Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information Document - shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Apr. 27, 2016 | |
Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,016 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Trading Symbol | WR | |
Entity Registrant Name | WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS | |
Entity Central Index Key | 54,507 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 141,681,275 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 3,471 | $ 3,231 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 225,090 | 258,286 | |
Fuel inventory and supplies | 301,340 | 301,294 | |
Prepaid expenses | 20,271 | 16,864 | |
Regulatory assets | 98,368 | 109,606 | |
Other | 27,039 | 27,860 | |
Total Current Assets | 675,579 | 717,141 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 8,675,925 | 8,524,902 | |
OTHER ASSETS: | |||
Regulatory assets | 746,741 | 751,312 | |
Nuclear decommissioning trust | 183,455 | 184,057 | |
Other | 258,242 | 260,015 | |
Total Other Assets | 1,188,438 | 1,195,384 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | 10,805,597 | 10,705,666 | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 125,000 | 0 | |
Short-term debt | 316,800 | 250,300 | |
Accounts payable | 230,307 | 220,969 | |
Accrued dividends | 52,695 | 49,829 | |
Accrued taxes | 128,152 | 83,773 | |
Accrued interest | [1] | 86,222 | 71,426 |
Regulatory liabilities | 31,461 | 25,697 | |
Other | 76,454 | 106,632 | |
Total Current Liabilities | 1,073,933 | 836,935 | |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | |||
Long-term debt, net | 3,039,239 | 3,163,950 | |
Deferred income taxes | 1,619,112 | 1,591,430 | |
Unamortized investment tax credits | 209,040 | 209,763 | |
Regulatory liabilities | 250,545 | 267,114 | |
Accrued employee benefits | 456,541 | 462,304 | |
Asset retirement obligations | 276,718 | 275,285 | |
Other | 82,025 | 88,825 | |
Total Long-Term Liabilities | $ 6,044,459 | $ 6,196,768 | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes 10 and 11) | |||
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity: | |||
Common stock, par value $5 per share | $ 708,143 | $ 706,767 | |
Paid-in capital | 2,003,311 | 2,004,124 | |
Retained earnings | 959,936 | 945,830 | |
Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity | 3,671,390 | 3,656,721 | |
Noncontrolling Interests | 15,815 | 15,242 | |
Total Equity | 3,687,205 | 3,671,963 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | 10,805,597 | 10,705,666 | |
Variable Interest Entity [Member] | |||
CURRENT ASSETS: | |||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 265,655 | 268,239 | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 26,842 | 28,309 | |
Accrued interest | [1] | 19 | 2,457 |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | |||
Long-term debt, net | $ 111,239 | $ 138,097 | |
[1] | Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets Par
Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ 6,790 | $ 5,294 |
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity: | ||
Common stock, par value | $ 5 | $ 5 |
Common stock, shares authorized | 275,000,000 | 275,000,000 |
Common stock, shares issued | 141,628,562 | 141,353,426 |
Common stock, shares outstanding | 141,628,562 | 141,353,426 |
Consolidated Statements Of Inco
Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
REVENUES | $ 569,450 | $ 590,807 |
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||
Fuel and purchased power | 100,058 | 155,482 |
Network Transmission Cost | 60,760 | 56,812 |
Operating and maintenance | 77,757 | 85,080 |
Depreciation and amortization | 83,640 | 74,586 |
Selling, general and administrative | 56,456 | 55,418 |
Taxes, Miscellaneous | 48,968 | 37,871 |
Total Operating Expenses | 427,639 | 465,249 |
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 141,811 | 125,558 |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | ||
Investment earnings (losses) | 2,016 | 2,480 |
Other income | 9,477 | 2,814 |
Other expense | (5,543) | (5,713) |
Total Other Income | 5,950 | (419) |
Interest expense | 40,431 | 44,298 |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 107,330 | 80,841 |
Income tax expense | 38,622 | 27,678 |
NET INCOME | 68,708 | 53,163 |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 3,123 | 2,183 |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. | $ 65,585 | $ 50,980 |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||
Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ 0.46 | $ 0.38 |
Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ 0.46 | $ 0.38 |
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING | ||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic | 141,992,846 | 132,395,497 |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted | 142,311,228 | 135,539,631 |
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ 0.38 | $ 0.36 |
Consolidated Statements Of Cash
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $ 68,708 | $ 53,163 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 83,640 | 74,586 |
Amortization of nuclear fuel | 8,329 | 4,960 |
Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback | (1,374) | (1,374) |
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance | 5,261 | 5,747 |
Non-cash compensation | 2,491 | 2,226 |
Net deferred income taxes and credits | 33,984 | 26,573 |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (2,464) | (1,950) |
Changes in working capital items: | ||
Accounts receivable | 33,196 | 31,042 |
Fuel inventory and supplies | 109 | (18,404) |
Prepaid expenses and other | 7,712 | 4,638 |
Accounts payable | (31,158) | 17,321 |
Accrued taxes | 49,339 | 40,007 |
Other current liabilities | (28,984) | (20,327) |
Changes in other assets | 21,933 | (17,034) |
Changes in other liabilities | (11,846) | 12,394 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | 238,876 | 213,568 |
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Additions to property, plant and equipment | (220,849) | (187,223) |
Purchase of securities - trusts | (13,712) | (7,345) |
Sale of securities - trusts | 16,332 | 7,847 |
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance | 23,963 | 1,144 |
Investment in affiliated company | (655) | 0 |
Other investing activities | (2,840) | (717) |
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities | (197,761) | (186,294) |
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Short-term debt, net | 66,500 | 167,800 |
Retirements of long-term debt | 0 | (125,000) |
Repayment of capital leases | (675) | (886) |
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance | 963 | 1,045 |
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance | (22,837) | (899) |
Issuance of common stock | 657 | 8,206 |
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders | (2,550) | (1,076) |
Cash dividends paid | (49,665) | (43,787) |
Other financing activities | (4,961) | (3,234) |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | (40,875) | (25,756) |
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 240 | 1,518 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | ||
Beginning of period | 3,231 | 4,556 |
End of period | 3,471 | 6,074 |
Variable Interest Entity [Member] | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from long-term debt | 162,048 | 0 |
Retirements of long-term debt | (190,355) | (27,925) |
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | 3,123 | 2,183 |
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders | $ (2,550) | $ (1,076) |
Consolidated Statements Of Chan
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Total | Common Stock [Member] | Paid-In Capital [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member] |
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | $ 3,301,307 | $ 658,437 | $ 1,781,120 | $ 855,299 | $ 6,451 |
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014 | 131,687,454 | ||||
Net income | 53,163 | $ 0 | 0 | 50,980 | 2,183 |
Issuance of stock | 8,206 | $ 1,314 | 6,892 | 0 | 0 |
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares | 215,873 | ||||
Issuance of stock (shares) | 262,827 | ||||
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends | 3,028 | $ 1,080 | 1,948 | ||
Tax withholding related to stock compensation | (3,234) | 3,234 | |||
Dividends on common stock | (48,107) | 0 | 0 | (48,107) | 0 |
Stock compensation expense | 2,205 | 2,205 | |||
Tax Benefit on stock compensation | 1,073 | 0 | 1,073 | 0 | 0 |
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests | (1,076) | (1,076) | |||
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015 | 3,315,348 | $ 660,831 | 1,788,787 | 858,172 | 7,558 |
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2015 | 132,166,154 | ||||
Stockholders' Equity, Other | (1,217) | (1,217) | |||
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 | 3,671,963 | $ 706,767 | 2,004,124 | 945,830 | 15,242 |
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2015 | 141,353,426 | ||||
Net income | 68,708 | $ 0 | 0 | 65,585 | 3,123 |
Issuance of stock | 657 | $ 75 | 582 | 0 | 0 |
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares | 260,229 | ||||
Issuance of stock (shares) | 14,907 | ||||
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends | 2,405 | $ 1,301 | 1,104 | ||
Tax withholding related to stock compensation | (4,961) | 4,961 | |||
Dividends on common stock | (54,805) | 0 | 0 | (54,805) | 0 |
Stock compensation expense | 2,462 | 2,462 | |||
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests | (2,550) | (2,550) | |||
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 | 3,687,205 | $ 708,143 | $ 2,003,311 | 959,936 | $ 15,815 |
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2016 | 141,628,562 | ||||
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets | $ 3,326 | $ 3,326 |
Consolidated Statements Of Cha7
Consolidated Statements Of Changes in Equity Parenthetical (Parentheticals) - $ / shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ 0.38 | $ 0.36 |
Description Of Business
Description Of Business | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Description Of Business | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term “Westar Energy” refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924 , alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries. We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 702,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is located at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612. |
Summary Of Significant Accounti
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2015 Form 10-K. Use of Management’s Estimates When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Fuel Inventory and Supplies We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately. As of As of March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In Thousands) Fuel inventory $ 113,965 $ 113,438 Supplies 187,375 187,856 Fuel inventory and supplies $ 301,340 $ 301,294 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars In Thousands) Borrowed funds $ 2,008 $ 2,029 Equity funds 2,464 1,950 Total $ 4,472 $ 3,979 Average AFUDC Rates 5.2 % 4.0 % Earnings Per Share We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of issuable common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements, if any, and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method. The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) Net income $ 68,708 $ 53,163 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,123 2,183 Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc. 65,585 50,980 Less: Net income allocated to RSUs 135 118 Net income allocated to common stock $ 65,450 $ 50,862 Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic 141,992,846 132,395,497 Effect of dilutive securities: RSUs 318,382 175,876 Forward sale agreements — 2,968,258 Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a) 142,311,228 135,539,631 Earnings per common share, basic $ 0.46 $ 0.38 Earnings per common share, diluted $ 0.46 $ 0.38 _______________ (a) We had no antidilutive securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . Supplemental Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In Thousands) CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM): Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized $ 30,415 $ 38,927 Interest on financing activities of VIEs 4,150 5,651 Income taxes, net of refunds (383 ) — NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS: Property, plant and equipment additions 130,532 63,265 NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS: Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends 2,405 3,028 Assets acquired through capital leases 180 294 New Accounting Pronouncements We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new accounting pronouncements which may affect our accounting and/or disclosure. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-02 which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, initially measured at present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are to be classified as either financing or operating leases, with that classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. Accounting for leases by lessors is largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at the earliest period presented, or entered into by the date of initial adoption, with certain practical expedients permitted. We are evaluating the guidance and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Stock-based Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 as part of its simplification initiative. The areas for simplification involve several aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt effective January 1, 2016. Under current GAAP, if the tax deduction for a stock-based payment award exceeds the compensation cost recorded for financial reporting, the additional tax benefit is recognized in additional paid-in capital and referred to as an excess tax benefit. Tax deficiencies were recognized either as an offset to the accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or as reduction of income. The issuance of this ASU reflects the FASB’s decision that all prospective excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax benefits and expense. Upon initial adoption, we recorded a $3.3 million cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for excess tax benefits that had not previously been recognized. Further, the issuance of this ASU reflects the FASB’s decision that cash flows related to excess tax benefits should be classified as cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption, we have retrospectively presented cash flows from operating activities and cash flows used in financing activities on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as $1.1 million higher than as previously reported. Financial Instruments In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, which removes the requirement to categorize certain investments measured at net asset value (NAV) per share within the fair value hierarchy. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We have adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016. The adoption was limited to disclosure and does not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 “Financial Instruments and Trading Securities.” |
Rate Matters And Regulation
Rate Matters And Regulation | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Regulated Operations [Abstract] | |
Rate Matters And Regulation | RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION KCC Proceedings In December 2015, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. The new prices were effective in January 2016 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $5.0 million . In March 2016, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our retail prices, subject to refund, to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate (TFR). The new prices were effective in April 2016 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $25.3 million . We will update our retail prices with the KCC later this year to reflect the TFR with the reduced return on equity (ROE) as described below. We estimate the annualized impact of this update on our retail revenues will be a decrease of approximately $20.0 million . FERC Proceedings In March 2016, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a settlement reducing our base return on equity (ROE) used in determining our TFR. The settlement results in an ROE of 10.3% , which consists of a 9.8% base ROE plus a 0.5% incentive ROE for participation in an RTO. As of March 31, 2016, we have recorded a regulatory liability of $16.7 million for our estimated refund obligation from the refund effective date of August 20, 2014, through March 31, 2016. In May 2016, our TFR that includes projected 2016 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs was revised to reflect the reduced ROE. The estimated revenue impact for 2016, as compared to 2015, is expected to be an increase of approximately $24.0 million . |
Financial Instruments and Tradi
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract] | |
Financial And Derivative Instruments And Trading Securities | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING SECURITIES Values of Financial Instruments GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. In addition, we measure certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at NAV, which are not included in the fair value hierarchy. Further explanation of these levels and NAV is summarized below. • Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on public exchanges. • Level 2 - Pricing inputs are not quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 2 are typically liquid investments in funds which have a readily determinable fair value calculated using daily NAVs, other financial instruments that are comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities, or other financial instruments priced with models using highly observable inputs. • Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no transparency. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation. • Net Asset Value - Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value are measured at NAV. These investments do not consider the observability of inputs, therefore, they are not included within the fair value hierarchy. We include in this category investments in private equity, real estate and alternative investment funds. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments. We record cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and variable-rate debt on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. We measure the fair value of fixed-rate debt, a level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value. We measure fair value based on information available as of the measurement date. The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt. As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (In Thousands) Fixed-rate debt $ 3,080,000 $ 3,386,212 $ 3,080,000 $ 3,259,533 Fixed-rate debt of VIEs 137,963 152,155 166,271 179,030 Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value. As of March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ — $ 46,313 $ — $ 5,830 $ 52,143 International equity funds — 31,846 — — 31,846 Core bond fund — 24,650 — — 24,650 High-yield bond fund — 14,493 — — 14,493 Emerging market bond fund — 13,715 — — 13,715 Combination debt/equity/other funds — 11,071 — — 11,071 Alternative investment fund — — — 14,862 14,862 Real estate securities fund — — — 20,649 20,649 Cash equivalents 26 — — — 26 Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 26 142,088 — 41,341 183,455 Trading Securities: Domestic equity funds — 17,776 — — 17,776 International equity fund — 4,321 — — 4,321 Core bond fund — 11,657 — — 11,657 Cash equivalents 156 — — — 156 Total Trading Securities 156 33,754 — — 33,910 Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 182 $ 175,842 $ — $ 41,341 $ 217,365 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ — $ 50,872 $ — $ 6,050 $ 56,922 International equity funds — 33,595 — — 33,595 Core bond fund — 25,976 — — 25,976 High-yield bond fund — 15,288 — — 15,288 Emerging market bond fund — 13,584 — — 13,584 Combination debt/equity/other funds — 11,343 — — 11,343 Alternative investment fund — — — 16,439 16,439 Real estate securities fund — — — 10,823 10,823 Cash equivalents 87 — — — 87 Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 87 150,658 — 33,312 184,057 Trading Securities: Domestic equity funds — 17,876 — — 17,876 International equity fund — 4,430 — — 4,430 Core bond fund — 11,423 — — 11,423 Cash equivalents 159 — — — 159 Total Trading Securities 159 33,729 — — 33,888 Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 246 $ 184,387 $ — $ 33,312 $ 217,945 Some of our investments in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) are measured at NAV and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations, these investments may have redemption restrictions. The following table provides additional information on these investments. As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 As of March 31, 2016 Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency Length of Settlement (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ 5,830 $ 3,829 $ 6,050 $ 1,948 (a) (a) Alternative investment fund (b) 14,862 — 16,439 — Quarterly 65 days Real estate securities fund 20,649 — 10,823 — Quarterly (c) Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust $ 41,341 $ 3,829 $ 33,312 $ 1,948 _______________ (a) This investment is in four long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2016, we committed to investing in a fourth fund. The terms are expected to be 15 years , subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods for both the third and fourth fund. (b) There is a holdback on final redemptions. (c) This investment is in two real estate funds. In April 2016, we received proceeds for the first investment in the amount of the investment’s fair value as of March 31, 2016. Redemptions of the second fund are allowed on the last business day of the calendar quarter, or such other day or days as the investment manager may determine, and redemptions are granted as soon as reasonably possible with notice of at least 65 days . There is a holdback on final redemptions. Price Risk We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as from interest rates. Volatility in these markets impacts our costs of purchased power, costs of fuel for our generating plants and our participation in energy markets. We strive to manage our customers’ and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities and, when we deem appropriate, we economically hedge a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments for non-trading purposes. Interest Rate Risk We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps. |
Financial Investments
Financial Investments | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Financial Investments | FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS We report our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below. Trading Securities We hold equity and debt investments that we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we measured the fair value of trust assets at $33.9 million . We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we recorded unrealized gains of $0.5 million and $0.7 million , respectively, on the assets still held. Available-for-Sale Securities We hold investments in a trust for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized a loss on our available-for-sale securities of $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and a gain of $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 . We record net realized and unrealized gains and losses in regulatory liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases, respectively, to regulatory liabilities and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers. The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Gross Unrealized Security Type Cost Gain Loss Fair Value Allocation (Dollars In Thousands) As of March 31, 2016: Domestic equity funds $ 45,147 $ 7,099 $ (103 ) $ 52,143 28 % International equity funds 31,101 1,553 (808 ) 31,846 17 % Core bond fund 24,459 191 — 24,650 13 % High-yield bond fund 15,941 — (1,448 ) 14,493 9 % Emerging market bond fund 15,106 — (1,391 ) 13,715 7 % Combination debt/equity/other funds 8,113 2,958 — 11,071 6 % Alternative investment fund 15,000 — (138 ) 14,862 9 % Real estate securities fund 20,636 13 — 20,649 11 % Cash equivalents 26 — — 26 <1% Total $ 175,529 $ 11,814 $ (3,888 ) $ 183,455 100 % As of December 31, 2015: Domestic equity funds $ 49,488 $ 7,436 $ (2 ) $ 56,922 32 % International equity funds 33,458 1,372 (1,235 ) 33,595 18 % Core bond fund 26,397 — (421 ) 25,976 14 % High-yield bond fund 17,047 — (1,759 ) 15,288 8 % Emerging market bond fund 16,306 — (2,722 ) 13,584 7 % Combination debt/equity/other funds 8,239 3,104 — 11,343 6 % Alternative investment fund 15,000 1,439 — 16,439 9 % Real estate securities fund 11,026 — (203 ) 10,823 6 % Cash equivalents 87 — — 87 <1% Total $ 177,048 $ 13,351 $ (6,342 ) $ 184,057 100 % The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (In Thousands) As of March 31, 2016: Domestic equity funds $ — $ — $ 668 $ (103 ) $ 668 $ (103 ) International equity funds — — 6,591 (808 ) 6,591 (808 ) High-yield bond fund 14,493 (1,448 ) — — 14,493 (1,448 ) Emerging market bond fund — — 13,715 (1,391 ) 13,715 (1,391 ) Alternative investments 14,862 (138 ) — — 14,862 (138 ) Total $ 29,355 $ (1,586 ) $ 20,974 $ (2,302 ) $ 50,329 $ (3,888 ) As of December 31, 2015: Domestic equity funds $ — $ — $ 668 $ (2 ) $ 668 $ (2 ) International equity funds — — 6,717 (1,235 ) 6,717 (1,235 ) Core bond funds 25,976 (421 ) — — 25,976 (421 ) High-yield bond fund 15,288 (1,759 ) — — 15,288 (1,759 ) Emerging market bond fund — — 13,584 (2,722 ) 13,584 (2,722 ) Real estate securities fund — — 10,823 (203 ) 10,823 (203 ) Total $ 41,264 $ (2,180 ) $ 31,792 $ (4,162 ) $ 73,056 $ (6,342 ) |
Debt Financing
Debt Financing | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] | |
Debt Financing | DEBT FINANCING In February 2016, KGE, as lessee to the La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) sale-leaseback, effected a refunding of $162.1 million in outstanding bonds maturing in March 2021. The stated interest rate of the bonds was reduced from 5.647% to 2.398% . See Note 12, “Variable Interest Entities,” for additional information regarding our La Cygne sale-leaseback. |
Taxes
Taxes | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Taxes | TAXES We recorded income tax expense of $38.6 million with an effective income tax rate of 36% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and income tax expense of $27.7 million with an effective income tax rate of 34% for the same period of 2015 . The increase in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , was due primarily to an increase in income before income taxes. As of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $2.9 million . We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months. As of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we had no amounts accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits. We accrued no penalties at either March 31, 2016 , or December 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we had recorded $1.5 million for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes. |
Pension and Post-Retirement Ben
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization. Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): Service cost $ 4,664 $ 5,348 $ 271 $ 361 Interest cost 10,959 10,753 1,393 1,422 Expected return on plan assets (10,663 ) (10,059 ) (1,709 ) (1,654 ) Amortization of unrecognized: Prior service costs 246 130 114 114 Actuarial loss (gain), net 5,388 7,661 (280 ) 95 Net periodic cost (benefit) before regulatory adjustment 10,594 13,833 (211 ) 338 Regulatory adjustment (a) 3,306 1,797 (486 ) 1,013 Net periodic cost (benefit) $ 13,900 $ 15,630 $ (697 ) $ 1,351 _______________ (a) The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we contributed $6.8 million and $8.5 million , respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust. |
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Ret
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization. Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): Service cost $ 1,687 $ 1,899 $ 32 $ 34 Interest cost 2,414 2,254 81 79 Expected return on plan assets (2,431 ) (2,261 ) — — Amortization of unrecognized: Prior service costs 14 14 — — Actuarial loss (gain), net 1,089 1,482 (4 ) 1 Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment 2,773 3,388 109 114 Regulatory adjustment (a) 483 (304 ) — — Net periodic cost $ 3,256 $ 3,084 $ 109 $ 114 _______________ (a) The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we funded $1.6 million and $1.3 million of Wolf Creek’s pension plan contributions, respectively. |
Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments And Contingencies | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Environmental Matters Cross-State Air Pollution Rule In November 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the Cross-State Air Pollution Update Rule. The proposed rule addresses interstate transport of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in 23 states including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma during the ozone season and the impact from the formation of ozone on downwind states with respect to the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Starting with the 2017 ozone season, the proposed rule will revise the existing ozone season allowance budgets for Missouri and Oklahoma and will establish an ozone season budget for Kansas. We are currently evaluating the impact of the proposed rule on our operations, and it could have a material impact on our operations and consolidated financial results. National Ambient Air Quality Standards Under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA sets NAAQS for certain emissions known as the “criteria pollutants” considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of particulate matter (PM), ozone, NOx (a precursor to ozone), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. In October 2015, the EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by lowering the standards from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. As a result of this change, the EPA is required to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised standards by October 2017. We are currently reviewing this final rule and cannot at this time predict the impact it may have on our operations. Nonattainment designations in or surrounding our areas of operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. In December 2014, the EPA designated the entire state of Kansas as unclassifiable/in attainment with the standard. We do not believe this will have a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results. In 2010, the EPA revised the NAAQS for SO 2 . In March 2015, a federal court approved a consent decree between the EPA and environmental groups. The decree includes specific SO 2 emissions criteria for certain electric generating plants that, if met, requires the EPA to promulgate attainment/nonattainment designations for areas surrounding these plants by July 2016. Tecumseh Energy Center is our only generating station that meets this criteria. In February 2016, the EPA proposed to accept the State of Kansas recommendation to designate the areas surrounding the facility as unclassifiable. We are working with Kansas Department of Health and Environment to determine the impact of this proposed designation. In addition, we continue to communicate with our regulatory agencies regarding these standards and evaluate what impact the revised NAAQS could have on our operations and consolidated financial results. If areas surrounding our facilities are designated in the future as nonattainment and/or we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, it could have a material impact on our operations and consolidated financial results. Greenhouse Gases Burning coal and other fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other gases referred to as GHG. Various regulations under the federal CAA limit CO 2 and other GHG emissions, and other measures are being imposed or offered by individual states, municipalities and regional agreements with the goal of reducing GHG emissions. In October 2015, the EPA published a rule establishing new source performance standards that limit CO 2 emissions for new, modified and reconstructed coal and natural gas fueled electric generating units to various levels per Megawatt hour depending on various characteristics of the units. In October 2015, the EPA also published a rule establishing guidelines for states to regulate CO 2 emissions from existing power plants. The standards for existing plants are known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP). Under the CPP, interim emissions performance rates must be achieved beginning in 2022 and final emissions performance rates must be achieved by 2030. Legal challenges to the CPP were filed by groups of states and industry members, including our company, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit beginning in October 2015, and more challenges are expected. In January 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied a request to stay the CPP pending review. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit placed the case on an expedited review schedule with oral arguments scheduled for June 2016. Based on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denial of the petition for stay, state and industry groups petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay. In February 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the stay request. Due to the future uncertainty of the CPP, we cannot at this time determine the impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we believe the costs to comply could be material. Water We discharge some of the water used in our operations. This water may contain substances deemed to be pollutants. Revised rules governing such discharges from coal-fired power plants were issued in November 2015. The final rule establishes limitations or forces the elimination of wastewater associated with coal combustion residual handling. Implementation timelines for these requirements will vary from 2019 to 2023. We are evaluating the final rule at this time and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but believe costs to comply could be material. In October 2014, the EPA’s final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life took effect. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven best available technology options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for La Cygne and Wolf Creek. We are currently evaluating the rule’s impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we do not expect it to be material. In June 2015, the EPA along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule, effective August 2015, defining the Waters of the United States for purposes of the CWA. This rulemaking has the potential to impact all programs under the CWA. Expansion of regulated waterways is possible under the rule depending on regulating authority interpretation, which could impact several permitting programs. Various states have filed lawsuits challenging the rule and, in October 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an order that temporarily stays implementation of the rule nationwide pending the outcome of the various legal challenges. We are currently evaluating the final rule. The resulting impact of the rule could have a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results. Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproducts In the course of operating our coal generation plants, we produce coal combustion byproducts (CCBs), including fly ash, gypsum and bottom ash. We recycle some of our ash production, principally by selling to the aggregate industry. The EPA published a rule to regulate CCBs in April 2015, which we believe will require additional CCB handling, processing and storage equipment and closure of certain ash disposal areas. While we cannot at this time estimate the full impact and costs associated with future regulations of CCBs, we believe the impact on our operations or consolidated financial results could be material. SPP Revenue Crediting We are a member of the Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) RTO, which coordinates the operation of a multi-state interconnected transmission system. The SPP has been engaged in a process whereby it is seeking to allocate revenue credits under its Open Access Transmission Tariff to sponsors of certain transmission system upgrades. Qualifying upgrades are those that are not financed through general rates paid by all customers and that result in additional revenue to the SPP. The SPP is also evaluating whether sponsors are entitled to revenue credits for previously completed upgrades, and whether members will be obligated to pay for revenue credits attributable to these historical upgrades. We believe it is reasonably possible that we will be required to pay sponsors for revenue credits attributable to historical upgrades. However, due to the complexity of the process, including the large number of transmission service requests associated with the upgrades at issue, the number of years included in the process and complexity surrounding the manner in which revenue credits are allocated, we are unable to estimate an amount, or a range of amounts, we may owe, or the impact on our consolidated financial results. We believe any amounts we may owe would be recovered in our future prices. Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel In 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) filed a motion with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to withdraw its then pending application to construct a national repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. An NRC board denied the DOE’s motion to withdraw its application and the DOE appealed that decision to the full NRC. In 2011, the NRC issued an evenly split decision on the appeal and also ordered the licensing board to close out its work on the DOE’s application by the end of 2011 due to a lack of funding. These agency actions prompted the states of Washington and South Carolina, and a county in South Carolina, to file a lawsuit in a federal Court of Appeals asking the court to compel the NRC to resume its license review and to issue a decision on the license application. In August 2013, the court ordered the NRC to resume its review of the DOE’s application. The NRC has not yet issued its decision. Wolf Creek is currently evaluating alternatives for expanding its existing on-site spent nuclear fuel storage to provide additional capacity prior to 2025. We cannot predict when, or if, an off-site storage site or alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek’s spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity. FERC Proceedings See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation - FERC Proceedings,” for information regarding a settlement of a complaint that was filed by the KCC against us with the FERC under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act. |
Legal Proceedings
Legal Proceedings | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Legal Proceedings [Abstract] | |
Legal Proceedings | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial results. See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” and Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information. |
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |
Variable Interest Entities | VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity’s purpose and design, including the nature of the entity’s activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trusts holding our 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) and our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary. We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary. 8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center Under an agreement that expires in January 2019 , we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust’s debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits. 50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2 Under an agreement that expires in September 2029 , KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE’s 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. In February 2016, KGE effected a refunding of the $162.1 million in outstanding bonds maturing March 2021. See Note 6, “Debt Financing,” for additional information. Financial Statement Impact We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above. As of As of March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In Thousands) Assets: Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net $ 265,655 $ 268,239 Regulatory assets (a) 9,428 9,088 Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities $ 26,842 $ 28,309 Accrued interest (b) 19 2,457 Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net 111,239 138,097 _______________ (a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. All of the liabilities noted in the table above relate to the purchase of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs’ debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We did not record any gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs. |
Summary Of Significant Accoun20
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | New Accounting Pronouncements We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new accounting pronouncements which may affect our accounting and/or disclosure. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-02 which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, initially measured at present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are to be classified as either financing or operating leases, with that classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. Accounting for leases by lessors is largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at the earliest period presented, or entered into by the date of initial adoption, with certain practical expedients permitted. We are evaluating the guidance and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Stock-based Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 as part of its simplification initiative. The areas for simplification involve several aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt effective January 1, 2016. Under current GAAP, if the tax deduction for a stock-based payment award exceeds the compensation cost recorded for financial reporting, the additional tax benefit is recognized in additional paid-in capital and referred to as an excess tax benefit. Tax deficiencies were recognized either as an offset to the accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or as reduction of income. The issuance of this ASU reflects the FASB’s decision that all prospective excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax benefits and expense. Upon initial adoption, we recorded a $3.3 million cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for excess tax benefits that had not previously been recognized. Further, the issuance of this ASU reflects the FASB’s decision that cash flows related to excess tax benefits should be classified as cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption, we have retrospectively presented cash flows from operating activities and cash flows used in financing activities on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as $1.1 million higher than as previously reported. Financial Instruments In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, which removes the requirement to categorize certain investments measured at net asset value (NAV) per share within the fair value hierarchy. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We have adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016. The adoption was limited to disclosure and does not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 “Financial Instruments and Trading Securities.” |
Principles Of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included. |
Use Of Management's Estimates | Use of Management’s Estimates When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. |
Fuel Inventory And Supplies | Fuel Inventory and Supplies We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. |
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost |
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of issuable common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements, if any, and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Supplemental Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In Thousands) CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM): Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized $ 30,415 $ 38,927 Interest on financing activities of VIEs 4,150 5,651 Income taxes, net of refunds (383 ) — NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS: Property, plant and equipment additions 130,532 63,265 NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS: Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends 2,405 3,028 Assets acquired through capital leases 180 294 |
Summary Of Significant Accoun21
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Utility Inventory | Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately. As of As of March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In Thousands) Fuel inventory $ 113,965 $ 113,438 Supplies 187,375 187,856 Fuel inventory and supplies $ 301,340 $ 301,294 |
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction | on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars In Thousands) Borrowed funds $ 2,008 $ 2,029 Equity funds 2,464 1,950 Total $ 4,472 $ 3,979 Average AFUDC Rates 5.2 % 4.0 % |
Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS | The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) Net income $ 68,708 $ 53,163 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,123 2,183 Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc. 65,585 50,980 Less: Net income allocated to RSUs 135 118 Net income allocated to common stock $ 65,450 $ 50,862 Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic 141,992,846 132,395,497 Effect of dilutive securities: RSUs 318,382 175,876 Forward sale agreements — 2,968,258 Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a) 142,311,228 135,539,631 Earnings per common share, basic $ 0.46 $ 0.38 Earnings per common share, diluted $ 0.46 $ 0.38 _______________ (a) We had no antidilutive securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In Thousands) CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM): Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized $ 30,415 $ 38,927 Interest on financing activities of VIEs 4,150 5,651 Income taxes, net of refunds (383 ) — NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS: Property, plant and equipment additions 130,532 63,265 NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS: Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends 2,405 3,028 Assets acquired through capital leases 180 294 |
Financial Instruments and Tra22
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract] | |
Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments | The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt. As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (In Thousands) Fixed-rate debt $ 3,080,000 $ 3,386,212 $ 3,080,000 $ 3,259,533 Fixed-rate debt of VIEs 137,963 152,155 166,271 179,030 |
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities | The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value. As of March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ — $ 46,313 $ — $ 5,830 $ 52,143 International equity funds — 31,846 — — 31,846 Core bond fund — 24,650 — — 24,650 High-yield bond fund — 14,493 — — 14,493 Emerging market bond fund — 13,715 — — 13,715 Combination debt/equity/other funds — 11,071 — — 11,071 Alternative investment fund — — — 14,862 14,862 Real estate securities fund — — — 20,649 20,649 Cash equivalents 26 — — — 26 Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 26 142,088 — 41,341 183,455 Trading Securities: Domestic equity funds — 17,776 — — 17,776 International equity fund — 4,321 — — 4,321 Core bond fund — 11,657 — — 11,657 Cash equivalents 156 — — — 156 Total Trading Securities 156 33,754 — — 33,910 Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 182 $ 175,842 $ — $ 41,341 $ 217,365 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ — $ 50,872 $ — $ 6,050 $ 56,922 International equity funds — 33,595 — — 33,595 Core bond fund — 25,976 — — 25,976 High-yield bond fund — 15,288 — — 15,288 Emerging market bond fund — 13,584 — — 13,584 Combination debt/equity/other funds — 11,343 — — 11,343 Alternative investment fund — — — 16,439 16,439 Real estate securities fund — — — 10,823 10,823 Cash equivalents 87 — — — 87 Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust 87 150,658 — 33,312 184,057 Trading Securities: Domestic equity funds — 17,876 — — 17,876 International equity fund — 4,430 — — 4,430 Core bond fund — 11,423 — — 11,423 Cash equivalents 159 — — — 159 Total Trading Securities 159 33,729 — — 33,888 Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 246 $ 184,387 $ — $ 33,312 $ 217,945 |
Reconciliations Of Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value | |
Unrealized Gains And Losses On Fair Value Assets And Liabilities | |
Investments In Financial Instruments | The following table provides additional information on these investments. As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 As of March 31, 2016 Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency Length of Settlement (In Thousands) Nuclear Decommissioning Trust: Domestic equity funds $ 5,830 $ 3,829 $ 6,050 $ 1,948 (a) (a) Alternative investment fund (b) 14,862 — 16,439 — Quarterly 65 days Real estate securities fund 20,649 — 10,823 — Quarterly (c) Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust $ 41,341 $ 3,829 $ 33,312 $ 1,948 _______________ (a) This investment is in four long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2016, we committed to investing in a fourth fund. The terms are expected to be 15 years , subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods for both the third and fourth fund. (b) There is a holdback on final redemptions. (c) This investment is in two real estate funds. In April 2016, we received proceeds for the first investment in the amount of the investment’s fair value as of March 31, 2016. Redemptions of the second fund are allowed on the last business day of the calendar quarter, or such other day or days as the investment manager may determine, and redemptions are granted as soon as reasonably possible with notice of at least 65 days . There is a holdback on final redemptions. |
Financial Investments (Tables)
Financial Investments (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Cost And Fair Value Of Investments | The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Gross Unrealized Security Type Cost Gain Loss Fair Value Allocation (Dollars In Thousands) As of March 31, 2016: Domestic equity funds $ 45,147 $ 7,099 $ (103 ) $ 52,143 28 % International equity funds 31,101 1,553 (808 ) 31,846 17 % Core bond fund 24,459 191 — 24,650 13 % High-yield bond fund 15,941 — (1,448 ) 14,493 9 % Emerging market bond fund 15,106 — (1,391 ) 13,715 7 % Combination debt/equity/other funds 8,113 2,958 — 11,071 6 % Alternative investment fund 15,000 — (138 ) 14,862 9 % Real estate securities fund 20,636 13 — 20,649 11 % Cash equivalents 26 — — 26 <1% Total $ 175,529 $ 11,814 $ (3,888 ) $ 183,455 100 % As of December 31, 2015: Domestic equity funds $ 49,488 $ 7,436 $ (2 ) $ 56,922 32 % International equity funds 33,458 1,372 (1,235 ) 33,595 18 % Core bond fund 26,397 — (421 ) 25,976 14 % High-yield bond fund 17,047 — (1,759 ) 15,288 8 % Emerging market bond fund 16,306 — (2,722 ) 13,584 7 % Combination debt/equity/other funds 8,239 3,104 — 11,343 6 % Alternative investment fund 15,000 1,439 — 16,439 9 % Real estate securities fund 11,026 — (203 ) 10,823 6 % Cash equivalents 87 — — 87 <1% Total $ 177,048 $ 13,351 $ (6,342 ) $ 184,057 100 % |
Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses Of Available-For-Sale Securities | The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (In Thousands) As of March 31, 2016: Domestic equity funds $ — $ — $ 668 $ (103 ) $ 668 $ (103 ) International equity funds — — 6,591 (808 ) 6,591 (808 ) High-yield bond fund 14,493 (1,448 ) — — 14,493 (1,448 ) Emerging market bond fund — — 13,715 (1,391 ) 13,715 (1,391 ) Alternative investments 14,862 (138 ) — — 14,862 (138 ) Total $ 29,355 $ (1,586 ) $ 20,974 $ (2,302 ) $ 50,329 $ (3,888 ) As of December 31, 2015: Domestic equity funds $ — $ — $ 668 $ (2 ) $ 668 $ (2 ) International equity funds — — 6,717 (1,235 ) 6,717 (1,235 ) Core bond funds 25,976 (421 ) — — 25,976 (421 ) High-yield bond fund 15,288 (1,759 ) — — 15,288 (1,759 ) Emerging market bond fund — — 13,584 (2,722 ) 13,584 (2,722 ) Real estate securities fund — — 10,823 (203 ) 10,823 (203 ) Total $ 41,264 $ (2,180 ) $ 31,792 $ (4,162 ) $ 73,056 $ (6,342 ) |
Pension and Post-Retirement B24
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization. Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): Service cost $ 4,664 $ 5,348 $ 271 $ 361 Interest cost 10,959 10,753 1,393 1,422 Expected return on plan assets (10,663 ) (10,059 ) (1,709 ) (1,654 ) Amortization of unrecognized: Prior service costs 246 130 114 114 Actuarial loss (gain), net 5,388 7,661 (280 ) 95 Net periodic cost (benefit) before regulatory adjustment 10,594 13,833 (211 ) 338 Regulatory adjustment (a) 3,306 1,797 (486 ) 1,013 Net periodic cost (benefit) $ 13,900 $ 15,630 $ (697 ) $ 1,351 _______________ (a) The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. |
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-R25
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization. Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): Service cost $ 4,664 $ 5,348 $ 271 $ 361 Interest cost 10,959 10,753 1,393 1,422 Expected return on plan assets (10,663 ) (10,059 ) (1,709 ) (1,654 ) Amortization of unrecognized: Prior service costs 246 130 114 114 Actuarial loss (gain), net 5,388 7,661 (280 ) 95 Net periodic cost (benefit) before regulatory adjustment 10,594 13,833 (211 ) 338 Regulatory adjustment (a) 3,306 1,797 (486 ) 1,013 Net periodic cost (benefit) $ 13,900 $ 15,630 $ (697 ) $ 1,351 _______________ (a) The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. |
Wolf Creek [Member] | |
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization. Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): Service cost $ 1,687 $ 1,899 $ 32 $ 34 Interest cost 2,414 2,254 81 79 Expected return on plan assets (2,431 ) (2,261 ) — — Amortization of unrecognized: Prior service costs 14 14 — — Actuarial loss (gain), net 1,089 1,482 (4 ) 1 Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment 2,773 3,388 109 114 Regulatory adjustment (a) 483 (304 ) — — Net periodic cost $ 3,256 $ 3,084 $ 109 $ 114 _______________ (a) The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. |
Variable Interest Entities (Tab
Variable Interest Entities (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |
Assets And Liabilities of VIEs | We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above. As of As of March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In Thousands) Assets: Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net $ 265,655 $ 268,239 Regulatory assets (a) 9,428 9,088 Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities $ 26,842 $ 28,309 Accrued interest (b) 19 2,457 Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net 111,239 138,097 _______________ (a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. |
Description Of Business (Detail
Description Of Business (Details) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Number of customers in Kansas | 702,000 |
Summary Of Significant Accoun28
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Fuel Inventory And Supplies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
Total | $ 301,340 | $ 301,294 |
Fuel Inventory [Member] | ||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
Public Utilities Inventory | 113,965 | 113,438 |
Supplies [Member] | ||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
Public Utilities Inventory | $ 187,375 | $ 187,856 |
Summary Of Significant Accoun29
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance For Funds Used During Construction) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Borrowed funds | $ (2,008) | $ (2,029) |
Equity funds | 2,464 | 1,950 |
Total | $ 4,472 | $ 3,979 |
Average AFUDC rates | 5.20% | 4.00% |
Summary Of Significant Accoun30
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Net Income Allocated to RSUs | $ 135 | $ 118 |
Net income allocated to common stock | $ 65,450 | $ 50,862 |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic | 141,992,846 | 132,395,497 |
RSUs | 318,382 | 175,876 |
Forward sale agreements | 0 | 2,968,258 |
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding - diluted | 142,311,228 | 135,539,631 |
Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ 0.46 | $ 0.38 |
Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ 0.46 | $ 0.38 |
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Antidilutive securities | 0 |
Summary Of Significant Accoun31
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Cash Paid For (Received From) | ||
Interest on financing activities | $ 30,415 | $ 38,927 |
Income Taxes Paid, Net | (383) | 0 |
Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 130,532 | 63,265 |
Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and compensation plans | 2,405 | 3,028 |
Assets acquired through capital leases | 180 | 294 |
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | ||
Cash Paid For (Received From) | ||
Interest on financing activities | $ 4,150 | $ 5,651 |
Summary Of Significant Accoun32
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2016 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | ||
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets | $ 3,326 | |
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation | $ 1,073 | |
Retained Earnings [Member] | ||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | ||
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets | $ 3,326 |
Rate Matters And Regulation (Na
Rate Matters And Regulation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | May. 02, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Jan. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 |
FERC 206 [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage | 10.30% | |||
Loss Contingency Accrual | $ 16.7 | $ 16.7 | ||
FERC 206 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $ 24 | |||
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member] | Electric Transmission [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $ 25.3 | |||
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member] | Electric Transmission [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $ 20 | |||
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member] | Ad Valorem Tax [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $ 5 | |||
Incentive Return on Equity [Member] | FERC 206 [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage | 0.00% | |||
Base Return on Equity [Member] | FERC 206 [Member] | ||||
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | ||||
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage | 9.80% |
Financial Instruments and Tra34
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Fixed Rate Debt Member | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Carrying Value | $ 3,080,000 | $ 3,080,000 |
Fair Value | 3,386,212 | 3,259,533 |
Fixed Rate Debt Of Variable Interest Entities Member | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Carrying Value | 137,963 | 166,271 |
Fair Value | $ 152,155 | $ 179,030 |
Financial Instruments and Tra35
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities (Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | $ 183,455 | $ 184,057 |
Trading securities | 33,910 | 33,888 |
Total assets measured at fair value | 217,365 | 217,945 |
Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 26 | 87 |
Trading securities | 156 | 159 |
Total assets measured at fair value | 182 | 246 |
Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 142,088 | 150,658 |
Trading securities | 33,754 | 33,729 |
Total assets measured at fair value | 175,842 | 184,387 |
Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Total assets measured at fair value | 0 | 0 |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 52,143 | 56,922 |
Trading securities | 17,776 | 17,876 |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 46,313 | 50,872 |
Trading securities | 17,776 | 17,876 |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
International Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 31,846 | 33,595 |
Trading securities | 4,321 | 4,430 |
International Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
International Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 31,846 | 33,595 |
Trading securities | 4,321 | 4,430 |
International Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 24,650 | 25,976 |
Trading securities | 11,657 | 11,423 |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 24,650 | 25,976 |
Trading securities | 11,657 | 11,423 |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,493 | 15,288 |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,493 | 15,288 |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 13,715 | 13,584 |
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 13,715 | 13,584 |
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 11,071 | 11,343 |
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 11,071 | 11,343 |
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Alternative Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,862 | 16,439 |
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 20,649 | 10,823 |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Cash Equivalents [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 26 | 87 |
Trading securities | 156 | 159 |
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 26 | 87 |
Trading securities | 156 | 159 |
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 41,341 | 33,312 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Total assets measured at fair value | 41,341 | 33,312 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 5,830 | 6,050 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | International Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Core Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,862 | 16,439 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 20,649 | 10,823 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Net Asset Value [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
Trading securities | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Financial Instruments and Tra36
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities (Unrealized Gains And Losses On Financial Statements) (Details) - Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] - Fair Value [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | ||
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | $ 3,829 | $ 1,948 | |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | 3,829 | 1,948 | |
Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | $ 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period | 65 days | ||
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | [1] | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period | 65 days | ||
[1] | This investment is in four long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2016, we committed to investing in a fourth fund. The terms are expected to be 15 years, subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods for both the third and fourth fund. |
Financial Instruments and Tra37
Financial Instruments and Trading Securities (Investments In Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | ||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Redemption Restriction Period | 15 years | ||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | $ 183,455 | $ 184,057 | |
Trading securities | 33,910 | 33,888 | |
Total | 217,365 | 217,945 | |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 52,143 | 56,922 | |
Trading securities | 17,776 | 17,876 | |
Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,862 | 16,439 | |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 20,649 | 10,823 | |
Fair Value [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 41,341 | 33,312 | |
Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 5,830 | 6,050 | |
Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 14,862 | 16,439 | |
Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | [1] | 20,649 | 10,823 |
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | 3,829 | 1,948 | |
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | 3,829 | 1,948 | |
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | $ 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period | 65 days | ||
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | [1] | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Investment redemption frequency | Quarterly | ||
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period | 65 days | ||
[1] | This investment is in four long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2016, we committed to investing in a fourth fund. The terms are expected to be 15 years, subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods for both the third and fourth fund. |
Financial Investments (Narrativ
Financial Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Trading Securities | $ 33,910 | $ 33,888 | |
Unrealized gains losses | 500 | $ 700 | |
Realized gains on available-for-sale-securities | $ 1,600 | $ 200 |
Financial Investments (Cost And
Financial Investments (Cost And Fair Value Of Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 175,529 | $ 177,048 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 11,814 | $ 13,351 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 3,888 | 6,342 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 183,455 | $ 184,057 | |
Allocation | 100.00% | 100.00% | |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 45,147 | $ 49,488 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 7,099 | 7,436 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 103 | 2 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 52,143 | $ 56,922 | |
Allocation | 28.00% | 32.00% | |
International Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 31,101 | $ 33,458 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 1,553 | 1,372 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 808 | 1,235 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 31,846 | $ 33,595 | |
Allocation | 17.00% | 18.00% | |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 24,459 | $ 26,397 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 191 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 0 | 421 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 24,650 | $ 25,976 | |
Allocation | 13.00% | 14.00% | |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 15,941 | $ 17,047 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 0 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 1,448 | 1,759 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 14,493 | $ 15,288 | |
Allocation | 9.00% | 8.00% | |
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 15,106 | $ 16,306 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 0 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 1,391 | 2,722 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 13,715 | $ 13,584 | |
Allocation | 7.00% | 7.00% | |
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 8,113 | $ 8,239 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 2,958 | 3,104 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 0 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 11,071 | $ 11,343 | |
Allocation | 6.00% | 6.00% | |
Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 15,000 | $ 15,000 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 0 | 1,439 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 138 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 14,862 | $ 16,439 | |
Allocation | 9.00% | 9.00% | |
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 20,636 | $ 11,026 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 13 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 0 | 203 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 20,649 | $ 10,823 | |
Allocation | 11.00% | 6.00% | |
Cash Equivalents [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis | $ 26 | $ 87 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax | 0 | 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax | 0 | $ 0 | |
Available-for-sale Securities | $ 26 | $ 87 |
Financial Investments (Fair Val
Financial Investments (Fair Value And The Gross Unrealized Losses Of the Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) | $ 500 | $ 700 | |
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 29,355 | $ 41,264 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (1,586) | (2,180) | |
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 20,974 | 31,792 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (2,302) | (4,162) | |
Fair Value, Total | 50,329 | 73,056 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (3,888) | (6,342) | |
Domestic Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 668 | 668 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (103) | (2) | |
Fair Value, Total | 668 | 668 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (103) | (2) | |
International Equity Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 6,591 | 6,717 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (808) | (1,235) | |
Fair Value, Total | 6,591 | 6,717 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (808) | (1,235) | |
Core Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 25,976 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (421) | ||
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | ||
Fair Value, Total | 25,976 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (421) | ||
Emerging Market Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 13,715 | 13,584 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (1,391) | (2,722) | |
Fair Value, Total | 13,715 | 13,584 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (1,391) | (2,722) | |
High-Yield Bonds Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 14,493 | 15,288 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (1,448) | (1,759) | |
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value, Total | 14,493 | 15,288 | |
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (1,448) | (1,759) | |
Alternative Funds [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 14,862 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (138) | ||
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | ||
Fair Value, Total | 14,862 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | $ (138) | ||
Real Estate Securities Fund [Member] | |||
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | ||
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 10,823 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (203) | ||
Fair Value, Total | 10,823 | ||
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | $ (203) |
Debt Financing (Narrative) (Det
Debt Financing (Narrative) (Details) - Debt Instrument La Cygne [Member] [Domain] [Domain] - KGE Member [Domain] $ in Thousands | Feb. 16, 2016USD ($) |
La Cygne Generating Station [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 162,100 |
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.647% |
debt instrument, interest rate, refunded stated percentage | 2.398% |
Taxes Taxes (Narrative) (Detail
Taxes Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] | |||
Income tax expense | $ 38,622,000 | $ 27,678,000 | |
Effective income tax rate | 36.00% | 34.00% | |
Liability for unrecognized income tax benefits | $ 2,900,000 | ||
Interest on liability related to unrecognized income tax benefits | 0 | ||
Penalties accrued for unrecognized income tax benefits | 0 | ||
Accrual for taxes other than income taxes | $ 1,500,000 |
Pension and Post-Retirement B43
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs And Pension Contributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | ||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Pension Contributions | $ 6,800 | $ 8,500 | |
Pension Benefits [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | 4,664 | 5,348 | |
Interest cost | 10,959 | 10,753 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (10,663) | (10,059) | |
Prior service costs | 246 | 130 | |
Actuarial loss, net | 5,388 | 7,661 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 10,594 | 13,833 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [1] | (3,306) | (1,797) |
Net periodic cost | 13,900 | 15,630 | |
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | 271 | 361 | |
Interest cost | 1,393 | 1,422 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (1,709) | (1,654) | |
Prior service costs | 114 | 114 | |
Actuarial loss, net | (280) | 95 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | (211) | 338 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [1] | (486) | (1,013) |
Net periodic cost | $ (697) | $ 1,351 | |
[1] | The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. |
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-R44
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs and Pension Contributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | ||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Pension Contributions | $ 6,800 | $ 8,500 | |
Wolf Creek [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Pension Contributions | $ 1,600 | 1,300 | |
KGE [Member] | |||
Subsidiary Interest in Defined Benefit Plans | 47.00% | ||
Pension Benefits [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | $ 4,664 | 5,348 | |
Interest cost | 10,959 | 10,753 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (10,663) | (10,059) | |
Prior service costs | 246 | 130 | |
Actuarial loss, net | 5,388 | 7,661 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 10,594 | 13,833 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [1] | (3,306) | (1,797) |
Net periodic cost | 13,900 | 15,630 | |
Pension Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | 1,687 | 1,899 | |
Interest cost | 2,414 | 2,254 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (2,431) | (2,261) | |
Prior service costs | 14 | 14 | |
Actuarial loss, net | 1,089 | 1,482 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 2,773 | 3,388 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [2] | (483) | (304) |
Net periodic cost | 3,256 | 3,084 | |
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | 271 | 361 | |
Interest cost | 1,393 | 1,422 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (1,709) | (1,654) | |
Prior service costs | 114 | 114 | |
Actuarial loss, net | (280) | 95 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | (211) | 338 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [1] | (486) | (1,013) |
Net periodic cost | (697) | 1,351 | |
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member] | |||
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | |||
Service cost | 32 | 34 | |
Interest cost | 81 | 79 | |
Expected return on plan assets | 0 | 0 | |
Prior service costs | 0 | 0 | |
Actuarial loss, net | (4) | 1 | |
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 109 | 114 | |
Regulatory adjustment | [2] | 0 | 0 |
Net periodic cost | $ 109 | $ 114 | |
[1] | The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. | ||
[2] | The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices. |
Variable Interest Entities (Nar
Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Feb. 16, 2016 | |
Jeffrey Energy Center [Member] | ||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | ||
Variable interest entity percentage of asset held | 8.00% | |
Agreement expiration date | Jan. 1, 2019 | |
La Cygne Generating Station [Member] | ||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | ||
Variable interest entity percentage of asset held | 50.00% | |
Agreement expiration date | Sep. 1, 2029 | |
KGE Member [Domain] | Debt Instrument La Cygne [Member] [Domain] [Domain] | La Cygne Generating Station [Member] | ||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | ||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 162,100 |
Variable Interest Entities (Ass
Variable Interest Entities (Assets And Liabilities In Relation To VIEs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ 8,675,925 | $ 8,524,902 | |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 125,000 | 0 | |
Accrued interest | [1] | 86,222 | 71,426 |
Long-term debt, net | 3,039,239 | 3,163,950 | |
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | |||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 265,655 | 268,239 | |
Regulatory assets | [2] | 9,428 | 9,088 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 26,842 | 28,309 | |
Accrued interest | [1] | 19 | 2,457 |
Long-term debt, net | $ 111,239 | $ 138,097 | |
[1] | Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. | ||
[2] | Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets. |