SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-6564
(LOGO) NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
MASSACHUSETTS 04-1663070
(State or other (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Identification No.)
incorporation or
organization)
25 Research Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01582
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(508-389-2000)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
Yes (X) No ( )
Common stock, par value $20 per share, authorized and outstanding:
6,449,896 shares at June 30, 1998.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
- ----------------------------
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
Statements of Income
Periods Ended June 30
(Unaudited)
Quarter Six Months
-------- ----------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Operating revenue, principally from affiliates $358,320 $396,049 $759,467 $834,097
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating expenses:
Fuel for generation 75,436 90,773 158,987 193,788
Purchased electric energy 122,189 127,060 244,674 271,405
Other operation 42,208 71,379 92,410 127,228
Maintenance 26,364 26,736 51,920 46,506
Depreciation and amortization 29,262 21,387 59,146 43,405
Taxes, other than income taxes 17,108 16,818 35,491 35,023
Income taxes 13,230 11,868 35,576 36,062
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 325,797 366,021 678,204 753,417
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income 32,523 30,028 81,263 80,680
Other income:
Equity in income of nuclear power companies1,499 1,125 2,614 2,621
Other income (expense), net 60 (324) (2,492) (2,414)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating and other income 34,082 30,829 81,385 80,887
-------- -------- -------- --------
Interest:
Interest on long-term debt 9,593 10,340 19,316 21,172
Other interest 4,336 1,255 6,250 2,906
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
construction - credit (272) (281) (556) (651)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total interest 13,657 11,314 25,010 23,427
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income $ 20,425 $ 19,515 $ 56,375 $ 57,460
======== ======== ======== ========
Statements of Retained Earnings
Retained earnings at beginning of period $443,061 $409,011 $407,630 $400,610
Net income 20,425 19,515 56,375 57,460
Dividends declared on cumulative
preferred stock (518) (518) (1,037) (1,037)
Dividends declared on common stock - (35,474) - (64,499)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Retained earnings at end of period $462,968 $392,534 $462,968 $392,534
======== ======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Per share data is not relevant because the Company's common stock is wholly
owned by New England Electric System.
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
Statements of Income
Twelve Months Ended June 30
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Operating revenue, principally from affiliates $1,603,273 $1,658,945
---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Fuel for generation 337,933 381,343
Purchased electric energy 500,916 530,026
Other operation 206,688 227,397
Maintenance 95,234 82,652
Depreciation and amortization 113,765 94,584
Taxes, other than income taxes 67,779 67,490
Income taxes 89,523 85,917
---------- ----------
Total operating expenses 1,411,838 1,469,409
---------- ----------
Operating income 191,435 189,536
Other income:
Equity in income of nuclear power companies 5,182 4,962
Other income (expense), net (3,482) (2,673)
---------- ----------
Operating and other income 193,135 191,825
---------- ----------
Interest:
Interest on long-term debt 40,421 43,474
Other interest 10,399 7,124
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
construction - credit (1,143) (975)
---------- ----------
Total interest 49,677 49,623
---------- ----------
Net income $ 143,458 $ 142,202
========== ==========
Statements of Retained Earnings
Retained earnings at beginning of period $ 392,534 $ 386,242
Net income 143,458 142,202
Dividends declared on cumulative preferred stock (2,075) (2,075)
Dividends declared on common stock (70,949) (133,835)
---------- ----------
Retained earnings at end of period $ 462,968 $ 392,534
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Per share data is not relevant because the Company's common stock is wholly
owned by New England Electric System.
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
ASSETS 1998 1997
------ ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Utility plant, at original cost $3,084,842 $3,057,749
Less accumulated provisions for depreciation
and amortization 1,234,869 1,196,972
---------- ----------
1,849,973 1,860,777
Construction work in progress 30,217 29,015
---------- ----------
Net utility plant 1,880,190 1,889,792
---------- ----------
Investments:
Nuclear power companies, at equity 47,443 49,825
Non-utility property and other investments 35,191 34,723
---------- ----------
Total investments 82,634 84,548
---------- ----------
Current assets:
Cash 1,001 1,643
Accounts receivable:
Affiliated companies 232,000 233,308
Accrued NEEI revenues - 11,419
Others 27,031 26,638
Fuel, materials, and supplies, at average cost 59,680 47,492
Prepaid and other current assets 55,514 17,837
---------- ----------
Total current assets 375,226 338,337
---------- ----------
Accrued Yankee nuclear plant costs 272,939 299,564
Deferred charges and other assets 462,542 150,851
---------- ----------
$3,073,531 $2,763,092
========== ==========
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
------------------------------
Capitalization:
Common stock, par value $20 per share,
authorized and outstanding 6,449,896 shares $ 128,998 $ 128,998
Premiums on capital stocks 86,779 86,779
Other paid-in capital 319,818 289,818
Retained earnings 462,968 407,630
Unrealized gains on securities, net 55 34
---------- ----------
Total common equity 998,618 913,259
Cumulative preferred stock, par value $100 per share 39,666 39,666
Long-term debt 647,829 647,720
---------- ----------
Total capitalization 1,686,113 1,600,645
---------- ----------
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt due in one year - 50,000
Short-term debt (including $159,175,000 and $3,125,000
to affiliates) 366,950 111,250
Accounts payable (including $6,118,000 and $14,373,000
to affiliates) 113,723 109,121
Accrued liabilities:
Taxes 10,552 39
Interest 8,217 8,905
Other accrued expenses 30,913 23,554
Dividends payable - 35,474
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 530,355 338,343
---------- ----------
Deferred federal and state income taxes 414,527 369,757
Unamortized investment tax credits 52,452 53,463
Accrued Yankee nuclear plant costs 272,939 299,564
Other reserves and deferred credits 117,145 101,320
---------- ----------
$3,073,531 $2,763,092
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income $ 56,375 $ 57,460
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 60,618 44,713
Deferred income taxes and
investment tax credits, net 44,214 (3,807)
Allowance for funds used during construction (556) (651)
Reimbursement to New England Energy Incorporated of loss
on sale of oil and gas properties (120,900) -
Prepayment for amended purchase power agreement (191,676) -
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 12,334 (17,571)
Decrease (increase) in fuel, materials, and supplies (12,188) (6,108)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets(32,631) 1,991
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 4,602 (2,273)
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities 17,184 (10,933)
Other, net (4,278) 22,760
--------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities $(166,902) $ 85,581
--------- --------
Investing Activities:
Plant expenditures, excluding allowance for
funds used during construction $ (32,496) $(34,082)
Other investing activities (433) (158)
--------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities $ (32,929) $(34,240)
--------- --------
Financing Activities:
Capital contribution from parent $ 30,000 $ -
Dividends paid on common stock (35,474) (56,437)
Dividends paid on preferred stock (1,037) (1,037)
Changes in short-term debt 255,700 39,325
Long-term debt - retirements (50,000) (35,500)
--------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 199,189 $(53,649)
--------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (642) $ (2,308)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,643 3,046
--------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,001 $ 738
========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Note A - Hazardous Waste
- ------------------------
The Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act, more commonly known as the "Superfund" law,
imposes strict, joint and several liability, regardless of fault,
for remediation of property contaminated with hazardous substances.
A number of states, including Massachusetts, have enacted similar
laws.
The electric utility industry typically utilizes and/or
generates in its operations a range of potentially hazardous
products and by-products. New England Power Company (the Company)
currently has in place an internal environmental audit program and
an external waste disposal vendor audit and qualification program
intended to enhance compliance with existing federal, state, and
local requirements regarding the handling of potentially hazardous
products and by-products.
The Company has been named as a potentially responsible party
(PRP) by either the United States Environmental Protection Agency
or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for six
sites at which hazardous waste is alleged to have been disposed.
Private parties have also contacted or initiated legal proceedings
against the Company regarding hazardous waste cleanup. The Company
is currently aware of other possible hazardous waste sites, and may
in the future become aware of additional sites, that it may be held
responsible for remediating.
Predicting the potential costs to investigate and remediate
hazardous waste sites continues to be difficult. There are also
significant uncertainties as to the portion, if any, of the
investigation and remediation costs of any particular hazardous
waste site that may ultimately be borne by the Company. The New
England Electric System (NEES) companies have recovered amounts
from certain insurers and other third parties, and, where
appropriate, the Company intends to seek recovery from other
insurers and from other PRPs, but it is uncertain whether, and to
what extent, such efforts will be successful. The Company believes
that hazardous waste liabilities for all sites of which it is aware
are not material to its financial position.
Note B - Nuclear Units
- ----------------------
Yankee Nuclear Power Companies (Yankees)
A summary of combined results of operations, assets and
liabilities of the four Yankee Nuclear Power Companies in which the
Company has investments is as follows:
Quarters Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Operating revenue $116,216 $205,295 $238,831 $381,322
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income $ 7,155 $ 6,602 $ 14,506 $ 14,981
======== ======== ======== ========
Company's equity in
net income $ 1,499 $ 1,125 $ 2,614 $ 2,621
======== ======== ======== ========
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Net plant $ 184,596 $ 204,689
Other assets 3,005,419 3,100,589
Liabilities and debt (2,932,413) (3,036,845)
----------- -----------
Net assets $ 257,602 $ 268,433
=========== ===========
Company's equity in net assets $ 47,443 $ 49,825
=========== ===========
At June 30, 1998, $13,500,000 of undistributed earnings of the
nuclear power companies were included in the Company's retained
earnings.
Nuclear Units Permanently Shut Down
Three regional nuclear generating companies in which the
Company has a minority interest own nuclear generating units which
have been permanently shut down. These three units are as follows:
NEP's Investment Future Estimated
Unit Percent Amount($) Date Retired Billings to NEP($)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yankee Atomic 30 5 million Feb 1992 37 million
Connecticut Yankee 15 15 million Dec 1996 86 million
Maine Yankee 20 16 million Aug 1997 150 million
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the case of each of these units, the Company has recorded an
estimate of the total future payment obligation as a liability and
an offsetting regulatory asset, reflecting estimated future
billings from the companies. In a 1993 decision, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) allowed Yankee Atomic to
recover its undepreciated investment in the plant as well as
unfunded nuclear decommissioning costs and other costs.
Connecticut Yankee and Maine Yankee have both filed similar
requests with the FERC. Several parties have intervened in
opposition to both filings. The Company's stranded cost settlements
allow it to recover all costs that the FERC allows the Yankee
companies to bill to the Company.
The Citizen's Awareness Network and Nuclear Information and
Resource Service have indicated their intention to file a request
with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) designed to overturn
a current NRC rule on decommissioning. The Company cannot predict
what impact, if any, these activities, if successful, would have on
the cost of decommissioning the plants.
At Maine Yankee, the NRC has identified numerous apparent
violations of its regulations, which may result in the assessment
of substantial civil penalties.
In the 1970s, the Company and several other shareholders
(Sponsors) of Maine Yankee entered into 27 contracts (Secondary
Purchase Agreements) under which they sold portions of their
entitlement to Maine Yankee power output through 2002 to various
entities, primarily municipal and cooperative systems in New
England (Secondary Purchasers). Virtually all of the Secondary
Purchasers have ceased making payments under the Secondary Purchase
Agreements and have demanded arbitration, claiming that such
agreements excuse further payments upon plant shutdown. The motion
of the Secondary Purchasers to compel arbitration was denied by the
Maine Superior Court on the grounds that the FERC has jurisdiction.
The Secondary Purchasers are appealing this decision to the Maine
Supreme Judicial Court. The Company has asked the FERC to enforce
the Company's rights under the agreements. In the event that no
further payments are forthcoming from Secondary Purchasers, the
Company, as a primary obligor to Maine Yankee, would be required to
pay an additional $8 million of future shutdown costs. These costs
are not included in the $150 million estimate disclosed in the
table above. Shutdown costs are recoverable from customers under
the stranded cost settlements.
A Maine statute provides that if both Maine Yankee and its
decommissioning trust fund have insufficient assets to pay for the
plant decommissioning, the owners of Maine Yankee are jointly and
severally liable for the shortfall.
Operating Nuclear Units
The Company has minority interests in three other nuclear
generating units, Vermont Yankee, Millstone 3, and Seabrook 1.
Uncertainties regarding the future of nuclear generating stations,
particularly older units, such as Vermont Yankee, are increasing
rapidly and could adversely affect their service lives,
availability, and costs. These uncertainties stem from a
combination of factors, including the acceleration of competitive
pressures in the power generation industry and increased NRC
scrutiny. The Company performs periodic economic viability reviews
of operating nuclear units in which it holds ownership interests.
Millstone 3
In April 1996, the NRC ordered Millstone 3, which has
experienced numerous technical and nontechnical problems, to shut
down pending verification that the unit's operations are in
accordance with NRC regulations and the unit's operating license.
In July 1998, Millstone 3 returned to full operation. Millstone 3
remains on the NRC "Watch List", signifying that it continues to
warrant increased NRC attention. Millstone 3 is operated by a
subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NU). The Company is not an
owner of the Millstone 2 nuclear generating unit, which is
temporarily shut down under NRC orders, or the Millstone 1 nuclear
generating unit, which has been permanently shut down.
During the Millstone 3 outage, the Company incurred an
estimated $45 million in incremental replacement power costs.
Through February 1998, when most of the Company's power sales were
subject to a fuel clause, the Company recovered its incremental
replacement power costs from customers through its fuel clause.
Starting in March 1998, most of the Company's power sales are at a
stated rate which is not subject to a fuel clause. However,
certain true-up mechanisms exist in lieu of the fuel clause, which
cover most of these costs.
Several criminal investigations related to Millstone 3 are
ongoing. In December 1997, the NRC assessed civil penalties
totaling $2.1 million for numerous violations at the three
Millstone units. The Company's share of this fine was less than
$100,000. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
and Connecticut Attorney General have filed suit against NU for
alleged wastewater discharge violations at the Millstone units,
which may result in the assessment of substantial civil penalties.
In August 1997, the Company sued NU in Massachusetts Superior
Court for the damages resulting from the tortious conduct of NU
that caused the shutdown of Millstone 3. The Company's damages
include the costs of replacement power during the outage and costs
necessary to return Millstone 3 to safe operation. The Company
also seeks punitive damages. The Company also sent a demand for
arbitration to Connecticut Light & Power Company and Western
Massachusetts Electric Company, both subsidiaries of NU, seeking
damages resulting from their breach of obligations under an
agreement with the Company and others regarding the operation and
ownership of Millstone 3. The arbitration is scheduled for October
1999. NU moved to dismiss the Company's suit, or, in the
alternative, stay the suit pending arbitration of the Company's
claims against Connecticut Light & Power Company and Western
Massachusetts Electric Company. NU also moved to consolidate the
Company's suit with suits filed by other joint owners in
Massachusetts Superior Court. On July 3, 1998, the court denied
NU's motion to dismiss and its motion to stay pending arbitration.
On July 21, 1998, the Company amended its complaint by, among other
things, adding NU's Trustees as defendants. No ruling has been
made on NU's motion to consolidate.
Nuclear Decommissioning
In New Hampshire, legislation was recently enacted which makes
owners of Seabrook 1, of which the Company owns a 10 percent
interest, proportional guarantors for decommissioning costs in the
event that an owner without a franchise service territory fails to
fund its share of decommissioning costs. Currently, a single owner
of an approximate 12 percent share of Seabrook 1 is covered under
this legislation. For more information on nuclear decommissioning,
refer to the Company's Form 10-K for 1997.
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 establishes that the
federal government (through the Department of Energy (DOE)) is
responsible for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The federal
government requires the Company to pay a fee based on its share of
the net generation from the Millstone 3 and Seabrook 1 nuclear
units. Through February 1998, the Company recovered this fee
through its fuel clause. Subsequently, most of these costs are
recovered through certain other true-up mechanisms in lieu of the
fuel clause. Similar costs are incurred by the Vermont Yankee
nuclear generating unit. These costs are billed to the Company and
also recovered from customers through similar mechanisms. In
November 1997, ruling on a lawsuit brought against the DOE by
numerous utilities and state regulatory commissions, the Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia (the Court) held that the DOE
is obligated to begin disposing of utilities' spent nuclear fuel by
January 31, 1998. The DOE failed to meet this deadline, and is not
scheduled to have a temporary or permanent repository for spent
nuclear fuel for several years. In February 1998, Maine Yankee
petitioned the Court to compel the DOE to remove Maine Yankee's
spent fuel from the site. In May 1998, the Court rejected the
petitions of Maine Yankee and the other utilities and state
regulatory commissions. The utilities, including the operators of
the units in which the Company has an obligation, are assessing
their future options.
Note C - Town of Norwood
- ------------------------
In April 1997, the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts filed a
lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for
the District of Massachusetts. The Company has been a wholesale
power supplier for Norwood pursuant to rates approved by the FERC.
Norwood alleges that the Company's proposed divestiture of its
power generation assets would violate the terms of a 1983 power
contract which settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by Norwood
against the Company. Norwood also alleges that the Company's
proposed divestiture plan and recovery of stranded investment costs
contravene federal antitrust laws. Norwood sought an injunction
enjoining the divestiture and an unspecified amount of treble
damages (a specific claim for $450 million was withdrawn). In
September 1997, Norwood's motion for a preliminary injunction of
the divestiture was denied. Norwood then filed an amended
complaint making new allegations relating to the sale of the
Company's generating assets and naming as additional defendants,
NEES, USGen New England, Inc. (USGen) and USGen's affiliate, PG&E
Corporation. Norwood later dropped USGen as a party to the
complaint. On January 9, 1998, the defendants filed a motion to
dismiss the lawsuit.
In March 1998, Norwood gave notice of its intent to terminate
its contract with the Company, without accepting responsibility for
its share of the Company's stranded costs, and began taking power
from another supplier commencing on April 1, 1998. The Company
filed with the FERC for permission to assess a contract termination
charge to its unaffiliated customers who choose to terminate their
wholesale power contracts early. On May 15, 1998, the FERC ruled
that the Company could assess such a contract termination charge to
Norwood for its share of the Company's stranded costs. Norwood
claimed that the contract termination charge approved by the FERC
did not apply to Norwood; however, in denying Norwood's motion for
rehearing, the FERC ruled that the charge did apply to Norwood.
On August 3, 1998, Norwood appealed the FERC's orders approving
the Massachusetts and Rhode Island industry restructuring
settlement agreements (including modification of the Company's
contracts with Massachusetts Electric and The Narragansett Electric
Company) to the First Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court). The
Company intends to seek leave to intervene and will advise the
Court of FERC's determination that the orders do not apply to
Norwood.
Note D - Hydro-Quebec Arbitration
- ---------------------------------
In 1996, various New England utilities which are members of the
New England Power Pool, including the Company, submitted a dispute
to arbitration regarding their Firm Energy Purchased Power Contract
with Hydro-Quebec. In June 1997, Hydro-Quebec presented a damage
claim of approximately $37 million for past damages, of which the
Company's share would have been approximately $6 million to $9
million. The claims involved a dispute over the components of a
pricing formula and additional costs under the contract. With
respect to ongoing claims, the Company has been paying Hydro-Quebec
the higher amount (additional costs of approximately $3 million per
year) since July 1996 under protest and subject to refund. In
October 1997, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the New England
utilities in all respects. Hydro-Quebec has not yet refunded any
monies and has appealed the decision. On June 15, 1998, the United
States District Court issued an order affirming the 1997
arbitration decision in favor of the Company and the other
utilities. Hydro-Quebec is appealing this order to the First
Circuit Court of Appeals. On July 31, 1998, in a separate
proceeding, an arbitrator denied the request of the Company and
other utilities that they be allowed to withhold payment of
disputed amounts from Hydro-Quebec during the pendency of Hydro-
Quebec's appeal. Any refunds received from Hydro-Quebec will be
passed on to customers.
Note E - Comprehensive Income
- -----------------------------
In the first quarter of 1998, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income (FAS 130). FAS 130 establishes standards for reporting
comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income for
the period is equal to net income plus "other comprehensive
income," which, for the Company, consists of the change in
unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities during
the period. Other comprehensive income was immaterial for the
Company for the quarters ended and the six month periods ended
June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Note F - New Accounting Standards
- ---------------------------------
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
(FAS 131), which goes into effect in 1998. FAS 131 requires the
reporting in financial statements of certain new additional
information about operating segments of a business. Application of
FAS 131 is not required for interim reporting in the initial year
of application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
that FAS 131 will have on its future reporting requirements.
In February 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits (FAS 132), which revises
disclosure requirements for pension and other postretirement
benefits. The Company will adopt FAS 132 in its financial
statements for the year ending December 31, 1998.
The adoption of FAS 131 and FAS 132 will have no impact on the
Company's operating results, financial position, or cash flows.
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities (FAS 133), which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for such items. FAS 133 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Currently, the Company
has no such derivative holdings.
Note G
- ------
In the opinion of the Company, these statements reflect all
adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary
for a fair statement of the results of its operations for the
periods presented and should be considered in conjunction with the
notes to the financial statements in the Company's 1997 Annual
Report.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
This section contains management's assessment of New England
Power Company's (the Company) financial condition and the principal
factors having an impact on the results of operations. This
discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
financial statements and footnotes and the 1997 Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Earnings
- --------
Net income increased for the second quarter of 1998 by
approximately $1 million, and decreased for the first six months of
1998 by approximately $1 million, as compared to the corresponding
periods in 1997. Industry restructuring had the effect of reducing
the Company's revenues during both the second quarter and first six
months of 1998. This was a result of rate reductions effective
January 1, 1998 in Rhode Island and March 1, 1998 in Massachusetts
in connection with customers gaining the right to choose their
power supplier. These decreases in revenues in the second quarter
were fully offset by, and in the six month period partially offset
by, decreases in operating expenses, principally purchased electric
energy and operation and maintenance expenses, as well as an
increase in other operating revenues, principally transmission
billings.
With the introduction of industry restructuring and consumer
choice, settlement agreements related to the recovery of stranded
costs limit the Company's return on generation-related equity to
approximately 9.4 percent, before mitigation incentives, which is
significantly lower than that earned by the Company in recent
years. Following completion of the sale of the nonnuclear
generating business, the Company's earnings will be further
affected by the return on the reinvestment of the sale proceeds,
which is expected, at least in the near term, to be considerably
less than the return historically earned by the generating
business.
This report contains statements that may be considered forward
looking under the securities laws. Actual results may differ
materially for the reasons discussed in the "Industry
Restructuring" section of the Company's Form 10-K for 1997.
Industry Restructuring
- ----------------------
For a full discussion of industry restructuring activities in
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, stranded cost
recovery, the Company's proposed divestiture of its nonnuclear
generating business, accounting implications of industry
restructuring and divestiture, workforce reductions, and impact of
industry restructuring on the distribution business, see the
"Industry Restructuring" section in the Company's Form 10-K for
1997 and the Company's 1997 Annual Report.
Industry Restructuring Update
New Hampshire
On July 13, 1998, the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission
(NHPUC), approved the comprehensive settlement agreement reached
between Granite State Electric Company (Granite State Electric),
the Company, the Governor's office of the State of New Hampshire,
and a number of other parties. The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) had previously approved a wholesale settlement in
April 1998. On July 27, 1998, the Company filed with the FERC to
amend the wholesale settlement to conform to the settlement
approved by the NHPUC. The settlement provides choice of power
supplier to Granite State Electric's customers as of July 1, 1998.
The principal terms of the settlement are substantially similar to
the settlements reached in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Divestiture of Generating Business
The Company has received all state and federal regulatory
approvals required for the sale of its nonnuclear generating
business to USGen New England, Inc. (USGen). USGen is awaiting
final FERC approval for exempt wholesale generator status for the
facilities it is purchasing. The proposed sale is more fully
described in the Company's Form 10-K for 1997 and the Company's
1997 Annual Report. Closing of the sale is expected in the third
quarter of 1998.
Risk Factors
While the Company believes that the industry restructuring
settlements and the sale agreement with USGen and other
developments constitute substantial progress in reducing the
impacts associated with industry restructuring, significant risks
remain. These include, but are not limited to: (i) the potential
that ultimately the settlements will not be implemented in the
manner anticipated by the Company, (ii) the possibility that a
voter referendum in November 1998 could overturn the Massachusetts
legislation, followed by materially adverse legislative or
regulatory actions, (iii) the possibility of federal legislation
that would increase the risk to investors above those contained in
the settlements and the Massachusetts and Rhode Island statutes,
(iv) the potential for adverse regulatory or judicial stranded cost
recovery decisions involving wholesale customers with whom
settlements have not yet been reached, and (v) the failure to
complete the sale of the nonnuclear generating business to USGen.
Year 2000 Computer Issues
- -------------------------
For a full discussion of the Company's Year 2000 computer
issues, including a description of the modification process,
timeline, and estimated total costs, refer to the "Financial
Review" section of the Company's 1997 Annual Report, filed in
conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K for 1997.
Operating Revenue
- -----------------
The following table summarizes the changes in operating
revenue:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Revenue
Second Quarter Six Months
-------------- ------------
1998 vs 1997 1998 vs 1997
------------- ------------
(In Millions)
Industry-restructuring
related rate reductions $(28) $(39)
Fuel cost-related (5) (31)
Accrued NEEI fuel revenues (7) (13)
Other, including transmission revenue 2 8
---- ----
$(38) $(75)
==== ====
The industry-restructuring related rate changes reflect rate
reductions given to customers in conjunction with the
implementation of customer choice of power supplier in Rhode Island
on January 1, 1998 and in Massachusetts on March 1, 1998. These
rate reductions include the effect of various true-up mechanisms.
These true-up mechanisms cover a number of items including stranded
cost recovery billings, fuel expense, nuclear operating and
decommissioning costs, and the non-fuel component of purchased
power expense.
For a discussion of fuel costs, see the "Operating Expenses"
section.
Accrued New England Energy Incorporated (NEEI) fuel revenues
reflect losses incurred by NEEI on its rate-regulated oil and gas
operations. NEEI sold its oil and gas properties effective January
1, 1998. Historically, these revenues were accrued by the Company
in the year of the loss, but were billed to its customers through
its fuel clause in the following year.
The increase in other operating revenue is primarily due to
increased transmission billings to New England Power Pool (NEPOOL).
Operating Expenses
- ------------------
The following table summarizes the changes in operating
expenses:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Expenses
Second Quarter Six Months
-------------- ------------
1998 vs 1997 1998 vs 1997
------------- ------------
(In Millions)
Fuel costs $(5) $(31)
Accrued NEEI fuel costs (7) (13)
Purchased energy, excluding fuel (8) (18)
Depreciation and amortization 8 16
Operation and maintenance:
PBOP amortization (7) (13)
Other (22) (16)
Taxes 1 -
---- ----
$(40) $(75)
==== ====
Fuel costs represent fuel for generation and the portion of
purchased electric energy permitted in the past to be recovered
through the Company's fuel adjustment clause. After the
divestiture of the nonnuclear generating business, the Company will
not require such a mechanism. The decrease in fuel costs
primarily represents reduced wholesale sales to other utilities,
and lower coal and oil prices.
For a discussion of accrued NEEI fuel costs, see the "Operating
Revenue" section.
The decrease in purchased power costs, excluding fuel,
primarily reflects reduced charges from the Maine Yankee nuclear
power plant, which was closed in mid-1997, as well as reduced
charges from the Ocean State Power II plant, which underwent a
major scheduled overhaul during the first and second quarters of
1997. Partially offsetting these lower costs were increased
refueling and maintenance charges from the Vermont Yankee nuclear
power plant.
The decrease in operation and maintenance expense associated
with the Company's post retirement benefits other than pensions
(PBOP) amortization reflects the completion of the accelerated PBOP
amortization in 1997 under the terms of a 1995 rate agreement.
This decrease in expense is offset by a corresponding increase in
the accelerated amortization of the Company's investment in the
Millstone 3 nuclear unit, which is described in depreciation and
amortization expense below.
The decrease in other operation and maintenance expense
reflects reduced maintenance costs from the partially owned
Millstone 3 and Seabrook 1 nuclear generating facilities, reduced
general and administrative costs related to the proposed sale of
the Company's nonnuclear generating business, and reduced NEPOOL
transmission billings, as these costs are billed directly to the
Company's distribution subsidiaries, effective the second quarter
of 1998. The second quarter decrease also reflects 1997 charges
for the Company's share of the costs of the restoration to service
of previously idled generating facilities in response to a
tightened regional power supply. This decrease was partially
offset by the costs of a scheduled overhaul at the Manchester
Street generating plant.
The overall increase in depreciation and amortization expense
primarily represents the accelerated amortization of Millstone 3,
a portion of which was attributable to the completion of the PBOP
amortization discussed above. This accelerated amortization is
recorded as a regulatory liability. Also contributing to the
increase is depreciation expense on new utility plant expenditures.
Utility Plant Expenditures and Financing
- ----------------------------------------
Cash expenditures for utility plant totaled $32 million for the
first six months of 1998. These expenditures were primarily
transmission-related. The funds necessary for utility plant
expenditures during the period were primarily provided by increased
short-term debt.
In the first six months of 1998, the Company retired $50
million of mortgage bonds. On July 21, 1998, the Company retired
an additional $9 million of mortgage bonds. The Company also
increased its short-term debt outstanding by $256 million during
the first six months of 1998. This increase reflects a prepayment
of approximately $190 million resulting from the amendment of a
long-term purchased power contract, as well as a $120 million
reimbursement to NEP's affiliate NEEI, which is discussed below.
A small portion of the prepayment is recoverable from USGen at
divestiture while the balance is recoverable under the industry
restructuring settlements reached in Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and New Hampshire. The latter balance is recorded in deferred
charges and other assets in the balance sheet.
In order to meet the terms of the Company's mortgage indenture,
the Company will be required, prior to the consummation of the sale
of its nonnuclear generating facilities, to either defease or call
approximately $269 million of its mortgage bonds. Any defeasance
of bonds would be by deposit of cash representing principal and
interest to the maturity date, or interest, principal, and general
redemption premium to an earlier redemption date. In addition, the
Company will retire approximately $372 million of mortgage bonds
securing the issuance of a like amount of pollution control revenue
bonds (PCRBs) by various public agencies. However, the Company
expects that substantially all of the underlying PCRBs will remain
outstanding as unsecured obligations of the Company.
At June 30, 1998, the Company had $367 million of short-term
debt outstanding, including $208 million of commercial paper
borrowings. At June 30, 1998, the Company had lines of credit and
standby bond purchase facilities with banks totaling $580 million
which are available to provide liquidity support for commercial
paper borrowings and for $372 million of the Company's outstanding
variable rate mortgage bonds in tax-exempt commercial paper mode
and for other corporate purposes. There were no borrowings under
these lines of credit at June 30, 1998.
As part of New England Electric System's plan to divest its
generating business, NEEI sold its oil and gas properties effective
January 1, 1998 for approximately $50 million. NEEI's loss on the
sale of approximately $120 million, before tax, has been reimbursed
by the Company. This loss has been recorded as a regulatory asset,
which is recoverable under the terms of restructuring settlements
reached in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
- --------------------------
Information concerning a lawsuit brought by the Company
against Northeast Utilities on August 7, 1997 in Massachusetts
Superior Court, Worcester County concerning the Millstone 3 nuclear
unit, discussed in this report in Note B of Notes to Unaudited
Financial Statements, is incorporated herein and made a part
hereof.
Information concerning an arbitration between the Company and
Connecticut Light & Power Company and Western Massachusetts
Electric Company concerning the Millstone 3 nuclear unit, discussed
in this report in Note B of Notes to Unaudited Financial
Statements, is incorporated herein and made a part hereof.
Information concerning a lawsuit brought against the Company
by the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts and a related Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission proceeding, discussed in this report in Note
C of Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements, is incorporated
herein and made a part hereof.
Information concerning two arbitration decisions and related
appeals regarding the Company's purchased power contract with
Hydro-Quebec, discussed in this report in Note D of Notes to
Unaudited Financial Statements, is incorporated herein and made a
part hereof.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------
On April 15, 1998, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders was
held.
By unanimous vote of the 6,449,896 shares present out of
6,524,916 total shares having general voting rights:
The number of directors for the ensuing year was fixed at
four.
The following were elected as directors:
Lawrence E. Bailey
Alfred D. Houston
Cheryl A. LaFleur
Richard P. Sergel
John G. Cochrane was elected Treasurer and Robert King Wulff
was elected Clerk. The terms of office are until the next annual
meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly chosen
and qualified.
Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. was selected as Auditor for the year
1998.
The sale of certain non-nuclear generation assets of the
Company to USGen New England, Inc. was approved.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------
The Company is filing Financial Data Schedules.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1998 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
s/John G. Cochrane
John G. Cochrane, Treasurer,
Authorized Officer, and
Principal Financial Officer
Date: August 7, 1998