Document_And_Entity_Informatio
Document And Entity Information | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Apr. 30, 2015 | |
Document And Entity Information [Abstract] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | FALSE | |
Document Period End Date | 31-Mar-15 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2015 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Trading Symbol | ava | |
Entity Registrant Name | AVISTA CORP | |
Entity Central Index Key | 104918 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | -19 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 62,273,807 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc
Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | $0.33 | $0.32 |
Operating Revenues: | ||
Utility revenues | $436,407 | $437,124 |
Other non-utility revenues | 10,083 | 9,454 |
Total operating revenues | 446,490 | 446,578 |
Utility operating expenses: | ||
Resource costs | 209,560 | 220,497 |
Other operating expenses | 73,172 | 67,337 |
Depreciation and amortization | 34,300 | 30,726 |
Taxes other than income taxes | 29,898 | 28,146 |
Other non-utility operating expenses: | ||
Other operating expenses | 9,816 | 9,383 |
Depreciation and amortization | 169 | 147 |
Total operating expenses | 356,915 | 356,236 |
Income from operations | 89,575 | 90,342 |
Interest expense | 19,902 | 18,744 |
Interest expense to affiliated trusts | 112 | 111 |
Capitalized interest | -917 | -661 |
Other income-net | -2,231 | -2,600 |
Income before income taxes | 72,709 | 74,748 |
Income tax expense | 26,247 | 27,282 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | 46,462 | 47,466 |
Net income | 46,462 | 48,981 |
Net income from discontinued operations | 0 | 1,515 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | -13 | -482 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent | 46,449 | 47,476 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent | 0 | 1,023 |
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | $46,449 | $48,499 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), basic | 62,318 | 60,122 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), diluted | 62,889 | 60,168 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share | $0.75 | $0.79 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share | $0 | $0.02 |
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders: | ||
Basic (usd per share) | $0.75 | $0.81 |
Diluted (usd per share) | $0.74 | $0.81 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share | $0.74 | $0.79 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share | $0 | $0.02 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||
Net income | $46,462 | $48,981 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): | ||
Unrealized investment gains/(losses) - net of taxes | 0 | 785 |
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on investment securities included in net income - net of taxes | 0 | -2 |
Change in unfunded benefit obligation for pension and other postretirement benefit plans - net of taxes | 246 | 111 |
Total other comprehensive loss | 246 | 894 |
Comprehensive income | 46,708 | 49,875 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | -13 | -482 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | $46,695 | $49,393 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||
Unrealized investment gains - taxes | $0 | $463 |
Realized investment gains - taxes | 0 | -1 |
Change in unfunded benefit obligation for pension and other postretirement benefit plans - taxes | $132 | $59 |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Current Assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $22,081 | $22,143 |
Accounts and notes receivable-less allowances of $6,481 and $4,888, respectively | 162,203 | 171,925 |
Utility energy commodity derivative assets | 1,579 | 1,525 |
Regulatory asset for utility derivatives | 16,058 | 29,640 |
Materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored | 43,785 | 66,356 |
Deferred income taxes | 20,589 | 14,794 |
Income taxes receivable | 562 | 43,893 |
Other current assets | 43,639 | 45,071 |
Total current assets | 310,496 | 395,347 |
Net Utility Property: | ||
Utility plant in service | 4,858,902 | 4,718,062 |
Construction work in progress | 148,291 | 227,758 |
Total | 5,007,193 | 4,945,820 |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 1,356,114 | 1,325,858 |
Total net utility property | 3,651,079 | 3,619,962 |
Other Non-current Assets: | ||
Investment in exchange power-net | 10,821 | 11,433 |
Investment in affiliated trusts | 11,547 | 11,547 |
Goodwill | 57,976 | 57,976 |
Long-term energy contract receivable of Spokane Energy | 24,931 | 28,202 |
Other property and investments-net | 41,413 | 42,016 |
Total other non-current assets | 146,688 | 151,174 |
Deferred Charges: | ||
Regulatory assets for deferred income tax | 98,606 | 100,412 |
Regulatory assets for pensions and other postretirement benefits | 232,721 | 235,758 |
Other regulatory assets | 95,618 | 91,920 |
Regulatory Asset For Interest Rate Swap Agreements Noncurrent | 112,835 | 77,063 |
Non-current regulatory asset for utility derivatives | 24,145 | 24,483 |
Other deferred charges | 16,841 | 16,212 |
Total deferred charges | 580,766 | 545,848 |
Total assets | 4,689,029 | 4,712,331 |
Current Liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 62,853 | 112,974 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 3,132 | 6,424 |
Current portion of nonrecourse long-term debt of Spokane Energy | 0 | 1,431 |
Short-term borrowings | 65,000 | 105,000 |
Utility energy commodity derivative liabilities | 14,178 | 18,045 |
Taxes Payable, Current | 20,335 | 173 |
Other current liabilities | 160,130 | 141,222 |
Total current liabilities | 325,628 | 385,269 |
Long-term debt | 1,495,546 | 1,492,062 |
Long-term debt to affiliated trusts | 51,547 | 51,547 |
Regulatory liability for utility plant retirement costs | 257,146 | 254,140 |
Pensions and other postretirement benefits | 188,798 | 189,489 |
Deferred income taxes | 714,440 | 710,342 |
Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | 149,165 | 146,240 |
Total liabilities | 3,182,270 | 3,229,089 |
Commitments and Contingencies (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) | ||
Avista Corporation Stockholders’ Equity: | ||
Common stock, no par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 62,271,133 and 62,243,374 shares outstanding | 998,975 | 999,960 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | -7,642 | -7,888 |
Retained earnings | 515,842 | 491,599 |
Total Avista Corporation stockholders’ equity | 1,507,175 | 1,483,671 |
Noncontrolling Interests | -416 | -429 |
Total equity | 1,506,759 | 1,483,242 |
Total liabilities and equity | $4,689,029 | $4,712,331 |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
Accounts and notes receivable, allowances | $6,481 | $4,888 |
Common stock, par value | $0 | $0 |
Common stock, shares authorized | 200,000,000 | 200,000,000 |
Common stock, shares outstanding | 62,271,133 | 60,076,752 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Operating Activities: | ||
Net income | $46,462 | $48,981 |
Non-cash items included in net income: | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 35,379 | 34,582 |
Provision for deferred income taxes | -82 | 1,453 |
Power and natural gas cost amortizations (deferrals), net | 8,196 | -8,041 |
Amortization of debt expense | 895 | 953 |
Amortization of investment in exchange power | 613 | 613 |
Stock-based compensation expense | 1,707 | 1,551 |
Equity-related AFUDC | -2,215 | -2,034 |
Pension and other postretirement benefit expense | 9,217 | 7,415 |
Amortization of Spokane Energy contract | 3,271 | 3,007 |
Other | -3,077 | 4,212 |
Contributions to defined benefit pension plan | -4,000 | -11,000 |
Changes in working capital components: | ||
Accounts and notes receivable | 2,664 | 17,257 |
Materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored | 22,571 | 12,141 |
Decrease (Increase) in Collateral Posted for Derivative Instruments | -18,516 | 26,756 |
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable | 43,331 | 7,783 |
Other current assets | 471 | -1,494 |
Accounts payable | -30,545 | -11,065 |
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable | 20,162 | 19,412 |
Other current liabilities | 10,274 | 4,416 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 146,778 | 156,898 |
Investing Activities: | ||
Utility property capital expenditures (excluding equity-related AFUDC) | -81,597 | -59,725 |
Other capital expenditures | -412 | -3,929 |
Federal grant payments received | 943 | 876 |
Decrease (increase) In Money Market Funds Held For Clients | 0 | -9,346 |
Sale and maturity of securities available for sale | 0 | 11,403 |
Other | 891 | 24 |
Net cash used in investing activities | -80,175 | -60,697 |
Financing Activities: | ||
Net decrease in short-term borrowings | -40,000 | -60,000 |
Repayment of borrowings from Ecova line of credit | 0 | -4,000 |
Redemption and maturity of long-term debt | -639 | -69 |
Maturity of nonrecourse long-term debt of Spokane Energy | -1,431 | -3,966 |
Issuance of common stock | 371 | 638 |
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | -2,920 | 0 |
Cash dividends paid | -20,717 | -19,217 |
Decrease in client fund obligations | 0 | -1,989 |
Other | -1,329 | 0 |
Net cash used in financing activities | -66,665 | -88,603 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | -62 | 7,598 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 22,143 | 82,574 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $22,081 | $90,172 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Equ
Consolidated Statements Of Equity And Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (USD $) | Total | Common Stock [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Noncontrolling Interests [Member] | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member] |
In Thousands, except Share data | ||||||
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | $896,993 | ($5,819) | $407,092 | $20,001 | $15,889 | |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013 | 60,076,752 | |||||
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable | 24 | |||||
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable | 458 | |||||
Issuance of common stock | 84,388 | |||||
Equity compensation expense | 1,619 | |||||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs | 638 | |||||
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation | 0 | |||||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | 0 | 0 | ||||
Equity transactions of consolidated subsidiaries | -213 | |||||
Other comprehensive loss | 894 | 894 | ||||
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 48,499 | 48,499 | ||||
Cash dividends paid (common stock) | -19,217 | |||||
Total equity | 1,351,113 | |||||
Other | 172 | |||||
Purchase of subsidiary noncontrolling interests | -3 | |||||
Valuation adjustments and other noncontrolling interests activity | 4 | -50 | ||||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | 0 | |||||
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014 | 1,330,482 | 899,037 | -4,925 | 436,370 | 20,631 | 15,960 |
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014 | 60,161,140 | |||||
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | 1,483,671 | 999,960 | -7,888 | 491,599 | -429 | 0 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014 | 60,076,752 | 62,243,374 | ||||
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable | 0 | |||||
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable | 13 | |||||
Issuance of common stock | 117,159 | |||||
Equity compensation expense | 1,513 | |||||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs | 413 | |||||
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation | -1,480 | |||||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | -1,431 | -1,489 | ||||
Equity transactions of consolidated subsidiaries | 0 | |||||
Other comprehensive loss | 246 | 246 | ||||
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 46,449 | 46,449 | ||||
Cash dividends paid (common stock) | -20,717 | |||||
Total equity | 1,506,759 | |||||
Other | 0 | |||||
Purchase of subsidiary noncontrolling interests | 0 | |||||
Valuation adjustments and other noncontrolling interests activity | 0 | 0 | ||||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | -89,400 | -89,400 | ||||
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015 | $1,507,175 | $998,975 | ($7,642) | $515,842 | ($416) | $0 |
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015 | 62,271,133 | 62,271,133 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ||||||||||
Nature of Business | |||||||||||
Avista Corp. is primarily an electric and natural gas utility with certain other business ventures. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp., comprising the regulated utility operations in the Pacific Northwest. Avista Utilities provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Avista Utilities also provides natural gas distribution service in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon. Avista Utilities has electric generating facilities in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. Avista Utilities also supplies electricity to a small number of customers in Montana, most of whom are employees who operate Avista Utilities' Noxon Rapids generating facility. | |||||||||||
On July 1, 2014, Avista Corp. acquired Alaska Energy and Resources Company (AERC), and as of that date, AERC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avista Corp. The primary subsidiary of AERC is Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P), comprising the regulated utility operations in Alaska. There are no AERC earnings included in the overall results of Avista Corp. in the first half of 2014. See Note 3 for information regarding the acquisition of AERC. | |||||||||||
Avista Capital, Inc. (Avista Capital), a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp., is the parent company of all of the subsidiary companies in the non-utility businesses, except Spokane Energy, LLC (Spokane Energy). During the first half of 2014, Avista Capital’s subsidiaries included Ecova, Inc. (Ecova), which was an 80.2 percent owned subsidiary prior to its disposition on June 30, 2014. Ecova was a provider of energy efficiency and other facility information and cost management programs and services for multi-site customers and utilities throughout North America. See Note 4 for information regarding the disposition of Ecova and Note 12 for business segment information. | |||||||||||
Basis of Reporting | |||||||||||
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries and other majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which the Company or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. Ecova's revenues and expenses are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in discontinued operations; however, as of June 30, 2014 and for all subsequent reporting periods there are no balance sheet amounts included for Ecova. All tables throughout the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements that present Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income information were revised to include only the amounts from continuing operations. Intercompany balances were eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s proportionate share of utility plant and related operations resulting from its interests in jointly owned plants. | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | |||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes include state excise taxes, city occupational and franchise taxes, real and personal property taxes and certain other taxes not based on net income. These taxes are generally based on revenues or the value of property. Utility related taxes collected from customers (primarily state excise taxes and city utility taxes) are recorded as operating revenue and expense and totaled the following amounts for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Utility taxes | $ | 19,498 | $ | 19,738 | |||||||
Other Income-Net | |||||||||||
Other income-net consisted of the following items for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 243 | $ | 274 | |||||||
Interest income on regulatory deferrals | 20 | 44 | |||||||||
Equity-related AFUDC | 2,215 | 2,034 | |||||||||
Net loss on investments | (384 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||
Other income | 137 | 288 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 2,231 | $ | 2,600 | |||||||
Materials and Supplies, Fuel Stock and Natural Gas Stored | |||||||||||
Inventories of materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored are recorded at average cost for our regulated operations and the lower of cost or market for our non-regulated operations and consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Materials and supplies | $ | 33,271 | $ | 32,483 | |||||||
Fuel stock | 5,508 | 5,142 | |||||||||
Natural gas stored | 5,006 | 28,731 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 43,785 | $ | 66,356 | |||||||
Investments and Funds Held for Clients and Client Fund Obligations | |||||||||||
In connection with its bill paying services, Ecova collected funds from its clients and remitted the funds to the appropriate utility or other service provider. Some of the funds collected were invested by Ecova and classified as investments and funds held for clients, and a related liability for client fund obligations was recorded. Investments and funds held for clients included cash and cash equivalent investments, money market funds and investment securities classified as available for sale. Ecova did not invest the funds directly for the clients' benefit; therefore, Ecova bore the risk of loss associated with the investments. As of June 30, 2014 and for all subsequent reporting periods there are no longer any investments and funds held for clients due to the disposition of Ecova. | |||||||||||
The following is a summary of the disposition of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls | $ | 11,403 | |||||||||
Gross realized gains | 3 | ||||||||||
Derivative Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||
Derivatives are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets measured at estimated fair value. In certain defined conditions, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for a particular exposure. The accounting for a derivative depends on the intended use of such derivative and the resulting designation. | |||||||||||
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Utilities to offset energy commodity derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment is intended to defer the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of delivery. The orders provide for Avista Utilities to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the periods of delivery, subject to approval for recovery through retail rates. Realized gains and losses, subject to regulatory approval, result in adjustments to retail rates through purchased gas cost adjustments, the Energy Recovery Mechanism (ERM) in Washington, the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) mechanism in Idaho, and periodic general rates cases. Regulatory assets are assessed regularly and are probable for recovery through future rates. | |||||||||||
Substantially all forward contracts to purchase or sell power and natural gas are recorded as derivative assets or liabilities at estimated fair value with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. Contracts that are not considered derivatives are accounted for on the accrual basis until they are settled or realized, unless there is a decline in the fair value of the contract that is determined to be other-than-temporary. | |||||||||||
For interest rate swap agreements, each period Avista Utilities records all mark-to-market gains and losses as assets and liabilities and records offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities, such that there is no income statement impact. This is similar to the treatment of energy commodity derivatives described above. Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, the regulatory asset or liability (included as part of long-term debt) is amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the associated debt. | |||||||||||
Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||
Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Energy commodity derivative assets and liabilities, investments and funds held for clients, deferred compensation assets, as well as derivatives related to interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency exchange contracts, are reported at estimated fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 9 for the Company’s fair value disclosures. | |||||||||||
Regulatory Deferred Charges and Credits | |||||||||||
The Company follows the accounting practices for regulated operations for its regulated utility businesses because: | |||||||||||
• | rates for regulated services are established by or subject to approval by independent third-party regulators, | ||||||||||
• | the regulated rates are designed to recover the cost of providing the regulated services, and | ||||||||||
• | in view of demand for the regulated services and the level of competition, it is reasonable to assume that rates can be charged to and collected from customers at levels that will recover costs. | ||||||||||
Regulatory accounting practices require that certain costs and/or obligations (such as incurred power and natural gas costs not currently included in rates, but expected to be recovered or refunded in the future) are reflected as deferred charges or credits on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These costs and/or obligations are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income until the period during which matching revenues are recognized. If at some point in the future the Company determines that it no longer meets the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting practices for all or a portion of its regulated operations, the Company could be: | |||||||||||
• | required to write off its regulatory assets, and | ||||||||||
• | precluded from the future deferral of costs not recovered through rates at the time such costs are incurred, even if the Company expected to recover such costs in the future. | ||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Unfunded benefit obligation for pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - net of taxes of $(4,115) and $(4,247), respectively | $ | (7,642 | ) | $ | (7,888 | ) | |||||
The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands). Items in parenthesis indicate reductions to net income. | |||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||||||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | 2015 | 2014 | Affected Line Item in Statement of Income | ||||||||
Realized gains on investment securities | $ | — | $ | 3 | (a) | ||||||
— | 3 | Total before tax | |||||||||
— | (1 | ) | Tax expense (a) | ||||||||
$ | — | $ | 2 | Net of tax | |||||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension items | |||||||||||
Amortization of net prior service cost | $ | 273 | $ | 38 | (b) | ||||||
Amortization of net loss | (3,688 | ) | (1,990 | ) | (b) | ||||||
Adjustment due to effects of regulation | 3,037 | 1,782 | (b) | ||||||||
(378 | ) | (170 | ) | Total before tax | |||||||
132 | 59 | Tax benefit | |||||||||
$ | (246 | ) | $ | (111 | ) | Net of tax | |||||
(a) | These amounts were included as part of net income from discontinued operations (see Note 4 for additional details). | ||||||||||
(b) | These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 6 for additional details). | ||||||||||
Dividends | |||||||||||
The payment of dividends on common stock could be limited by: | |||||||||||
• | certain covenants applicable to preferred stock (when outstanding) contained in the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (currently there are no preferred shares outstanding), | ||||||||||
• | certain covenants applicable to the Company's outstanding long-term debt and committed line of credit agreements, | ||||||||||
• | the hydroelectric licensing requirements of section 10(d) of the FPA (see Note 1), and | ||||||||||
• | certain requirements under the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) approval of the AERC acquisition. After July 1, 2015 (one year following the acquisition date), the OPUC does not permit one-time or special dividends from AERC to Avista Corp. and does not permit Avista Utilities' total equity to total capitalization to be less than 40 percent, without approval from the OPUC. However, the OPUC approval does allow for regular distributions of AERC earnings to Avista Corp. as long as AERC remains sufficiently capitalized and insured. | ||||||||||
Under the covenant applicable to the Company's committed line of credit agreement, which does not permit the ratio of “consolidated total debt” to “consolidated total capitalization” to be greater than 65 percent at any time, the amount of retained earnings available for dividends at March 31, 2015 was limited to approximately $414.3 million. | |||||||||||
Under the requirements of the OPUC approval of the AERC acquisition as outlined above, the amount available for dividends at March 31, 2015 was limited to approximately $278.4 million. | |||||||||||
Stock Repurchase Program | |||||||||||
On December 16, 2014, the Company announced that Avista Corp.'s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 800,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, commencing on January 2, 2015, and expiring on March 31, 2015 (first quarter 2015 program). The number of shares repurchased through the first quarter 2015 program were in addition to the number of shares repurchased during 2014 under a separate stock repurchase program, which expired on December 31, 2014. The parameters of the first quarter 2015 program were consistent with the parameters of the 2014 program. Through March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 89,400 shares under the first quarter 2015 program at a total cost of $2.9 million and an average cost of $32.66 per share. All repurchased shares reverted to the status of authorized but unissued shares. | |||||||||||
Contingencies | |||||||||||
The Company has unresolved regulatory, legal and tax issues which have inherently uncertain outcomes. The Company accrues a loss contingency if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss or impairment can be reasonably estimated. The Company also discloses losses that do not meet these conditions for accrual, if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has not recorded any significant amounts related to unresolved contingencies. | |||||||||||
Reclassifications | |||||||||||
Certain prior year amounts on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Balances Sheets were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In the current year Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, "Decrease (increase) in collateral posted for derivative instruments," "Income taxes receivable," and "Income taxes payable" were added as their own line items. These were previously included in "Other current assets" and "Other current liabilities" in the operating activities section. In the current year Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, "Income taxes payable" was added as its own line item. This was previously included in "Other current liabilities." |
New_Accounting_Standards
New Accounting Standards | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
New Accounting Standards | NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS |
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." This ASU amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. ASU 2014-08 makes it more difficult for a disposal transaction to qualify as a discontinued operation. In addition, the ASU requires entities to reclassify assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation for all comparative periods presented in the Balance Sheet rather than just the current period and it requires additional disclosures on the face of the Statement of Cash Flows regarding discontinued operations. This ASU is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company evaluated this standard and determined that it would not early adopt this standard. Since the disposition of Ecova occurred before the effective date of this standard, and the Company did not early adopt this standard, there is no impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in the current year. | |
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity identifies the various performance obligations in a contract, allocates the transaction price among the performance obligations and recognizes revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations. This ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. However, while this ASU is not effective until 2017, it will require retroactive application to all periods presented in the financial statements. As such, at adoption in 2017, amounts in 2015 and 2016 may have to be revised or a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings may have to be recorded. The Company is currently evaluating this standard and cannot, at this time, estimate the potential impact on its future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. | |
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This ASU significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under GAAP, including the identification of variable interest entities (VIE). The ASU also removes the deferral of the VIE analysis related to investments in certain investment funds, which will result in a different consolidation evaluation for these types of investments. This ASU is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company evaluated this standard and determined that it will not early adopt this standard. The Company is evaluating this standard and cannot, at this time, estimate the potential impact on its future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. | |
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This ASU amends the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements such that an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as a deferred asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. This ASU is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, entities will apply the new guidance retrospectively to all comparable prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company evaluated this standard and determined that it would not early adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2015. Upon adoption, the Company will revise its current presentation of debt issuance costs in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company does not expect a material impact on its future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as a result of the adoption. | |
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement." This ASU provides guidance on how organizations should account for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement, including helping organizations understand whether their arrangement includes a software license. If the arrangement includes a software license, the software license would be accounted for in a manner consistent with internal-use software. If a cloud-computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer is required to account for the arrangement as a service contract. This ASU is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company evaluated this standard and determined that it will not early adopt this standard. Upon adoption, an entity can elect to apply this ASU prospectively or retroactively and disclose the method selected. The Company is evaluating this standard and cannot, at this time, estimate the potential impact on its future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. |
Business_Acquisitions
Business Acquisitions | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Business Acquisitions [Abstract] | ||||||||
Business Combination Disclosure | BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS | |||||||
Alaska Energy and Resources Company | ||||||||
On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired AERC, based in Juneau, Alaska, and as of that date, AERC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avista Corp. | ||||||||
The primary subsidiary of AERC is AEL&P, a regulated utility which provides electric services to 16,452 customers in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), Alaska. In addition to the regulated utility, AERC owns AJT Mining, which is an inactive mining company holding certain properties. | ||||||||
The purpose of the acquisition was to expand and diversify Avista Corp.'s energy assets and deliver long-term value to its customers, communities and investors. | ||||||||
In connection with the closing, on July 1, 2014 Avista Corp. issued 4,500,014 new shares of common stock to the shareholders of AERC based on a contractual formula that resulted in a price of $32.46 per share, reflecting a purchase price of $170.0 million, plus acquired cash, less outstanding debt and other closing adjustments. | ||||||||
The $32.46 price per share of Avista Corp. common stock was determined based on the average closing stock price of Avista Corp. common stock for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the trading day prior to July 1, 2014. This value was used solely for determining the number of shares to issue based on the adjusted contract closing price (see reconciliation below). The fair value of the consideration transferred at the closing date was based on the closing stock price of Avista Corp. common stock on July 1, 2014, which was $33.35 per share. | ||||||||
On October 1, 2014, a working capital adjustment was made in accordance with the agreement and plan of merger which resulted in Avista Corp. issuing an additional 1,427 shares of common stock to the shareholders of AERC. The number of shares issued on October 1, 2014 was based on the same contractual formula described above. The fair value of the new shares issued in October was $30.71 per share, which was the closing stock price of Avista Corp. common stock on that date. | ||||||||
The contract acquisition price and the fair value of consideration transferred for AERC were as follows (in thousands, except "per share" and number of shares data): | ||||||||
1-Jul-14 | ||||||||
Contract acquisition price (using the calculated $32.46 per share common stock price) | ||||||||
Gross contract price | $ | 170,000 | ||||||
Acquired cash | 19,704 | |||||||
Acquired debt (excluding capital lease obligation) | (38,832 | ) | ||||||
Other closing adjustments | (58 | ) | ||||||
Total adjusted contract price | $ | 150,814 | ||||||
Fair value of consideration transferred | ||||||||
Avista Corp. common stock (4,500,014 shares at $33.35 per share) | $ | 150,075 | ||||||
Avista Corp. common stock (1,427 shares at $30.71 per share) | 44 | |||||||
Cash | 4,697 | |||||||
Fair value of total consideration transferred | $ | 154,816 | ||||||
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 1, 2014 have not changed from the amounts disclosed in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K. The transaction resulted in the recording of $52.7 million in goodwill during 2014. The goodwill associated with this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. | ||||||||
The majority of AERC’s operations are subject to the rate-setting authority of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) and are accounted for pursuant to GAAP, including the accounting guidance for regulated operations. The rate-setting and cost recovery provisions currently in place for AERC’s regulated operations provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment, of assets and liabilities included in rate base. Due to this regulation, the fair values of AERC’s assets and liabilities subject to these rate-setting provisions are assumed to approximate their carrying values. There were not any identifiable intangible assets associated with this acquisition. The excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill reflects the value paid for the expected continued growth of a rate-regulated business located in a defined service area with a constructive regulatory environment, the attractiveness of stable, growing cash flows, as well as providing a platform for potential future growth outside of the rate-regulated electric utility in Alaska. | ||||||||
The following table summarizes the supplemental pro forma information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to actual 2015 information related to the acquisition of AERC as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013 (dollars in thousands - unaudited): | ||||||||
Actual | Pro forma | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Actual Avista Corp. revenues from continuing operations (excluding AERC) | $ | 433,699 | $ | 446,578 | ||||
Supplemental pro forma AERC revenues (1) | 12,791 | 13,186 | ||||||
Total pro forma revenues | 446,490 | 459,764 | ||||||
Actual AERC revenues included in Avista Corp. revenues (1) | 12,791 | — | ||||||
Actual Avista Corp. net income from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders (excluding AERC) | 43,918 | 47,476 | ||||||
Actual Avista Corp. net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | — | 1,023 | ||||||
Adjustment to Avista Corp.'s net income for acquisition costs (net of tax) (2) | 5 | 294 | ||||||
Supplemental pro forma AERC net income (1) | 2,531 | 3,256 | ||||||
Total pro forma net income | 46,454 | 52,049 | ||||||
Actual AERC net income included in Avista Corp. net income (1) | $ | 2,531 | $ | — | ||||
-1 | AERC was acquired on July 1, 2014; therefore, none of the supplemental revenues and net income for the first quarter of 2014 were included in the actual results of Avista Corp. for that period. The amounts disclosed for the first quarter of 2015 were included in the overall results of Avista Corp. | |||||||
-2 | This adjustment is to treat all transaction costs as if they occurred on January 1, 2013 and to remove them from the periods in which they actually occurred. The transaction costs were expensed and presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in other operating expenses within utility operating expenses. Since the start of the transaction through March 31, 2015, Avista Corp. has expensed $3.0 million (pre-tax) in total transaction fees. In addition to the amounts expensed, through March 31, 2015, Avista Corp. has included $0.4 million in fees associated with the issuance of common stock for the transaction as a reduction to common stock. These fees do not impact the supplemental pro forma information above. |
Discontinued_Operations_Discon
Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Notes) | 3 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||
Discontinued Operations [Abstract] | ||||
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure | DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | |||
On June 30, 2014, Avista Capital, the non-regulated subsidiary of Avista Corp., completed the sale of its interest in Ecova to Cofely USA Inc., an indirect subsidiary of GDF SUEZ, a French multinational utility company, and an unrelated party to Avista Corp. The sale price was $335.0 million in cash, less the payment of debt and other customary closing adjustments. At the closing of the transaction on June 30, 2014, Ecova became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cofely USA Inc. and the Company will have no further involvement with Ecova after such date. | ||||
The purchase price of $335.0 million, as adjusted, was divided among the security holders of Ecova, including minority shareholders and option holders, pro rata based on ownership. Approximately $16.8 million (5 percent of the purchase price) will be held in escrow for 15 months from the closing of the transaction to satisfy certain indemnification obligations under the merger agreement. An additional $1.0 million is being held in escrow pending resolution of adjustments to working capital, which is expected to be resolved in 2015. | ||||
Avista Capital and Cofely USA Inc. agreed to make an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) of 1986, as amended, with respect to the purchase and sale of Ecova to allocate the merger consideration among the assets of Ecova deemed to have been acquired in the merger. | ||||
When all escrow amounts are released, the sales transaction is expected to provide cash proceeds to Avista Corp., net of debt, payment to option and minority holders, income taxes and transaction expenses, of $143.5 million and result in a net gain of $69.7 million (which was mostly recognized during the second quarter of 2014 and had some insignificant true-ups during the third and fourth quarters of 2014). These amounts have not changed from the amounts disclosed in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K. The Company expects to receive the full amount of its portion of the remaining escrow accounts; therefore, these amounts were included in the gain calculation. | ||||
Prior to the completion of the sale, Ecova was a reportable business segment. Amounts reported in discontinued operations for 2014 relate solely to the Ecova business segment. The following table presents amounts that were included in discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||
2014 | ||||
Revenues | $ | 44,384 | ||
Income before income taxes | 2,409 | |||
Income tax expense | 894 | |||
Net income from discontinued operations | 1,515 | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (492 | ) | ||
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | $ | 1,023 | ||
Avista Corp.'s portion of the total transaction expenses was $9.1 million (including amounts which were withheld from the transaction net proceeds) and these were recognized during the second and third quarters of 2014. All transaction expenses paid on the Ecova sale (including Avista Corp.'s portion and the portion attributable to the minority interest holders of Ecova) were $11.0 million, and of this amount, $5.4 million were withheld from the net proceeds and the remainder were paid during the second and third quarter of 2014. The transaction expenses were for legal, accounting and other consulting fees and the accelerated employee benefits related to employee stock options which were settled in accordance with the Ecova equity plan. |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen
Derivatives And Risk Management | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives And Risk Management | DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The below disclosures in Note 5 apply only to Avista Corp. and Avista Utilities; AERC and its primary subsidiary AEL&P do not enter into derivative instruments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy Commodity Derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Utilities is exposed to market risks relating to changes in electricity and natural gas commodity prices and certain other fuel prices. Market risk is, in general, the risk of fluctuation in the market price of the commodity being traded and is influenced primarily by supply and demand. Market risk includes the fluctuation in the market price of associated derivative commodity instruments. Avista Utilities utilizes derivative instruments, such as forwards, futures, swaps and options in order to manage the various risks relating to these commodity price exposures. The Company has an energy resources risk policy and control procedures to manage these risks. The Company’s Risk Management Committee establishes the Company’s energy resources risk policy and monitors compliance. The Risk Management Committee is comprised of certain Company officers and other members of management. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors periodically reviews and discusses enterprise risk management processes, and it focuses on the Company’s material financial and accounting risk exposures and the steps management has undertaken to control them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As part of the Company's resource procurement and management operations in the electric business, the Company engages in an ongoing process of resource optimization, which involves the economic selection from available energy resources to serve the Company's load obligations and the use of these resources to capture available economic value. The Company transacts in wholesale markets by selling and purchasing electric capacity and energy, fuel for electric generation, and derivative contracts related to capacity, energy and fuel. Such transactions are part of the process of matching resources with load obligations and hedging the related financial risks. These transactions range from terms of intra-hour up to multiple years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Utilities makes continuing projections of: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | electric loads at various points in time (ranging from intra-hour to multiple years) based on, among other things, estimates of customer usage and weather, historical data and contract terms, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | resource availability at these points in time based on, among other things, fuel choices and fuel markets, estimates of streamflows, availability of generating units, historic and forward market information, contract terms, and experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
On the basis of these projections, the Company makes purchases and sales of electric capacity and energy, fuel for electric generation, and related derivative instruments to match expected resources to expected electric load requirements and reduce exposure to electricity (or fuel) market price changes. Resource optimization involves generating plant dispatch and scheduling available resources and also includes transactions such as: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | purchasing fuel for generation, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | when economical, selling fuel and substituting wholesale electric purchases, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | other wholesale transactions to capture the value of generation and transmission resources and fuel delivery capacity contracts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Utilities’ optimization process includes entering into hedging transactions to manage risks. Transactions include both physical energy contracts and related derivative financial instruments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As part of its resource procurement and management of its natural gas business, Avista Utilities makes continuing projections of its natural gas loads and assesses available natural gas resources including natural gas storage availability. Natural gas resource planning typically includes peak requirements, low and average monthly requirements and delivery constraints from natural gas supply locations to Avista Utilities’ distribution system. However, daily variations in natural gas demand can be significantly different than monthly demand projections. On the basis of these projections, Avista Utilities plans and executes a series of transactions to hedge a significant portion of its projected natural gas requirements through forward market transactions and derivative instruments. These transactions may extend as much as four natural gas operating years (November through October) into the future. Avista Utilities also leaves a significant portion of its natural gas supply requirements unhedged for purchase in short-term and spot markets. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas resource optimization activities include: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | wholesale market sales of surplus natural gas supplies, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | optimization of interstate pipeline transportation capacity not needed to serve daily load, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | purchases and sales of natural gas to optimize use of storage capacity. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the underlying energy commodity derivative volumes as of March 31, 2015 that are expected to be delivered in each respective year (in thousands of MWhs and mmBTUs): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric Derivatives | Gas Derivatives | Electric Derivatives | Gas Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | ||||||||||||||||
MWH | MWH | mmBTUs | mmBTUs | MWH | MWH | mmBTUs | mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 203 | 1,839 | 10,357 | 97,928 | 253 | 2,730 | 2,079 | 83,313 | ||||||||||||||||
2016 | 397 | 1,287 | 2,505 | 81,730 | 287 | 1,826 | 910 | 63,000 | ||||||||||||||||
2017 | 397 | — | 675 | 31,930 | 286 | 483 | — | 15,420 | ||||||||||||||||
2018 | 397 | — | — | 6,795 | 286 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 235 | — | — | 4,050 | 158 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Thereafter | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Physical transactions represent commodity transactions where Avista Utilities will take delivery of either electricity or natural gas and financial transactions represent derivative instruments with no physical delivery, such as futures, swaps or options. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The electric and natural gas derivative contracts above will be included in either power supply costs or natural gas supply costs during the period they are delivered and will be included in the various recovery mechanisms (ERM, PCA, and PGAs), or in the general rate case process, and are expected to be collected through retail rates from customers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A significant portion of Avista Utilities’ natural gas supply (including fuel for power generation) is obtained from Canadian sources. Most of those transactions are executed in U.S. dollars, which avoids foreign currency risk. A portion of Avista Utilities’ short-term natural gas transactions and long-term Canadian transportation contracts are committed based on Canadian currency prices and settled within 60 days with U.S. dollars. Avista Utilities hedges a portion of the foreign currency risk by purchasing Canadian currency contracts when such commodity transactions are initiated. This risk has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows and these differences in cost related to currency fluctuations were included with natural gas supply costs for ratemaking. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the foreign currency hedges that the Company has entered into as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of contracts | 25 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional amount (in United States dollars) | $ | 4,357 | $ | 5,474 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notional amount (in Canadian dollars) | 5,498 | 6,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Corp. is affected by fluctuating interest rates related to a portion of its existing debt and future borrowing requirements. The Finance Committee of the Board of Directors periodically reviews and discusses interest rate risk management processes and focuses on the steps management has undertaken to manage it. The Risk Management Committee also reviews the interest risk management plan. Avista Corp. manages interest rate exposure by limiting the variable rate exposures to a percentage of total capitalization. Additionally, interest rate risk is managed by monitoring market conditions when timing the issuance of long-term debt and optional debt redemptions and through the use of fixed rate long-term debt with varying maturities. The Company also hedges a portion of its interest rate risk with financial derivative instruments, which may include interest rate swaps and U.S. Treasury lock agreements. These interest rate swaps and U.S. Treasury lock agreements are considered economic hedges against fluctuations in future cash flows associated with anticipated debt issuances. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the interest rate swaps that the Company has entered into as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Date | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount | Mandatory Cash Settlement Date | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | 5 | 75,000 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
6 | 115,000 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 45,000 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | 245,000 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | 20,000 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | 5 | 75,000 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
5 | 95,000 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 45,000 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | 205,000 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, the regulatory asset or liability (included as part of long-term debt) is amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the associated debt. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of the outstanding interest rate swaps decreased significantly compared to December 31, 2014 (see the table below). The fair value decrease was the result of a net increase in the notional amount of outstanding swap agreements and a decline in market interest rates below the rates that were fixed in the outstanding swaps. The Company would be required to make cash payments to settle the interest rate swaps if the fixed rates are higher than prevailing market rates at the date of settlement. Conversely, the Company receives cash to settle its interest rate swaps when prevailing market rates at the time of settlement exceed the fixed swap rates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary of Outstanding Derivative Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2015, the Company has multiple master netting agreements with a variety of entities that allow for cross-commodity netting under ASC 815-10-45. The Company does not have any agreements which allow for cross-affiliate netting among multiple affiliated legal entities. The amounts recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 reflect the offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities where a legal right of offset exists. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative | Balance Sheet Location | Gross | Gross | Collateral | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset | Liability | Netting | (Liability) | |||||||||||||||||||||
in Balance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency contracts | Other current liabilities | $ | 14 | $ | (24 | ) | $ | — | $ | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current liabilities | — | (12,819 | ) | 677 | (12,142 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | — | (100,016 | ) | 49,813 | (50,203 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative assets | 41,898 | (40,319 | ) | — | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative liabilities | 22,658 | (40,298 | ) | 3,462 | (14,178 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | 33,370 | (57,515 | ) | 3,982 | (20,163 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet | $ | 97,940 | $ | (250,991 | ) | $ | 57,934 | $ | (95,117 | ) | ||||||||||||||
The following table presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative | Balance Sheet Location | Gross | Gross | Collateral | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset | Liability | Netting | (Liability) | |||||||||||||||||||||
in Balance Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency contracts | Other current liabilities | $ | 1 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | — | $ | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current assets | 966 | (506 | ) | — | 460 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current liabilities | — | (7,325 | ) | — | (7,325 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | — | (69,737 | ) | 28,880 | (40,857 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative assets | 2,063 | (538 | ) | — | 1,525 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative liabilities | 66,421 | (97,586 | ) | 13,120 | (18,045 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | 29,594 | (54,077 | ) | 2,390 | (22,093 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet | $ | 99,045 | $ | (229,790 | ) | $ | 44,390 | $ | (86,355 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Exposure to Demands for Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company's derivative contracts often require collateral (in the form of cash or letters of credit) or other credit enhancements, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the contract through cash settlement, in the event of a downgrade in the Company's credit ratings or changes in market prices. In periods of price volatility, the level of exposure can change significantly. As a result, sudden and significant demands may be made against the Company's credit facilities and cash. The Company actively monitors the exposure to possible collateral calls and takes steps to mitigate capital requirements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the Company's collateral outstanding related to its derivative instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | 31-Dec-14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral posted | $ | 17,471 | $ | 20,565 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit outstanding | 7,500 | 14,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance sheet offsetting (cash collateral against net derivative positions) | 7,444 | 15,510 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral posted | 50,490 | 28,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit outstanding | 17,900 | 10,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance sheet offsetting (cash collateral against net derivative positions) | 50,490 | 28,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain an "investment grade" credit rating from the major credit rating agencies. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below “investment grade,” it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position and the amount of additional collateral the Company could be required to post as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | 31-Dec-14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities with credit-risk-related contingent features | $ | 6,640 | $ | 12,911 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional collateral to post | 6,638 | 16,227 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk relates to the potential losses that the Company would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations to deliver energy or make financial settlements. The Company often extends credit to counterparties and customers and is exposed to the risk that it may not be able to collect amounts owed to the Company. Credit risk includes potential counterparty default due to circumstances: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | relating directly to it, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | caused by market price changes, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | relating to other market participants that have a direct or indirect relationship with such counterparty. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in market prices may dramatically alter the size of credit risk with counterparties, even when conservative credit limits are established. Should a counterparty fail to perform, the Company may be required to honor the underlying commitment or to replace existing contracts with contracts at then-current market prices. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company enters into bilateral transactions with various counterparties. The Company also trades energy and related derivative instruments through clearinghouse exchanges. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company seeks to mitigate bilateral credit risk by: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | entering into bilateral contracts that specify credit terms and protections against default, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | applying credit limits and duration criteria to existing and prospective counterparties, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | actively monitoring current credit exposures, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | asserting our collateral rights with counterparties, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | carrying out transaction settlements timely and effectively, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | conducting transactions on exchanges with fully collateralized clearing arrangements that significantly reduce counterparty default risk. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company's credit policy includes an evaluation of the financial condition of counterparties. Credit risk management includes collateral requirements or other credit enhancements, such as letters of credit or parent company guarantees. The Company enters into various agreements that address credit risks including standardized agreements that allow for the netting or offsetting of positive and negative exposures. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company has concentrations of suppliers and customers in the electric and natural gas industries including: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | electric and natural gas utilities, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | electric generators and transmission providers, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | natural gas producers and pipelines, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | financial institutions including commodity clearing exchanges and related parties, and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
• | energy marketing and trading companies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
In addition, the Company has concentrations of credit risk related to geographic location as it operates in the western United States and western Canada. These concentrations of counterparties and concentrations of geographic location may impact the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk because the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in conditions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company maintains credit support agreements with certain counterparties and margin calls are periodically made and/or received. Margin calls are triggered when exposures exceed contractual limits or when there are changes in a counterparty’s creditworthiness. Price movements in electricity and natural gas can generate exposure levels in excess of these contractual limits. Negotiating for collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit, or performance guarantees is common industry practice. |
Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS | |||||||||||||||
The pension and other postretirement benefit plans described below only relate to Avista Utilities and AEL&P. METALfx (not discussed below) has a salary deferral 401(k) savings plan that is a defined contribution plan and has historically not been significant to the Company. | ||||||||||||||||
Avista Utilities | ||||||||||||||||
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering the majority of all regular full-time employees at Avista Utilities. Individual benefits under this plan are based upon the employee’s years of service, date of hire and average compensation as specified in the plan. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum amounts that are required to be funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, but not more than the maximum amounts that are currently deductible for income tax purposes. The Company contributed $4.0 million in cash to the pension plan for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and expects to contribute a total of $12.0 million in cash to the plan during 2015. The Company contributed $32.0 million in cash to the pension plan in 2014. | ||||||||||||||||
The Company also has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides additional pension benefits to executive officers and certain key employees of the Company. The SERP is intended to provide benefits to individuals whose benefits under the pension plan are reduced due to the application of Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the deferral of salary under deferred compensation plans. The liability and expense for this plan are included as pension benefits in the tables included in this Note. | ||||||||||||||||
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. The Company accrues the estimated cost of postretirement benefit obligations during the years that employees provide services. The liability and expense of this plan are included as other postretirement benefits. | ||||||||||||||||
The Company has a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to provide employees with tax-advantaged funds to pay for allowable medical expenses upon retirement. The amount earned by the employee is fixed on the retirement date based on the employee’s years of service and the ending salary. The liability and expense of this plan are included as other postretirement benefits. | ||||||||||||||||
The Company provides death benefits to beneficiaries of executive officers who die during their term of office or after retirement. Under the plan, an executive officer’s designated beneficiary will receive a payment equal to twice the executive officer’s annual base salary at the time of death (or if death occurs after retirement, a payment equal to twice the executive officer’s total annual pension benefit). The liability and expense for this plan are included as other postretirement benefits. | ||||||||||||||||
The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Other Post-retirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 4,949 | $ | 5,018 | $ | 699 | $ | 974 | ||||||||
Interest cost | 6,672 | 6,706 | 1,331 | 1,353 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (7,416 | ) | (8,110 | ) | (431 | ) | (472 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 6 | 6 | (279 | ) | (43 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss recognition | 2,394 | 1,157 | 1,292 | 826 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 6,605 | $ | 4,777 | $ | 2,612 | $ | 2,638 | ||||||||
AEL&P | ||||||||||||||||
Union Employees | ||||||||||||||||
Pension benefits for all union employees of AEL&P are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund Retirement Plan, a multiemployer plan to which AEL&P pays a defined contribution amount per union employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement with the IBEW. | ||||||||||||||||
AEL&P also participates in a multiemployer plan that provides substantially all union workers with health care and other welfare benefits during their working lives and after retirement. AEL&P pays a defined contribution amount per union employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement with the IBEW. | ||||||||||||||||
Non-Union Employees | ||||||||||||||||
AEL&P has a defined contribution money purchase pension plan covering substantially all employees of AEL&P that are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Contributions to the plan are made based on a percentage of each qualifying employee's compensation. | ||||||||||||||||
AEL&P also has a noncontributory 401(k) savings plan, which covers substantially all nonunion employees who have completed 1,000 hours of service during a 12-month period. Employees who elect to participate may contribute up to the Internal Revenue Service's maximum amount. | ||||||||||||||||
The pension and other postretirement plans described above for AEL&P are not significant to Avista Corp. |
Committed_Lines_of_Credit
Committed Lines of Credit | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Short-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||||||
Committed Lines of Credit | COMMITTED LINES OF CREDIT | |||||||
Avista Corp. | ||||||||
Avista Corp. has a committed line of credit with various financial institutions in the total amount of $400.0 million that expires in April 2019. | ||||||||
Balances outstanding and interest rates of borrowings (excluding letters of credit) under the Company’s revolving committed lines of credit were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Borrowings outstanding at end of period | $ | 65,000 | $ | 105,000 | ||||
Letters of credit outstanding at end of period | $ | 35,579 | $ | 32,579 | ||||
Average interest rate on borrowings at end of period | 0.94 | % | 0.93 | % | ||||
AEL&P | ||||||||
AEL&P has a committed line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million that expires in November 2019. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this committed line of credit. |
LongTerm_Debt
Long-Term Debt | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | LONG-TERM DEBT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following details long-term debt outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity | Interest | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year | Description | Rate | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Corp. Secured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | First Mortgage Bonds | 0.84% | $ | 90,000 | $ | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.95% | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 7.39%-7.45% | 22,500 | 22,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.45% | 90,000 | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | First Mortgage Bonds | 3.89% | 52,000 | 52,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.13% | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 7.18%-7.54% | 13,500 | 13,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2028 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 6.37% | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2032 | Secured Pollution Control Bonds (1) | -1 | 66,700 | 66,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2034 | Secured Pollution Control Bonds (1) | -1 | 17,000 | 17,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2035 | First Mortgage Bonds | 6.25% | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2037 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.70% | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2040 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.55% | 35,000 | 35,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2041 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.45% | 85,000 | 85,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2044 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.11% | 60,000 | 60,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2047 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.23% | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Avista Corp. secured long-term debt | 1,436,700 | 1,436,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska Electric Light and Power Company Secured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2044 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.54% | 75,000 | 75,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total consolidated secured long-term debt | 1,511,700 | 1,511,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska Energy and Resources Company Unsecured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | Unsecured Term Loan | 3.85% | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total secured and unsecured long-term debt | 1,526,700 | 1,526,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term debt and capital leases | 74,198 | 74,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settled interest rate swaps (2) | (17,439 | ) | (17,541 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unamortized debt discount | (1,081 | ) | (1,122 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,582,378 | 1,582,186 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured Pollution Control Bonds held by Avista Corporation (1) | (83,700 | ) | (83,700 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases | (3,132 | ) | (6,424 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt and capital leases | $ | 1,495,546 | $ | 1,492,062 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | In December 2010, $66.7 million and $17.0 million of the City of Forsyth, Montana Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Avista Corporation Colstrip Project) due in 2032 and 2034, respectively, which had been held by Avista Corp. since 2008 and 2009, respectively, were refunded by new bond issues (Series 2010A and Series 2010B). The new bonds were not offered to the public and were purchased by Avista Corp. due to market conditions. The Company expects that at a later date, subject to market conditions, these bonds may be remarketed to unaffiliated investors. So long as Avista Corp. is the holder of these bonds, the bonds will not be reflected as an asset or a liability on Avista Corp.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, these are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and included as part of long-term debt above. They are amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the associated debt and included as a part of the Company's cost of debt calculation for ratemaking purposes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snettisham Capital Lease Obligation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in long-term capital leases above is a power purchase agreement between AEL&P and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), an agency of the State of Alaska, under which AEL&P has a take-or-pay obligation, expiring in December 2038, to purchase all the output of the 78 MW Snettisham hydroelectric project. For accounting purposes, this power purchase agreement is treated as a capital lease. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The balances related to the Snettisham capital lease obligation as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligation (1) | $ | 69,398 | $ | 69,955 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease asset (2) | 71,007 | 71,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization of capital lease asset (2) | 2,731 | 1,821 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | The capital lease obligation amount is equal to the amount of AIDEA's revenue bonds outstanding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | These amounts are included in utility plant in service on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on the capital lease obligation and amortization of the capital lease asset are included in utility resource costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled the following amounts for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on capital lease obligation | $ | 923 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of capital lease asset | 910 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIDEA issued $100.0 million in revenue bonds in 1998 to finance its acquisition of the project and the payments by AEL&P are designed to be more than sufficient to enable the AIDEA to pay the principal and interest amount of its revenue bonds, bearing interest at rates ranging from 4.9 percent to 6.0 percent and maturing in January 2034. AEL&P will make its last bond payment to AIDEA in December 2033. The payments by AEL&P under the agreement are unconditional, notwithstanding any suspension, reduction or curtailment of the operation of the project. The bonds are payable solely out of AIDEA's receipts under the agreement. AEL&P is also obligated to operate, maintain and insure the project. AEL&P's payments for power under the agreement are approximately $10.6 million per year, while debt service on the bonds is approximately $5.9 million per year, which is included in the $10.6 million total cost of power. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In May 2015, AIDEA posted a notice on the Electronic Municipal Market Access and the Bloomberg websites indicating it is considering an offering of tax-exempt refunding bonds with the purpose of refunding all or a portion of their outstanding revenue bonds associated with the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project. The transaction is currently anticipated to price in June 2015. The size and timing of the anticipated transaction remains subject to market conditions and AIDEA reserves the right to change or modify its plans as it deems appropriate. AIDEA is under no obligation to pursue this transaction or any other new money or refunding issue and there is no guarantee any contemplated transactions will be consummated. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snettisham Electric Company, a non-operating subsidiary of AERC, has the option to purchase the Snettisham project with certain conditions at any time for the principal amount of the bonds outstanding at that time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
While the power purchase agreement is treated as a capital lease for accounting purposes, for ratemaking purposes, this agreement is treated as an operating lease with a constant level of annual rental expense (straight line expense). Because of this regulatory treatment, any difference between the operating lease expense for ratemaking purposes and the expenses recognized under capital lease treatment (interest and depreciation of the capital lease asset) is recorded as a regulatory asset and amortized during the later years of the lease when the capital lease expense is less than the operating lease expense included in base rates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company evaluated this agreement to determine if it has a variable interest which must be consolidated. Based on this evaluation, AIDEA will not be consolidated under ASC 810 "Consolidation" because AIDEA is a government agency and ASC 810 has a specific scope exception which does not allow for the consolidation of government organizations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table details future capital lease obligations, including interest, under the Snettisham PPA (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal | $ | 1,673 | $ | 2,350 | $ | 2,480 | $ | 2,615 | $ | 2,755 | $ | 57,525 | $ | 69,398 | ||||||||||||||
Interest | 2,767 | 3,567 | 3,438 | 3,305 | 3,165 | 25,364 | 41,606 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,440 | $ | 5,917 | $ | 5,918 | $ | 5,920 | $ | 5,920 | $ | 82,889 | $ | 111,004 | ||||||||||||||
Fair_Value
Fair Value | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | FAIR VALUE | |||||||||||||||||||
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings are reasonable estimates of their fair values. Long-term debt (including current portion and material capital leases), nonrecourse long-term debt and long-term debt to affiliated trusts are reported at carrying value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | ||||||||||||||||||||
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). | ||||||||||||||||||||
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally unobservable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The determination of the fair values incorporates various factors that not only include the credit standing of the counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements (such as cash deposits and letters of credit), but also the impact of Avista Corp.’s nonperformance risk on its liabilities. | ||||||||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not reported at estimated fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
Value | Fair Value | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (Level 2) | $ | 951,000 | $ | 1,132,109 | $ | 951,000 | $ | 1,118,972 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (Level 3) | 492,000 | 542,349 | 492,000 | 527,663 | ||||||||||||||||
Snettisham capital lease obligation (Level 3) | 69,398 | 79,928 | 69,955 | 79,290 | ||||||||||||||||
Nonrecourse long-term debt (Level 3) | — | — | 1,431 | 1,440 | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt to affiliated trusts (Level 3) | 51,547 | 37,629 | 51,547 | 38,582 | ||||||||||||||||
These estimates of fair value of long-term debt and long-term debt to affiliated trusts were primarily based on available market information, which generally consists of estimated market prices from third party brokers for debt with similar risk and terms. The price ranges obtained from the third party brokers consisted of par values of 73.00 to 134.52, where a par value of 100.0 represents the carrying value recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the unique nature of the Snettisham capital lease obligation, the estimated fair value of this item was determined based on a discounted cash flow model using available market information. The Snettisham capital lease obligation was discounted to present value using the Moody's Aaa Corporate discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve on March 31, 2015. | ||||||||||||||||||||
The following table discloses by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities measured and reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Counterparty | Total | ||||||||||||||||
and Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 96,319 | $ | — | $ | (95,557 | ) | $ | 762 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,607 | (790 | ) | 817 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 14 | — | (14 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (2) | 1,866 | — | — | — | 1,866 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 6,233 | — | — | — | 6,233 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,099 | $ | 96,333 | $ | 1,607 | $ | (96,361 | ) | $ | 9,678 | |||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 111,188 | $ | — | $ | (103,001 | ) | $ | 8,187 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 790 | (790 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | — | — | 25,903 | — | 25,903 | |||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | — | — | 251 | — | 251 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 24 | — | (14 | ) | 10 | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 112,835 | — | (50,490 | ) | 62,345 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 224,047 | $ | 26,944 | $ | (154,295 | ) | $ | 96,696 | |||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Counterparty | Total | ||||||||||||||||
and Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
31-Dec-14 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 96,729 | $ | — | $ | (95,204 | ) | $ | 1,525 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,349 | (1,349 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 1 | — | (1 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 966 | — | (506 | ) | 460 | ||||||||||||||
Funds held in trust account of Spokane Energy | 1,600 | — | — | — | 1,600 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (2) | 1,793 | — | — | — | 1,793 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 6,074 | — | — | — | 6,074 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,467 | $ | 97,696 | $ | 1,349 | $ | (97,060 | ) | $ | 11,452 | |||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 127,094 | $ | — | $ | (110,714 | ) | $ | 16,380 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,384 | (1,349 | ) | 35 | ||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | — | — | 23,299 | — | 23,299 | |||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | — | — | 424 | — | 424 | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 77,568 | — | (29,386 | ) | 48,182 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 21 | — | (1 | ) | 20 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 204,683 | $ | 25,107 | $ | (141,450 | ) | $ | 88,340 | |||||||||
-1 | The Company is permitted to net derivative assets and derivative liabilities with the same counterparty when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists. In addition, the Company nets derivative assets and derivative liabilities against any payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with these same counterparties. | |||||||||||||||||||
-2 | These assets are trading securities and are included in other property and investments-net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||
Avista Corp. enters into forward contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of energy at a specified time, or during a specified period, in the future. These contracts are entered into as part of Avista Corp.’s management of loads and resources and certain contracts are considered derivative instruments. The difference between the amount of derivative assets and liabilities disclosed in respective levels and the amount of derivative assets and liabilities disclosed on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is due to netting arrangements with certain counterparties. The Company uses quoted market prices and forward price curves to estimate the fair value of utility derivative commodity instruments included in Level 2. In particular, electric derivative valuations are performed using broker quotes, adjusted for periods in between quotable periods. Natural gas derivative valuations are estimated using New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) pricing for similar instruments, adjusted for basin differences, using broker quotes. Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the contract, the derivative asset or liability is included in Level 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation assets and liabilities represent funds held by the Company in a Rabbi Trust for an executive deferral plan. These funds consist of actively traded equity and bond funds with quoted prices in active markets. The balance disclosed in the table above excludes cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the power exchange agreement, the Company compares the Level 2 brokered quotes and forward price curves described above to an internally developed forward price which is based on the average operating and maintenance (O&M) charges from four surrogate nuclear power plants around the country for the current year. Because the nuclear power plant O&M charges are only known for one year, all forward years are estimated assuming an annual escalation. In addition to the forward price being estimated using unobservable inputs, the Company also estimates the volumes of the transactions that will take place in the future based on historical average transaction volumes per delivery year (November to April). Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the current year O&M charges for the surrogate plants is accompanied by a directionally similar change in O&M charges in future years. There is generally not a correlation between external market prices and the O&M charges used to develop the internal forward price. | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the power commodity option agreement, the Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model to estimate the fair value, and this model includes significant inputs not observable or corroborated in the market. These inputs include; 1) the strike price (which is an internally derived price based on a combination of generation plant heat rate factors, natural gas market pricing, delivery and other O&M charges), 2) estimated delivery volumes, and 3) volatility rates for periods beyond December 2018. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Generally, changes in overall commodity market prices and volatility rates are accompanied by directionally similar changes in the strike price and volatility assumptions used in the calculation. | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the natural gas commodity exchange agreement, the Company uses the same Level 2 brokered quotes described above; however, the Company also estimates the purchase and sales volumes (within contractual limits) as well as the timing of those transactions. Changing the timing of volume estimates changes the timing of purchases and sales, impacting which brokered quote is used. Because the brokered quotes can vary significantly from period to period, the unobservable estimates of the timing and volume of transactions can have a significant impact on the calculated fair value. The Company currently estimates volumes and timing of transactions based on a most likely scenario using historical data. Historically, the timing and volume of transactions have not been highly correlated with market prices and market volatility. | ||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the quantitative information which was used to estimate the fair values of the Level 3 assets and liabilities above as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value (Net) at | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | Valuation Technique | Unobservable | Range | |||||||||||||||||
Input | ||||||||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | $ | (25,903 | ) | Surrogate facility | O&M charges | $30.66-$55.56/MWh (1) | ||||||||||||||
pricing | Escalation factor | 3% - 2015 to 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transaction volumes | 396,984 - 397,116 MWhs | |||||||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | (251 | ) | Black-Scholes- | Strike price | $37.87/MWh - 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Merton | $56.46/MWh - 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Delivery volumes | 157,517 - 287,147 MWhs | |||||||||||||||||||
Volatility rates | 0.20 (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange | 817 | Internally derived | Forward purchase | $2.10 - $2.34/mmBTU | ||||||||||||||||
agreement | weighted average | prices | ||||||||||||||||||
cost of gas | ||||||||||||||||||||
Forward sales prices | $2.22 - $3.17/mmBTU | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase volumes | 158,469 - 310,000 mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||||
Sales volumes | 279,990 - 800,000 mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) The average O&M charges for the delivery year beginning in November 2014 were $42.90 per MWh. For ratemaking purposes the average O&M charges to be included for recovery in retail rates vary slightly between regulatory jurisdictions. The average O&M charges for the delivery year beginning in 2014 were $43.11 for Washington and $42.90 for Idaho. | ||||||||||||||||||||
(2) The estimated volatility rate of 0.20 is compared to actual quoted volatility rates of 0.38 for 2015 to 0.20 in December 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Corp.'s Risk Management team and accounting team are responsible for developing the valuation methods described above and both groups report to the Chief Financial Officer. The valuation methods, significant inputs and resulting fair values described above are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis by the risk management team and the accounting team to ensure they provide a reasonable estimate of fair value each reporting period. | ||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents activity for energy commodity derivative assets (liabilities) measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Exchange Agreement | Power Exchange Agreement | Power Option Agreement | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2015: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2015 | $ | (35 | ) | $ | (23,299 | ) | $ | (424 | ) | $ | (23,758 | ) | ||||||||
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in net income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (1) | 777 | (6,381 | ) | 173 | (5,431 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements | 75 | 3,777 | — | 3,852 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers to/from other categories | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of March 31, 2015 | $ | 817 | $ | (25,903 | ) | $ | (251 | ) | $ | (25,337 | ) | |||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2014 | $ | (1,219 | ) | $ | (14,441 | ) | $ | (775 | ) | $ | (16,435 | ) | ||||||||
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in net income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (1) | 1,849 | 2,026 | 347 | 4,222 | ||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (3,048 | ) | (1,209 | ) | — | (4,257 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transfers to/from other categories | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of March 31, 2014 | $ | (2,418 | ) | $ | (13,624 | ) | $ | (428 | ) | $ | (16,470 | ) | ||||||||
-1 | The UTC and the IPUC issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Corp. to offset commodity derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment defers the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of delivery. The orders provide for Avista Corp. to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the period of delivery, subject to approval for recovery through retail rates. Realized gains and losses, subject to regulatory approval, result in adjustments to retail rates through purchased gas cost adjustments, the ERM in Washington, the PCA mechanism in Idaho, and periodic general rates cases. |
Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Attr
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable To Avista Corporation | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||||||
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable To Avista Corporation Shareholders | EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AVISTA CORP. SHAREHOLDERS | |||||||
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts): | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | $ | 46,449 | $ | 47,476 | ||||
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | — | 1,023 | ||||||
Subsidiary earnings adjustment for dilutive securities (discontinued operations) | — | (53 | ) | |||||
Adjusted net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders for computation of diluted earnings per common share | $ | — | $ | 970 | ||||
Denominator: | ||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-basic | 62,318 | 60,122 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||
Performance and restricted stock awards | 571 | 46 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-diluted | 62,889 | 60,168 | ||||||
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, basic: | ||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Total earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, basic | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, diluted: | ||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Total earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, diluted | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
There were no shares excluded from the calculation because they were antidilutive. |
Commitments_And_Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments And Contingencies | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
In the course of its business, the Company becomes involved in various claims, controversies, disputes and other contingent matters, including the items described in this Note. Some of these claims, controversies, disputes and other contingent matters involve litigation or other contested proceedings. For all such matters, the Company intends to vigorously protect and defend its interests and pursue its rights. However, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of any particular matter because litigation and other contested proceedings are inherently subject to numerous uncertainties. For matters that affect Avista Utilities’ or AEL&P's operations, the Company intends to seek, to the extent appropriate, recovery of incurred costs through the ratemaking process. | |
Pacific Northwest Refund Proceeding | |
In July 2001, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) initiated a preliminary evidentiary hearing to develop a factual record as to whether prices for spot market sales of wholesale energy in the Pacific Northwest between December 25, 2000 and June 20, 2001 were just and reasonable. In June 2003, the FERC terminated the Pacific Northwest refund proceedings, after finding that the equities do not justify the imposition of refunds. In August 2007, the Ninth Circuit found that the FERC had failed to take into account new evidence of market manipulation and that such failure was arbitrary and capricious and, accordingly, remanded the case to the FERC, stating that the FERC's findings must be reevaluated in light of the new evidence. The Ninth Circuit expressly declined to direct the FERC to grant refunds. On October 3, 2011, the FERC issued an Order on Remand. On April 5, 2013, the FERC issued an Order on Rehearing expanding the temporal scope of the proceeding to permit parties to submit evidence on transactions during the period from January 1, 2000 through and including June 20, 2001. The Order on Remand established an evidentiary, trial-type hearing before an ALJ, and reopened the record to permit parties to present evidence of unlawful market activity. The Order on Remand stated that parties seeking refunds must submit evidence demonstrating that specific unlawful market activity occurred, and must demonstrate that such activity directly affected negotiations with respect to the specific contract rate about which they complain. Simply alleging a general link between the dysfunctional spot market in California and the Pacific Northwest spot market would not be sufficient to establish a causal connection between a particular seller's alleged unlawful activities and the specific contract negotiations at issue. The hearing was conducted in August through October 2013. | |
On July 11, 2012 and March 28, 2013, Avista Energy and Avista Utilities filed settlements of all issues in this docket with regard to the claims made by the City of Tacoma and the California AG (on behalf of CERS). The FERC has approved the settlements and they are final. The remaining direct claimant against Avista Utilities and Avista Energy in this proceeding is the City of Seattle, Washington (Seattle). | |
With regard to the Seattle claims, on March 28, 2014, the Presiding ALJ issued her Initial Decision finding that: 1) Seattle failed to demonstrate that either Avista Utilities or Avista Energy engaged in unlawful market activity and also failed to identify any specific contracts at issue; 2) Seattle failed to demonstrate that contracts with either Avista Utilities or Avista Energy imposed an excessive burden on consumers or seriously harmed the public interest; and that 3) Seattle failed to demonstrate that either Avista Utilities or Avista Energy engaged in any specific violations of substantive provisions of the Federal Power Act or any filed tariffs or rate schedules. Accordingly, the ALJ denied all of Seattle’s claims under both section 206 and section 309 of the Federal Power Act. Briefs on and opposing exceptions have been filed and the Initial Decision is pending before the Commission. The Company does not expect that this matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. | |
Sierra Club and Montana Environmental Information Center Litigation | |
On March 6, 2013, the Sierra Club and Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) (collectively "Plaintiffs"), filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Billings Division, against the Owners of the Colstrip Generating Project ("Colstrip"). Avista Corp. owns a 15 percent interest in Units 3 & 4 of Colstrip. The other Colstrip co-Owners are PPL Montana, Puget Sound Energy, Portland General Electric Company, NorthWestern Energy and PacifiCorp. The Complaint alleges certain violations of the Clean Air Act, including the New Source Review, Title V and opacity requirements. | |
On September 27, 2013, the Plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint. The Amended Complaint withdrew from the original Complaint fifteen claims related to seven pre-January 1, 2001 Colstrip maintenance projects, upgrade projects and work projects and claims alleging violations of Title V and opacity requirements. The Amended Complaint alleges certain violations of the Clean Air Act and the New Source Review and adds claims with respect to post-January 1, 2001 Colstrip projects. | |
On August 27, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. The Second Amended Complaint withdraws from the Amended Complaint five claims and adds one new claim. The Second Amended Complaint alleges certain violations of the Clean Air Act and the New Source Review. The Plaintiffs request that the Court grant injunctive and declaratory relief, order remediation of alleged environmental damages, impose civil penalties, require a beneficial environmental project in the areas affected by the alleged air pollution and require payment of Plaintiffs’ costs of litigation and attorney fees. The Plaintiffs have since indicated that they do not intend to pursue two of the seven projects, leaving a total of five projects remaining. | |
The case has been bifurcated into separate liability and remedy trials. The Court has set the liability trial date for November 2015. No date has been set for the remedy trail. | |
Management believes that it is reasonably possible that this matter could result in a loss to the Company. However, due to uncertainties concerning this matter, Avista Corp. cannot predict the outcome or determine whether it would have a material impact on the Company. | |
Cabinet Gorge Total Dissolved Gas Abatement Plan | |
Dissolved atmospheric gas levels in the Clark Fork River exceed state of Idaho and federal water quality standards downstream of the Cabinet Gorge Hydroelectric Generating Project (Cabinet Gorge) during periods when excess river flows must be diverted over the spillway. Under the terms of the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement as incorporated in Avista Corp.'s FERC license for the Clark Fork Project, Avista Corp. has worked in consultation with agencies, tribes and other stakeholders to address this issue. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company completed preliminary feasibility assessments for several alternative abatement measures. In 2012, Avista Corp., with the approval of the Clark Fork Management Committee (created under the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement), moved forward to test one of the alternatives by constructing a spill crest modification on a single spill gate. Based on testing in 2013, the modification appears to provide significant Total Dissolved Gas reduction. Ongoing design improvements were made, and the Company expects to continue spill crest modifications over the next several years, in ongoing consultation with key stakeholders. The Company will continue to seek recovery, through the ratemaking process, of all operating and capitalized costs related to this issue. | |
Fish Passage at Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Rapids | |
In 1999, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed bull trout as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In 2010, the USFWS issued a revised designation of critical habitat for bull trout, which includes the lower Clark Fork River. In 2014, the USFWS issued a revised draft bull trout recovery plan, with the stated expectation to finalize the plan in 2015. | |
The Clark Fork Settlement Agreement describes programs intended to help restore bull trout populations in the project area. Using the concept of adaptive management and working closely with the USFWS, the Company evaluated the feasibility of fish passage at Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Rapids. The results of these studies led, in part, to the decision to move forward with development of permanent facilities, among other bull trout enhancement efforts. Fishway designs for Cabinet Gorge are still being finalized. Construction cost estimates and schedules will be developed after several remaining issues are resolved, related to Montana's approval of fish transport from Idaho and expected minimum discharge requirements. Fishway design for Noxon Rapids has also been initiated, and is still in early stages. | |
The Company believes its ongoing efforts through the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement continue to effectively address issues related to bull trout. The Company will continue to seek recovery, through the ratemaking process, of all operating and capitalized costs related to fish passage at Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Rapids. | |
Kettle Falls Generation Station - Diesel Spill Investigation and Remediation | |
In December 2013, the Company's operations staff at the Kettle Falls Generation Station discovered that approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel had leaked underground from the piping system used to fuel heavy equipment. Avista Corp. made all proper agency notifications and worked closely with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) during the spill response and investigation phase. The Company installed ground water monitoring wells and there is no indication that ground or surface water is threatened by the spill. | |
There is no indication that Ecology is considering any enforcement action and the Company initiated a voluntary cleanup action with the installation of a recovery system. | |
As of March 31, 2015, the Company has recorded an estimated remediation liability and the Company will continue to monitor the remediation activities and will adjust any estimated remediation liability if necessary as new information is obtained. The Company does not expect that this matter will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. | |
Collective Bargaining Agreements | |
The Company’s collective bargaining agreements with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represent approximately 45 percent of all of Avista Utilities’ employees. The agreement with the local union in Washington and Idaho representing the majority (approximately 90 percent) of the Avista Utilities' bargaining unit employees expired in March 2014. A new two-year agreement with this group was approved in January 2015 and has an expiration of March 2016. A new three-year agreement in Oregon, which covers approximately 50 employees, was approved in April 2014. | |
A new collective bargaining agreement with the local union of the IBEW in Alaska was signed in May 2013 and expires in March 2017. The collective bargaining agreement with the IBEW in Alaska represents approximately 54 percent of all AERC employees. | |
Investment Commitments | |
In October 2014, an indirect subsidiary of Avista Corp. entered into an agreement to fund a limited liability company in exchange for equity ownership in the limited liability company. This represents an unconditional commitment for $3.1 million, and the payments began in October 2014. As of March 31, 2015, the remaining commitment under the agreement was $2.5 million. | |
As of March 31, 2015, another indirect subsidiary of Avista Corp. also has an unconditional commitment to make investments in other companies for a total of $0.9 million. These investments will occur over a two-year period. | |
Coal Ash Management/Disposal | |
On December 19, 2014, the EPA issued a final rule regarding coal combustion residuals (CCRs), also termed coal combustion byproducts or coal ash. Colstrip, of which Avista Corp. is a 15 percent owner of units 3 and 4, produces this byproduct. The rule establishes technical requirements for CCR landfills and surface impoundments under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the nation's primary law for regulating solid waste. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2015. The Company continues to review the potential costs of complying with the new CCR standards. The Company cannot currently estimate the operational or financial impact of CCR regulation, but believes this rule will have an impact on Colstrip. If the Company were to incur incremental costs as a result of these regulations, it would seek recovery through customer rates. | |
Other Contingencies | |
In the normal course of business, the Company has various other legal claims and contingent matters outstanding. The Company believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. It is possible that a change could occur in the Company’s estimates of the probability or amount of a liability being incurred. Such a change, should it occur, could be significant. |
Information_By_Business_Segmen
Information By Business Segments | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Information by Business Segments | INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The business segment presentation reflects the basis used by the Company's management to analyze performance and determine the allocation of resources. The Company's management evaluates performance based on income (loss) from operations before income taxes as well as net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Avista Utilities' business is managed based on the total regulated utility operation; therefore, it is considered one segment. Ecova was a provider of facility information and cost management services for multi-site customers throughout North America. The Ecova business segment was disposed of as of June 30, 2014. All income statement amounts were reclassified to discontinued operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. The Other category, which is not a reportable segment, includes Spokane Energy, other investments and operations of various subsidiaries, as well as certain other operations of Avista Capital. On July 1, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of AERC. Based on the way AERC is managed and the financial reports that are reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, AEL&P, the primary subsidiary of AERC, is considered a separate reportable business segment and the remaining activities of AERC are included in the Other category. All goodwill associated with the AERC acquisition was assigned to the AEL&P reportable business segment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents information for each of the Company’s business segments (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista | Alaska Electric Light and Power Company | Total Utility | Other | Intersegment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Utilities | Eliminations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2015: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 424,083 | $ | 12,774 | $ | 436,857 | $ | 10,083 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 446,490 | |||||||||||
Resource costs | 206,660 | 2,900 | 209,560 | — | — | 209,560 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 70,409 | 2,763 | 73,172 | 10,266 | (450 | ) | 82,988 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 32,997 | 1,303 | 34,300 | 169 | — | 34,469 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 84,788 | 5,139 | 89,927 | (352 | ) | — | 89,575 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense (2) | 18,968 | 904 | 19,872 | 164 | (22 | ) | 20,014 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 24,888 | 1,684 | 26,572 | (325 | ) | — | 26,247 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | 44,384 | 2,634 | 47,018 | (569 | ) | — | 46,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (3) | 81,212 | 385 | 81,597 | 412 | — | 82,009 | ||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 437,574 | $ | — | $ | 437,574 | $ | 9,454 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 446,578 | |||||||||||
Resource costs | 220,497 | — | 220,497 | — | — | 220,497 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 67,337 | — | 67,337 | 9,833 | (450 | ) | 76,720 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 30,726 | — | 30,726 | 147 | — | 30,873 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 90,868 | — | 90,868 | (526 | ) | — | 90,342 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense (2) | 18,546 | — | 18,546 | 397 | (88 | ) | 18,855 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 27,620 | — | 27,620 | (338 | ) | — | 27,282 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | 47,996 | — | 47,996 | (608 | ) | 88 | 47,476 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (3) | 59,725 | — | 59,725 | 46 | — | 59,771 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2015: | $ | 4,345,988 | $ | 267,590 | $ | 4,613,578 | $ | 75,451 | $ | — | $ | 4,689,029 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014: | $ | 4,367,926 | $ | 264,195 | $ | 4,632,121 | $ | 80,210 | $ | — | $ | 4,712,331 | ||||||||||||
-1 | Intersegment eliminations reported as operating revenues and resource costs represent intercompany purchases and sales of electric capacity and energy. Intersegment eliminations reported as interest expense and net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders represent intercompany interest. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | Including interest expense to affiliated trusts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-3 | The capital expenditures for the other businesses are included as other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The remainder of the balance included in other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are related to Ecova. |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Share Repurchase Program Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock Repurchase Program | ||||||||||
On December 16, 2014, the Company announced that Avista Corp.'s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 800,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, commencing on January 2, 2015, and expiring on March 31, 2015 (first quarter 2015 program). The number of shares repurchased through the first quarter 2015 program were in addition to the number of shares repurchased during 2014 under a separate stock repurchase program, which expired on December 31, 2014. The parameters of the first quarter 2015 program were consistent with the parameters of the 2014 program. Through March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 89,400 shares under the first quarter 2015 program at a total cost of $2.9 million and an average cost of $32.66 per share. All repurchased shares reverted to the status of authorized but unissued shares. | |||||||||||
Dividends [Policy Text Block] | Dividends | ||||||||||
The payment of dividends on common stock could be limited by: | |||||||||||
• | certain covenants applicable to preferred stock (when outstanding) contained in the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (currently there are no preferred shares outstanding), | ||||||||||
• | certain covenants applicable to the Company's outstanding long-term debt and committed line of credit agreements, | ||||||||||
• | the hydroelectric licensing requirements of section 10(d) of the FPA (see Note 1), and | ||||||||||
• | certain requirements under the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) approval of the AERC acquisition. After July 1, 2015 (one year following the acquisition date), the OPUC does not permit one-time or special dividends from AERC to Avista Corp. and does not permit Avista Utilities' total equity to total capitalization to be less than 40 percent, without approval from the OPUC. However, the OPUC approval does allow for regular distributions of AERC earnings to Avista Corp. as long as AERC remains sufficiently capitalized and insured. | ||||||||||
Under the covenant applicable to the Company's committed line of credit agreement, which does not permit the ratio of “consolidated total debt” to “consolidated total capitalization” to be greater than 65 percent at any time, the amount of retained earnings available for dividends at March 31, 2015 was limited to approximately $414.3 million. | |||||||||||
Under the requirements of the OPUC approval of the AERC acquisition as outlined above, the amount available for dividends at March 31, 2015 was limited to approximately $278.4 million. | |||||||||||
Nature Of Business | Nature of Business | ||||||||||
Avista Corp. is primarily an electric and natural gas utility with certain other business ventures. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp., comprising the regulated utility operations in the Pacific Northwest. Avista Utilities provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Avista Utilities also provides natural gas distribution service in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon. Avista Utilities has electric generating facilities in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. Avista Utilities also supplies electricity to a small number of customers in Montana, most of whom are employees who operate Avista Utilities' Noxon Rapids generating facility. | |||||||||||
On July 1, 2014, Avista Corp. acquired Alaska Energy and Resources Company (AERC), and as of that date, AERC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avista Corp. The primary subsidiary of AERC is Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P), comprising the regulated utility operations in Alaska. There are no AERC earnings included in the overall results of Avista Corp. in the first half of 2014. See Note 3 for information regarding the acquisition of AERC. | |||||||||||
Avista Capital, Inc. (Avista Capital), a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp., is the parent company of all of the subsidiary companies in the non-utility businesses, except Spokane Energy, LLC (Spokane Energy). During the first half of 2014, Avista Capital’s subsidiaries included Ecova, Inc. (Ecova), which was an 80.2 percent owned subsidiary prior to its disposition on June 30, 2014. Ecova was a provider of energy efficiency and other facility information and cost management programs and services for multi-site customers and utilities throughout North America. See Note 4 for information regarding the disposition of Ecova and Note 12 for business segment information. | |||||||||||
Basis Of Reporting | Basis of Reporting | ||||||||||
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries and other majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which the Company or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. Ecova's revenues and expenses are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in discontinued operations; however, as of June 30, 2014 and for all subsequent reporting periods there are no balance sheet amounts included for Ecova. All tables throughout the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements that present Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income information were revised to include only the amounts from continuing operations. Intercompany balances were eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s proportionate share of utility plant and related operations resulting from its interests in jointly owned plants. | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | ||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes include state excise taxes, city occupational and franchise taxes, real and personal property taxes and certain other taxes not based on net income. These taxes are generally based on revenues or the value of property. Utility related taxes collected from customers (primarily state excise taxes and city utility taxes) are recorded as operating revenue and expense and totaled the following amounts for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Utility taxes | $ | 19,498 | $ | 19,738 | |||||||
Other Income - Net | Other Income-Net | ||||||||||
Other income-net consisted of the following items for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 243 | $ | 274 | |||||||
Interest income on regulatory deferrals | 20 | 44 | |||||||||
Equity-related AFUDC | 2,215 | 2,034 | |||||||||
Net loss on investments | (384 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||
Other income | 137 | 288 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 2,231 | $ | 2,600 | |||||||
Materials And Supplies, Fuel Stock And Natural Gas Stored | Materials and Supplies, Fuel Stock and Natural Gas Stored | ||||||||||
Inventories of materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored are recorded at average cost for our regulated operations and the lower of cost or market for our non-regulated operations and consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Materials and supplies | $ | 33,271 | $ | 32,483 | |||||||
Fuel stock | 5,508 | 5,142 | |||||||||
Natural gas stored | 5,006 | 28,731 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 43,785 | $ | 66,356 | |||||||
Investments And Funds Held For Clients And Client Fund Obligations | Investments and Funds Held for Clients and Client Fund Obligations | ||||||||||
In connection with its bill paying services, Ecova collected funds from its clients and remitted the funds to the appropriate utility or other service provider. Some of the funds collected were invested by Ecova and classified as investments and funds held for clients, and a related liability for client fund obligations was recorded. Investments and funds held for clients included cash and cash equivalent investments, money market funds and investment securities classified as available for sale. Ecova did not invest the funds directly for the clients' benefit; therefore, Ecova bore the risk of loss associated with the investments. As of June 30, 2014 and for all subsequent reporting periods there are no longer any investments and funds held for clients due to the disposition of Ecova. | |||||||||||
The following is a summary of the disposition of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls | $ | 11,403 | |||||||||
Gross realized gains | 3 | ||||||||||
Derivative Assets And Liabilities | Derivative Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||
Derivatives are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets measured at estimated fair value. In certain defined conditions, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for a particular exposure. The accounting for a derivative depends on the intended use of such derivative and the resulting designation. | |||||||||||
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Utilities to offset energy commodity derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment is intended to defer the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of delivery. The orders provide for Avista Utilities to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the periods of delivery, subject to approval for recovery through retail rates. Realized gains and losses, subject to regulatory approval, result in adjustments to retail rates through purchased gas cost adjustments, the Energy Recovery Mechanism (ERM) in Washington, the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) mechanism in Idaho, and periodic general rates cases. Regulatory assets are assessed regularly and are probable for recovery through future rates. | |||||||||||
Substantially all forward contracts to purchase or sell power and natural gas are recorded as derivative assets or liabilities at estimated fair value with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. Contracts that are not considered derivatives are accounted for on the accrual basis until they are settled or realized, unless there is a decline in the fair value of the contract that is determined to be other-than-temporary. | |||||||||||
For interest rate swap agreements, each period Avista Utilities records all mark-to-market gains and losses as assets and liabilities and records offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities, such that there is no income statement impact. This is similar to the treatment of energy commodity derivatives described above. Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, the regulatory asset or liability (included as part of long-term debt) is amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the associated debt. | |||||||||||
Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements | ||||||||||
Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Energy commodity derivative assets and liabilities, investments and funds held for clients, deferred compensation assets, as well as derivatives related to interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency exchange contracts, are reported at estimated fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 9 for the Company’s fair value disclosures. | |||||||||||
Regulatory Deferred Charges And Credits | Regulatory Deferred Charges and Credits | ||||||||||
The Company follows the accounting practices for regulated operations for its regulated utility businesses because: | |||||||||||
• | rates for regulated services are established by or subject to approval by independent third-party regulators, | ||||||||||
• | the regulated rates are designed to recover the cost of providing the regulated services, and | ||||||||||
• | in view of demand for the regulated services and the level of competition, it is reasonable to assume that rates can be charged to and collected from customers at levels that will recover costs. | ||||||||||
Regulatory accounting practices require that certain costs and/or obligations (such as incurred power and natural gas costs not currently included in rates, but expected to be recovered or refunded in the future) are reflected as deferred charges or credits on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These costs and/or obligations are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income until the period during which matching revenues are recognized. If at some point in the future the Company determines that it no longer meets the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting practices for all or a portion of its regulated operations, the Company could be: | |||||||||||
• | required to write off its regulatory assets, and | ||||||||||
• | precluded from the future deferral of costs not recovered through rates at the time such costs are incurred, even if the Company expected to recover such costs in the future. | ||||||||||
Contingencies | Contingencies | ||||||||||
The Company has unresolved regulatory, legal and tax issues which have inherently uncertain outcomes. The Company accrues a loss contingency if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss or impairment can be reasonably estimated. The Company also discloses losses that do not meet these conditions for accrual, if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has not recorded any significant amounts related to unresolved contingencies. | |||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Policy Text Block] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Unfunded benefit obligation for pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - net of taxes of $(4,115) and $(4,247), respectively | $ | (7,642 | ) | $ | (7,888 | ) | |||||
The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands). Items in parenthesis indicate reductions to net income. | |||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||||||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | 2015 | 2014 | Affected Line Item in Statement of Income | ||||||||
Realized gains on investment securities | $ | — | $ | 3 | (a) | ||||||
— | 3 | Total before tax | |||||||||
— | (1 | ) | Tax expense (a) | ||||||||
$ | — | $ | 2 | Net of tax | |||||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension items | |||||||||||
Amortization of net prior service cost | $ | 273 | $ | 38 | (b) | ||||||
Amortization of net loss | (3,688 | ) | (1,990 | ) | (b) | ||||||
Adjustment due to effects of regulation | 3,037 | 1,782 | (b) | ||||||||
(378 | ) | (170 | ) | Total before tax | |||||||
132 | 59 | Tax benefit | |||||||||
$ | (246 | ) | $ | (111 | ) | Net of tax | |||||
(a) | These amounts were included as part of net income from discontinued operations (see Note 4 for additional details). | ||||||||||
(b) | These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 6 for additional details). | ||||||||||
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications | ||||||||||
Certain prior year amounts on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Balances Sheets were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In the current year Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, "Decrease (increase) in collateral posted for derivative instruments," "Income taxes receivable," and "Income taxes payable" were added as their own line items. These were previously included in "Other current assets" and "Other current liabilities" in the operating activities section. In the current year Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, "Income taxes payable" was added as its own line item. This was previously included in "Other current liabilities." |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Unfunded benefit obligation for pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - net of taxes of $(4,115) and $(4,247), respectively | $ | (7,642 | ) | $ | (7,888 | ) | |||||
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component | The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands). Items in parenthesis indicate reductions to net income. | ||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||||||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | 2015 | 2014 | Affected Line Item in Statement of Income | ||||||||
Realized gains on investment securities | $ | — | $ | 3 | (a) | ||||||
— | 3 | Total before tax | |||||||||
— | (1 | ) | Tax expense (a) | ||||||||
$ | — | $ | 2 | Net of tax | |||||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension items | |||||||||||
Amortization of net prior service cost | $ | 273 | $ | 38 | (b) | ||||||
Amortization of net loss | (3,688 | ) | (1,990 | ) | (b) | ||||||
Adjustment due to effects of regulation | 3,037 | 1,782 | (b) | ||||||||
(378 | ) | (170 | ) | Total before tax | |||||||
132 | 59 | Tax benefit | |||||||||
$ | (246 | ) | $ | (111 | ) | Net of tax | |||||
(a) | These amounts were included as part of net income from discontinued operations (see Note 4 for additional details). | ||||||||||
(b) | These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 6 for additional details). | ||||||||||
Utility Taxes | Utility related taxes collected from customers (primarily state excise taxes and city utility taxes) are recorded as operating revenue and expense and totaled the following amounts for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Utility taxes | $ | 19,498 | $ | 19,738 | |||||||
Other Income - Net | Other income-net consisted of the following items for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 243 | $ | 274 | |||||||
Interest income on regulatory deferrals | 20 | 44 | |||||||||
Equity-related AFUDC | 2,215 | 2,034 | |||||||||
Net loss on investments | (384 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||
Other income | 137 | 288 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 2,231 | $ | 2,600 | |||||||
Materials And Supplies Fuel Stock And Natural Gas Stored | Inventories of materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored are recorded at average cost for our regulated operations and the lower of cost or market for our non-regulated operations and consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Materials and supplies | $ | 33,271 | $ | 32,483 | |||||||
Fuel stock | 5,508 | 5,142 | |||||||||
Natural gas stored | 5,006 | 28,731 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 43,785 | $ | 66,356 | |||||||
Disposition of Available-for-Sale Securities | The following is a summary of the disposition of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls | $ | 11,403 | |||||||||
Gross realized gains | 3 | ||||||||||
Business_Acquisitions_Tables
Business Acquisitions (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable [Table Text Block] | ||||||||
1-Jul-14 | ||||||||
Contract acquisition price (using the calculated $32.46 per share common stock price) | ||||||||
Gross contract price | $ | 170,000 | ||||||
Acquired cash | 19,704 | |||||||
Acquired debt (excluding capital lease obligation) | (38,832 | ) | ||||||
Other closing adjustments | (58 | ) | ||||||
Total adjusted contract price | $ | 150,814 | ||||||
Fair value of consideration transferred | ||||||||
Avista Corp. common stock (4,500,014 shares at $33.35 per share) | $ | 150,075 | ||||||
Avista Corp. common stock (1,427 shares at $30.71 per share) | 44 | |||||||
Cash | 4,697 | |||||||
Fair value of total consideration transferred | $ | 154,816 | ||||||
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] | ||||||||
Actual | Pro forma | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Actual Avista Corp. revenues from continuing operations (excluding AERC) | $ | 433,699 | $ | 446,578 | ||||
Supplemental pro forma AERC revenues (1) | 12,791 | 13,186 | ||||||
Total pro forma revenues | 446,490 | 459,764 | ||||||
Actual AERC revenues included in Avista Corp. revenues (1) | 12,791 | — | ||||||
Actual Avista Corp. net income from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders (excluding AERC) | 43,918 | 47,476 | ||||||
Actual Avista Corp. net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | — | 1,023 | ||||||
Adjustment to Avista Corp.'s net income for acquisition costs (net of tax) (2) | 5 | 294 | ||||||
Supplemental pro forma AERC net income (1) | 2,531 | 3,256 | ||||||
Total pro forma net income | 46,454 | 52,049 | ||||||
Actual AERC net income included in Avista Corp. net income (1) | $ | 2,531 | $ | — | ||||
Discontinued_Operations_Discon1
Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] | The following table presents amounts that were included in discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||
2014 | ||||
Revenues | $ | 44,384 | ||
Income before income taxes | 2,409 | |||
Income tax expense | 894 | |||
Net income from discontinued operations | 1,515 | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (492 | ) | ||
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | $ | 1,023 | ||
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen1
Derivatives And Risk Management (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy Commodity Derivatives | The following table presents the underlying energy commodity derivative volumes as of March 31, 2015 that are expected to be delivered in each respective year (in thousands of MWhs and mmBTUs): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric Derivatives | Gas Derivatives | Electric Derivatives | Gas Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | Physical (1) | Financial (1) | ||||||||||||||||
MWH | MWH | mmBTUs | mmBTUs | MWH | MWH | mmBTUs | mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 203 | 1,839 | 10,357 | 97,928 | 253 | 2,730 | 2,079 | 83,313 | ||||||||||||||||
2016 | 397 | 1,287 | 2,505 | 81,730 | 287 | 1,826 | 910 | 63,000 | ||||||||||||||||
2017 | 397 | — | 675 | 31,930 | 286 | 483 | — | 15,420 | ||||||||||||||||
2018 | 397 | — | — | 6,795 | 286 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 235 | — | — | 4,050 | 158 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Thereafter | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Physical transactions represent commodity transactions where Avista Utilities will take delivery of either electricity or natural gas and financial transactions represent derivative instruments with no physical delivery, such as futures, swaps or options. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | The following table summarizes the foreign currency hedges that the Company has entered into as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of contracts | 25 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional amount (in United States dollars) | $ | 4,357 | $ | 5,474 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notional amount (in Canadian dollars) | 5,498 | 6,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | The following table summarizes the interest rate swaps that the Company has entered into as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Date | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount | Mandatory Cash Settlement Date | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | 5 | 75,000 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
6 | 115,000 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 45,000 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | 245,000 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | 20,000 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | 5 | 75,000 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
5 | 95,000 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 45,000 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | 205,000 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Summary | The following table presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative | Balance Sheet Location | Gross | Gross | Collateral | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset | Liability | Netting | (Liability) | |||||||||||||||||||||
in Balance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency contracts | Other current liabilities | $ | 14 | $ | (24 | ) | $ | — | $ | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current liabilities | — | (12,819 | ) | 677 | (12,142 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | — | (100,016 | ) | 49,813 | (50,203 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative assets | 41,898 | (40,319 | ) | — | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative liabilities | 22,658 | (40,298 | ) | 3,462 | (14,178 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | 33,370 | (57,515 | ) | 3,982 | (20,163 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet | $ | 97,940 | $ | (250,991 | ) | $ | 57,934 | $ | (95,117 | ) | ||||||||||||||
The following table presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative | Balance Sheet Location | Gross | Gross | Collateral | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset | Liability | Netting | (Liability) | |||||||||||||||||||||
in Balance Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency contracts | Other current liabilities | $ | 1 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | — | $ | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current assets | 966 | (506 | ) | — | 460 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other current liabilities | — | (7,325 | ) | — | (7,325 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | — | (69,737 | ) | 28,880 | (40,857 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative assets | 2,063 | (538 | ) | — | 1,525 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Current utility energy commodity derivative liabilities | 66,421 | (97,586 | ) | 13,120 | (18,045 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits | 29,594 | (54,077 | ) | 2,390 | (22,093 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet | $ | 99,045 | $ | (229,790 | ) | $ | 44,390 | $ | (86,355 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Schedule of Assets Pledged as Collateral and Related Offsets [Table Text Block] | The following table presents the Company's collateral outstanding related to its derivative instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | 31-Dec-14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral posted | $ | 17,471 | $ | 20,565 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit outstanding | 7,500 | 14,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance sheet offsetting (cash collateral against net derivative positions) | 7,444 | 15,510 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral posted | 50,490 | 28,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit outstanding | 17,900 | 10,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance sheet offsetting (cash collateral against net derivative positions) | 50,490 | 28,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain an "investment grade" credit rating from the major credit rating agencies. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below “investment grade,” it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position and the amount of additional collateral the Company could be required to post as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | 31-Dec-14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities with credit-risk-related contingent features | $ | 6,640 | $ | 12,911 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional collateral to post | 6,638 | 16,227 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre1
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost | ||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Other Post-retirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 4,949 | $ | 5,018 | $ | 699 | $ | 974 | ||||||||
Interest cost | 6,672 | 6,706 | 1,331 | 1,353 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (7,416 | ) | (8,110 | ) | (431 | ) | (472 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 6 | 6 | (279 | ) | (43 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss recognition | 2,394 | 1,157 | 1,292 | 826 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 6,605 | $ | 4,777 | $ | 2,612 | $ | 2,638 | ||||||||
Committed_Lines_of_Credit_Tabl
Committed Lines of Credit (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Short-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||||||
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] | Balances outstanding and interest rates of borrowings (excluding letters of credit) under the Company’s revolving committed lines of credit were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Borrowings outstanding at end of period | $ | 65,000 | $ | 105,000 | ||||
Letters of credit outstanding at end of period | $ | 35,579 | $ | 32,579 | ||||
Average interest rate on borrowings at end of period | 0.94 | % | 0.93 | % |
LongTerm_Debt_Tables
Long-Term Debt (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] | The balances related to the Snettisham capital lease obligation as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligation (1) | $ | 69,398 | $ | 69,955 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease asset (2) | 71,007 | 71,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization of capital lease asset (2) | 2,731 | 1,821 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | The capital lease obligation amount is equal to the amount of AIDEA's revenue bonds outstanding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | These amounts are included in utility plant in service on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on the capital lease obligation and amortization of the capital lease asset are included in utility resource costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled the following amounts for the three months ended March 31 (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on capital lease obligation | $ | 923 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of capital lease asset | 910 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] | The following table details future capital lease obligations, including interest, under the Snettisham PPA (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal | $ | 1,673 | $ | 2,350 | $ | 2,480 | $ | 2,615 | $ | 2,755 | $ | 57,525 | $ | 69,398 | ||||||||||||||
Interest | 2,767 | 3,567 | 3,438 | 3,305 | 3,165 | 25,364 | 41,606 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,440 | $ | 5,917 | $ | 5,918 | $ | 5,920 | $ | 5,920 | $ | 82,889 | $ | 111,004 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity | Interest | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year | Description | Rate | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista Corp. Secured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | First Mortgage Bonds | 0.84% | $ | 90,000 | $ | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.95% | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 7.39%-7.45% | 22,500 | 22,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.45% | 90,000 | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | First Mortgage Bonds | 3.89% | 52,000 | 52,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.13% | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 7.18%-7.54% | 13,500 | 13,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2028 | Secured Medium-Term Notes | 6.37% | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2032 | Secured Pollution Control Bonds (1) | -1 | 66,700 | 66,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2034 | Secured Pollution Control Bonds (1) | -1 | 17,000 | 17,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2035 | First Mortgage Bonds | 6.25% | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2037 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.70% | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2040 | First Mortgage Bonds | 5.55% | 35,000 | 35,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2041 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.45% | 85,000 | 85,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2044 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.11% | 60,000 | 60,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2047 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.23% | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Avista Corp. secured long-term debt | 1,436,700 | 1,436,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska Electric Light and Power Company Secured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2044 | First Mortgage Bonds | 4.54% | 75,000 | 75,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total consolidated secured long-term debt | 1,511,700 | 1,511,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska Energy and Resources Company Unsecured Long-Term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | Unsecured Term Loan | 3.85% | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total secured and unsecured long-term debt | 1,526,700 | 1,526,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term debt and capital leases | 74,198 | 74,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settled interest rate swaps (2) | (17,439 | ) | (17,541 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unamortized debt discount | (1,081 | ) | (1,122 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,582,378 | 1,582,186 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured Pollution Control Bonds held by Avista Corporation (1) | (83,700 | ) | (83,700 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases | (3,132 | ) | (6,424 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt and capital leases | $ | 1,495,546 | $ | 1,492,062 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | In December 2010, $66.7 million and $17.0 million of the City of Forsyth, Montana Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Avista Corporation Colstrip Project) due in 2032 and 2034, respectively, which had been held by Avista Corp. since 2008 and 2009, respectively, were refunded by new bond issues (Series 2010A and Series 2010B). The new bonds were not offered to the public and were purchased by Avista Corp. due to market conditions. The Company expects that at a later date, subject to market conditions, these bonds may be remarketed to unaffiliated investors. So long as Avista Corp. is the holder of these bonds, the bonds will not be reflected as an asset or a liability on Avista Corp.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, these are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and included as part of long-term debt above. They are amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the associated debt and included as a part of the Company's cost of debt calculation for ratemaking purposes. |
Fair_Value_Tables
Fair Value (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] | The following table presents the quantitative information which was used to estimate the fair values of the Level 3 assets and liabilities above as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value (Net) at | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | Valuation Technique | Unobservable | Range | |||||||||||||||||
Input | ||||||||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | $ | (25,903 | ) | Surrogate facility | O&M charges | $30.66-$55.56/MWh (1) | ||||||||||||||
pricing | Escalation factor | 3% - 2015 to 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transaction volumes | 396,984 - 397,116 MWhs | |||||||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | (251 | ) | Black-Scholes- | Strike price | $37.87/MWh - 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Merton | $56.46/MWh - 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Delivery volumes | 157,517 - 287,147 MWhs | |||||||||||||||||||
Volatility rates | 0.20 (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange | 817 | Internally derived | Forward purchase | $2.10 - $2.34/mmBTU | ||||||||||||||||
agreement | weighted average | prices | ||||||||||||||||||
cost of gas | ||||||||||||||||||||
Forward sales prices | $2.22 - $3.17/mmBTU | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase volumes | 158,469 - 310,000 mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||||
Sales volumes | 279,990 - 800,000 mmBTUs | |||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments | The following table sets forth the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not reported at estimated fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
Value | Fair Value | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (Level 2) | $ | 951,000 | $ | 1,132,109 | $ | 951,000 | $ | 1,118,972 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (Level 3) | 492,000 | 542,349 | 492,000 | 527,663 | ||||||||||||||||
Snettisham capital lease obligation (Level 3) | 69,398 | 79,928 | 69,955 | 79,290 | ||||||||||||||||
Nonrecourse long-term debt (Level 3) | — | — | 1,431 | 1,440 | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt to affiliated trusts (Level 3) | 51,547 | 37,629 | 51,547 | 38,582 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Assets And Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Counterparty | Total | ||||||||||||||||
and Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
31-Mar-15 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 96,319 | $ | — | $ | (95,557 | ) | $ | 762 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,607 | (790 | ) | 817 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 14 | — | (14 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (2) | 1,866 | — | — | — | 1,866 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 6,233 | — | — | — | 6,233 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,099 | $ | 96,333 | $ | 1,607 | $ | (96,361 | ) | $ | 9,678 | |||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 111,188 | $ | — | $ | (103,001 | ) | $ | 8,187 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 790 | (790 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | — | — | 25,903 | — | 25,903 | |||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | — | — | 251 | — | 251 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 24 | — | (14 | ) | 10 | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 112,835 | — | (50,490 | ) | 62,345 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 224,047 | $ | 26,944 | $ | (154,295 | ) | $ | 96,696 | |||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Counterparty | Total | ||||||||||||||||
and Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
31-Dec-14 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 96,729 | $ | — | $ | (95,204 | ) | $ | 1,525 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,349 | (1,349 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 1 | — | (1 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 966 | — | (506 | ) | 460 | ||||||||||||||
Funds held in trust account of Spokane Energy | 1,600 | — | — | — | 1,600 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (2) | 1,793 | — | — | — | 1,793 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 6,074 | — | — | — | 6,074 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,467 | $ | 97,696 | $ | 1,349 | $ | (97,060 | ) | $ | 11,452 | |||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodity derivatives | $ | — | $ | 127,094 | $ | — | $ | (110,714 | ) | $ | 16,380 | |||||||||
Level 3 energy commodity derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas exchange agreement | — | — | 1,384 | (1,349 | ) | 35 | ||||||||||||||
Power exchange agreement | — | — | 23,299 | — | 23,299 | |||||||||||||||
Power option agreement | — | — | 424 | — | 424 | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 77,568 | — | (29,386 | ) | 48,182 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | — | 21 | — | (1 | ) | 20 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 204,683 | $ | 25,107 | $ | (141,450 | ) | $ | 88,340 | |||||||||
-1 | The Company is permitted to net derivative assets and derivative liabilities with the same counterparty when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists. In addition, the Company nets derivative assets and derivative liabilities against any payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with these same counterparties. | |||||||||||||||||||
-2 | These assets are trading securities and are included in other property and investments-net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation for All Assets Measured At Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Exchange Agreement | Power Exchange Agreement | Power Option Agreement | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2015: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2015 | $ | (35 | ) | $ | (23,299 | ) | $ | (424 | ) | $ | (23,758 | ) | ||||||||
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in net income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (1) | 777 | (6,381 | ) | 173 | (5,431 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements | 75 | 3,777 | — | 3,852 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers to/from other categories | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of March 31, 2015 | $ | 817 | $ | (25,903 | ) | $ | (251 | ) | $ | (25,337 | ) | |||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2014 | $ | (1,219 | ) | $ | (14,441 | ) | $ | (775 | ) | $ | (16,435 | ) | ||||||||
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in net income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (1) | 1,849 | 2,026 | 347 | 4,222 | ||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (3,048 | ) | (1,209 | ) | — | (4,257 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transfers to/from other categories | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of March 31, 2014 | $ | (2,418 | ) | $ | (13,624 | ) | $ | (428 | ) | $ | (16,470 | ) | ||||||||
-1 | The UTC and the IPUC issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Corp. to offset commodity derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment defers the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of delivery. The orders provide for Avista Corp. to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the period of delivery, subject to approval for recovery through retail rates. Realized gains and losses, subject to regulatory approval, result in adjustments to retail rates through purchased gas cost adjustments, the ERM in Washington, the PCA mechanism in Idaho, and periodic general rates cases. |
Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Attr1
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable To Avista Corporation (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||||||
Computations Of Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | $ | 46,449 | $ | 47,476 | ||||
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | — | 1,023 | ||||||
Subsidiary earnings adjustment for dilutive securities (discontinued operations) | — | (53 | ) | |||||
Adjusted net income from discontinued operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders for computation of diluted earnings per common share | $ | — | $ | 970 | ||||
Denominator: | ||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-basic | 62,318 | 60,122 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||
Performance and restricted stock awards | 571 | 46 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-diluted | 62,889 | 60,168 | ||||||
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, basic: | ||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Total earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, basic | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, diluted: | ||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Total earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders, diluted | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
There were no shares excluded from the calculation because they were antidilutive. |
Information_By_Business_Segmen1
Information By Business Segments (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Information by Business Segments | The following table presents information for each of the Company’s business segments (dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Avista | Alaska Electric Light and Power Company | Total Utility | Other | Intersegment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Utilities | Eliminations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2015: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 424,083 | $ | 12,774 | $ | 436,857 | $ | 10,083 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 446,490 | |||||||||||
Resource costs | 206,660 | 2,900 | 209,560 | — | — | 209,560 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 70,409 | 2,763 | 73,172 | 10,266 | (450 | ) | 82,988 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 32,997 | 1,303 | 34,300 | 169 | — | 34,469 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 84,788 | 5,139 | 89,927 | (352 | ) | — | 89,575 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense (2) | 18,968 | 904 | 19,872 | 164 | (22 | ) | 20,014 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 24,888 | 1,684 | 26,572 | (325 | ) | — | 26,247 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | 44,384 | 2,634 | 47,018 | (569 | ) | — | 46,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (3) | 81,212 | 385 | 81,597 | 412 | — | 82,009 | ||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 437,574 | $ | — | $ | 437,574 | $ | 9,454 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 446,578 | |||||||||||
Resource costs | 220,497 | — | 220,497 | — | — | 220,497 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 67,337 | — | 67,337 | 9,833 | (450 | ) | 76,720 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 30,726 | — | 30,726 | 147 | — | 30,873 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 90,868 | — | 90,868 | (526 | ) | — | 90,342 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense (2) | 18,546 | — | 18,546 | 397 | (88 | ) | 18,855 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 27,620 | — | 27,620 | (338 | ) | — | 27,282 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders | 47,996 | — | 47,996 | (608 | ) | 88 | 47,476 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (3) | 59,725 | — | 59,725 | 46 | — | 59,771 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2015: | $ | 4,345,988 | $ | 267,590 | $ | 4,613,578 | $ | 75,451 | $ | — | $ | 4,689,029 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014: | $ | 4,367,926 | $ | 264,195 | $ | 4,632,121 | $ | 80,210 | $ | — | $ | 4,712,331 | ||||||||||||
-1 | Intersegment eliminations reported as operating revenues and resource costs represent intercompany purchases and sales of electric capacity and energy. Intersegment eliminations reported as interest expense and net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders represent intercompany interest. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-2 | Including interest expense to affiliated trusts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
-3 | The capital expenditures for the other businesses are included as other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The remainder of the balance included in other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are related to Ecova. |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account3
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jun. 29, 2014 | |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Maximum Dividends Allowed by Debt Covenants | $414,300,000 | ||
Sale and maturity of securities available for sale | 0 | 11,403,000 | |
Maximum Dividends Allowed by Regulator Approval | $278,400,000 | ||
Ecova [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Owners percentage interest | 80.20% | ||
Avista Corporation [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms | 0.65 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account4
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Utility Taxes) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Utility taxes | $19,498 | $19,738 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account5
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Other Income - Net) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Interest income | $243 | $274 |
Interest on regulatory deferrals | 20 | 44 |
Equity-related AFUDC | 2,215 | 2,034 |
Net loss on investments | -384 | -40 |
Other income | 137 | 288 |
Total | $2,231 | $2,600 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account6
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Materials And Supplies Fuel Stock And Natural Gas Stored) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Materials and supplies | $33,271 | $32,483 |
Fuel stock | 5,508 | 5,142 |
Natural gas stored | 5,006 | 28,731 |
Total | $43,785 | $66,356 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account7
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Disposition of Available-for-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Disposition of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract] | ||
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities | $0 | $11,403 |
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains | $3 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account8
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss, Tax | ($4,115) | ($4,247) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax | -7,642 | -7,888 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ($7,642) | ($7,888) |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account9
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | ||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $2,409 | |||
Income tax expense | -894 | |||
Net income from discontinued operations | 0 | 1,515 | ||
Tax expense (a) | -26,247 | -27,282 | ||
Net income | 46,462 | 48,981 | ||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | ||||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 0 | 3 | ||
Income tax expense | 0 | -1 | ||
Net income from discontinued operations | 0 | 2 | ||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax | 0 | 3 | ||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | ||||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ||||
Total before tax | -378 | -170 | ||
Tax expense (a) | 132 | 59 | ||
Net income | -246 | -111 | ||
Amortization of net loss | 273 | [1] | 38 | [1] |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax | -3,688 | [1] | -1,990 | [1] |
Adjustment due to effects of regulation | $3,037 | [1] | $1,782 | [1] |
[1] | These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 6 for additional details). |
Recovered_Sheet1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Stock Repurchase Program) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 16, 2014 |
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] | ||
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased | 800,000 | |
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | 89,400 | |
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method | $2.90 | |
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $32.66 |
Business_Acquisitions_Details
Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Oct. 01, 2014 | Jul. 01, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Oct. 01, 2014 | Jul. 01, 2014 |
D | |||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||||
Goodwill | $57,976 | $57,976 | |||||
Business Acquisition, Share Price | $30.71 | $33.35 | $30.71 | $33.35 | |||
Operating revenues | 446,490 | 446,578 | |||||
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | 1,427 | 4,500,014 | |||||
Business Combination Equity Consideration Share Price | $32.46 | $32.46 | |||||
Business Combination Number of Trading Days to Price Equity Consideration Share Price | 10 | ||||||
Merger Consideration - Total | 170,000 | 170,000 | |||||
Representative Reimbursement Amount | 4,697 | ||||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents | 19,704 | 19,704 | |||||
Business Acquisition Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Current and Long-Term Debt | 38,832 | 38,832 | |||||
Business Acquisition Contract Price Closing Adjustments | 58 | 58 | |||||
Business Acquisition Adjusted Contract Price | 150,814 | 150,814 | |||||
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred | 154,816 | ||||||
Alaska Energy Resources Company [Member] | |||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||||
Operating revenues | 12,791 | 13,186 | |||||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | |||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||||
Goodwill | 52,730 | 52,730 | |||||
Operating revenues | $12,774 | $0 | |||||
Number of Customers | 16,452 | ||||||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Power purchase agreement [Member] | |||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||||
Evaluated Power Capacity | 78 |
Business_Acquisitions_Contract
Business Acquisitions Contract Price and Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Oct. 01, 2014 | Jul. 01, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jul. 01, 2014 |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Merger Consideration - Total | $170,000 | |||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents | 19,704 | |||
Business Acquisition Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Current and Long-Term Debt | -38,832 | |||
Business Acquisition Contract Price Closing Adjustments | -58 | |||
Business Acquisition Adjusted Contract Price | 150,814 | |||
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable | 44 | 150,075 | ||
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross | 4,697 | |||
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred | $154,816 |
Business_Acquisitions_Pro_Form
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Operating Results (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 21 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Revenues Excluding Acquired Entity | $433,699 | $446,578 | |
Supplemental Pro Forma Revenues | 446,490 | 446,578 | |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue | 446,490 | 459,764 | |
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual | 12,791 | 0 | |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent | 43,918 | 47,476 | |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent | 0 | 1,023 | |
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 46,449 | 48,499 | |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) | 46,454 | 52,049 | |
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual | 2,531 | 0 | |
Alaska Energy Resources Company [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Supplemental Pro Forma Revenues | 12,791 | 13,186 | |
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 2,531 | 3,256 | |
Avista Utilities [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Supplemental Pro Forma Revenues | 424,083 | 437,574 | |
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs | 3,000 | ||
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 44,384 | 47,996 | |
Avista Utilities [Member] | Acquisition-related Costs [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs | 5 | 294 | |
Acquisition-related Costs [Member] | Avista Utilities [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs | $400 |
Discontinued_Operations_Summar
Discontinued Operations Summary of Cash Proceeds from Sale of Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | |
M | ||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||
Contract price | $335,000,000 | |||
Repayment of long-term borrowings under committed line of credit | 0 | -4,000,000 | ||
Transaction expenses withheld from proceeds | -5,390,000 | |||
Total net proceeds related to sales transaction | 143,500,000 | |||
Number of Months Receivable Held in Escrow | 15 | |||
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax | 69,700,000 | |||
Indemnification Agreement [Member] | ||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||
Escrow Receivable | 16,800,000 | |||
Escrow Percentage of Contract Price | 5.00% | |||
Working Capital Escrow Adjustment [Member] | ||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||
Escrow Receivable | $1,000,000 |
Discontinued_Operations_Summar1
Discontinued Operations Summary of Income Statement Information (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax | $69,700,000 | ||
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent | 0 | 1,023,000 | |
Transaction expenses withheld from proceeds | -5,390,000 | ||
Revenues | 44,384,000 | ||
Transaction expenses and accelerated employee benefits (2) | 11,000,000 | ||
Income before income taxes | 2,409,000 | ||
Income tax expense | 894,000 | ||
Net income from discontinued operations | 0 | 1,515,000 | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | -13,000 | -482,000 | |
Ecova [Member] | |||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||
Transaction expenses and accelerated employee benefits (2) | 9,062,000 | ||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | ($492,000) |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen2
Derivatives And Risk Management (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Secured Debt | $1,511,700,000 | $1,511,700,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | 57,934,000 | 44,390,000 |
Liability position at aggregate fair value | 6,640,000 | 12,911,000 |
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value | 6,638,000 | 16,227,000 |
Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Cash deposited as collateral | 17,471,000 | 20,565,000 |
Letters of credit outstanding | 7,500,000 | 14,500,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | 7,444,000 | 15,510,000 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Cash deposited as collateral | 50,490,000 | 28,880,000 |
Letters of credit outstanding | 17,900,000 | 10,900,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | $50,490,000 | $28,880,000 |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen3
Derivatives And Risk Management (Energy Commodity Derivatives) (Details) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||
frequency | ||
Sales [Member] | Physical [Member] | Electric Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 253,000 | [1] |
2015 | 287,000 | [1] |
2016 | 286,000 | [1] |
2017 | 286,000 | [1] |
2018 | 158,000 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Sales [Member] | Physical [Member] | Gas Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 2,079,000 | [1] |
2015 | 910,000 | [1] |
2016 | 0 | [1] |
2017 | 0 | [1] |
2018 | 0 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Sales [Member] | Financial [Member] | Electric Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 2,730,000 | [1] |
2015 | 1,826,000 | [1] |
2016 | 483,000 | [1] |
2017 | 0 | [1] |
2018 | 0 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Sales [Member] | Financial [Member] | Gas Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 83,313,000 | [1] |
2015 | 63,000,000 | [1] |
2016 | 15,420,000 | [1] |
2017 | 0 | [1] |
2018 | 0 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Purchase [Member] | Physical [Member] | Electric Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 203,000 | [1] |
2015 | 397,000 | [1] |
2016 | 397,000 | [1] |
2017 | 397,000 | [1] |
2018 | 235,000 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Purchase [Member] | Physical [Member] | Gas Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 10,357,000 | [1] |
2015 | 2,505,000 | [1] |
2016 | 675,000 | [1] |
2017 | 0 | [1] |
2018 | 0 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Purchase [Member] | Financial [Member] | Electric Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 1,839,000 | [1] |
2015 | 1,287,000 | [1] |
2016 | 0 | [1] |
2017 | 0 | [1] |
2018 | 0 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
Purchase [Member] | Financial [Member] | Gas Derivative [Member] | ||
Energy Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] | ||
2014 | 97,928,000 | [1] |
2015 | 81,730,000 | [1] |
2016 | 31,930,000 | [1] |
2017 | 6,795,000 | [1] |
2018 | 4,050,000 | [1] |
Thereafter | 0 | [1] |
[1] | Physical transactions represent commodity transactions where Avista Utilities will take delivery of either electricity or natural gas and financial transactions represent derivative instruments with no physical delivery, such as futures, swaps or options. |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen4
Derivatives And Risk Management (Interest Rate Swap Agreements) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Caontracts | Caontracts | |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Secured Debt | $1,511,700 | $1,511,700 |
2015 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Number of contracts | 5 | 5 |
Derivative, Notional Amount | 75,000 | 75,000 |
Derivative, Maturity Date | 31-Dec-15 | 31-Dec-15 |
2016 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Number of contracts | 6 | 5 |
Derivative, Notional Amount | 115,000 | 95,000 |
Derivative, Maturity Date | 31-Dec-16 | 31-Dec-16 |
2017 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Number of contracts | 3 | 3 |
Derivative, Notional Amount | 45,000 | 45,000 |
Derivative, Maturity Date | 31-Dec-17 | 31-Dec-17 |
2018 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Number of contracts | 11 | 9 |
Derivative, Notional Amount | 245,000 | 205,000 |
Derivative, Maturity Date | 31-Dec-18 | 31-Dec-18 |
2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Number of contracts | 1 | |
Derivative, Notional Amount | $20,000 | |
Derivative, Maturity Date | 31-Dec-19 |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen5
Derivatives And Risk Management (Derivative Instruments Summary) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | $97,940,000 | $99,045,000 |
Gross Liability | -250,991,000 | -229,790,000 |
Collateral Netting | 57,934,000 | 44,390,000 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | -95,117,000 | -86,355,000 |
Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Collateral Netting | 7,444,000 | 15,510,000 |
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 14,000 | 1,000 |
Gross Liability | -24,000 | -21,000 |
Collateral Netting | 0 | 0 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | -10,000 | -20,000 |
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 0 | 0 |
Gross Liability | -12,819,000 | -7,325,000 |
Collateral Netting | 677,000 | 0 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | -12,142,000 | -7,325,000 |
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 966,000 | |
Gross Liability | -506,000 | |
Collateral Netting | 0 | |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | 460,000 | |
Current Utility Energy Commodity Derivative Assets [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 41,898,000 | 2,063,000 |
Gross Liability | -40,319,000 | -538,000 |
Collateral Netting | 0 | 0 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | 1,579,000 | 1,525,000 |
Current Utility Energy Commodity Derivative Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 22,658,000 | 66,421,000 |
Gross Liability | -40,298,000 | -97,586,000 |
Collateral Netting | 3,462,000 | 13,120,000 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | -14,178,000 | -18,045,000 |
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 0 | 0 |
Gross Liability | -100,016,000 | -69,737,000 |
Collateral Netting | 49,813,000 | 28,880,000 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | -50,203,000 | -40,857,000 |
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross Asset | 33,370,000 | 29,594,000 |
Gross Liability | -57,515,000 | -54,077,000 |
Collateral Netting | 3,982,000 | 2,390,000 |
Net Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet | ($20,163,000) | ($22,093,000) |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen6
Derivatives And Risk Management Derivatives and Risk Management (Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts) (Details) | 3 Months Ended | |||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
derivative_contracts | derivative_contracts | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | |
United States of America, Dollars | United States of America, Dollars | Canada, Dollars | Canada, Dollars | |||
USD ($) | USD ($) | CAD | CAD | |||
Schedule of Foreign Currency Derivative Contracts Outstanding [Line Items] | ||||||
Number Of Days Canadian Currency Prices Are Settled With U.S. Dollars | 60 days | |||||
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held | 25 | 18 | ||||
Derivative, Notional Amount | $4,357 | $5,474 | 5,498 | 6,198 |
Derivatives_And_Risk_Managemen7
Derivatives And Risk Management Derivatives and Risk Management (Collateral) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Liability position at aggregate fair value | $6,640,000 | $12,911,000 |
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value | 6,638,000 | 16,227,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | 57,934,000 | 44,390,000 |
Commodity Contracts [Member] | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Letters of credit outstanding | 7,500,000 | 14,500,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | 7,444,000 | 15,510,000 |
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value | 17,471,000 | 20,565,000 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Letters of credit outstanding | 17,900,000 | 10,900,000 |
Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net | 50,490,000 | 28,880,000 |
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value | $50,490,000 | $28,880,000 |
Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre2
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Pension Contributions | $4,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $32,000,000 |
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year | ($12,000,000) |
Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre3
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Service cost | $4,949 | $5,018 |
Interest cost | 6,672 | 6,706 |
Expected return on plan assets | -7,416 | -8,110 |
Amortization of prior service cost | 6 | 6 |
Net loss recognition | 2,394 | 1,157 |
Net periodic benefit cost | 6,605 | 4,777 |
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Service cost | 699 | 974 |
Interest cost | 1,331 | 1,353 |
Expected return on plan assets | -431 | -472 |
Amortization of prior service cost | -279 | -43 |
Net loss recognition | 1,292 | 826 |
Net periodic benefit cost | $2,612 | $2,638 |
Committed_Lines_of_Credit_Deta
Committed Lines of Credit (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Apr. 30, 2014 | Jul. 01, 2014 |
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit, Current | $65,000,000 | $105,000,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit, Current | 65,000,000 | 105,000,000 | ||
Letters of credit outstanding at end of period | 35,579,000 | 32,579,000 | ||
Average interest rate at end of period | 0.94% | 0.93% | ||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit, Current | 0 | 0 | ||
Line of Credit [Member] | Avista Utilities [Member] | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 400,000,000 | |||
Line of Credit [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | $25,000,000 |
LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail
Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Aug. 18, 1998 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long-term Pollution Control Bond, Noncurrent | ($83,700,000) | [1] | ($83,700,000) | [1] | ||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 209,560,000 | 220,497,000 | ||||
2032 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long-term Pollution Control Bond, Noncurrent | 66,700,000 | |||||
2034 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long-term Pollution Control Bond, Noncurrent | 17,000,000 | |||||
AIDEA [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long Term Revenue Bonds | 100,000,000 | |||||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Capital Leased Assets, Gross | 71,007,000 | 71,007,000 | ||||
Capital Leases Assets Accumulated Depreciation | -2,731,000 | -1,821,000 | ||||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 2,900,000 | 0 | ||||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Capital Lease Obligations | 69,398,000 | |||||
Capital Lease Obligations Annual Minimum Payments of Principal and Interest | 5,900,000 | |||||
Power purchase agreement [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 10,600,000 | |||||
Capital Lease Interest [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 923,000 | 0 | ||||
Capital Lease Amortization [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | $910,000 | $0 | ||||
Minimum [Member] | AIDEA [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long Term Revenue Bonds Stated Interest Rate | 4.85% | |||||
Maximum [Member] | AIDEA [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Long Term Revenue Bonds Stated Interest Rate | 6.00% | |||||
[1] | In December 2010, $66.7 million and $17.0 million of the City of Forsyth, Montana Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Avista Corporation Colstrip Project) due in 2032 and 2034, respectively, which had been held by Avista Corp. since 2008 and 2009, respectively, were refunded by new bond issues (Series 2010A and Series 2010B). The new bonds were not offered to the public and were purchased by Avista Corp. due to market conditions. The Company expects that at a later date, subject to market conditions, these bonds may be remarketed to unaffiliated investors. So long as Avista Corp. is the holder of these bonds, the bonds will not be reflected as an asset or a liability on Avista Corp.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Long
Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Secured and Unsecured Debt | $1,526,700 | $1,526,700 | ||
Secured Debt | 1,511,700 | 1,511,700 | ||
Other long-term debt and capital leases | 1,495,546 | 1,492,062 | ||
Settled interest rate swaps | -17,439 | -17,541 | ||
Unamortized debt discount | -1,081 | -1,122 | ||
Total | 1,582,378 | 1,582,186 | ||
Pollution Control Bonds | -83,700 | [1] | -83,700 | [1] |
Other Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 74,198 | 74,149 | ||
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current | -3,132 | -6,424 | ||
Document Period End Date | 31-Mar-15 | |||
2018, 7.39% - 7.45% [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Interest Rate, minimum | 7.39% | |||
Interest Rate, maximum | 7.45% | |||
2023, 7.18% - 7.54% [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Interest Rate, minimum | 7.18% | |||
Interest Rate, maximum | 7.54% | |||
2032 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Pollution Control Bonds | 66,700 | |||
2034 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Pollution Control Bonds | 17,000 | |||
Avista Utilities [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Secured Debt | 1,436,700 | 1,436,700 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2018, 5.95% [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2018 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 5.95% | |||
Secured Debt | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2018, 7.39% - 7.45% [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2018 | |||
Medium-Term Notes, Noncurrent | 22,500 | 22,500 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2019 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2019 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 5.45% | |||
Secured Debt | 90,000 | 90,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2020 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2020 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 3.89% | |||
Secured Debt | 52,000 | 52,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2022 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2022 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 5.13% | |||
Secured Debt | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2023, 7.18% - 7.54% [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2023 | |||
Medium-Term Notes, Noncurrent | 13,500 | 13,500 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2028 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2028 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 6.37% | |||
Medium-Term Notes, Noncurrent | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2032 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2032 | [1] | ||
Pollution Control Bonds | 66,700 | [1] | 66,700 | [1] |
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2034 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2034 | [1] | ||
Pollution Control Bonds | 17,000 | [1] | 17,000 | [1] |
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2035 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2035 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 6.25% | |||
Secured Debt | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2037 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2037 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 5.70% | |||
Secured Debt | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2040 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2040 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 5.55% | |||
Secured Debt | 35,000 | 35,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2041 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2041 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 4.45% | |||
Secured Debt | 85,000 | 85,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2047 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2047 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 4.23% | |||
Secured Debt | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2016 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2016 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 0.84% | |||
Secured Debt | 90,000 | 90,000 | ||
Avista Utilities [Member] | 2044 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2044 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 4.11% | |||
Secured Debt | 60,000 | 60,000 | ||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | 2044 [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2044 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 4.54% | |||
Secured Debt | 75,000 | [2] | 75,000 | [2] |
Alaska Energy Resources Company [Member] | 2019 [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Maturity Year | 2019 | |||
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage | 3.85% | |||
Unsecured Debt | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
[1] | In December 2010, $66.7 million and $17.0 million of the City of Forsyth, Montana Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Avista Corporation Colstrip Project) due in 2032 and 2034, respectively, which had been held by Avista Corp. since 2008 and 2009, respectively, were refunded by new bond issues (Series 2010A and Series 2010B). The new bonds were not offered to the public and were purchased by Avista Corp. due to market conditions. The Company expects that at a later date, subject to market conditions, these bonds may be remarketed to unaffiliated investors. So long as Avista Corp. is the holder of these bonds, the bonds will not be reflected as an asset or a liability on Avista Corp.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||
[2] | Upon settlement of interest rate swaps, these are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and included as part of long-term debt above. They are amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the associated debt and included as a part of the Company's cost of debt calculation for ratemaking purposes. |
LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Sn
Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Snettisham Capital Lease Obligation) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | $209,560 | $220,497 | |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | |||
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 2,900 | 0 | |
Capital Leased Assets, Gross | 71,007 | 71,007 | |
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation | 2,731 | 1,821 | |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | |||
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Remainder Of Fiscal Year | 1,673 | ||
Capital Lease Obligations | 69,398 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Year Two | 2,350 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Year Three | 2,480 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Year Four | 2,615 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Year Five | 2,755 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Principal Thereafter | 57,525 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Remainder Of Fiscal Year | 2,767 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due in Two Years | 3,567 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due in Three Years | 3,438 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due in Four Years | 3,305 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due in Five Years | 3,165 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due Thereafter | 25,364 | ||
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments of Interest Due | 41,606 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year | 4,440 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years | 5,917 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years | 5,918 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years | 5,920 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years | 5,920 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter | 82,889 | ||
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due | 111,004 | ||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | |||
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Capital Lease Obligations | 69,398 | 69,955 | |
Capital Lease Interest [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | |||
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | 923 | 0 | |
Capital Lease Amortization [Member] | Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | |||
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Utilities Operating Expense, Products and Services | $910 | $0 |
Fair_Value_Carrying_Value_And_
Fair Value (Carrying Value And Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | $951,000 | $951,000 |
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 492,000 | 492,000 |
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 51,547 | 51,547 |
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Nonrecourse Long-Term Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 0 | 1,431 |
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $100 | |
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 1,132,109 | 1,118,972 |
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 542,349 | 527,663 |
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 37,629 | 38,582 |
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Nonrecourse Long-Term Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | 0 | 1,440 |
Minimum [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $73 | |
Maximum [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $134.52 | |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Capital Lease Obligations | 69,398 | |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Capital Lease Obligations | 69,398 | 69,955 |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | ||
Fair Value and Carrying Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Line Items] | ||
Capital Lease Obligations | $79,928 | $79,290 |
Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Of_Asset
Fair Value (Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Gross Asset | $97,940 | $99,045 | ||
Liability | 250,991 | 229,790 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 22,081 | 22,143 | 90,172 | 82,574 |
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 800 | 800 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | -96,361 | -97,060 | ||
Interest rate swaps | 460 | |||
Funds held in trust account of Spokane Energy | 1,600 | |||
Total | 9,678 | 11,452 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | -154,295 | -141,450 | ||
Interest rate swaps | 62,345 | 48,182 | ||
Total | 96,696 | 88,340 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | -506 | |||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | -50,490 | -29,386 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Energy commodity derivatives [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | -95,557 | -95,204 | ||
Derivative Asset | 762 | 1,525 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | -103,001 | -110,714 | ||
Derivative Liability | 8,187 | 16,380 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | -790 | -1,349 | ||
Derivative Asset | 817 | 0 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | -790 | -1,349 | ||
Derivative Liability | 0 | 35 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | 0 | 0 | ||
Derivative Liability | 25,903 | 23,299 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Power Option Agreement [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | 0 | 0 | ||
Derivative Liability | 251 | 424 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | -14 | -1 | ||
Derivative Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | -14 | -1 | ||
Derivative Liability | 10 | 20 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Deferred compensation assets: | 1,866 | 1,793 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Deferred compensation assets: | 6,233 | 6,074 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Funds held in trust account of Spokane Energy | 1,600 | |||
Total | 8,099 | 9,467 | ||
Total | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Deferred compensation assets: | 1,866 | 1,793 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Deferred compensation assets: | 6,233 | 6,074 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Interest rate swaps | 966 | |||
Total | 96,333 | 97,696 | ||
Interest rate swaps | 112,835 | 77,568 | ||
Total | 224,047 | 204,683 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Energy commodity derivatives [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Gross Asset | 96,319 | 96,729 | ||
Liability | 111,188 | 127,094 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Gross Asset | 14 | 1 | ||
Liability | 24 | 21 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Total | 1,607 | 1,349 | ||
Total | 26,944 | 25,107 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Gross Asset | 1,607 | 1,349 | ||
Liability | 790 | 1,384 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Liability | 25,903 | 23,299 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Power Option Agreement [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Liability | $251 | $424 |
Fair_Value_Quantitative_Inform
Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | 2014 to 2019 [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Escalation Factor | 3.00% | ||
Power Option Agreement [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate | 20.00% | [1] | |
Power Option Agreement [Member] | 2015 [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | 37.87 | ||
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate | 38.00% | [1] | |
Power Option Agreement [Member] | 2019 [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | 56.46 | ||
Power Option Agreement [Member] | 2018 [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate | 20.00% | [1] | |
Minimum [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Operation and Maintenance Charges | 30.66 | [2] | |
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 396,984 | ||
Minimum [Member] | Power Option Agreement [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 157,517 | ||
Maximum [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Operation and Maintenance Charges | 55.56 | [2] | |
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 397,116 | ||
Maximum [Member] | Power Option Agreement [Member] | Black Scholes Merton [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 287,147 | ||
Average [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Operation and Maintenance Charges | 42.9 | [2] | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Liability | -25,903 | ($23,299) | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Power Option Agreement [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Liability | -251 | -424 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Liability | 0 | -35 | |
Derivative Asset | 817 | $0 | |
WASHINGTON | Average [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Operation and Maintenance Charges | 43.11 | ||
IDAHO | Average [Member] | Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | Surrogate Facility Pricing [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Operation and Maintenance Charges | 42.9 | ||
Sales [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | Internally Derived Weighted Average Cost Of Gas [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Forward Price | 2.22 | ||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 279,990 | ||
Sales [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | Internally Derived Weighted Average Cost Of Gas [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Forward Price | 3.17 | ||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 800,000 | ||
Purchase [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | Internally Derived Weighted Average Cost Of Gas [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Forward Price | 2.1 | ||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 158,469 | ||
Purchase [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | Internally Derived Weighted Average Cost Of Gas [Member] | |||
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Forward Price | 2.34 | ||
Transaction/Delivery Volumes | 310,000 | ||
[1] | The estimated volatility rate of 0.20 is compared to actual quoted volatility rates of 0.38 for 2015 to 0.20 in December 2018. | ||
[2] | The average O&M charges for the delivery year beginning in November 2014 were $42.90 per MWh. For ratemaking purposes the average O&M charges to be included for recovery in retail rates vary slightly between regulatory jurisdictions. The average O&M charges for the delivery year beginning in 2014 were $43.11 for Washington and $42.90 for Idaho. |
Fair_Value_Reconciliation_For_
Fair Value (Reconciliation For All Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | ||
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||||
Beginning Balance | ($23,758) | ($16,435) | ||
Included in net income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in other comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities | -5,431 | [1] | 4,222 | [1] |
Purchases | 0 | 0 | ||
Issuances | 0 | 0 | ||
Settlements | 3,852 | -4,257 | ||
Transfers from other categories | 0 | 0 | ||
Ending Balance | -25,337 | -16,470 | ||
Natural Gas Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||||
Beginning Balance | -35 | -1,219 | ||
Included in net income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in other comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities | 777 | [1] | 1,849 | [1] |
Purchases | 0 | 0 | ||
Issuances | 0 | 0 | ||
Settlements | 75 | -3,048 | ||
Transfers from other categories | 0 | 0 | ||
Ending Balance | -2,418 | |||
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value | 817 | |||
Power Exchange Agreements [Member] | ||||
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||||
Beginning Balance | -23,299 | -14,441 | ||
Included in net income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in other comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities | -6,381 | [1] | 2,026 | [1] |
Purchases | 0 | 0 | ||
Issuances | 0 | 0 | ||
Settlements | 3,777 | -1,209 | ||
Transfers from other categories | 0 | 0 | ||
Ending Balance | -25,903 | -13,624 | ||
Power Option Agreement [Member] | ||||
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||||
Beginning Balance | -424 | -775 | ||
Included in net income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in other comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | ||
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities | 173 | [1] | 347 | [1] |
Purchases | 0 | 0 | ||
Issuances | 0 | 0 | ||
Settlements | 0 | 0 | ||
Transfers from other categories | 0 | 0 | ||
Ending Balance | ($251) | ($428) | ||
[1] | (1)The UTC and the IPUC issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Corp. to offset commodity derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment defers the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of delivery. The orders provide for Avista Corp. to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the period of delivery, subject to approval for recovery through retail rates. Realized gains and losses, subject to regulatory approval, result in adjustments to retail rates through purchased gas cost adjustments, the ERM in Washington, the PCA mechanism in Idaho, and periodic general rates cases. |
Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl
Earnings Per Share Attributable To Avista Corporation (Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent | $46,449 | $47,476 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent | 0 | 1,023 |
Numerator: | ||
Net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders | 46,449 | 48,499 |
Subsidiary earnings adjustment for dilutive securities | 0 | -53 |
Adjusted net income attributable to Avista Corporation shareholders for computation of diluted earnings per common share | $0 | $970 |
Denominator: | ||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-basic | 62,318 | 60,122 |
Performance and restricted stock awards | 571 | 46 |
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding-diluted | 62,889 | 60,168 |
Earnings per common share attributable to Avista Corporation: | ||
Basic | $0.75 | $0.81 |
Diluted (usd per share) | $0.74 | $0.81 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share | $0.75 | $0.79 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share | $0 | $0.02 |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share | $0.74 | $0.79 |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share | $0 | $0.02 |
Commitments_And_Contingencies_
Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Oct. 31, 2014 |
employee | ||
gal | ||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||
Number Of Bargaining Unit Employees Oregon | 50 | |
Gallons of Diesel Spilled | 10,000 | |
Avista Utilities [Member] | ||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||
Percentage Of Employees, Collective Bargaining Agreement | 45.00% | |
Majority Of Bargaining Unit Employees, Percentage | 90.00% | |
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||
Percentage Of Employees, Collective Bargaining Agreement | 54.00% | |
Investment One [Member] | ||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||
Other Commitment | 2.5 | $3.10 |
Investment Two [Member] | ||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||
Other Commitment | 0.9 |
Information_By_Business_Segmen2
Information By Business Segments (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | $446,490 | $446,578 | ||||
Resource costs | 209,560 | 220,497 | ||||
Other operating expenses | 82,988 | 76,720 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 34,469 | 30,873 | ||||
Income from operations | 89,575 | 90,342 | ||||
Interest expense | 20,014 | [1] | 18,855 | [1] | ||
Income taxes | 26,247 | 27,282 | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | 46,449 | 48,499 | ||||
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent | 46,449 | 47,476 | ||||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 82,009 | [2] | 59,771 | [2] | ||
Total assets | 4,689,029 | 4,712,331 | ||||
Avista Utilities [Member] | ||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | 424,083 | 437,574 | ||||
Resource costs | 206,660 | 220,497 | ||||
Other operating expenses | 70,409 | 67,337 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 32,997 | 30,726 | ||||
Income from operations | 84,788 | 90,868 | ||||
Interest expense | 18,968 | [1] | 18,546 | [1] | ||
Income taxes | 24,888 | 27,620 | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | 44,384 | 47,996 | ||||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 81,212 | 59,725 | ||||
Total assets | 4,345,988 | 4,367,926 | ||||
Alaska Electric Light & Power [Member] | ||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | 12,774 | 0 | ||||
Resource costs | 2,900 | 0 | ||||
Other operating expenses | 2,763 | 0 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,303 | 0 | ||||
Income from operations | 5,139 | 0 | ||||
Interest expense | 904 | [1] | 0 | [1] | ||
Income taxes | 1,684 | 0 | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | 2,634 | 0 | ||||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 385 | 0 | ||||
Total assets | 267,590 | 264,195 | ||||
Total Utility [Member] | ||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | 436,857 | 437,574 | ||||
Resource costs | 209,560 | 220,497 | ||||
Other operating expenses | 73,172 | 67,337 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 34,300 | 30,726 | ||||
Income from operations | 89,927 | 90,868 | ||||
Interest expense | 19,872 | [1] | 18,546 | [1] | ||
Income taxes | 26,572 | 27,620 | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | 47,018 | 47,996 | ||||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 81,597 | [2] | 59,725 | [2] | ||
Total assets | 4,613,578 | 4,632,121 | ||||
Other Business Segment [Member] | ||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | 10,083 | 9,454 | ||||
Resource costs | 0 | 0 | ||||
Other operating expenses | 10,266 | 9,833 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 169 | 147 | ||||
Income from operations | -352 | -526 | ||||
Interest expense | 164 | [1] | 397 | [1] | ||
Income taxes | -325 | -338 | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | -569 | -608 | ||||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 412 | [2] | 46 | [2] | ||
Total assets | 75,451 | 80,210 | ||||
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | ||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
Operating revenues | -450 | [3] | -450 | [3] | ||
Resource costs | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||
Other operating expenses | -450 | [3] | -450 | [3] | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||
Income from operations | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||
Interest expense | -22 | [1],[3] | -88 | [1],[3] | ||
Income taxes | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||
Net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corporation | 0 | [3] | 88 | [3] | ||
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||
Total assets | $0 | [3] | $0 | [3] | ||
[1] | Including interest expense to affiliated trusts. | |||||
[2] | The capital expenditures for the other businesses are included as other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The remainder of the balance included in other capital expenditures on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are related to Ecova. | |||||
[3] | Intersegment eliminations reported as operating revenues and resource costs represent intercompany purchases and sales of electric capacity and energy. Intersegment eliminations reported as interest expense and net income (loss) attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders represent intercompany interest. |