Refer to “Alliant Energy’s Results of Operations,” “IPL’s Results of Operations” and “WPL’s Results of Operations” for additional details regarding the various factors impacting the respective earnings during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007.
A summary of Alliant Energy’s strategic overview is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
Sutherland #4 - The site of the new 630 MW coal-fired electric generating facility, which also includes an additional 19 MW equivalent of steam cogeneration for use by nearby industries, is adjacent to the existing Sutherland Generating Station (Sutherland) in Marshalltown, Iowa. In April 2008, the IUB issued its oral decision approving, with certain conditions, IPL’s siting certificate application for the facility. These certain conditions would require IPL to: 1) periodically review the viability of carbon capture and sequestration technology for the proposed facility with the IUB; 2) utilize switch grass, corn stalks or other similar agriculturally-based products for 5% and 10% of the facility’s fuel source within two and five years, respectively, of the proposed facility becoming operational; 3) derive 10% of IPL's electric generation in Iowa from renewables by 2013; and 4) increase that amount of renewables to 25% by 2028. The IUB’s decision to grant certification for construction is also contingent upon IPL receiving all necessary regulatory approvals and permits related to the proposed facility, including approval of advanced rate making principles and an air permit. In March 2008, IPL filed for advanced rate making principles with the IUB for its share of the cost of the facility and expects to receive a decision from the IUB in the second half of 2008. IPL requested a return on common equity of 12.55% in its filing with the IUB. IPL also expects to receive a decision from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on its air permit for the proposed facility in the second half of 2008.
In November 2007, IPL, Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and Corn Belt Power Cooperative (Corn Belt) signed a joint operating agreement for joint ownership in the proposed facility. IPL expects to utilize up to 350 MW of output, while CIPCO and Corn Belt will each utilize 100 MW of output. In January 2008, seven participating members of the North Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association entered into agreements for joint ownership in the proposed facility and expect to utilize 16.5 MW of output in aggregate. Additionally, IPL expects to obtain additional partners or enter into PPAs for the remaining 82.5 MW of output. The cost estimate for Sutherland #4 of $950 million to $1,050 million noted in the table above reflects IPL’s utilization of 350 MW of output. IPL has selected Black and Veatch Construction, Inc. to provide engineering and procurement services and Kiewit Power Constructors Company to provide construction services for the proposed expansion. IPL plans to utilize super critical pulverized coal technology and a hybrid coal and biomass fuel capability for the proposed facility.
In February 2008, IPL proposed to permanently reduce its generating fleet’s GHG emissions by retiring certain coal-fired generating units (Lansing Units 2 and 3) and switching the fuel source of certain other coal-fired units to natural gas (all Dubuque Units). IPL filed these proposed changes with the IUB as part of its application for advanced rate making principles for Sutherland #4. These proposed changes to IPL’s generating fleet will be effective when Sutherland #4 becomes available in 2013 and are contingent upon IPL receiving regulatory approval of its advanced rate making principles application for Sutherland #4.
Cedar Ridge - In May 2007, WPL received approval from the PSCW to construct the project, however, WPL did not accept the PSCW’s Act 7 decision, which included a return on common equity of 10.50% compared to WPL’s requested return on common equity of 12.90%. Instead, WPL will proceed with applying traditional rate making procedures for the recovery of and return on its capital costs for this wind farm.
Neenah Energy Facility (NEF) - In April 2008, WPL received approval from the PSCW to purchase Resources’ 300 MW, simple cycle, natural gas-fired electric generating facility in Neenah, Wisconsin. WPL intends to replace the output currently obtained under the RockGen PPA with output from NEF. WPL currently plans to acquire NEF effective June 1, 2009, which coincides with the expected termination of WPL’s RockGen PPA scheduled for May 31, 2009. WPL expects to file for approval from FERC for the NEF purchase in the second quarter of 2008.
Bent Tree - In April 2008, WPL entered into a letter of intent to purchase a 400 MW wind farm site in Freeborn County, Minnesota. WPL plans to file for approval from the PSCW and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in the second quarter of 2008 to construct 200 MW of this capacity. WPL expects to use traditional rate making procedures for the recovery of and return on its capital costs for the 200 MW of capacity. The expected commercial operation date is subject to the timing of pending regulatory approvals and availability of wind turbines. Future development of the balance of the wind farm will depend on numerous factors such as renewable portfolio standards and availability of wind turbines.
Nelson Dewey #3 - The preferred site of the new facility is adjacent to the existing Nelson Dewey Generating Station (Nelson Dewey) in Cassville, Wisconsin. In February 2007, WPL filed for approval from the PSCW to proceed with construction of the new facility and to specify in advance rate making principles. In its initial regulatory application, WPL requested a return on common equity of 12.95% along with a capital structure that includes a 50% common equity ratio. In April 2008, WPL updated its regulatory application to request a return on common equity of 12.50%. In December 2007, the PSCW determined WPL’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application was complete, thereby initiating the construction permitting process. By law, the PSCW has up to 360 days (180 days plus an optional 180 day extension) from the date the application was determined complete to make a final ruling on the proposed expansion. WPL has selected Washington Group International to provide engineering, procurement, and construction services for the proposed expansion. The current cost estimate includes expenditures for facilities that will be shared with the existing units at Cassville, Wisconsin. WPL plans to utilize circulating fluidized bed technology and a hybrid coal and biomass fuel capability for the new facility.
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Riverside Energy Center - WPL has a PPA with a subsidiary of Calpine related to Riverside that extends through May 31, 2013 and provides WPL the option to purchase Riverside at the end of the PPA term. For planning purposes, WPL is currently assuming it will exercise its option to purchase Riverside, a 600 MW natural-gas fired electric generating facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, to replace the output currently obtained under the PPA.
RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
A summary of Alliant Energy’s rates and regulatory matters is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
Utility Rate Cases - Details of Alliant Energy’s rate cases impacting its historical and future results of operations are as follows (dollars in millions; Electric (E); Gas (G); Not Applicable (N/A); To Be Determined (TBD); Fuel-related only (F-R)):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Return |
| | | | | | | | Interim | | Interim | | Final | | Final | | on |
| | Utility | | Filing | | Increase | | Increase | | Effective | | Increase | | Effective | | Common |
Rate Case | | Type | | Date | | Requested | | Granted (a) | | Date | | Granted (a) | | Date | | Equity |
WPL: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2008 Retail (F-R) | | E | | 3/08 | | $16 | | $16 | | 4/08 | | TBD | | TBD | | N/A |
2009/2010 Retail | | E/G | | 2/08 | | 92 | | N/A | | N/A | | TBD | | TBD | | TBD |
2008 Retail | | E | | 4/07 | | 26 | | N/A | | N/A | | $26 | | 1/08 | | 10.80% |
2007 Wholesale | | E | | 9/06 | | (b) | | (b) | | (b) | | TBD | | TBD | | TBD |
2007 Retail | | E/G | | 3/06 | | 96 | | N/A | | N/A | | 34 | | 1/07 | | 10.80% |
(a) | Interim rate relief is implemented, subject to refund, pending determination of final rates. The final rate relief granted replaces the amount of interim rate relief granted. |
(b) | Refer to “WPL’s 2007 Wholesale Rate Case” below for additional information. |
WPL’s 2008 Fuel-related Retail Rate Case - In March 2008, WPL filed a request with the PSCW to increase annual retail electric rates by $16 million to recover increased electric fuel and purchased energy costs (fuel-related costs). Actual fuel-related costs through February 2008, combined with projections of continued higher fuel-related costs for the remainder of 2008, significantly exceeded the amounts currently recovered in retail electric rates. In April 2008, WPL received an order from the PSCW authorizing an interim increase, subject to refund, effective in April 2008. WPL anticipates receiving a final written order from the PSCW regarding its request in the third quarter of 2008.
WPL’s 2007 Wholesale Rate Case - WPL and its wholesale customers reached a settlement of the issues identified in WPL’s filing with FERC requesting approval to implement a formula rate structure. Final written agreements with WPL’s wholesale customers were filed with FERC in February 2008 and, if approved, will result in an over-collection of wholesale electric revenues beginning June 1, 2007. WPL will refund the over-collection, with interest, upon approval in accordance with FERC requirements. As of March 31, 2008, WPL has fully accrued anticipated refunds of $7 million related to revenues collected during June 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.
WPL’s 2007 Retail Rate Case - In August 2007, WPL received approval from the PSCW to refund to its retail electric customers any over-recovery of retail fuel-related costs during the period June 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007. WPL estimates the over-recovery of retail fuel-related costs during this period to be $20 million, including interest. WPL refunded to its retail electric customers $4 million in 2007 and $3 million during the first two months of 2008. In March 2008, WPL filed a request for approval with the PSCW to refund to its retail electric customers the remaining $13 million, including interest. WPL expects to receive the PSCW’s decision in the second quarter of 2008. At March 31, 2008, WPL reserved for the remaining amounts anticipated to be paid to retail electric customers related to these refunds.
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Utility Fuel Cost Recovery -
Potential Changes to WPL’s Electric Fuel-related Cost Recovery Mechanism - In March 2008, PSCW Commissioners voted to formally begin the process of promulgating new retail electric fuel-related cost recovery rules in Wisconsin after making certain revisions to the proposed rules drafted by PSCW staff in 2007. Formal action by the PSCW following a public hearing and comment period, as well as subsequent legislative committee review, are required before any changes to the current rules could become effective. WPL is currently unable to predict the final outcome of this initiative.
Other Recent Regulatory Developments -
IPL’s Electric Transmission Assets Sale - In December 2007, the Office of the Attorney General - Small Business and Residential Utilities Division (OAG) filed a request with the MPUC for a Stay and Motion for Reconsideration of the MPUC’s decision approving, with certain conditions, IPL’s request to sell its electric transmission assets. In April 2008, the MPUC issued its decision denying the OAG’s petition for reconsideration.
Neenah Energy Facility - In April 2008, WPL received approval from the PSCW to purchase Resources’ 300 MW, simple cycle, natural gas-fired electric generating facility in Neenah, Wisconsin. Refer to “Strategic Overview - Utility Generation Plan” for additional information.
ALLIANT ENERGY’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview - First Quarter Results - Refer to “Executive Summary” for an overview of Alliant Energy’s first quarter 2008 and 2007 earnings and the various components of Alliant Energy’s business.
Utility Electric Margins - Electric margins and megawatt-hour (MWh) sales for Alliant Energy for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | MWhs Sold (MWhs in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $212.1 | | $209.8 | | 1% | | 2,142 | | 2,058 | | 4% |
Commercial | 119.2 | | 123.0 | | (3%) | | 1,511 | | 1,498 | | 1% |
Industrial | 159.6 | | 163.2 | | (2%) | | 3,059 | | 3,007 | | 2% |
Retail subtotal | 490.9 | | 496.0 | | (1%) | | 6,712 | | 6,563 | | 2% |
Sales for resale: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wholesale | 51.8 | | 37.4 | | 39% | | 942 | | 808 | | 17% |
Bulk power and other | 15.4 | | 8.7 | | 77% | | 265 | | 581 | | (54%) |
Other | 9.6 | | 11.4 | | (16%) | | 44 | | 45 | | (2%) |
Total revenues/sales | 567.7 | | 553.5 | | 3% | | 7,963 | | 7,997 | | -- |
Electric production fuel and | | | | | | | | | | | |
purchased power expense | 301.5 | | 280.3 | | 8% | | | | | | |
Margins | $266.2 | | $273.2 | | (3%) | | | | | | |
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Electric margins decreased $7 million, or 3%, primarily due to higher electric production fuel and purchased power expenses at WPL, the impacts of the sale of IPL’s and WPL’s electric distribution properties in Illinois in February 2007 and $2 million of lower wheeling revenues at IPL largely due to the sale of its electric transmission assets in December 2007. These decreases were partially offset by the net impacts of weather conditions and Alliant Energy’s weather hedging activities, an increase in weather-normalized retail sales volumes, $4 million of purchased power capacity costs at WPL in the first quarter of 2007 related to a contract that ended in December 2007 and the loss of retail sales during the outages caused by the winter storms in IPL’s service territory in the first quarter of 2007. The increase in weather-normalized retail sales volumes was largely due to an extra day of sales in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 due to 2008 being a leap year, a 1% increase in the number of retail customers and increased electric demand from IPL’s large grain processing industrial customers.
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Fuel and Purchased Power Energy (Fuel-related) Cost Recoveries - Alliant Energy’s fuel-related costs increased $21 million, or 8%, primarily due to increased commodity prices. Due to IPL’s rate recovery mechanisms for fuel-related costs, changes in fuel-related costs resulted in comparable changes in electric revenues and, therefore, did not have a significant impact on IPL’s electric margins. WPL’s rate recovery mechanism for wholesale fuel-related costs provides for subsequent adjustments to its wholesale electric rates for changes in commodity costs, thereby mitigating impacts of changes to commodity costs on its electric margins.
WPL’s retail fuel-related costs incurred in the first quarter of 2008 were higher than the forecasted fuel-related costs used to set retail rates during such period. WPL estimates the higher than forecasted retail fuel-related costs decreased electric margins by approximately $5 million in the first quarter of 2008. WPL’s fuel-related costs incurred in the first quarter of 2007 were lower than the forecasted fuel-related costs used to set retail rates during such period. WPL estimates the lower than forecasted retail fuel-related costs increased electric margins by approximately $7 million in the first quarter of 2007. Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters” for information regarding WPL’s retail electric fuel-related rate increase request filed with the PSCW in March 2008 and potential changes to WPL’s retail electric fuel-related cost recovery mechanism.
Impacts of Weather Conditions (excluding the impacts of winter storms in IPL’s service territory) - Estimated increases (decreases) to Alliant Energy’s electric margins from the net impacts of weather and Alliant Energy’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $6 | | $1 |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (3) | | (2) |
Net weather impact | $3 | | ($1) |
(a) Recorded in “Other” revenues in the above table.
Wholesale Sales - Wholesale and retail sales volumes were impacted by IPL’s and WPL’s sales of their respective electric distribution properties in Illinois in February 2007. Prior to these asset sales, electric revenues and MWhs sold to retail customers in Illinois were included in residential, commercial and industrial sales in the above table. Upon completion of these asset sales, IPL and WPL entered into separate wholesale agreements to continue to provide electric services to their former retail customers in Illinois. Electric revenues and MWhs sold under these wholesale agreements are included in wholesale sales in the above table. The lower pricing for wholesale customers as compared to retail customers resulted in a decrease to electric margins following the sale of the electric distribution properties in Illinois.
Bulk Power and Other Sales - Bulk power and other revenue changes for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 were largely due to changes in revenues from sales in the restructured wholesale energy market operated by MISO. These changes in revenues were largely offset by changes in electric production fuel and purchased power expense and therefore did not have a significant impact on electric margins.
Utility Gas Margins - Gas margins and dekatherm (Dth) sales for Alliant Energy for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | Dths Sold (Dths in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $179.8 | | $170.6 | | 5% | | 15,096 | | 14,144 | | 7% |
Commercial | 104.3 | | 93.2 | | 12% | | 9,970 | | 8,836 | | 13% |
Industrial | 14.1 | | 15.6 | | (10%) | | 1,514 | | 1,727 | | (12%) |
Retail subtotal | 298.2 | | 279.4 | | 7% | | 26,580 | | 24,707 | | 8% |
Interdepartmental | 1.9 | | 3.9 | | (51%) | | 269 | | 503 | | (47%) |
Transportation/other | 8.4 | | 5.0 | | 68% | | 18,911 | | 16,460 | | 15% |
Total revenues/sales | 308.5 | | 288.3 | | 7% | | 45,760 | | 41,670 | | 10% |
Cost of gas sold | 232.1 | | 211.9 | | 10% | | | | | | |
Margins | $76.4 | | $76.4 | | -- | | | | | | |
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First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Gas margins were unchanged as the increase from the net impacts of weather conditions and Alliant Energy’s weather hedging activities was offset by $3 million of gains from WPL’s performance-based gas commodity cost recovery program (benefits were allocated between ratepayers and WPL) in the first quarter of 2007 and a decrease in weather-normalized retail sales largely due to the negative impacts high natural gas prices and the slowing economy in the first quarter of 2008 had on customer usage during such period.
Natural Gas Cost Recoveries - Alliant Energy’s cost of gas sold increased $20 million, or 10%, primarily due to an increase in natural gas prices and an increase in Dths sold. Due to Alliant Energy’s rate recovery mechanisms for natural gas costs, these changes in cost of gas sold resulted in comparable changes in gas revenues and, therefore, did not have a significant impact on gas margins.
Impacts of Weather Conditions - Estimated increases (decreases) to Alliant Energy’s gas margins from the net impacts of weather and Alliant Energy’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $8 | | $1 |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (3) | | (2) |
Net weather impact | $5 | | ($1) |
(a) Recorded in “Transportation/other” revenues in the above table.
HDD in Alliant Energy’s service territories for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Actual | | |
HDD (a): | 2008 | | 2007 | | Normal |
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (IPL) | 3,926 | | 3,453 | | 3,319 |
Madison, Wisconsin (WPL) | 3,940 | | 3,509 | | 3,469 |
(a) HDD are calculated using a 65 degree base. Normal degree days are calculated using a rolling 20-year average.
Alliant Energy utilizes weather derivatives based on HDD to reduce the potential volatility on its margins during the winter months of November through March.
Performance-based Gas Commodity Recovery Program - Effective Nov. 1, 2007, WPL’s gas performance incentive sharing mechanism was terminated and replaced with a modified one-for-one pass through of gas costs. WPL’s performance-based gas commodity recovery program resulted in gains which increased gas margins by $3 million in the first quarter of 2007.
Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters” for discussion of various electric and gas rate filings.
Non-regulated Revenues - Alliant Energy’s non-regulated revenues for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
RMT and WindConnect® | $82.5 | | $38.7 |
Transportation | 9.0 | | 7.6 |
Non-regulated Generation | 6.1 | | 6.5 |
Other | 0.3 | | 0.1 |
| $97.9 | | $52.9 |
The increased RMT and WindConnect® revenues were primarily due to revenues earned on several large construction management projects related to wind farms for WindConnect® during the first quarter of 2008. These increased revenues were largely offset by costs from the large construction management projects included in non-regulated operation and maintenance expenses.
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Utility Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses - First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Alliant Energy’s other operation and maintenance expenses for the utilities were overall unchanged due to the net effect of the following reasons (amounts represent variances between first quarter 2008 and first quarter 2007 in millions):
| | | | | Alliant |
| IPL | | WPL | | Energy |
Higher transmission-related expenses at IPL | $17 | | $-- | | $17 |
Higher steam generation expenses at IPL | 2 | | -- | | 2 |
Incremental expenses at IPL related to winter storms in 2007 | (7) | | -- | | (7) |
Lower pension and other postretirement benefits expenses | (2) | | (2) | | (4) |
Regulatory-related charge at WPL in 2007 | -- | | (4) | | (4) |
Lower long-term incentive-related compensation expenses | (2) | | (1) | | (3) |
Lower sale of accounts receivable expenses at IPL | (2) | | -- | | (2) |
Other | -- | | 1 | | 1 |
| $6 | | ($6) | | $-- |
Transmission-related expenses at IPL increased primarily due to $19 million of charges in the first quarter of 2008 for transmission services provided by ITC Midwest LLC (ITC) following the sale of IPL’s electric transmission assets to ITC in December 2007. These transmission-related charges from ITC were partially offset by transmission-related operating expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2007 included in operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses and taxes other than income taxes, as well as the positive impacts on earnings from the application of the sale proceeds. Steam generation expenses increased at IPL primarily due to higher fuel-related costs. Pension and other postretirement benefits expenses decreased primarily due to a reduction in the amortization of actuarial losses and the impact of higher funding levels of the qualified pension plans. The lower long-term incentive-related compensation expenses were primarily due to lower performance levels of Alliant Energy’s common stock price in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to first quarter of 2007 relative to total shareowner return metrics established within the incentive plans. The lower sale of accounts receivable expenses were largely due to IPL’s use of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its electric transmission assets to reduce its level of accounts receivable sales.
Non-regulated Operation and Maintenance Expenses - Alliant Energy’s non-regulated operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
RMT and WindConnect® | $75.7 | | $35.1 |
Transportation | 4.4 | | 3.9 |
Non-regulated Generation | 1.0 | | 2.2 |
Other (includes eliminations) | (0.3) | | 0.1 |
| $80.8 | | $41.3 |
The RMT and WindConnect® expenses increase was largely driven by project costs associated with the execution of large construction management projects and $2 million of higher incentive-related compensation expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses - Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $4 million, primarily due to $4 million of depreciation expense in the first quarter of 2007 related to IPL’s electric transmission assets that were sold in December 2007 and lower amortization expenses from enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that became fully amortized in the third quarter of 2007. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of utility property additions.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes - Taxes other than income taxes decreased $2 million, primarily related to IPL’s electric transmission assets that were sold in December 2007.
Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters” for discussion of the interplay between utility operating expenses and utility margins given their impact on Alliant Energy’s utility rate activities. Refer to “Other Matters - Other Future Considerations - IPL’s Electric Transmission Assets Sale” for discussion of the estimated impact on future operations of IPL’s sale of its electric transmission assets.
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Interest Expense - Alliant Energy’s interest expense was unchanged as a result of the following reasons (amounts represent variances between first quarter 2008 and first quarter 2007 in millions):
| | | | | Alliant |
| IPL | | WPL | | Energy |
Interest expense variances from certain reductions in long-term debt: | | | | | |
WPL’s 7% debentures in 2007 | $-- | | ($2) | | ($2) |
IPL’s 6.875% collateral trust bonds in 2007 | (1) | | -- | | (1) |
IPL’s 6% collateral trust bonds in 2007 | (1) | | -- | | (1) |
Resources’ credit facility related to Neenah in 2007 | -- | | -- | | (1) |
Interest expense variances from certain issuances of long-term debt: | | | | | |
WPL’s 6.375% debentures in 2007 | -- | | 5 | | 5 |
| ($2) | | $3 | | $-- |
Equity Income from Unconsolidated Investments - Refer to Note 9 of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for details of Alliant Energy’s equity income from unconsolidated investments.
AFUDC - AFUDC increased $2 million primarily due to the construction of WPL’s Cedar Ridge wind farm.
Interest Income and Other - Interest income and other decreased $1 million primarily due to a $4 million pre-tax gain realized from the sale of an investment in the first quarter of 2007. This decrease was substantially offset by increased interest income from higher balances of cash and cash equivalents in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007. The higher balances of cash and cash equivalents are largely due to the proceeds received from the sale of IPL’s electric transmission assets in December 2007. Refer to Notes 1(d) and 1(e) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding Alliant Energy’s cash and cash equivalents and interest income and other, respectively.
Income Taxes - The effective income tax rate for Alliant Energy’s continuing operations was 35.7% for both the first quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2007. The effective rate was unchanged as increases due to higher state income taxes and a reserve recorded in the first quarter of 2008 related to a tax regulatory asset were offset by decreases due to the impact of property-related temporary differences for which deferred tax expense is not recorded pursuant to Iowa rate making principles.
Loss from Discontinued Operations - Refer to Note 14 of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of Alliant Energy’s discontinued operations.
IPL’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview - First Quarter Results - Earnings available for common stock increased $2 million primarily due to lower interest expense and higher electric and gas margins.
Electric Margins - Electric margins and MWh sales for IPL for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | MWhs Sold (MWhs in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $107.6 | | $107.4 | | -- | | 1,186 | | 1,114 | | 6% |
Commercial | 65.9 | | 70.1 | | (6%) | | 937 | | 922 | | 2% |
Industrial | 82.3 | | 86.4 | | (5%) | | 1,902 | | 1,833 | | 4% |
Retail subtotal | 255.8 | | 263.9 | | (3%) | | 4,025 | | 3,869 | | 4% |
Sales for resale: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wholesale | 5.7 | | 3.4 | | 68% | | 114 | | 67 | | 70% |
Bulk power and other | 10.2 | | 3.8 | | 168% | | 184 | | 282 | | (35%) |
Other | 5.4 | | 7.2 | | (25%) | | 24 | | 24 | | -- |
Total revenues/sales | 277.1 | | 278.3 | | -- | | 4,347 | | 4,242 | | 2% |
Electric production fuel and | | | | | | | | | | | |
purchased power expense | 121.0 | | 122.7 | | (1%) | | | | | | |
Margins | $156.1 | | $155.6 | | -- | | | | | | |
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First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Electric margins increased $1 million primarily due to the net impacts of weather conditions and IPL’s weather hedging activities, an increase in weather-normalized retail sales volumes and the loss of retail sales during the outages caused by the winter storms in the first quarter of 2007. These increases were substantially offset by the impacts of IPL’s sale of its electric distribution properties in Illinois in February 2007 and $2 million of lower wheeling revenues resulting from the sale of IPL’s electric transmission assets in December 2007. The increase in weather-normalized retail sales volumes was largely due to increased electric demand from IPL’s large grain processing industrial customers and the extra day of sales in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 due to 2008 being a leap year.
Impacts of Weather Conditions (excluding the impacts of winter storms in IPL’s service territory) - Estimated increases (decreases) to IPL’s electric margins from the net impacts of weather and IPL’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $4 | | $1 |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (2) | | (2) |
Net weather impact | $2 | | ($1) |
(a) Recorded in “Other” revenues in the above table.
Refer to “Alliant Energy’s Results of Operations - Utility Electric Margins” for details on recoveries of electric fuel and purchased power energy costs, IPL’s sale of its Illinois electric distribution properties in February 2007 and MISO-related transactions.
Gas Margins - Gas margins and Dth sales for IPL for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | Dths Sold (Dths in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $104.8 | | $99.2 | | 6% | | 8,892 | | 8,379 | | 6% |
Commercial | 61.1 | | 53.2 | | 15% | | 5,737 | | 4,995 | | 15% |
Industrial | 10.0 | | 10.5 | | (5%) | | 1,078 | | 1,199 | | (10%) |
Retail subtotal | 175.9 | | 162.9 | | 8% | | 15,707 | | 14,573 | | 8% |
Interdepartmental | 0.3 | | 0.6 | | (50%) | | 24 | | 68 | | (65%) |
Transportation/other | 3.9 | | 3.0 | | 30% | | 10,419 | | 9,053 | | 15% |
Total revenues/sales | 180.1 | | 166.5 | | 8% | | 26,150 | | 23,694 | | 10% |
Cost of gas sold | 139.9 | | 127.7 | | 10% | | | | | | |
Margins | $40.2 | | $38.8 | | 4% | | | | | | |
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Gas margins increased $1 million, or 4%, primarily due to the net impacts of weather conditions and IPL’s weather hedging activities. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in weather-normalized retail sales largely due to the negative impacts high natural gas prices and the slowing economy in the first quarter of 2008 had on customer usage during such period.
Impacts of Weather Conditions - Estimated increases to IPL’s gas margins from the net impacts of weather and IPL’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $5 | | $1 |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (2) | | (1) |
Net weather impact | $3 | | $-- |
(a) Recorded in “Transportation/other” revenues in the above table.
Refer to “Alliant Energy’s Results of Operations - Utility Gas Margins” for details of IPL’s HDD data and discussion of the impacts on IPL’s gas margins of recoveries of natural gas costs.
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Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses - Other operation and maintenance expenses increased $6 million primarily due to $17 million of higher transmission-related expenses largely due to the sale of IPL’s electric transmission assets in December 2007 and $2 million of higher steam generation expenses caused by increased fuel-related costs. These increases were partially offset by $7 million of incremental expenses associated with the winter storms in the first quarter of 2007, $2 million of lower long-term incentive-related compensation expenses, $2 million of lower pension and other postretirement benefits expenses and $2 million of lower sales of accounts receivable expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense - Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4 million primarily due to $4 million of depreciation expense in the first quarter of 2007 related to IPL’s electric transmission assets that were sold in December 2007 and lower amortization expenses from ERP software that became fully amortized in the third quarter of 2007. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of property additions.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes - Taxes other than income taxes decreased $2 million, primarily related to IPL’s electric transmission assets that were sold in December 2007.
Refer to “Other Matters - Other Future Considerations - IPL’s Electric Transmission Assets Sale” for discussion of the estimated impact on future operations of IPL’s sale of its electric transmission assets.
Interest Expense - Interest expense decreased $2 million primarily due to long-term debt retirements in the first half of 2007.
Income Taxes - The effective income tax rates were 35.4% and 36.3% for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decreased effective income tax rate was primarily related to the impact of property-related temporary differences for which deferred tax expense is not recorded pursuant to Iowa rate making principles.
WPL’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview - First Quarter Results - WPL’s earnings available for common stock decreased $4 million primarily due to lower electric margins and higher interest expense, partially offset by lower operation and maintenance expenses.
Electric Margins - Electric margins and MWh sales for WPL for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | MWhs Sold (MWhs in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $104.5 | | $102.4 | | 2% | | 956 | | 944 | | 1% |
Commercial | 53.3 | | 52.9 | | 1% | | 574 | | 576 | | -- |
Industrial | 77.3 | | 76.8 | | 1% | | 1,157 | | 1,174 | | (1%) |
Retail subtotal | 235.1 | | 232.1 | | 1% | | 2,687 | | 2,694 | | -- |
Sales for resale: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wholesale | 46.1 | | 34.0 | | 36% | | 828 | | 741 | | 12% |
Bulk power and other | 5.2 | | 4.9 | | 6% | | 81 | | 299 | | (73%) |
Other | 4.2 | | 4.2 | | -- | | 20 | | 21 | | (5%) |
Total revenues/sales | 290.6 | | 275.2 | | 6% | | 3,616 | | 3,755 | | (4%) |
Electric production fuel and | | | | | | | | | | | |
purchased power expense | 180.5 | | 157.6 | | 15% | | | | | | |
Margins | $110.1 | | $117.6 | | (6%) | | | | | | |
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Electric margins decreased $8 million, or 6%, primarily due to higher electric production fuel and purchased power expenses and the impacts of WPL’s sale of electric distribution properties in Illinois in February 2007. These decreases were partially offset by $4 million of purchased power capacity costs in the first quarter of 2007 related to a contract that ended in December 2007 and the net impacts of weather conditions and Alliant Energy’s weather hedging activities. Electric margins were also impacted by the extra day of sales in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 due to 2008 being a leap year.
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Impacts of Weather Conditions - Estimated increases to WPL’s electric margins from the net impacts of weather and WPL’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $2 | | $-- |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (1) | | -- |
Net weather impact | $1 | | $-- |
(a) Recorded in “Other” revenues in the above table.
Refer to “Alliant Energy’s Results of Operations - Utility Electric Margins” for details of WPL’s recoveries of electric fuel and purchased power energy costs, WPL’s sale of its Illinois electric distribution properties in February 2007 and MISO-related transactions.
Gas Margins - Gas margins and Dth sales for WPL for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
| Revenues and Costs (dollars in millions) | | Dths Sold (Dths in thousands) |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | Change | | 2008 | | 2007 | | Change |
Residential | $75.0 | | $71.4 | | 5% | | 6,204 | | 5,765 | | 8% |
Commercial | 43.2 | | 40.0 | | 8% | | 4,233 | | 3,841 | | 10% |
Industrial | 4.1 | | 5.1 | | (20%) | | 436 | | 528 | | (17%) |
Retail subtotal | 122.3 | | 116.5 | | 5% | | 10,873 | | 10,134 | | 7% |
Interdepartmental | 1.6 | | 3.3 | | (52%) | | 245 | | 435 | | (44%) |
Transportation/other | 4.5 | | 2.0 | | 125% | | 8,492 | | 7,407 | | 15% |
Total revenues/sales | 128.4 | | 121.8 | | 5% | | 19,610 | | 17,976 | | 9% |
Cost of gas sold | 92.2 | | 84.2 | | 10% | | | | | | |
Margins | $36.2 | | $37.6 | | (4%) | | | | | | |
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 Summary - Gas margins decreased $1 million, or 4%, primarily due to $3 million of gains from WPL’s performance-based gas commodity cost recovery program (benefits were allocated between ratepayers and WPL) in the first quarter of 2007 and a decrease in weather-normalized retail sales largely due to the negative impacts high natural gas prices and the slowing economy in the first quarter of 2008 had on customer usage during such period. These decreases were substantially offset by the net impacts of weather conditions and WPL’s weather hedging activities.
Impacts of Weather Conditions - Estimated increases (decreases) to WPL’s gas margins from the net impacts of weather and WPL’s weather hedging activities for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (in millions):
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Weather impacts on demand compared to normal weather | $3 | | $-- |
Losses from weather derivatives (a) | (1) | | (1) |
Net weather impact | $2 | | ($1) |
(a) Recorded in “Transportation/other” revenues in the above table.
Refer to “Alliant Energy’s Results of Operations - Utility Gas Margins” for WPL’s HDD data and discussion of the impacts on WPL’s gas margins of recoveries of natural gas costs and WPL’s performance-based gas commodity recovery program. Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters” for discussion of WPL’s electric and gas rate filings.
Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses - Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased $6 million primarily due to a $4 million regulatory-related charge in the first quarter of 2007 and $2 million of lower pension and other postretirement benefits expenses.
Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters” for discussion of the interplay between utility operating expenses and utility margins given their impact on WPL’s utility rate activities.
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Interest Expense - Interest expense increased $3 million primarily due to the impact of WPL’s 6.375% debentures issued in the third quarter of 2007, partially offset by the impact of WPL’s 7% debentures retired in the second quarter of 2007.
AFUDC - AFUDC increased $2 million primarily due to the construction of WPL’s Cedar Ridge wind farm.
Income Taxes - The effective income tax rates were 36.8% and 33.6% for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increased effective income tax rate was primarily due to higher state income taxes and a reserve recorded in the first quarter of 2008 related to a tax regulatory asset.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
A summary of Alliant Energy’s liquidity and capital resources matters is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
Liquidity Position - At March 31, 2008, Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries had $632 million of cash and cash equivalents and $559 million of available capacity under their revolving credit facilities. Refer to Note 1(d) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on Alliant Energy’s cash and cash equivalents.
Capital Structure - Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s capital structures at March 31, 2008 were as follows (dollars in millions):
| Alliant Energy | | | | |
| (Consolidated) | | IPL | | WPL |
Common equity | $2,719.7 | | 59.3% | | $1,022.4 | | 51.6% | | $1,043.1 | | 58.9% |
Preferred equity | 243.8 | | 5.3% | | 183.8 | | 9.3% | | 60.0 | | 3.4% |
Long-term debt (incl. current maturities) | 1,543.7 | | 33.6% | | 762.8 | | 38.5% | | 597.0 | | 33.7% |
Short-term debt | 83.0 | | 1.8% | | 11.4 | | 0.6% | | 71.6 | | 4.0% |
| $4,590.2 | | 100.0% | | $1,980.4 | | 100.0% | | $1,771.7 | | 100.0% |
Cash Flows - Selected information from Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31 was as follows (in millions):
| Alliant Energy | | IPL | | WPL |
Cash flows from (used for): | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2007 |
Operating activities | $86.9 | | $167.6 | | ($11.9) | | $79.6 | | $105.0 | | $131.0 |
Investing activities | (116.3) | | (45.1) | | (63.0) | | (61.1) | | (48.6) | | (3.0) |
Financing activities | (83.8) | | (278.2) | | 40.5 | | (16.8) | | (47.8) | | (124.7) |
Operating Activities -
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 - Alliant Energy’s cash flows from operating activities decreased $81 million primarily due to the return of $49 million of collateral payments from counterparties of derivative contracts in the first quarter of 2007 as a result of declines in the values of derivative liabilities at IPL and WPL during such period, changes in the level of accounts receivable sold at IPL and the timing of fuel cost recoveries at IPL. These items were partially offset by an increase in cash flows from operations at RMT’s WindConnect® business primarily due to payments received in the first quarter of 2008 for a large wind farm construction management project.
IPL’s cash flows from operating activities decreased $92 million primarily due to the return of $27 million of collateral payments from counterparties of derivative contracts in the first quarter of 2007, changes in the level of accounts receivable sold and the timing of fuel cost recoveries.
WPL’s cash flows from operating activities decreased $26 million primarily due to the return of $22 million of collateral payments from counterparties of derivative contracts in the first quarter of 2007.
IPL’s Accounts Receivable Sale Program - Refer to Note 4 of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for information on IPL’s accounts receivable sale program.
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Investing Activities -
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 - Alliant Energy’s cash flows used for investing activities increased $71 million primarily due to $52 million of proceeds from the sale of IPL’s and WPL’s Illinois properties in the first quarter of 2007 and construction expenditures related to WPL’s Cedar Ridge wind farm during the first quarter of 2008. These increases were partially offset by $24 million of expenditures for emission allowances at IPL in the first quarter of 2007.
IPL’s cash flows used for investing activities increased $2 million primarily due to $28 million of proceeds from the sale of its Illinois properties in the first quarter of 2007, substantially offset by $24 million of expenditures for emission allowances in the first quarter of 2007.
WPL’s cash flows used for investing activities increased $46 million primarily due to construction expenditures for its Cedar Ridge wind farm during the first quarter of 2008 and $24 million of proceeds from the sale of its Illinois properties in the first quarter of 2007.
Financing Activities -
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007 - Alliant Energy’s cash flows used for financing activities decreased $194 million primarily due to $144 million of common stock repurchases under Alliant Energy’s common stock repurchase program in the first quarter of 2007 and changes in the amount of debt issued and retired. These decreases were partially offset by changes in cash overdrafts and $25 million of proceeds received from stock options exercised in the first quarter of 2007.
IPL’s cash flows used for financing activities decreased $57 million primarily due to a $100 million capital contribution from its parent in the first quarter of 2008. This decrease was partially offset by changes in cash overdrafts.
WPL’s cash flows used for financing activities decreased $77 million primarily due to changes in the amount of commercial paper outstanding.
State Regulatory Financing Authorization - In April 2008, WPL received authorization from the PSCW to issue up to $100 million of unsecured indebtedness in 2008 with terms not to exceed 21 years, among other conditions.
Shelf Registrations - As of March 31, 2008, Alliant Energy and IPL had $208 million and $250 million, respectively, remaining available under their shelf registrations. WPL does not have any remaining authority under its latest shelf registration.
Common Stock Issuances - Refer to Notes 6(b) and 7 of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of common stock issuances, primarily under its equity incentive plans for employees.
Short- and Long-term Debt - Refer to Note 8 of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on short- and long-term debt.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements - A summary of Alliant Energy’s off-balance sheet arrangements is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K. Refer to Notes 4 and 12(c) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for information regarding IPL’s sale of accounts receivable program and several guarantees and indemnifications outstanding related to Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s previous divestiture activities.
Certain Financial Commitments -
Contractual Obligations - A summary of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s contractual obligations is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except for the items described in Notes 8, 12(a) and 12(b) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”
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Environmental - A summary of Alliant Energy’s environmental matters is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
Air Quality -
Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) - In March 2008, oral argument was held in the U.S. Court of Appeals on challenges to the federal CAIR and a court decision on such matter is anticipated by the third quarter of 2008. Alliant Energy continues to implement its current multi-emissions compliance plan to comply with CAIR, and is closely monitoring developments of this court case to determine if any changes are required to its current plans.
Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) - In March 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals vacated and remanded the federal CAMR to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reconsideration effective immediately. Subsequently, the EPA and industry intervenors filed a petition asking the U.S. Court of Appeals to re-hear this decision. Although the U.S. Court of Appeals is not required to rule on petitions for rehearing in a specified time frame, it is expected that U.S. Court of Appeals will grant or deny this request by the third quarter of 2008.
Wisconsin State Mercury Rule - In March 2008, the Wisconsin DNR issued a mercury public health and welfare finding and related notice of proposed revisions to Wisconsin’s current state mercury rule. Under the proposed rule revisions, large coal-fired electric generating facilities must either achieve a 90% mercury emissions reduction standard by Jan. 1, 2015 or choose a multi-pollutant alternative that requires the affected facilities to achieve nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) reductions beyond those currently required by federal and state regulations. If the multi-pollutant approach is elected, an additional six years is allowed to achieve the 90% mercury emission reduction standard for the affected facilities. The public comment period for these proposed rule revisions ends in May 2008. A revised rule is anticipated to be presented to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board for adoption by the third quarter of 2008, after which the proposed rule revisions would be subject to Wisconsin legislative approval. WPL continues to evaluate the impact of these proposed rule revisions, and believes its current multi-emissions compliance plan includes sufficient controls to achieve compliance with the proposed Wisconsin state mercury rule revisions.
Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards - In March 2008, the EPA announced reductions in the primary standard for 8-hour ozone to a level of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) from the existing standard of 0.08 ppm. The EPA’s final designations of non-attainment areas for this new ozone standard are to be issued in 2010 with state implementation plans required in 2013. Alliant Energy is currently unable to predict the potential impact of this new ozone standard on its operations. Depending on the level and location of non-attainment areas, Alliant Energy may be subject to additional NOx emissions reduction requirements to meet the new ozone standard. Alliant Energy continues to monitor regulatory developments related to the new ozone standard issuance and the associated uncertainties to its current multi-emissions compliance plan.
Third Party Alleged Air Permitting Violation Claims - Refer to “Part II. - Item 1. Legal Proceedings” for information regarding an allegation that WPL did not file its application for renewal of an air permit for the Columbia Energy Center (Columbia) on a timely basis and, as a result, an allegation that WPL was operating the facility without the necessary air permit.
Water Quality -
Hydroelectric Fish Passages and Fish Protective Devices - In March 2008, FERC approved a request to extend the deadlines to complete the construction and installation of a fish protective device to the end of 2008, and the design, construction and installation of fish passages to the end of 2012, for one of WPL’s hydroelectric generating facilities.
Land and Solid Waste -
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites - Refer to Note 12(d) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of IPL’s and WPL’s MGP sites.
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OTHER MATTERS
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions - Alliant Energy’s primary market risk exposures are associated with commodity prices, interest rates and equity prices. Alliant Energy has risk management policies to monitor and assist in controlling these market risks and uses derivative instruments to manage some of the exposures. A summary of Alliant Energy’s market risks is included in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and such market risks have not changed materially from those reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
Commodity Price Risk - Alliant Energy’s and WPL’s retail electric margins are exposed to the impact of changes in commodity prices due largely to the current retail recovery mechanism in place in Wisconsin for fuel-related costs. Refer to “Rates and Regulatory Matters - Utility Fuel Cost Recovery” for discussion of potential changes to WPL’s electric fuel-related cost recovery mechanism.
Interest Rate Risk - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are exposed to risk resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of their issuance of variable-rate debt, IPL’s accounts receivable sale program and variable-rate leasing agreements. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL reduced their interest rate risk in the first quarter of 2008 by converting certain pollution control revenue bonds from variable interest rates to fixed interest rates. Assuming the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase (decrease) in interest rates on variable-rate debt held, the amount outstanding under IPL’s accounts receivable sale program and variable-rate lease balances at March 31, 2008, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s annual expense would increase (decrease) by approximately $1.2 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Refer to Note 8(b) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the conversion of certain pollution control revenue bonds from variable interest rates to fixed interest rates.
Alliant Energy is also exposed to risk resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of significant balances of cash and cash equivalents that are currently invested in money market funds with yields that fluctuate daily. Assuming the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase (decrease) in interest rates on Alliant Energy’s money market fund investments at March 31, 2008, Alliant Energy’s annual income would increase (decrease) by approximately $6.1 million. Refer to Note 1(d) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on Alliant Energy’s investments in money market funds.
Equity Price Risk - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are exposed to equity price risk as a result of their investments in debt and equity securities, largely related to securities held by their pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The values of investments held by their pension and other postretirement benefits plans have decreased materially since their last measurement date of Sep. 30, 2007. Refer to “Other Future Considerations - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Assets” for further discussion.
New Accounting Pronouncements - Refer to Note 1(f) of Alliant Energy’s “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of new accounting pronouncements impacting Alliant Energy.
Critical Accounting Policies - A summary of Alliant Energy’s critical accounting policies is included in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and such policies have not changed materially from those reported in the 2007 10-K, except as described below.
Asset Valuations of Long-Lived Assets to be Held and Used - In April 2008, WPL received approval from the PSCW to purchase Resources’ 300 MW, simple cycle, natural gas-fired electric generating facility in Neenah, Wisconsin. Refer to “Strategic Overview - Utility Generation Plan” for further details on NEF, including WPL’s plans to file for approval from FERC in the second quarter of 2008.
Income Taxes - Alliant Energy is currently exploring changes to current business operations and state tax planning strategies that could materially reduce deferred tax asset valuation allowances related to state net operating loss carryforwards. At March 31, 2008, Alliant Energy had deferred tax asset valuation allowances related to state net operating loss carryforwards of $15 million.
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Other Future Considerations - A summary of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s other future considerations is included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and such considerations have not changed materially from the items reported in the 2007 Form 10-K, except as described below.
IPL’s Electric Transmission Assets Sale - In December 2007, IPL completed the sale of its electric transmission assets located in Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois to ITC for net proceeds of $772 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. Subsequent to the closing of the sale, IPL began incurring charges from ITC for transmission services required to serve its electric customers. These charges for transmission services from ITC are recorded in “Operation and maintenance expenses” on Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and are currently expected to be between $80 million to $90 million in 2008. The negative impact on Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s earnings from these charges for transmission services in 2008 will be partially offset by the elimination of other operation and maintenance, depreciation and property tax expenses related to the electric transmission assets that were sold and the positive impacts from the use of the sale proceeds to fund investments in short-term securities, reduce short-term debt and reduce IPL’s amount of accounts receivable sold. Alliant Energy currently estimates the net impact of these items will reduce its earnings in 2008 as compared to 2007 by approximately $0.12 to $0.14 per share ($0.17 to $0.21 per share decrease in earnings at its Utility business partially offset by a $0.05 to $0.07 per share increase in earnings at Alliant Energy parent company). The estimated earnings impact of the sale increased from the $0.09 per share amount presented in the 2007 Form 10-K to the current estimate of
$0.12 to $0.14 per share largely due to a reduction in the estimated earnings from the use of the sale proceeds caused by declines in short-term interest rates during the first quarter of 2008.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Assets - Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets are predominately invested in equity and debt securities. These plan assets have decreased in total fair value since the last measurement date of Sep. 30, 2007 consistent with general market conditions during such period. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe pension and other postretirement benefits costs could be materially higher in 2009 as compared to the costs expected to be recognized in 2008 if the total fair value of their plans’ assets remains at current levels, or decreases further prior to the next measurement date of Dec. 31, 2008. Were asset values to remain at March 31, 2008 levels through Dec. 31, 2008, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe any required contributions to their pension and other postretirement benefits plans resulting from the recent decreases in value of plan assets will not have a significant adverse impact on their liquidity given their current available capacity under revolving credit facilities, cash and cash equivalents, and access to capital markets.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk are reported in “Other Matters - Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions” in MDA.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s management evaluated, with the participation of each of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Disclosure Committee, the effectiveness of the design and operation of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2008 pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
There was no change in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s or WPL’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
WPL - On April 30, 2008, the Wisconsin Circuit Court in Columbia County approved a Stipulation and Order for Judgment (Stipulation) entered into by the State of Wisconsin, WPL and WPL’s partners in Columbia in Portage, Wisconsin. The Stipulation was agreed to in response to a referral of enforcement action from the Wisconsin DNR to the Wisconsin Attorney General following the previously announced notice of intent to sue alleging that WPL did not file its application for renewal of an air permit for Columbia with the Wisconsin DNR on a timely basis and, as a result, alleging that WPL was operating Columbia without the necessary air permit. The Stipulation requires WPL to pay a civil penalty of $285,000 and to include in the renewed air permit a requirement that WPL establish an environmental management system at Columbia to address environmental compliance matters, and allows WPL to continue to operate Columbia in accordance with the terms and conditions of the expired air permit. The Stipulation bars any further action against WPL by the State of Wisconsin on this matter. WPL does not anticipate that compliance with the Stipulation will have a material adverse impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risk factors relating to Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are contained in Item 1A of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. No material change to such risk factors has occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2008.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A summary of Alliant Energy common stock repurchases for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | Maximum Number (or |
| | | | | | Total Number of | | Approximate Dollar |
| | Total Number | | Average Price | | Shares Purchased as | | Value) of Shares That |
| | of Shares | | Paid Per | | Part of Publicly | | May Yet Be Purchased |
Period | | Purchased (a) | | Share | | Announced Plan | | Under the Plan (a) |
Jan. 1 to Jan. 31 | | 37,610 | | $36.16 | | -- | | N/A |
Feb. 1 to Feb. 29 | | 27,300 | | 35.24 | | -- | | N/A |
March 1 to March 31 | | 3,061 | | 34.55 | | -- | | N/A |
Total | | 67,971 | | 35.72 | | -- | | |
(a) | Includes 24,029, 2,491 and 2,748 shares of Alliant Energy common stock for Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, Feb. 1 to Feb. 29, and March 1 to March 31, respectively, purchased on the open market and held in a rabbi trust under the Alliant Energy Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP). There is no limit on the number of shares of Alliant Energy common stock that may be held under the DCP, which currently does not have an expiration date. Also includes 13,581, 24,809 and 313 shares of Alliant Energy common stock for Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, Feb. 1 to Feb. 29, and March 1 to March 31, respectively, transferred from employees to Alliant Energy to satisfy tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of certain restricted stock under the EIP. |
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following Exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference.
10.1 | Executive Severance Benefit under the Alliant Energy Severance Plan Summary Plan Description, effective March 19, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Alliant Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 19, 2008 (File No. 1-9894)) |
12.1 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for Alliant Energy |
12.2 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividend Requirements for IPL |
12.3 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividend Requirements for WPL |
31.1 | Certification of the Chairman, President and CEO for Alliant Energy |
31.2 | Certification of the Senior Executive Vice President and CFO for Alliant Energy |
31.3 | Certification of the Chairman and CEO for IPL |
31.4 | Certification of the CFO for IPL |
31.5 | Certification of the Chairman and CEO for WPL |
31.6 | Certification of the CFO for WPL |
32.1 | Written Statement of the CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§1350 for Alliant Energy |
32.2 | Written Statement of the CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§1350 for IPL |
32.3 | Written Statement of the CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§1350 for WPL |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Alliant Energy Corporation, Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company have each duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 1st day of May 2008.
ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
Registrant
By: /s/ Thomas L. Hanson | Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer | |
Thomas L. Hanson | (Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory) |
| | | |
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
Registrant
By: /s/ Thomas L. Hanson | Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer | |
Thomas L. Hanson | (Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory) |
| | | |
WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
Registrant
By: /s/ Thomas L. Hanson | Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer | |
Thomas L. Hanson | (Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory) |
| | | |
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