UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ______ to _______
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| | | | |
Commission File Number | | Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter; State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization | | IRS Employer Identification No. |
| | | | |
001-14881 | | BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY | | 94-2213782 |
| | (An Iowa Corporation) | | |
| | 666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500 | | |
| | Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580 | | |
| | 515-242-4300 | | |
| | | | |
| | MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company | | |
|
| | | | |
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is 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.
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| | | |
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer x | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
All of the shares of common equity of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company are privately held by a limited group of investors. As of April 30, 2014, 77,466,144 shares of common stock were outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
Definition of Abbreviations and Industry Terms
When used in Forward-Looking Statements, Part I - Items 2 through 4, and Part II - Items 1 through 6, the following terms have the definitions indicated.
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| | |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and Related Entities |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy | | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (formerly MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company) |
Company | | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries |
PacifiCorp | | PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries |
MidAmerican Funding | | MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries |
MidAmerican Energy | | MidAmerican Energy Company |
NV Energy | | NV Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries |
Nevada Power | | Nevada Power Company |
Sierra Pacific | | Sierra Pacific Power Company |
Nevada Utilities | | Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company |
Northern Natural Gas | | Northern Natural Gas Company |
Kern River | | Kern River Gas Transmission Company |
Northern Powergrid Holdings | | Northern Powergrid Holdings Company |
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | | Consists of Northern Natural Gas and Kern River |
MidAmerican Renewables | | Consists of MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines |
CE Casecnan | | CE Casecnan Water and Energy Company, Inc. |
HomeServices | | HomeServices of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries |
ETT | | Electric Transmission Texas, LLC |
Utilities | | PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company |
Berkshire Hathaway | | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and its subsidiaries |
Topaz | | Topaz Solar Farms LLC |
Topaz Project | | 550-megawatt solar project in California |
Agua Caliente | | Agua Caliente Solar, LLC |
Agua Caliente Project | | 290-megawatt solar project in Arizona |
Bishop Hill II | | Bishop Hill Energy II LLC |
Bishop Hill Project | | 81-megawatt wind-powered generating facility in Illinois |
Solar Star Funding | | Solar Star Funding, LLC |
Solar Star Projects | | A combined 579-megawatt solar project in California |
| | |
Certain Industry Terms | | |
AFUDC | | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
EPA | | United States Environmental Protection Agency |
FERC | | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
IPUC | | Idaho Public Utilities Commission |
IUB | | Iowa Utilities Board |
kV | | Kilovolt |
MW | | Megawatts |
OPUC | | Oregon Public Utility Commission |
PUCN | | Public Utilities Commission of Nevada |
UPSC | | Utah Public Service Commission |
WPSC | | Wyoming Public Service Commission |
WUTC | | Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission |
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as "will," "may," "could," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "intend," "potential," "plan," "forecast" and similar terms. These statements are based upon the Company's current intentions, assumptions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Many of these factors are outside the control of the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others:
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• | general economic, political and business conditions, as well as changes in, and compliance with, laws and regulations, including reliability and safety standards, affecting the Company's operations or related industries; |
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• | changes in, and compliance with, environmental laws, regulations, decisions and policies that could, among other items, increase operating and capital costs, reduce facility output, accelerate facility retirements or delay facility construction or acquisition; |
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• | the outcome of rate cases and other proceedings conducted by regulatory commissions or other governmental and legal bodies and the Company's ability to recover costs in rates in a timely manner; |
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• | changes in economic, industry, competition or weather conditions, as well as demographic trends, new technologies and various conservation, energy efficiency and distributed generation measures and programs, that could affect customer growth and usage, electricity and natural gas supply or the Company's ability to obtain long-term contracts with customers and suppliers; |
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• | a high degree of variance between actual and forecasted load or generation that could impact the Company's hedging strategy and the cost of balancing its generation resources with its retail load obligations; |
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• | performance and availability of the Company's facilities, including the impacts of outages and repairs, transmission constraints, weather, including wind, solar and hydroelectric conditions, and operating conditions; |
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• | changes in prices, availability and demand for wholesale electricity, coal, natural gas, other fuel sources and fuel transportation that could have a significant impact on generating capacity and energy costs; |
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• | the financial condition and creditworthiness of the Company's significant customers and suppliers; |
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• | changes in business strategy or development plans; |
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• | availability, terms and deployment of capital, including reductions in demand for investment-grade commercial paper, debt securities and other sources of debt financing and volatility in the London Interbank Offered Rate, the base interest rate for Berkshire Hathaway Energy's and its subsidiaries' credit facilities; |
| |
• | changes in Berkshire Hathaway Energy's and its subsidiaries' credit ratings; |
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• | risks relating to nuclear generation; |
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• | the impact of certain contracts used to mitigate or manage volume, price and interest rate risk, including increased collateral requirements, and changes in commodity prices, interest rates and other conditions that affect the fair value of certain contracts; |
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• | the impact of inflation on costs and the Company's ability to recover such costs in regulated rates; |
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• | increases in employee healthcare costs, including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act; |
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• | the impact of investment performance and changes in interest rates, legislation, healthcare cost trends, mortality and morbidity on pension and other postretirement benefits expense and funding requirements; |
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• | changes in the residential real estate brokerage and mortgage industries and regulations that could affect brokerage and mortgage transaction levels; |
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• | unanticipated construction delays, changes in costs, receipt of required permits and authorizations, ability to fund capital projects and other factors that could affect future facilities and infrastructure additions; |
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• | the availability and price of natural gas in applicable geographic regions and demand for natural gas supply; |
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• | the impact of new accounting guidance or changes in current accounting estimates and assumptions on the Company's consolidated financial results; |
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• | the Company's ability to successfully integrate NV Energy and future acquired operations into its business; |
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• | the effects of catastrophic and other unforeseen events, which may be caused by factors beyond the Company's control or by a breakdown or failure of the Company's operating assets, including storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions, landslides, mining accidents, litigation, wars, terrorism and embargoes; and |
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• | other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in Berkshire Hathaway Energy's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or in other publicly disseminated written documents. |
Further details of the potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Company are described in Berkshire Hathaway Energy's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including Part II, Item 1A and other discussions contained in this Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exclusive.
PART I
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Item 1. | Financial Statements |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (formerly MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, the "Company") as of March 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 3, 2014, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
May 2, 2014
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | |
| As of |
| March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
ASSETS |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,292 |
| | $ | 1,175 |
|
Trade receivables, net | 1,896 |
| | 1,769 |
|
Inventories | 785 |
| | 853 |
|
Other current assets | 1,213 |
| | 1,105 |
|
Total current assets | 5,186 |
| | 4,902 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net | 50,675 |
| | 50,119 |
|
Goodwill | 7,609 |
| | 7,527 |
|
Regulatory assets | 3,456 |
| | 3,322 |
|
Investments and restricted cash and investments | 3,324 |
| | 3,236 |
|
Other assets | 879 |
| | 894 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Total assets | $ | 71,129 |
| | $ | 70,000 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (continued)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | |
| As of |
| March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable | $ | 1,471 |
| | $ | 1,636 |
|
Accrued interest | 419 |
| | 431 |
|
Accrued property, income and other taxes | 385 |
| | 362 |
|
Accrued employee expenses | 261 |
| | 228 |
|
Short-term debt | 211 |
| | 232 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt | 1,172 |
| | 1,188 |
|
Other current liabilities | 935 |
| | 887 |
|
Total current liabilities | 4,854 |
| | 4,964 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Regulatory liabilities | 2,534 |
| | 2,498 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt | 6,366 |
| | 6,366 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy junior subordinated debentures | 2,594 |
| | 2,594 |
|
Subsidiary debt | 22,053 |
| | 21,864 |
|
Deferred income taxes | 10,385 |
| | 10,158 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | 2,805 |
| | 2,740 |
|
Total liabilities | 51,591 |
| | 51,184 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) |
|
| |
|
|
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| | |
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Equity: | |
| | |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders' equity: | |
| | |
|
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding | — |
| | — |
|
Additional paid-in capital | 6,390 |
| | 6,390 |
|
Retained earnings | 12,921 |
| | 12,418 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net | 125 |
| | (97 | ) |
Total Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders' equity | 19,436 |
| | 18,711 |
|
Noncontrolling interests | 102 |
| | 105 |
|
Total equity | 19,538 |
| | 18,816 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 71,129 |
| | $ | 70,000 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Operating revenue: | | | |
Energy | $ | 3,891 |
| | $ | 2,786 |
|
Real estate | 358 |
| | 281 |
|
Total operating revenue | 4,249 |
| | 3,067 |
|
| | | |
Operating costs and expenses: | | | |
Energy: | | | |
Cost of sales | 1,632 |
| | 964 |
|
Operating expense | 822 |
| | 668 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | 475 |
| | 384 |
|
Real estate | 370 |
| | 278 |
|
Total operating costs and expenses | 3,299 |
| | 2,294 |
|
| | | |
Operating income | 950 |
| | 773 |
|
| | | |
Other income (expense): | | | |
Interest expense | (418 | ) | | (290 | ) |
Capitalized interest | 29 |
| | 21 |
|
Allowance for equity funds | 27 |
| | 19 |
|
Other, net | 16 |
| | 16 |
|
Total other income (expense) | (346 | ) | | (234 | ) |
| | | |
Income before income tax expense and equity income | 604 |
| | 539 |
|
Income tax expense | 112 |
| | 109 |
|
Equity income | 15 |
| | 14 |
|
Net income | 507 |
| | 444 |
|
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4 |
| | 6 |
|
Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders | $ | 503 |
| | $ | 438 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Net income | $ | 507 |
| | $ | 444 |
|
| | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | | | |
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $1 and $16 | 7 |
| | 47 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 29 |
| | (212 | ) |
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $116 and $20 | 173 |
| | 27 |
|
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $9 and $10 | 13 |
| | 16 |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 222 |
| | (122 | ) |
| |
| | |
|
Comprehensive income | 729 |
| | 322 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4 |
| | 6 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders | $ | 725 |
| | $ | 316 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Shareholders' Equity | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | Additional | | | | Other | | | | |
| Common | | Paid-in | | Retained | | Comprehensive | | Noncontrolling | | Total |
| Shares | | Stock | | Capital | | Earnings | | (Loss) Income, Net | | Interests | | Equity |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 75 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 5,423 |
| | $ | 10,782 |
| | $ | (463 | ) | | $ | 168 |
| | $ | 15,910 |
|
Net income | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 438 |
| | — |
| | 4 |
| | 442 |
|
Other comprehensive loss | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (122 | ) | | — |
| | (122 | ) |
Distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) | | (7 | ) |
Other equity transactions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 3 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2013 | 75 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 5,423 |
| | $ | 11,220 |
| | $ | (585 | ) | | $ | 168 |
| | $ | 16,226 |
|
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 77 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,390 |
| | $ | 12,418 |
| | $ | (97 | ) | | $ | 105 |
| | $ | 18,816 |
|
Net income | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 503 |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 506 |
|
Other comprehensive income | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 222 |
| | — |
| | 222 |
|
Distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (6 | ) | | (6 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2014 | 77 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,390 |
| | $ | 12,921 |
| | $ | 125 |
| | $ | 102 |
| | $ | 19,538 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | |
Net income | $ | 507 |
| | $ | 444 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: | |
| | |
|
Depreciation and amortization | 482 |
| | 389 |
|
Allowance for equity funds | (27 | ) | | (19 | ) |
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits | 150 |
| | 133 |
|
Other, net | 6 |
| | (5 | ) |
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: | | | |
Trade receivables and other assets | (16 | ) | | 115 |
|
Derivative collateral, net | (21 | ) | | 24 |
|
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans | (9 | ) | | (18 | ) |
Accrued property, income and other taxes | (52 | ) | | 298 |
|
Accounts payable and other liabilities | 6 |
| | (12 | ) |
Net cash flows from operating activities | 1,026 |
| | 1,349 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | |
| | |
|
Capital expenditures | (1,183 | ) | | (891 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and investments | 219 |
| | (33 | ) |
Purchases of available-for-sale securities | (84 | ) | | (81 | ) |
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities | 59 |
| | 69 |
|
Equity method investments | (4 | ) | | (17 | ) |
Other, net | 4 |
| | (7 | ) |
Net cash flows from investing activities | (989 | ) | | (960 | ) |
| |
| | |
|
Cash flows from financing activities: | |
| | |
|
Repayments of Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt | (250 | ) | | — |
|
Proceeds from subsidiary debt | 425 |
| | — |
|
Repayments of subsidiary debt | (50 | ) | | (94 | ) |
Net repayments of short-term debt | (22 | ) | | (436 | ) |
Other, net | (22 | ) | | (12 | ) |
Net cash flows from financing activities | 81 |
| | (542 | ) |
| |
| | |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes | (1 | ) | | (5 | ) |
| |
| | |
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 117 |
| | (158 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,175 |
| | 776 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 1,292 |
| | $ | 618 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("Berkshire Hathaway Energy"), formerly known as MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, is a holding company that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company"). Berkshire Hathaway Energy is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").
The Company's operations are organized and managed as ten distinct platforms: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas"), Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River"), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid Holdings") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), MidAmerican Transmission, LLC (which owns a 50% interest in Electric Transmission Texas, LLC ("ETT") and Electric Transmission America, LLC), MidAmerican Renewables, LLC (which owns interests in independent power projects in the United States), CalEnergy Philippines (which owns a majority interest in the Casecnan project in the Philippines), and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). Through these platforms, the Company owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, a 50% interest in electric transmission businesses, a diversified portfolio of independent power projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and the second largest residential real estate brokerage franchise network in the United States. Northern Natural Gas and Kern River have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group, MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Renewables and MidAmerican Transmission, LLC has been included in Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other.
The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2014 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in the Company's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014.
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(2) | New Accounting Pronouncements |
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 405, "Liabilities." The amendments in this guidance require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus any additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligor. Additionally, the guidance requires the entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NV Energy, Inc.
Description of the Transaction
On December 19, 2013, Berkshire Hathaway Energy completed the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 29, 2013, among Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Silver Merger Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s wholly-owned subsidiary, and NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), whereby Merger Sub was merged into NV Energy and NV Energy became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy ("NV Energy Transaction") for a purchase price of $5.6 billion. NV Energy owns two regulated public utilities, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific (together, the "Nevada Utilities"), that provide electric service to 1.2 million regulated retail electric customers and 0.2 million regulated retail natural gas customers in Nevada.
Allocation of Purchase Price
The operations of the Nevada Utilities are subject to the rate-setting authority of the PUCN and the FERC and are accounted for pursuant to GAAP, including the authoritative guidance for regulated operations. The rate-setting and cost recovery provisions establish retail rates on a cost-of-service basis designed to allow the Nevada Utilities an opportunity to recover their costs of providing service and a return on their investments in rate base. Except for regulatory assets not earning a return and certain assets not currently in rates, the fair value of the Nevada Utilities' assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to these rate-setting provisions are assumed to approximate their carrying values and, therefore, no fair value adjustments have been reflected related to these amounts.
The fair value of NV Energy's assets acquired and liabilities assumed not subject to the rate-setting provisions discussed above was determined using an income approach. This approach is based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 inputs, which are judgmental in nature. The estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in the future cash flows and future market prices. The fair value of certain assets not currently in rates and certain environmental and other contingencies, among other items, are provisional and are subject to revision for up to 12 months following the acquisition date until the related valuations are completed. These items may be adjusted through regulatory assets or liabilities, to the extent recoverable in rates, or goodwill provided additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the resolution of matters pertaining to the recovery of certain assets not currently in rates and the resolution of certain environmental and other contingency related items.
NV Energy's non-regulated assets acquired and liabilities assumed consist principally of NV Energy’s 6.25% senior notes due in 2020 and NV Energy’s variable-rate term loan due in 2014. The fair value of these liabilities was determined based on quoted market prices.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions):
|
| | | | |
| | Fair Value |
| | |
Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $304 | | $ | 1,160 |
|
Property, plant and equipment | | 9,550 |
|
Goodwill | | 2,362 |
|
Other long-term assets | | 1,321 |
|
Total assets | | 14,393 |
|
| | |
Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218 | | 882 |
|
Subsidiary debt, less current portion | | 5,124 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 1,757 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | | 1,034 |
|
Total liabilities | | 8,797 |
|
| | |
Net assets acquired | | $ | 5,596 |
|
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company made revisions to certain assets not currently in rates and certain environmental and other contingencies based upon the receipt of additional information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Provisional amounts are subject to further revision for up to 12 months following the acquisition date until the related valuations are completed.
Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed totaled $2.4 billion and is reflected as goodwill in the NV Energy reportable segment. The goodwill reflects the value paid primarily for the long-term opportunity to improve operating results through the efficient management of operating expenses and the deployment of capital, as well as the opportunity to improve regulatory relationships and develop customer solutions to meet the long-term needs of the Nevada Utilities. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes, and no deferred income taxes have been recorded related to the goodwill.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of Berkshire Hathaway Energy assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012 (in millions):
|
| | | |
| Three-Month Period |
| Ended March 31, 2013 |
| |
Operating revenue | $ | 3,634 |
|
| |
Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders | $ | 441 |
|
The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved or the future consolidated results of operations of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The information is provisional in nature and subject to change based on final purchase accounting adjustments.
AltaLink, L.P.
On May 1, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway Energy entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby Berkshire Hathaway Energy, through a subsidiary, will acquire 100% of AltaLink, L.P. ("AltaLink"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), for an estimated cash purchase price of C$3.2 billion (approximately US$2.9 billion). The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on certain capital contributions made into AltaLink and the timing of closing. Berkshire Hathaway Energy's shareholders have committed to provide the capital to fund the entire purchase price of AltaLink; however, Berkshire Hathaway Energy expects to fund the purchase price with capital from its shareholders and by issuing senior unsecured debt at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. AltaLink is a regulated transmission-only business, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The transaction has been approved by both the SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy boards of directors. The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of both SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and is subject to customary closing conditions including required approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
| |
(4) | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net |
Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | As of |
| Depreciable | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| Life | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Regulated assets: | | | | | |
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system | 5-80 years | | $ | 57,903 |
| | $ | 57,490 |
|
Interstate pipeline assets | 3-80 years | | 6,498 |
| | 6,448 |
|
| | | 64,401 |
| | 63,938 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (20,258 | ) | | (19,874 | ) |
Regulated assets, net | | | 44,143 |
| | 44,064 |
|
| | | |
| | |
|
Nonregulated assets: | | | |
| | |
|
Independent power plants | 5-30 years | | 2,425 |
| | 1,994 |
|
Other assets | 3-30 years | | 574 |
| | 522 |
|
| | | 2,999 |
| | 2,516 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (714 | ) | | (678 | ) |
Nonregulated assets, net | | | 2,285 |
| | 1,838 |
|
| | | |
| | |
|
Net operating assets | | | 46,428 |
| | 45,902 |
|
Construction work-in-progress | | | 4,247 |
| | 4,217 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | $ | 50,675 |
| | $ | 50,119 |
|
Construction work-in-progress includes $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.
| |
(5) | Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments |
Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| As of |
| March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Investments: | | | |
BYD Company Limited common stock | $ | 1,391 |
| | $ | 1,103 |
|
Rabbi trusts | 372 |
| | 373 |
|
Other | 145 |
| | 126 |
|
Total investments | 1,908 |
| | 1,602 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Equity method investments: | | | |
ETT | 469 |
| | 454 |
|
CE Generation, LLC | 181 |
| | 185 |
|
Bridger Coal Company | 179 |
| | 178 |
|
Agua Caliente Solar, LLC(1) | 46 |
| | 41 |
|
Other | 87 |
| | 85 |
|
Total equity method investments | 962 |
| | 943 |
|
| | | |
Restricted cash and investments: | |
| | |
|
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds | 398 |
| | 394 |
|
Solar Star and Topaz Projects | 8 |
| | 236 |
|
Other | 140 |
| | 126 |
|
Total restricted cash and investments | 546 |
| | 756 |
|
| |
| | |
|
Total investments and restricted cash and investments | $ | 3,416 |
| | $ | 3,301 |
|
| | | |
Reflected as: | | | |
Current assets | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 65 |
|
Noncurrent assets | 3,324 |
| | 3,236 |
|
Total investments and restricted cash and investments | $ | 3,416 |
| | $ | 3,301 |
|
| |
(1) | As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the equity investment is net of investment tax credits totaling $233 million. |
Investments
Berkshire Hathaway Energy's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as an available-for-sale security with changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock was $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, which resulted in a pre-tax unrealized gain of $1.2 billion and $871 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
| |
(6) | Recent Financing Transactions |
Long-Term Debt
In April 2014, MidAmerican Energy issued $150 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due March 2019, $300 million of its 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $400 million of its 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2044. The net proceeds will be used for the optional redemption in May 2014 of $350 million of MidAmerican Energy's 4.65% Senior Notes due October 2014, and for general corporate purposes.
In March 2014, PacifiCorp issued $425 million of its 3.60% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2024. The net proceeds are being used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.
Credit Facilities
In March 2014, PacifiCorp arranged for the cancellation of $97 million of letters of credit previously issued to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had $451 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations, of which $270 million were issued under revolving credit facilities. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had $142 million of variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations outstanding supported by its revolving credit facilities.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows:
|
| | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Federal statutory income tax rate | 35 | % | | 35 | % |
Income tax credits | (15 | ) | | (13 | ) |
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit | 1 |
| | 2 |
|
Income tax effect of foreign income | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) |
Other, net | 1 |
| | (1 | ) |
Effective income tax rate | 19 | % | | 20 | % |
Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by wind-powered generating facilities owned by PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and Bishop Hill Energy II LLC. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.
Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its United States federal income tax return. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company received net cash payments for income taxes from Berkshire Hathaway totaling $- million and $323 million, respectively.
| |
(8) | Employee Benefit Plans |
Domestic Operations
Net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans included the following components (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Pension: | | | |
Service cost | $ | 8 |
| | $ | 6 |
|
Interest cost | 33 |
| | 22 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (41 | ) | | (30 | ) |
Net amortization | 11 |
| | 15 |
|
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 11 |
| | $ | 13 |
|
| | | |
Other postretirement: | | | |
Service cost | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 3 |
|
Interest cost | 11 |
| | 8 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (13 | ) | | (10 | ) |
Net amortization | (1 | ) | | 1 |
|
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | — |
| | $ | 2 |
|
Employer contributions to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $48 million and $5 million, respectively, during 2014. As of March 31, 2014, $9 million and $- million of contributions had been made to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively.
Foreign Operations
Net periodic benefit cost for the United Kingdom pension plan included the following components (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Service cost | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 5 |
|
Interest cost | 24 |
| | 21 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (31 | ) | | (25 | ) |
Net amortization | 13 |
| | 14 |
|
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 15 |
|
Employer contributions to the United Kingdom pension plan are expected to be £56 million during 2014. As of March 31, 2014, £14 million, or $23 million, of contributions had been made to the United Kingdom pension plan.
| |
(9) | Risk Management and Hedging Activities |
The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through Berkshire Hathaway Energy's ownership of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific (the "Utilities") as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. MidAmerican Energy also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Additionally, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk from its business operations and investments in Great Britain. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities.
Each of the Company's business platforms has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, the Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Note 10 for additional information on derivative contracts.
The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of the Company's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | | Other | | Other | | |
| Current | | Other | | Current | | Long-term | | |
| Assets | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Liabilities | | Total |
As of March 31, 2014 | | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging contracts: | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity assets(1) | $ | 14 |
| | $ | 52 |
| | $ | 34 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 101 |
|
Commodity liabilities(1) | 1 |
| | (1 | ) | | (99 | ) | | (110 | ) | | (209 | ) |
Interest rate assets | 4 |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6 |
|
Interest rate liabilities | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | — |
| | (1 | ) |
Total | 19 |
| | 53 |
| | (66 | ) | | (109 | ) | | (103 | ) |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Designated as hedging contracts: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Commodity assets | 17 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | (1 | ) | | 17 |
|
Commodity liabilities | (1 | ) | | — |
| | (2 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (7 | ) |
Interest rate assets | — |
| | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4 |
|
Interest rate liabilities | — |
| | — |
| | (6 | ) | | — |
| | (6 | ) |
Total | 16 |
| | 4 |
| | (7 | ) | | (5 | ) | | 8 |
|
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total derivatives | 35 |
| | 57 |
| | (73 | ) | | (114 | ) | | (95 | ) |
Cash collateral receivable | — |
| | — |
| | 26 |
| | 1 |
| | 27 |
|
Total derivatives - net basis | $ | 35 |
| | $ | 57 |
| | $ | (47 | ) | | $ | (113 | ) | | $ | (68 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | | Other | | Other | | |
| Current | | Other | | Current | | Long-term | | |
| Assets | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Liabilities | | Total |
As of December 31, 2013 | | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging contracts: | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity assets(1) | $ | 16 |
| | $ | 62 |
| | $ | 18 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 98 |
|
Commodity liabilities(1) | (2 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (78 | ) | | (145 | ) | | (226 | ) |
Interest rate assets | 3 |
| | 5 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8 |
|
Interest rate liabilities | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | — |
| | (1 | ) |
Total | 17 |
| | 66 |
| | (61 | ) | | (143 | ) | | (121 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Designated as hedging contracts: | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity assets | 1 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Commodity liabilities | (1 | ) | | — |
| | (5 | ) | | (8 | ) | | (14 | ) |
Interest rate assets | — |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6 |
|
Interest rate liabilities | — |
| | — |
| | (6 | ) | | — |
| | (6 | ) |
Total | — |
| | 6 |
| | (10 | ) | | (8 | ) | | (12 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives | 17 |
| | 72 |
| | (71 | ) | | (151 | ) | | (133 | ) |
Cash collateral receivable | (2 | ) | | — |
| | 1 |
| | 13 |
| | 12 |
|
Total derivatives - net basis | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 72 |
| | $ | (70 | ) | | $ | (138 | ) | | $ | (121 | ) |
| |
(1) | The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $159 million and $182 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $108 million and $128 million, respectively. |
Not Designated as Hedging Contracts
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in net regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 182 |
| | $ | 235 |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets | 4 |
| | (19 | ) |
Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue | (30 | ) | | 4 |
|
Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales | 3 |
| | (46 | ) |
Ending balance | $ | 159 |
| | $ | 174 |
|
Designated as Hedging Contracts
The Company uses commodity derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices for delivery to nonregulated customers, spring operational sales, natural gas storage and other transactions. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 32 |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI | (59 | ) | | (25 | ) |
Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales | 35 |
| | (5 | ) |
Ending balance | $ | (12 | ) | | $ | 2 |
|
Certain derivative contracts, principally interest rate locks, have settled and the fair value at the date of settlement remains in AOCI and is recognized in earnings when the forecasted transactions impact earnings. Realized gains and losses on hedges and hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in income as operating revenue, cost of sales, operating expense or interest expense depending upon the nature of the item being hedged. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, hedge ineffectiveness was insignificant. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had cash flow hedges with expiration dates extending through December 2019 and $14 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains are forecasted to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months as contracts settle.
Derivative Contract Volumes
The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with indexed and fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Unit of | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| Measure | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Electricity sales | Megawatt hours | | (8 | ) | | (5 | ) |
Natural gas purchases | Decatherms | | 334 |
| | 322 |
|
Fuel purchases | Gallons | | 6 |
| | 9 |
|
Interest rate swaps | US$ | | 650 |
| | 650 |
|
Mortgage sale commitments, net | US$ | | (60 | ) | | (121 | ) |
Credit Risk
The Utilities extend unsecured credit to other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants in conjunction with their wholesale energy supply and marketing activities. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that might occur as a result of nonperformance by counterparties on their contractual obligations to make or take delivery of electricity, natural gas or other commodities and to make financial settlements of these obligations. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that one or more groups of counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in market or other conditions. In addition, credit risk includes not only the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances relating directly to it, but also the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances involving other market participants that have a direct or indirect relationship with the counterparty.
The Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty before entering into any transactions, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To mitigate exposure to the financial risks of wholesale counterparties, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. Counterparties may be assessed fees for delayed payments. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.
MidAmerican Energy also has potential indirect credit exposure to other market participants in the regional transmission organization markets where it actively participates, including the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. and the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
Collateral and Contingent Features
In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of March 31, 2014, the applicable credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.
The aggregate fair value of the Company's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $128 million and $176 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for which the Company had posted collateral of $- million and $12 million, respectively, in the form of cash deposits. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company would have been required to post $113 million and $147 million, respectively, of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.
| |
(10) | Fair Value Measurements |
The carrying value of the Company's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:
| |
• | Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. |
| |
• | Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs). |
| |
• | Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data. |
The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Other(1) | | Total |
As of March 31, 2014 | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity derivatives | | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 58 |
| | $ | 56 |
| | $ | (36 | ) | | $ | 82 |
|
Interest rate derivatives | | — |
| | 10 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 10 |
|
Mortgage loans held for sale | | — |
| | 73 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 73 |
|
Money market mutual funds(2) | | 951 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 951 |
|
Debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | |
United States government obligations | | 133 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 133 |
|
International government obligations | | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
Corporate obligations | | — |
| | 40 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 40 |
|
Municipal obligations | | — |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations | | — |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Auction rate securities | | — |
| | — |
| | 45 |
| | — |
| | 45 |
|
Equity securities: | | | | | | | | | | |
United States companies | | 216 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 216 |
|
International companies | | 1,395 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,395 |
|
Investment funds | | 136 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 136 |
|
| | $ | 2,835 |
|
| $ | 186 |
|
| $ | 101 |
|
| $ | (36 | ) | | $ | 3,086 |
|
Liabilities: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Commodity derivatives | | $ | — |
|
| $ | (173 | ) |
| $ | (43 | ) |
| $ | 63 |
| | $ | (153 | ) |
Interest rate derivatives | | — |
| | (7 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (180 | ) | | $ | (43 | ) | | $ | 63 |
| | $ | (160 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2013 | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity derivatives | | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 28 |
| | $ | 69 |
| | $ | (27 | ) | | $ | 73 |
|
Interest rate derivatives | | — |
| | 14 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14 |
|
Mortgage loans held for sale | | — |
| | 130 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 130 |
|
Money market mutual funds(2) | | 809 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 809 |
|
Debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | |
United States government obligations | | 134 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 134 |
|
International government obligations | | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
Corporate obligations | | — |
| | 38 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 38 |
|
Municipal obligations | | — |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations | | — |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Auction rate securities | | — |
| | — |
| | 44 |
| | — |
| | 44 |
|
Equity securities: | | | | | | | | | | |
United States companies | | 214 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 214 |
|
International companies | | 1,107 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,107 |
|
Investment funds | | 114 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 114 |
|
| | $ | 2,381 |
| | $ | 215 |
| | $ | 113 |
| | $ | (27 | ) | | $ | 2,682 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity derivatives | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | (230 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 39 |
| | $ | (201 | ) |
Interest rate derivatives | | — |
| | (7 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) |
| | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | (237 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 39 |
| | $ | (208 | ) |
| |
(1) | Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $27 million and $12 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. |
| |
(2) | Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost. |
Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. Refer to Note 9 for further discussion regarding the Company's risk management and hedging activities.
The Company's mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices of other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity.
The Company's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics. The fair value of the Company's investments in auction rate securities, where there is no current liquid market, is determined using pricing models based on available observable market data and the Company's judgment about the assumptions, including liquidity and nonperformance risks, which market participants would use when pricing the asset.
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| | | Auction |
| Commodity | | Rate |
| Derivatives | | Securities |
2014: | | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 60 |
| | $ | 44 |
|
Changes included in earnings | (17 | ) | | — |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI | 3 |
| | 1 |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets | 2 |
| | — |
|
Transfers from level 2 | (35 | ) | | — |
|
Ending balance | $ | 13 |
| | $ | 45 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| | | Auction |
| Commodity | | Rate |
| Derivatives | | Securities |
2013: | | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 32 |
| | $ | 41 |
|
Changes included in earnings | 9 |
| | — |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI | (3 | ) | | 1 |
|
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets | 1 |
| | — |
|
Purchases | 2 |
| | — |
|
Settlements | (5 | ) | | — |
|
Ending balance | $ | 36 |
| | $ | 42 |
|
The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2014 | | As of December 31, 2013 |
| Carrying | | Fair | | Carrying | | Fair |
| Value | | Value | | Value | | Value |
| | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | $ | 32,185 |
| | $ | 35,761 |
| | $ | 32,012 |
| | $ | 34,881 |
|
| |
(11) | Commitments and Contingencies |
Legal Matters
The Company is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. The Company does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. The Company is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts and are described below.
USA Power
In October 2005, prior to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's ownership of PacifiCorp, PacifiCorp was added as a defendant to a lawsuit originally filed in February 2005 in the Third District Court of Salt Lake County, Utah ("Third District Court") by USA Power, LLC, USA Power Partners, LLC and Spring Canyon Energy, LLC (collectively, the "Plaintiff"). The Plaintiff's complaint alleged that PacifiCorp misappropriated confidential proprietary information in violation of Utah's Uniform Trade Secrets Act and accused PacifiCorp of breach of contract and related claims in regard to the Plaintiff's 2002 and 2003 proposals to build a natural gas-fueled generating facility in Juab County, Utah. In October 2007, the Third District Court granted PacifiCorp's motion for summary judgment on all counts and dismissed the Plaintiff's claims in their entirety. In February 2008, the Plaintiff filed a petition requesting consideration by the Utah Supreme Court. In May 2010, the Utah Supreme Court reversed summary judgment and remanded the case back to the Third District Court for further consideration, which led to a trial that began in April 2012. In May 2012, the jury reached a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff on its claims. The jury awarded damages to the Plaintiff for breach of contract and misappropriation of a trade secret in the amounts of $18 million for actual damages and $113 million for unjust enrichment. In May 2012, the Plaintiff filed a motion seeking exemplary damages. Under the Utah Uniform Trade Secrets law, the judge may award exemplary damages in an additional amount not to exceed twice the original award. The Plaintiff also filed a motion to seek recovery of attorneys' fees in an amount equal to 40% of all amounts ultimately awarded in the case. In October 2012, PacifiCorp filed post-trial motions for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial (collectively, "PacifiCorp's post-trial motions"). The trial judge stayed briefing on the Plaintiff's motions, pending resolution of PacifiCorp's post-trial motions. As a result of a hearing in December 2012, the trial judge denied PacifiCorp's post-trial motions with the exception of reducing the aggregate amount of damages to $113 million. In January 2013, the Plaintiff filed a motion for prejudgment interest. In the first quarter of 2013, PacifiCorp filed its responses to the Plaintiff's post-trial motions for exemplary damages, attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest. An initial judgment was entered in April 2013 in which the trial judge denied the Plaintiff's motions for exemplary damages and prejudgment interest and ruled that PacifiCorp must pay the Plaintiff's attorneys' fees based on applying a reasonable rate to hours worked rather than the Plaintiff's request for an amount equal to 40% of all amounts ultimately awarded. In May 2013, a final judgment was entered against PacifiCorp in the amount of $115 million, which includes the $113 million of aggregate damages previously awarded and amounts awarded for the Plaintiff's attorneys' fees. The final judgment also ordered that postjudgment interest accrue beginning as of the date of the April 2013 initial judgment. In May 2013, PacifiCorp posted a surety bond issued by a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway to secure its estimated obligation. PacifiCorp strongly disagrees with the jury's verdict and plans to vigorously pursue all appellate measures. Both PacifiCorp and the Plaintiff filed appeals with the Utah Supreme Court. The parties are briefing their positions before the Utah Supreme Court with briefing expected to be completed and oral arguments held by late 2014. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had accrued $117 million for the final judgment and postjudgment interest, and believes the likelihood of any additional material loss is remote; however, any additional awards against PacifiCorp could also have a material effect on the consolidated financial results. Any payment of damages will be at the end of the appeals process, which could take as long as several years.
Commitments
The Topaz Project, which is a 550-megawatt solar project in California, and the Solar Star Projects, which are a combined 579-megawatt solar project in California, are in construction and are being placed in-service in phases through 2015. Berkshire Hathaway Energy has committed to separately provide Topaz Solar Farms LLC and Solar Star Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries with equity to fund the costs of the projects in an amount up to $2.44 billion for the Topaz Project and $2.75 billion for the Solar Star Projects, less, among other things, the gross proceeds of long-term debt issuances, project revenue prior to completion and the total equity contributions made by Berkshire Hathaway Energy or its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2014, the remaining equity commitment for the Topaz Project is $911 million and for the Solar Star Projects is $1.65 billion. If Berkshire Hathaway Energy does not maintain a minimum credit rating from two of the following three ratings agencies of at least BBB- from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or Fitch Ratings or Baa3 from Moody's Investors Service, Berkshire Hathaway Energy's obligations under the equity commitment agreements would be supported by cash collateral or a letter of credit issued by a financial institution that meets certain minimum criteria specified in the respective financing documents. Upon reaching the final commercial operation date of the Topaz and Solar Star Projects, respectively, Berkshire Hathaway Energy will have no further obligation to make any equity contributions and any unused equity contribution obligations will be canceled under each project's respective equity commitment agreement.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact the Company's current and future operations. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Guarantees
The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.
| |
(12) | Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net |
The following table shows the change in AOCI attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | AOCI |
| | | | | | Unrealized | | | | Attributable |
| | Unrecognized | | Foreign | | Gains on | | Unrealized | | To Berkshire |
| | Amounts on | | Currency | | Available- | | Gains on | | Hathaway |
| | Retirement | | Translation | | For-Sale | | Cash Flow | | Energy |
| | Benefits | | Adjustment | | Securities | | Hedges | | Shareholders, Net |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2013 | | $ | (559 | ) | | $ | (98 | ) | | $ | 524 |
| | $ | 36 |
| | $ | (97 | ) |
Other comprehensive income | | 7 |
| | 29 |
| | 173 |
| | 13 |
| | 222 |
|
Balance, March 31, 2014 | | $ | (552 | ) | | $ | (69 | ) | | $ | 697 |
| | $ | 49 |
| | $ | 125 |
|
Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were insignificant. For information regarding cash flow hedge reclassifications from AOCI to net income in their entirety, refer to Note 9. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 8 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.
The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid Holdings, whose business is principally in Great Britain, and MidAmerican Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Operating revenue: | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 1,288 |
| | $ | 1,232 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 1,230 |
| | 921 |
|
NV Energy | 638 |
| | — |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 386 |
| | 300 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 317 |
| | 300 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 69 |
| | 57 |
|
HomeServices | 358 |
| | 281 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1) | (37 | ) | | (24 | ) |
Total operating revenue | $ | 4,249 |
| | $ | 3,067 |
|
| | | |
Depreciation and amortization: | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 183 |
| | $ | 172 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 84 |
| | 107 |
|
NV Energy | 92 |
| | — |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 48 |
| | 50 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 48 |
| | 43 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 21 |
| | 15 |
|
HomeServices | 7 |
| | 5 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1) | (1 | ) | | (3 | ) |
Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 482 |
|
| $ | 389 |
|
| | | |
Operating income: | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 292 |
| | $ | 300 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 153 |
| | 106 |
|
NV Energy | 107 |
| | — |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 230 |
| | 180 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 181 |
| | 180 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 29 |
| | 30 |
|
HomeServices | (12 | ) | | 3 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1) | (30 | ) | | (26 | ) |
Total operating income | 950 |
|
| 773 |
|
Interest expense | (418 | ) | | (290 | ) |
Capitalized interest | 29 |
| | 21 |
|
Allowance for equity funds | 27 |
| | 19 |
|
Other, net | 16 |
| | 16 |
|
Total income before income tax expense and equity income | $ | 604 |
|
| $ | 539 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods |
| Ended March 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Interest expense: | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 96 |
| | $ | 97 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 46 |
| | 41 |
|
NV Energy | 70 |
| | — |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 19 |
| | 20 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 38 |
| | 35 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 41 |
| | 25 |
|
HomeServices | 1 |
| | — |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1) | 107 |
| | 72 |
|
Total interest expense | $ | 418 |
| | $ | 290 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
| As of |
| March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 |
Total assets: | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 22,932 |
| | $ | 22,885 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 14,132 |
| | 13,992 |
|
NV Energy | 14,297 |
| | 14,233 |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 4,936 |
| | 4,908 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 7,066 |
| | 6,874 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 4,049 |
| | 3,875 |
|
HomeServices | 1,384 |
| | 1,381 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1) | 2,333 |
| | 1,852 |
|
Total assets | $ | 71,129 |
| | $ | 70,000 |
|
| |
(1) | The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities and intersegment eliminations. |
The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | MidAmerican | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Energy | | Northern | | | | | | | | |
| | | MidAmerican | | NV | | Pipeline | | Powergrid | | MidAmerican | | Home- | | | | |
| PacifiCorp | | Funding | | Energy | | Group | | Holdings | | Renewables | | Services | | Other | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2013 | $ | 1,129 |
| | $ | 2,102 |
| | $ | 2,280 |
| | $ | 153 |
| | $ | 1,149 |
| | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 695 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 7,527 |
|
Acquisitions | — |
| | — |
| | 82 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 82 |
|
Foreign currency translation | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7 |
|
Other | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2014 | $ | 1,129 |
| | $ | 2,102 |
| | $ | 2,362 |
| | $ | 146 |
| | $ | 1,156 |
| | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 695 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 7,609 |
|
| |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's historical unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. The Company's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.
The Company's operations are organized and managed as ten distinct platforms: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy), NV Energy (which primarily consists of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific), Northern Natural Gas, Kern River, Northern Powergrid Holdings (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), MidAmerican Transmission, LLC (which owns a 50% interest in ETT and Electric Transmission America, LLC), MidAmerican Renewables, LLC (which owns interests in independent power projects in the United States), CalEnergy Philippines (which owns a majority interest in the Casecnan project in the Philippines), and HomeServices. Through these platforms, the Company owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, a 50% interest in electric transmission businesses, a diversified portfolio of independent power projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and the second largest residential real estate brokerage franchise network in the United States. Northern Natural Gas and Kern River have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group, MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Renewables and MidAmerican Transmission, LLC has been included in "Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other". The reportable segment financial information includes all necessary adjustments and eliminations needed to conform to the Company's significant accounting policies. The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities and intersegment eliminations.
Results of Operations for the First Quarter of 2014 and 2013
Overview
Net income for the Company's reportable segments is summarized as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | Change |
Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders: | | | | | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 156 |
| | $ | 160 |
| | $ | (4 | ) | | (3 | )% |
MidAmerican Funding | 155 |
| | 100 |
| | 55 |
| | 55 |
|
NV Energy | 27 |
| | — |
| | 27 |
| | * |
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 130 |
| | 97 |
| | 33 |
| | 34 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 112 |
| | 111 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 1 |
| | 16 |
| | (15 | ) | | (94 | ) |
HomeServices | (8 | ) | | 3 |
| | (11 | ) | | * |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other | (70 | ) | | (49 | ) | | (21 | ) | | (43 | ) |
Total net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders | $ | 503 |
| | $ | 438 |
| | $ | 65 |
| | 15 |
|
* Not meaningful
Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders increased $65 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the following:
| |
• | PacifiCorp's net income decreased as an increase in retail prices and higher wholesale prices and volumes were more than offset by higher energy costs, lower retail load and higher depreciation and amortization. |
| |
• | MidAmerican Funding's net income increased due to higher margins from colder temperatures and higher electric base rates in Iowa, lower depreciation and amortization from the impact of depreciation rate changes and higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds due to higher construction work-in-progress, partially offset by higher interest expense. |
| |
• | NV Energy was acquired December 19, 2013, and its results are included in the consolidated results beginning as of that date. Net income for 2014 totaled $27 million. For comparative purposes, NV Energy's reported net income for 2013 totaled $21 million. |
| |
• | MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group's net income increased due to higher transportation revenue and net margins on natural gas sales from colder than normal temperatures and volatile natural gas prices at Northern Natural Gas and lower depreciation and amortization, partially offset by lower revenue at Kern River due to contract expirations and higher operating expense. |
| |
• | Northern Powergrid's net income increased due to the weaker United States dollar and higher distribution tariff rates, partially offset by net unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions, lower distribution units from milder temperatures and higher distribution operating expense. |
| |
• | MidAmerican Renewables' net income decreased as higher operating revenue from the Topaz and Solar Star Projects from additional capacity placed in-service was more than offset by an unfavorable change in the valuation of the power purchase agreement derivative at Bishop Hill and higher operating expense, depreciation and amortization and interest expense. |
| |
• | HomeServices' net income decreased to a net loss due to lower earnings at existing brokerage and franchise businesses, lower earnings at acquired businesses as operating expense exceeded revenue, net of commissions, due to the seasonal nature of brokerage businesses, and lower equity earnings at its mortgage joint venture due to lower refinancing activity. |
| |
• | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other net loss increased due to higher interest expense from the issuance of $2.0 billion of Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt and $2.6 billion of junior subordinated debentures to certain Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of 2013. |
Reportable Segment Results
Operating revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable segments are summarized as follows (in millions): |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | Change |
Operating revenue: | | | | | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 1,288 |
| | $ | 1,232 |
| | $ | 56 |
| | 5 | % |
MidAmerican Funding | 1,230 |
| | 921 |
| | 309 |
| | 34 |
|
NV Energy | 638 |
| | — |
| | 638 |
| | * |
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 386 |
| | 300 |
| | 86 |
| | 29 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 317 |
| | 300 |
| | 17 |
| | 6 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 69 |
| | 57 |
| | 12 |
| | 21 |
|
HomeServices | 358 |
| | 281 |
| | 77 |
| | 27 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other | (37 | ) | | (24 | ) | | (13 | ) | | (54 | ) |
Total operating revenue | $ | 4,249 |
| | $ | 3,067 |
| | $ | 1,182 |
| | 39 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income: | | | | | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 292 |
| | $ | 300 |
| | $ | (8 | ) | | (3 | )% |
MidAmerican Funding | 153 |
| | 106 |
| | 47 |
| | 44 |
|
NV Energy | 107 |
| | — |
| | 107 |
| | * |
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 230 |
| | 180 |
| | 50 |
| | 28 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 181 |
| | 180 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 29 |
| | 30 |
| | (1 | ) | | (3 | ) |
HomeServices | (12 | ) | | 3 |
| | (15 | ) | | * |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other | (30 | ) | | (26 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (15 | ) |
Total operating income | $ | 950 |
| | $ | 773 |
| | $ | 177 |
| | 23 |
|
* Not meaningful
PacifiCorp
Operating revenue increased $56 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher retail revenue of $37 million and higher wholesale revenue of $25 million, partially offset by lower renewable energy credit revenue of $9 million. The increase in retail revenue was due to higher prices of $53 million, partially offset by lower retail customer load of $16 million. Customer load decreased 0.8% due to warmer weather on residential and commercial customer load, partially offset by higher commercial and industrial customer usage. Wholesale revenue increased due to higher average prices of $14 million and higher volumes of $11 million.
Operating income decreased $8 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher energy costs of $52 million and higher depreciation and amortization of $11 million, due primarily to the impacts of the depreciation rate study effective in 2014 and higher plant in-service, partially offset by the higher operating revenue. Energy costs increased due to a higher average cost of purchased electricity, higher natural gas volumes, higher coal-fueled generation costs due to higher unit costs with relatively flat generation and higher average cost of natural gas, partially offset by lower purchased electricity volumes, higher hydroelectric and wind-powered generation and higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs.
MidAmerican Funding
MidAmerican Funding's operating revenue and operating income are summarized as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | Change |
Operating revenue: | | | | | | | |
Regulated electric | $ | 450 |
| | $ | 415 |
| | $ | 35 |
| | 8 | % |
Regulated natural gas | 511 |
| | 315 |
| | 196 |
| | 62 |
|
Nonregulated and other | 269 |
| | 191 |
| | 78 |
| | 41 |
|
Total operating revenue | $ | 1,230 |
| | $ | 921 |
| | $ | 309 |
| | 34 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Operating income: | | | | | | | |
Regulated electric | $ | 83 |
| | $ | 50 |
| | $ | 33 |
| | 66 | % |
Regulated natural gas | 58 |
| | 45 |
| | 13 |
| | 29 |
|
Nonregulated and other | 12 |
| | 11 |
| | 1 |
| | 9 |
|
Total operating income | $ | 153 |
| | $ | 106 |
| | $ | 47 |
| | 44 |
|
Regulated electric operating revenue increased $35 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher retail revenue of $27 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $8 million. Retail revenue increased due to a 5.7% increase in retail customer load primarily from colder winter temperatures in 2014 with the remaining $13 million increase predominantly due to higher electric base rates in Iowa. Wholesale and other revenue increased due to higher average wholesale prices of $14 million, partially offset by lower wholesale sales volumes of $6 million.
Regulated electric operating income increased $33 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the higher regulated electric operating revenue and lower depreciation of $23 million primarily from the impact of depreciation rate changes in 2014 and the third quarter of 2013, partially offset by higher energy costs of $23 million. Energy costs increased due to higher coal-fueled generation costs, primarily from new coal transportation agreements effective in 2013 and the timing of such cost increases recognized through inventory, and higher purchased power costs.
Regulated natural gas operating revenue increased $196 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to an increase in recoveries through adjustment clauses from a higher average per-unit cost of gas sold of $149 million and higher volumes from the colder temperatures in 2014. Regulated natural gas operating income increased $13 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the higher sales volumes.
Nonregulated and other operating revenue increased $78 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher natural gas and electricity prices and volumes, which is largely offset by higher cost of sales.
NV Energy
NV Energy was acquired December 19, 2013, and its results are included in the consolidated results beginning as of that date. Operating revenue for 2014 consisted of $594 million of electric revenue and $44 million of natural gas revenue. Operating income totaled $107 million. For comparative purposes, NV Energy's reported operating revenue for 2013 consisted of $544 million of electric revenue and $40 million of natural gas revenue. NV Energy's reported operating income for 2013 totaled $105 million.
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group
Operating revenue increased $86 million for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to higher operating revenue at Northern Natural Gas of $94 million due to an increase in natural gas sales of $47 million and transportation revenue of $43 million due to colder than normal temperatures and volatile natural gas prices, partially offset by lower operating revenue at Kern River of $8 million, primarily due to contract expirations with capacity being sold at lower rates. Operating income increased $50 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the higher transportation revenue and net margins on gas sales from colder temperatures at Northern Natural Gas and lower depreciation and amortization, partially offset by the lower operating revenue at Kern River and higher operating expense.
Northern Powergrid Holdings
Operating revenue increased $17 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the weaker United States dollar of $21 million and higher contracting revenue of $6 million, partially offset by lower distribution revenue of $8 million. Distribution revenue decreased due to net unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions of $17 million and a decrease in units distributed of $15 million mainly due to milder temperatures, partially offset by higher tariff rates of $24 million. Operating income increased $1 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the weaker United States dollar of $12 million, partially offset by the lower distribution revenues and higher distribution operating expense.
MidAmerican Renewables
Operating revenue increased $12 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to an increase from the Topaz and Solar Star Projects of $25 million as additional solar capacity was placed in-service, partially offset by an unfavorable change in the valuation of the power purchase agreement derivative at Bishop Hill of $16 million. Operating income decreased $1 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher operating expense of $7 million and higher depreciation of $6 million, partially offset by the higher operating revenue.
HomeServices
Operating revenue increased $77 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to a 15.3% increase in closed brokerage units and an 11% increase in average home sale prices. An increase in operating revenue from acquired businesses totaling $83 million was partially offset by a decrease from existing businesses totaling $6 million. The decrease in existing businesses reflects an 8.4% decrease in closed brokerage units, partially offset by a 9.8% increase in average home sale prices. Operating income decreased $15 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to lower earnings at both existing and acquired businesses.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other
Operating revenue decreased $13 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher intersegment eliminations.
Consolidated Other Income and Expense Items
Interest Expense
Interest expense is summarized as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | Change |
| | | | | | | |
Subsidiary debt | $ | 310 |
| | $ | 215 |
| | $ | 95 |
| | 44 | % |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt and other | 89 |
| | 75 |
| | 14 |
| | 19 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy subordinated debt-Berkshire Hathaway | 19 |
| | — |
| | 19 |
| | * |
Total interest expense | $ | 418 |
| | $ | 290 |
| | $ | 128 |
| | 44 |
|
* Not meaningful
Interest expense on subsidiary debt increased $95 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the acquisition of NV Energy on December 19, 2013 and debt issuances at PacifiCorp ($300 million in June 2013), MidAmerican Funding ($950 million in September 2013) and MidAmerican Renewables ($250 million in April 2013 and $1.0 billion in June 2013), partially offset by scheduled maturities and principal payments.
Interest expense on Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt and junior subordinated debentures increased $33 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to the issuance of $2.0 billion of senior debt in November 2013 and $2.6 billion of junior subordinated debentures to certain Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries in December 2013.
Capitalized Interest
Capitalized interest increased $8 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher construction work-in-progress balances related to the Solar Star Projects and additional wind-powered generation at MidAmerican Energy.
Allowance for Equity Funds
Allowance for equity funds increased $8 million for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to higher equity AFUDC at MidAmerican Energy resulting from higher construction work-in-progress balances.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased $3 million for 2014 compared to 2013 and the effective tax rates were 19% for 2014 and 20% for 2013. The change in the effective tax rate was due to additional production tax credits primarily from additional wind-powered generation placed in-service at MidAmerican Energy, partially offset by the effects of ratemaking.
Equity Income
Equity income is summarized as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | Change |
Equity income: | | | | | | | |
ETT | $ | 16 |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | 33 | % |
Agua Caliente | 3 |
| | 3 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
HomeServices Mortgage | (1 | ) | | 2 |
| | (3 | ) | | * |
CE Generation | (4 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (1 | ) | | 33 |
|
Other | 1 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | * |
Total equity income | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 14 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | 7 |
|
* Not meaningful
Equity income increased $1 million for 2014 compared to 2013 due to higher equity earnings at ETT from continued investment and additional plant placed in-service, partially offset by lower equity earnings at the HomeServices mortgage joint venture due to lower refinancing activity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Each of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's direct and indirect subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity separate and apart from Berkshire Hathaway Energy and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy Berkshire Hathaway Energy's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets that are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to Berkshire Hathaway Energy or affiliates thereof. The long-term debt of subsidiaries may include provisions that allow Berkshire Hathaway Energy's subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion regarding the limitation of distributions from Berkshire Hathaway Energy's subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2014, the Company's total net liquidity was $4.5 billion as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Berkshire | | | | | | | | Northern | | | | |
| Hathaway | | | | MidAmerican | | NV | | Powergrid | | | | |
| Energy | | PacifiCorp | | Funding | | Energy | | Holdings | | Other | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 465 |
| | $ | 172 |
| | $ | 114 |
| | $ | 289 |
| | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 246 |
| | $ | 1,292 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit facilities(1) | 600 |
| | 1,200 |
| | 609 |
| | 750 |
| | 310 |
| | 630 |
| | 4,099 |
|
Less: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term debt | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (139 | ) | | (72 | ) | | (211 | ) |
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit | (29 | ) | | (412 | ) | | (195 | ) | | (6 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (642 | ) |
Net credit facilities | 571 |
| | 788 |
| | 414 |
| | 744 |
| | 171 |
| | 558 |
| | 3,246 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net liquidity | $ | 1,036 |
| | $ | 960 |
| | $ | 528 |
| | $ | 1,033 |
| | $ | 177 |
| | $ | 804 |
| | $ | 4,538 |
|
Credit facilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Maturity date | 2017 |
| | 2017, 2018 |
| | 2014, 2018 |
| | 2017 |
| | 2017 |
| | 2014, 2018 |
| | |
Largest single bank commitment as a % of total credit facilities | 8 | % | | 7 | % | | 7 | % | | 7 | % | | 46 | % | | 24 | % | | |
| |
(1) | Includes uncommitted credit facilities totaling $60 million at Northern Powergrid Holdings, which was drawn as of March 31, 2014. |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from operating activities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively. Improved operating results, including NV Energy, were more than offset by lower income tax receipts, higher interest payments and other changes in working capital.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows from investing activities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $(989) million and $(960) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to higher capital expenditures, including NV Energy, partially offset by changes in restricted cash and investments related to proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in 2013 at Solar Star Funding that is restricted for use in the construction of the Solar Star Projects.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows from financing activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 was $81 million. Sources of cash totaled $425 million related to proceeds from a PacifiCorp debt issuance. Uses of cash consisted of $344 million and consisted mainly of repayments of Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt totaling $250 million, repayments of subsidiary debt totaling $50 million and net repayments of short-term debt totaling $22 million.
In March 2014, PacifiCorp issued $425 million of its 3.60% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2024. The net proceeds are being used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.
In April 2014, MidAmerican Energy issued $150 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due March 2019, $300 million of its 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $400 million of its 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2044. The net proceeds will be used for the optional redemption in May 2014 of $350 million of MidAmerican Energy's 4.65% Senior Notes due October 2014, and for general corporate purposes.
Net cash flows from financing activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 was $(542) million and consisted mainly of net repayments of short-term debt totaling $436 million and repayments of subsidiary debt totaling $94 million.
Future Uses of Cash
The Company has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, the issuance of equity and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which each subsidiary has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including its credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry and project finance markets, among other items.
Capital Expenditures
The Company has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Prudently incurred expenditures for compliance-related items, such as pollution-control technologies, replacement generation, nuclear decommissioning, hydroelectric relicensing, hydroelectric decommissioning and associated operating costs are generally incorporated into Berkshire Hathaway Energy's energy subsidiaries' regulated retail rates. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisitions of existing assets.
Historical and forecasted capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, by reportable segment are as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three-Month Periods | | |
| Ended March 31, | | Forecasted |
| 2013 | | 2014 | | 2014 |
Capital expenditures: | | | | | |
PacifiCorp | $ | 259 |
| | $ | 270 |
| | $ | 1,083 |
|
MidAmerican Funding | 163 |
| | 179 |
| | 1,533 |
|
NV Energy | — |
| | 102 |
| | 587 |
|
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group | 24 |
| | 32 |
| | 265 |
|
Northern Powergrid Holdings | 171 |
| | 161 |
| | 739 |
|
MidAmerican Renewables | 270 |
| | 434 |
| | 1,714 |
|
Other | 4 |
| | 5 |
| | 38 |
|
Total | $ | 891 |
| | $ | 1,183 |
| | $ | 5,959 |
|
The Company's historical and forecasted capital expenditures consisted mainly of the following:
| |
• | Transmission system investments at the Utilities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 totaling $85 million and $64 million, respectively. The Utilities anticipate costs for transmission projects will total $456 million for 2014. Transmission system investment for 2014 include costs for PacifiCorp's 170-mile single-circuit 345-kV Sigurd-Red Butte transmission line expected to be placed in-service in 2015 and MidAmerican Energy's Multi-Value Projects approved by the MISO for the construction of 245 miles of 345 kV transmission line located in Iowa and Illinois. |
| |
• | Emissions control equipment on existing generating facilities at the Utilities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 totaling $69 million and $60 million, respectively, for installation or upgrade of sulfur dioxide scrubbers, low nitrogen oxide burners and particulate matter control systems. The Utilities anticipate costs for emissions control equipment will total $295 million for 2014. |
| |
• | The construction of PacifiCorp's Lake Side 2 645-MW combined-cycle combustion turbine natural gas-fueled generating facility ("Lake Side 2") for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 totaling $19 million and $48 million, respectively. PacifiCorp anticipates costs for Lake Side 2 will total $35 million for 2014, which is expected to be placed in-service in mid-2014. |
| |
• | The construction of wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 totaling $10 million. MidAmerican Energy anticipates costs for wind-powered generating facilities will total $661 million for 2014. MidAmerican Energy placed in-service 44 MW of wind-powered generating facilities during 2013 and is constructing an additional 1,006 MW (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities it expects to place in-service in 2014 and 2015. |
| |
• | NV Energy anticipates costs for additional generation capacity will total $162 million for 2014. |
| |
• | Topaz has spent $1.3 billion for construction of the Topaz Project from inception through March 31, 2014, and expects to spend an additional $446 million for the remainder of 2014 and $338 million for 2015. The project is expected to cost $2.44 billion, including all interest costs during construction and the initial costs to acquire the project. The project will be comprised of 22 blocks of solar panels with a nominal facilities capacity of 586 MW. As of March 31, 2014, 383 MW of the Topaz Project had been turned over to Topaz, with 390 MW operating and delivering energy under the power purchase agreement. Construction and commissioning are approximately two months ahead of schedule and Topaz expects to place an additional 173 MW in-service in 2014 and 30 MW in-service in 2015. As of March 31, 2014, the project was 79% constructed compared to the engineering, procurement and construction schedule of 61%, which includes 6.68 million solar panels installed out of an expected total of 8.44 million. The project is being constructed pursuant to a fixed-price, date certain, turn-key engineering, procurement and construction contract with a subsidiary of First Solar. |
| |
• | Subsidiaries of Solar Star Funding have spent $1.0 billion for construction of the Solar Star Projects from inception through March 31, 2014, and expect to spend an additional $834 million for the remainder of 2014 and $722 million for 2015. The projects are expected to cost $2.75 billion, including all interest costs during construction and the initial costs to acquire the projects. The projects will be comprised of 13 blocks of solar panels with a capacity of 579 MW. As of March 31, 2014, 57 MW of the Solar Star Projects had been turned over to subsidiaries of Solar Star Funding, with 175 MW operating and delivering energy under the power purchase agreements. Subsidiaries of Solar Star Funding expect to place an additional 297 MW in-service in 2014 and 225 MW in-service in 2015. As of March 31, 2014, the projects were 50% constructed compared to the engineering, procurement and construction schedule of 49%, which includes 0.91 million solar panels installed out of an expected total of 1.72 million. The projects are being constructed pursuant to fixed-price, date certain, turn-key engineering, procurement and construction contracts with a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation. |
| |
• | Remaining costs relate to routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation, mining and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand and totaled $566 million and $452 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation, mining and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand are expected to total $2.6 billion for 2014. |
Business Acquisitions
On May 1, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway Energy entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby Berkshire Hathaway Energy, through a subsidiary, will acquire 100% of AltaLink, L.P. ("AltaLink"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), for an estimated cash purchase price of C$3.2 billion (approximately US$2.9 billion). The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on certain capital contributions made into AltaLink and the timing of closing. Berkshire Hathaway Energy's shareholders have committed to provide the capital to fund the entire purchase price of AltaLink; however, Berkshire Hathaway Energy expects to fund the purchase price with capital from its shareholders and by issuing senior unsecured debt at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. AltaLink is a regulated transmission-only business, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The transaction has been approved by both the SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy boards of directors. The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of both SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and is subject to customary closing conditions including required approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy, through a subsidiary, owns 50% of CE Generation, which is engaged in the independent power business, and through its subsidiaries, owns and operates geothermal generating facilities in the Imperial Valley of California and natural gas-fueled combined cycle cogeneration facilities in New York, Texas and Arizona. In February 2014, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy signed a purchase and sale agreement with TransAlta USA Inc. and one of its subsidiaries ("TransAlta") to acquire the remaining 50% interest owned by TransAlta for a purchase price of $180 million, subject to customary closing conditions precedent. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2014, there have been no material changes outside the normal course of business in contractual obligations from the information provided in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 other than the 2014 debt issuances previously discussed.
Regulatory Matters
Berkshire Hathaway Energy's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive regulation. The discussion below contains material developments to those matters disclosed in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and new regulatory matters occurring in 2014.
PacifiCorp
Utah
In January 2014, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the UPSC requesting an annual increase of $76 million, or an average price increase of 4%. In April 2014, PacifiCorp filed a net power cost update reducing the requested increase to $71 million. The requested increase includes recovery of PacifiCorp's investment in Lake Side 2, which is expected to be placed into service in mid-2014, and the Mona-Oquirrh transmission line investment found to be prudent in the prior general rate case. If approved by the UPSC, the new rates will be effective September 2014.
In March 2014, PacifiCorp filed its annual Energy Balancing Account with the UPSC requesting $28 million, or an increase of 2%, for recovery of deferred net power costs for the period January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. If approved by the UPSC, the new rates will be effective November 2014.
In March 2014, PacifiCorp filed its annual renewable energy credit balancing account application with the UPSC requesting recovery of $17 million over a three-year period. If approved by the UPSC, the new rates will be effective June 2014 on an interim basis until a final order is issued by the UPSC.
Oregon
In April 2014, PacifiCorp made its initial filing for the annual Transition Adjustment Mechanism with the OPUC for an annual increase of $18 million, or an average price increase of 2%, based on forecasted net power costs for calendar year 2015. The filing will be subject to updates throughout the year. If approved by the OPUC, the new rates will be effective January 2015.
In April 2014, PacifiCorp filed for a separate tariff rider with the OPUC to recover the Oregon-allocated costs of PacifiCorp's investment in Lake Side 2. The separate tariff rider was agreed to in the 2013 Oregon general rate case stipulation with final costs subject to a prudence determination. The filing supports an overall rate increase of $22 million, or an average price increase of 2%. If approved by the OPUC, the new rates will be effective June 2014.
Wyoming
In March 2014, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the WPSC requesting an annual increase of $36 million, or an average price increase of 5%. The requested increase includes recovery of PacifiCorp's investments in Lake Side 2 and the Mona-Oquirrh transmission line. If approved by the WPSC, the new rates will be effective January 2015.
In March 2014, PacifiCorp filed its annual Energy Cost Adjustment Mechanism ("ECAM") and Renewable Energy Credit and Sulfur Dioxide Revenue Adjustment Mechanism ("RRA") applications with the WPSC. The ECAM filing requests recovery of $17 million of deferred net power costs for the period January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, and the RRA application requests a $4 million increase in the RRA surcharge. The two applications represent a combined total price increase of 3%. If approved by the WPSC, the ECAM and RRA rates will be effective May 2014 on an interim basis until a final order is issued by the WPSC.
Washington
In May 2014, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the WUTC requesting an annual increase of $27 million, or an average price increase of 8%. If approved by the WUTC, the new rates will be effective March 2015.
Idaho
In January 2014, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $13 million of deferred net power costs. In April 2014, the IPUC issued an order approving recovery of $12 million of deferred net power costs, of which $7 million will be collected over a 12-month period and the remainder collected over a 24-month period with new rates effective April 2014.
MidAmerican Energy
In March 2014, the IUB issued an order approving, with modifications, a non-unanimous settlement agreement among MidAmerican Energy, the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate and environmental parties. The IUB order allows MidAmerican Energy to increase its base rates over approximately three years and will result in equal annualized increases in revenues of $45 million, or 3.6% over 2012, effective August 2013 and again on January 1, 2015 and 2016, for a total annualized increase of $135 million when fully implemented. In addition to an increase in base rates, the order approves the implementation of two adjustment clauses. One clause relates to retail energy production costs such as fuel, fuel transportation and the impacts of the production tax credit. The second clause relates to certain electric transmission charges. The adjustment clauses provide for contemporaneous recovery of these costs from customers based on MidAmerican Energy's forecasted annual costs, with the variance between actual and forecasted costs to be recovered or credited in the following year. The order also equalizes rates among MidAmerican Energy's current three pricing zones over a ten-year period. Rate equalization adjustments are revenue-neutral for MidAmerican Energy. The parties to the settlement agreement also agree not to seek or support an increase or decrease in the final base rates to become effective prior to January 1, 2018, unless MidAmerican Energy projects its return on equity for 2015, 2016 or 2017 to be below 10%. The IUB order also approves a revenue sharing mechanism that shares with MidAmerican Energy's customers 80% of revenues related to equity returns above 11% and 100% of revenues related to equity returns above 14%. In April 2014, a number of the industrial intervenors sought rehearing on certain issues in the IUB order. The IUB has granted rehearing for the purpose of reconsideration and established a briefing schedule. Until the IUB rules on these matters, which is anticipated in the second quarter of 2014, interim rates remain in effect.
NV Energy
In May 2014, Nevada Power filed the Emissions Reduction Capacity Replacement Plan in compliance with Senate Bill No. 123 ("SB 123") enacted by the 2013 Nevada Legislature. The filing proposed, among other items, the retirement of Reid Gardner Generating Station units 1, 2 and 3 in 2014 and unit 4 in 2017; the elimination of Nevada Power's ownership interest in Navajo Generating Station in 2019; and a plan to replace the generation capacity being retired, as required by SB 123. The Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan includes the issuance of requests for proposals for 300 MW of renewable energy to be issued between 2014 and 2016; the acquisition of a 274-MW natural gas co-generating facility in 2014; the acquisition of a 222-MW natural gas peaking facility in 2014; the construction of a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility expected to be placed in-service in 2015; and the construction of a 200-MW solar photovoltaic facility expected to be placed in-service in 2016. In the second quarter of 2014, Nevada Power executed various contractual agreements to fulfill the proposed Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan, which are subject to PUCN approval. The impacts of the Emissions Reduction Capacity Replacement Plan to the Company's 2014 forecasted capital expenditures are included in the Future Uses of Cash previously discussed.
In May 2014, Nevada Power filed a general rate case with the PUCN requesting an annual increase of $21 million, or an average price increase of 1%. An order is expected by the end of 2014 and, if approved, the new rates would be effective January 1, 2015.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact the Company's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of the Company's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures. The discussion below contains material developments to those matters disclosed in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Clean Air Act Regulations
The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA that provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in State Implementation Plans ("SIPs"), which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to be followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA.
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
The Clean Air Mercury Rule ("CAMR"), issued by the EPA in March 2005, was the United States' first attempt to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fueled generating facilities through the use of a market-based cap-and-trade system. The CAMR, which mandated emissions reductions of approximately 70% by 2018, was overturned by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") in February 2008. In March 2011, the EPA proposed a new rule that would require coal-fueled generating facilities to reduce mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants through the establishment of "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" standards rather than a cap-and-trade system. The final rule, Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS"), was published in the Federal Register in February 2012, with an effective date of April 16, 2012, and requires that new and existing coal-fueled generating facilities achieve emission standards for mercury, acid gases and other non-mercury hazardous air pollutants. Existing sources are required to comply with the new standards by April 16, 2015. Individual sources may be granted up to one additional year, at the discretion of the Title V permitting authority, to complete installation of controls or for transmission system reliability reasons. The Company believes that its emissions reduction projects completed to date or currently permitted or planned for installation, including scrubbers, baghouses and electrostatic precipitators, are consistent with the EPA's MATS and will support the Company's ability to comply with the final rule's standards for acid gases and non-mercury metallic hazardous air pollutants. The Company will be required to take additional actions to reduce mercury emissions through the installation of controls or use of sorbent injection at certain of its coal-fueled generating facilities and otherwise comply with the final rule's standards, which may include retiring certain units.
PacifiCorp continues to plan for retirement of the Carbon coal-fueled generating facility ("Carbon Facility") in early 2015 as the least-cost alternative to comply with the MATS and other environmental regulations. Efforts are underway to effectuate the decommissioning activities and transmission system modifications necessary to maintain system reliability following disconnection. The Carbon Facility produced 1.2 million MWh of electricity, or 2.1% of PacifiCorp's owned generation production, during 2013.
MidAmerican Energy plans to retire four coal-fueled generating units between 2015 and 2016 as the most cost-effective MATS compliance option. These units are Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center Units 1 and 2, and George Neal Energy Center Units 1 and 2. These units produced 2.0 million MWh of electricity, or 7% of MidAmerican Energy's owned generation production, during 2013. A fifth unit, Riverside Generating Station, will be limited to natural gas combustion by March 31, 2015.
Incremental costs to install and maintain emissions control equipment at the Company's coal-fueled generating facilities and any requirement to shut down what have traditionally been low cost coal-fueled generating facilities will likely increase the cost of providing service to customers. In addition, numerous lawsuits were filed against the MATS in the D.C. Circuit. In April 2014, the D.C. Circuit upheld the MATS requirements.
Clean Air Interstate Rule, Clean Air Transport Rule and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
The EPA promulgated the CAIR in March 2005 to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, precursors of ozone and particulate matter, from down-wind sources. The CAIR required states in the eastern United States, including Iowa, to reduce emissions by implementing a plan based on a market-based cap-and-trade system, emissions reductions, or both. The CAIR created separate trading programs for nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions credits. The nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions reductions were planned to be accomplished in two phases, in 2009-2010 and 2015.
In July 2008, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit issued a unanimous decision vacating the CAIR. In December 2008, the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion remanding, without vacating, the CAIR back to the EPA to conduct proceedings to fix the flaws in CAIR consistent with the D.C. Circuit's July 2008 ruling. In response to the court's ruling on CAIR, in July 2010, the EPA proposed the Clean Air Transport Rule ("Transport Rule"), which required electric generating units in 31 states and the District of Columbia to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide on a state-by-state basis in accordance with each state's modeled contribution to nonattainment of the ozone and fine particulate standards in downwind states.
In July 2011, the EPA issued the final Transport Rule, renamed the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR"), to address interstate transport of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in 27 eastern and Midwestern states. Upon full implementation in 2014, the CSAPR would have reduced total sulfur dioxide emissions by 73% and nitrogen oxides emissions by 54% at electric generating facilities in the 27-state region as compared to 2005 levels.
In December 2011, the D.C. Circuit issued a stay on the implementation of the CSAPR pending consideration of several petitions for review before the court which were ultimately decided in August 2012, when the D.C. Circuit vacated the CSAPR in a 2-1 decision after it determined that the CSAPR exceeded the EPA's statutory authority. In a petition filed in October 2012, the EPA sought a full review of the CSAPR ruling by the entire D.C. Circuit. In January 2013, the D.C. Circuit denied the request. The case was appealed to the United States Supreme Court where oral arguments were heard in December 2013. The United States Supreme Court issued its decision April 29, 2014, upholding the 2011 CSAPR and reversing the D.C. Circuit's ruling, concluding that the EPA's allocation of emissions reductions in upwind states permissibly considered the cost-effectiveness of achieving downwind attainment and that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to impose federal implementation plans immediately after disapproving state implementation plans. The United States Supreme Court remanded the case to the D.C. Circuit for further action. The rule is currently stayed by the D.C. Circuit. It is anticipated the D.C. Circuit will make a determination on when and how the stay is lifted and what the future compliance dates should be.
MidAmerican Energy has installed or is in the process of installing emissions controls at some of its coal-fueled generating facilities to comply with the CAIR and may purchase nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions credits for emissions in excess of allocated allowances. The cost of these credits is subject to market conditions at the time of purchase and historically has not been material. The full impact of the United States Supreme Court's decision on CSAPR cannot be determined until further action by the D.C. Circuit and implementation of CSAPR or an alternative rule by the EPA. However, MidAmerican Energy believes that the controls installed to date are consistent with the reductions to be achieved from implementation of such a rule.
MidAmerican Energy operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Iowa and MidAmerican Renewables operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Texas, Illinois and New York, which are subject to the CSAPR. However, the provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company. None of PacifiCorp's, Nevada Power's or Sierra Pacific's generating facilities are subject to the CAIR or the CSAPR.
Regional Haze
The EPA has initiated a regional haze program intended to improve visibility in designated federally protected areas ("Class I areas"). Some of PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in Utah, Wyoming and Arizona and certain of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's fossil-fueled generating facilities are subject to the Clean Air Visibility Rules. In accordance with the federal requirements, states are required to submit SIPs that address emissions from sources subject to best available retrofit technology requirements and demonstrate progress towards achieving natural visibility requirements in Class I areas by 2064.
The state of Wyoming issued two regional haze SIPs requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on certain PacifiCorp coal-fueled generating facilities in Wyoming. The EPA approved the sulfur dioxide SIP in December 2012. Certain groups have appealed the EPA's approval of the sulfur dioxide SIP, and PacifiCorp has intervened in that appeal. Oral argument was held before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ("Tenth Circuit") in March 2014 and a decision in the matter is pending. In addition, the EPA initially proposed in June 2012 to disapprove portions of the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and instead issue a federal implementation plan ("FIP"). The EPA withdrew its initial proposed actions on the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and the proposed FIP, published a re-proposed rule in June 2013, and finalized its determination on January 10, 2014, which aligns more closely with the SIP proposed by the state of Wyoming. The EPA's final action on the Wyoming SIP approved the state's plan to install low-nitrogen oxides burners at Naughton Units 1 and 2, selective catalytic reduction at Naughton Unit 3 by December 2014, selective catalytic reduction at Jim Bridger Units 1 through 4 between 2015 and 2022, and low-nitrogen oxides burners at Dave Johnston Unit 4. The EPA disapproved the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for Dave Johnston Unit 3, where it required the installation of selective catalytic reduction by 2019 or, in lieu of installing selective catalytic reduction, a commitment to shut down Dave Johnston Unit 3 by 2027, its currently approved depreciable life. The EPA also disapproved the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for the Wyodak coal-fueled generating facility ("Wyodak Facility"), requiring the installation of selective catalytic reduction within five years (i.e., by 2019). The EPA action became final on March 3, 2014. The state of Wyoming petitioned the EPA for reconsideration of its FIP and also appealed the EPA's FIP in the Tenth Circuit. PacifiCorp filed a petition for reconsideration of the FIP relating to the installation of selective catalytic reduction controls at the Wyodak Facility in addition to filing an appeal of the FIP relating to the selective catalytic reduction controls at the Wyodak Facility in the Tenth Circuit. Environmental groups have, likewise, filed an appeal of the EPA's decision before the Tenth Circuit. With respect to Naughton Unit 3, the EPA indicated it supported the conversion of the unit to natural gas and would expedite action relative to consideration of the gas conversion once the state of Wyoming submitted the requisite SIP amendment; nonetheless, the Naughton Unit 3 gas conversion remains subject to final approval by the EPA.
Until the EPA takes final action in each state and decisions have been made on each appeal, the Company cannot fully determine the impacts of the Regional Haze regulation on its generating facilities.
Water Quality Standards
The federal Water Pollution Control Act ("Clean Water Act") establishes the framework for maintaining and improving water quality in the United States through a program that regulates, among other things, discharges to and withdrawals from waterways. The Clean Water Act requires that cooling water intake structures reflect the "best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact" to aquatic organisms. In July 2004, the EPA established significant new technology-based performance standards for existing electricity generating facilities that take in more than 50 million gallons of water per day. These rules were aimed at minimizing the adverse environmental impacts of cooling water intake structures by reducing the number of aquatic organisms lost as a result of water withdrawals. In response to a legal challenge to the rule, in January 2007, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ("Second Circuit") remanded almost all aspects of the rule to the EPA, without addressing whether companies with cooling water intake structures were required to comply with these requirements. On appeal from the Second Circuit, in April 2009, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the EPA permissibly relied on a cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards regarding "best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact" at cooling water intake structures and in providing for cost-benefit variances from those standards as part of the §316(b) Clean Water Act Phase II regulations. The United States Supreme Court remanded the case back to the Second Circuit to conduct further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
In March 2011, the EPA released a proposed rule under §316(b) of the Clean Water Act to regulate cooling water intakes at existing facilities. The proposed rule establishes requirements for all power generating facilities that withdraw more than two million gallons per day, based on total design intake capacity, of water from waters of the United States and use at least 25% of the withdrawn water exclusively for cooling purposes. PacifiCorp's Dave Johnston generating facility and all of MidAmerican Energy's coal-fueled generating facilities, except Louisa, Ottumwa and Walter Scott, Jr. Unit 4, which have water cooling towers, withdraw more than two million gallons per day of water from waters of the United States for once-through cooling applications. PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger, Naughton, Gadsby, Hunter, Carbon and Huntington generating facilities currently utilize closed cycle cooling towers but withdraw more than two million gallons of water per day. The proposed rule includes impingement (i.e., when fish and other organisms are trapped against screens when water is drawn into a facility's cooling system) mortality standards to be met through average impingement mortality or intake velocity design criteria and entrainment (i.e., when organisms are drawn into the facility) standards to be determined on a case-by-case basis. The standards are required to be met as soon as possible after the effective date of the final rule, but no later than eight years thereafter. While the rule was required to be finalized by the EPA by July 2012, the deadline for finalizing the rule was extended to June 2013 and then again to January 2014. While the EPA expected the final rule to be published in April 2014, the final rule is now scheduled to be released May 16, 2014. Until the final rule is released, it cannot be determined when PacifiCorp's and MidAmerican Energy's generating facilities impacted by the final rule will be required to complete impingement and entrainment studies to assess compliance options. The costs of compliance with the cooling water intake structure rule cannot be determined until the rule is final and the prescribed studies are conducted. In the event that PacifiCorp's or MidAmerican Energy's existing intake structures require modification, the costs are not anticipated to be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific do not utilize once-through cooling water intake or discharge structures at any of their generating facilities. All of the Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific generating stations are designed to have either minimal or zero discharge; therefore, they are not expected to be impacted by the §316(b) final rule.
In June 2013, the EPA published proposed effluent limitation guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating sector. These guidelines, which had not been revised since 1982, were revised in response to the EPA's concerns that the addition of controls for air emissions have changed the effluent discharged from coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. While the EPA expected the final rule to be published in May 2014, the final rule is now scheduled for release by September 30, 2015. It is likely that the new guidelines will impose more stringent limits on wastewater discharges from coal-fueled generating facilities and ash and scrubber ponds. However, until the revised guidelines are finalized, the Company cannot predict the impact on its generating facilities.
Collateral and Contingent Features
Debt of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and debt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.
In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of March 31, 2014, the applicable credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of March 31, 2014, the Company would have been required to post $513 million of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the Company's collateral requirements specific to the Company's derivative contracts.
In accordance with Berkshire Hathaway Energy's equity commitment agreement related to the Topaz and Solar Star Projects, if Berkshire Hathaway Energy does not maintain at least an investment grade credit rating from at least two of the three credit ratings agencies, Berkshire Hathaway Energy's obligations under the equity commitment agreement would be supported by cash collateral or a letter of credit issued by a financial institution that meets certain minimum criteria specified in the financing documents. Upon reaching the final commercial operation date of the Topaz and Solar Star Projects, Berkshire Hathaway Energy will have no further obligation to make any equity contribution and any unused equity contribution obligations will be canceled. As of March 31, 2014, the remaining equity commitment for the Topaz Project was $911 million and for the Solar Star Projects was $1.65 billion. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the Company's collateral requirements specific to the Company's equity commitments.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, derivatives, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement benefits, income taxes and revenue recognition - unbilled revenue. For additional discussion of the Company's critical accounting estimates, see Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in the Company's assumptions regarding critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2013.
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting the Company, see Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company's exposure to market risk and its management of such risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2013, except as discussed below. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for disclosure of the Company's derivative positions as of March 31, 2014.
On May 1, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway Energy entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby Berkshire Hathaway Energy, through a subsidiary, will acquire 100% of AltaLink, L.P. ("AltaLink"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), for an estimated cash purchase price of C$3.2 billion (approximately US$2.9 billion). A 10% weakening of the United States dollar against the Canadian dollar would result in an increase in the United States dollars required at closing of approximately US$300 million. Refer to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional discussion.
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Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
None.
There has been no material change to the Company's risk factors from those disclosed in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
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Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
Not applicable.
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Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
Not applicable.
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Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Information regarding the Company's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.
Not applicable.
The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Quarterly Report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY |
| (Registrant) |
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Date: May 2, 2014 | /s/ Patrick J. Goodman |
| Patrick J. Goodman |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| (principal financial and accounting officer) |
EXHIBIT INDEX
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2.1 | Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2014, by and among Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. |
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3.1 | Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company effective April 30, 2014. |
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4.1 | Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2014, by and between PacifiCorp and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., to PacifiCorp's Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 9, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the PacifiCorp Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2014). |
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4.2 | Amendment No. 1 to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 3, 2014, by and between MidAmerican Energy Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., to MidAmerican Energy Company's Indenture dated as of September 9, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the MidAmerican Energy Company Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2014). |
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4.3 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 3, 2014, by and between MidAmerican Energy Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., to MidAmerican Energy Company's Indenture dated as of September 9, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the MidAmerican Energy Company Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2014). |
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15 | Awareness Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
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31.1 | Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2 | Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 | Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2 | Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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95 | Mine Safety Disclosures Required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. |
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101 | The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, is formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and included herein: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail. |