UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010 |
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to _______________ |
Commission File Number | Registrant, State of Incorporation Address and Telephone Number | IRS Employer Identification No. | ||
0-30512 | CH Energy Group, Inc. (Incorporated in New York) 284 South Avenue Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839 (845) 452-2000 | 14-1804460 | ||
1-3268 | Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (Incorporated in New York) 284 South Avenue Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839 (845) 452-2000 | 14-0555980 |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
CH Energy Group, Inc. | Yes þ | No o | |
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation | Yes þ | No o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants have submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
CH Energy Group, Inc. | Yes þ | No o | |
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation | Yes þ | No o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants are a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
CH Energy Group, Inc. | Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation | |
Large Accelerated Filer þ | Large Accelerated Filer o | |
Accelerated Filer o | Accelerated Filer o | |
Non-Accelerated Filer o | Non-Accelerated Filer þ | |
Smaller Reporting Company o | Smaller Reporting Company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants are a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
CH Energy Group, Inc. | Yes o | No þ | |
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation | Yes o | No þ |
As of the close of business on October 1, 2010 (i) CH Energy Group, Inc. had outstanding 15,823,926 shares of Common Stock ($0.10 per share par value) and (ii) all of the outstanding 16,862,087 shares of Common Stock ($5 per share par value) of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation were held by CH Energy Group, Inc.
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(2)(a), (b) AND (c).
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CH Energy Group, Inc. | PAGE | |
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation | ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
PAGE | ||
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
_______________________________________________
FILING FORMAT
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined quarterly report being filed by two different registrants: CH Energy Group, Inc. (“CH Energy Group”) and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (“Central Hudson”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CH Energy Group. Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to CH Energy Group includes all subsidiaries of CH Energy Group, including Central Hudson. Central Hudson makes no representation as to the information contained in this report in relation to CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries other than Central Hudson.
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 165,304 | $ | 138,685 | $ | 436,362 | $ | 404,035 | ||||||||
Natural gas | 18,823 | 16,243 | 120,371 | 137,422 | ||||||||||||
Competitive business subsidiaries: | ||||||||||||||||
Petroleum products | 34,429 | 33,531 | 151,767 | 135,105 | ||||||||||||
Other | 8,164 | 7,488 | 22,639 | 20,100 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | 226,720 | 195,947 | 731,139 | 696,662 | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Operation: | ||||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation | 78,117 | 61,379 | 199,713 | 205,014 | ||||||||||||
Purchased natural gas | 7,217 | 5,798 | 59,619 | 89,924 | ||||||||||||
Purchased petroleum | 30,268 | 29,004 | 125,352 | 103,853 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses of operation - regulated activities | 58,495 | 50,311 | 166,389 | 141,023 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses of operation - competitive business subsidiaries | 12,168 | 12,146 | 39,742 | 40,233 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,081 | 9,474 | 29,962 | 28,159 | ||||||||||||
Taxes, other than income tax | 11,292 | 10,184 | 32,772 | 29,842 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 207,638 | 178,296 | 653,549 | 638,048 | ||||||||||||
Operating Income | 19,082 | 17,651 | 77,590 | 58,614 | ||||||||||||
Other Income and Deductions | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from unconsolidated affiliates | (95 | ) | (75 | ) | (393 | ) | 2 | |||||||||
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income | 858 | 1,218 | 3,498 | 4,684 | ||||||||||||
Impairment on investments | (11,408 | ) | - | (11,408 | ) | (1,299 | ) | |||||||||
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs | (427 | ) | (66 | ) | (675 | ) | (1,254 | ) | ||||||||
Business development costs | (216 | ) | (544 | ) | (1,018 | ) | (1,554 | ) | ||||||||
Other - net | (82 | ) | (774 | ) | (117 | ) | (936 | ) | ||||||||
Total Other Income (Deductions) | (11,370 | ) | (241 | ) | (10,113 | ) | (357 | ) | ||||||||
Interest Charges | ||||||||||||||||
Interest on long-term debt | 5,591 | 5,355 | 16,848 | 15,229 | ||||||||||||
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest | 1,288 | 1,392 | 4,438 | 3,405 | ||||||||||||
Total Interest Charges | 6,879 | 6,747 | 21,286 | 18,634 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary | 833 | 10,663 | 46,191 | 39,623 | ||||||||||||
Income Taxes (benefit) | (1,300 | ) | 4,030 | 16,754 | 15,023 | |||||||||||
Net Income from Continuing Operations | 2,133 | 6,633 | 29,437 | 24,600 | ||||||||||||
Discontinued Operations | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before tax | - | (1,694 | ) | - | 5,131 | |||||||||||
Income tax from discontinued operations | - | (703 | ) | - | 2,129 | |||||||||||
Net Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations | - | (991 | ) | - | 3,002 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 2,133 | 5,642 | 29,437 | 27,602 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest: | ||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary | 112 | 48 | (272 | ) | (141 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary | 242 | 242 | 727 | 727 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group | 1,779 | 5,352 | 28,982 | 27,016 | ||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Common Stock | 8,545 | 8,535 | 25,629 | 25,585 | ||||||||||||
Change in Retained Earnings | $ | (6,766 | ) | $ | (3,183 | ) | $ | 3,353 | $ | 1,431 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (CONT'D) | ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Common Stock: | ||||||||||||||||
Average shares outstanding - Basic | 15,790 | 15,776 | 15,783 | 15,774 | ||||||||||||
Average shares outstanding - Diluted | 15,952 | 15,854 | 15,945 | 15,851 | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.40 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.52 | ||||||||
Earnings per share - Diluted | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.40 | $ | 1.82 | $ | 1.51 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share - Basic | $ | - | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | - | $ | 0.19 | |||||||
Earnings per share - Diluted | $ | - | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | - | $ | 0.19 | |||||||
Amounts attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||
Earnings per share - Diluted | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 1.82 | $ | 1.70 | ||||||||
Dividends Declared Per Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.62 | $ | 1.62 |
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 2,133 | $ | 5,642 | $ | 29,437 | $ | 27,602 | ||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value of cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized (loss)/gains - net of tax of $0 and ($13) in 2010 and $6 and ($33) in 2009, respectively | - | (9 | ) | 19 | 49 | |||||||||||
Reclassification for gains realized in net income - net of tax of $0 and $35 in 2010 and $0 and $0 in 2009, respectively | - | - | (52 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Net unrealized gains/(losses) recorded from investments held by equity method investees - net of tax of ($7) and ($78) in 2010 and $7 and $8 in 2009, respectively | 10 | (10 | ) | 117 | (11 | ) | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 10 | (19 | ) | 84 | 38 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | 2,143 | 5,623 | 29,521 | 27,640 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest | 354 | 290 | 455 | 586 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to CH Energy Group | $ | 1,789 | $ | 5,333 | $ | 29,066 | $ | 27,054 |
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 29,437 | $ | 27,602 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation | 27,055 | 26,647 | ||||||
Amortization | 2,907 | 3,914 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes - net | 25,618 | 2,180 | ||||||
Bad debt expense | 2,410 | 10,231 | ||||||
Impairment of investments | 11,408 | 1,299 | ||||||
Distributed (undistributed) equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 756 | 941 | ||||||
Pension expense | 22,728 | 13,296 | ||||||
Other post-employment benefits ("OPEB") expense | 4,883 | 6,669 | ||||||
Regulatory liability - rate moderation | (14,019 | ) | (3,789 | ) | ||||
Revenue decoupling mechanism | 6,974 | (5,529 | ) | |||||
Regulatory asset amortization | 3,451 | 3,378 | ||||||
Loss (gain) on sale of assets | 11 | (10 | ) | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net of business acquisitions: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables | 6,546 | 38,870 | ||||||
Fuel, materials and supplies | (2,298 | ) | 5,352 | |||||
Special deposits and prepayments | 211 | 603 | ||||||
Income tax receivable | (10,772 | ) | - | |||||
Accounts payable | (4,279 | ) | (16,431 | ) | ||||
Accrued income taxes and interest | 218 | 8,968 | ||||||
Customer advances | (3,640 | ) | 2,159 | |||||
Pension plan contribution | (31,854 | ) | (15,000 | ) | ||||
OPEB contribution | (4,275 | ) | (1,300 | ) | ||||
Regulatory asset - storm deferral | (16,720 | ) | - | |||||
Regulatory asset - manufactured gas plant ("MGP") site remediation | (10,802 | ) | (1,595 | ) | ||||
Regulatory asset - PSC tax surcharge and general assessment | (3,112 | ) | (15,566 | ) | ||||
Deferred natural gas and electric costs | 5,052 | 17,993 | ||||||
Other - net | 3,384 | 10,122 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 51,278 | 121,004 | ||||||
Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets | 40 | 194 | ||||||
Additions to utility and other property and plant | (75,771 | ) | (93,946 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions made by competitive business subsidiaries | (749 | ) | - | |||||
Other - net | (3,910 | ) | (3,694 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (80,390 | ) | (97,446 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Redemption of long-term debt | (24,000 | ) | (20,000 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 40,000 | 74,000 | ||||||
Borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt - net | - | (18,500 | ) | |||||
Dividends paid on Preferred Stock of subsidiary | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid on Common Stock | (25,619 | ) | (25,573 | ) | ||||
Other - net | (293 | ) | (366 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (10,639 | ) | 8,834 | |||||
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (39,751 | ) | 32,392 | |||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 73,436 | 19,825 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 33,685 | $ | 52,217 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 17,189 | $ | 15,410 | ||||
Federal and state taxes paid | $ | 21,208 | $ | 24,785 | ||||
Additions to plant included in liabilities | $ | 2,685 | $ | 2,685 | ||||
Regulatory asset - storm deferral costs in liabilities | $ | 2,648 | $ | - |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
(In Thousands) |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Utility Plant | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 945,139 | $ | 908,807 | $ | 899,355 | ||||||
Natural gas | 288,052 | 281,139 | 276,639 | |||||||||
Common | 143,918 | 139,754 | 138,925 | |||||||||
Gross Utility Plant | 1,377,109 | 1,329,700 | 1,314,919 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | 393,514 | 375,434 | 373,693 | |||||||||
Net | 983,595 | 954,266 | 941,226 | |||||||||
Construction work in progress | 55,468 | 58,120 | 62,957 | |||||||||
Net Utility Plant | 1,039,063 | 1,012,386 | 1,004,183 | |||||||||
Non-Utility Property & Plant | ||||||||||||
Griffith non-utility property & plant | 29,177 | 27,951 | 43,592 | |||||||||
Other non-utility property & plant | 62,488 | 37,654 | 23,176 | |||||||||
Gross Non-Utility Property & Plant | 91,665 | 65,605 | 66,768 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation - Griffith | 20,071 | 18,619 | 25,646 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation - other | 4,576 | 3,333 | 2,984 | |||||||||
Net Non-Utility Property & Plant | 67,018 | 43,653 | 38,138 | |||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 33,685 | 73,436 | 52,217 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7.0 million, $7.7 million and $10.0 million, respectively | 84,091 | 94,526 | 85,145 | |||||||||
Accrued unbilled utility revenues | 10,862 | 14,159 | 9,308 | |||||||||
Other receivables | 7,686 | 6,612 | 8,203 | |||||||||
Fuel, materials and supplies | 27,182 | 24,841 | 31,233 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets | 101,532 | 59,993 | 64,057 | |||||||||
Income tax receivable | 47,819 | 1,863 | - | |||||||||
Fair value of derivative instruments | 86 | 741 | 263 | |||||||||
Special deposits and prepayments | 21,149 | 21,290 | 20,815 | |||||||||
Accumulated deferred income tax | - | 300 | 7,486 | |||||||||
Total Current Assets | 334,092 | 297,761 | 278,727 | |||||||||
Deferred Charges and Other Assets | ||||||||||||
Regulatory assets - pension plan | 144,781 | 168,705 | 174,723 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets - OPEB | - | - | 6,429 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets - other | 84,646 | 83,691 | 106,215 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 35,956 | 35,651 | 67,455 | |||||||||
Other intangible assets - net | 13,431 | 14,813 | 33,006 | |||||||||
Unamortized debt expense | 5,092 | 5,094 | 5,093 | |||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 6,656 | 8,698 | 8,417 | |||||||||
Other investments | 12,052 | 10,812 | 10,296 | |||||||||
Other | 7,193 | 16,619 | 16,809 | |||||||||
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets | 309,807 | 344,083 | 428,443 | |||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,749,980 | $ | 1,697,883 | $ | 1,749,491 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED) | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Capitalization | ||||||||||||
CH Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||||||
Common Stock (30,000,000 shares authorized: $0.10 par value; 16,862,087 shares issued) 15,823,926 shares, 15,804,562 shares and 15,790,431 shares outstanding, respectively | $ | 1,686 | $ | 1,686 | $ | 1,686 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 350,444 | 350,367 | 350,905 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 229,352 | 225,999 | 218,065 | |||||||||
Treasury stock - 1,038,161 shares, 1,057,525 shares and 1,071,656 shares, respectively | (43,652 | ) | (44,406 | ) | (45,026 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 268 | 184 | 93 | |||||||||
Capital stock expense | (328 | ) | (328 | ) | (328 | ) | ||||||
Total CH Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity | 537,770 | 533,502 | 525,395 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary | 1,113 | 1,385 | 1,520 | |||||||||
Total Equity | 538,883 | 534,887 | 526,915 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock of subsidiary | 21,027 | 21,027 | 21,027 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 503,900 | 463,897 | 463,897 | |||||||||
Total Capitalization | 1,063,810 | 1,019,811 | 1,011,839 | |||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | - | 24,000 | 24,000 | |||||||||
Notes payable | - | - | 17,000 | |||||||||
Accounts payable | 42,252 | 43,197 | 34,025 | |||||||||
Accrued interest | 6,285 | 6,067 | 6,238 | |||||||||
Dividends payable | 8,787 | 8,777 | 8,777 | |||||||||
Accrued vacation and payroll | 6,676 | 6,192 | 6,910 | |||||||||
Customer advances | 18,810 | 22,450 | 32,601 | |||||||||
Customer deposits | 7,982 | 8,579 | 8,582 | |||||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 16,461 | 29,974 | 25,801 | |||||||||
Fair value of derivative instruments | 35,184 | 13,837 | 12,887 | |||||||||
Accrued environmental remediation costs | 5,593 | 17,399 | 12,986 | |||||||||
Accrued income taxes | - | - | 9,070 | |||||||||
Deferred revenues | 3,723 | 4,725 | 7,476 | |||||||||
Accumulated deferred income tax | 5,536 | - | - | |||||||||
Other | 14,553 | 17,814 | 14,344 | |||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 171,842 | 203,011 | 220,697 | |||||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB | 4,936 | 1,521 | - | |||||||||
Regulatory liabilities - other | 99,395 | 91,457 | 99,439 | |||||||||
Operating reserves | 3,938 | 4,756 | 4,931 | |||||||||
Accrued environmental remediation costs | 3,468 | 6,375 | 14,518 | |||||||||
Accrued OPEB costs | 45,367 | 46,241 | 54,381 | |||||||||
Accrued pension costs | 128,379 | 152,383 | 157,030 | |||||||||
Tax reserve | 8,322 | - | - | |||||||||
Other | 16,034 | 14,245 | 14,525 | |||||||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 309,839 | 316,978 | 344,824 | |||||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax | 204,489 | 158,083 | 172,131 | |||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ | 1,749,980 | $ | 1,697,883 | $ | 1,749,491 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
(In Thousands, except share amounts) |
CH Energy Group Common Shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Issued | Amount | Shares Repurchased | Amount | Paid-In Capital | Capital Stock Expense | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) | Non-controlling Interest | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 | 16,862,087 | $ | 1,686 | (1,079,004 | ) | $ | (45,386 | ) | $ | 350,873 | $ | (328 | ) | $ | 216,634 | $ | 55 | $ | 1,448 | $ | 524,982 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 27,743 | (141 | ) | 27,602 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Preferred Ptock of subsidiary | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions | 213 | 213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | 49 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments | (11 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock | (25,585 | ) | (25,585 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury shares activity - net | 7,348 | 360 | 32 | 392 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2009 | 16,862,087 | $ | 1,686 | (1,071,656 | ) | $ | (45,026 | ) | $ | 350,905 | $ | (328 | ) | $ | 218,065 | $ | 93 | $ | 1,520 | $ | 526,915 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 | 16,862,087 | $ | 1,686 | (1,057,525 | ) | $ | (44,406 | ) | $ | 350,367 | $ | (328 | ) | $ | 225,999 | $ | 184 | $ | 1,385 | $ | 534,887 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 29,709 | (272 | ) | 29,437 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | 19 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments | 117 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustments for losses recognized in net income | (52 | ) | (52 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock | (25,629 | ) | (25,629 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury shares activity - net | 19,364 | 754 | 77 | 831 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2010 | 16,862,087 | $ | 1,686 | (1,038,161 | ) | $ | (43,652 | ) | $ | 350,444 | $ | (328 | ) | $ | 229,352 | $ | 268 | $ | 1,113 | $ | 538,883 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 165,304 | $ | 138,685 | $ | 436,362 | $ | 404,035 | ||||||||
Natural gas | 18,823 | 16,243 | 120,371 | 137,422 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | 184,127 | 154,928 | 556,733 | 541,457 | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Operation: | ||||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation | 76,890 | 60,017 | 196,413 | 201,782 | ||||||||||||
Purchased natural gas | 7,217 | 5,798 | 59,619 | 89,924 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses of operation | 58,495 | 50,311 | 166,389 | 141,022 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 8,526 | 8,015 | 25,362 | 24,013 | ||||||||||||
Taxes, other than income tax | 11,142 | 9,867 | 32,255 | 29,197 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 162,270 | 134,008 | 480,038 | 485,938 | ||||||||||||
Operating Income | 21,857 | 20,920 | 76,695 | 55,519 | ||||||||||||
Other Income and Deductions | ||||||||||||||||
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income | 853 | 1,202 | 3,486 | 3,813 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs | (427 | ) | (66 | ) | (675 | ) | (1,254 | ) | ||||||||
Other - net | (168 | ) | (644 | ) | (206 | ) | (1,017 | ) | ||||||||
Total Other Income | 258 | 492 | 2,605 | 1,542 | ||||||||||||
Interest Charges | ||||||||||||||||
Interest on other long-term debt | 4,785 | 4,515 | 14,371 | 13,863 | ||||||||||||
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest | 1,279 | 1,693 | 4,430 | 4,454 | ||||||||||||
Total Interest Charges | 6,064 | 6,208 | 18,801 | 18,317 | ||||||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 16,051 | 15,204 | 60,499 | 38,744 | ||||||||||||
Income Taxes | 6,311 | 6,333 | 24,125 | 16,062 | ||||||||||||
Net Income | 9,740 | 8,871 | 36,374 | 22,682 | ||||||||||||
Dividends Declared on Cumulative Preferred Stock | 242 | 242 | 727 | 727 | ||||||||||||
Income Available for Common Stock | $ | 9,498 | $ | 8,629 | $ | 35,647 | $ | 21,955 |
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Net Income | $ | 9,740 | $ | 8,871 | $ | 36,374 | $ | 22,682 | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 9,740 | $ | 8,871 | $ | 36,374 | $ | 22,682 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 36,374 | $ | 22,682 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation | 24,159 | 23,217 | ||||||
Amortization | 1,203 | 796 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes - net | 19,490 | (376 | ) | |||||
Bad debt expense | 1,835 | 7,966 | ||||||
Pension expense | 22,728 | 13,296 | ||||||
OPEB expense | 5,344 | 6,669 | ||||||
Regulatory liability - rate moderation | (14,019 | ) | (3,789 | ) | ||||
Revenue decoupling mechanism | 6,974 | (5,529 | ) | |||||
Regulatory asset amortization | 3,451 | 3,378 | ||||||
Loss on sale of property and plant | - | 25 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables | (1,646 | ) | 20,578 | |||||
Fuel, materials and supplies | (3,100 | ) | 4,554 | |||||
Special deposits and prepayments | 1,997 | 2,332 | ||||||
Income tax receivable | 4,425 | - | ||||||
Accounts payable | 1,507 | (13,102 | ) | |||||
Accrued income taxes and interest | (617 | ) | 8,392 | |||||
Customer advances | (4,554 | ) | 1,437 | |||||
Pension plan contribution | (31,854 | ) | (15,000 | ) | ||||
OPEB contribution | (4,275 | ) | (1,300 | ) | ||||
Regulatory asset - storm deferral | (16,720 | ) | - | |||||
Regulatory asset - MGP site remediation | (10,802 | ) | (1,595 | ) | ||||
Regulatory asset - PSC tax surcharge and general assessment | (3,112 | ) | (15,566 | ) | ||||
Deferred natural gas and electric costs | 5,052 | 17,993 | ||||||
Other - net | 7,700 | 12,176 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 51,540 | 89,234 | ||||||
Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Additions to utility plant | (49,424 | ) | (85,843 | ) | ||||
Other - net | (3,964 | ) | (3,937 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (53,388 | ) | (89,780 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Redemption of long-term debt | (24,000 | ) | (20,000 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 40,000 | 24,000 | ||||||
Borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt - net | - | (8,500 | ) | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | - | 25,000 | ||||||
Dividends paid on cumulative Preferred Stock | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||
Other - net | (294 | ) | (369 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 14,979 | 19,404 | ||||||
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 13,131 | 18,858 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period | 4,784 | 2,455 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period | $ | 17,915 | $ | 21,313 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 15,416 | $ | 15,282 | ||||
Federal and state taxes paid | $ | 15,656 | $ | 25,103 | ||||
Additions to plant included in liabilities | $ | 2,183 | $ | 1,723 | ||||
Regulatory asset - storm deferral costs in liabilities | $ | 2,648 | $ | - |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
(In Thousands) |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Utility Plant | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 945,139 | $ | 908,807 | $ | 899,355 | ||||||
Natural gas | 288,052 | 281,139 | 276,639 | |||||||||
Common | 143,918 | 139,754 | 138,925 | |||||||||
Gross Utility Plant | 1,377,109 | 1,329,700 | 1,314,919 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | 393,514 | 375,434 | 373,693 | |||||||||
Net | 983,595 | 954,266 | 941,226 | |||||||||
Construction work in progress | 55,468 | 58,120 | 62,957 | |||||||||
Net Utility Plant | 1,039,063 | 1,012,386 | 1,004,183 | |||||||||
Non-Utility Property and Plant | 681 | 681 | 681 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | 34 | 33 | 32 | |||||||||
Net Non-Utility Property and Plant | 647 | 648 | 649 | |||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,915 | 4,784 | 21,313 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.5 million, $5.8 million and $5.8 million, respectively | 66,926 | 68,328 | 60,380 | |||||||||
Accrued unbilled utility revenues | 10,862 | 14,159 | 9,308 | |||||||||
Other receivables | 3,833 | 3,025 | 2,683 | |||||||||
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost | 24,405 | 21,305 | 26,561 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets | 101,532 | 59,993 | 64,057 | |||||||||
Income tax receivable | 41,465 | 10,706 | - | |||||||||
Fair value of derivative instruments | - | 393 | 180 | |||||||||
Special deposits and prepayments | 16,375 | 18,304 | 16,315 | |||||||||
Accumulated deferred income tax | - | - | 4,675 | |||||||||
Total Current Assets | 283,313 | 200,997 | 205,472 | |||||||||
Deferred Charges and Other Assets | ||||||||||||
Regulatory assets - pension plan | 144,781 | 168,705 | 174,723 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets - OPEB | - | - | 6,429 | |||||||||
Regulatory assets - other | 84,646 | 83,691 | 106,215 | |||||||||
Unamortized debt expense | 5,092 | 5,094 | 5,093 | |||||||||
Other investments | 11,710 | 10,543 | 10,049 | |||||||||
Other | 4,152 | 3,536 | 3,196 | |||||||||
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets | 250,381 | 271,569 | 305,705 | |||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,573,404 | $ | 1,485,600 | $ | 1,516,009 |
CENTRAL HUDSON BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Capitalization | ||||||||||||
Common Stock, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 16,862,087 shares issued and outstanding, $5 par value | $ | 84,311 | $ | 84,311 | $ | 84,311 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 199,980 | 199,980 | 199,980 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 160,397 | 150,750 | 140,899 | |||||||||
Capital stock expense | (4,961 | ) | (4,961 | ) | (4,961 | ) | ||||||
Total Equity | 439,727 | 430,080 | 420,229 | |||||||||
Cumulative Preferred Stock not subject to mandatory redemption | 21,027 | 21,027 | 21,027 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 453,900 | 413,897 | 413,897 | |||||||||
Total Capitalization | 914,654 | 865,004 | 855,153 | |||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | - | 24,000 | 24,000 | |||||||||
Notes payable | - | - | 17,000 | |||||||||
Accounts payable | 37,024 | 32,069 | 26,481 | |||||||||
Accrued interest | 5,020 | 5,637 | 4,876 | |||||||||
Dividends payable - Preferred Stock | 242 | 242 | 242 | |||||||||
Dividends payable to parent | 26,000 | - | - | |||||||||
Accrued vacation and payroll | 5,311 | 5,046 | 4,855 | |||||||||
Customer advances | 10,449 | 15,002 | 11,011 | |||||||||
Customer deposits | 7,922 | 8,504 | 8,468 | |||||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 16,461 | 29,974 | 25,801 | |||||||||
Fair value of derivative instruments | 35,184 | 13,553 | 12,887 | |||||||||
Accrued environmental remediation costs | 5,106 | 16,982 | 12,881 | |||||||||
Accrued income taxes | - | - | 9,498 | |||||||||
Accumulated deferred income tax | 8,173 | 1,883 | - | |||||||||
Other | 9,694 | 8,761 | 7,571 | |||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 166,586 | 161,653 | 165,571 | |||||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB | 4,936 | 1,521 | - | |||||||||
Regulatory liabilities - other | 99,395 | 91,457 | 99,439 | |||||||||
Operating reserves | 2,690 | 3,503 | 3,777 | |||||||||
Accrued environmental remediation costs | 572 | 3,248 | 13,337 | |||||||||
Accrued OPEB costs | 45,367 | 46,241 | 54,381 | |||||||||
Accrued pension costs | 128,379 | 152,383 | 157,030 | |||||||||
Tax reserve | 8,322 | - | - | |||||||||
Other | 15,179 | 13,495 | 13,798 | |||||||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 304,840 | 311,848 | 341,762 | |||||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax | 187,324 | 147,095 | 153,523 | |||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ | 1,573,404 | $ | 1,485,600 | $ | 1,516,009 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, except share amounts) |
Central Hudson Common Shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Issued | Amount | Shares Repurchased | Amount | Paid-In Capital | Capital Stock Expense | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 | 16,862,087 | $ | 84,311 | - | $ | - | $ | 174,980 | $ | (4,961 | ) | $ | 118,944 | $ | - | $ | 373,274 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 22,682 | 22,682 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On cumulative Preferred Stock | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional Paid-In Capital | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2009 | 16,862,087 | $ | 84,311 | - | $ | - | $ | 199,980 | $ | (4,961 | ) | $ | 140,899 | $ | - | $ | 420,229 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 | 16,862,087 | $ | 84,311 | - | $ | - | $ | 199,980 | $ | (4,961 | ) | $ | 150,750 | $ | - | $ | 430,080 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 36,374 | 36,374 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On cumulative Preferred Stock | (727 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On Common Stock to parent - CH Energy Group | (26,000 | ) | (26,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2010 | 16,862,087 | $ | 84,311 | - | $ | - | $ | 199,980 | $ | (4,961 | ) | $ | 160,397 | $ | - | $ | 439,727 |
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of CH Energy Group, Inc. (“CH Energy Group”) and its regulated electric and natural gas subsidiary, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (“Central Hudson”). The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both CH Energy Group and Central Hudson. CH Energy Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CH Energy Group and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which include Central Hudson and CH Energy Group’s non-utility subsidiary, Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation (“CHEC”). Operating results of CHEC include its wholly owned subsidiaries, Griffith Energy Services, Inc. (“Griffith”), CH-Auburn Energy, LLC (“CH-Auburn”), CH-Greentree, LLC (“CH-Greentree”), CH Shirley Wind, LLC (“CH Shirley Wind”) and CH-Lyonsdale, LLC (“CH-Lyonsdale”), and its majority owned subsidiaries Lyonsdale Biomass, LLC (“Lyonsdale”) and Shirley Wind (Delaware), LLC (“Shirley Delaware”). The non-controlling interest shown on CH Energy Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements represents the minority owner’s proportionate share of the income and equity of Lyonsdale and Shirley Delaware. Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which for regulated public utilities, includes specific accounting guidance for regulated operations. For additional information regarding regulatory accounting, see Note 2 - “Regulatory Matters.”
Unaudited Financial Statements
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of CH Energy Group and Financial Statements of Central Hudson are unaudited but, in the opinion of Management, reflect adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These unaudited quarterly Financial Statements do not contain all footnote disclosures concerning accounting policies and other matters which would be included in annual Financial Statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the audited Financial Statements (including the Notes thereto) included in the combined CH Energy Group/Central Hudson Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (the “Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report”).
CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2009 is not required to be included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; however, this balance sheet is included for supplemental analysis purposes.
Reclassification
On December 11, 2009, Griffith divested its operations in certain geographic locations. CH Energy Group has reported the prior period results of these operations in the discontinued operations section of CH Energy Group’s Consolidated Statement of Income. For more information, see Note 5 – “Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments.”
Certain amounts in the 2009 Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP includes the use of estimates and assumptions by management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimated, but the methods used by CH Energy Group to prepare estimates have historically produced reliable results.
Estimate for the tax reserve established during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 is based on current accounting guidance related to income taxes. The reserve is related to tax benefits resulting from a change in accounting for repairs vs. capitalization, effective for the year ended December 31, 2009. Current accounting guidance requires that an uncertain tax position be recognized within a company’s financial statements provided certain criteria are met. Because the repairs deduction would be realized eventually through depreciation, current accounting guidance allows for the reserve to be set at what management considers to be a prudent level.
See Note 4 – “Income Taxes” for further discussion of the tax reserve established.
Revenue Recognition
CH Energy Group’s deferred revenue balances as of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 were $3.7 million, $4.7 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The deferred revenue balance will be recognized in CH Energy Group’s operating revenues over the 12-month term of the respective customer contract.
As required by the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”), Central Hudson records gross receipts tax revenues and expenses on a gross income statement presentation basis (i.e., included in both revenue and expenses). Sales and use taxes for both Central Hudson and Griffith are accounted for on a net basis (excluded from revenue).
Fuel, Materials & Supplies | |||||||||
The following is a summary of CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s inventories (In Thousands): |
CH Energy Group | |||||||||
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | |||||||
Natural gas | $ | 14,153 | $ | 12,020 | $ | 16,670 | |||
Petroleum products and propane | 1,791 | 2,583 | 1,935 | ||||||
Fuel used in electric generation | 832 | 480 | 776 | ||||||
Materials and supplies | 10,406 | 9,758 | 11,852 | ||||||
Total | $ | 27,182 | $ | 24,841 | $ | 31,233 |
Central Hudson | |||||||||
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | |||||||
Natural gas | $ | 14,153 | $ | 12,020 | $ | 16,670 | |||
Petroleum products and propane | 526 | 547 | 550 | ||||||
Fuel used in electric generation | 290 | 308 | 329 | ||||||
Materials and supplies | 9,436 | 8,430 | 9,012 | ||||||
Total | $ | 24,405 | $ | 21,305 | $ | 26,561 |
Depreciation and Amortization
Current accounting guidance related to asset retirements precludes the recognition of expected future retirement obligations as a component of depreciation expense or accumulated depreciation. Central Hudson, however, is required to use depreciation methods and rates approved by the PSC under regulatory accounting. In accordance with current accounting guidance for regulated operations, Central Hudson continues to accrue for the future cost of removal for its rate-regulated natural gas and electric utility assets. In accordance with current accounting guidance related to asset retirements, Central Hudson has classified $47.3 million, $47.0 million, and $47.9 million of net cost of removal as regulatory liabilities as of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009, and September 30, 2009, respectively.
See Note 6 - “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for further discussion of amortization of intangibles (other than goodwill).
Earnings Per Share
In the calculation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) of CH Energy Group’s Common Stock, earnings for CH Energy Group are reduced by the Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson.
The average dilutive effect of CH Energy Group’s stock options, performance shares and restricted shares are as follows (In Shares):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
161,689 | 77,983 | 161,689 | 77,663 |
Certain stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of those options were greater than the average market price per share of Common Stock. Options excluded are as follows (In Shares): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
35,980 | 17,420 | 35,980 | 17,420 |
For additional information regarding stock options, performance shares and restricted shares, see Note 11 - "Equity-Based Compensation." |
Parental Guarantees
CH Energy Group and CHEC have issued guarantees to counterparties to assure the payment, when due, of certain obligations incurred by CH Energy Group subsidiaries, in physical and financial transactions.
(In Thousands) | |||||||
September 30, 2010 | |||||||
Transaction Description | Maximum Potential Payments | Outstanding Liabilities(1) | |||||
Heating oil, propane, other petroleum products, weather and commodity hedges | $ | 31,250 | $ | 2,576 | |||
Certain equipment supply and construction agreements | $ | 5,541 | $ | 453 |
(1) | Balances included in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Balance Sheet | ||||||
Management is not aware of any condition that would require payment under the guarantees. |
Common Stock Dividends
CH Energy Group’s ability to pay dividends is affected by the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends. The Federal Power Act limits the payment of dividends by Central Hudson to its retained earnings. More restrictive is the PSC’s limit on the dividends Central Hudson may pay to CH Energy Group which is 100% of the average annual income available for common stock, calculated on a two-year rolling average basis. Based on this calculation as of September 30, 2010, Central Hudson would be able to pay a maximum of $36.2 million in dividends to CH Energy Group without violating the restrictions by the PSC. Central Hudson’s dividend would be reduced to 75% of its average annual income in the event of a downgrade of its senior debt rating below “BBB+” by more than on e rating agency if the stated reason for the downgrade is related to CH Energy Group or any of Central Hudson’s affiliates. Further restrictions are imposed for any downgrades below this level. On July 15, 2010, Central Hudson declared a $26.0 million dividend payable October 1, 2010 to CH Energy Group. CH Energy Group’s other subsidiaries do not have express restrictions on their ability to pay dividends.
On September 30, 2010, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share, payable November 1, 2010, to shareholders of record as of October 12, 2010.
NOTE 2 – Regulatory Matters
Summary of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth Central Hudson’s regulatory assets and liabilities (In Thousands): |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | |||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | |||||||||
Regulatory Assets (Debits): | |||||||||||
Current: | |||||||||||
Deferred purchased electric and natural gas costs | $ | 22,558 | $ | 27,610 | $ | 26,113 | |||||
Deferred unrealized losses on derivatives | 35,184 | 13,160 | 12,707 | ||||||||
PSC tax surcharge and assessments and carrying charges | 14,258 | 11,186 | 15,594 | ||||||||
Revenue decoupling mechanism ("RDM") | 2,484 | 5,121 | 5,565 | ||||||||
Residual natural gas deferred balances | 4,554 | 2,825 | 3,988 | ||||||||
Deferred storm costs and carrying charges | 19,583 | - | - | ||||||||
Uncollectible deferral and carrying charges | 2,621 | - | - | ||||||||
Other | 290 | 91 | 90 | ||||||||
101,532 | 59,993 | 64,057 | |||||||||
Long-term: | |||||||||||
Deferred pension costs | 144,781 | (1) | 168,705 | 174,723 | (2) | ||||||
Carrying charges - pension reserve | 602 | (1) | 1,297 | 664 | (2) | ||||||
Deferred costs - MGP site remediation and carrying charges | 11,282 | 20,530 | 25,840 | (2) | |||||||
Deferred OPEB costs | - | - | 6,429 | (2) | |||||||
Deferred debt expense on re-acquired debt | 4,498 | 4,874 | 4,999 | ||||||||
Deferred Medicare subsidy taxes | 6,570 | - | - | ||||||||
Residual natural gas deferred balances and carrying charges | 15,088 | (1) | 17,583 | 17,533 | (2) | ||||||
Income taxes recoverable through future rates | 38,345 | (1) | 28,658 | 48,989 | (2) | ||||||
Uncollectible deferral and carrying charges | - | (1) | 3,360 | - | |||||||
Other | 8,261 | (1) | 7,389 | 8,190 | (2) | ||||||
229,427 | 252,396 | 287,367 | |||||||||
Total Regulatory Assets | $ | 330,959 | $ | 312,389 | $ | 351,424 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities (Credits): | |||||||||||
Current: | |||||||||||
Excess electric depreciation reserve and carrying charges | $ | 9,122 | $ | 19,296 | $ | 16,569 | |||||
Gas costs deferred - GSC | - | - | 2,174 | ||||||||
Income taxes refundable through future rates | 5,412 | 5,456 | 5,321 | ||||||||
Deferred unbilled gas revenues | 1,927 | 5,222 | 1,737 | ||||||||
16,461 | 29,974 | 25,801 | |||||||||
Long-term: | |||||||||||
Customer benefit fund | 3,471 | 3,792 | 4,043 | ||||||||
Deferred cost of removal | 47,346 | 46,955 | 47,880 | ||||||||
Excess electric depreciation reserve and carrying charges | 5,722 | 12,965 | 21,818 | ||||||||
Income taxes refundable through future rates | 34,173 | (1) | 18,611 | 18,318 | (2) | ||||||
Deferred OPEB costs | 4,936 | (1) | 1,521 | - | (2) | ||||||
Carrying charges - OPEB reserve | 780 | (1) | 1,469 | 723 | (2) | ||||||
Other | 7,903 | (1) | 7,665 | 6,657 | (2) | ||||||
104,331 | 92,978 | 99,439 | |||||||||
Total Regulatory Liabilities | $ | 120,792 | $ | 122,952 | $ | 125,240 | |||||
Net Regulatory Assets | $ | 210,167 | $ | 189,437 | $ | 226,184 |
(1) | Central Hudson offset all or a portion of certain regulatory assets and liabilities, including full offset of the June 30, 2010 balances for Carrying charges - OPEB reserve, Carrying charges - pension reserve and uncollectible deferral balance, in accordance with the PSC prescribed 2010 Rate Order ("2010 Rate Order") issued on June 18, 2010. | |||||||||||||
(2) | Central Hudson offset all or a portion of certain regulatory assets and liabilities, including full offset of the June 30, 2009 balances for Carrying charges - OPEB reserve, Carrying charges - pension reserve and December 2008 Storm costs, in accordance with the PSC prescribed 2009 Rate Order ("2009 Rate Order") issued on June 26, 2009. |
The significant regulatory assets and liabilities include:
Uncollectible Deferral: On June 30, 2010, Central Hudson recorded $2.6 million of incremental electric uncollectible expense for the rate year ended June 30, 2010 and filed a petition with the PSC for approval and recovery on September 23, 2010. The amount deferred was calculated based on the methodology established in prior approved orders and Management believes the incremental expense meets the PSC criteria and is probable of future recovery.
Storm Costs: In late February 2010, Central Hudson’s service territory experienced two significant snow storms disrupting service to approximately 210,000 customers. The $19.4 million deferred incremental cost was calculated based on the methodology established in prior approved orders. Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC for approval and recovery on September 23, 2010. Management believes that the restoration costs deferred meet the PSC criteria and are probable of future recovery.
Deferred Medicare Subsidy Taxes: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law on March 23, 2010, contains a provision which changes the tax treatment related to the Retiree Drug Subsidy benefit under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (under Medicare Part D). This change reduces the employer's deduction for the costs of health care for retirees by the amount of Retiree Drug Subsidy payments received. As a result, the deductible temporary difference and any related deferred tax asset associated with the benefit plan were reduced. Under the PSC policy regarding Medicare Act Effects, cost savings and income tax effects related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act are defer red for future recovery from or refund to customers resulting in a new regulatory asset of $6.6 million for the reduction in deferred taxes.
Other Regulatory Matters
On September 23, 2010, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC requesting approval to defer for future recovery the incremental bad debt expense and storm costs described above, and incremental gas and electric property tax expense above the respective rate allowances for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012. The petition also requests approval of offsets of the foregoing against significant tax refunds resulting from a change in the way Central Hudson treats certain capital expenditures for tax purposes. Additional offsets against other deferred items, notably including MGP site investigation and remediation costs were also included in the petition given the size of the tax refunds. Central Hudson can not predict the outcome of this proceeding.
For further information related to this filing, see Item 2 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” under the subcaption “Regulatory Matters.”
2010 Rate Order
From July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, Central Hudson operates under the terms of the 2010 Rate Order, which provides for the following:
· | Electric delivery revenue increases of $30.2 million over the three year term with annual increases of $11.8 million, $9.3 million and $9.1 million effective July 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The electric rate increase will be moderated by the continuation of the Electric Bill Credit mechanisms totaling $12 million for the rate year ended June 30, 2011 and $4 million for the rate year ended June 30, 2012. |
· | Natural gas delivery revenue increase of $9.7 million over the three year term with annual increases of $5.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.6 million effective July 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. |
· | Base return on Common Equity of 10.0%, with earnings sharing threshold of 10.5%, above which Central Hudson is to share 50% with its customers. Earnings above 11.0% are shared 80% with its customers and earnings above 11.5% are shared 90% with its customers. |
· | Common equity layer of 48%. |
· | Continuation, with minor modifications, of Revenue Decoupling Mechanisms (“RDM”) for both electric and gas delivery service, which is designed to remove disincentive for a utility company to promote energy efficiency to its customers. The RDM requires the Company to adjust revenues to targeted levels defined in the rate orders. The electric RDM is based on revenue dollars and the gas RDM is based on usage per customer. |
· | Continued funding for the full recovery of the Company’s current pension and OPEB costs and continued deferral authorization for pensions, OPEBs, research and development costs, stray voltage testing, MGP site remediation expenditures, electric and gas supply cost recovery, asbestos litigation, transmission sag program and variable rate debt. |
· | New deferral authorization for property taxes, with differences shared 90/10 between customers and the Company and with the Company’s pre-tax gain or loss limited to $0.7 million per rate year, management audit costs, International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) related costs, the New York State Temporary Assessment, and any legislative, governmental, and PSC or other regulatory actions with individual impacts greater than or equal to 2% of net income of the applicable department. |
· | Continuation, with minor modifications, of the Company’s Electric Reliability, Gas Safety and Customer Service performance mechanisms. |
· | The Company will be required to defer the revenue requirement impact of any shortfall of actual net plant balances compared to targets included in the Rate Order. |
NOTE 3 - New Accounting Guidance | |||||||||||
Newly adopted and soon to be adopted accounting guidance is summarized below, and explanations of the underlying information for all guidance (except that which is not currently applicable) that is expected to have a material impact on CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries. |
Impact | Category | Accounting Reference | Title | Issued Date | Effective Date | ||||||
1 | Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) | ASU No. 2010-06 | Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements | Jan-10 | Jan-11 | ||||||
2 | Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) | ASU No. 2010-11 | Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives | Mar-10 | Jul-10 |
Impact Key: | |||||||||||
(1) | No anticipated impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries upon future adoption. | ||||||||||
(2) | No current impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries when adopted on the effective date noted. |
NOTE 4 – Income Tax
In September of 2010, Central Hudson filed a request with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to change the company’s tax accounting method related to costs to repair and maintain utility assets. The change was effective for the tax year ending December 31, 2009. This change allows Central Hudson to take a current tax deduction for a significant amount of repair costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes.
This change resulted in federal and state net operating income tax losses (“NOL”). For Federal tax purposes, CH Energy Group has elected to carry back the NOL, which results in tax refunds for the tax years 2004 through 2008. For NY State tax purposes, the NOL will be carried forward to future periods and will expire over the next 20 years if not otherwise utilized. CH Energy Group believes future taxable income will more likely than not be sufficient to utilize substantially all its tax carryforwards prior to their expiration.
Current tax benefits resulting from this change in the form of tax refunds due of $33.4 million are included as “Income tax receivable” on the CH Energy Group Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Central Hudson Balance Sheet. Future tax benefits of $5.0 million to be realized through the use of the NYS NOL tax carryforward are included within “Accumulated Deferred Income Tax” on the CH Energy Group Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Central Hudson Balance Sheet. This tax accounting change has been designated a Tier I issue and final regulations regarding this change are still being formulated. Due to this uncertainty, Central Hudson has established reserves against the current and deferred tax benefits recorded. This $8.3 million reserve is shown as “Tax reserve̶ 1; within the long-term liabilities section of the CH Energy Group Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Central Hudson Balance Sheet.
The Company has submitted a petition to the Public Service Commission (Case 10-M-0473) that proposes a plan on how to utilize the change in accounting for rate making purposes. For further information related to this filing, see Item 2 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” under the subcaption “Regulatory Matters.”
Jurisdiction | Tax Years Under Audit | Tax Years Open for Audit | ||
Federal | 2007 and 2008 | 2009 | ||
New York State | None | 2007, 2008 and 2009 |
Reconciliation - CH Energy Group | |||||||||||||
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in CH Energy Group’s Consolidated Statement of Income (In Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group | $ | 1,779 | $ | 5,352 | $ | 28,982 | $ | 27,016 | ||||||||
Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson | 242 | 242 | 727 | 727 | ||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary | 112 | 48 | (272 | ) | (141 | ) | ||||||||||
Federal income tax | (25,743 | ) | (8,538 | ) | (30,470 | ) | 13,157 | |||||||||
State income tax | (3,291 | ) | (2,230 | ) | (4,793 | ) | 1,815 | |||||||||
Deferred federal income tax | 26,694 | 12,342 | 47,813 | 1,675 | ||||||||||||
Deferred state income tax | 1,040 | 1,753 | 4,204 | 505 | ||||||||||||
Income before taxes | $ | 833 | $ | 8,969 | $ | 46,191 | $ | 44,754 | ||||||||
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate | $ | 292 | $ | 3,139 | $ | 16,167 | $ | 15,663 | ||||||||
State income tax net of federal tax benefit | (1,150 | ) | 225 | 872 | 1,032 | |||||||||||
Depreciation flow-through | 1,091 | 692 | 2,400 | 2,220 | ||||||||||||
Cost of Removal | (369 | ) | (313 | ) | (1,104 | ) | (938 | ) | ||||||||
Production tax credits | (70 | ) | (411 | ) | (206 | ) | (974 | ) | ||||||||
Other | (1,094 | ) | (5 | ) | (1,375 | ) | (149 | ) | ||||||||
Total income tax | $ | (1,300 | ) | $ | 3,327 | $ | 16,754 | $ | 16,854 | |||||||
Effective tax rate - federal | 114.2 | % | 42.4 | % | 37.5 | % | 33.1 | % | ||||||||
Effective tax rate - state | (270.2 | )% | (5.3 | )% | (1.2 | )% | 5.2 | % | ||||||||
Effective tax rate - combined | (156.0 | )% | 37.1 | % | 36.3 | % | 38.3 | % |
The net benefit from state income taxes recognized in the current quarter is due to the true-up of the New York State apportionment rate in the third quarter. |
Reconciliation - Central Hudson | |||||||||||||
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in Central Hudson’s Statement of Income (In Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 9,740 | $ | 8,871 | $ | 36,374 | $ | 22,682 | ||||||||
Federal income tax | (17,698 | ) | (5,228 | ) | (21,096 | ) | 13,882 | |||||||||
State income tax | (261 | ) | (1,457 | ) | (1,129 | ) | 2,556 | |||||||||
Deferred federal income tax | 23,375 | 11,480 | 42,769 | (377 | ) | |||||||||||
Deferred state income tax | 895 | 1,538 | 3,581 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Income before taxes | $ | 16,051 | $ | 15,204 | $ | 60,499 | $ | 38,744 | ||||||||
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate | $ | 5,618 | $ | 5,321 | $ | 21,175 | $ | 13,560 | ||||||||
State income tax net of federal tax benefit | 725 | 591 | 2,846 | 1,663 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation flow-through | 1,091 | 692 | 2,400 | 2,220 | ||||||||||||
Cost of Removal | (369 | ) | (313 | ) | (1,104 | ) | (938 | ) | ||||||||
Other | (754 | ) | 42 | (1,192 | ) | (443 | ) | |||||||||
Total income tax | $ | 6,311 | $ | 6,333 | $ | 24,125 | $ | 16,062 | ||||||||
Effective tax rate - federal | 35.4 | % | 41.1 | % | 35.8 | % | 34.8 | % | ||||||||
Effective tax rate - state | 3.9 | % | 0.5 | % | 4.1 | % | 6.5 | % | ||||||||
Effective tax rate - combined | 39.3 | % | 41.6 | % | 39.9 | % | 41.3 | % |
The significant decrease in current income tax expense in 2010 as opposed to 2009 is driven primarily by the effect of the tax accounting change. The one-time deduction is a temporary difference between book and tax expense and requires normalization, resulting in an offsetting deferred tax expense, which is the primary driver of the significant increase in deferred income tax expense in 2010 as compared to 2009. |
NOTE 5 – Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments
Acquisitions and Divestitures
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Griffith acquired fuel distribution companies as follows (In Thousands):
# of | Total | Total | ||||||||||||||
Acquired | Purchase | Intangible | Tangible | |||||||||||||
Quarter Ended | Companies | Price | Assets(1) | Goodwill | Assets | |||||||||||
March 31, 2010 | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
June 30, 2010 | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
September 30, 2010 | 1 | $ | 749 | $ | 627 | $ | 306 | $ | 122 | |||||||
Total | 1 | $ | 749 | $ | 627 | $ | 306 | $ | 122 |
(1) Including goodwill. |
As a result of the December 11, 2009 divestiture of approximately 43% of Griffith's assets, consisting of it operations in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, income from discontinued operations is separately stated in the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. The table below provides additional detail of the financial results of the discontinued operations which is shown net on the Consolidated Statement of Income (In Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||
September 30, 2009 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||
Revenues from discontinued operations | $ | 17,698 | $ | 95,686 | |||
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations before tax | (1,694 | ) | 5,131 | ||||
Income tax (benefit)/expense from discontinued operations | (703 | ) | 2,129 |
Investments | |||||||||||||
CHEC's current investments at September 30, 2010 include the following (Dollars in Thousands): |
CHEC Investment | Description | Intercompany Debt | Equity Investment | Total | ||||||||||
Griffith Energy Services | 100% controlling interest in a fuel distribution business | $ | 21,000 | $ | 30,178 | $ | 51,178 | |||||||
Lyonsdale | 75% controlling interest in a wood-fired biomass electric generating plant | 5,175 | 4,396 | 9,571 | (1) | |||||||||
CH-Greentree | 100% equity interest in a molecular gate used to remove nitrogen from landfill gas | - | 5,216 | 5,216 | ||||||||||
CH-Auburn | 100% equity interest in an electric generating plant that utilizes landfill gas to produce electricity | 2,750 | 1,533 | 4,283 | ||||||||||
Cornhusker Holdings | 12% equity interest plus subordinated debt investment in an operating corn-ethanol plant | - | - | - | ||||||||||
CH-Community Wind | 50% equity interest in a joint venture that owns 18% interest in two operating wind projects | - | 3,542 | 3,542 | ||||||||||
CH Shirley Wind | 100% ownership of CH Shirley Wind, which owns 90% controlling interest in a wind project in construction | 20,000 | 19,601 | 39,601 | (2) | |||||||||
Other | Other renewable energy projects and partnerships and an energy sector venture capital fund | - | 3,114 | 3,114 | ||||||||||
$ | 48,925 | $ | 67,580 | $ | 116,505 | (3) |
(1) | CHEC purchased the remaining 25% ownership in Lyonsdale on October 1, 2010. CHEC's total investment in Lyonsdale subsequent to this purchase is $10.8 million. | ||||||||||||
(2) | Upon completion of the project, total committed investment is expected to approximate $49 million. | ||||||||||||
(3) | The adjusted total reflecting CHEC's increased ownership in Lyonsdale and the completed CH Shirley Wind project approximates $136.7 million. |
CHEC holds a 12% interest in preferred equity units plus subordinated notes issued by Cornhusker Holdings. Cornhusker Holdings is the owner of Cornhusker Energy Lexington, LLC (“CEL”), a corn-ethanol production facility located in Nebraska that began operation in January 2006. This investment is accounted for under the equity method. CHEC’s total investment in Cornhusker Holdings consists of subordinated notes totaling $10.0 million, including interest, and an equity investment of $1.4 million. In response to the continuation of lower than expected margins, Management stopped accruing interest income on the subordinated debt in the third quarter of 2009. CEL has not been making interest payments to CHEC. In accordance with the subordinated not e agreement, CEL has the right to accrue unpaid interest and add it to the value of the notes. The recoverability of the Company’s total investment in Cornhusker Holdings is predicated on CEL achieving sufficient positive cash flow to repay the notes and dividends on equity. During the third quarter of 2010, CHEC recorded a reserve for 100% of its notes and accrued interest and recorded a full impairment of its equity investment in Cornhusker Holdings in response to a change in its expectations regarding Cornhusker Holdings’ ability to service CHEC’s subordinated debt and pay dividends on equity. This change in CHEC’s expectations during the third quarter was the result of the confluence of various negative trends, including (1) a lower-than-expected level of increased output from the expansion that was completed at the end of 2009 under which CEL took on additional debt that is senior to CHEC’s debt; (2) continued lower-than-expected margins; an d (3) a change in the historical relationship between corn and distillers grains prices at the site that began in the first quarter of 2010 and continued in the third quarter. The amount of the reserve and impairment charge recorded during the third quarter of 2010 was $11.4 million pre-tax. See Note 15 “Other Fair Value Measurements” for further discussion of the fair value of the Note Receivable which supports this reserve.
During 2009, CH Shirley Wind, a wholly owned subsidiary of CHEC, agreed to invest approximately $49 million for a 90% controlling interest in a 20-megawatt wind farm facility being constructed in Wisconsin. As of September 30, 2010, CH Shirley Wind had invested approximately $39.6 million, which is included in the line “Other non-utility property & plant” on the CH Energy Group Consolidated Balance Sheet.
On October 1, 2010, CHEC acquired the remaining 25% ownership stake in Lyonsdale Biomass, LLC and is now 100% owner of the company.
NOTE 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The components of amortizable intangible assets of CH Energy Group are summarized as follows (Dollars In Thousands): |
September 30, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships | 15 | $ | 34,053 | $ | 20,646 | $ | 33,745 | $ | 18,957 | $ | 55,166 | $ | 25,007 | |||||||||||||||
Trademarks | - | - | - | - | - | 2,956 | 578 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Covenants not to compete | 5 | 114 | 90 | 100 | 75 | 1,605 | 1,136 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Amortizable Intangibles | 14.97 | $ | 34,167 | $ | 20,736 | $ | 33,845 | $ | 19,032 | $ | 59,727 | $ | 26,721 |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Amortization Expense | $ | 567 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,704 | $ | 3,100 |
The estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years, assuming no new acquisitions or divestitures, is approximately $2.2 million. |
NOTE 7 – Short-Term Borrowing Arrangements
Central Hudson’s borrowings under a revolving credit facility are as follows (In Thousands):
September 30, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17,000 |
NOTE 8 – Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock
For a schedule of activity related to common stock, paid-in capital and capital stock, see the Consolidated Statement of Equity for CH Energy Group and Central Hudson.
There were no repurchases of preferred stock in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
On July 15, 2010, Central Hudson declared a $26 million dividend payable on October 1, 2010 to CH Energy Group.
NOTE 9 – Capitalization – Long-Term Debt
On September 21, 2010, Central Hudson entered into a Note Purchase Agreement to issue and sell, in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, $40 million of senior unsecured notes in two series. Series A bear interest at the rate of 4.30% per annum on a principal amount of $16 million and mature on September 21, 2020. Series B bear interest at the rate of 5.64% per annum on a principal amount of $24 million and mature on September 21, 2040. Central Hudson used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes for refunding maturing long term debt and retained the rest for general corporate purposes.
NYSERDA
Central Hudson’s 1999 NYSERDA Bonds, Series B, C and D, totaling $115.9 million, are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode. In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for variations in the interest costs from these three series of bonds. As such, variations between the actual interest rates on these bonds and the interest rate included in the current delivery rate structure for these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers. As a result, variations in interest rates do not have any impact on earnings.
To mitigate the potential cash flow impact of unexpected increases in short-term interest rates, Central Hudson purchases interest rate caps based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt. Central Hudson’s one year rate caps for the bond series, set at 3.0%, expired on March 31, 2010 and were replaced with three new rate caps. Effective April 1, 2010, the new rate caps are set at 5.0%. Two of the rate caps are one-year in length with notional amounts aligned to Series C and Series D. The third rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount aligned with Series B. The caps are based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%. Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a giv en month.
Central Hudson is currently evaluating what actions, if any, it may take in the future in connection with its 1999 NYSERDA Bonds, Series B, C and D. Potential actions may include converting the debt to another interest rate mode or refinancing with taxable bonds.
NOTE 10 – Post-Employment Benefits
Central Hudson provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through its post-retirement benefit plans.
Post-retirement benefit plans at Central Hudson do not have any adverse impact on earnings. The following information is provided in accordance with current accounting requirements.
The following are the components of Central Hudson’s net periodic benefit costs for its pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 (In Thousands):
Pension Benefits | OPEB(1) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 2,272 | $ | 1,956 | $ | 531 | $ | 518 | ||||||||
Interest cost | 6,571 | 6,455 | 1,712 | 1,792 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (6,225 | ) | (4,969 | ) | (1,267 | ) | (1,271 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of: | ||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) | 544 | 544 | (1,467 | ) | (1,467 | ) | ||||||||||
Transitional obligation (asset) | - | - | 641 | 642 | ||||||||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 7,377 | 6,350 | 2,073 | 2,208 | ||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 10,539 | $ | 10,336 | $ | 2,223 | $ | 2,422 |
Pension Benefits | OPEB(1) | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 6,816 | $ | 5,870 | $ | 1,593 | $ | 1,556 | ||||||||
Interest cost | 19,713 | 19,365 | 5,136 | 5,374 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (18,675 | ) | (14,907 | ) | (3,801 | ) | (3,813 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of: | ||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) | 1,632 | 1,632 | (4,401 | ) | (4,401 | ) | ||||||||||
Transitional obligation (asset) | - | - | 1,923 | 1,924 | ||||||||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 22,131 | 19,050 | 6,219 | 6,626 | ||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 31,617 | $ | 31,010 | $ | 6,669 | $ | 7,266 |
(1) | The OPEB amounts for both years reflect the effect of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. |
Central Hudson's pension liability balance (i.e., the under-funded status) is as follows (In Thousands):
September 30, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||
Pension liability balance | $ | 128,979 | $ | 152,983 | $ | 157,528 |
These balances include recognition for the difference between the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pensions and the market value of the pension assets, as well as consideration for non-qualified executive plans.
The following reflects the impact of the recording of funding status adjustments on the Balance Sheets of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson (In Thousands): |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Prefunded pension costs prior to funding status adjustment | $ | 11,900 | $ | 11,661 | $ | 13,873 | ||||||
Additional liability required | (140,879 | ) | (164,644 | ) | (171,401 | ) | ||||||
Total accrued pension liability | $ | (128,979 | ) | $ | (152,983 | ) | $ | (157,528 | ) | |||
Total offset to additional liability - Regulatory assets - Pension Plan | $ | 140,879 | $ | 164,644 | $ | 171,401 |
Gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but that are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost would typically be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax. However, Central Hudson has PSC approval to record regulatory assets rather than adjusting comprehensive income to offset the additional liability.
Contributions to the Retirement Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were $31.4 million and $14.6 million, respectively. The increase in year-over-year funding is primarily due to stronger than expected cash flows at the end of 2009, which enabled Central Hudson to accelerate its 2010 funding of the plan.
Employer contributions for the OPEB plan totaled $4.3 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Contribution levels for the Retirement Income Plan and Post-Employment Benefit plans are determined by various factors including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, benefit changes, and corporate resources. In addition, OPEB plan contribution levels are also impacted by medical claims assumptions used and mortality assumptions used.
Retirement Plan Policy and Strategy
Central Hudson’s Retirement Plan investment policy seeks to achieve long-term growth and income to match the long-term nature of its funding obligations. During the first quarter of 2010, Management began a transition to a long-duration investment (“LDI”) strategy for its pension plan assets. Management’s intent in making the change is to reduce the year-to-year volatility of the funded status of the plan and of the level of contributions by more closely aligning the characteristics of plan assets with liabilities. This strategy is intended to:
· | Achieve a rate of return for the Plan over the long term that contributes to meeting the Plan’s current and future obligations, including actuarial interest and benefit payment obligations. |
· | Earn long-term returns from capital appreciation and current income that at least keep pace with inflation over the long term by meeting or exceeding the benchmark index net of fees as described below. |
Asset allocation targets in effect as of September 30, 2010, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the Retirement Plan’s assets, are summarized in the table below:
Asset Class | Minimum | Target Average | Maximum | |||||||||
Equity Securities | 51 | % | 56 | % | 61 | % | ||||||
Debt Securities | 39 | % | 44 | % | 49 | % | ||||||
Alternative Investments(1) | - | % | - | % | 5 | % |
(1) Includes Real Estate
The transition to an LDI strategy is expected to take between two and three years and result in changing the asset allocation to a 50/50 split between debt and equity. The targeted benchmark index over the next two to three years during the transition to long-duration investment strategy is comprised of 28% Russell 1000 Stock Index; 10% Russell 2500 Stock Index; 12% Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East (MSCI EAFE) International Stock Index (Net) and 50% BC Long Government Credit Index.
Due to market value fluctuations, Retirement Plan assets will require rebalancing from time-to-time to maintain the target asset allocation.
There are no assurances that the Retirement Plan’s return objectives will be achieved.
NOTE 11 – Equity-Based Compensation
Performance Shares | |||||||
A summary of the status of outstanding performance shares granted to executives under the 2006 Plan is as follows: |
Performance Shares | |||||||
Grant Date | Performance Shares | Outstanding at | |||||
Grant Date | Fair Value | Granted | September 30, 2010 | ||||
January 24, 2008 | $ | 35.76 | 33,440 | 28,240 | |||
January 26, 2009 | $ | 49.29 | 36,730 | 32,810 | |||
February 8, 2010 | $ | 38.62 | 48,740 | 48,740 |
The ultimate number of shares earned under the awards is based on metrics established by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the award cycle. Compensation expense is recorded as performance shares are earned over the relevant three-year life of the performance share grant prior to its award. The portion of the compensation expense related to an employee who retires during the performance period is the amount recognized up to the date of retirement.
In May 2010, performance shares earned as of December 31, 2009 for the award cycle with a grant date of January 25, 2007 were issued to participants. Those recipients electing not to defer this compensation under the CH Energy Group Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan received shares issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock. A total of 9,983 shares were issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock in May 2010. Additionally, due to the retirement of one of Central Hudson's executive officers on January 1, 2010, a pro-rated number of shares under the January 24, 2008 and January 26, 2009 grants were paid to this individual on July 1, 2010. An additional 2,134 shares were issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock on this date in satisfaction of these awards.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units | |||||||||||||
The following table summarizes information concerning restricted shares and stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2010: |
Grant Date | Type of Award | Shares or Stock Units Granted | Grant Date Fair Value | Vesting Terms | Unvested Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2010 | |||||||
January 2, 2008 | Shares | 10,000 | $ | 44.32 | End of 3 years | 8,100 | (1) | |||||
January 2, 2008 | Shares | 2,100 | $ | 44.32 | Ratably over 3 years | 700 | ||||||
January 26, 2009 | Shares | 2,930 | $ | 49.29 | End of 3 years | 2,320 | (2) | |||||
October 1, 2009 | Shares | 14,375 | $ | 43.86 | Ratably over 5 years | 14,375 | ||||||
November 20, 2009 | Stock Units | 13,900 | $ | 41.43 | 1/3 each year in Years 5, 6 and 7 | 13,900 | ||||||
February 8, 2010 | Shares | 3,060 | $ | 38.62 | End of 3 years | 2,655 | (3) | |||||
February 10, 2010 | Shares | 5,200 | $ | 38.89 | End of 3 years | 5,200 |
(1) | 500 shares were forfeited upon resignation of the employee holding the shares, the vesting of 600 shares was accelerated upon a change in control for an individual resulting from the sale of certain assets of Griffith and the vesting of 800 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors. | ||||||||||||
(2) | The vesting of 250 shares was accelerated upon a change in control for an individual resulting from the sale of certain assets of Griffith and the vesting of 260 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors. | ||||||||||||
(3) | The vesting of 405 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors. |
Compensation Expense | |||||||||||||
The following table summarizes expense for equity-based compensation by award type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (In Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Performance shares | $ | 794 | $ | 129 | $ | 1,547 | $ | 623 | ||||||||
Restricted shares and stock units | $ | 133 | $ | 54 | $ | 398 | $ | 162 |
NOTE 12 – Commitments and Contingencies
Electricity Purchase Commitments
On March 6, 2007, Central Hudson entered into an agreement with Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC to purchase electricity (but not capacity) on a unit-contingent basis at defined prices from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. On an annual basis, the electricity purchased through the Entergy contract represents approximately 23% of Central Hudson’s full-service customer requirements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the energy supplied under this agreement cost approximately $41.9 million and $40.1 million, respectively. On June 30, 2010 and September 9, 2010, Central Hudson enter ed into additional agreements with Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC to purchase electricity (but not capacity) on a unit-contingent basis at defined prices from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.
In the event the above noted counterparty is unable to fulfill its commitment to deliver under the terms of the agreements, Central Hudson would obtain the supply from the NYISO market, and under Central Hudson’s current ratemaking treatment, recover the full cost from customers. As such, there would be no impact on earnings.
Central Hudson must also acquire sufficient peak load capacity to meet the peak load requirements of its full service customers. This capacity is made up of its own generating capacity, contracts with capacity providers, and purchases from the NYISO capacity market.
Contingencies
City of Poughkeepsie
On January 1, 2001, a fire destroyed a multi-family residence on Taylor Avenue in the City of Poughkeepsie, New York, resulting in several deaths and damage to nearby residences. Eight separate lawsuits arising out of this incident have been commenced against Central Hudson and other defendants. The basis for the claimed liability of Central Hudson in these actions is that it was allegedly negligent in the supply of natural gas. The suits seek an aggregate of $528 million in compensatory damages. Central Hudson has notified its insurance carrier, denied liability, and defended the lawsuits. On December 10, 2008, Central Hudson entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and one remaining defendant. Under the settlement agreement, Central Hudson has agreed to ma ke payments to the plaintiffs that will not be material in the aggregate. The settlement agreement has been approved by the court and Central Hudson made the agreed upon payment in October 2010.
Environmental Matters
Central Hudson
· | Air |
In October 1999, Central Hudson was informed by the New York State Attorney General (“Attorney General”) that the Danskammer Point Steam Electric Generating Station (“Danskammer Plant”) was included in an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into the compliance of eight older New York State coal-fired power plants with federal and state air emissions rules. Specifically, the Attorney General alleged that Central Hudson “may have constructed, and continues to operate, major modifications to the Danskammer Plant without obtaining certain requisite preconstruction permits.” In March 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) assumed responsibility for the investigation. Central Hudson has co mpleted its production of documents requested by the Attorney General, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”), and the EPA, and believes any permits required for these projects were obtained in a timely manner. Notwithstanding Central Hudson’s sale of the Danskammer Plant on January 30, 2001, Central Hudson could retain liability, depending on the type of remedy, if any, imposed in connection with this matter. In March 2009, Dynegy notified Central Hudson that Dynegy had received an information request pursuant to the Clean Air Act from the EPA for the Danskammer Plant covering the period beginning January 2000 to present. At that time, Dynegy also submitted to Central Hudson a demand for indemnification for any fines, penalties or other losses that may be incurred by Dynegy arising from the period that Central Hudson owned the Danskammer Plant. Central Hudson presently has insufficient information with which to predic t the outcome of this matter.
· | Former Manufactured Gas Plant Facilities |
Central Hudson and its predecessors owned and operated manufactured gas plants (“MGPs”) to serve their customers’ heating and lighting needs. MGPs manufactured gas from coal and oil. This process produced certain by-products that may pose risks to human health and the environment.
The DEC, which regulates the timing and extent of remediation of MGP sites in New York State, has notified Central Hudson that it believes Central Hudson or its predecessors at one time owned and/or operated MGPs at nine sites in Central Hudson’s franchise territory. The DEC has further requested that Central Hudson investigate and, if necessary, remediate these sites under a Consent Order, Voluntary Cleanup Agreement, or Brownfield Cleanup Agreement. The DEC has placed seven of these sites on the New York State Environmental Site Remediation Database. A number of the sites are now owned by third parties and have been redeveloped for other uses. The status of the nine MGP sites are as follows:
Site | Status | ||
#1 | Beacon, NY | Remediation work complete. Final Report approved by the DEC. A revised Site Management Plan (SMP) was submitted by Central Hudson to the DEC on September 20, 2010. The property owner is finalizing a deed restriction for the property with the DEC, and needs to provide supplemental information to be included in the SMP. | |
#2 | Newburgh, NY | The DEC has approved the Construction Completion Report for the remediation that was completed at Area A of the site. Remediation is currently underway in Areas B and C, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. Site restoration work will be completed in the first half of 2011. |
Site | Status | ||
#3 | Laurel Street Poughkeepsie, NY | Remediation work is complete. The Construction Completion Report was approved by the DEC on June 21, 2010. As requested by the DEC, fifteen additional monitoring wells were installed in the 1st quarter of 2010. Quarterly groundwater sampling events were conducted. | |
#4 | North Water Street Poughkeepsie, NY | As requested by the DEC, additional land and river investigations were conducted. The final monitoring event for the reactive cap pilot study was completed in August 2010. Cap removal is scheduled to occur in November 2010. | |
#5 | Kingston, NY | Additional land and river investigations have been approved by the DEC. The land-based Remedial Investigation (RI) work was completed in August 2010. The river-based RI work commenced in September 2010. We anticipate completing the river-based RI work this year. Previously, a license agreement with a private party and Central Hudson had allowed the presence and mooring of tug boats and a “Dry Dock” in front of the Kingston site. All tugs have been removed by the owner. Central Hudson is currently involved in legal proceedings seeking to get the “Dry Dock” removed. The outcome of the proceedings are uncertain. | |
#6 | Catskill, NY | Site investigation has been completed under the DEC-approved Brownfield Cleanup Agreement. A Remedial Investigation Report was approved on July 23, 2010. A Remedial Alternatives Analysis (RAA) is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed prior to the end of 2010. | |
#7 | Saugerties, NY | Per a November 12, 2001 letter from the DEC, Central Hudson has no remedial responsibility for this site. This site is no longer listed in the DEC database. | |
#8 | Bayeaux Street Poughkeepsie, NY | Per a March 13, 2009 letter from the DEC, no further investigation or remedial action is required at this time. | |
#9 | Broad Street Newburgh, NY | Per an August 16, 2010 letter from the DEC, Central Hudson does not have remedial responsibility for this site. This site is no longer listed in the DEC database. |
In the second quarter of 2008, Central Hudson updated the estimate of potential remediation and future operating, maintenance, and monitoring costs for sites #2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, indicating the total cost for the five sites could exceed $165 million over the next 30 years. Amounts are subject to change based on current investigations, final remedial design (and associated engineering estimates), DEC and NYS Department of Health ("NYSDOH") comments and requests, remedial design changes/negotiations, and changed or unforeseen conditions during the remediation or additional requirements following the remediation.
Site #1 remediation work has been completed and the final report has been approved by the DEC. With regard to site #8, Central Hudson does not have sufficient information to estimate its potential remediation cost, if any. As stated above, Central Hudson believes that it has no further liability for this site.
Information for sites #2 through #6 are detailed in the chart below (In Thousands):
Site # | Estimate | Liability Recorded as of 12/31/09 | Amounts Spent in 2010(3) | Liability Adjustment | Liability Recorded as of 9/30/10 | Current Portion of Liability at 9/30/10 | Long term portion of Liability at 9/30/10 | |||||||||||||||
2, 3(1) | $ | 44,700 | $ | 18,554 | $ | 12,836 | $ | (2,172) | $ | 3,556 | $ | 3,776 | $ | (220) | ||||||||
4, 5, 6(2) | 121,000 | 1,676 | 416 | 833 | 2,122 | 1,330 | 792 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 165,700 | $ | 20,230 | $ | 13,252 | $ | (1,339) | $ | 5,678 | $ | 5,106 | $ | 572 |
(1) | The estimates for sites #2 and 3 are currently based on the actual completed or contracted remediation costs. However, these estimates are subject to change. The estimated liability recorded for sites #2 and 3 are based on estimates of remediation costs for the proposed clean-up plans. | |||||||||||||||||||||
(2) | No amounts have been recorded in connection with physical remediation for sites #4, 5 and 6. Absent DEC-approved remediation plans, Management cannot reasonably estimate what cost, if any, will actually be incurred. The estimated liability for sites #4, 5 and 6 are based on the latest forecast of activities at these sites in connection with preliminary investigations, site testing and development of remediation plans for these sites. For additional discussion of estimates, see paragraphs below. | |||||||||||||||||||||
(3) | Amounts spent in 2010 as shown above do not include legal fees of approximately $40K. |
The estimates for sites #4, 5 and 6 were based on partially completed remedial investigations and current DEC and NYSDOH preferences related to site remediation, and are considered conceptual and preliminary. The cost estimate involves assumptions relating to investigation expenses, remediation costs, potential future liabilities, and post-remedial operating, maintenance and monitoring costs, and is based on a variety of factors including projections regarding the amount and extent of contamination, the location, size and use of the sites, proximity to sensitive resources, status of regulatory investigations, and information regarding remediation activities at other MGP sites in New York State. The cost estimate also assumes that proposed or anticipated remediation techniques are technically feasible and that propos ed remediation plans receive DEC and NYSDOH approval. Further, the updated estimate could change materially based on changes to technology relating to remedial alternatives and changes to current laws and regulations.
As authorized by the PSC, Central Hudson is permitted to defer for future recovery the differences between actual costs for MGP site investigation and remediation and the associated rate allowances, with carrying charges to be accrued on the deferred balances at the authorized pre-tax rate of return. Central Hudson spent $4.1 million and $13.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, related to site investigation and remediation for sites #2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Based on the 2006 Rate Order, on July 1, 2007, Central Hudson started the recovery of a rate allowance for MGP Site Investigation and Remediation Costs. The 2010 Rate Order provided for an increase in this rate allowance to an amount of $13.6 million over the three year settlement period ending July 31, 2013. 160;As authorized in the 2010 Rate Order, Central Hudson also received deferral authority and subsequent recovery for amounts spent over the rate allowance from a net electric regulatory liability balance during the three year settlement period ending July 1, 2013. The total MGP Site Investigation and Remediation costs recovered from July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010 was approximately $14.3 million, with $1.1 million recovered in the third quarter of 2010 totaling $8.2 million recovered in 2010.
Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for the costs of any liabilities. Certain of these insurers have denied coverage.
Future remediation activities, including operating, maintenance and monitoring and related costs may vary significantly from the assumptions used in Central Hudson's current cost estimates, and these costs could have a material adverse effect (the extent of which cannot be reasonably determined) on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson if Central Hudson were unable to recover all or a substantial portion of these costs via collection in rates from customers and/or through insurance.
· | Little Britain Road |
In December 1977, Central Hudson purchased property at 610 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, New York. In 1992, the DEC informed Central Hudson that the DEC was preparing to conduct a Preliminary Site Assessment (“PSA”) of the site, and in 1995, the DEC issued an Order on Consent in which Central Hudson agreed to conduct the PSA. In 2000, following completion of the PSA, Central Hudson and the DEC entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement (“VCA”) whereby Central Hudson removed approximately 3,100 tons of soil and conducted groundwater sampling. Central Hudson believes that it has fulfilled its obligations under the VCA and should receive the release provided for in the VCA, but the DEC has proposed that additional ground water work be done to address groundwater sampling results t hat showed the presence of certain contaminants at levels exceeding DEC criteria. Central Hudson believes that such work is not necessary and has completed a soil vapor intrusion study showing that indoor air at the facility met Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) and NYSDOH standards; in addition, in 2008, it also installed an indoor air vapor mitigation system (that continues to operate).
In September 2010, NYSDEC personnel orally advised that Central Hudson would likely receive a letter from the NYSDEC proposing closure of the VCA, into the Brownfield Cleanup Program (“BCP”). To date that letter has not been received.
At this time Central Hudson does not have sufficient information to estimate the need for additional remediation or potential remediation costs. Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice regarding this matter and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for amounts, if any, for which it may become liable. Central Hudson cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
· | Eltings Corners |
Central Hudson owns and operates a maintenance and warehouse facility in Highland, NY. In the course of Central Hudson’s recent hazardous waste permit renewal process for this facility, sediment contamination was discovered within the wetland area across the street from the main property. In cooperation with NYSDEC, Central Hudson continues to investigate the nature and extent of the contamination. The extent of the contamination, as well as the timing and costs for continued investigation and future remediation efforts, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
· | Asbestos Litigation |
As of September 30, 2010, of the 3,320 asbestos cases brought against Central Hudson, 1,171 remain pending. Of the cases no longer pending against Central Hudson, 1,994 have been dismissed or discontinued without payment by Central Hudson, and Central Hudson has settled 155 cases. Central Hudson is presently unable to assess the validity of the remaining asbestos lawsuits; accordingly, it cannot determine the ultimate liability relating to these cases. Based on information known to Central Hudson at this time, including Central Hudson’s experience in settling asbestos cases and in obtaining dismissals of asbestos cases, Central Hudson believes that the costs which may be incurred in connection with the remaining lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of o perations or cash flows of either CH Energy Group or Central Hudson.
CHEC
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Griffith spent approximately $0.2 million on remediation efforts in Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut.
Griffith’s reserve for environmental remediation is $3.4 million as of September 30, 2010, of which $0.5 million is expected to be spent in the next twelve months.
In connection with the 2009 sale of operations in certain geographic locations, Griffith agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain claims, losses and expenses arising out of any breach by Griffith of the representations, warranties and covenants Griffith made in the sale agreement, certain environmental matters and all liabilities retained by Griffith. Griffith’s indemnification obligation is subject to a number of limitations, including time limits within which certain claims must be brought, an aggregate deductible of $0.8 million applicable to certain types of non-environmental claims and other deductibles applicable to certain specific environmental claims, and caps on Griffith’s liability with respect to certain of the indemnification obligations. The sale agreement includes an aggregate cap of $5.7 million on Griffith’s obligation to indemnify the purchaser for breaches of many of Griffith’s representations and warranties and for certain environmental liabilities. The Company has reserved $2.6 million for environmental remediation costs it may be obligated to pay based on its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement. Management believes this is the maximum amount Griffith is likely to be required to pay with respect to its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement.
Other Matters
Central Hudson and Griffith are involved in various other legal and administrative proceedings incidental to their businesses, which are in various stages. While these matters collectively could involve substantial amounts, it is the opinion of Management that their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on either of CH Energy Group’s or the individual segment’s financial positions, results of operations, or cash flows.
NOTE 13 – Segments and Related Information
CH Energy Group's reportable operating segments are the regulated electric utility business and regulated natural gas utility business of Central Hudson and the unregulated fuel distribution business of Griffith. Other activities of CH Energy Group, which do not constitute a business segment include the investment, financing, and business development activities of CH Energy Group and the renewable energy and investment activities of CHEC, including its ownership interests in ethanol, wind, landfill gas and biomass energy projects and are reported under the heading “Other Businesses and Investments.”
Certain additional information regarding these segments is set forth in the following tables. General corporate expenses and Central Hudson’s property common to both electric and natural gas segments have been allocated in accordance with practices established for regulatory purposes.
Central Hudson’s and Griffith’s operations are seasonal in nature and weather-sensitive and, as a result, financial results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends for a twelve-month period. Demand for electricity typically peaks during the summer, while demand for natural gas and heating oil typically peaks during the winter.
In the following segment charts for CH Energy Group, information related to Griffith represents continuing operations unless otherwise noted.
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson | Businesses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural | and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | Gas | Griffith | Investments | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 165,304 | $ | 18,823 | $ | 39,230 | $ | 3,363 | $ | - | $ | 226,720 | |||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 3 | 6 | - | - | (9 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 165,307 | 18,829 | 39,230 | 3,363 | (9 | ) | 226,720 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 21,600 | 257 | (3,163 | ) | 388 | - | 19,082 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 497 | 356 | - | 697 | (692 | ) | (1) | 858 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest charges | 4,842 | 1,222 | 522 | 985 | (692 | ) | (1) | 6,879 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 16,832 | (781 | ) | (3,820 | ) | (11,398 | ) | - | 833 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CH Energy Group | 10,112 | (614 | ) | (2,254 | ) | (5,465 | ) | - | 1,779 | ||||||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,199,266 | 374,138 | 90,474 | 121,841 | (35,739 | ) | (2) | 1,749,980 |
(1) | This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith). | |||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Includes non-controlling owner's interest of $1,113 related to Lyonsdale, $26,000 in intercompany dividends payable October 1, 2010 and $10,028 related to Federal & New York State income tax due to parent company. | |||||||||||||||||||
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson | Businesses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural | and | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | Gas | Griffith | Investments | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 138,685 | $ | 16,243 | $ | 37,819 | $ | 3,200 | $ | - | $ | 195,947 | ||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 1 | 11 | - | - | (12 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 138,686 | 16,254 | 37,819 | 3,200 | (12 | ) | 195,947 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 21,288 | (368 | ) | (3,472 | ) | 203 | - | 17,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 817 | 385 | - | 1,029 | (1,013 | ) | (1) | 1,218 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest charges | 4,993 | 1,215 | 605 | 947 | (1,013 | ) | (1) | 6,747 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 16,514 | (1,310 | ) | (4,137 | ) | (404 | ) | - | 10,663 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CH Energy Group | 9,755 | (1,126 | ) | (3,441 | ) | (3) | 164 | - | 5,352 | |||||||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,124,163 | 391,846 | 167,476 | 67,400 | (1,394 | ) | (2) | 1,749,491 |
(1) | This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith). | |||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Includes non-controlling owner's interest of $1,520 related to Lyonsdale. | |||||||||||||||||||
(3) | Includes loss from discontinued operations of $(991). |
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson | Businesses | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural | and | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | Gas | Griffith | Investments | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 436,362 | $ | 120,371 | $ | 165,808 | $ | 8,598 | $ | - | $ | 731,139 | |||||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 5 | 207 | - | - | (212 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 436,367 | 120,578 | 165,808 | 8,598 | (212 | ) | 731,139 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 57,862 | 18,833 | 2,009 | (1,114 | ) | - | 77,590 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 2,427 | 1,059 | 1 | 2,056 | (2,045 | ) | (1) | 3,498 | |||||||||||||||
Interest charges | 14,975 | 3,826 | 1,619 | 2,911 | (2,045 | ) | (1) | 21,286 | |||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 44,760 | 15,739 | 346 | (14,654 | ) | - | 46,191 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CH Energy Group | 26,800 | 8,847 | 204 | (6,869 | ) | - | 28,982 | ||||||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,199,266 | 374,138 | 90,474 | 121,841 | (35,739 | ) | (2) | 1,749,980 |
(1) | This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith). | |||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Includes non-controlling owner's interest of $1,113 related to Lyonsdale, $26,000 in intercompany dividends payable October 1, 2010 and $10,028 related to Federal & New York State income tax due to parent company. | |||||||||||||||||||
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson | Businesses | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural | and | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | Gas | Griffith | Investments | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 404,035 | $ | 137,422 | $ | 148,351 | $ | 6,854 | $ | - | $ | 696,662 | |||||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 11 | 263 | - | - | (274 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 404,046 | 137,685 | 148,351 | 6,854 | (274 | ) | 696,662 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 44,285 | 11,234 | 4,022 | (927 | ) | - | 58,614 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 2,465 | 1,348 | 5 | 4,075 | (3,209 | ) | (1) | 4,684 | |||||||||||||||
Interest charges | 14,546 | 3,771 | 1,811 | 1,715 | (3,209 | ) | (1) | 18,634 | |||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 30,354 | 8,390 | 2,354 | (1,475 | ) | - | 39,623 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group | 17,734 | 4,221 | 4,415 | (3) | 646 | - | 27,016 | ||||||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,124,163 | 391,846 | 167,476 | 67,400 | (1,394 | ) | (2) | 1,749,491 |
(1) | This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith). | |||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Includes non-controlling owner's interest of $1,520 related to Lyonsdale. | |||||||||||||||||||
(3) | Includes income from discontinued operations of $3,002. |
Central Hudson Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | Natural Gas | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 165,304 | $ | 18,823 | $ | - | $ | 184,127 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 3 | 6 | (9 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 165,307 | 18,829 | (9 | ) | 184,127 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 21,600 | 257 | - | 21,857 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 497 | 356 | - | 853 | ||||||||||||
Interest charges | 4,842 | 1,222 | - | 6,064 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 16,832 | (781 | ) | - | 16,051 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) available for common stock | 10,112 | (614 | ) | - | 9,498 | |||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,199,266 | 374,138 | - | 1,573,404 |
Central Hudson Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | Natural Gas | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 138,685 | $ | 16,243 | $ | - | $ | 154,928 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 1 | 11 | (12 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 138,686 | 16,254 | (12 | ) | 154,928 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 21,288 | (368 | ) | - | 20,920 | |||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 817 | 385 | - | 1,202 | ||||||||||||
Interest charges | 4,993 | 1,215 | - | 6,208 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 16,514 | (1,310 | ) | - | 15,204 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) available for common stock | 9,755 | (1,126 | ) | - | 8,629 | |||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,124,163 | 391,846 | - | 1,516,009 |
Central Hudson Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | Natural Gas | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 436,362 | $ | 120,371 | $ | - | $ | 556,733 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 5 | 207 | (212 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 436,367 | 120,578 | (212 | ) | 556,733 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 57,862 | 18,833 | - | 76,695 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 2,427 | 1,059 | - | 3,486 | ||||||||||||
Interest charges | 14,975 | 3,826 | - | 18,801 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 44,760 | 15,739 | - | 60,499 | ||||||||||||
Income available for common stock | 26,800 | 8,847 | - | 35,647 | ||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,199,266 | 374,138 | - | 1,573,404 |
Central Hudson Segment Disclosure | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | Natural Gas | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 404,035 | $ | 137,422 | $ | - | $ | 541,457 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues | 11 | 263 | (274 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 404,046 | 137,685 | (274 | ) | 541,457 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 44,285 | 11,234 | - | 55,519 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 2,465 | 1,348 | - | 3,813 | ||||||||||||
Interest charges | 14,546 | 3,771 | - | 18,317 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 30,354 | 8,390 | - | 38,744 | ||||||||||||
Income available for common stock | 17,734 | 4,221 | - | 21,955 | ||||||||||||
Segment assets at September 30 | 1,124,163 | 391,846 | - | 1,516,009 |
NOTE 14 - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Accounting for Derivatives
Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover risk management costs as a component for its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses. Risk management costs are defined by the PSC as "costs associated with transactions that are intended to reduce price volatility or reduce overall costs to customers. These costs include transaction costs, and gains and losses associated with risk management instruments." The related gains and losses associated with Central Hudson’s derivatives are included as part of Central Hudson's commodity cost and/or price-reconciled in its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses, and are not designated as hedges. Additionally, Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover the interest costs associated with its variable rate debt, which includes costs and gains or losses associated with its interest rate cap contracts. As a result, derivative activity at Central Hudson does not impact earnings.
Derivative activity related to Griffith’s heating oil contracts is not material.
Notwithstanding the above, the following information is provided in accordance with current accounting requirements.
The percentage of Central Hudson’s electric and gas requirements hedged by derivative contracts is as follows:
Central Hudson | % of Requirement Hedged (1) | ||
Electric Derivative Contracts: | |||
October 2010 – December 2010 | 21.0 | % | |
2011 | 22.2 | % | |
2012 | 22.2 | % | |
Natural Gas Derivative Contracts: | |||
November 2010 – March 2011 | 51.8 | % |
(1) Projected coverage as of September 30, 2010.
Derivative Risks
The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform according to the terms of the contract). The market risk of the derivatives generally offset the market risk associated with the hedged commodity.
The majority of Central Hudson and Griffith’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require the company to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings. Should the company’s ratings fall below these specified levels, it would be in violation of the provisions, and the derivatives’ counterparties could terminate the contracts and request immediate payment.
To help limit the credit exposure of their derivatives, both Central Hudson and Griffith have entered into master netting agreements with counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. Of the sixteen total agreements held by both companies, eleven contain credit-risk related contingent features. As of September 30, 2010, there were 24 open derivative contracts under these eleven master netting agreements containing credit-risk related contingent features. The circumstances that could trigger these features, the aggregate fair value of the derivative contracts that contain contingent features and the amount that would be required to settle these instruments on September 30, 2010 if the contingent features were triggered, are summarized in the table b elow.
Contingent Contracts | |||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) |
As of September 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||
Triggering Event | # of Contracts Containing the Triggering Feature | Gross Fair Value of Contract | Cost to Settle if Contingent Feature is Triggered (net of collateral) | |||||||||
Central Hudson: | ||||||||||||
Change in Ownership (CHEG ownership of CHG&E falls below 51%) | 1 | $ | (119 | ) | $ | (119 | ) | |||||
Credit Rating Downgrade (to below BBB-) | 13 | (796 | ) | (796 | ) | |||||||
Adequate Assurance(1) | 1 | (9,104 | ) | (8,104 | ) | |||||||
Total Central Hudson | 15 | (10,019 | ) | (9,019 | ) | |||||||
Griffith: | ||||||||||||
Change in Ownership (CHEG ownership of CHEC falls below 51%) | - | - | - | |||||||||
Adequate Assurance(1) | 9 | 86 | 86 | |||||||||
Total Griffith | 9 | 86 | 86 | |||||||||
Total CH Energy Group | 24 | $ | (9,933 | ) | $ | (8,933 | ) |
(1) | If the counterparty has reasonable grounds to believe Central Hudson's or Griffith's creditworthiness or performance has become unsatisfactory, it can request collateral in an amount determined by the counterparty, not to exceed the amount required to settle the contract. |
CH Energy Group and Central Hudson have elected gross presentation for their derivative contracts under master netting agreements and collateral positions. On September 30, 2010, Central Hudson had collateral of $1.0 million posted against the fair value amount of derivatives under one of these agreements and Griffith had no collateral posted.
The fair value of CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s derivative instruments and their location in the respective Balance Sheets are summarized in the table below, followed by a summarization of their effect on the respective Statements of Income. For additional information regarding Central Hudson’s physical hedges, see the discussion following the caption “Electricity Purchase Commitments” in Note 12 - “Commitments and Contingencies.”
Gross Fair Value of Derivative Instruments | ||||||||||||||||
On September 30, 2010, CH Energy Group and Central Hudson each reported one major category of assets and liabilities at fair value: derivative contracts. Derivative contracts are measured on a recurring basis. The fair value of CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's reportable assets and liabilities at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 by category and hierarchy level follows (In Thousands): |
Asset or Liability Category | Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Griffith - heating oil(1) | $ | 86 | $ | 86 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 86 | $ | 86 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - electric | $ | (33,130 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (33,130 | ) | ||||||
Central Hudson - natural gas | (2,054 | ) | (2,054 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | (35,184 | ) | $ | (2,054 | ) | $ | - | $ | (33,130 | ) | |||||
As of December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - electric | $ | 314 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 314 | ||||||||
Central Hudson - natural gas | 79 | 79 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Griffith - heating oil(1) | 348 | 348 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Central Hudson - interest rate cap | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 741 | $ | 427 | $ | - | $ | 314 | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - electric | $ | (12,297 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (12,297 | ) | ||||||
Central Hudson - natural gas | (1,256 | ) | (1,256 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Griffith - other derivative financial instrument(1) | (284 | ) | - | (284 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | (13,837 | ) | $ | (1,256 | ) | $ | (284 | ) | $ | (12,297 | ) | ||||
As of September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - electric | $ | 103 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 103 | ||||||||
Central Hudson - natural gas | 77 | 77 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Griffith - heating oil(1) | 83 | 83 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Central Hudson - interest rate cap | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 263 | $ | 160 | $ | - | $ | 103 | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - electric | $ | (10,698 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (10,698 | ) | ||||||
Central Hudson - natural gas | (2,189 | ) | (2,189 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | (12,887 | ) | $ | (2,189 | ) | $ | - | $ | (10,698 | ) |
(1) | Derivative contracts relate to CH Energy Group's unregulated business subsidiary, Griffith. All other contracts pertain to Central Hudson's derivative contracts as noted. |
The table listed below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending net balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (In Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Balance at Beginning of Period | $ | (23,476 | ) | $ | (11,271 | ) | $ | (11,983 | ) | $ | (5,538 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) | (9,654 | ) | 676 | (21,147 | ) | (5,057 | ) | |||||||||
Realized gains (losses) | 739 | (9,771 | ) | (5,600 | ) | (20,550 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements | (739 | ) | 9,771 | 5,600 | 20,550 | |||||||||||
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Balance at End of Period | $ | (33,130 | ) | $ | (10,595 | ) | $ | (33,130 | ) | $ | (10,595 | ) | ||||
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to derivatives still held at end of period | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
The company did not have any transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2. |
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income |
Neither CH Energy Group nor Central Hudson have derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The following table summarizes the effects of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the statements of income (In Thousands):
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized as (Increase)/Decrease in the Income Statement | Location of Gain/(Loss) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||
Central Hudson: | |||||||||||||||||
Electricity swap contracts | $ | 739 | $ | (9,771 | ) | $ | (5,600 | ) | $ | (20,550 | ) | Regulatory asset(1) | |||||
Natural gas swap contracts | - | (388 | ) | (1,778 | ) | (11,641 | ) | Regulatory asset(1) | |||||||||
Interest rate swap contract | - | - | - | - | Regulatory asset(1) | ||||||||||||
Total Central Hudson | 739 | (10,159 | ) | (7,378 | ) | (32,191 | ) | ||||||||||
Griffith: | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil call option contracts | - | - | (52 | ) | - | Purchased petroleum | |||||||||||
Total Griffith | - | - | (52 | ) | - | ||||||||||||
Total CH Energy Group | $ | 739 | $ | (10,159 | ) | $ | (7,430 | ) | $ | (32,191 | ) |
(1) | Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson’s derivative instruments are conveyed to or recovered from customers through PSC authorized deferral accounting mechanisms, with an offset in revenue and on the balance sheet, and no impact on results of operations. |
NOTE 15 – Other Fair Value Measurements
Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements, however, the fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Carrying amount
Long-term Debt: Quoted market prices for the same or similar issues
Notes Payable: Carrying amount
Notes Receivable: As of September 30, 2010, CHEC revised the methodology it utilizes to estimate the fair value of its debt investment in Cornhusker Holdings in response to a change in its expectations regarding Cornhusker Holdings’ ability to service CHEC’s subordinated debt. This change in CHEC’s expectations during the third quarter was the result of the confluence of various negative trends, including (1) a lower-than-expected level of increased output from the expansion that was completed at the end of 2009 under which CEL took on additional debt that is senior to CHEC’s debt; (2) continued lower-than-expected margins; and (3) a change in the historical relationship between corn and distillers grains prices at the site that began i n the first quarter and continued in the third quarter. Management believes an income approach, which focuses on cash payments CH Energy Group would receive as a subordinated debt holder based on CHEC’s expectations of future investment performance, is a more appropriate valuation than the Gross Yield Method previously used, which projected cash payments based on the contractual terms of the note and included assumptions of a debt restructuring upon maturity. Under the income approach, the fair value is calculated as the sum of the net after-tax cash flows to be received over the life of the underlying assets of the company on a discounted basis. The discount rate used in this analysis accounts for both the time value of money and investment risk. Based on this methodology, the present value of the after-tax cash flows indicate that there are insufficient funds to repay the subordinated debt to CHEC after payments to the senior creditors are satisfied. & #160;The carrying amount of this note receivable was $10.0 million. As indicated in the valuation, and due to CHEC’s subordinated position, CHEC recorded a reserve against the full balance of these notes in the third quarter of 2010.
CH Energy Group - Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | - | $ | 941 | $ | 37,007 | $ | 31,076 | $ | 41,650 | $ | 277,376 | $ | 388,050 | $ | 432,746 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | - | % | 6.86 | % | 6.71 | % | 6.93 | % | 6.02 | % | 5.82 | % | 6.02 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 503,900 | $ | 548,596 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.74 | % |
December 31, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | 24,000 | $ | 941 | $ | 37,007 | $ | 31,076 | $ | 41,650 | $ | 237,373 | $ | 372,047 | $ | 385,527 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.38 | % | 6.86 | % | 6.71 | % | 6.92 | % | 6.02 | % | 5.94 | % | 6.01 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.82 | % | 0.82 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 487,897 | $ | 501,377 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.78 | % |
September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | - | $ | 24,000 | $ | - | $ | 36,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 282,047 | $ | 372,047 | $ | 390,445 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | - | % | 4.38 | % | - | % | 6.71 | % | 6.92 | % | 5.95 | % | 6.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 487,897 | $ | 506,295 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.80 | % |
Central Hudson - Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 36,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 14,000 | $ | 258,050 | $ | 338,050 | $ | 373,559 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | - | % | - | % | 6.71 | % | 6.93 | % | 4.81 | % | 5.75 | % | 5.92 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 453,900 | $ | 489,409 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.52 | % |
December 31, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | 24,000 | $ | - | $ | 36,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 14,000 | $ | 218,047 | $ | 322,047 | $ | 332,908 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.38 | % | - | % | 6.71 | % | 6.93 | % | 4.81 | % | 5.86 | % | 5.90 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.82 | % | 0.82 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 437,897 | $ | 448,758 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.56 | % |
September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate: | $ | - | $ | 24,000 | $ | - | $ | 36,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 232,047 | $ | 322,047 | $ | 336,130 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | - | % | 4.38 | % | - | % | 6.71 | % | 6.92 | % | 5.80 | % | 5.90 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | $ | 115,850 | |||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Outstanding | $ | 437,897 | $ | 451,980 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Effective Interest Rate | 4.60 | % |
NOTE 16 – Subsequent Events
CH Energy Group has performed an evaluation of events subsequent to September 30, 2010 through the date the financial statements were issued and noted one additional item to disclose. On October 1, 2010, CHEC acquired the remaining 25% ownership stake in Lyonsdale Biomass, LLC and is now 100% owner of the Company.
- 51 -
ITEM 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Third Quarter Financial Statements and the notes thereto; the MD&A in Item 7 of the Companies’ combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009; and the MD&A in Part I, Item 2 of the Companies’ combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010.
Business Overview
CH Energy Group is a holding company with four business units:
Business Segments: | ||||
(1) | Central Hudson’s regulated electric utility business; | |||
(2) | Central Hudson’s regulated natural gas utility business; | |||
(3) | Griffith’s fuel distribution business; | |||
Other Businesses and Investments: | ||||
(4) | CHEC’s renewable energy investments and the holding company’s activities, which consist primarily of financing its subsidiaries and business development. |
CH Energy Group’s objective is to deliver value to its shareholders through current income, in the form of quarterly dividend payments, and through share price appreciation that is expected to result from earnings growth over the long term. Management has completed an update to its strategic plan to reflect recent changes in its markets. The updated plan reflects a shift in our strategy that we believe will achieve greater shareholder value with less risk. CH Energy Group has determined that its greatest strengths are in the operation of its energy distribution businesses, and henceforth it will focus its time and resources on Central Hudson and Griffith. Business development efforts in renewable energy have been discontinued and CH Energy Group intends to wind down existing renewable ene rgy investments in a manner that maximizes shareholder value. This shift in corporate strategy was approved by the Board of Directors on October 22, 2010 and is further described below.
CH Energy Group’s mission is to provide electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products and related services to a growing customer base, while producing growing financial returns for its shareholders. CH Energy Group strives to fulfill its mission in a safe, reliable, courteous, and affordable manner; to be a great place to work; and to be a good corporate citizen.
CH Energy Group’s strategy is to provide an attractive risk adjusted return to its shareholders by investing primarily in Central Hudson’s utility transmission and distribution systems while maintaining a strong focus on risk management, including limiting commodity risk, effectively managing regulatory affairs, and maintaining a strong financial profile. CH Energy Group’s strategy targets stable and predictable earnings, with growth trend expectations of 5% or more per year off a base of $2.76 in 2009. CH Energy Group’s strategy also targets a sustainable dividend payout ratio of 65% to 70% of earnings, which results in increases above the current dividend on common stock each year of $2.16 per share based on the targeted earnings growth.
A breakout of CH Energy Group assets at September 30, 2010 is as follows:
Contributions by respective business units to operating revenues and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are located in the Results of Operations section of this Management Discussion and Analysis.
Central Hudson
Central Hudson’s earnings are derived primarily from the revenue it generates from delivering energy to approximately 300,000 electric customers and 74,000 natural gas customers. The delivery rates Central Hudson charges its customers are set by the PSC and are designed to recover the cost of providing safe and reliable service to Central Hudson’s customers while providing a fair and reasonable return on the capital invested by shareholders.
Central Hudson’s strategy is to provide exceptional value to its customers by:
- | practicing continuous improvement in everything we do; |
- | investing in transmission and infrastructure to enhance reliability, improve customer satisfaction and reduce risk; |
- | moderating cost pressures that increase customer bill levels and variability; and |
- | advocating on behalf of customers and other stakeholders. |
Central Hudson has strong competencies in safe and efficient utility operations, financial management, risk management and regulatory affairs which will support the achievement of its strategy. In 2010, Central Hudson has expanded on its current cost management and innovation programs by launching a company-wide initiative utilizing Lean Six Sigma techniques, which is a data driven approach to improving business processes, reducing cost, eliminating low-value work and improving service quality.
The third quarter of 2010 reflects the fifth consecutive quarter of improved financial results under rate orders that better align revenue recovery with operating costs and capital expenditure levels. The current three-year rate plan, which commenced on July 1, 2010, is expected to reduce uncertainty and risk and support investment in Central Hudson’s infrastructure to improve the quality of service to customers. Management believes this rate plan demonstrates a constructive relationship with New York State regulators and the willingness of regulators to allow Central Hudson to earn stable, predictable returns while providing reliable, high quality service and fulfilling state energy policy objectives.
Earnings growth is primarily expected to come from increases in utility plant reflected in rate base and also in part from effective cost management and continuous improvements. Central Hudson invests significant capital on an annual basis to replace aging infrastructure and to maintain and improve service quality and reliability. Over the long term, increased investment levels in natural gas and electric transmission are also possible.
The three key risks Management sees in achieving this strategy are the regulatory environment; interest rates and the economy in Central Hudson’s service territory.
Our ability to meet our financial objective is largely dependant on the consistency of the New York State Public Service Commission’s (“PSC”) ratemaking practices. Risks related to these practices include an inability to recover the costs of doing business, declining support for strong capital structures and credit ratings, changes in deferral accounting that increase volatility of earnings and/or defer cash recovery of our costs, elimination of revenue decoupling mechanisms (“RDMs”) and changes in the mechanisms currently in place for recovery of our commodity purchases. Management believes our commitments to providing safe and reliable service, customer satisfaction, operational excellence and promoting positive customer and regulatory relations are important in our efforts to o btain full cost recovery and competitive returns for shareholders. Additionally, Management believes that quality improvements implemented through Lean Six Sigma initiatives will contribute to customer satisfaction, which is an important component of supportive regulatory relationships.
Interest rates could impact Central Hudson in two ways. First, lower rates could lead to a decrease in the authorized ROE in a future rate proceeding. Second, higher rates during a rate agreement could reduce our ability to recover all of our interest expense. However, it is important to note that within the latter two years of the current rate agreement, Central Hudson has an interest rate deferral mechanism that effectively neutralizes the earnings impact of interest rate variations for long-term debt issued, and Management has mitigated the interest rate exposure during the first rate year by issuing debt at favorable terms early in the rate year.
The third risk – our service territory’s economy – affects Central Hudson’s ability to collect receivables and the growth of utility rate base and earnings through a direct relationship to customer additions and peak demand growth. Management believes the economy in Central Hudson’s service territory will improve, albeit slowly and modestly, and that it has good long-term growth prospects. Additionally, Management believes that the long-term benefits realized from the implementation of Lean Six Sigma improvements will support Central Hudson’s ability to provide quality service at reasonable rates, which is an important component of the economic development of Central Hudson’s service territory.
Additional information regarding the 2010 Rate Order is discussed within the “Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings” section.
Griffith
Griffith provides fuel distribution products and services to approximately 56,000 customers in Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Griffith’s revenues, cash flows, and earnings are derived from the sale and delivery of heating oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and propane and from the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) equipment. For a breakdown of Griffith’s gross profit by product and service line for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, see the chart in the Results of Operations under the caption – “Griffith.”
Griffith’s strategy is to provide premium service to customers and to increase its profitability by:
- | practicing continuous improvement in everything we do; |
- | growing through selective tuck-in acquisitions; and |
- | expanding its service offerings. |
Griffith has a strong regional brand that stands for quality, reliability, and value. Griffith will continue its marketing efforts and focus on customer satisfaction, which Management believes will result in minimal customer attrition. With reduced commodity-related volatility of earnings and cash flows following the 2009 divestiture of non-core divisions in the Northeast region, Management has focused its attention on improving the profitability of operations and providing service in the Mid-Atlantic region. This region has a relatively strong and stable economy with a population of current and prospective customers that value quality service at a fair price. Management has successfully implemented effective cost management efforts, which have offset inflationary cost pressures.
Management has resumed seeking selective “tuck-in” acquisitions, which are expected to be funded from internally generated cash. This growth strategy focuses on acquiring and retaining full-service customers in geographic areas that overlap Griffith’s existing operations. Management has also commenced an effort to expand its HVAC business in a manner that is expected to provide additional earnings and cash flow at reasonably predictable levels. These growth strategies are not expected to result in the growth of CH Energy Group’s total invested capital in Griffith.
Management sees two key risks associated with this strategy. The primary factor that could prevent Griffith from achieving earnings growth is a sustained, significant increase in wholesale oil prices, which could reduce residential sales volumes, put downward pressure on margins and increase bad debt expense. While Management believes that margin expansion would still be possible in this environment as competitors would be forced to increase their margins to cover their costs, Management expects that this result would lag the increase in commodity prices. Secondarily, weakness in the economy of the Mid-Atlantic region could limit Griffith’s ability to expand margins since customers’ willingness and ability to pay are typically tied to income levels and unemployment rates. Management believes that the economy in Griffith’s service territory is relatively strong and stable with a large pool of current and prospective customers that value quality service at a fair price, and is thereby supportive of Griffith’s strategy.
Other Businesses and Investments
As noted earlier, CH Energy Group has decided to discontinue investing in the renewable energy industry through CHEC for the following reasons:
- | Management believes that CH Energy Group lacks competitive advantage and sufficiently strong internal core competencies in this market; |
- | Management’s experience in this market indicates that it is difficult to earn an appropriate rate of return without employing higher debt leverage that is inconsistent with CH Energy Group’s credit quality objectives; and |
- | the earnings profile of renewable energy products, which typically starts low and increases over time supports an acceptable lifetime internal rate of return, however, does not support CH Energy Group’s current strategy and near term financial objective to increase the dividend. |
CH Energy Group has evaluated CHEC’s current renewable energy investments and has initiated plans to unwind these investments. With regard to ethanol and biomass investments, Management does not believe such assets possess earnings and cash flow characteristics that are consistent with the updated strategy and will seek to sell the assets in the near term. With regard to CHEC’s investment in wind and landfill gas energy, Management feels that these investments reflect acceptable earnings and cash flow characteristics, however Management has determined it will no longer seek to build a business in these areas. Management believes greater shareholder value can be created by opportunistically divesting these assets. Holding existing investments in wind and landfill gas are not expected to require significant management oversight or further capital investment upon the completion of Shirley Wind later this year. Proceeds from the sale of any of these investments are expected to be used primarily for the repurchase of common stock and repayment of debt associated with these assets.
On October 1, 2010, CHEC purchased the remaining 25% minority interest in Lyonsdale Biomass (“Lyonsdale”). This purchase increased CHEC’s ownership to 100% in the Biomass facility. As a result of CH Energy Group’s shift in strategy, solicitation of potential interest for the sale of Lyonsdale is underway. Management believes Lyonsdale is an attractive asset for the right owner, especially given its current purchase power agreement and renewable energy credit contracts, which run through the end of 2014. However, Management believes the value of Lyonsdale is highly sensitive to future natural gas prices, which typically drive electricity prices, and renewable energy credit pricing. Therefore there is considerable uncertainty to the range of prices that CHEC may receive in the solicitation process. Management cannot predict the outcome of the sale process.
As a result of CH Energy Group’s change in strategy, impairment charges may be recorded if the investments’ fair values are below their carrying amounts. Management cannot predict the outcome of these analyses at this time.
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS
The following discussion and analyses include explanations of significant changes in revenues and expenses between the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, and 2009 for Central Hudson’s regulated electric and natural gas businesses, Griffith, and the Other Businesses and Investments.
The discussions and tables below present the change in earnings of CH Energy Group’s business units in terms of earnings for each share of CH Energy Group’s Common Stock. Management believes this presentation is useful because these business units are each wholly owned by CH Energy Group. This information is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and not an alternative to earnings per share determined on a consolidated basis, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of each business unit’s earnings per share to CH Energy Group’s earnings per share, determined on a consolidated basis, is included in the table below.
CH Energy Group Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Share (Basic) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Change | 2010 | 2009 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Central Hudson - Electric | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.58 | ||||||||||||
Central Hudson - Natural Gas | (0.04 | ) | (0.07 | ) | 0.03 | 0.56 | 0.27 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||
Griffith | (0.14 | ) | (0.22 | ) | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.28 | (0.27 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other Businesses and Investments | (0.35 | ) | 0.01 | (0.36 | ) | (0.43 | ) | 0.04 | (0.47 | ) | ||||||||||||||
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.34 | $ | (0.23 | ) | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 0.13 |
Earnings for CH Energy Group decreased $0.23 per share for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in third-quarter results compared to the prior year was primarily due to a $0.44 per share impairment charge related to CHEC’s ethanol investment.
Year-to-date earnings increased $0.13 per share for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as a result of the improved earnings at Central Hudson. This improvement was partially reduced by the impairment charge at CHEC in the third quarter of 2010 discussed above and a decrease in earnings at Griffith during the first quarter of 2010, which was primarily driven by the divestiture of approximately 40% of Griffith’s operations in December 2009.
Third quarter and year-to-date 2010 results by business unit were as follows:
Central Hudson | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Share (Basic) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Change | 2010 | 2009 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.58 | ||||||||||||
Natural Gas | (0.04 | ) | (0.07 | ) | 0.03 | 0.56 | 0.27 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.60 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 2.26 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 0.87 | |||||||||||||
Earnings from Central Hudson's electric and natural gas operations increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009 primarily due to the increases in electric and natural gas delivery rates, including the RDM, which became effective July 1, 2009 and remains in effect under the current 2010 Rate Order. These increases provided revenues that better aligned Central Hudson's costs of providing service to customers and allowed Central Hudson to earn a more appropriate return for its shareholders. Higher operating expenses partially reduced the favorable impacts of delivery revenue increases. Additionally, year-to-date results include a deferral of electric bad debt expense in excess of amounts provided in rates for the rate year ended June 30, 2010 and an i ncrease to the requested and previously deferred gas bad debt expenses as a result of PSC approval. A summary of the year-over-year variances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 includes the following: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Month Change | Nine Month Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory Mechanisms and Unusual Events: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uncollectible deferral | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.12 | |||||||||||||||||||
Delivery revenue | 0.16 | 1.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Weather impact on sales | - | (0.13 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sales per customer | - | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income on regulatory assets | - | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lower uncollectible reserves | 0.06 | 0.13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Higher storm restoration expense(1) | - | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Higher depreciation | (0.03 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Higher property and other taxes | (0.04 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Higher trimming costs | (0.06 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | (0.02 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.05 | $ | 0.87 |
(1) | Excludes incremental costs incurred associated with the severe storms that occurred in late February 2010, which have been deferred for future recovery from customers. |
Griffith | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Share (Basic) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Change | 2010 | 2009 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
$ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.28 | $ | (0.27 | ) | ||||||||||
Griffith’s earnings increased in the three months ended and decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009 due to the partial divestiture in December 2009. The operating losses from the divested portion of the business in the third quarter of 2009 improved the year-over-year results for the third quarter. On a year-to-date basis, the decreased volumes during the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the divestiture reduced earnings. A summary of the year-over-year variances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 includes the following: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Month Change | Nine Month Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.19 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Margin on petroleum sales and services | 0.01 | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weather impact on sales (including hedging) | - | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weather-normalized sales (including conservation) | (0.01 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 0.01 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lower uncollectible accounts | - | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 0.01 | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.08 | $ | (0.27 | ) |
Other Businesses and Investments | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Share (Basic) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Change | 2010 | 2009 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
$ | (0.35 | ) | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.47 | ) | |||||||||
The earnings activity of CH Energy Group (the holding company) and CHEC’s partnerships and other investments decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009 primarily due to an impairment charge of CHEC's ethanol investment. Expiration of production tax credits related to CHEC’s biomass investment on December 31, 2009 also negatively impacted year-to-date earnings. These year-to-date decreases were partially reduced by favorable taxes at the holding company. A summary of the year-over-year variances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 includes the following: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Month Change | Nine Month Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ethanol investment impairment | $ | (0.44 | ) | $ | (0.44 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Lower income taxes | 0.11 | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Biomass investment | (0.02 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Holding company interest expense | - | (0.04 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lower income taxes | 0.01 | (0.01 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other | �� | (0.02 | ) | (0.02 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
$ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.47 | ) |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A breakdown by business unit of CH Energy Group's operating revenues (net of divestitures) and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands): |
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Unit | Operating Revenues | Net Income(4) | Operating Revenues | Net Income(4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric(1) | $ | 165,304 | 73 | % | $ | 10,112 | 568 | % | $ | 138,685 | 71 | % | $ | 9,755 | 182 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Gas(1) | 18,823 | 8 | % | (614 | ) | (35 | )% | 16,243 | 8 | % | (1,126 | ) | (21 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Central Hudson | 184,127 | 81 | % | 9,498 | 534 | % | 154,928 | 79 | % | 8,629 | 161 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith(1) (3) | 39,230 | 17 | % | (2,254 | ) | (127 | )% | 37,819 | 19 | % | (3,441 | ) | (64 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Businesses and Investments | 3,363 | 2 | % | (5,465 | ) | (307 | )% | 3,200 | 2 | % | 164 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Total CH Energy Group | $ | 226,720 | 100 | % | $ | 1,779 | 100 | % | $ | 195,947 | 100 | % | $ | 5,352 | 100 | % |
(1) | A portion of the revenues above represent amounts collected from customers for the recovery of purchased electric and natural gas costs at Central Hudson and the cost of purchased petroleum products at Griffith and therefore have no material impact on net income. A breakout of these components is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric 3rd Quarter 2010: 34% cost recovery revenues + 39% other revenues = 73% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric 3rd Quarter 2009: 31% cost recovery revenues + 40% other revenues = 71% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas 3rd Quarter 2010: 3% cost recovery revenues + 5% other revenues = 8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas 3rd Quarter 2009: 3% cost recovery revenues + 5% other revenues = 8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith 3rd Quarter 2010: 14% commodity costs + 4% other revenues = 18% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith 3rd Quarter 2009: 15% commodity costs + 4% other revenues = 19% |
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Unit | Operating Revenues | Net Income(4) | Operating Revenues | Net Income(4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric(2) | $ | 436,362 | 60 | % | $ | 26,800 | 92 | % | $ | 404,035 | 58 | % | $ | 17,734 | 66 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Gas(2) | 120,371 | 16 | % | 8,847 | 31 | % | 137,422 | 20 | % | 4,221 | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Central Hudson | 556,733 | 76 | % | 35,647 | 123 | % | 541,457 | 78 | % | 21,955 | 82 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith(2) (3) | 165,808 | 23 | % | 204 | 1 | % | 148,351 | 21 | % | 4,415 | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Businesses and Investments | 8,598 | 1 | % | (6,869 | ) | (24 | )% | 6,854 | 1 | % | 646 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Total CH Energy Group | $ | 731,139 | 100 | % | $ | 28,982 | 100 | % | $ | 696,662 | 100 | % | $ | 27,016 | 100 | % |
(2) | A portion of the revenues above represent amounts collected from customers for the recovery of purchased electric and natural gas costs at Central Hudson and the cost of purchased petroleum products at Griffith and therefore have no material impact on net income. A breakout of these components is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric YTD 2010: 27% cost recovery revenues + 33% other revenues = 60% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric YTD 2009: 29% cost recovery revenues + 29% other revenues = 58% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas YTD 2010: 8% cost recovery revenues + 8% other revenues = 16% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas YTD 2009: 13% cost recovery revenues + 7% other revenues = 20% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith YTD 2010: 17% commodity costs + 6% other revenues = 23% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Griffith YTD 2009: 15% commodity costs + 6% other revenues = 21% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(3) | Griffith net income includes (loss)/income from discontinued operations of $(1.0) million and $3.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(4) | Due to the seasonality of the fuel oil distribution and natural gas businesses, each business unit's relative contribution to total earnings can vary significantly from quarter to quarter. CH Energy Group net income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010 is comprised of 100% in the regulated electric and natural gas business, (15)% in non-regulated businesses (continuing operations) and 15% in non-regulated businesses (discontinued operations). Additionally, the results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 include the impairment charge recorded on CHEC's Cornhusker investment, which has impacted the results of each business unit's relative contribution to total earnings. |
Central Hudson
The following discussions and analyses include explanations of significant changes in operating revenues, operating expenses, volumes delivered, other income, interest charges, and income taxes between the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 for Central Hudson’s regulated electric and natural gas businesses.
Income Statement Variances | ||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase/(Decrease) in | ||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 184,127 | $ | 154,928 | $ | 29,199 | 18.8 | % | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity, fuel and natural gas | 84,107 | 65,815 | 18,292 | 27.8 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 8,526 | 8,015 | 511 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 69,637 | 60,178 | 9,459 | 15.7 | % | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 162,270 | 134,008 | 28,262 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Income | 21,857 | 20,920 | 937 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||
Other Income, net | 258 | 492 | (234 | ) | (47.6 | ) % | |||||||||
Interest Charges | 6,064 | 6,208 | (144 | ) | (2.3 | ) % | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 16,051 | 15,204 | 847 | 5.6 | % | ||||||||||
Income Taxes | 6,311 | 6,333 | (22 | ) | (0.3 | ) % | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 9,740 | $ | 8,871 | $ | 869 | 9.8 | % |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase/(Decrease) in | ||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 556,733 | $ | 541,457 | $ | 15,276 | 2.8 | % | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity, fuel and natural gas | 256,032 | 291,706 | (35,674 | ) | (12.2 | ) % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 25,362 | 24,013 | 1,349 | 5.6 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 198,644 | 170,219 | 28,425 | 16.7 | % | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 480,038 | 485,938 | (5,900 | ) | (1.2 | ) % | |||||||||
Operating Income | 76,695 | 55,519 | 21,176 | 38.1 | % | ||||||||||
Other Income, net | 2,605 | 1,542 | 1,063 | 68.9 | % | ||||||||||
Interest Charges | 18,801 | 18,317 | 484 | 2.6 | % | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 60,499 | 38,744 | 21,755 | 56.2 | % | ||||||||||
Income Taxes | 24,125 | 16,062 | 8,063 | 50.2 | % | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 36,374 | $ | 22,682 | $ | 13,692 | 60.4 | % |
Delivery Volumes
Delivery volumes for Central Hudson vary in response to weather conditions and customer behavior. Electric deliveries peak in the summer and deliveries of natural gas used for heating purposes peak in the winter. Delivery volumes also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.
The following chart reflects the change in the level of electric and natural gas deliveries for Central Hudson in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009. Deliveries of electricity and natural gas to residential and commercial customers have historically contributed the most to Central Hudson's earnings. Industrial sales and interruptible sales have a negligible impact on earnings. Effective July 1, 2009, Central Hudson’s delivery rate structure includes a RDM which provides the ability to record revenues equal to those forecasted in the development of current rates for most of Central Hudson’s customers. As a result, fluctuations in actual delivery volumes no longer have a significant impact on Central Hudson’s earnings.
Electric Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Gigawatt-Hours) |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Variation in | September 30, | Variation in | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Residential | 618 | 504 | 114 | 23 | % | 572 | 555 | 17 | 3 | % | |||||||||
Commercial | 551 | 508 | 43 | 8 | % | 533 | 529 | 4 | 1 | % | |||||||||
Industrial and other | 314 | 320 | (6) | (2) | % | 315 | 320 | (5) | (2) | % | |||||||||
Total Deliveries | 1,483 | 1,332 | 151 | 11 | % | 1,420 | 1,404 | 16 | 1 | % |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Variation in | September 30, | Variation in | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Residential | 1,630 | 1,543 | 87 | 6 | % | 1,593 | 1,591 | 2 | - | % | |||||||||
Commercial | 1,503 | 1,473 | 30 | 2 | % | 1,483 | 1,495 | (12) | (1) | % | |||||||||
Industrial and other | 875 | 928 | (53) | (6) | % | 874 | 928 | (54) | (6) | % | |||||||||
Total Deliveries | 4,008 | 3,944 | 64 | 2 | % | 3,950 | 4,014 | (64) | (2) | % |
(1) | Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes. |
Natural Gas Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Million Cubic Feet) |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Variation in | September 30, | Variation in | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Residential | 295 | 309 | (14) | (5) | % | 320 | 306 | 14 | 5 | % | |||||||||
Commercial | 585 | 605 | (20) | (3) | % | 600 | 594 | 6 | 1 | % | |||||||||
Industrial and other(2) | 4,583 | 1,395 | 3,188 | 229 | % | 568 | 388 | 180 | 46 | % | |||||||||
Total Deliveries | 5,463 | 2,309 | 3,154 | 137 | % | 1,488 | 1,288 | 200 | 16 | % |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Variation in | September 30, | Variation in | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Residential | 3,679 | 3,970 | (291) | (7) | % | 3,934 | 3,864 | 70 | 2 | % | |||||||||
Commercial | 4,422 | 4,741 | (319) | (7) | % | 4,675 | 4,640 | 35 | 1 | % | |||||||||
Industrial and other(2) | 7,512 | 3,529 | 3,983 | 113 | % | 1,738 | 1,548 | 190 | 12 | % | |||||||||
Total Deliveries | 15,613 | 12,240 | 3,373 | 28 | % | 10,347 | 10,052 | 295 | 3 | % |
(1) | Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes. | ||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Actual deliveries include interruptible natural gas deliveries. Weather normalized deliveries exclude interruptible natural gas deliveries. |
Electric deliveries to residential and commercial customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased as compared to the prior year primarily as a result of the year-over-year impact of both warmer than normal summer weather in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and cooler than normal weather in the winter and spring months of 2009.
Natural gas deliveries to residential and commercial customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the prior year were negatively impacted by warmer weather as compared to the cooler weather in the same period in 2009. Increases in sales per customer partially reduced the unfavorable weather impact for these same comparative periods.
The increase in natural gas industrial and other deliveries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the prior year was primarily driven by an increase in transportation delivery volumes to electric generation facilities, which sell their electricity to the NYISO market and whose output increased to meet the increased electric demand during the period.
Revenues
Central Hudson’s revenues consist of two major categories: those which offset specific expenses in the current period (matching revenues), and those that impact earnings. Matching revenues recover Central Hudson's actual costs for particular expenses. Any difference between these revenues and the actual expenses incurred is deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore does not impact earnings.
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Electric | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Increase / | September 30, | Increase / | |||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | 2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy cost adjustment | $ | 76,236 | $ | 59,171 | $ | 17,065 | $ | 193,043 | $ | 198,677 | $ | (5,634 | ) | |||||||||||
Sales to others for resale | 654 | 846 | (192 | ) | 3,370 | 3,105 | 265 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues with matching offsets | 23,826 | 18,883 | 4,943 | 61,332 | 42,590 | 18,742 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 100,716 | 78,900 | 21,816 | 257,745 | 244,372 | 13,373 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues Impacting Earnings: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer sales | 61,848 | 51,057 | 10,791 | 167,304 | 145,089 | 22,215 | ||||||||||||||||||
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms | 141 | 6,713 | (6,572 | ) | 3,609 | 7,980 | (4,371 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Pole attachments and other rents | 1,025 | 989 | 36 | 3,123 | 3,032 | 91 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance charges | 852 | 780 | 72 | 2,446 | 2,548 | (102 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 722 | 246 | 476 | 2,135 | 1,014 | 1,121 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 64,588 | 59,785 | 4,803 | 178,617 | 159,663 | 18,954 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Electric Revenues | $ | 165,304 | $ | 138,685 | $ | 26,619 | $ | 436,362 | $ | 404,035 | $ | 32,327 |
(1) | Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased electricity and natural gas costs. Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits. Changes in revenues from electric sales to other utilities also do not affect earnings since any related profits or losses are returned or charged, respectively, to customers. |
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Natural Gas | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Increase / | September 30, | Increase / | |||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | 2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy cost adjustment | $ | 2,741 | $ | 2,540 | $ | 201 | $ | 40,856 | $ | 68,165 | $ | (27,309 | ) | |||||||||||
Sales to others for resale | 3,839 | 3,194 | 645 | 17,129 | 20,787 | (3,658 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues with matching offsets | 2,152 | 1,742 | 410 | 14,608 | 9,010 | 5,598 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 8,732 | 7,476 | 1,256 | 72,593 | 97,962 | (25,369 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues Impacting Earnings: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer sales | 7,990 | 6,500 | 1,490 | 38,534 | 33,393 | 5,141 | ||||||||||||||||||
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms | 774 | 677 | 97 | 4,796 | 2,365 | 2,431 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interruptible profits | 629 | 475 | 154 | 1,704 | 1,066 | 638 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance charges | 193 | 183 | 10 | 823 | 965 | (142 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 505 | 932 | (427 | ) | 1,921 | 1,671 | 250 | |||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 10,091 | 8,767 | 1,324 | 47,778 | 39,460 | 8,318 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Natural Gas Revenues | $ | 18,823 | $ | 16,243 | $ | 2,580 | $ | 120,371 | $ | 137,422 | $ | (17,051 | ) |
(1) | Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased electricity and natural gas costs. Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits. For natural gas sales to other entities for resale, 85% of such profits are returned to customers. |
Electric revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. For the third quarter, this increase was primarily due to higher energy cost adjustment, higher delivery rates on customer sales and higher revenues with matching offsets. These increases were partially offset by lower regulatory revenue recovery mechanisms, primarily related to RDMs. The higher energy cost adjustment was driven by higher revenues required to be recovered for previously deferred purchased electricity costs and an increase in purchased volumes, partially offset by a decrease in wholesale prices. Higher revenues with matching offsets were primarily driven by New York State (“NYS”) energy efficiency programs and the PSC tax surcharge implemented in April 2009.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, higher delivery rates on customer sales and higher other revenues with matching offsets were partially offset by a decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues and the regulatory revenue recovery mechanism. The decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues for the first nine months of the year was a result of lower revenues required to be recovered for previously deferred purchased electric costs and a decrease in both purchased volumes and prices. Higher revenues with matching offsets were primarily driven by an increase in rates related to increased pension costs as well as the NYS energy efficiency programs and the PSC tax surcharge discussed above.
Natural gas revenues increased for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to higher delivery rates on customer sales, as well as an increase in sales to other utilities driven by an increase in natural gas prices partially offset by a decrease in volumes.
Natural gas revenues decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to lower energy cost adjustment revenues partially offset by higher other revenues with matching offsets, higher delivery rates on customer sales and higher revenues related to regulatory revenue recovery mechanisms, primarily the RDMs. Lower energy cost adjustment revenues resulted from lower revenues required to be recovered for previously deferred purchased natural gas costs, as well as a decreases in both purchased volumes and natural gas prices in the first quarter, which exceeded the increases in the second and third quarters. Higher revenues with matching offsets were driven primarily by an increase in rates related to increased pension costs and the PSC tax surcharge.
Operating Expenses
The most significant elements of Central Hudson’s operating expenses are purchased electricity and purchased natural gas; however, changes in these costs do not affect earnings since they are offset by changes in related revenues recovered through Central Hudson’s energy cost adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, there are other costs that are matched to revenues largely from customer billings, notably the cost of pensions and OPEBs, the new PSC tax surcharge, and NYS energy efficiency programs.
Total utility operating expenses increased 21% in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and decreased 1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same periods in 2009. The following summarizes the change in operating expenses:
Change in Central Hudson Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Increase / | September 30, | Increase / | |||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | 2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
Expenses Currently Matched to Revenues:(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity | $ | 76,890 | $ | 60,017 | $ | 16,873 | $ | 196,413 | $ | 201,782 | $ | (5,369 | ) | |||||||||||
Purchased natural gas | 6,580 | 5,734 | 846 | 57,985 | 88,952 | (30,967 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
PSC tax surcharge | 4,686 | 3,084 | 1,602 | 14,224 | 3,084 | 11,140 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pension | 6,501 | 6,945 | (444 | ) | 22,194 | 13,247 | 8,947 | |||||||||||||||||
OPEB | 1,572 | 1,669 | (97 | ) | 5,209 | 6,713 | (1,504 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
NYS energy programs | 7,707 | 5,044 | 2,663 | 18,435 | 15,501 | 2,934 | ||||||||||||||||||
MGP site remediations | 1,100 | 683 | 417 | 2,552 | 1,508 | 1,044 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other matched expenses | 4,411 | 3,200 | 1,211 | 13,325 | 11,547 | 1,778 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 109,447 | 86,376 | 23,071 | 330,337 | 342,334 | (11,997 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other Expense Variations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tree trimming | 4,382 | 2,866 | 1,516 | 10,238 | 9,593 | 645 | ||||||||||||||||||
Property taxes | 8,022 | 7,183 | 839 | 23,095 | 20,604 | 2,491 | ||||||||||||||||||
Storm restoration expenses(2) | 1,313 | 1,352 | (39 | ) | 3,910 | 2,579 | 1,331 | |||||||||||||||||
Injuries & damages reserve | 150 | 137 | 13 | 561 | (31 | ) | 592 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 8,526 | 8,015 | 511 | 25,362 | 24,014 | 1,348 | ||||||||||||||||||
Uncollectible expense | 1,766 | 3,385 | (1,619 | ) | 5,538 | 8,508 | (2,970 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Uncollectible deferrals | - | (541 | ) | 541 | (3,702 | ) | (541 | ) | (3,161 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Purchased natural gas incentive arrangements | 637 | 64 | 573 | 1,633 | 971 | 662 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | 28,027 | 25,171 | 2,856 | 83,066 | 77,907 | 5,159 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 52,823 | 47,632 | 5,191 | 149,701 | 143,604 | 6,097 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | $ | 162,270 | $ | 134,008 | $ | 28,262 | $ | 480,038 | $ | 485,938 | $ | (5,900 | ) |
(1) | Includes expenses that, in accordance with the 2006 Rate Order, 2009 Rate Order and the 2010 Rate Order, are adjusted in the current period to equal the revenues earned for the applicable expenses. | ||||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Does not include $19.4 million in incremental costs related to the February 2010 significant storm event deferred for future recovery from customers. See further discussion below. |
In addition to the required adjustment to match revenues collected from customers, the variation in purchased electricity for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year was driven primarily by higher revenues collected for the recovery of previously deferred purchased electricity costs and higher purchased volumes, which were only partially offset by lower wholesale prices. The variations in purchased gas for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily driven by higher natural gas prices partially offset by lower purchased volume. The variation in purchased electric and natural gas expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 were driven by lower purchased volumes, lower revenues collected for the recovery of previous ly deferred costs and lower wholesale prices for both electric and natural gas purchases.
Variations in PSC tax surcharge, NYS energy programs and other matched expenses are due to a change in the level of expenses recorded with a corresponding change in revenues resulting from the change in the amounts included in delivery rates as authorized in the 2009 and 2010 Rate Orders.
Uncollectible expense decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same periods in 2009 primarily as a result of a decrease in the amount recorded as a reserve for future uncollectible accounts. Management believes the reduction in the number of accounts falling into arrears is the result of improved economic conditions from the prior year. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2010, Central Hudson deferred an additional $1.1 million of gas uncollectible expense based on the authorization from the PSC covering the calendar year 2009 as compared to the requested and previously deferred amount related to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Central Hudson also deferred for future recovery $2.6 million in uncollectible electric expense over rate allowances for the rate y ear ended June 30, 2010. On September 23, 2010, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC for approval and recovery of the $2.6 million uncollectible electric expense. Management believes the incremental expense meets the PSC criteria and is probable of future recovery.
Storm restoration costs can fluctuate from year to year based on changes in the number and severity of storms each year. The higher storm restoration costs in the first nine months of 2010 were primarily the result of the most significant storm event in the Company’s history during the last week of February 2010. These costs do not include incremental costs from this major storm event, such as the costs of mutual aid crews and contractors from other areas and overtime costs for Central Hudson crews, which have been deferred for future recovery from customers. Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC for approval and recovery on September 23, 2010. Management believes that the restoration costs incurred meet the PSC criteria and are probable of future recovery in rates.
Other Income
Other income and deductions for Central Hudson for the three months ended September 30, 2010, decreased $0.2 million, compared to the same periods in 2009, primarily due to a decrease in regulatory adjustments relating to interest costs on Central Hudson’s variable rate long-term debt. This adjustment is primarily due to a change in the interest cost included in rates under the 2010 Rate Order, which became effective July 1, 2010. Additionally, losses on Central Hudson’s deferred compensation plan assets and increases in carrying charges related to the PSC tax surcharge also impacted other income on the quarter.
Other income and deductions for Central Hudson for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, increased $1.1 million, compared to the same periods in 2009, primarily due to an increase in regulatory adjustments relating to interest costs on Central Hudson’s variable rate long-term debt during the first six months of 2010, which more than offset the third quarter decrease. These regulatory adjustments partially offset the increase in interest on variable rate debt for the same period, as discussed under the caption “Interest Charges”. An increase in regulatory carrying charges due from customers, primarily related to storm costs, PSC tax surcharge and uncollectible deferrals, as well as a decrease on regulatory carrying charges related to pension costs also impacted the year-over-year results.
Interest Charges
Central Hudson’s interest charges decreased $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same periods in 2009. The impact of a decrease in carrying charges due to customers primarily related to the net regulatory electric liability set aside for future customer benefit was reduced by an increase on long-term debt as a result of $24 million of medium-term notes issued September 30, 2009.
Interest charges increased $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009 as a result of the issuance of long-term debt discussed above and an increase in carrying charges on the net electric liability set aside for future customer benefit. A decrease in interest costs related to Central Hudson’s variable rate long-term debt reduced the impact of these increases in the year-over-year results and offsets the increase in regulatory adjustments relating to interest costs as discussed under the caption “Other Income” for the nine month periods.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for Central Hudson had essentially no change for the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Income taxes for Central Hudson increased $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income.
CH Energy Group
In addition to the impacts of Central Hudson discussed above, CH Energy Group’s sales volumes, revenues and operating expenses, income taxes and other income were impacted by Griffith and the other businesses described below. The results of Griffith and the other businesses described below exclude inter-company interest income and expense which are eliminated in consolidation.
Income Statement Variances | ||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase/(Decrease) in | ||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 226,720 | $ | 195,947 | $ | 30,773 | 15.7 | % | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity, fuel, natural gas and petroleum | 115,602 | 96,181 | 19,421 | 20.2 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,081 | 9,474 | 607 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 81,955 | 72,641 | 9,314 | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 207,638 | 178,296 | 29,342 | 16.5 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Income | 19,082 | 17,651 | 1,431 | 8.1 | % | ||||||||||
Other Income (Deductions), net | (11,370 | ) | (241 | ) | (11,129 | ) | (4,617.8 | ) % | |||||||
Interest Charges | 6,879 | 6,747 | 132 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary | 833 | 10,663 | (9,830 | ) | (92.2 | ) % | |||||||||
Income Taxes | (1,300 | ) | 4,030 | (5,330 | ) | (132.3 | ) % | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 2,133 | 6,633 | (4,500 | ) | (67.8 | ) % | |||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | - | (991 | ) | 991 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary | 112 | 48 | 64 | 133.3 | % | ||||||||||
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary | 242 | 242 | - | - | % | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group | $ | 1,779 | $ | 5,352 | $ | (3,573 | ) | (66.8 | ) % |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase/(Decrease) in | ||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 731,139 | $ | 696,662 | $ | 34,477 | 4.9 | % | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased electricity, fuel, natural gas and petroleum | 384,684 | 398,791 | (14,107 | ) | (3.5 | ) % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 29,962 | 28,159 | 1,803 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 238,903 | 211,098 | 27,805 | 13.2 | % | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 653,549 | 638,048 | 15,501 | 2.4 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Income | 77,590 | 58,614 | 18,976 | 32.4 | % | ||||||||||
Other Income (Deductions), net | (10,113 | ) | (357 | ) | (9,756 | ) | (2,732.8 | ) % | |||||||
Interest Charges | 21,286 | 18,634 | 2,652 | 14.2 | % | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary | 46,191 | 39,623 | 6,568 | 16.6 | % | ||||||||||
Income Taxes | 16,754 | 15,023 | 1,731 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 29,437 | 24,600 | 4,837 | 19.7 | % | ||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | - | 3,002 | (3,002 | ) | (100.0 | ) % | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary | (272 | ) | (141 | ) | (131 | ) | (92.9 | ) % | |||||||
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary | 727 | 727 | - | - | % | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group | $ | 28,982 | $ | 27,016 | $ | 1,966 | 7.3 | % |
Griffith
Sales Volumes
Delivery and sales volumes for Griffith vary in response to weather conditions and customer behavior. Deliveries of petroleum products used for heating purposes peak in the winter. Sales also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.
Changes in sales volumes of petroleum products, including the impact of acquisitions, are set forth below.
Actual & Weather Normalized Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands of Gallons) |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase / (Decrease) in | Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase / (Decrease) in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 2,117 | 2,783 | (666 | ) | (24 | ) % | 2,209 | 2,746 | (537 | ) | (20 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 6 | - | 6 | - | 6 | - | 6 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 2,442 | (2,442 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 2,556 | (2,556 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Heating Oil | 2,123 | 5,225 | (3,102 | ) | (59 | ) % | 2,215 | 5,302 | (3,087 | ) | (58 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Motor Fuels | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 12,132 | 12,705 | (573 | ) | (5 | ) % | 12,132 | 12,705 | (573 | ) | (5 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 3,563 | (3,563 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 3,563 | (3,563 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Motor Fuels | 12,136 | 16,268 | (4,132 | ) | (25 | ) % | 12,136 | 16,268 | (4,132 | ) | (25 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Propane and Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 95 | 123 | (28 | ) | (23 | ) % | 98 | 121 | (23 | ) | (19 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 207 | (207 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 209 | (209 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Propane and Other | 95 | 330 | (235 | ) | (71 | ) % | 98 | 330 | (232 | ) | (70 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 14,344 | 15,611 | (1,267 | ) | (8 | ) % | 14,439 | 15,572 | (1,133 | ) | (7 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 10 | - | 10 | - | 10 | - | 10 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 6,212 | (6,212 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 6,328 | (6,328 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 14,354 | 21,823 | (7,469 | ) | (34 | ) % | 14,449 | 21,900 | (7,451 | ) | (34 | ) % |
(1) | Griffith uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes. |
Actual & Weather Normalized Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands of Gallons) |
Actual Deliveries | Weather Normalized Deliveries(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase / (Decrease) in | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase / (Decrease) in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | 2010 | 2009 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 22,933 | 27,476 | (4,543 | ) | (17 | ) % | 23,549 | 26,319 | (2,770 | ) | (11 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 6 | - | 6 | - | 6 | - | 6 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 25,925 | (25,925 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 25,029 | (25,029 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Heating Oil | 22,939 | 53,401 | (30,462 | ) | (57 | ) % | 23,555 | 51,348 | (27,793 | ) | (54 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Motor Fuels | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 34,779 | 35,758 | (979 | ) | (3 | ) % | 34,779 | 35,758 | (979 | ) | (3 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 10,243 | (10,243 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 10,243 | (10,243 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Motor Fuels | 34,783 | 46,001 | (11,218 | ) | (24 | ) % | 34,783 | 46,001 | (11,218 | ) | (24 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Propane and Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 746 | 837 | (91 | ) | (11 | ) % | 764 | 804 | (40 | ) | (5 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 1,351 | (1,351 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 1,296 | (1,296 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Propane and Other | 746 | 2,188 | (1,442 | ) | (66 | ) % | 764 | 2,100 | (1,336 | ) | (64 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retained company volume | 58,458 | 64,071 | (5,613 | ) | (9 | ) % | 59,092 | 62,881 | (3,789 | ) | (6 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions volume | 10 | - | 10 | - | 10 | - | 10 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested volume | - | 37,519 | (37,519 | ) | (100 | ) % | - | 36,568 | (36,568 | ) | (100 | ) % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 58,468 | 101,590 | (43,122 | ) | (42 | ) % | 59,102 | 99,449 | (40,347 | ) | (41 | ) % |
(1) | Griffith uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes. |
Actual and Weather Normalized Delivery Volumes as % of Total Volumes |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Actual | Weather Normalized | Actual | Weather Normalized | |||||||||||||
Heating Oil | 15 | % | 15 | % | 39 | % | 40 | % | ||||||||
Motor Fuels | 84 | % | 84 | % | 60 | % | 59 | % | ||||||||
Propane and Other | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||
Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % |
For the three months ended September 30, 2010, sales of petroleum products decreased 34% compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease was due primarily to the sale of operations in certain geographic locations. Excluding the impact of the divestiture, sales decreased due to reduced sales to one large commercial customer and the sale of motor fuels decreased due to the annualized impact of business lost in 2009 and 2010 related to the depressed economy.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, sales of petroleum products decreased 42% compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease was due primarily to the sale of operations in certain geographic locations. Excluding the impact of the partial divestiture, sales were lower due to reduced sales of residential and commercial heating oil due to weather that was 8% warmer in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009, as measured by heating degree days and reduced sales to commercial customers that can burn both natural gas and oil due to the unfavorable price relationship between heating oil and natural gas. Additionally, both residential heating oil sales and the sale of motor fuels decreased due to the annualized impact of business lost in 2009 and 2010 related to the depressed economy.
A breakdown of Griffith's gross profit by product and service line for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands): |
Gross Profit |
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Product and Service Line | September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||
Heating oil | $ | 1,115 | 15 | % | $ | 1,017 | 14 | % | ||||||||
Motor fuels | 2,724 | 37 | % | 3,175 | 43 | % | ||||||||||
Other fuels | 88 | 1 | % | 110 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
Service and installations | 3,109 | 43 | % | 2,838 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
Other | 233 | 3 | % | 226 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,269 | 100 | % | $ | 7,366 | 100 | % |
Gross Profit |
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Product and Service Line | September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||
Heating oil | $ | 16,530 | 46 | % | $ | 20,207 | 50 | % | ||||||||
Motor fuels | 7,978 | 22 | % | 8,787 | 22 | % | ||||||||||
Other fuels | 1,010 | 3 | % | 1,182 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Service and installations | 9,343 | 26 | % | 8,797 | 22 | % | ||||||||||
Other | 896 | 3 | % | 1,077 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 35,757 | 100 | % | $ | 40,050 | 100 | % |
Gross profits from discontinued operations of $5.2 million and $28.3 million by product and service lines for the three and nine months ended September 2009, respectively, excluded from the chart above are as follows: | |||||||||||
Heating oil: $1.2 million, or 24% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Heating oil: $15.8 million, or 56% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Other fuels: $1.1 million, or 22% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Other fuels: $3.7 million, or 13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Service and installations: $2.7 million, or 52% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Service and installations: $8.5 million, or 30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Other: $0.1 million, or 2% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
Other: $0.4 million, or 1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 |
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in Griffith Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Increase / | September 30, | Increase / | |||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | 2010 | 2009 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
Retained Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil | $ | 5,532 | $ | 6,196 | $ | (664 | ) | $ | 65,768 | $ | 62,945 | $ | 2,823 | |||||||||||
Heating Oil - Acquisitions | 15 | - | 15 | 15 | - | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||
Motor Fuels | 28,411 | 26,847 | 1,564 | 83,050 | 69,193 | 13,857 | ||||||||||||||||||
Motor Fuels - Acquisitions | 11 | - | 11 | 11 | - | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other | 460 | 488 | (28 | ) | 2,922 | 2,967 | (45 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Service Revenues | 4,778 | 4,288 | 490 | 14,019 | 13,246 | 773 | ||||||||||||||||||
Service Revenues - Acquisitions | 23 | - | 23 | 23 | - | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Retained Company | $ | 39,230 | $ | 37,819 | $ | 1,411 | $ | 165,808 | $ | 148,351 | $ | 17,457 | ||||||||||||
Discontinued Operations(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil | $ | - | $ | 5,588 | $ | (5,588 | ) | $ | - | $ | 60,274 | $ | (60,274 | ) | ||||||||||
Motor Fuels | - | 7,587 | (7,587 | ) | - | 19,958 | (19,958 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | - | 539 | (539 | ) | - | 2,936 | (2,936 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Service Revenues | - | 3,984 | (3,984 | ) | - | 12,518 | (12,518 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total Discontinued Operations | $ | - | $ | 17,698 | $ | (17,698 | ) | $ | - | $ | 95,686 | $ | (95,686 | ) | ||||||||||
Reconciliation to Income Statement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | 17,698 | $ | (17,698 | ) | $ | - | $ | 95,686 | $ | (95,686 | ) | ||||||||||
Expenses of discontinued operations | - | 19,392 | (19,392 | ) | - | 90,555 | (90,555 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense from discontinued operations | - | (703 | ) | 703 | - | 2,129 | (2,129 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net (Loss) income from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | (991 | ) | $ | 991 | $ | - | $ | 3,002 | $ | (3,002 | ) |
(1) | The revenue by product line information of the Discontinued Operations is considered a non-GAAP financial measure; however, Management believes this information is useful in understanding the portion of operations disposed of as compared to the business retained. A reconciliation to net income from Discontinued Operations, the most comparable GAAP measure as shown on the CH Energy Group Consolidated Statement of Income, is provided. |
Revenues, net of the effect of weather hedging contracts decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009, due to the sale of operations in certain geographic locations. Net of divestitures, revenues have increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009 due to the increase in wholesale prices.
Operating Expenses
For the three months ended September 30, 2010, operating expenses, net of divested operations, increased $1.1 million, or 3%, from $41.3 million in 2009 to $42.4 million in 2010, due to higher wholesale market prices for petroleum products, which increased $1.3 million, or 4%. Other operating expenses, net of divested operations, decreased $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, due primarily to a decrease in operating expenses related to reduced volumes and a reduction in uncollectible accounts.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, operating expenses, net of divested operations, increased $19.5 million, or 14%, from $144.3 million in 2009 to $163.8 million in 2010, due to higher wholesale market prices for petroleum products, which increased $21.5 million, or 2.1%. Other operating expenses, net of divested operations, decreased $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, due primarily to a decrease in uncollectible accounts, a reduction in other general and administration expenses, and a decrease in operating expenses related to reduced volumes.
Other Businesses and Investments
Revenues and Operating Expenses
In addition to the holding company, the operating results of Lyonsdale, CH-Greentree, CH-Auburn and CH Shirley Wind are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of CH Energy Group. Results for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 reflect an increase in operating revenues of $0.2 million and an increase in operating expenses of $0.1 million. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 reflect an increase in operating revenues of $1.8 million and an increase in operating expenses of $2.1 million. The increases in revenues and operating expenses year-to-date are primarily attributable to CH-Greentree, which became operational in July 2009, and CH-Auburn, which became operational in February 2010. The inc rease in operating expenses is primarily the result of higher repairs and maintenance expenses on equipment at Lyonsdale.
Other Income and Interest Charges
Other income and deductions and interest charges for the balance of CH Energy Group, primarily the holding company and CHEC’s investments in partnerships and other investments (other than Griffith) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $11.0 million and $11.3 million as compared to the same periods in 2009, respectively. The decrease is primarily the result of an impairment charge for 100% of CHEC’s subordinated debt, accrued interest and equity investment in Cornhusker Holdings. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, these decreases in earnings were reduced by an increase in year-over-year results related to the write-off of $1.3 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009 related to a development project of CHEC. Interest expense remained essentially un changed for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and decreased $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to the private placement of debt by the holding company late in the second quarter of 2009 to fund unregulated portions of CH Energy Group, including Griffith.
CH Energy Group – Income Taxes
Income taxes on income from continuing operations for CH Energy Group decreased $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009, due to a decrease in pre-tax book income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009, income taxes increased $1.7 million due to an increase in pre-tax book income as well as the impact of the expiration of production tax credits and certain NYS income tax credits at Lyonsdale in 2010.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
The growth of CH Energy Group's retained earnings in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, contributed to the increase in the book value per share of its Common Stock from $33.76 at December 31, 2009, to $33.98 at September 30, 2010. Common equity comprised 50.6% of total capital (including short-term debt) at September 30, 2010, a decrease from 51.1% at December 31, 2009. Book value per share at September 30, 2009 was $33.27 and the common equity ratio was 49.9%.
CH Energy Group and Central Hudson - Cash Flow Summary | ||||||||||||
Changes in CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson's cash and cash equivalents resulting from operating, investing, and financing activities are summarized in the following chart (In Millions): |
CH Energy Group | Central Hudson | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided By/(Used In): | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Activities | $ | 51.3 | $ | 121.0 | $ | 51.5 | $ | 89.2 | ||||||||
Investing Activities | (80.4 | ) | (97.4 | ) | (53.4 | ) | (89.8 | ) | ||||||||
Financing Activities | (10.6 | ) | 8.8 | 15.0 | 19.4 | |||||||||||
Net change for the period | (39.7 | ) | 32.4 | 13.1 | 18.8 | |||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 73.4 | 19.8 | 4.8 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 33.7 | $ | 52.2 | $ | 17.9 | $ | 21.3 |
Central Hudson’s cash and cash equivalents increased by $13.1 million and $18.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. CH Energy Group’s cash and cash equivalents decreased $39.7 million and increased $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, both Central Hudson’s and CH Energy Group’s cash flow from operations were insufficient to fund their investing activities, resulting in the use of long-term debt financing and the use of cash on hand. Further explanations of cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities are provided below.
Central Hudson’s net cash provided by operations was $51.5 million and $89.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For both periods, cash provided by sales exceeded the period’s expenses and working capital needs. Strong cash flows from the end of 2009 enabled Central Hudson to accelerate funding of its pension and OPEB plans, which totaled $36.1 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $16.3 million for the same period in 2009. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2010, Central Hudson experienced the most significant storm event in its history. The incremental costs of the storm restoration effort have been deferred for future recovery from customers. Approximately $16.7 million of these costs impa cted cash flows from the first nine months of 2010. The remaining $2.7 million, totaling $19.4 million, is expected to be paid in the fourth quarter. Central Hudson’s MGP site remediation costs in excess of amounts recovered through rates and other regulatory mechanisms, totaling $10.8 million and $1.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, also impacted cash from operations.
An additional driver affecting CH Energy Group’s increase in operating activities of $51.3 million and $121.0 million for the nine month periods ending September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, is the cash provided by sales exceeded the period’s expenses and working capital needs at Griffith, particularly in 2009, prior to the divestiture of the volatile sales and commodity pricing of Griffith’s Northeast region.
Central Hudson’s net cash used in investing activities of $53.4 million and $89.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, was primarily for investments in Central Hudson’s electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems. In June 2009, Central Hudson closed on the purchase of certain real-estate in Kingston, NY, resulting in an increase of approximately $13.0 million to plant additions in the prior year.
Additional investing activities at CH Energy Group resulting in an increase of $80.4 million and $97.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, included $26.1 million invested in CH Shirley Wind in the first nine months of 2010, $5.5 million invested in CH-Greentree and $1.5 million invested in CH-Auburn in the first nine months of 2009. Additionally, in 2010, Griffith resumed its selective “tuck-in” acquisition strategy.
Central Hudson’s net cash provided by financing activities was $15.0 million and $19.4 million, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. In the third quarter of 2010, Central Hudson issued $40 million in private placement long-term debt. Central Hudson used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes for refunding maturing long-term debt and retained the rest for general corporate purposes.
CH Energy Group financing activities, which resulted in a net use of cash of $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and provided $8.8 million in net cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, also included common stock dividend payments in each year of $25.6 million.
Capitalization – Issuance of Treasury Stock
In May 2010, performance shares earned as of December 31, 2009 for the award cycle with a grant date of January 25, 2007 were issued to participants. Those recipients electing not to defer this compensation under the CH Energy Group Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan received shares issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock. A total of 9,983 shares were issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock in May 2010. Additionally, due to the retirement of one of Central Hudson's executive officers on January 1, 2010, a pro-rated number of shares under the January 24, 2008 and January 26, 2009 grants were paid to this individual on July 1, 2010. An additional 2,134 shares were issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock on this date in satisfaction of these awards.
For further information regarding the above equity compensation, see Note 11 - “Equity Based Compensation” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company intends to continue to utilize shares issued from CH Energy Group’s treasury stock for the payout of future performance awards.
Contractual Obligations
Other contractual obligations and commitments of CH Energy Group are disclosed in Note 12 – “Commitments and Contingencies” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the caption “Electric Purchase Commitments.”
Central Hudson determines the amount it will contribute to its pension plan (the “Retirement Plan”) based on several factors, including the value of plan assets relative to plan liabilities, the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, legislative requirements, regulatory considerations, and available corporate resources. The amount of the Retirement Plan’s liabilities is affected by the discount rate used to determine benefit obligations and the accrual of additional benefits. Funding for the Retirement Plan totaled $31.4 million and $14.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Central Hudson is considering contributing up to $32.0 million to the Retirement Plan in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Employer contributions for OPEB plans were $4.3 million and $1.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The determination of future funding depends on a number of factors, including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, medical claims assumptions used, benefit changes, regulatory considerations and corporate resources. Funding for the full year of 2010 is expected to total approximately $4.8 million.
Adverse conditions in the economy and financial markets over the past few years significantly reduced the value of the assets held in the Retirement Plan and the OPEB plans, and had a negative impact on the funded status of the plans. Although conditions improved recently, asset values have not fully recovered to their pre-recession levels. If future market conditions do not continue to improve, additional contributions will likely be required in future years. Management expects that such contributions will be incorporated in Central Hudson’s ratemaking process over time. Central Hudson has investment policies for these plans, which include asset allocation ranges designed to achieve a reasonable return over the long-term, recognizing the impact of market volatility. Management cannot currently predict what impact the recent performance of the financial markets may have on the expected rate of return on plan assets or on future funding decisions.
During the first quarter of 2010, Management began a transition to a long-duration investment strategy for its fixed income pension plan assets. The transition is expected to take between two and three years and result in changing the asset allocation to a 50/50 split between debt and equity. Management’s intent in making the change is to reduce the year-to-year volatility of the funded status of the plan and of the level of contributions by more closely aligning the characteristics of plan assets with liabilities. In addition, the Plan’s investment policy is intended to:
· | Achieve a positive rate of return for the Plan over the long-term that contributes to meeting the Plan’s current and future obligations, including actuarial interest and benefit payment obligations. |
· | Earn long-term returns from capital appreciation and current income that at least keep pace with inflation over the long term by meeting or exceeding the benchmark index net of fees. |
Financing Program
CH Energy Group believes that it is well positioned with a strong balance sheet and strong liquidity. Significant capacity is available on CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s committed credit facilities. Central Hudson’s investment-grade credit ratings help facilitate access to long-term debt. However, Management can make no assurance in regards to the continued availability of financing or the terms and costs. With the exception of the use of treasury shares for several restricted share grants and performance share awards earned, no equity issuance is currently planned for 2010. CH Energy Group Common Stock has maintained a market premium to its book value.
At September 30, 2010, CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries maintained credit facilities with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and Key Bank National Association. If these lenders are unable to fulfill their commitment under these facilities, funding may not be available as needed.
Outstanding Balances | |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||
CH Energy Group: | ||||||||||||
Uncommitted lines of credit at Central Hudson | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17,000 | ||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt at Central Hudson | - | 24,000 | 24,000 | |||||||||
Central Hudson: | ||||||||||||
Uncommitted lines of credit | - | - | 17,000 | |||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | - | 24,000 | 24,000 |
Central Hudson’s current senior unsecured debt rating/outlook is ‘A’/stable by both Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”) and Fitch Ratings and ‘A3’/stable by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)1.
CH Energy Group and Central Hudson believe they will be able to meet their short-term and long-term cash requirements, assuming that Central Hudson’s future rate plans reflect the costs of service, including a reasonable return on invested capital.
NYSERDA
Central Hudson’s 1999 NYSERDA Bonds, Series B, C, and D, totaling $115.9 million, are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode. In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for the interest costs from Central Hudson’s three series of variable rate 1999 NYSERDA Bonds. As a result, variations in interest rates on these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore Central Hudson does not expect variations in interest rates to have any adverse impact on earnings.
To mitigate the potential impact of unexpected increases in short-term interest rates, Central Hudson purchases interest rate caps based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt. Effective April 1, 2010, Central Hudson replaced the expiring one year rate caps for the bond series with three new rate caps with Key Bank National Association to protect against unexpected short-term interest rate increases. Two of the rate caps are one-year in length with notional amounts aligned to Series C and Series D. The third rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount that aligns with Series B. The caps are based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%. Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a given month.
Central Hudson is currently evaluating what actions, if any, it may take in the future in connection with its 1999 NYSERDA Bonds, Series B, C and D. Potential actions may include converting the debt to another interest rate mode or refinancing with taxable bonds.
_________________________________
1 These ratings reflect only the views of the rating agency issuing the rating, are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities of Central Hudson and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency issuing the rating. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
In the third quarter of 2010, Central Hudson privately placed $40 million of senior unsecured notes exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, in two series. Series A bear interest at the rate of 4.30% per annum on a principal amount of $16 million and mature on September 21, 2020. Series B bear interest at the rate of 5.64% per annum on a principal amount of $24 million and mature on September 21, 2040. Central Hudson used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes for refunding maturing long term debt and retains the rest for general corporate purposes.
For additional information related to CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s financing program, please see Note 7 – “Short-term Borrowing Arrangements,” Note 8 – “Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock” and Note 9 – “Capitalization – Long-term Debt” to the Financial Statements of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report.
COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS
CH Energy Group’s ability to pay dividends is affected by the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends. The Federal Power Act limits the payment of dividends by Central Hudson to its retained earnings. More restrictive is the PSC’s limit on the dividends Central Hudson may pay to CH Energy Group which is 100% of the average annual income available for common stock, calculated on a two-year rolling average basis. Based on this calculation as of September 30, 2010, Central Hudson would be able to pay a maximum of $36.2 million in dividends to CH Energy Group without violating the restriction by the PSC. Central Hudson’s dividend would be reduced to 75% of its average annual income in the event of a downgrade of its senior debt rating below “BBB+” by more than one rating agency if the stated reason for the downgrade is related to CH Energy Group or any of Central Hudson’s affiliates. Further restrictions are imposed for any downgrades below this level. Central Hudson’s current senior unsecured debt rating/outlook is ‘A’/stable by both Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”) and Fitch Ratings and ‘A3’/stable by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”).2 On July 15, 2010, Central Hudson declared a $26.0 million dividend payable October 1, 2010 to CH Energy Group. CH Energy Group’s other subsidiaries do not have express restrictions on their ability to pay dividends.
Reference is made to the caption “Common Stock Dividends and Price Ranges” of Part II, Item 7 of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report for a discussion of CH Energy Group's dividend payments. On September 30, 2010, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share, payable November 1, 2010, to shareholders of record as of October 12, 2010.
_________________________________
2 These ratings reflect only the views of the rating agency issuing the rating, are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities of Central Hudson and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency issuing the rating. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
REGULATORY MATTERS – PSC PROCEEDINGS
2010 Electric and Natural Gas Rate Increase
(Case #09-E-0588 and #09-G-0589)
Background: On July 31, 2009, Central Hudson filed an electric and natural gas rate case with the PSC seeking to increase, effective July 1, 2010, electric and natural gas delivery rates, which have been in effect since July 1, 2009.
On February 3, 2010, a Settlement Joint Proposal, with the Company, PSC Staff and Multiple Intervenors as signatories, establishing rates for three years beginning July 1, 2010 (“RY1”), 2011 (“RY2”) and 2012 (“RY3”) was filed with the PSC. The major components of the Joint Proposal include:
· | Electric delivery increases of $30.2 million over the three year term with annual delivery rate increases of $11.8 million, $9.3 million and $9.1 million effective July 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. A natural gas delivery rate increase of $9.7 million is to be phased in over three years with annual delivery increases of $5.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.6 million effective July 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The electric rate increase will be moderated by the continuation of the electric Bill Credit mechanisms from Case 08-E-0887 reduced from $20 million in the current rate year, to $12 million and $4 million in RY1 and RY2, respectively, after which the credit mechanism ceases. |
· | Continuation, with minor modifications, of Revenue Decoupling Mechanisms (“RDM”) for both electric and gas delivery service, which is designed to remove disincentive for a utility company to promote energy efficiency to its customers. The RDM requires the Company to adjust revenues to targeted levels defined in the rate orders. The electric RDM is based on revenue dollars and the gas RDM is based on usage per customer. |
· | A common equity ratio of 48% of permanent capital and a base return on common equity of 10% with earnings up to 10.5% retained by Central Hudson. |
Final Order: On June 18, 2010, the PSC issued its Order Establishing Rate Plan adopting the terms of the February 3, 2010 Joint Proposal.
Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Authority to Defer Gas Debt Net Write-Off Expense for the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2009
(Case 09-M-0788)
Background: In October 2009, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking approval to defer $2.4 million of incremental electric and $0.4 million of incremental gas net bad debt write-off expense incurred during the twelve months ended June 30, 2009 (Rate Year 3 of the 2005 Rate Plan) over the amounts provided for in our rates during that time period and over the gas deferral amount provided in Case 09-M-0140 for calendar year 2008.
Final Order: In an Order issued May 14, 2010, the PSC granted approval of the Company’s filed electric incremental bad debt expense, as modified by PSC Staff for bad debt expense associated with supply costs, and authorized deferral of $2.3 million for the rate year. Because the period in this proceeding overlapped the period in the Commission’s August 2009 approval of incremental gas bad debt expense in Case 09-M-0140, the PSC concluded the gas portion of the request in this proceeding should be based on the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and authorized deferral on $1.6 million of incremental gas bad debt expense. This change to the gas period resulted in an increase of $1.1 million over the deferral recorded for this petition in the fall of 2009.
Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of a Plan for Deferred Accounting for Future Recovery with Carrying Charges of Three Items and Funding These and Certain Other Deferrals through Balance Sheet Offsets
(Case 10-M-0473)
Background: On September 23, 2010, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $19.4 million incremental electric storm restoration expense, $2.6 million incremental electric bad debt write-off expense, $1.9 million incremental electric property tax expense and $0.7 million incremental gas property tax expense above the respective rate allowances during the twelve months ended June 30, 2010. The petition also requests approval of offsets of the foregoing against significant tax refunds resulting from a change in the way Central Hudson treats certain capital expenditures for tax purposes. Additional offsets against other deferred items, notably including MGP site investigation and remediation costs w ere also included in the petition given the size of the tax refunds. Central Hudson can not predict the final outcome of this proceeding.
OTHER PSC PROCEEDINGS AND ADMINISTRATION INITIATIVES
CH Energy Group and Central Hudson continue to monitor a number of generic and specific regulatory proceedings. Neither CH Energy Group nor Central Hudson can predict the final outcome of New York State’s energy policies, or the following PSC proceedings.
The ARRA Project Funding
(Case 09-E-0310 - In the Matter of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Utility Filings for New York Economic Stimulus)
Background: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) includes a United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) administered program for Electric Delivery and Energy Reliability (“EDER”). The sum of $4.5 billion is appropriated by ARRA for the EDER program to be dispersed by DOE through a competitive grant process. Additional funds may also be available through programs such as Transportation Electrification.
Energy Efficiency Programs (“EEPS”) and System Benefit Charge Collections
(Case 07-E-0548 - Proceeding on the Motion of the Commission Regarding an Energy Efficiency Program)
Final Order: In an Order issued June 24, 2010, the PSC approved new energy efficiency programs and additional gas and electric EEPS System Benefit Charge collections. The three Central Hudson approved programs include a Home Energy Reporting Program (electric and gas), the Small and Mid-Size Commercial Gas Efficiency Program, and the reinstatement of the Gas Residential HVAC program, that previously had over expended the original budget. The Order authorizes additional electric and gas EEPS collections of $1.5 and $1.3 million, respectively through 2011.
On July 28, 2010, the Company filed a Petition for Suspension of the EEPS Order Concerning Utility Financial Incentives Issued and Effective August 22, 2008 (“Incentives Order”) with the PSC requesting that, based on changed circumstances, the Commission suspend its Incentive Order as to Central Hudson and to also request that, based on experience gained to date and current conditions, the Commission reevaluate whether a mandatory incentives mechanism is necessary for electric energy efficiency programs. It further requests that if a replacement mechanism that accounts for the changed circumstances is adopted, that it focus financial exposure on things that are within the utility’s control. No prediction can be made regarding the outcome of the matter at this time.
In an Order issued October 18, 2010, the PSC approved Central Hudson’s request to provide a zero percent financing option for customers participating in the Company’s small commercial business direct install and mid-size commercial business EEPS programs. The Company will establish a revolving loan fund of $1.5 million that will allow customers participating in the programs to finance, at zero percent for up to 24 months, their portion of the costs for installing approved energy efficiency measures.
Management Audit
(Case 09-M-07674 – Comprehensive Management Audit of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Business)
Background: In February 2010, the PSC selected NorthStar Consulting Group (“NorthStar”) as the independent third-party consultant to conduct a comprehensive management audit of Central Hudson’s construction planning processes and operational efficiencies of its electric and gas businesses. The PSC is allowed to audit New York utilities every five years. Audit work officially commenced on March 24, 2010. A final report to the PSC of NorthStar’s findings and recommendations is expected in the first quarter of 2011. Central Hudson will have an opportunity to make factual corrections to the draft report in the fourth quarter of 2010. No prediction can be made regarding the outcome of the matter at this time however, any recommendations will require a corresponding implementation plan for improvement as well as progress updates in future quarterly filings.
During the third quarter of 2010, there has been no significant activity related to the following proceedings:
· | Renewable Portfolio Standard |
OTHER MATTERS
Changes in Accounting Standards
See Note 1 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 3 – “New Accounting Guidance” for discussion of relevant changes, which discussion is incorporated by reference herein.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
CH Energy Group and Central Hudson do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in The United States of America (“GAAP”) includes the use of estimates and assumptions by management that affect financial results. Actual results may differ from those estimated; however the methods used by CH Energy Group to prepare estimates have historically produced reliable results.
Estimate for the tax reserve established during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 is based on current accounting guidance related to income taxes. The reserve is related to tax benefits resulting from a change in accounting for repairs vs. capitalization, effective for the year ended December 31, 2009. Current accounting guidance requires that an uncertain tax position be recognized within a company’s financial statements provided certain criteria are met. Because the repairs deduction would be realized eventually through depreciation, current accounting guidance allows for the reserve to be set at what management considers to be a prudent level.
See Note 1 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under the caption “Use of Estimates” to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the 2009 Annual Report for additional discussion of use of estimates.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any documents incorporated by reference which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “plans,” “assumes,” “seeks,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those relating to CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s future business prospects, revenues, proceeds, working capital, investment valuations, liq uidity, income, and margins, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to several important factors, including those identified from time-to-time in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to: deviations from normal seasonal weather and storm activity; fuel prices; plant capacity factors; energy supply and demand; potential future acquisitions; the result of plans to divest non-core investments in an orderly manner; legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments; interest rates; access to capital; market risks; corn and ethanol prices; electric and natural gas industry restructuring and cost recovery; the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief; changes in fuel supply or costs including future market prices for energy, capacity, and ancillary services; the success of strategies to satisfy electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and pr opane requirements; the outcome of pending litigation and certain environmental matters, particularly the status of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and waste site remediation requirements; and certain presently unknown or unforeseen factors, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism. CH Energy Group and Central Hudson undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements.
ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Reference is made to Part II, Item 7A of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report for a discussion of market risk. Central Hudson replaced an expiring rate cap, effective April 1, 2010, with two one-year rate cap agreements covering certain issues of variable rate 1999 NYSERDA Bonds and a two-year rate cap covering another issue of such debt. The caps are based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175% to align with the maximum rate formula of the three series of the 1999 NYSERDA Bonds. The interest rate caps are evaluated quarterly and Central Hudson, under the terms of all three caps, would receive a payout for a particular series if the bonds of that series reset at rates above 5.0%. All three rate cap agreements were made with Ke y Bank National Association. The practices employed by CH Energy Group and Central Hudson to mitigate these risks - which were discussed in the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report - continue to operate effectively. For related discussion on this activity, see, in the Financial Statements of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report, Note 14 – “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the sub-caption “Capital Resources and Liquidity,” and Note 9 – “Capitalization - Long-Term Debt” and Item 7A – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the sub-caption “Financing Program” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and based on the evaluation, concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporations’ controls and procedures are effective.
There were no changes to the Corporations’ internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Corporations’ last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporations’ internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 – Legal Proceedings
For information about developments regarding certain legal proceedings, see Item 3 (“Legal Proceedings”) of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report, and Note 12 – “Commitments and Contingencies” of that 10-K and/or Note 12 – “Commitments and Contingencies” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
CENTRAL HUDSON:
Former Manufactured Gas Plant Facilities
Little Britain Road
Asbestos Litigation
ITEM 1A – Risk Factors
For a discussion identifying risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, see the discussion under “Item 1A – Risk Factors” of the Corporations’ 10-K Annual Report.
ITEM 6 – Exhibits
Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit Index for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is located immediately after the signature pages to this report.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC. | |
(Registrant) | |
By: | /s/ Kimberly J. Wright |
Kimberly J. Wright | |
Vice President - Accounting and Controller | |
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION | |
(Co-Registrant) | |
By: | /s/ Kimberly J. Wright |
Kimberly J. Wright | |
Controller |
Dated: November 4, 2010
Following is the list of Exhibits, as required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit No. Regulation S-K Item 601 Designation | Exhibit Description |
10(i)(1) | Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2010, between Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation and the purchasers of its 4.30% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 21, 2020 and its 5.64% Senior Notes, Series B, due September 21, 2040 (Incorporated herein by reference to CH Energy Group’s Current report on Form 8-K, filed August 6, 2010; Exhibit 10.1) |
Statements Showing Computation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and the Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends. | |
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant. | |
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone. | |
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant. | |
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone. | |
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant. | |
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone. | |
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant. | |
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone. | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. |
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