incurred from storms that occurred in January 2019, a $2.7 million decrease due to the timing of vegetation management projects at Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro in 2020 and lower labor expense in 2020;
a $28.9 million decrease in various administrative and general operating and maintenance expenses primarily driven by:
a $12.0 million decrease in labor and employee benefits expense that included lower employee headcount in 2020;
a $6.9 million decrease in credit loss expense primarily due to lower levels of customer disconnections in 2020 at Evergy Metro; and
a $3.7 million decrease in property insurance expense due to a higher annual refund of nuclear insurance premiums received by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro in 2020 related to their ownership interest in Wolf Creek; and
$4.7 million of external costs incurred to rebrand the legacy Westar and KCP&L utility brands to Evergy in 2019; partially offset by
a $39.4 million increase in interest expense on long-term debtvoluntary severance expenses due to a $32.6 million increase at Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West related to Evergy voluntary exit programs in 2020 and $6.8 million of $5.1voluntary severance expenses incurred in 2020 by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro related to Wolf Creek voluntary exit programs;
$26.1 million primarily as of advisor expenses incurred in 2020 by Evergy associated with strategic planning; and
a result of the issuance of FMBs during March 2017$7.0 million increase in program costs for energy efficiency programs under MEEIA in 2020, which have a direct offset in revenue.
Depreciation and a decrease in debt AFUDC of $2.9 million.Amortization


 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change 2017 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Income tax expense$55,743
 $81,211
 $(25,468) (31.4) $112,559
 $160,376
 $(47,817) (29.8)

Income tax expense decreasedEvergy's depreciation and amortization increased $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016,2019, primarily driven by capital additions at Evergy Kansas Central.
Evergy's depreciation and amortization increased $13.0 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by capital additions at Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro.
Other Expense, Net
Evergy's other expense, net decreased $3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by a $4.8 million decrease due to higher Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro equity AFUDC in 2020 primarily to:due to lower short-term borrowings; partially offset by a $1.5 million increase due to recording lower Evergy Kansas Central COLI benefits in the third quarter of 2020.

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Evergy's other expense, net increased $4.2 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a reduction$7.0 million increase due to recording lower Evergy Kansas Central COLI benefits in 2020;
a $3.6 million increase due to lower investment earnings primarily due to a loss from equity investments in 2020; and
a $2.8 million increase due to higher Evergy Metro pension non-service costs in 2020; partially offset by
a $9.0 million decrease due to higher Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro equity AFUDC in 2020.
Interest Expense
Evergy's interest expense increased $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $10.4 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy's $1.6 billion of senior notes in September 2019;
a $4.3 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $500.0 million of 3.45% FMBs in April 2020; and
a $3.1 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 2.25% Mortgage Bonds in May 2020; partially offset by
a $13.0 million decrease primarily due to Evergy's borrowings under its $1.0 billion term loan credit agreement in 2019 and lower commercial paper balances and weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings at Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro in 2020.
Evergy's interest expense increased $13.2 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $35.3 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy's $1.6 billion of senior notes in September 2019;
an $8.2 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $500.0 million of 3.45% FMBs in April 2020;
a $6.1 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $300.0 million of 3.25% FMBs in August 2019; and
a $3.1 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 2.25% Mortgage Bonds in May 2020; partially offset by
a $26.5 million decrease primarily due to Evergy's borrowings under its $1.0 billion term loan credit agreement in 2019 and lower commercial paper balances and weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings at Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro in 2020;
a $9.2 million decrease due to the repayment of Evergy Kansas South's $300.0 million of 6.70% FMBs at maturity in June 2019; and
a $4.6 million net decrease due to the repayment of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 7.15% Mortgage Bonds at maturity in April 2019, which decreased interest expense by $8.5 million, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase due to Evergy Metro's issuance of $400.0 million of 4.125% Mortgage Bonds in March 2019.
Income Tax Expense
Evergy's income tax expense decreased $15.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by a $5.0 million decrease due to lower Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West pre-tax income in 2020, a $3.7 million decrease due to lower deferred income tax expense on temporary differences due to the decrease in the Kansas corporate income tax rate in 2021, a $3.3 million decrease due to flow-through items primarily driven by higher amortization of $9.2excess deferred income taxes and a $2.6 million decrease due to higher wind and $20.1 million, respectively, from lowerother income before income taxes;
an increase of $5.1 million and $16.6 million, respectively, in tax benefits from production tax credits largely from placingin 2020.
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Evergy's income tax expense decreased $5.4 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the Western Plains Wind Farmsame period in service;2019, primarily driven by a $12.7 million decrease due to lower Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and
Evergy Missouri West pre-tax income in 2020, a favorable$5.4 million decrease due to lower deferred income tax true-upexpense on temporary differences due to the decrease in the Kansas corporate income tax rate in 2021, a $3.8 million decrease due to flow-through items primarily driven by higher amortization of $7.6excess deferred income taxes and a $3.3 million decrease due to higher wind and other income tax credits in 2020; partially offset by a $13.8 million net increase due to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the second quarter of 2020 due to the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate and a $7.9 million valuation allowance reversal in 2019 primarily related to plant differences.    alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits and the expiration of certain state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards.

See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Evergy relies primarily upon cash from operations, short-term borrowings, debt and equity issuances and its existing cash and cash equivalents to fund its capital requirements. Evergy's capital requirements primarily consist of capital expenditures, payment of contractual obligations and other commitments and the payment of dividends to shareholders. See the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K for more information on Evergy's sources and uses of cash.
A number of factors affected amounts recorded on our balance sheet asAs of September 30, 2017, compared to December 31, 2016.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net$178,058
 $257,904
 $(79,846) (31.0)

Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net decreased due primarily to deconsolidating the trust holding our 8% interest in JEC. See Note 14 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Variable Interest Entities” for additional information.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Regulatory assets$843,711
 $879,862
 $(36,151) (4.1)
Regulatory liabilities251,133
 239,453
 11,680
 4.9
Net regulatory assets$592,578
 $640,409
 $(47,831) (7.5)

Total regulatory assets decreased due primarily to the following items:

a $25.7 million decrease in deferred employee benefit costs;
a $12.2 million decrease in amounts collected from our customers for the deferred cost of fuel and purchased power;
a $11.2 million decrease in amounts due from customers for future income taxes; and
a $10.5 million decrease in amounts deferred for Wolf Creek refueling and maintenance outages; however,
partially offsetting these decreases was spending $20.9 million more than collected for the cost to remove retired plant assets; and
a $15.9 million increase in AROs. See Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations,” for additional information.

Total regulatory liabilities increased due primarily to a $29.8 million increase in the fair value of the NDT. This increase was partially offset by the following items:

approximately $10.0 million for accreting the Wolf Creek ARO and depreciating the capitalized Wolf Creek asset retirement cost;
spending $5.7 million more than collected for the cost to remove retired plant assets; and
amortizing $4.12020, Evergy had $361.6 million of a deferred regulatory gain from a sale-leaseback of Unit 2 of the La Cygne generating station.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Short-term debt$189,100
 $366,700
 $(177,600) (48.4)

Short-term debt decreased due primarily to Westar Energy issuing $300.0 million in principal amount of FMBs, the proceeds for which were used to repay a portion of commercial paper borrowings, and us retiring $125.0 million in principal amount of FMBs. See Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Debt Financing” for additional information. Partially offsetting the decrease was issuances of commercial paper primarily used to fund capital expenditures.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Current maturities of long-term debt$
 $125,000
 $(125,000) (100.0)
Long-term debt, net3,686,852
 3,388,670
 298,182
 8.8
Total long-term debt$3,686,852
 $3,513,670
 $173,182
 4.9

In 2017, Westar Energy issued $300.0 million in principal amount of FMBs and retired $125.0 million in principal amount of FMBs. See Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Debt Financing” for additional information.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities$28,534
 $26,842
 $1,692
 6.3
Long-term debt of variable interest entities81,433
 111,209
 (29,776) (26.8)
Total long-term debt of variable interest entities$109,967
 $138,051
 $(28,084) (20.3)

Total long-term debt of VIEs decreased due primarily to the VIE that holds the La Cygne leasehold interests having made principal payments totaling $26.8 million. See Note 14 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Variable Interest Entities,” for additional information.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Deferred income taxes$1,866,583
 $1,752,776
 $113,807
 6.5

Deferred income taxes increased due primarily to the use of bonus and accelerated depreciation methods for income tax purposes.

 As of As of    
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % Change
 (Dollars in Thousands)
Asset retirement obligations$397,505
 $323,951
 $73,554
 22.7

AROs increased due primarily to revisions for asbestos and nuclear decommissioning of $25.2 million and $19.4 million, respectively, and a new obligation estimated at $13.5 million related to the completion of Western Plains Wind Farm. See Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations” for additional information.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Available sources of funds to operate our business include internally generated cash, short-term borrowings under Westar Energy’s commercial paper program and revolving credit facilities and access to capital markets. We expect to meet our day-to-day cash requirements including, among other items, fuel and purchased power, dividends, interest payments, income taxes and pension contributions, using primarily internally generated cash and short-term borrowings. To meet the cash requirementsequivalents on hand and $2.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under its master credit facility. Evergy believes that its existing cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under its master credit facility provide sufficient liquidity for ourits existing capital investments, we expect to use internally generated cash, short-term borrowings, and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities in the capital markets. When such balances are of sufficient size and it makes economic sense to do so, we also use proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity securities to repay short-term borrowings, which are principally related to investments in capital equipment and the redemption of bonds and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Uncertainties affecting our ability to meet cash requirements include, among others, factors affecting revenues described in “—Operating Results” above, economic conditions, regulatory actions, compliance with environmental regulations and conditions in the capital markets.requirements.


Short-Term Borrowings

Westar Energy maintains aAs of September 30, 2020, Evergy had $2.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under its master credit facility. The available borrowing capacity under the master credit facility consisted of $249.3 million for Evergy, Inc., $981.4 million for Evergy Kansas Central, $600.0 million for Evergy Metro and $448.0 million for Evergy Missouri West. Evergy Kansas Central's, Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's borrowing capacity under the master credit facility also supports their issuance of commercial paper. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the master credit facility. Along with cash flows from operations and receivable sales facilities, Evergy generally uses borrowings under its master credit facility and the issuance of commercial paper program pursuant to which it may issue commercial paper upmeet its day-to-day cash flow requirements.
Significant Debt Issuances
See Note 9 to a maximum aggregatethe consolidated financial statements for information regarding significant debt issuances.
Regulatory Authorizations
The following table summarizes the regulatory short-term debt financing authorizations for Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Kansas South, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West and the remaining amount available under these authorizations as of September 30, 2020.
Type of AuthorizationCommissionExpiration DateAuthorization AmountAvailable Under Authorization
Evergy Kansas Central & Evergy Kansas South(in millions)
Short-Term DebtFERCDecember 2020$1,250.0$1,250.0
Evergy Metro
Short-Term DebtFERCDecember 2020$1,250.0$1,250.0
Evergy Missouri West
Short-Term DebtFERCDecember 2020$750.0$672.0
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In October 2020, Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Kansas South, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West filed requests with FERC to have outstanding at any one time of $1.0 billion. This programup to $1,250.0 million (combined for both Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Kansas South), $1,250.0 million and $750.0 million in short-term debt instruments, respectively, through December 2022. FERC is supportedexpected to issue an order regarding this request by November 30, 2020.
Capital Expenditures
Evergy requires significant capital investments and cannot exceed the capacity available under Westar Energy’s revolving credit facilities. Maturities of commercial paper issuances mayexpects to need cash primarily for utility construction programs designed to improve and expand facilities related to providing electric service, which include, but are not exceed 365 days from the date of issuancelimited to, expenditures to develop new transmission lines and proceeds from such issuances will be usedimprovements to temporarily fundpower plants, transmission and distribution lines and equipment. Evergy's capital expenditures were $1,210.1 million, $1,069.7 million and $764.6 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In August 2020, Evergy announced its new Sustainability Transformation Plan, which includes, among other things, approximately $8.9 billion of expected base capital investments through 2024, or $1.4 billion more than Evergy's prior plan. See "Executive Summary; Strategy", above for further information regarding the Sustainability Transformation Plan. Capital expenditures projected for the next five years pursuant to redeem debt on an interim basis, for working capital and/or for other general corporate purposes. Asthe new plan, excluding AFUDC and including costs of October 25, 2017, Westar Energy had $167.2 million of commercial paper issued and outstanding.

Westar Energy has two revolving credit facilitiesremoval, are detailed in the amounts of $730.0 million and $270.0 million. The $730.0 million facility will expire in September 2019, $20.7 million of which expired in September 2017. The $270.0 million credit facility will expire in February 2018. As long as therefollowing table. This capital expenditure plan is no default under the facilities, the $730.0 million and $270.0 million facilities may be extended an additional year and the aggregate amount of borrowings under the $730.0 million and $270.0 million facilities may be increased to $1.0 billion and $400.0 million, respectively, subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facilities are secured by KGE FMBs. Total combined borrowings under the revolving credit facilitiescontinual review and the commercial paper program may not exceed $1.0 billion at any given time. Aschange.
20202021202220232024
(millions)
Generating facilities$453 $280 $767 $494 $262 
Transmission and distribution facilities893 1,314 1,336 1,252 1,131 
General facilities and other240 132 137 106 108 
Total capital expenditures$1,586 $1,726 $2,240 $1,852 $1,501 
Pensions
Year to date September 30, 2020, Evergy made pension contributions of October 25, 2017, no amounts were borrowed and $11.8$54.3 million. Evergy expects to make additional pension contributions of $78.4 million in letters2020 to satisfy ERISA funding requirements and KCC and MPSC rate orders, which is expected to be paid by Evergy Metro. Also in 2020, Evergy expects to make additional contributions of credit had been issued under$3.1 million to the $730.0 million facility. No amounts were borrowed and no letters of credit were issued under the $270.0 million facility as of the same date.

Long-Term Debt Financing

In January 2017, Westar Energy retired $125.0 million in principal amount of FMBs bearing a stated interest at 5.15% maturing January 2017.

In March 2017, Westar Energy issued $300.0 million in principal amount of FMBs bearing a stated interest at 3.10% and maturing April 2027.

post-retirement benefit plans.
Debt Covenants

We wereAs of September 30, 2020, Evergy was in compliance with ourall debt covenants asunder the master credit facility and certain debt instruments that contain restrictions that require the maintenance of certain capitalization and leverage ratios. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for more information.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
Evergy's off-balance sheet arrangements were reported in the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K. As of September 30, 2017.2020, there have been no material changes with regards to these off-balance sheet arrangements.

Impact of Credit Ratings on Debt Financing

Moody’s and S&P are independent credit-rating agencies that rate our debt securities. These ratings indicate each agency’s assessment of our ability to pay interest and principal when due on our securities.

In general, more favorable credit ratings increase borrowing opportunities and reduce the cost of borrowing. Under Westar Energy’s revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program, our cost of borrowings is determined in part by credit ratings. However, Westar Energy’s ability to borrow under the credit facilities and commercial paper program are not conditioned on maintaining a particular credit rating. We may enter into new credit agreements that contain credit rating conditions, which could affect our liquidity and/or our borrowing costs.

Factors that impact our credit ratings include a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Objective criteria include typical financial ratios, such as funds from operations to total debt and operating cash flow to debt, among others, future capital expenditures and our access to liquidity including committed lines of credit. Subjective criteria include such items as the quality and credibility of management, the political and regulatory environment we operate in and an assessment of our governance and risk management practices.

As of October 25, 2017, our ratings with the agencies are as shown in the table below.

Westar
Energy
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
KGE
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
Westar Energy Commercial Paper
Rating
Outlook
Moody’sA2A2P-2Stable
S&P (a)AAA-2Positive
_______________
(a)In July 2017, following the public announcement of the amended and restated agreement and plan of merger with Great Plains Energy, S&P revised its outlook for Westar Energy and KGE to positive from negative, pending the outcome of the merger.

Summary of Cash Flows
The following table presents Evergy's cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.
Year to Date September 3020202019
(millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities$1,421.7 $1,447.3 
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities(1,029.9)(772.1)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities(53.4)(785.4)
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  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Change % Change
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from (used in):        
Operating activities $742,322
 $692,573
 $49,749
 7.2
Investing activities (581,009) (815,018) 234,009
 28.7
Financing activities (160,991) 123,151
 (284,142) (230.7)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $322
 $706
 $(384) (54.4)
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities

CashEvergy's cash flows from operating activities increased due principallydecreased $25.6 million year to our having received $39.9 million more for wholesale power sales and transmission services, receiving a $13.0 million refund for income taxesdate September 30, 2020, compared to paying $13.0 million for the same period in 2016,2019, primarily driven by:
a $102.0 million decrease in cash receipts for retail electric sales in 2020 primarily driven by lower sales as a result of unfavorable weather and paying $8.0a decrease in weather-normalized commercial and industrial demand primarily due to temporary business closures resulting from government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19;
a $27.0 million lessincrease in interest payments in 2020 primarily due to payments made in March and September of 2020 on Evergy's $1.6 billion of senior notes issued in September 2019; and
$19.9 million in cash payments to advisors associated with strategic planning; partially offset by
a $64.3 million one-time refund made to certain Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West customers in 2019 reflecting customer benefits associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and
a $60.7 million increase in cash receipts for coal and natural gas. Partially offsetting these increases was our paying $22.8net tax refunds in 2020 primarily driven by a $57.2 million moreincrease in purchased power and transmission services.refunds related to federal AMT credits.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
CashEvergy's cash flows used in investing activities decreased dueincreased $257.8 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily to our having invested $257.3driven by:
a $209.0 million lessincrease in additions to property, plant and equipment due to increases at Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West of $75.8 million, $71.9 million and $61.3 million, respectively, primarily relateddue to the completionincreased spending for a variety of constructioncapital projects including transmission infrastructure additions, customer meters and a customer billing system; and
a decrease of Western Plains Wind Farm; partially offset by our having received $24.0$38.5 million fewerin proceeds from our investmentCOLI investments, primarily from Evergy Kansas Central due to a higher number of policy settlements in COLI.2019.

Cash Flows used in Financing Activities

CashEvergy's cash flows used in financing activities increased due principallydecreased $732.0 million year to our having issued $162.0date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
$1,628.7 million lessof common stock repurchased as a result of Evergy's share repurchase program in 2019;
a $450.0 million decrease in retirements of long-term debt, net due to Evergy Metro's repayment of VIEs,$400.0 million of 7.15%% Mortgage Bonds in April 2019 and Evergy Kansas South's repayment of its $300.0 million of 6.70% FMBs in June 2019; partially offset by Evergy Kansas Central's repayment of its $250.0 million of 5.10% FMBs in May 2020;
a $69.8 million payment for the settlement of an interest rate swap accounted for as a cash flow hedge of Evergy's $800.0 million of 2.90% Senior Notes issued $110.3in September 2019; and
a $24.9 million lessdecrease in the repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance primarily due to a higher number of policy settlements in 2019; partially offset by
a $1,484.7 million decrease in proceeds from long-term debt, net primarily due to Evergy's issuance of $800.0 million of 2.45% Senior Notes and $800.0 million of 2.90% Senior Notes in September 2019.
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EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The below results of operations and related discussion for Evergy Kansas Central is presented in a reduced disclosure format in accordance with General Instruction (H)(2)(a) to Form 10-Q.
The following table summarizes Evergy Kansas Central's comparative results of operations.
Year to Date September 302020Change2019
 (millions)
Operating revenues$1,864.5 $(66.8)$1,931.3 
Fuel and purchased power329.9 (45.4)375.3 
SPP network transmission costs197.8 9.1 188.7 
Operating and maintenance376.3 (20.1)396.4 
Depreciation and amortization339.0 7.7 331.3 
Taxes other than income tax145.1 (0.2)145.3 
Income from operations476.4 (17.9)494.3 
Other expense, net(12.2)1.7 (13.9)
Interest expense127.7 (6.4)134.1 
Income tax expense149.2 103.0 46.2 
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of income taxes3.4 (0.2)3.6 
Net income190.7 (113.0)303.7 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests8.7 (4.2)12.9 
Net income attributable to Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.$182.0 $(108.8)$290.8 
Evergy Kansas Central Utility Gross Margin and MWh Sales
The following table summarizes Evergy Kansas Central's utility gross margin and MWhs sold and provides a reconciliation of utility gross margin to income from operations.
 Revenues and ExpensesMWhs Sold
Year to Date September 302020Change20192020Change2019
Retail revenues(millions)(thousands)
Residential$627.5 $(12.9)$640.4 5,110 5,103 
Commercial511.0 (45.4)556.4 5,266 (407)5,673 
Industrial284.6 (23.9)308.5 3,911 (375)4,286 
Other retail revenues13.3 (2.5)15.8 31 (4)35 
Total electric retail1,436.4 (84.7)1,521.1 14,318 (779)15,097 
Wholesale revenues168.1 (14.4)182.5 5,775 184 5,591 
Transmission revenues215.2 9.7 205.5 N/AN/AN/A
Other revenues44.8 22.6 22.2 N/AN/AN/A
Operating revenues1,864.5 (66.8)1,931.3 20,093 (595)20,688 
Fuel and purchased power(329.9)45.4 (375.3)
SPP network transmission costs(197.8)(9.1)(188.7)
Utility gross margin (a)
1,336.8 (30.5)1,367.3 
Operating and maintenance(376.3)20.1 (396.4)
Depreciation and amortization(339.0)(7.7)(331.3)
Taxes other than income tax(145.1)0.2 (145.3)
Income from operations$476.4 $(17.9)$494.3 
(a)Utility gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure.  See explanation of utility gross margin under Evergy's Results of Operations.
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Evergy Kansas Central's utility gross margin decreased $30.5 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, driven by:
a $24.8 million decrease primarily due to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather (cooling degree days decreased 6% and heating degree days decreased 10%) and a decrease in weather-normalized commercial and industrial demand primarily due to temporary business closures resulting from government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand; and
a $5.7 million decrease related to Evergy Kansas Central's TDC rider in 2020.
Evergy Kansas Central Operating and Maintenance
Evergy Kansas Central's operating and maintenance expense decreased $20.1 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $23.4 million decrease in plant operating and maintenance expense at fossil-fuel generating units primarily due to an $11.2 million decrease from maintenance outages at JEC Unit 2 and La Cygne Unit 2 in the first half of 2019, an $8.4 million write-off of a regulatory asset for costs incurred during the JEC lease extension in the third quarter of 2019 and lower employee headcount in 2020;
an $11.9 million decrease in various administrative and general operating and maintenance expenses primarily driven by an $11.6 million decrease in labor and employee benefits expense that included lower employee headcount in 2020 and a $1.9 million decrease in property insurance expense due to a higher annual refund of nuclear insurance premiums received by Evergy Kansas Central related to its indirect ownership interest in Wolf Creek; and
a $9.1 million decrease in transmission and distribution operating and maintenance expense primarily due to lower labor expense in 2020; partially offset by
an $18.9 million increase in voluntary severance expenses due to a $15.5 million increase related to Evergy voluntary exit programs in 2020 and $3.4 million of voluntary severance expenses incurred in 2020 related to Wolf Creek voluntary exit programs.
Evergy Kansas Central Depreciation and Amortization
Evergy Kansas Central's depreciation and amortization expense increased $7.7 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by capital additions.
Evergy Kansas Central Interest Expense
Evergy Kansas Central's interest expense decreased $6.4 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $10.1 million decrease due to lower commercial paper issued $100.3balances and weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings in 2020; and
a $9.2 million lessdecrease due to the repayment of Evergy Kansas South's $300.0 million of 6.70% FMBs at maturity in long-term debtJune 2019; partially offset by
an $8.2 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $500.0 million of 3.45% FMBs in April 2020; and redeemed $75.0
a $6.1 million moreincrease due to the issuance of Evergy Kansas Central's $300.0 million of 3.25% FMBs in long-term debt. Partially offsetting these decreases was our having redeemed $163.5August 2019.
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Evergy Kansas Central Income Tax Expense
Evergy Kansas Central's income tax expense increased $103.0 million less in long-term debt of VIEs.

Pension Contribution

During the nine months endedyear to date September 30, 2017, we contributed $20.6 million2020, compared to the Westar Energy pension trust. We funded $12.0same period in 2019, primarily driven by a $109.0 million net increase due to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the second quarter of 2020 due to the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate, partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease due to lower deferred income tax expense on temporary differences due to the decrease in the Kansas corporate income tax rate in 2021 and a $2.7 million decrease due to lower pre-tax income in 2020.
See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate.
EVERGY METRO, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The below results of operations and related discussion for Evergy Metro is presented in a reduced disclosure format in accordance with General Instruction (H)(2)(a) to Form 10-Q.
The following table summarizes Evergy Metro's comparative results of operations.
Year to Date September 302020Change2019
 (millions)
Operating revenues$1,328.3 $(102.9)$1,431.2 
Fuel and purchased power306.0 (74.4)380.4 
Operating and maintenance305.7 (35.5)341.2 
Depreciation and amortization243.6 4.6 239.0 
Taxes other than income tax92.4 (3.9)96.3 
Income from operations380.6 6.3 374.3 
Other expense, net(13.8)(2.3)(11.5)
Interest expense85.5 (6.1)91.6 
Income tax expense5.1 (38.8)43.9 
Net income$276.2 $48.9 $227.3 
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Evergy Metro Utility Gross Margin and MWh Sales
The following table summarizes Evergy Metro's utility gross margin and MWhs sold and provides a reconciliation of utility gross margin to income from operations.
 Revenues and ExpensesMWhs Sold
Year to Date September 302020Change20192020Change2019
Retail revenues(millions)(thousands)
Residential$572.2 $(3.3)$575.5 4,249 (12)4,261 
Commercial558.1 (55.4)613.5 5,360 (468)5,828 
Industrial99.6 (7.1)106.7 1,279 (24)1,303 
Other retail revenues8.9 (3.4)12.3 54 (3)57 
Total electric retail1,238.8 (69.2)1,308.0 10,942 (507)11,449 
Wholesale revenues16.7 (38.0)54.7 3,690 (995)4,685 
Transmission revenues10.4 (3.6)14.0 N/AN/AN/A
Other revenues62.4 7.9 54.5 N/AN/AN/A
Operating revenues1,328.3 (102.9)1,431.2 14,632 (1,502)16,134 
Fuel and purchased power(306.0)74.4 (380.4)
Utility gross margin (a)
1,022.3 (28.5)1,050.8 
Operating and maintenance(305.7)35.5 (341.2)
Depreciation and amortization(243.6)(4.6)(239.0)
Taxes other than income tax(92.4)3.9 (96.3)
Income from operations$380.6 $6.3 $374.3 
(a)Utility gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure.  See explanation of utility gross margin under Evergy's Results of Operations.
Evergy Metro's utility gross margin decreased $28.5 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, driven by:
a $31.3 million decrease primarily due to lower retail sales driven by unfavorable weather (cooling degree days decreased 7% and heating degree days decreased 12%) and a decrease in weather-normalized commercial demand primarily due to temporary business closures resulting from government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, partially offset by an increase in weather-normalized residential demand; and
a $3.8 million decrease in revenue recognized for the MEEIA earnings opportunity in 2020 related to the achievement of certain customer energy savings levels in the second cycle of Evergy Metro's MEEIA program; partially offset by
a $3.4 million increase in MEEIA throughput disincentive in 2020 primarily driven by the cumulative amount of customer energy savings achieved in the second and third cycles of Evergy Metro's MEEIA program; and
a $3.2 million increase for recovery of programs costs for energy efficiency programs under MEEIA, which have a direct offset in operating and maintenance expense.
Evergy Metro Operating and Maintenance
Evergy Metro's operating and maintenance expense decreased $35.5 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $23.1 million decrease in transmission and distribution operating and maintenance expense primarily due to $11.7 million of costs incurred from storms that occurred in January 2019, a $3.1 million decrease due to the timing of vegetation management projects in 2020 and lower labor expense in 2020;
an $11.0 million decrease in various administrative and general operating and maintenance expenses primarily due to a $6.2 million decrease in credit loss expense due to lower levels of customer disconnections in 2020 and a $1.8 million decrease in property insurance expense due to a higher annual
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refund of nuclear insurance premiums received by Evergy Metro related to its ownership interest in Wolf Creek’s pension plan contributions duringCreek in the first quarter of 2020; and
a $10.8 million decrease in plant operating and maintenance expense at fossil-fuel generating units primarily driven by a $10.6 million decrease primarily due from outages at Hawthorn Station, Iatan Station and La Cygne Unit 2 and lower employee headcount in 2020; partially offset by
a $15.3 million increase in voluntary severance expenses due to an $11.9 million increase related to Evergy voluntary exit programs in 2020 and $3.4 million of voluntary severance expenses incurred in 2020 related to Wolf Creek voluntary exit programs; and
a $3.2 million increase in program costs for energy efficiency programs under MEEIA, which have a direct offset in revenue.
Evergy Metro Depreciation and Amortization
Evergy Metro's depreciation and amortization increased $4.6 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period.period in 2019, primarily driven by capital additions.

Evergy Metro Other Expense, Net


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From December 31, 2016, through Evergy Metro's other expense, net increased $2.3 million year to date September 30, 2017, our off-balance sheet arrangements did not change materially. For additional information, see our 2016 Form 10-K.2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:

a $4.4 million increase in pension non-service costs in 2020; partially offset by

a $3.2 million increase in equity AFUDC in 2020 primarily due to lower short-term borrowings.
Evergy Metro Interest Expense
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

From December 31, 2016, through Evergy Metro's interest expense decreased $6.1 million year to date September 30, 2017, our contractual obligations2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by:
a $4.6 million net decrease due to the repayment of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 7.15% Mortgage Bonds at maturity in April 2019, which decreased interest expense by $8.5 million, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase due to Evergy Metro's issuance of $400.0 million of 4.125% Mortgage Bonds in March 2019; and
a $2.9 million decrease due to lower commercial commitments did notpaper balances and weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings in 2020; partially offset by
a $3.1 million increase due to the issuance of Evergy Metro's $400.0 million of 2.25% Mortgage Bonds in May 2020.
Evergy Metro Income Tax Expense
Evergy Metro's income tax expense decreased $38.8 million year to date September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by a $32.2 million net decrease due to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the second quarter of 2020 due to the change materially outsidein the ordinary courseKansas corporate income tax rate and a $6.2 million decrease due to flow-through items primarily driven by higher amortization of business. For additional information, see our 2016 Form 10-K.excess deferred income taxes; partially offset by a $2.6 million increase due to higher pre-tax income in 2020.


OTHER INFORMATION

Changes in Prices

See Note 4 of13 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Rate Matters and Regulation,”consolidated financial statements for more information on our prices.    regarding the change in the Kansas corporate income tax rate.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” for information on accounting pronouncements.        


ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the ordinary course of business, Evergy faces risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include business, legal, operational and credit risks and are discussed elsewhere in this document as well as in the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K and therefore are not represented here.
We are exposed to
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Evergy's interim period disclosures about market risk includingincluded in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q address material changes, if any, from the most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K. Therefore, these interim period disclosures should be read in commodity prices, counterparty credit, interest rates, and debt and equity instrument values. From December 31, 2016, to September 30, 2017, no significant changes occurred in our market risk exposure. See “Item 7A.conjunction with Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”Risk included in our 2016the Evergy Companies' combined 2019 Form 10-K for additional information.10-K.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a setEVERGY
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Evergy carried out an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed(as defined in reports that we file or submitRules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reportsAct).  This evaluation was conducted under the Exchange Act is accumulatedsupervision, and communicated towith the participation, of Evergy's management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Asand Evergy's disclosure committee.  Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Evergy have concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report based onthat the disclosure controls and procedures of Evergy were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in Evergy’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Evergy Kansas Central carried out an evaluation carried outof its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  This evaluation was conducted under the supervision, and with the participation, of Evergy Kansas Central's management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of ourand Evergy Kansas Central's disclosure controls and procedures,committee.  Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of Evergy Kansas Central have concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report that ourthe disclosure controls and procedures of Evergy Kansas Central were effective.effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There werehas been no changeschange in ourEvergy Kansas Central’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the three monthsquarterly period ended September 30, 2017,2020, that has materially affected, or areis reasonably likely to materially affect, ourits internal control over financial reporting.



EVERGY METRO
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Evergy Metro carried out an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  This evaluation was conducted under the supervision, and with the participation, of Evergy Metro's management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and Evergy Metro's disclosure committee.  Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Evergy Metro have concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report that the disclosure controls and procedures of Evergy Metro were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in Evergy Metro’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting

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PART II.II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Other Proceedings
Information on legalThe Evergy Companies are parties to various lawsuits and regulatory proceedings is set forth in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  For information regarding material lawsuits and proceedings, see Notes 114 and 13 of11 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Commitments and Contingencies” and “Legal Proceedings,” respectively, which areconsolidated financial statements.  Such information is incorporated herein by reference.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our 2016 Form 10-K contains descriptionsActual results in future periods for the Evergy Companies could differ materially from historical results and the forward-looking statements contained in this report. The business of riskthe Evergy Companies is influenced by many factors relatingthat are difficult to us, as required bypredict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond their control. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that management currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect the Evergy Companies. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 503(c) of Regulation S-K. The risk factors under the heading “Risks Relating to the Pending Merger”1A, Risk Factors included in the 20162019 Form 10-K Item 1A. Risk Factors, were replaced with the risk factors contained in Item 1A. Risk Factors in ourfor each of Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro, as well as Quarterly ReportReports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro. Except as indicatedset forth below, orthere have been no material changes with regards to those risk factors. This information, as otherwise describedwell as the other information included in filings we make from time to timethis report and in the other documents filed with the SEC, should be carefully considered before making an investment in the securities of the Evergy Companies. Risk factors of Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro are also risk factors of Evergy.
The spread of COVID-19 and resulting impact on business and economic conditions could negatively affect the Evergy Companies' business and operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a significant impact on the way that the Evergy Companies conduct their operations and could adversely impact their results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity. Further, the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in efforts to contain the virus, such as quarantines, restrictions on travel, closures and reduced operations of businesses, governmental agencies and other institutions. The pandemic, along with the efforts to contain the virus, has caused and could continue to cause an economic slowdown or recession, result in significant disruptions or reductions in various public, commercial or industrial activities and cause employee absences, which could interfere with the Evergy Companies' operations or the operations of their customers. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruption and volatility in the financial markets in the first quarter of 2020 and in the event that further market disruptions occur, the Evergy Companies could experience an increase in their cost of capital or an impairment in their ability to access the capital markets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered electricity usage patterns, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, there were no materialan overall reduction in demand and shifting usage away from customers with relatively higher load requirements, such as industrial and commercial customers, toward customers with relatively lower load requirements, such as residential customers. These changes in our riskelectricity usage patterns, their duration and the extent to which some of these shifts could become long-term or permanent could result in a significant decrease in the Evergy Companies' sales of electricity.
The Evergy Companies have also incurred, and will continue to incur, expenses related to monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and modifying operations in response to the pandemic. In July 2020, the KCC authorized Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro to record to a regulatory asset all net incremental costs incurred with respect to their Kansas operations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for consideration in their next Kansas rate cases, which are expected to be completed no later than the end of 2023. Additionally, the KCC order states that the KCC will also consider granting the recovery of Evergy Kansas Central's and Evergy Metro's lost revenues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as part of their next Kansas rate cases. In October 2020, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West entered into a non-unanimous stipulation and agreement with the MPSC staff and other intervenors that would allow Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West to defer to a regulatory asset certain net incremental costs incurred associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for consideration in their next rate cases. A
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decision by the MPSC regarding the non-unanimous stipulation and agreement is expected in January 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, regulators might not allow for recovery of these amounts in a timely manner, or at all. In addition, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West elected into plant-in service accounting (PISA) in Missouri effective as of January 1, 2019, which, by law, requires each company to keep base rates constant for three years following Evergy Metro's and Evergy Missouri West's last general rate case. These and other factors may result in under-recovery of costs or failure to earn the authorized return on investment, or both.
The Evergy Companies have also temporarily implemented policies, and in the future may implement additional policies, that are intended to ease the financial burden of the pandemic on customers, such as temporarily extending payment options and offering incentives for customer payments on overdue balances as well as the elimination of late payment fees and disconnections for non-payment through July 15, 2020. There is also the possibility that legislation or regulations could be enacted at the federal or state level that would further restrict the Evergy Companies' ability to discontinue service to customers in the event of non-payment or to collect amounts owed from December 31, 2016, through September 30, 2017.

Pending litigation against us and Great Plains Energycustomers for service provided. These measures could result in an injunction preventingoverall increase in customer non-payment or delay in the consummationtimely receipt of customer payments, which could result in a significant increase in the Evergy Companies' credit loss expense or significant decrease in operating cash flows.
Evergy Kansas Central, Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West sell retail electric accounts receivable to independent outside investors as a source of liquidity. These arrangements include covenants that limit the extent to which accounts receivable can be delinquent or unpaid. A decrease in the amount of, or a delay in receiving, customer collections due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise could, absent a waiver or amendment, result in a breach of these accounts receivable financing arrangements and require the borrowers to repay any outstanding loans. Further, in 2020, the Evergy Companies have experienced lower retail electric sales as a result of decreases in weather-normalized commercial and industrial demand. To the extent that the Evergy Companies continue to experience lower electric sales, they may not have sufficient eligible receivables to maximize their borrowing capacity under their receivables sales facilities or could be required to repay additional portions of their borrowings under the facilities.
The Evergy Companies are planning to make significant capital expenditures in 2020 and beyond, and they regularly conduct maintenance on their facilities. The pandemic could disrupt the supply chains that provide services and equipment to the Evergy Companies as part of their capital expenditures or maintenance efforts. If the Evergy Companies' supply chains are disrupted, the Evergy Companies may be unable to perform necessary maintenance, which could result in increased costs as the Evergy Companies implement contingency plans to allow them to continue to operate. Supply chain interruptions may also increase the cost of maintenance and capital expenditures or result in the delay or cancellation of planned projects, any of which could have a material adverse impact on the Evergy Companies' results of operations.
The Evergy Companies also have a significant amount of NOLs, tax credits and other tax carryforwards that are recorded as deferred income tax assets on their balance sheets. These tax benefits have various expiration dates and other limitations on the extent to which the benefits can be realized. The Evergy Companies regularly assess their future ability to utilize tax benefits to determine whether a valuation allowance is necessary. A significant reduction in the Evergy Companies' taxable income due to the impacts of the proposed mergerCOVID-19 pandemic or otherwise could require the Evergy Companies to record a valuation allowance against a portion of those tax assets, which in turn reduces earnings, and the Evergy Companies may in general not be able to utilize these tax benefits.
Public reports have also indicated an increase in cyberattacks in general since the start of the pandemic due, in part, to the increase in the number of employees working remotely and the proliferation of the different ways in which employees and third parties interact with our information technology infrastructure. A successful attack could result in disruption to the Evergy Companies' generation, transmission and distribution systems or to the electrical grid in general, reduce sales and could increase the cost of insurance coverage or result in a decline in the U.S. economy.
Any of these circumstances, or other impacts of the pandemic, could adversely affect customer demand or revenues, impact the combined company’s business, financial conditionability of the Evergy Companies' suppliers, vendors or contractors to perform, or cause other
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unpredictable events, which could have a significant adverse impact on the results of operations, following the merger.

Following the announcementfinancial condition, liquidity and cash flows of the original merger agreement, a putative derivative lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Shawnee County, Kansas against the members of our board of directors, Great Plains Energy and a subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, alleging breaches of various fiduciary duties by members of our board of directors in connection with the original proposed transaction and alleging that Great Plains Energy and a subsidiary of Great Plains Energy aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The putative derivative petition was refiled in October 2017. Also following the announcement of the original merger agreement, two putative class action lawsuits (which were consolidated and superseded by a consolidated complaint) were filed in the District Court of Shawnee County, Kansas against Westar Energy, the members of our board of directors and Great Plains Energy, alleging breaches of various fiduciary duties by the members of our board of directors in connection with the proposed merger and alleging that we and Great Plains Energy aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. In September 2017, the lead plaintiffs moved to amend the class action petition with allegations similar to those made regarding the original merger agreement but focusing on the revised merger. Also in September 2017, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas challenging the merger and alleged disclosure violations under sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. In October 2017, another putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. This federal class action complaint challenges the merger and alleges violations of sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act.Evergy Companies.

Among other remedies, the plaintiffs seek to enjoin the proposed transaction, rescind the merger agreement, remedy alleged disclosure deficiencies, and unspecified damages and reimbursement of costs. The outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, and we cannot predict how existing litigation will progress, or whether additional claims may result from the amended and restated merger agreement. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the merger closes may adversely affect the combined company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. See Note 13 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Legal Proceedings,” for additional information.


ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
Available Information
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at sec.gov. Additionally, information about the Evergy Companies, including their combined annual reports on Form 10-K, combined quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with the SEC, is also available through the Evergy Companies' website, www.evergy.com. Such reports are accessible at no charge and are made available as soon as reasonably practical after such material is filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Investors should note that wethe Evergy Companies announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidance, we mayguidelines, the Evergy Companies also use the Investor Relations section of ourtab on their website, (http://www.WestarEnergy.com, under “Investors”)www.evergy.com, to communicate with investors about our company.investors. It is possible that the financial and other information we postposted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on ourEvergy's website is not part of this document.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Registrant
31.1Evergy
31.2Evergy
101.INS31.3Evergy Metro
31.4Evergy Metro
31.5Evergy Kansas Central
31.6Evergy Kansas Central
32.1*Evergy
32.2*Evergy Metro
32.3*Evergy Kansas Central
101.INS**XBRL Instance DocumentDocument.n/a
101.SCH
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentDocument.Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro
101.CAL
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentDocument.Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro
101.DEF
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentDocument.Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro
101.LAB
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension LabelLabels Linkbase DocumentDocument.Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro
101.PRE
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentDocument.Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro
+ The disclosure letters and related schedules to
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the agreement have been omitted. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any such schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.Inline XBRL document).Evergy
Evergy Kansas Central
Evergy Metro

* Furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such document shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless otherwise indicated in such registration statement or other document.
SIGNATURE** The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

Copies of any of the exhibits filed with the SEC in connection with this document may be obtained from Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central or Evergy Metro, as applicable, upon written request.
The registrants agree to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt as to which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of total assets of such registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant hasEvergy, Inc., Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. and Evergy Metro, Inc. have duly caused this report to be signed on itstheir behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WESTAR ENERGY,EVERGY, INC.
Date:Dated:November 4, 2020October 31, 2017
By:
/s/ Anthony D. Somma
(Anthony D. Somma)
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC.
Dated:November 4, 2020
By:  /s/ Anthony D. Somma
(Anthony D. Somma)
Senior(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and TreasurerOfficer)

EVERGY METRO, INC.
Dated:November 4, 2020
By:  /s/ Anthony D. Somma
(Anthony D. Somma)
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)

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