UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
001-303475-0575400
(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
(Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Officers and Telephone Number)
Southwestern Public Service Company
New Mexico
790 South Buchanan StreetSouthwestern Public Service Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Mexico001-303475-0575400
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
790 South Buchanan StreetAmarilloTexas79101
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
303571-7511
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
N/A
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
N/A N/A N/A
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  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 andof 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).   Yes   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer 
Non-accelerated Filer Smaller Reporting Company 
   Emerging growth company 
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 Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes    No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Aug. 1, 2019May 7, 2020
Common Stock, $1.00 par value 100 shares
Southwestern Public Service Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) to such Form 10-Q.
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item l     —
 
 
 
 
Item 2    —
Item 4    —
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1    —
Item 1A  —
Item 6    —
   
  
Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

This Form 10-Q is filed by Southwestern Public Service Company, a New Mexico corporation (SPS). SPS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc.  Additional information on Xcel Energy is available in various filings with the SEC. This report should be read in its entirety.





ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMSDefinitions of Abbreviations
Xcel Energy Inc.’s Subsidiaries and Affiliates (current and former)
NSP-MinnesotaNorthern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
NSP-WisconsinNorthern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation
PSCoPublic Service Company of Colorado
SPSSouthwestern Public Service Company
Utility subsidiariesNSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS
Xcel EnergyXcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries
  
Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
D.C. CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
DOEDepartment of Energy
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
IRSInternal Revenue Service
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
NMPRCNew Mexico Public Regulation Commission
NMSCNew Mexico Supreme Court
PUCTPublic Utility Commission of Texas
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
  
Electric and Resource Adjustment Clauses
DSMDemand side management
TCRFTransmission cost recovery factor (recovers transmission infrastructure improvement costs and changes in wholesale transmission charges)
Other Terms and Abbreviations
ACEAffordable Clean Energy
ADITAccumulated deferred income tax
AFUDCAllowance for funds used during construction
ALJAdministrative Law Judge
ASCFASB Accounting Standards Codification
ASUFASB Accounting Standards Update
ATRRAnnual transmission revenue requirement
AXMAlliance of Xcel Municipalities
C&ICommercial and Industrial
CEOChief executive officer
CFOChief financial officer
COVID-19Novel coronavirus
DSMDemand side management
ETREffective tax rate
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FTRFinancial transmission right
GAAPGenerally accepted accounting principles
IPPIndependent power producers
NAVNet asset value
NOLNet operating loss
O&MOperating and maintenance
OATTOpen access transmission tariff
OPUCOffice of Public Utility Counsel
PPAPurchased powerPower purchase agreement
PTCProduction tax credit

ROEReturn on equity
ROUROFRRight-of-useRight of first refusal
RTORegional Transmission Organization
SPPSouthwest Power Pool, Inc.
TIECTexas Industrial Energy Consumers
TCJA2017 federal tax reform enacted as Public Law No: 115-97, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
VIEVariable interest entity
Measurements
MWMegawatts
MWhMegawatt hours


Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements, assumptions and other statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information. The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other securities filings (including SPS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2018,2019, and subsequent securities filings), could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: changes in environmental lawsuncertainty around the impacts and regulations; climate changeduration of the COVID-19 pandemic; operational safety; successful long-term operational planning; commodity risks associated with energy markets and other weather, natural disasterproduction; rising energy prices and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislativefuel costs; qualified employee work force and regulatory changes;third-party contractor factors; ability to recover costs, from customers;changes in regulation; reductions in our credit ratings and the costscost of maintaining certain contractual relationships; general economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations and their impact on capital expenditures and the ability of SPS to obtain financing on favorable terms; availability or cost of capital; our customers’ and counterparties’ ability to pay their debts to us; assumptions and costs relating to funding our employee benefit plans and health care benefits; tax laws; operational safety; successful long-term operational planning; commodity risks associated with energy markets and production; rising energy prices; costs of potential regulatory penalties; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; cyber security threats and data security breaches; fuel costs; and employee work force and third party contractor factors.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as certain non-GAAP financial measures such as electric margin. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are adjusted from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
SPS’ management uses non-GAAP measures internally for financial planning and analysis, for reporting of results to the Board of Directors, and when communicating its earnings outlook to analysts and investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance and should not be considered alternatives for financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are discussed in more detail below and may not be comparable to other companies’ similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures.
Electric Margins
Electric margin is presented as electric revenues less electric fuel and purchased power expenses. Expenses incurred for electric fuel and purchased power are generally recovered through various recovery mechanisms, and as a result,seasonal weather patterns; changes in these expenses are offset in operating revenues. Management believes electric margin provides the most meaningful basis for evaluating our operations because they exclude the revenue impactenvironmental laws and regulations; climate change and other weather; natural disaster and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislative and regulatory changes; and costs of fluctuations in these expenses.potential regulatory penalties.
These margins can be reconciled to operating income, a GAAP measure, by including operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, demand side management (DSM) expenses, depreciation and amortization, and taxes (other than income taxes).

PART 1IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
ItemITEM 1FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31
2019 2018 2019 20182020 2019
Operating revenues$410.5
 $481.3
 $864.6
 $928.6
$395.0
 $454.1
          
Operating expenses          
Electric fuel and purchased power179.9
 257.6
 410.8
 511.6
187.8
 230.9
Operating and maintenance expenses70.1
 66.1
 142.5
 132.2
69.6
 72.4
Demand side management expenses3.8
 4.8
 8.4
 8.9
3.9
 4.6
Depreciation and amortization57.8
 49.6
 111.0
 98.0
59.1
 53.2
Taxes (other than income taxes)17.0
 15.6
 35.5
 33.3
21.3
 18.5
Total operating expenses328.6
 393.7
 708.2
 784.0
341.7
 379.6
          
Operating income81.9
 87.6
 156.4
 144.6
53.3
 74.5
          
          
Other income (expense), net0.5
 (0.8) 0.9
 (1.5)
Other (expense) income, net(2.0) 0.4
          
Allowance for funds used during construction — equity8.7
 3.2
 19.0
 6.6
5.9
 10.3
          
Interest charges and financing costs          
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of
$0.8, $0.7, $1.6 and $1.4 respectively
25.6
 20.6
 50.0
 40.7
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of
$0.9 and $0.8, respectively
24.2
 24.4
Allowance for funds used during construction — debt(4.2) (1.5) (8.7) (3.3)(2.6) (4.5)
Total interest charges and financing costs21.4
 19.1
 41.3
 37.4
21.6
 19.9
          
Income before income taxes69.7
 70.9
 135.0
 112.3
35.6
 65.3
Income taxes10.9
 12.4
 22.1
 20.7
Income tax (benefit) expense(7.1) 11.2
Net income$58.8
 $58.5
 $112.9
 $91.6
$42.7
 $54.1
   
See Notes to Financial StatementsSee Notes to Financial Statements

See Notes to Financial Statements

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions)
  Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income $58.8
 $58.5
 $112.9
 $91.6
         
Other comprehensive income  
    
  
         
Derivative instruments:  
  
  
  
Reclassification of losses to net income, net of tax of $0 0.1
 
 0.1
 
         
Other comprehensive income 0.1
 
 0.1
 
Comprehensive income $58.9
 $58.5
 $113.0
 $91.6

See Notes to Financial Statements


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions)
Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Operating activities   
   
Net income$112.9
 $91.6
$42.7
 $54.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Depreciation and amortization112.1
 98.1
59.7
 53.8
Demand side management program amortization
 0.8
Deferred income taxes3.3
 (2.3)0.5
 11.0
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(19.0) (6.6)(5.9) (10.3)
Net derivative losses(1.4) 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable(1.3) (25.3)(2.4) (1.3)
Accrued unbilled revenues(11.3) 2.3
11.7
 0.2
Inventories(9.9) 7.9
(6.6) (6.8)
Prepayments and other5.2
 0.7
(5.1) (5.4)
Accounts payable(24.5) 0.6
(1.4) (9.3)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities37.0
 46.2
18.2
 (1.2)
Other current liabilities1.1
 13.9
(14.9) (16.7)
Pension and other employee benefit obligations(16.3) (7.9)(15.0) (15.9)
Other, net0.5
 
1.1
 0.3
Change in other noncurrent assets(0.3) 4.4
Change in other noncurrent liabilities0.5
 (0.5)
Net cash provided by operating activities190.0
 223.9
81.2
 52.5
      
Investing activities 
  
 
  
Utility capital/construction expenditures(364.2) (471.7)(192.5) (179.6)
Investments in utility money pool arrangement(100.0) (46.0)(4.0) 
Repayments from utility money pool arrangement
 111.0
4.0
 
Net cash used in investing activities(464.2) (406.7)(192.5) (179.6)
      
Financing activities 
  
 
  
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net(42.0) 132.0
Proceeds from (repayments of) from issuance of long-term debt, net292.8
 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net40.0
 95.0
Borrowings under utility money pool arrangement283.0
 180.0
239.0
 100.0
Repayments under utility money pool arrangement(283.0) (80.0)(139.0) (62.0)
Capital contributions from parent378.8
 0.4
31.4
 5.8
Dividends paid to parent(137.7) (60.1)(74.3) (55.1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities491.9
 172.3
Other, net(0.4) (0.1)
Net cash provided by financing activities96.7
 83.6
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents217.7
 (10.5)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period44.0
 10.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$261.7
 $0.4
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(14.6) (43.5)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period16.2
 44.0
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$1.6
 $0.5
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
  
 
  
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(39.9) $(36.7)$(17.5) $(18.9)
Cash paid for income taxes, net
 (7.6)(2.1) (4.9)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions: 
  
 
  
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$68.6
 $43.3
$56.5
 $68.5
Inventory transfer additions in PPE12.6
 11.2
5.7
 6.4
Operating lease right-of-use assets548.3
 

 548.3
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
19.0
 6.6
5.9
 10.3

See Notes to Financial Statements

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions, except share and per share data)
June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Assets      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$261.7
 $44.0
$1.6
 $16.2
Accounts receivable, net93.3
 90.7
86.5
 92.7
Accounts receivable from affiliates5.3
 10.5
13.5
 4.2
Investments in utility money pool arrangement100.0
 
Accrued unbilled revenues125.7
 114.5
103.1
 115.1
Inventories31.2
 33.9
31.9
 31.0
Regulatory assets23.8
 26.0
21.0
 20.0
Derivative instruments25.5
 17.8
18.1
 15.0
Prepaid taxes
 14.2
3.5
 0.8
Prepayments and other19.8
 10.7
23.6
 21.4
Total current assets686.3
 362.3
302.8
 316.4
      
      
Property, plant and equipment, net6,228.5
 5,946.4
6,774.8
 6,631.6
      
Other assets 
  
 
  
Regulatory assets361.3
 366.2
371.8
 364.0
Derivative instruments14.2
 15.8
13.3
 12.6
Operating lease right-of-use assets535.5
 
515.8
 522.4
Other5.0
 5.1
3.3
 3.9
Total other assets916.0
 387.1
904.2
 902.9
Total assets$7,830.8
 $6,695.8
$7,981.8
 $7,850.9
      
Liabilities and Equity 
  
 
  
Current liabilities 
  
 
  
Short-term debt$
 $42.0
$40.0
 $
Borrowings under utility money pool arrangement100.0
 
Accounts payable160.4
 191.8
167.6
 168.1
Accounts payable to affiliates15.9
 19.9
27.2
 20.4
Regulatory liabilities136.9
 85.8
139.5
 118.1
Taxes accrued44.6
 41.6
20.3
 40.4
Accrued interest25.8
 25.8
29.3
 26.2
Dividends payable to parent48.3
 45.2
47.6
 46.3
Derivative instruments3.8
 3.6
3.6
 3.7
Current obligation under operating lease27.4
 26.9
Other50.8
 28.3
31.3
 30.7
Total current liabilities486.5
 484.0
633.8
 480.8
      
Deferred credits and other liabilities 
  
 
  
Deferred income taxes634.5
 619.1
677.7
 671.8
Regulatory liabilities749.2
 780.9
726.5
 732.3
Asset retirement obligations49.3
 32.4
78.2
 77.3
Derivative instruments14.6
 16.4
11.9
 12.8
Pension and employee benefit obligations76.2
 92.4
51.9
 67.0
Operating lease liabilities509.0
 
488.4
 495.3
Other8.3
 7.9
9.8
 9.4
Total deferred credits and other liabilities2,041.1
 1,549.1
2,044.4
 2,065.9
      
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

Capitalization 
  
 
  
Long-term debt2,419.5
 2,126.1
2,420.1
 2,419.7
Common stock — 200 shares authorized of $1.00 par value; 100 shares outstanding at
June 30, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2018, respectively

 
Common stock — 200 shares authorized of $1.00 par value; 100 shares outstanding at
March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2019, respectively

 
Additional paid in capital2,307.3
 1,932.3
2,382.9
 2,350.9
Retained earnings577.7
 605.7
502.0
 535.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1.3) (1.4)(1.4) (1.4)
Total common stockholder’s equity2,883.7
 2,536.6
2,883.5
 2,884.5
Total liabilities and equity$7,830.8
 $6,695.8
$7,981.8
 $7,850.9
See Notes to Financial Statements

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions, except share data)

 Common Stock Issued Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Common
Stockholders’
Equity
 Shares Par Value Additional Paid In Capital   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018           
Balance at March 31, 2018100
 $
 $1,590.2
 $541.4
 $(1.5) $2,130.1
Net income      58.5
   58.5
Dividends declared to parent      (30.7)   (30.7)
Contributions of capital by parent    1.2
     1.2
Balance at June 30, 2018100
 $

$1,591.4

$569.2

$(1.5)
$2,159.1
            
Balance at March 31, 2019100
 $

$1,932.3
 $602.3
 $(1.4) $2,533.2
Net income      58.8
   58.8
Other comprehensive income        0.1
 0.1
Dividends declared to parent      (83.4)   (83.4)
Contributions of capital by parent    375.0
     375.0
Balance at June 30, 2019100
 $
 $2,307.3
 $577.7
 $(1.3) $2,883.7
            
See Notes to Financial Statements
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in millions, except share data)
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in millions, except share data)

Common Stock Issued Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Common
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares Par Value Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Issued Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Common
Stockholders’
Equity
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018           
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017100
 $
 $1,590.2
 $541.6
 $(1.5) $2,130.3
Shares Par Value Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Common
Stockholders’
Equity
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019      
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018100
 $
 $1,932.3
 $605.7
 $(1.4) $2,536.6
Net income      54.1
   54.1
Dividends declared to parent      (57.5)   (57.5)
Balance at March 31, 2019100
 $
 $1,932.3
 $602.3
 $(1.4) $2,533.2
           
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019100
 $
 $2,350.9
 $535.0
 $(1.4) $2,884.5
Net income      91.6
   91.6
      42.7
   42.7
Dividends declared to parent      (64.0)   (64.0)      (75.6)   (75.6)
Contributions of capital by parent
 
 1.2
     1.2
    32.0
     32.0
Balance at June 30, 2018100
 $
 $1,591.4
 $569.2
 $(1.5) $2,159.1
           
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018100
 $
 $1,932.3
 $605.7
 $(1.4) $2,536.6
Net income      112.9
   112.9
Other comprehensive income        0.1
 0.1
Dividends declared to parent      (140.9)   (140.9)
Contributions of capital by parent    375.0
     375.0
Balance at June 30, 2019100
 $
 $2,307.3
 $577.7
 $(1.3) $2,883.7
Adoption of ASC Topic 326    
 (0.1)   (0.1)
Balance at March 31, 2020100
 $
 $2,382.9
 $502.0
 $(1.4) $2,883.5
                      
See Notes to Financial Statements



SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Notes to Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP),U.S. GAAP, the financial position of SPS as of June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018;2019; the results of its operations, including the components of net income and comprehensive income, and changechanges in stockholder’s equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018;2019; and its cash flows for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.2019. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 up to the date of issuance of these financial statements. These statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation. The Dec. 31, 20182019 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 20182019 financial statements included in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018.2019. These notes to the financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP on an annual basis have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto, included in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018,2019, filed with the SEC on Feb. 22, 2019.21, 2020. Due to the seasonality of SPS’ electric sales, interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.
1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the financial statements in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018,2019, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.
2.Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued
Credit Losses In 2016, the FASB issued Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 326 (ASC Topic 326), which changes how entities account for losses on receivables and certain other assets. The guidance requires use of a current expected credit loss model, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous accounting standards. ASC Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2019, and will be applied on a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of Jan. 1, 2020. SPS is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the new standard on its financial statements.
Recently Adopted
LeasesCredit Losses In 2016, the FASB issued LeasesFinancial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 326 (ASC Topic 326), Topic 842(ASC Topic 842), which provides newchanges how entities account for losses on receivables and certain other assets. The guidance requires use of a current expected credit loss model, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous accounting and disclosure guidance for leasing activities, most significantly requiring that operating leases be recognized on the balance sheet. standards.
SPS adoptedimplemented the guidance on Jan. 1, 2019 utilizing the packageusing a modified-retrospective approach, recognizing a cumulative effect charge of transition practical expedients provided by the new standard, including carrying forward prior conclusions on whether agreements existing before the adoption date contain leases and whether existing leases are operating or finance leases; ASC Topic 842 refers$0.1 million (after tax) to capital leases as finance leases.
Specifically for land easement contracts, SPS has elected the practical expedient provided by ASU No. 2018-01 Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, and as a result, only those easement contracts entered on or after Jan. 1, 2019 will be evaluated to determine if lease treatment is appropriate.
SPS also utilized the transition practical expedient offered by ASU No. 2018-11 Leases: Targeted Improvements to implement the standard on a prospective basis. As a result, reporting periods in the financial statements beginning Jan. 1, 2019 reflect the implementation of ASC Topic 842, while prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with Leases, Topic 840 (ASC Topic 840).retained earnings. Other than first-time recognition of operating leasesan allowance for doubtful accounts on its balance sheet,accrued unbilled revenues, the implementationJan. 1, 2020 adoption of ASC Topic 842326 did not have a significant impact on SPS’ financial statements. Adoption resulted in recognition of approximately $0.5 billion of operating lease ROU assets and current/noncurrent operating lease liabilities. See Note 9 for leasing disclosures.
3.Selected Balance Sheet Data
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable, net    
Accounts receivable $98.6
 $96.3
Less allowance for bad debts (5.3) (5.6)
  $93.3
 $90.7

(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018
Inventories    
Materials and supplies $24.3
 $25.7
Fuel 6.9
 8.2
  $31.2
 $33.9
(Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable, net    
Accounts receivable $92.4
 $98.0
Less allowance for bad debts (5.9) (5.3)
Accounts receivable, net $86.5
 $92.7

(Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories    
Materials and supplies $26.2
 $24.7
Fuel 5.7
 6.3
Total inventories $31.9
 $31.0

(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net        
Electric plant $8,241.0
 $7,227.7
 $8,502.1
 $8,453.0
Construction work in progress 207.4
 847.3
 616.9
 485.4
Total property, plant and equipment 8,448.4
 8,075.0
 9,119.0
 8,938.4
Less accumulated depreciation (2,219.9) (2,128.6) (2,344.2) (2,306.8)
Total $6,228.5
 $5,946.4
Property, plant and equipment, net $6,774.8
 $6,631.6


4. Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments
Short-Term Borrowings
SPS meets its short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its credit facility and the money pool.
Money Pool — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries have established a money pool arrangement that allows for short-term investments in and borrowings between the utility subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc. may make investments in the utility subsidiaries at market-based interest rates; however, the money pool arrangement does not allow the utility subsidiaries to make investments in Xcel Energy Inc.
Money pool borrowings for SPS were as follows:

(Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2019
Borrowing limit $100
 $100
 $100
 $100
Amount outstanding at period end 
 
 100
 
Average amount outstanding 13
 29
 28
 8
Maximum amount outstanding 89
 100
 100
 100
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.45% 1.96% 1.21% 2.42%
Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A
 N/A
 1.15
 N/A

Commercial Paper — Commercial paper outstanding for SPS was as follows:
(Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2019
Borrowing limit $500
 $400
 $500
 $500
Amount outstanding at period end 
 42
 40
 
Average amount outstanding 202
 30
 64
 72
Maximum amount outstanding 316
 144
 146
 316
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.68% 2.27% 1.94% 2.68%
Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A
 2.80
 2.20
 N/A

Letters of Credit — SPS uses letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations. At June 30, 2019both March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018,2019, there were $2 million of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. The contract amounts of these letters of credit approximate their fair value and are subject to fees.

Revolving Credit Facility — In order to use its commercial paper program to fulfill short-term funding needs, SPS must have a revolving credit facility in place at least equal to the amount of its commercial paper borrowing limit and cannot issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount exceeding available capacity under this credit facility. The line of credit provides short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings.
As of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, SPS had the following committed revolving credit facility available (in millions of dollars):
Credit Facility (a)
Credit Facility (a)
 
Outstanding (b)
 Available
Credit Facility (a)
 
Outstanding (b)
 Available
$500
 $2
 $498
500
 $42
 $458
(a) 
This credit facility expires in June 2024.
(b) 
Includes outstanding letters of credit.
SPS has the right to request an extension of the revolving credit facility termination date for 2 additional one year periods. All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval.
All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facility. SPS had no0 direct advances on the credit facility outstanding as of June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018.
Long-Term Borrowings
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, SPS issued $300 million of 3.75% first mortgage bonds due June 15, 2049.2019.
5. Revenues
Revenue is classified by the type of goods/services rendered and market/customer type. SPS’ operating revenues consists of the following:
  Three Months Ended
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 June 30, 2018
Major revenue types    
Revenue from contracts with customers:    
Residential $70.4
 $85.1
C&I 191.4
 200.8
Other 9.9
 11.3
Total retail 271.7
 297.2
Wholesale 72.0
 115.6
Transmission 60.0
 59.0
Other 0.4
 2.9
Total revenue from contracts with customers 404.1
 474.7
Alternative revenue and other 6.4
 6.6
Total revenues $410.5
 $481.3
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 June 30, 2018 March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019
Major revenue types        
Revenue from contracts with customers:        
Residential $158.5
 $165.2
 $72.9
 $88.1
C&I 397.2
 396.5
 169.1
 205.8
Other 19.5
 21.0
 7.9
 9.6
Total retail 575.2
 582.7
 249.9
 303.5
Wholesale 156.8
 208.9
 73.2
 84.8
Transmission 117.4
 114.6
 62.6
 57.4
Other 1.4
 10.4
 0.6
 1.0
Total revenue from contracts with customers 850.8
 916.6
 386.3
 446.7
Alternative revenue and other 13.8
 12.0
 8.7
 7.4
Total revenues $864.6
 $928.6
 $395.0
 $454.1

6.Income Taxes
Except to the extent noted below, Note 7 to the financial statements included in SPS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 20182019 represents, in all material respects, the current status of other income tax matters except to the extent noted below, and are incorporated herein by reference.
The following table reconciles the difference between the statutory rate and the ETR:
 Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018 2020 2019
Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
State tax (net of federal tax effect) 2.1
 2.4
 2.3
 2.1
Increases (decreases) in tax from: 
 
Decreases in tax from: 
 
Wind PTCs (35.7) 
Plant regulatory differences (a)
 (4.8) (4.4) (6.1) (4.6)
Prior period adjustments (0.7) (0.2)
Other tax credits (net) (0.6) (0.8)
Wind PTCs (0.2) 
Other tax credits, net of NOL & tax credit allowances (0.7) (0.6)
Other (net) (0.4) 0.4
 (0.7) (0.7)
Effective income tax rate 16.4 % 18.4 % (19.9)% 17.2 %
(a)
Regulatory differences for income tax primarily relate to the flow backcredit of excess deferred taxes to customers through the average rate assumption method and the impact of AFUDC - Equity. Year-to-date variations primarily relates to the deferral of the flow back of excess deferred taxes in 2018, as a result of pending regulatory decisions. Treatment of most tax reform items was established prior to the first quarter of 2019, resulting in a reduction in deferred amounts.method. Income tax benefits associated with the flow backcredit of excess deferred credits are offset by corresponding revenue reductions.

Federal Audits — SPS is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return. Statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s federal income tax returns expire as follows:
Tax Year(s)Years Expiration
2009 - 2013 JuneSeptember 2020
2014 - 2016 September 2020
2017SeptemberJune 2021

In 2015, the IRS commenced an examination of tax years 2012 and 2013. In 2017, the IRS concluded the audit of tax years 2012 and 2013 and proposed an adjustment that would impact Xcel Energy’s NOL and ETR. Xcel Energy filed a protest with the IRS. As of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the case has been forwarded to the Office of Appeals and Xcel Energy has recognized its best estimate of income tax expense that will result from a final resolution of this issue; however, the outcome and timing of a resolution is unknown.
In 2018, the IRS began an audit of tax years 2014 - 2016. As of June 30, 2019 noMarch 31, 2020 0 adjustments have been proposed.
State Audits — SPS is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated state income tax returns. As of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, SPS’ earliest open tax year that is subject to examination by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2009. There are currently no state income tax audits in progress.
Unrecognized Benefits — Unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual ETR. In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment to the taxing authority to an earlier period.
Unrecognized tax benefits - permanent vs temporary:
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $3.3
 $3.0
 $3.8
 $3.7
Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
Total unrecognized tax benefit $4.8
 $4.5
 $5.3
 $5.2

Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards:
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
NOL and tax credit carryforwards $(4.1) $(3.8) $(4.6) $(4.4)


Net deferred tax liability associated with the unrecognized tax benefit amounts and related NOLs and tax credits carryforwards were $1.1$1.6 million and $0.8$1.4 million at June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018,2019, respectively.
As the IRS Appeals and federal audit progress and state audits resume, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could decrease up to approximately $3.6$3.7 million in the next 12 months.
Payables for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits were not material and no0 amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or Dec. 31, 2018.2019.
7.Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value Measurements
The accountingAccounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities and requires disclosure about assets and liabilities
measured at fair value.value is established by this guidance.
Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices.prices;
Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs.inputs; and
Level 3 — Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation.
Specific valuation methods include:
Cash equivalents — The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted NAVs.NAV.
Interest rate derivatives The fair values of interest rate derivatives are based on broker quotes that utilize current market interest rate forecasts.
Commodity derivatives The methods used to measure the fair value of commodity derivative forwards and options generally utilize observable forward prices and volatilities, as well as observable pricing adjustments for specific delivery locations and are generally assigned a Level 2 classification. When contractual settlements relate to inactive delivery locations for which pricing is relatively unobservable, or extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers, the significance of the use of less observable inputsforecasts of forward prices and volatilities on a valuation is evaluated, and may result in Level 3 classification.
Electric commodity derivatives held by SPS include transmission congestion instruments, generally referred to as FTRs, purchased from SPP. FTRs purchased from an RTO are financial instruments that entitle or obligate the holder to monthly revenues or charges based on transmission congestion across a given transmission path. The value of an FTR is derived from and designed to offset, the cost of transmission congestion. In addition to overall transmission load, congestion is also influenced by the operating schedules of power plants and the consumption of electricity pertinent to a given transmission path. Unplanned plant outages, scheduled plant maintenance, changes in the relative costs of fuels used in generation, weather and overall changes in demand for electricity can each impact the operating schedules of the power plants on the transmission grid and the value of an FTR.
If forecasted costs of electric transmission congestion increase or decrease for a given FTR path, the value of that particular FTR instrument will likewise increase or decrease. Given the limited observability of important inputs to the value of FTRs between auction processes, including expected plant operating schedules and retail and wholesale demand, fair value measurements for FTRs have been assigned a Level 3. Non-trading monthly FTR settlements are expected to be recovered through fuel and purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms, and therefore changes in the fair value of the yet to be settled portions of FTRs are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. Given this regulatory treatment and the limited magnitude of FTRs relative to the electric utility operations of SPS, the numerous unobservable quantitative inputs pertinent to the value of FTRs are insignificant to the financial statements of SPS.




Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements
SPS enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, for trading purposes and to manage risk in connection with changes in interest rates and electric utility commodity prices.
Interest Rate Derivatives — SPS may enter into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period. These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.
As of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, accumulated other comprehensive loss related to interest rate derivatives included $0.1 million of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the related hedged interest rate transactions impact earnings, including forecasted amounts for unsettled hedges, as applicable.
Wholesale and Commodity Trading Risk — SPS conducts various wholesale and commodity trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electric capacity, energy and energy-related instruments, including derivatives. SPS is allowed to conduct these activities within guidelines and limitations as approved by its risk management committee, comprised of management personnel not directly involved in the activities governed by this policy.
Commodity Derivatives — SPS enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric utility operations. This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products and FTRs.
(Amounts in Millions) (a)
 June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
Mwh of electricity 15.5
 5.5
MWh of electricity 8.1
 6.4
(a) 
Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities.

Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations — SPS continuously monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to its interest rate derivatives and commodity derivative contracts prior to settlement, and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts. Impact of credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives presented in the balance sheets.
SPS’ most significant concentrations of credit risk with particular entities or industries are contracts with counterparties to its wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities.

At June 30, 2019, oneMarch 31, 2020, 2 of the seven10 most significant counterparties for these activities, comprising $10.1$11.5 million, or 25%32%, of this credit exposure, had investment grade ratings from S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services or Fitch Ratings. FiveNaN of the seven10 most significant counterparties, comprising $7.9$23.3 million, or 20%65%, of this credit exposure, were not rated by external rating agencies, but based on SPS’ internal analysis, had credit quality consistent with investment grade. OneNaN of these significant counterparties, comprising $0.3$0.6 million or 1%2% of this credit exposure, had credit quality less than investment grade, based on external analysis. SixNaN of these significant counterparties are municipal or cooperative electric entities, RTOs or other utilities.
Impact of Derivative Activities on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — Pre-taxThere were 0 and immaterial pre-tax losses related to interest rate derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings were immaterial for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018.respectively.
Changes in the fair value of FTRs resulting in pre-tax net gains of $9.9$0.1 million and $4.6$6.3 million were recognized for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, , respectively, which were reclassified as regulatory assets and liabilities. There were $13.0 million and $13.4 million of net gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on expected recovery of FTR settlements through fuel and purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms.
FTR settlement lossesgains of $0.2$2.8 million and immaterial gains were recognized for both the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were recorded to electric fuel and purchased power. There were $3.9 million and $3.4 million of FTR settlement gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. These derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.
SPS had no0 derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.



2019.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements — SPS’ derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
 Fair Value       Fair Value       Fair Value       Fair Value      
(Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total
Current derivative assets                                                
Other derivative instruments:                                                
Electric commodity $
 $
 $22.7
 $22.7
 $(0.3) $22.4
 $
 $
 $14.9
 $14.9
 $(0.2) $14.7
 $
 $
 $14.9
 $14.9
 $
 $14.9
 $
 $
 $11.8
 $11.8
 $
 $11.8
Total current derivative assets $
 $
 $22.7
 $22.7
 $(0.3) 22.4
 $
 $
 $14.9
 $14.9
 $(0.2) 14.7
 $
 $
 $14.9
 $14.9
 $
 14.9
 $
 $
 $11.8
 $11.8
 $
 11.8
PPAs (b)
           3.1
           3.1
           3.2
           3.2
Current derivative instruments           $25.5
           $17.8
           $18.1
           $15.0
Noncurrent derivative assets                                                
Electric commodity $
 $
 $1.4
 $1.4
 $
 $1.4
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Total noncurrent derivative assets $
 $
 $1.4
 $1.4
 $
 1.4
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
PPAs (b)
           14.2
           15.8
           11.9
           12.6
Noncurrent derivative instruments           $14.2
           $15.8
           $13.3
           $12.6
Current derivative liabilities                        
Other derivative instruments:                        
Electric commodity $
 $
 $0.5
 $0.5
 $(0.3) $0.2
 $
 $
 $0.2
 $0.2
 $(0.2) $
Total current derivative liabilities $
 $
 $0.5
 $0.5
 $(0.3) 0.2
 $
 $
 $0.2
 $0.2
 $(0.2) 
PPAs (b)
           3.6
       .
   3.6
Current derivative instruments           $3.8
           $3.6
Noncurrent derivative liabilities                        
PPAs (b)
           14.6
           16.4
Noncurrent derivative instruments           $14.6
           $16.4
  March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
  Fair Value       Fair Value      
(Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Fair Value
Total
 

Netting (a)
 Total
Current derivative liabilities                        
Other derivative instruments:                        
Electric commodity $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $0.1
 $0.1
 $
 $0.1
Total current derivative liabilities $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
 $
 $
 $0.1
 $0.1
 $
 0.1
PPAs (b)
           3.6
       .
   3.6
Current derivative instruments           $3.6
           $3.7
Noncurrent derivative liabilities                        
PPAs (b)
           11.9
           12.8
Noncurrent derivative instruments           $11.9
           $12.8
(a) 
SPS nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018.2019. At both June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018,2019, derivative assets and liabilities include no0 obligations to return cash collateral or rights to reclaim cash collateral. The counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements.
(b) 
During 2006, SPS qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.

Changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018:2019:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of Dollars) 2019 2018
Balance at April 1 $3.1
 $5.3
Purchases 17.1
 18.7
Settlements (13.1) (14.8)
Net transactions recorded during the period:    
Net gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities 15.1
 26.2
Balance at June 30 $22.2
 $35.4

 Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(Millions of Dollars) 2019 2018 2020 2019
Balance at Jan. 1 $14.7
 $12.7
 $11.7
 $14.7
Purchases 21.0
 19.3
 11.7
 3.9
Settlements (19.7) (25.2) (4.9) (6.5)
Net transactions recorded during the period:        
Net gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities 6.2
 28.6
Balance at June 30 $22.2
 $35.4
Net losses recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities (2.2) (9.0)
Balance at March 31 $16.3
 $3.1

SPS recognizes transfers between fair value hierarchy levels as of the beginning of each period. There were no0 transfers of amounts between levels for derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.2019.
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
Other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value:
 June 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 March 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019
(Millions of Dollars) 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current portion $2,419.5
 $2,617.1
 $2,126.1
 $2,139.8
Long-term debt $2,420.1
 $2,676.6
 $2,419.7
 $2,706.1

Fair value of SPS’ long-term debt is estimated based on recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities. Fair value estimates are based on information available to management as of June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018,2019, and given the observability of the inputs, fair values presented for long-term debt were assigned as Level 2.

8.Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31
 2019 2018 2019 2018 2020 2019 2020 2019
(Millions of Dollars) Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
 Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
Service cost $2.2
 $2.4
 $0.2
 $0.3
 $2.4
 $2.2
 $0.2
 $0.2
Interest cost (a)
 5.0
 4.6
 0.4
 0.4
 4.5
 5.0
 0.4
 0.4
Expected return on plan assets (a)
 (7.2) (7.1) (0.5) (0.6) (7.4) (7.2) (0.5) (0.5)
Amortization of prior service credit (a)
 
 
 (0.1) (0.1) 
 
 (0.1) (0.1)
Amortization of net loss (gain) (a)
 2.9
 3.5
 (0.1) (0.1) 3.3
 2.8
 (0.1) (0.1)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) 2.9
 3.4
 (0.1) (0.1) 2.8
 2.8
 (0.1) (0.1)
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation 0.4
 0.8
 
 
Credits not recognized due to effects of regulation 0.5
 0.4
 
 
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting $3.3
 $4.2
 $(0.1) $(0.1) $3.3
 $3.2
 $(0.1) $(0.1)

(a) The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “other expense, net” in the(expense) income, statement or capitalized on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset.
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
(Millions of Dollars) Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
Service cost $4.4
 $4.9
 $0.4
 $0.5
Interest cost (a)
 10.1
 9.2
 0.9
 0.8
Expected return on plan assets (a)
 (14.3) (14.2) (1.0) (1.2)
Amortization of prior service credit (a)
 (0.1) 
 (0.3) (0.2)
Amortization of net loss (gain) (a)
 5.7
 7.0
 (0.2) (0.2)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) 5.8
 6.9
 (0.2) (0.3)
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation 0.8
 1.7
 
 
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting $6.6
 $8.6
 $(0.2) $(0.3)
(a) The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “other expense, net” in the income statement or capitalized on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset.
In January 2019,2020, contributions of $150$150.0 million were made across four4 of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $17$14.4 million was attributable to SPS. On July 1, 2019, Xcel Energy made a $4 million contribution to the Xcel Energy Inc. Non-Bargaining Pension Plan (South), of which $1 million was attributable to SPS, and does not expect any additional pension contributions during 2019.2020.
 
9.Commitments and Contingencies
The following include commitments, contingencies and unresolved contingencies that are material to SPS’ financial position.
Legal
SPS is involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or is a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. Management maintains accruals for losses probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management is sometimes unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including but not limited to, when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss.
For current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, would have a material effect on SPS’ financial statements. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal fees are expensed as incurred.
Rate Matters
SPP OATT Upgrade Costs — Under the SPP OATT, costs of transmission upgrades may be recovered from other SPP customers whose transmission service depends on capacity enabled by the upgrade. SPP had not been charging its customers for these upgrades, even though the SPP OATT had allowed SPP to do so since 2008. In 2016, the FERC granted SPP’s request to recover these previously unbilled charges and SPP subsequently billed SPS approximately $13 million.
In July 2018, SPS’ appeal to the D.C. Circuit over the FERC rulings granting SPP the right to recover these previously unbilled charges was remanded to the FERC. In February 2019, the FERC reversed its 2016 decision and ordered SPP to refund the charges retroactively collected from its transmission customers, including SPS, related to periods before September 2015. In April 2019, several parties, including SPP, filed requests for a rehearing. In February 2020, FERC issued an order rejecting all rehearing requests and providing certain clarifications. In March 2020, SPP and Oklahoma Gas & Electric separately filed petitions for review of FERC’s orders at the D.C. Circuit. SPS has intervened in both appeals in support of FERC. The timing of a FERC response to the rehearing requestsan appeals decision is uncertain. Any refunds received by SPS are expected to be given back to SPS customers through future rates.
In October 2017, SPS filed a separate complaint against SPP asserting that SPP has assessed upgrade charges to SPS in violation of the SPP OATT. The FERC granted a rehearing for further consideration in May 2018. The timing of FERC action on the SPS rehearing is uncertain. If SPS’ complaint results in additional charges or refunds, SPS will seek to recover or refund the amounts through future SPS customer rates.
SPP Filing to Assign GridLiance Facilities to SPS Rate Zone — In August 2018, SPP filed a request with the FERC to amend its OATT to include the costs of the GridLiance High Plains, LLC. facilities in the SPS rate zone. In a previous filing, the FERC determined that some of these facilities did not qualify as transmission facilities under the SPP OATT. SPP’s proposed tariff changes could resultresulted in an increase in the ATRR of $9.5 million per year, with $6 million allocated to SPS’ retail customers.

The remaining $3.5 million would be paid by other wholesale loads in the SPS rate zone.

In September 2018, SPS protested the proposed SPP tariff charges, and asked the FERC to reject the SPP filing. On Oct. 31, 2018, the FERC issued an order accepting the proposed charges, subject to refund, as of Nov. 1, 2018. Settlement procedures took place in2018, and set the first half of 2019. In July 2019, thecase for settlement ALJ declared the parties were at an impasse, and made a recommendation for contested case hearing procedures. The contested case hearing procedures startedHearings are scheduled to begin in July 2019August 2020, and are expected to take approximately 13 months with anthe ALJ’s initial decision is expected fromin February 2021. In addition, the ALJ on Oct. 21, 2020, which is not binding onchief administrative law judge has appointed a new settlement judge who has ordered additional settlement discussions prior to the FERC.scheduled hearing date. SPS has incurred approximately $8.3 million in associated charges as of March 31, 2020.
SPS Filing to Modify Wholesale Transmission Rates — In 2018, SPS filed revisions to its wholesale transmission formula rate. The proposal includes an update to the depreciation rates for transmission plant. The new formula rate would also provide flow-backa credit to customers of “excess” ADIT resulting from the TCJA and recover certain wholesale regulatory commission expenses.
The proposed changes would increase wholesale transmission revenues by approximately $9.4 million, with approximately $4.4 million of the total being recovered in SPP regional transmission rates. SPS proposed that the formula rate changes be effective Feb. 1, 2019.
In January 2019, the FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate changes as of Feb. 1, 2019, subject to refund and settlement procedures. Settlement procedures started in FebruaryOn Dec. 23, 2019, SPS filed a Stipulation and are ongoing.Agreement of Settlement. If approved by the FERC, the settlement would implement the requested depreciation and TCJA related changes, but would not modify current treatment of wholesale regulatory commission expenses.
Environmental
MGP, Landfill orand Disposal Sites — SPS is currently remediating the site of a former facility.
disposal site. SPS has recognized its best estimate of costs/liabilities that will result from final resolution of these issues, however, the outcome and timing is unknown. In addition, there may be insurance recovery and/or recovery from other potentially responsible parties, offsetting a portion of the costs incurred.
Leases
SPS evaluates contracts that may contain leases, including PPAs and arrangements for the use of office space and other facilities, vehicles and equipment. Under ASC Topic 842, adopted by SPS on Jan. 1, 2019, a contract contains a lease if it conveys the exclusive right to control the use of a specific asset. A contract determined to contain a lease is evaluated further to determine if the arrangement is a finance lease.
ROU assets represent SPS’ rights to use leased assets. Starting in 2019, the present value of future operating lease payments are recognized in other current liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities. These amounts, adjusted for any prepayments or incentives, are recognized as operating lease ROU assets.
Most of SPS’ leases do not contain a readily determinable discount rate. Therefore, the present value of future lease payments is calculated using the estimated incremental borrowing rate (weighted-average of 4.4%). SPS has elected the practical expedient under which non-lease components, such as asset maintenance costs included in payments, are not deducted from minimum lease payments for the purposes of lease accounting and disclosure. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are classified as short-term leases and are not recognized on the balance sheet.
Operating lease ROU assets:
(Millions of Dollars) June 30, 2019
PPAs $500.3
Other 48.0
Gross operating lease ROU assets 548.3
Accumulated amortization (12.8)
Net operating lease ROU assets $535.5

Components of lease expense:
(Millions of Dollars) Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Operating leases    
PPA capacity payments $12.6
 $25.4
Other operating leases (a)
 1.3
 2.5
Total operating lease expense (b)
 $13.9
 $27.9
(a)
Includes short-term lease expense of $0.5 million for three months ended June 30, 2019 and $0.9 million for six months ended June 30, 2019.
(b)
PPA capacity payments are included in electric fuel and purchased power on the statements of income. Expense for other operating leases is included in O&M expense.
Future commitments under operating leases as of June 30, 2019:
(Millions of Dollars) 
PPA (a) (b)
Operating
Leases
 
Other Operating
Leases
 
Total
Operating
Leases
2019 $23.1
 $1.7
 $24.8
2020 46.2
 3.4
 49.6
2021 46.2
 3.3
 49.5
2022 46.2
 3.4
 49.6
2023 46.2
 3.4
 49.6
Thereafter 450.8
 54.8
 505.6
Total minimum obligation 658.7
 70.0
 728.7
Interest component of obligation (170.6) (22.6) (193.2)
Present value of minimum obligation 488.1
 47.4
 535.5
Less current portion     (26.5)
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities     $509.0
       
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years     14.5
(a)
Amounts do not include PPAs accounted for as executory contracts and/or contingent payments, such as energy payments on renewable PPAs.
(b)
PPA operating leases contractually expire at various dates through 2033.

Future commitments under operating leases as of Dec. 31, 2018:
(Millions of Dollars) 
PPA (a) (b)
Operating
Leases
 
Other Operating
Leases
 
Total
Operating
Leases
2019 $46.7
 $5.2
 $51.9
2020 46.2
 5.2
 51.4
2021 46.2
 5.1
 51.3
2022 46.2
 5.1
 51.3
2023 46.2
 5.1
 51.3
Thereafter 450.8
 56.3
 507.1
(a)
Amounts do not include PPAs accounted for as executory contracts and/or contingent payments, such as energy payments on renewable PPAs.
(b)
PPA operating leases contractually expire at various dates through 2033.
Variable Interest EntitiesVIEs
Under certain PPAs, SPS purchases power from IPPs andfor which SPS is required to reimburse the IPPs for fuel costs, or to participate in tolling arrangements under which SPS procures the natural gas required to produce the energy that it purchases. These specific PPAs create a variable interest in the associated IPP.
SPS had approximately 1,197 MW of capacity under long-term PPAs as of June 30, 2019at March 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2018,2019 with entities that have been determined to be VIEs. SPS concluded that these entities are not required to be consolidated in its financial statements because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. These agreementsAgreements have expiration dates through 2041.
Item
ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Discussion of financial condition and liquidity for SPS is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries. It is replaced with management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations set forth in general instructions H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as certain non-GAAP financial measures such as, electric margin and ongoing earnings. 
Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are adjusted from measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. SPS’s
SPS’ management uses non-GAAP measures for financial planning and analysis, for reporting of results to the Board of Directors, in determining performance-based compensation, and communicating its earnings outlook to analysts and investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our performance and should not be considered alternatives for financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are discussed in more detail below and may not be comparable to other companies’ similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures.
Electric Margins
Electric margin is presented as electric revenues less electric fuel and purchased power expenses. Expenses incurred for electric fuel and purchased power are generally recovered through various regulatory recovery mechanisms. As a result, changes in these expenses are generally offset in operating revenues.
Management believes electric margins provide the most meaningful basis for evaluating our operations because they exclude the revenue impact of fluctuations in these expenses.
These margins can be reconciled to operating income, a GAAP measure, by including other operating revenues, O&M expenses, DSM expenses, depreciation and amortization and taxes (other than income taxes).
Earnings Adjusted for Certain Items (Ongoing Earnings)
Ongoing earnings reflect adjustments to GAAP earnings (net income) for certain items. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of SPS’ core earnings and underlying performance.
Results of Operations
SPS’ net income was approximately $112.9$42.7 million for 2019 year-to-date,the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared with approximately $91.6$54.1 million for the same period in 2018.prior year. The increase reflects higher electric margin attributabledecrease is primarily due to rate case outcomes, sales growtha 2019 NMPRC revised order eliminating a $10 million retroactive refund of tax reform benefits. SPS also recognized additional depreciation and lower purchased capacity costs, despite unfavorable weather. Higher electric margin andless AFUDC, associated with the Hale County wind project were partially offset by increased depreciation, O&M and interest expenses.lower income taxes.
Electric Margin
Electric revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses tend to vary with changing retail and wholesale sales requirements and unit cost changes in fuel and purchased power.
Changes in fuel or purchased power costs can impact earnings as the fuel and purchased power cost recovery mechanisms of the Texas and New Mexico jurisdictions may not allow for complete recovery of all expenses.
Electric revenues and margin:
 Six Months Ended June 30 Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of Dollars) 2019 2018 2020 2019
Electric revenues $864.6
 $928.6
 $395.0
 $454.1
Electric fuel and purchased power (410.8) (511.6) (187.8) (230.9)
Electric margin $453.8
 $417.0
 $207.2
 $223.2
Changes in electric margin:
(Millions of Dollars) 2020 vs 2019
PTCs flowed back to customers (offset by a lower ETR) $(11.1)
New Mexico TCJA related regulatory settlement (2019) (10.2)
Firm wholesale generation (6.5)
Purchased capacity costs 6.1
Demand revenue 3.7
Wholesale transmission revenue, net 2.2
Other, net (0.2)
Total decrease in electric margin $(16.0)
(Millions of Dollars) 2019 vs 2018
Purchased capacity costs $13.7
Demand revenue 13.2
Regulatory rate outcomes 11.8
Non-fuel riders 7.2
Wholesale transmission, net 6.8
Retail sales growth 4.1
Estimated impact of weather (12.5)
Firm wholesale (5.5)
Other, net (2.0)
Total increase in electric margin $36.8




Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Items
O&M Expenses — O&M expenses increased $10.3 million, or 7.8%, for 2019 year-to-date compared with the same period in 2018. Increase was primarily driven by plant generation, distribution and business system expenses. Plant generation expenses increased due to timing of planned maintenance and overhauls. Distribution expenses increased as a result of additional pole inspections. Business system costs increased due to additional consulting fees.
Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization increased $13.0$5.9 million, or 13.3%11.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared with the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the Hale Wind Farm in-servicing in June 2019 year-to-datein addition to increased distribution, transmission, and general plant.
AFUDC, Equity and Debt — AFUDC decreased $6.3 million, for the first quarter of 2020 when compared with the same period in 2018.2019. The increasedecrease was primarily due to increased capital investments as well as accelerated depreciation at Tolk fora decrease in wind construction projects, primarily the Texas jurisdiction.Hale Wind Farm.
Income Taxes — Income tax expense increased $1.4decreased $18.3 million for 2019 year‑to‑datethe three months ended March 31, 2020 compared with the same period in 2018.2019. The increasedecrease was primarily driven by higher pretax income. This was partially offset by an increase in plant-related regulatory differences, non-plant accumulated deferred income tax amortizationwind PTCs and an increase in prior period adjustments.lower pretax earnings. Wind PTCs are largely credited to customers (recorded as a reduction to revenue) and do not have a material impact on net income. ETR was 16.4%(19.9)%, for the first sixthree months of 2019ended March 31, 2020 compared with 18.4%17.2% for the same period in 2018. The lower ETR in 2019 is primarilyprior year, largely due to the items referenced above.
See Note 6 to the financial statements.statements for further information.
AFUDC, Equity
Public Utility Regulation
The FERC and Debt — AFUDC increased $17.8 million for 2019 year‑to-date compared withvarious state and local regulatory commissions regulate SPS. The electric rates charged to customers of SPS are approved by the same periodFERC or the regulatory commissions in 2018. the states in which it operates.
The increase was primarily duerates are designed to recover plant investment, operating costs and an increase in wind construction projects, primarily the Hale Wind project.
Interest Charges — Interest charges increased $9.3 million, or 22.9%, for 2019 year-to-date compared with the same period in 2018. The increase was related to higher debt levels to fund capital investments,allowed return on investment. SPS requests changes in short-term interest rates for utility services through filings with governing commissions.
Changes in operating costs can affect SPS’ financial results, depending on the timing of rate case filings and implementation of lease accounting standard (offsetfinal rates. Other factors affecting rate filings are new investments, sales, conservation and DSM efforts, and the cost of capital. In addition, the regulatory commissions authorize the ROE, capital structure and depreciation rates in electric margin).
Public Utility Regulationrate proceedings. Decisions by these regulators can significantly impact SPS’ results of operations.
Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Public Utility Regulation included in Item 17 of SPS’ Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 and in Item 2 of SPS’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of public utility regulation and are incorporated herein by reference.
FERC and State Regulation The FERC has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission service in interstate commerce and electricity sold at wholesale, asset transactions and mergers, accounting practices and certain other activities of SPS, including enforcement of NERC mandatory electric reliability standards. State and local agencies have jurisdiction over many of SPS’ activities, including regulation of retail rates and environmental matters.
Xcel Energy, which includes SPS, attempts to mitigate the risk of regulatory penalties through formal training on prohibited practices and a compliance function that reviews interaction with the markets under FERC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission jurisdictions.
Public campaigns are conducted to raise awareness of the public safety issues of interacting with our electric systems.
While programs to comply with regulatory requirements are in place, there is no guarantee the compliance programs or other measures will be sufficient to ensure against violations. Decisions by these regulators can significantly impact SPS’ results of operations.


Other Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings
Mechanism Utility Service Amount Requested (in millions) 
Filing
Date
 Approval Additional Information
SPS (PUCT)NMPRC
Rate Case Electric $5451 August 2017July 2019 ReceivedPending In November 2018, SPS filed an application with the PUCT requesting permission to recover $5.4 million in unbilled TCRF revenue from Jan. 23, 2018 through June 9, 2018. Application was approved in an order dated June 13, 2019.
SPS (NMPRC)
Rate CaseElectric$43October 2017ReceivedIn February 2019, SPS and the NMPRC settled SPS' appeal to the NMSC regarding NMPRC's previous rate case order, including a $10.2 million refund of retroactive TCJA benefits. As a result, the NMPRC issued revised orders eliminating the retroactive refund and SPS reversed its previously recorded regulatory liability. The order also increased the ROE from 9.1% to 9.56% and the equity ratio from 51% to 53.97%, resulting in a prospective annual base rate increase of $4.5 million (incremental to $8.1 million approved in the initial order). New rates were effective March 11, 2019.
2019 New Mexico Rate Case In July 2019, SPS filed an electric rate case with the NMPRC seeking an increase in retail electric base rates of approximately $51 million. The rate request is based on an ROE of 10.35%, an equity ratio of 54.77%, a rate base of approximately $1.3 billion and a historic test year with rate base additions through Aug. 31, 2019. In December 2019, SPS revised its base rate increase request to approximately $47 million, based on a ROE of 10.10% and updated information. The request also included an increase of $14.6 million for accelerated depreciation including the early retirement of the Tolk coal plant in 2032.
On Jan. 13, 2020, SPS and various parties filed an uncontested comprehensive stipulation. The stipulation includes a base rate revenue increase of $31 million, based on an ROE of 9.45% and an equity ratio of 54.77%. The stipulation also includes an acceleration of depreciation on the Tolk coal plant to reflect early retirement in 2037, which results in a total increase in depreciation expense of $8 million. The parties to the stipulation agreed not to oppose the full application of depreciation rates associated with the 2032 retirement date in SPS’ next base rate case. A NMPRC decision is expected later in the year. SPS anticipates final rates will go into effect in the second or third quarter of 2020.
Texas 2019 Electric Rate Case— In August 2019, SPS filed an electric rate case with the PUCT seeking an increase in retail electric base rates of approximately $51$141 million. The rate request is based on afiling requests an ROE of 10.35%, a 54.77%54.65% equity ratio, a rate base of approximately $1.3$2.6 billion and is built on a 12 month period that ended June 30, 2019. In September 2019, SPS filed an update to the electric rate case and revised its requested increase to approximately $137 million.
On Feb. 10, 2020, the AXM, TIEC, OPUC and DOE filed testimony along with several other parties. On Feb. 18, 2020, the PUCT Staff filed testimony that included certain adjustments and various ring-fencing measures.
Proposed modifications to SPS’ request:
(Millions of Dollars) Staff AXM OPUC TIEC DOE
SPS Direct Testimony $137
 $137
 $137
 $137
 $137
           
Recommended base rate adjustments:        
ROE (22) (24) (15) (21) (24)
Capital structure (7) (10) 
 (7) (3)
Tolk/Harrington O&M disallowance 
 (7) 
 
 
Distribution and Transmission Capital Disallowances (a)
 (7) 
 
 
 
Depreciation expense (8) (15) (8) (20) 
Excess ADIT unprotected plant 
 
 (7) 
 
Income Tax Expense Differences (12) 
 
 
 
Other, net (6) (6) (1) (1) 
Total Adjustments (62) (62) (31) (49) (27)
Total proposed revenue change $75
 $75
 $106
 $88
 $110
Recommended Position Staff AXM 
OPUC (b)
 TIEC DOE
ROE 9.1% 9.0% % 9.2% 9.0%
Equity Ratio 51.00% 50.00% % 51.00% 53.00%
(a)
Staff recommends exclusion of approximately $134 million in transmission, distribution, and general plant in service in this rate case resulting in an approximate $7 million decrease to the revenue requirement.
(b)
OPUC did not provide a recommendation for an ROE or equity ratio. For illustrative purposes an ROE of 9.5% was used.

In March 2020, SPS filed an update to the electric rate case and revised its requested increase to approximately $130 million, based on a requested ROE of 10.1%, a 54.65% equity ratio, rate base of approximately $2.6 billion and historic test year ended June 30, 2019.
Revenue Request (Millions of Dollars)  
Hale Wind Farm $61
Capital investments 47
Depreciation rate change (including Tolk) 34
Cost of capital 8
Expiring purchased power contracts (28)
Other, net 8
New revenue request $130
In May 2020, SPS and the intervening parties announced they have reached a constructive, unopposed settlement agreement in principle. We are working with rate base additions through Aug. 31, 2019. SPS anticipates final rates will go into effectintervening parties to document and file the settlement, which we expect to occur in the second orquarter.
Final rates are expected to be retroactively applied as of Sept. 12, 2019. A decision from the PUCT is anticipated in the third quarter of 2020.
SPS' net revenue increase to New Mexico consumers is expected to be approximately $26 million, or 5.7%, due to fuel cost reductions and PTCs attributable to wind energy provided by the Hale Wind Project. PTCs are being credited to customers through the fuel clause.
The following table summarizes SPS’ base rate increase request:
Revenue Request (Millions of Dollars)  
Hale Wind Farm $28
Other plant investment 22
Wholesale sales reduction 17
Allocator changes due to load growth 15
Depreciation rate change (including Tolk) 15
Base rate sales growth (41)
Other, net (5)
New revenue request $51
The procedural schedule is as follows:
Intervention deadline — Sept. 16, 2019
Filing of stipulation, if any — Nov. 15, 2019
Staff and intervenor testimony or testimony in support of a stipulation — Nov. 22, 2019
Testimony in opposition to a stipulation, if any — Dec. 6, 2019
Rebuttal testimony — Dec. 20, 2019
Public hearing begins — Jan. 7, 2020
End of 9-month suspension — April 30, 2020
Wind DevelopmentTexas State ROFR Litigation — In 2018, the NMPRC and PUCT approved SPS’ proposal to add 1,230 MW of new wind generation, including construction and ownership of the 478 MW Hale and 522 MW Sagamore wind farms. The Hale wind project was placed into commercial operation in June 2019.
SPS is currently waiting to receive the transmission cost estimate from SPP for Sagamore, which is necessary to determine the final cost of the project before construction can start. Sagamore is expected to go into service in late 2020. SPS’ capital investment for Hale and Sagamore is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion.


Texas State Right of First Refusal (ROFR) Request for Declaratory Order — In 2017, SPS and SPP filed a joint petition with the PUCT for a declaratory order regarding SPS’ ROFR. SPS contended that Texas law grants an incumbent electric utility the ROFR to construct new transmission facilities located in the utility’s service area. The PUCT subsequently issued an order finding that SPS does not possess an exclusive right to construct and operate transmission facilities. SPS filed an appeal in the fourth quarter of 2018. Subsequent to that appeal, in May 2019, the Texas legislature passed and the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 1938, thus making SPS’ appeal moot. A motion is pending at the Court of Appeals to dismiss the appeal for mootness. Senate Bill 1938which grants incumbent utilities a ROFR to build transmission infrastructure when the transmissionit directly interconnects to the utility’s existing facility. In June 2019, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas claiming the new ROFR law set forth in Senate bill 1938 to be unconstitutional. SPS expectsThe Texas Attorney General has made a motion to intervene in this litigation in support ofdismiss the PUCT andfederal court complaint. In February 2020, the Senate Bill 1938.federal court complaint was dismissed. In March 2020, the ruling was appealed.
Texas Fuel ReconciliationRefundFuel and purchased power costs are recoverable in Texas through a fixed fuel factor, which is part of SPS’ rates. The PUCT rule requires refunding or surcharging of under and over-recovered amounts, including interest, when they exceed 4% of the utility’s annual fuel costs on a rolling 12-month basis, as allowed by the PUCT, if this condition is expected to continue. Under the fuel cost recovery rules, SPS’ 2019 total fuel and purchased power costs were over-collected by approximately $39 million, including interest. In December 2018,February 2020, SPS filed an application towith the PUCT for reconciliationrequesting to provide a net refund of fuel costs for the period Jan. 1, 2016, through June 30, 2018, where it will be determined whether all fuel costs incurred during the period were eligible for recovery. Parties in the proceeding have asserted that certain Texas retail fuel costs, of up$39 million to approximately $4 million, should not be foundcustomers to be reasonable or prudent, in particular regarding two purchase power agreements for solar power. The hearing was held in July 2019; we are unable to predictissued beginning May 2020. In April 2020, interim rates were granted by a Texas administrative law judge. This case is pending final review and approval by the outcome of this proceeding at this time.PUCT. 
Environmental
Environmental MattersRegulation
In JuneJuly 2019, the EPA issuedadopted the final ACEAffordable Clean Energy rule, which requires states to replacedevelop plans for greenhouse gas reductions from coal-fired power plants. The state plans, due to the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. The final ACE rule mayEPA in July 2022, will evaluate and potentially require implementation of heat rate improvement projectsimprovements at some of ourexisting coal-fired power plants. It is not yet known what the costs associated with the final rule might be untilhow these state plans are developed to implement the final regulation.will affect our existing coal plants, but they could require substantial additional investment, even in plants slated for retirement. SPS believes, based on prior state commission practice, the cost of these initiatives or replacement generation would be recoverable through rates.


Item
ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
SPS maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer (CEO)CEO and chief financial officer (CFO),CFO, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of SPS’ management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and the procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that SPS’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
No changes in SPS’ internal control over financial reporting occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, SPS’ internal control over financial reporting.

PartPART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1Legal Proceedings
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
SPS is involved in various litigation matters that are being defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. AssessmentThe assessment of whether a loss is probable or is a reasonable possibility, and whether athe loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments regardingabout future events. Management maintains accruals for losses that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management may beis sometimes unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including but not limited to, when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss.
For current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, would have a material effect on SPS’ financial statements. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal fees are expensed as incurred.
See Note 9 to the financial statements and Part I Item 2 for further information.
Item
ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2019Form 10-K except as follows:
We face risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks, which may have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The global outbreak of COVID-19 is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets. COVID-19 has not had a material impact on our first quarter results; however, we did experience a substantive drop in our sales in April. The severity of the outbreak is uncertain and we cannot ultimately predict whether it will have a material impact on our liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations. Nor can we predict the impact of the virus on the health of our employees, our supply chain or our ability to recover higher costs associated with managing through the pandemic.
SPS’ risk factors are documented in Item 1A of Part I of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018,2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Therereference as well as other information set forth in this report, which could have been noa material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Item
ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS
* Indicates incorporation by reference
+ Executive Compensation Arrangements and Benefit Plans Covering Executive Officers and Directors
Exhibit NumberDescriptionReport or Registration StatementSEC File or Registration NumberExhibit Reference
SPS Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017001-037893.01
SPS Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018
001-037893.02
SPS Form 8-K dated June 18, 2019001-037894.01
Xcel Energy Inc. Form 8-K dated June 7, 2019
001-03034

99.04
101101.INSThe following materials from SPS’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q forXBRL Instance Document - the quarter ended June 30, 2019instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are formattedembedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHXBRL Schema
101.CALXBRL Calculation
101.DEFXBRL Definition
101.LABXBRL Label
101.PREXBRL Presentation
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) the Statements of Income, (ii) the Statements of Comprehensive Income (iii) the Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Balance Sheets, (v) Notes to Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.Exhibit 101)


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  Southwestern Public Service Company
   
Aug. 1, 2019May 7, 2020By:/s/ JEFFREY S. SAVAGE
  Jeffrey S. Savage
  Senior Vice President, Controller
  (Principal Accounting Officer)
   
  /s/ ROBERT C. FRENZELBRIAN J. VAN ABEL
  Robert C. FrenzelBrian J. Van Abel
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
  (Principal Financial Officer)

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