Company Profile
Blackstone Valley Electric Company (Blackstone or the Company) is a retail
electric utility company. Blackstone supplies retail electric service to
approximately 85,000 customers in the cities of Central Falls, Pawtucket and
Woonsocket, and four surrounding towns in northern Rhode Island.
Blackstone is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastern Utilities Associates (EUA).
EUA owns directly all of the shares of common stock of Blackstone, Eastern
Edison Company (Eastern Edison) and Newport Electric Corporation (Newport).
These EUA subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the Retail Subsidiaries.
Eastern Edison and Newport are retail electric utility companies operating in
southeastern Massachusetts and south coastal Rhode Island, respectively.
Eastern Edison owns all of the permanent securities of Montaup Electric Company
(Montaup), a generation and transmission company, which supplies electricity to
Blackstone, to Eastern Edison, to Newport and to two unaffiliated utilities for
resale. EUA also owns directly all of the shares of common stock of EUA
Service Corporation (EUA Service), EUA Cogenex Corporation (EUA Cogenex), EUA
Energy Investment Corporation (EUA Energy), EUA Ocean State Corporation (EUA
Ocean State), EUA Energy Services, Inc. (EUA Energy Services) and EUA
Telecommunications Corporation (EUA Telecommunications). EUA Service provides
various accounting, financial, engineering, planning, data processing and other
services to all EUA System companies. EUA Cogenex is an energy services
company. EUA Energy was organized to invest in energy related projects. EUA
Ocean State owns a 29.9% interest in Ocean State Power's two gas-fired
generating units in northern Rhode Island. EUA Energy Services markets energy
and energy related services. EUA Telecommunications provides
telecommunications and information services. The holding company system of
EUA, the Retail Subsidiaries, Montaup, EUA Service, EUA Cogenex, EUA Energy,
EUA Ocean State, EUA Energy Services, and EUA Telecommunications is referred to
as the EUA System. The Core Electric Business consists of the Retail
Subsidiaries and Montaup. See Electric Utility Industry Restructuring for a
discussion of changes taking place in the utility industry in the
territories serviced by EUA's Core Electric Business.
Form 10-K
A copy of EUA's, Eastern Edison's and Blackstone's Co-Registrant 1997
Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is available without charge by contacting us at:
EUA Service Corporation
Post Office Box 2333
Boston, MA 02107
(617) 357-9590
Internet Address
Visit EUA's Home Page on the worldwide web at: http://www.eua.com.
MARKET FOR BLACKSTONE'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
All of Blackstone's common stock is owned beneficially and of record by
EUA.
The dividends paid on common stock during the past two years are as
follows:
Dividends Paid Dividends Paid
1997 Per Share 1996 Per Share
First Quarter $4.75 First Quarter $5.91
Second Quarter 4.75 Second Quarter 6.34
Third Quarter 4.75 Third Quarter 6.34
Fourth Quarter 4.75 Fourth Quarter 6.34
No dividend may be paid on the common stock unless full dividends on the
outstanding preferred stock for all past and the current quarterly dividend
periods have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. Blackstone's
First Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust securing its First Mortgage Bonds
contains provisions which restrict the payment by Blackstone of cash dividends
on its common stock. See Notes C and D of Notes to Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Review of
Operations under Financial Condition and Liquidity.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
For the Years Ended December 31,
(In Thousands) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Operating Revenues $140,258 $136,911 $140,861 $140,611 $143,666
Net Earnings 5,357 3,776 4,009 3,438 4,069
Total Assets 130,833 132,313 129,835 121,413 114,552
Capitalization:
Long-Term Debt-Net 33,500 35,000 36,500 38,000 39,500
Non-Redeemable Preferred
Stock (including premium) 6,130 6,130 6,130 6,130 6,130
Common Equity 38,092 36,232 37,045 37,180 35,378
Total Capitalization $ 77,722 $ 77,362 $ 79,675 $ 81,310 $ 81,008
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Net Earnings for 1997 increased approximately $1.6 million to $5.4 million
compared to 1996. Net Earnings for 1997 include a one-time charge of
approximately $260,000, on an after-tax basis, related to the costs of a
voluntary retirement incentive offer (VRI) recorded in 1997, discussed below.
Kilowatthour (kWh) sales of electricity for 1997 increased by 2.6% as compared
to 1996, led by increased sales to residential and commercial customers of 4.8%
and 2.6%, respectively.
Net Earnings for 1996 decreased approximately $200,000 to $3.8 million
compared to those of 1995. Earnings for 1995 include a one-time charge of
approximately $550,000, on an after-tax basis, related to the costs of the
1995 VRI. KWh sales of electricity for 1996 decreased by 1.3% as compared to
1995, largely due to milder weather. Sales to commercial and industrial
customers decreased by 3.0% and 2.5%, respectively, in 1996.
Comparison of Financial Results
Operating Revenues
Operating Revenues increased by approximately $3.3 million or 2.4% in 1997
as compared to 1996. This change was primarily due to recoveries of increased
conservation and load management (C&LM) expenses of approximately $800,000
(discussed below), an approximate 1.9% base rate increase effective January 1,
1997 pursuant to the Utility Restructuring Act of 1996 (URA), offset by
recoveries of lower purchased power expense (see discussions below).
Operating Revenues for 1996 decreased by approximately $4.0 million as
compared to those of 1995. This change was primarily due to recoveries of
lower purchased power and C&LM expenses, as discussed below, and decreased kWh
sales.
Voluntary Retirement Incentives
In June 1997, an early retirement offer was accepted by a group of
employees who were eligible for, but not offered, a VRI offer completed in
1995, resulting in a charge of approximately $400,000 (approximately $260,000
after-tax) to the Company's second quarter 1997 earnings.
Expenses
Purchased Power expense, recovered through Blackstone's purchased power
adjustment clause, represented 69% of total 1997 operating expense. Purchased
Power expense decreased approximately $700,000 or less than 1% in 1997 as
compared to 1996. As of August 1, 1997, pursuant to the URA, certain
commercial and industrial customers of Blackstone were given the opportunity to
choose alternate electricity suppliers, reducing purchased power requirements
and expense in 1997 as compared to 1996. Offsetting these decreases was an
increase of 16.3% in the average cost of fuel of Montaup, the Company's power
supplier. Outages at nuclear units, in which Montaup has an interest
contributed to a greater dependence on higher costing fossil fuels for its
energy requirements.
Purchased power expense decreased approximately $4.7 million or 4.9% in 1996 as
compared to 1995. Impacting purchased power expense in 1996 was a decrease in
C&LM expenses of approximately $3.1 million, which were included in purchased
power expenses in 1995 but included in Other Operation and Maintenance expense
in 1996, and decreased kWh requirements.
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses are comprised of two components,
Direct Controllable and Indirect. Direct Controllable expenses include expense
items such as salaries, fringe benefits, insurance, maintenance, etc. Indirect
expenses include items over which the Company has limited short-term control
including expenses related to accounting standards such as Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Post-
Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" (FAS106).
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses, including affiliated company
transactions, for 1997 increased approximately $800,000 or 3.4% as compared to
1996. This change was primarily due to increased C&LM expenses in 1997 which
are fully recoverable through rates. Other Operation and Maintenance expenses,
including affiliated company transactions, for 1996 increased by approximately
$2.7 million or 13.8% when compared to 1995. This change is primarily due to
an increase of $1.4 million in C&LM expenses recorded as Other Operation and
Maintenance expenses, a decrease in capitalized costs of approximately $500,000
and an increase in FAS106 expense of approximately $200,000. Also impacting
1996 results were increases in the provision for uncollectible accounts, legal
and storm related expenses aggregating approximately $700,000.
Taxes Other than Income decreased by approximately $200,000 or 2.0% in
1997 as compared to 1996 and approximately $300,000 or 3.6% in 1996 as compared
to 1995. These decreases were due primarily to 1% decreases in the Rhode
Island Gross Receipts Tax billed to industrial customers in both 1997 and 1996.
As of July 1997, the Rhode Island Gross Receipts Tax was no longer billed to
industrial customers of Blackstone.
Net Interest charges for 1997 increased by approximately $300,000 or 8.5%
as compared to 1996. This increase was primarily due to increased short-term
borrowings and increased intercompany interest expense offset by lower interest
on long-term debt due to reductions in long-term debt balances resulting from
required sinking fund payments. Net interest charges for 1996 decreased by
approximately $300,000 or 6.3%, primarily due to interest on decreased long-
term debt balances and decreased customer deposits interest.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The Company is required to make capital expenditures in order to meet the
needs of its existing and future customers. For 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company's cash construction expenditures were $3.8 million, $4.2 million, and
$5.1 million, respectively. Internally generated funds provided approximately
164%, 104% and 134% of cash construction requirements in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
Cash Construction expenditures are expected to be $4.3 million in 1998,
$6.4 million in 1999 and $4.6 million in 2000, and are expected to be financed
with internally generated funds. Traditionally, construction requirements in
excess of internally generated funds are obtained through short-term borrowings
which are ultimately funded with permanent capital.
In July 1997, several EUA System companies, including Blackstone, entered
into a three-year revolving credit agreement allowing for borrowings in
aggregate of up to $120 million. As of December 31, 1997, various financial
institutions have committed up to $75 million under the revolving credit
facility. At December 31, 1997, under the revolving credit agreement, the EUA
System had short-term borrowings available of approximately $13.5 million.
Blackstone had $1.4 million of short-term borrowings outstanding at year end
1997 and approximately $700,000 at year end 1996.
Blackstone's requirements for sinking fund payments and redemption of
securities for the five years following 1997 are $1.5 million in each of 1998,
1999 and 2000, and $3.3 million in each of 2001 and 2002.
Electric Utility Industry Restructuring Initiatives
Unbundled Services:
The electric utility industry in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the
states in which EUA provides electric services, is transitioning from a
traditional rate regulated environment to a competitive marketplace.
Traditional electric utility services - generation, transmission and
distribution - have been unbundled into separate and distinct services. The
generation, or supply, function is now competitive with customers able to
choose their own electricity supplier at market prices. The transmission and
distribution functions remain regulated services. The local distribution
company is responsible for providing distribution services to the ultimate
electricity consumer within its franchised service territory and the
transmission company is required to provide open access, non-discriminatory
transmission services to generation or supply companies.
Stranded costs:
Stranded costs represent prudently incurred costs of generation which are
now above their current economic value. In Rhode Island (see discussion below)
stranded costs have been defined to include items such as above market net
investments in generation assets, generation related regulatory assets, nuclear
decommissioning and above market commitments under current power purchase
contracts. A December 19, 1997 order from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) provides Montaup, the EUA System's generation company, with full
recovery of its stranded costs. Stranded costs are recovered, via a Contract
Termination Charge (CTC) under a contract termination agreement which
replaced the all-requirements contracts between Montaup and its retail
affiliates including Blackstone. In its order, FERC approved settlement
agreements between Montaup, its retail affiliates and consumer representatives
in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Both states' regulatory bodies have
approved retail settlements in accordance with enabling state legislation.
Rhode Island-Retail:
On August 7, 1996, the Governor of Rhode Island signed into law the
Utility Restructuring Act of 1996 (URA). The URA provided for customer choice
of electricity supplier in several phases commencing July 1, 1997 for certain
customers and culminating with choice for all customers by July 1, 1998, or
sooner. Under the URA, the local distribution company retains the
responsibility of providing distribution services to the ultimate electricity
consumer within its franchised service territory. For customers who do not
choose an alternative supplier, the local distribution company must arrange for
standard offer service. Distribution companies are providers of last resort
service for customers who are unable to obtain their own supply.
The URA provides for full recovery of stranded costs, through a non-
bypassable transition charge initially set at 2.8 cents per kWh through
December 31, 2000. The costs of net, above-market generation assets and
regulatory assets will be recovered, with a return, through a fixed component
of the transition charge from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2009. A
variable component of the transition charge will recover, on a reconciling
basis, among other things, nuclear decommissioning and above market purchased
power commitments from January 1, 1998, through the life of the respective unit
or contract. The URA also provides for commitments to demand side management
initiatives and renewables, low-income customer protections, divestiture of at
least 15% of owned non-nuclear generating units as a valuation basis for
mitigation of stranded cost recovery, and performance-based ratemaking (PBR)
standards for electric distribution companies to be in effect until the end of
1998. These performance-based standards provide for a 6% minimum and an
approximate 12% maximum allowed return on equity for Blackstone. In addition,
the URA provides for adjustments to electric distribution companies' base rates
using the prior year's Consumer Price Index for 1997 and 1998 and other
performance factors. Under this provision of the law, base rates were
increased 1.3% for customers of Blackstone effective January 1, 1998.
In February 1997, Blackstone, Newport and Montaup reached a settlement in
principle with the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
(RIDIV) and the state's Attorney General and filed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
(RIPUC) outlining the terms of the settlement. The settlement was submitted to
the RIPUC in two separate filings which were approved on April 21, 1997 and
December 17, 1997, respectively. In addition to complying with the URA, the
settlement provided for a 13% rate reduction for Blackstone's customers
effective January 1, 1998, amendments to Blackstone's power contract with
Montaup to replace all-requirements provisions with a CTC commensurate with
retail access and the filing of a plan to divest all of Montaup's generating
assets. The net proceeds of the divestiture will be used to mitigate
the amount of Montaup's stranded costs to be recovered through the CTC. See
"Divestiture" below for a discussion of Montaup's divestiture process.
On December 17, 1997, the RIPUC approved a retail settlement which
included a distribution rate freeze through December 31, 2000, except for any
temporary credit or surcharge resulting from PBR implementation or the standard
offer reconciliation, and retail access for all customers commencing January 1,
1998. In addition to the approval of wholesale power contract amendments
by FERC, received on December 19, 1997, any disposition of generation assets
resulting from the agreements or the URA would also require the approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935.
FERC-Wholesale:
On May 1, 1997, Montaup and Blackstone jointly filed amendments to their
FERC-approved all-requirements power contract. The filing included a
calculation for a CTC to recover stranded costs and a provision for standard
offer service for resale to retail customers who do not choose an alternate
generation supplier. These provisions replaced the services offered by the
all-requirements contracts upon full retail access pursuant to the URA. The
filing also included hold harmless provisions for Montaup's other wholesale
customers and for retail customers of Blackstone and lost revenue provisions
which allow for recovery of any of Montaup's lost revenues during the initial
phases of retail access in Rhode Island through completion of Montaup's
divestiture process. This filing allowed Blackstone to implement on July 1,
1997, the phase-in provisions of the URA and prevented any cross-subsidies by
their retail customers who were excluded from the groups of customers given
retail choice prior to January 1, 1998 and by Montaup's other customers.
On October 29, 1997, settlement agreements among Montaup, its affiliated
and non-affiliated customers, the Massachusetts Attorney General, the MADOER,
the RIDIV and RIPUC were submitted for FERC approval. These settlements
represent a comprehensive resolution of federal/wholesale issues of electric
utility industry restructuring based on the settlement agreements in Rhode
Island and Massachusetts. FERC approved the settlements on December 19, 1997,
accommodating retail choice for EUA's retail customers in Massachusetts and
Rhode Island.
Divestiture:
Montaup began marketing its portfolio of generation assets in July 1997,
and subsequently received bids from potential purchasers. On January 23, 1998,
based on EUA's review of the offers and discussion with potential purchasers,
Montaup announced that it was reopening the sales process on the majority of
its generating assets. The process is expected to require four to six months
to execute a purchase and sale agreement. The net proceeds of the sale, as
defined in the settlement agreements, will be used to mitigate Montaup's CTC to
its retail affiliates via a Residual Value Credit (RVC). The RVC will reduce
the fixed component of the CTC for the net proceeds, with a return, in equal
annual amounts over the period commencing on the date the RVC is implemented
through December 31, 2009. Subject to regulatory approvals, Montaup
anticipates the sale will be completed in early 1999.
Accounting Issues:
Historically, electric rates have been designed to recover a utility's
full cost of providing electric service including recovery of investment in
plant assets. Also, in a regulated environment, electric utilities are subject
to certain accounting rules that are not applicable to other industries. These
accounting rules allow regulated companies, in appropriate circumstances, to
establish regulatory assets and liabilities, which defer the current financial
impact of certain costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. The
SEC has raised issues concerning the continued applicability of these standards
with certain other electric utilities in other states facing restructuring.
In July 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Emerging
Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus regarding certain issues raised
related to the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
71 (FAS71), "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." The
EITF determined that when sufficient detail is available for an enterprise to
reasonably determine, from legislation and enabling rate orders, how the
transition plan will affect the separable portion of its business being
deregulated, the enterprise should discontinue the application of FAS71 to that
deregulated portion of its business. The EITF also concluded that utilities
can continue to carry previously recorded regulatory assets on their balance
sheet if regulators have guaranteed a regulated cash flow stream to recover the
cost of those assets. Blackstone believes its retail distribution business
continues to meet the criteria for continued application of FAS71.
In addition, if legislative or regulatory changes and/or competition
result in electric rates which do not fully recover a company's costs, a write-
down of plant assets could be required pursuant to Financial Accounting
Standard No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." EUA does not anticipate any write-
down of plant assets as a result of approved restructuring plans or enacted
legislation at this time.
Environmental Matters
Blackstone and other companies owning generating units from which power is
obtained are subject, like other electric utilities, to environmental and land
use regulations at the federal, state and local levels. The federal
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and certain state and local authorities,
have jurisdiction over releases of pollutants, contaminants and hazardous
substances into the environment and have broad authority to set rules and
regulations in connection therewith, such as the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990, which could require installation of pollution control devices
and remedial actions. In 1994, EUA instituted an environmental audit program
designed for Montaup and the Retail Subsidiaries, including Blackstone, to
ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations and to identify and
reduce liability with respect to those requirements.
Because of the nature of Blackstone's business, various by-products and
substances are produced or handled which are classified as hazardous under the
rules and regulations promulgated by such authorities. Blackstone generally
provides for the disposal of such substances through licensed contractors, but
these statutory provisions generally impose potential joint and several
responsibility on the generators of the wastes for cleanup costs. Blackstone
has been notified with respect to a number of sites where they may be
responsible for such costs, including sites where they may have joint
and several liability with other responsible parties. It is the policy of the
EUA System companies to notify liability insurers and to initiate claims,
however, Blackstone is unable to predict whether liability, if any, will be
assumed by, or can be enforced against, the insurance carriers in these
matters.
As of December 31, 1997, Blackstone had incurred costs of approximately
$6.7 million, in connection with these sites. These amounts have been financed
primarily by internally generated cash. Blackstone is currently recovering
certain of its incurred environmental costs in rates. As a result of
the recoverability in current rates of environmental costs, and the uncertainty
regarding both its estimated liability, as well as potential contributions from
insurance carriers, Blackstone does not believe that the ultimate impact of
environmental costs will be material to its financial position and thus, no
loss provision is required at this time.
Blackstone estimates that additional costs of up to $1.3 million may be
incurred at these sites through 1998. Estimates beyond 1998 cannot be made
since site studies, which are the basis of these estimates, have not been
completed.
In addition to the previously discussed costs, Blackstone is currently
litigating responsibility for clean-up costs and related interest aggregating
$5.9 million. The cleanup cost were incurred by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts at a site in which Blackstone has been named as the responsible
party. See Note H of "Notes to Financial Statements" for further discussion.
A number of scientific studies in the past several years have examined the
possibility of health effects from electric and magnetic fields (EMF) that are
found wherever there is electricity. While some of the studies have indicated
some association between exposure to EMF and health effects, many others have
indicated no direct association. On October 31, 1996, the National Academy of
Sciences issued a literature review of all research to date, Possible Health
Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields. Its most
widely reported conclusion stated, "No clear, convincing evidence exists to
show that residential exposures to EMF are a threat to human health."
Additional studies, which are intended to provide a better understanding of
EMF, are continuing. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the EMF
issue.
Year 2000 Issue
Blackstone has conducted a comprehensive review of its computer systems to
identify the systems that could be affected by the Year 2000 Issue and is
developing an implementation plan to resolve the issue. The Year 2000 Issue is
the result of computer programs being written using two digits rather than four
to define the applicable year. Any programs that have time-sensitive software
may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000.
This could result in a major system failure or miscalculations. Blackstone
believes that, with modifications to existing software and conversions to new
software, the Year 2000 problem will not pose significant operational problems
for its computer systems as so modified and converted. It is anticipated that
all reprogramming efforts will be complete by the spring of 1999, allowing
adequate time for testing. In addition, notices have been sent to Blackstone's
primary processing vendors seeking assurance that plans are being developed to
address processing of transactions in the year 2000. Management does
not believe the year 2000 compliance expense will be material to Blackstone's
future operating results or future financial condition.
New Accounting Standards
In June 1997 the FASB issued Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its
components (revenues, expenses, gains, and losses) in a set of general-purpose
financial statements. This Statement requires that all items that are required
to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive
income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same
prominence as other financial statements. This Statement is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and Blackstone will adopt
Statement 130 in the first quarter of 1998.
Other
Blackstone occasionally makes forward-looking projections of expected
future performance or statements of our plans and objectives. These forward-
looking statements may be contained in filings with the SEC, press releases and
oral statements. Actual results could differ materially from these statements,
therefore, no assurances can be given that such forward-looking statements and
estimates will be achieved.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Review of
Operations provides a summary of information regarding the Company's financial
condition and results of operation and should be read in conjunction with the
"Financial Statements" and "Notes to Financial Statements" in arriving at a
more complete understanding of such matters.
Financial Table of Contents
Statements of Income. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Statements of Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Statements of Capitalization . .. . . . . . . . . . . 15
Notes to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Report of Independent Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Blackstone Valley Electric Company
Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
(In Thousands)
1997 1996 1995
Operating Revenues $ 140,258 $ 136,911 $ 140,861
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power (principally from
an affiliate) 90,327 91,016 95,725
Other Operation and Maintenance 11,682 11,781 10,938
Affiliated Company Transactions 10,943 10,092 8,280
Voluntary Retirement Incentive 363 0 912
Depreciation 5,725 5,594 5,501
Taxes - Other than Income 8,340 8,506 8,821
Income and Deferred Taxes 3,326 2,156 2,347
Total Operating Expenses 130,706 129,145 132,524
Operating Income 9,552 7,766 8,337
Allowance for Other Funds Used During
Construction 50 33
Other Income (Deductions) - Net 195 30 (38)
Income Before Interest Charges 9,747 7,846 8,332
Interest Charges:
Interest on Long-Term Debt 3,186 3,313 3,481
Other Interest Expense 996 524 612
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used
During Construction (Credit) (81) (56) (59)
Net Interest Charges 4,101 3,781 4,034
Net Income 5,646 4,065 4,298
Preferred Dividend Requirements 289 289 289
Net Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 5,357 $ 3,776 $ 4,009
Statements of Retained Earnings
Years Ended December 31,
(In Thousands)
1997 1996 1995
Retained Earnings - Beginning of Year $ 9,121 $ 9,934 $ 10,069
Net Income 5,646 4,065 4,298
Total 14,767 13,999 14,367
Dividends Paid:
Preferred 289 289 289
Common 3,497 4,589 4,144
Retained Earnings - End of Year $ 10,981 $ 9,121 $ 9,934
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Blackstone Valley Electric Company
Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(In Thousands)
1997 1996 1995
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 5,646 $ 4,065 $ 4,298
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
to Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 6,184 5,976 5,953
Deferred Taxes (1,667) (561) 1,200
Investment Tax Credit, Net (181) (182) (183)
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (50) (34)
Other - Net (1,768) (555) 643
Net Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable 238 2,389 (2,324)
Materials and Supplies 113 66 (172)
Accounts Payable (7,977) (383) 7,540
Accrued Taxes 650 (362) 337
Other - Net 6,762 740 (7,239)
Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities 8,000 11,143 10,019
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Construction Expenditures (3,769) (4,196) (5,064)
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities (3,769) (4,196) (5,064)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemptions:
Long-Term Debt (1,500) (1,500) (1,500)
Common Share Dividends Paid (3,497) (4,589) (4,144)
Preferred Dividends Paid (289) (289) (289)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Debt 665 (524) 1,259
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities (4,621) (6,902) (4,674)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash (390) 45 281
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at
Beginning of Year 798 753 472
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at
End of Year $ 408 $ 798 $ 753
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized) $ 3,436 $ 3,390 $ 3,565
Income Taxes $ 4,906 $ 3,301 $ 690
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Blackstone Valley Electric Company
Balance Sheets
December 31,
(In Thousands)
ASSETS
1997 1996
Utility Plant and Other Investments:
Utility Plant $ 141,609 $ 139,366
Less Accumulated Provision for Depreciation 55,851 51,952
Net Utility Plant 85,758 87,414
Non-Utility Property - Net 45 46
Total Utility Plant and Other Investments 85,803 87,460
Current Assets:
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 408 798
Accounts Receivable:
Customers, Net 11,394 11,141
Accrued Unbilled Revenue 1,584 1,196
Others 1,631 2,541
Associated Companies 513 482
Plant Materials and Operating Supplies
(at average cost) 759 873
Other Current Assets 395 417
Total Current Assets 16,684 17,448
Other Assets (Note A) 28,346 27,405
Total Assets $ 130,833 $ 132,313
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Capitalization:
Common Equity $ 38,092 $ 36,232
Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock 6,130 6,130
Long-Term Debt 33,500 35,000
Total Capitalization 77,722 77,362
Current Liabilities:
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year 1,500 1,500
Notes Payable 1,400 735
Accounts Payable:
Public 960 509
Associated Companies 8,332 16,759
Customer Deposits 1,049 1,113
Taxes Accrued 2,065 1,415
Dividends Accrued 72 72
Interest Accrued 842 899
Other Current Liabilities 8,017 1,157
Total Current Liabilities 24,237 24,159
Deferred Credits:
Unamortized Investment Credit 2,380 2,561
Mendon Road Contingency Reserve 7,065 6,716
Other Deferred Credits 7,532 7,286
Total Deferred Credits 16,977 16,563
Accumulated Deferred Taxes 11,897 14,229
Commitments and Contingencies (Note H)
Total Liabilities and Capitalization $ 130,833 $ 132,313
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Blackstone Valley Electric Company
Statements of Capitalization
December 31,
(In Thousands)
1997 1996
Common Stock, $50 par value, authorized 233,000
shares, issued and outstanding 184,062 shares $ 9,203 $ 9,203
Other Paid-in Capital 17,908 17,908
Retained Earnings 10,981 9,121
Total Common Equity 38,092 36,232
Non-Redeemable Cumulative Preferred Stock:
4.25%, $100 par value, 35,000 shares (1) 3,500 3,500
5.60%, $100 par value, 25,000 shares (1) 2,500 2,500
Premium 130 130
Total Non-Redeemable Cumulative Preferred Stock 6,130 6,130
Long-Term Debt:
First Mortgage Bonds:
9 1/2% due 2004 (Series B) 10,500 12,000
10.35% due 2010 (Series C) 18,000 18,000
Variable Rate Demand Bonds Due 2014 (2) 6,500 6,500
35,000 36,500
Less Portion Due Within One Year 1,500 1,500
Total Long-Term Debt 33,500 35,000
Total Capitalization $ 77,722 $ 77,362
(1) Authorized and Outstanding.
(2) Weighted average interest rate was 3.7% for 1997 and 3.5% for 1996.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
BLACKSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(A) Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
General: Blackstone Valley Electric Company (Blackstone or the Company) is
principally engaged in the distribution and sale of electric energy.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The accounting policies and practices of Blackstone are subject to
regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Rhode
Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) with respect to its rates and
accounting. Blackstone conforms with generally accepted accounting
principles, as applied in the case of regulated public utilities, and conforms
with the accounting requirements and ratemaking practices of the RIPUC. A
description of the significant accounting policies follows.
Transactions with Affiliates: The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
EUA. In addition to its investment in the Company, EUA has interests in other
retail and wholesale utility companies, a service corporation, and five other
non-utility companies.
Transactions between Blackstone and other affiliated companies include the
following: purchased power costs billed by Montaup of approximately $90,276,000
in 1997, $90,970,000 in 1996 and $95,683,000 in 1995; accounting, engineering
and other services rendered by EUA Service of approximately $12,608,000 in
1997, $11,923,000 in 1996 and $10,448,000 in 1995; and operating revenue from
the rental of transmission facilities to Montaup of approximately $3,124,000 in
1997, $2,501,000 in 1996 and $3,047,000 in 1995. Transactions with affiliated
companies are subject to review by applicable regulatory commissions.
Utility Plant and Depreciation: Utility plant is stated at original cost.
The cost of additions to utility plant includes contracted work, direct labor
and material, allocable overhead, allowance for funds used during construction
and indirect charges for engineering and supervision. For financial statement
purposes, depreciation is computed on the straight-line method based on
estimated useful lives of the various classes of property. Provisions for
depreciation were equivalent to a composite rate of approximately 3.9% in 1997,
1996 and 1995, based on the average depreciable property balances at the
beginning and end of each year.
Other Assets: The components of Other Assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996
are detailed as follows:
(In Thousands)
1997 1996
Regulatory Assets:
Unamortized losses on reacquired debt $ 394 $ 425
Deferred SFAS 109 costs (Note B) 7,211 7,487
Deferred SFAS 106 costs 727 872
Mendon Road Judgment (Note H) 6,154 6,154
Other regulatory assets 1,551 1,234
Total regulatory assets 16,037 16,172
Other deferred charges and assets:
Unamortized debt expenses 587 639
Mendon Road Escrow 7,065 6,716
Other 4,657 3,878
Total Other Assets $28,346 $27,405
Regulatory Accounting: Blackstone is subject to certain accounting rules that
are not applicable to other industries. These accounting rules allow regulated
companies, in appropriate circumstances, to establish regulatory assets and
liabilities, which defer the current financial impact of certain costs
that are expected to be recovered in future rates. Blackstone believes that
its operations continue to meet the criteria established in these accounting
standards.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC): AFUDC represents the
estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance the Company's
construction program. In accordance with regulatory accounting, AFUDC is
capitalized, as a cost of utility plant, in the same manner as certain general
and administrative costs. AFUDC is not an item of current cash income, but is
recovered over the service life of utility plant in the form of increased
revenues collected as a result of higher depreciation expense. The rate used
in calculating AFUDC was 7.1% in 1997, 9.4% in 1996 and 8.6% in 1995.
Operating Revenues: Revenues are based on billing rates authorized by the
RIPUC. The Company follows the policy of accruing the estimated amount of
unbilled base rate revenues for electricity provided at the end of the month to
more closely match costs and revenues. Through 1997, the Company accrued the
difference between fuel and purchased power costs incurred and fuel and
purchased power costs billed to its customers. In 1998, the Company began
accruing revenues consistent with provisions of approved settlement agreements
and state legislation.
Income Taxes: The general policy of Blackstone with respect to accounting
for federal and state income taxes is to reflect in income the estimated amount
of taxes currently payable, as determined from the EUA consolidated tax return
on an allocated basis, and to provide for deferred taxes on certain items
subject to temporary differences to the extent permitted by the regulatory
commissions.
Blackstone has provided deferred income taxes on certain income and
expense items that are accounted for in different periods for financial
accounting purposes than for income tax purposes. Prior to 1987, AFUDC and
certain costs for pensions, employee benefits and payroll-related insurances
and payroll taxes applicable to construction activity, which were included in
utility plant, were deducted for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes on these
amounts and on certain differences created by the use of different depreciation
methods in the years prior to 1981 have not been provided. The tax benefits on
these items have been flowed through in accordance with approved rate orders of
the RIPUC.
As permitted by the regulatory commissions, it is the policy of the
Company to defer recognition of annual investment tax credits and to amortize
these credits over the productive lives of the related assets.
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments: Blackstone considers all highly liquid
investments and temporary cash investments with a maturity of three months or
less when acquired to be cash equivalents.
(B) Income Taxes:
Components of income and deferred tax expense for the years 1997, 1996,
and 1995 are as follows:
____________________________________________________________________________
(In Thousands) 1997 1996 1995
Federal:
Current $5,202 $2,901 $1,329
Deferred (1,580) (531) 1,133
Investment Tax Credit, Net (181) (182) (184)
$3,441 $2,188 $2,278
State:
Current 3 2 1
Deferred (118) (34) 68
(115) (32) 69
Charged to Operations 3,326 2,156 2,347
Charged to Other Income:
Current 143 40 3
Total $3,469 $2,196 $2,350
Total income tax expense was different than the amounts computed by
applying federal income tax statutory rates to book income subject to tax for
the following reasons:
________________________________________________________________________
(In Thousands) 1997 1996 1995
Federal Income Tax Computed
at Statutory Rates $3,190 $2,191 $2,327
(Decreases) Increases in Tax from:
Equity Component of AFUDC (17) (12)
Consolidated Tax Savings (32) (15)
Depreciation Differences 256 283 262
Amortization and Utilization of ITC (181) (182) (184)
State Taxes, Net of Federal
Income Tax Benefit (74) (21) 45
Cost of Removal (67)
Other 278 (26) (6)
Total Income Tax Expense $3,469 $2,196 $2,350
(B) Income Taxes (continued)
Blackstone adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" (FAS109) which required recognition of deferred
income taxes for temporary differences that are reported in different years for
financial reporting and tax purposes using the liability method. Under the
liability method, deferred tax liabilities or assets are computed using the tax
rates that will be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.
Generally, for regulated companies, the change in tax rates may not be
immediately recognized in operating results because of rate making treatment
and provisions in the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Total deferred tax assets and
liabilities for 1997 and 1996 are comprised as follows:
Deferred Tax Deferred Tax
Assets Liabilities
($000) ($000)
1997 1996 1997 1996
Plant Related Plant Related
Differences $1,489 $1,581 Differences $14,490 $ 14,593
Pensions 602 425 Refinancing
Other 2,872 773 Costs 138 144
Total $4,963 $2,779 Pensions 513 436
Other 1,719 1,832
Total $16,860 $17,005
Blackstone has recorded on its Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
1996 a regulatory liability to ratepayers of approximately $3.4 million and
$3.0 million, respectively. This amount primarily represents excess deferred
income taxes resulting from the reduction in the federal income tax rate and
also includes deferred taxes provided on investment tax credits. Also at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, a regulatory asset of approximately $7.2 million
and $7.5 million, respectively, has been recorded, representing the cumulative
amount of federal income taxes on temporary depreciation differences which were
previously flowed through to ratepayers.
(C) Capital Stock:
There were no changes in the number of shares of common or preferred stock
during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
In the event of involuntary liquidation, the holders of non-redeemable
preferred stock of Blackstone are entitled to $100 per share plus accrued
dividends. In the event of voluntary liquidation, or if redeemed at the option
of the Company, each share of the non-redeemable preferred stock is entitled to
accrued dividends and to: 4.25% issue, $104.40; 5.60% issue, $103.82.
Under the terms and provisions of the First Mortgage Indenture and of the
issues of preferred stock of Blackstone, certain restrictions are placed upon
the payment of dividends on common stock by the Company. At the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, the respective capitalization ratios were in excess
of the minimum which would make these restrictions effective.
(D) Retained Earnings:
Under the provisions of Blackstone's First Mortgage Indenture, retained
earnings in the amount of $5,984,441 were unrestricted as to the payment of
cash dividends on its common stock at December 31, 1997.
(E) Long-Term Debt:
Blackstone's First Mortgage Bonds are collateralized by substantially all
of its utility plant.
Blackstone's Variable Rate Demand Bonds are collateralized by an
irrevocable letter of credit which expires on January 21, 1999. The letter of
credit permits extensions on an annual basis upon mutual agreement of the bank
and Blackstone.
The aggregate amount of Blackstone's cash sinking fund requirements and
maturities for long-term debt for each of the five years following 1997 is $1.5
million in each of 1998, 1999, 2000, and $3.3 million in each of 2001 and 2002.
(F) Lines of Credit:
In July 1997, several EUA System companies, including Blackstone, entered
into a three-year revolving credit agreement allowing for borrowings in
aggregate of up to $120 million. As of December 31, 1997, various financial
institutions have committed up to $75 million under the revolving credit
facility. In accordance with the revolving credit agreement, commitment fees
are required to maintain certain lines of credit. At December 31, 1997 under
the revolving credit agreement, the EUA System had short-term borrowings
available of approximately $13.5 million. Blackstone had $1.4 million of
short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 1997. During 1997,
Blackstone's weighted average interest rate for short-term borrowings was 5.8%.
(G) Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class
of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate.
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments: The carrying amount approximates
fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments.
Long-Term Debt: The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was based
on quoted market prices for such securities.
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows (In Thousands):
Carrying Amount Fair Value
1997 1996 1997 1996
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments $ 408 $ 798 $ 408 $ 798
Long-Term Debt $35,000 $36,500 $36,363 $37,596
(H) Commitments and Contingencies:
Pensions: Blackstone participates with other EUA System companies in a non-
contributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of their
employees (Retirement Plan). Retirement Plan benefits are based on years of
service and average compensation over the four years prior to retirement.
It is the EUA System's policy to fund the Retirement Plan on a current basis in
amounts determined to meet the funding standards established by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Total pension (income) expense for the Retirement Plan, including amounts
related to the 1997 and 1995 voluntary retirement incentive offers, for 1997,
1996 and 1995 included the following components ($ In Thousands):
1997 1996 1995
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period $ 651 $ 664 $ 606
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligations 2,448 2,373 2,346
Actual (return) loss on assets (7,696) (4,216) (9,560)
Net amortization and deferrals 4,242 1,063 6,470
Net periodic pension income $ (355) $ (116) $ (138)
Voluntary retirement incentive 410
Total periodic pension income $(355) $ (116) $ 272
Assumptions used to determine pension cost:
Discount Rate 7.50% 7.25% 8.25%
Compensation Increase Rate 4.25% 4.25% 4.75%
Long-Term Return on Assets 9.50% 9.50% 9.50%
The discount rate used to determine pension obligations, effective January
1, 1998 was changed to 7.25%. The funded status of the Retirement Plan cannot
be presented separately for Blackstone as it participates in the Retirement
Plan with other subsidiaries of EUA.
The voluntary retirement incentives also resulted in approximately
$281,000 and $310,000 of non-qualified pension benefits which were expensed in
1997 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1997, approximately $169,000 is
included in other liabilities for these unfunded benefits.
EUA also maintains non-qualified supplemental retirement plans for certain
officers of the EUA System (Supplemental Plans). Benefits provided under the
Supplemental Plans are based primarily on compensation at retirement date. EUA
maintains life insurance on the participants of the Supplemental Plans to fund
in whole, or in part, its future liabilities under the Supplemental Plans. For
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, Blackstone's portion of
expenses related to the Supplemental Plans were approximately $322,000,
$284,000, and $306,000, respectively.
The Company also provides a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan for
substantially all employees. The Company's matching percentage of employees'
voluntary contributions to the plan, amounted to approximately $113,000 in
1997, approximately $111,000 in 1996, and approximately $148,000 in 1995.
Post-Retirement Benefits: Retired employees are entitled to participate in
health care and life insurance benefit plans. Health care benefits are subject
to deductibles and other limitations. Health care and life insurance benefits
are partially funded by Blackstone for all qualified employees.
Blackstone adopted FAS106, "Employers' Accounting for Post-Retirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions," as of January 1, 1993. This standard
establishes accounting and reporting standards for such post-retirement
benefits as health care and life insurance. Under FAS106 the present value of
future benefits is recorded as a periodic expense over employee service periods
through the date they become fully eligible for benefits. With respect to
periods prior to adopting FAS106, EUA elected to recognize accrued costs (the
Transition Obligation) over a period of 20 years, as permitted by FAS106. The
resultant annual expense, including amortization of the Transition Obligation
and net of capitalized and deferred amounts, was approximately $1.4 million in
1997, $1.5 million in 1996, and $1.3 million in 1995.
The total cost of Post-Retirement Benefits other than Pensions, including
amounts related to the 1997 and 1995 Voluntary Retirement Incentive offers, for
1997, 1996 and 1995 includes the following components ($ In Thousands):
1997 1996 1995
Service cost $ 202 $ 216 $ 191
Interest cost 1,050 1,060 1,170
Actual return on plan assets (304) (6) (111)
Amortization of transition obligation 836 835 829
Net other amortization & deferrals (117) (274) (239)
Net periodic post-retirement benefit costs 1,667 1,831 1,840
Voluntary retirement incentive 40 90
Total periodic post-retirement benefit costs $1,707 $1,831 $ 1,930
Assumptions:
Discount rate 7.50% 7.25% 8.25%
Health care cost trend rate-near-term 7.00% 9.00% 11.00%
Health care cost trend rate-long-term 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Compensation increase rate 4.25% 4.25% 4.75%
Rate of return on plan assets 7.75% 7.50% 5.50%
Reconciliation of funded status:
($ In Thousands) 1997 1996 1995
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation (APBO):
Retirees $(7,181) $ (7,045) $ (8,235)
Active employees fully eligible for benefits (1,706) (1,543) (2,825)
Other active employees (2,135) (2,413) (3,052)
Total $(11,022) $(11,001) $(14,112)
Fair Value of assets (primarily notes and bonds) 2,408 1,573 924
Unrecognized transition obligation 10,662 11,372 12,083
Unrecognized net (gain) loss (5,816) (5,551) (2,217)
(Accrued) prepaid post-retirement ben. cost $ (3,768) $ (3,607) $ (3,322)
The discount rate used to determine post-retirement benefit obligations,
was changed to 7.25% effective January 1, 1998, and was used to calculate the
funded status of Post-Retirement benefits at December 31, 1997.
Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 1% each year would
increase the total post-retirement benefit cost for 1997 by approximately
$173,000 and increase the total accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation
by $1.1 million.
Blackstone has also established an irrevocable external Voluntary
Employee's Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Trust Fund. Contributions to the
VEBA fund commenced in March 1993 and totaled approximately $1.2 million during
1997 and 1996 and $1.1 million during 1995.
Environmental Matters: The Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, and certain similar state statutes authorize
various governmental authorities to seek court orders compelling responsible
parties to take cleanup action at disposal sites which have been determined by
such governmental authorities to present an imminent and substantial danger to
the public and to the environment because of an actual or threatened release of
hazardous substances. Because of the nature of Blackstone's business, various
by-products and substances are produced or handled which are classified as
hazardous under the rules and regulations promulgated by the EPA as well as
state and local authorities. Blackstone generally provides for the disposal
of such substances through licensed contractors, but these statutory provisions
generally impose potential joint and several responsibility on the generators
of the wastes for cleanup costs. Blackstone has been notified with respect to
a number of sites where they may be responsible for such costs, including sites
where they may have joint and several liability with other responsible parties.
It is the policy of Blackstone to notify liability insurers and to initiate
claims. However, it is not possible at this time to predict whether liability,
if any, will be assumed by, or can be enforced against, the insurance carriers
in these matters.
On December 13, 1994, the United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts (District Court) issued a judgment against Blackstone, finding
Blackstone liable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Commonwealth) for the
full amount of response costs incurred by the Commonwealth in the cleanup of a
by-product of manufactured gas at a site at Mendon Road in Attleboro,
Massachusetts. The judgment also found Blackstone liable for interest and
litigation expenses calculated to the date of judgment. The total liability is
approximately $5.9 million, including approximately $3.6 million in interest
which has accumulated since 1985. Due to the uncertainty of the ultimate
outcome of this proceeding and anticipated recoverability, Blackstone recorded
the $5.9 million District Court judgment as a deferred debit. This amount is
included with Other Assets on the Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
On January 20, 1995, Blackstone entered into an escrow agreement with the
Commonwealth whereby Blackstone deposited $5.9 million with an escrow agent who
transferred the funds into an interest bearing money market account. The
distribution of the proceeds of the escrow account will be determined upon the
final resolution of the judgment. No additional interest expense will accrue
on the judgment amount.
Blackstone filed a Notice of Appeal of the District Court's judgment and
filed its brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
(Circuit Court) on February 24, 1995. On October 6, 1995, the Circuit Court
vacated the District Court's $5.9 million judgement to refer the matter to the
EPA to determine whether the chemical substance ferric ferrocyanide (FFC)
contained within the by-product is a hazardous substance.
Given the present posture of the case, Blackstone may not be liable to
reimburse the Commonwealth for the Mendon Road cleanup costs if the EPA
determines that FFC is not a hazardous substance. On January 9, 1997,
Blackstone met with representatives of EPA and the Commonwealth to discuss the
procedure EPA would follow in resolving the FFC issue. In January 1997,
Blackstone submitted written comments which were followed by the Commonwealth's
written reply in March 1997. Both parties submitted additional memoranda to
EPA during remainder of the year. The EPA will now determine whether FFC is a
hazardous substance. Further court proceedings are likely.
On January 28, 1994, Blackstone filed a complaint in the Massachusetts
District Court, seeking, among other relief, contribution and reimbursement
from Stone & Webster Inc., of New York City and several of its affiliated
companies (Stone & Webster), and Valley Gas Company of Cumberland, Rhode
Island (Valley) for any damages incurred by Blackstone regarding the Mendon
Road site. On November 7, 1994, the Court denied motions to dismiss the
complaint filed by Stone & Webster and Valley. This proceeding was stayed in
December 1995 pending final EPA determination as to whether FFC is a hazardous
substance.
In addition, Blackstone has notified certain liability insurers and has
filed claims with respect to the Mendon Road site, as well as other sites.
Blackstone reached settlement with one carrier for reimbursement of legal costs
related to the Mendon Road case. In January 1996, Blackstone received the
proceeds of the settlement.
As of December 31, 1997, Blackstone had incurred costs of approximately
$6.7 million (excluding the $5.9 million Mendon Road judgment) in connection
with the investigation and cleanup of these sites. These amounts have been
financed primarily by internally generated cash. Blackstone is currently
amortizing all of its incurred costs over a five-year period consistent with
prior regulatory recovery periods and is recovering certain of those costs in
rates. The Company estimates that additional costs of up to approximately $1.3
million (excluding the $5.9 million Mendon Road judgment) may be incurred at
these sites through 1998 by it and the other responsible parties. Estimated
amounts after 1998 are not now determinable since site studies, which are the
basis of these estimates, have not been completed.
As a result of the recoverability of cleanup costs in rates and the
uncertainty regarding both its estimated liability, as well as potential
contributions from insurance carriers and other responsible parties, Blackstone
does not believe that the ultimate impact of the environmental costs will be
material to its financial position and thus, no loss provision is required at
this time.
A number of scientific studies in the past several years have examined the
possibility of health effects from electric and magnetic fields (EMF) that are
found wherever there is electricity. While some of the studies have indicated
some association between exposure to EMF and health effects, many others have
indicated no direct association. On October 31, 1996, the National Academy of
Sciences issued a literature review of all research to date, Possible Health
Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields. Its most
widely reported conclusion stated, "No clear, convincing evidence exists to
show that residential exposures to EMF are a threat to human health."
Additional studies, which are intended to provide a better understanding of
EMF, are continuing.
Some states have enacted regulations to limit the strength of EMF at the
edge of transmission line rights-of-way. The Rhode Island legislature has
enacted a statute which authorizes and directs the Rhode Island Energy Facility
Siting Board to establish rules and regulations governing construction of high
voltage transmission lines of 69 kv or more. In addition, an energy facility
siting application, in Rhode Island must include, when applicable, any current
independent, scientific research pertaining to EMF exposure for review by the
Board. Management cannot predict the impact, if any, that legislation or other
developments concerning EMF may have on Blackstone.
Other: In early 1997, ten plaintiffs brought suit against numerous
defendants, including EUA, for injuries and illness allegedly caused by
exposure to asbestos over approximately a thirty-year period, at premises,
including some owned by EUA companies. The total damages claimed in all of
these complaints was $25 million in compensatory and punitive damages, plus
exemplary damages and interest and costs. Each complaint names between fifteen
and twenty-eight defendants, including EUA. These complaints have been
referred to the applicable insurance companies. Counsel has been retained
by the insurers and is actively defending all cases. Three cases have been
dismissed as against EUA companies, with prejudice. EUA cannot predict the
ultimate outcome of this matter at this time.
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Directors and Shareholder of
Blackstone Valley Electric Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of
capitalization of Blackstone Valley Electric Company (the Company) as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income, retained
earnings and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Boston, Massachusetts
March 3, 1998