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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ 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
For the transition period from to
Commission Registrant, State of Incorporation, I.R.S. Employer
File Address, and Telephone Number Identification
Number No.
- ---------- ------------------------------------------ ----------------
1-9120 PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP 22-2625848
INCORPORATED
(A New Jersey Corporation)
80 Park Plaza
P.O. Box 1171
Newark, New Jersey 07101-1171
973 430-7000
http://www.pseg.com
1-973 PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY 22-1212800
(A New Jersey Corporation)
80 Park Plaza
P.O. Box 570
Newark, New Jersey 07101-0570
973 430-7000
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
The number of shares outstanding of Public Service Enterprise Group
Incorporated's sole class of common stock, as of the latest practicable date,
was as follows:
Class: Common Stock, without par value
Outstanding at July 31, 1998: 231,957,608
As of July 31, 1998 Public Service Electric and Gas Company had issued and
outstanding 132,450,344 shares of common stock, without nominal or par value,
all of which were privately held, beneficially and of record by Public Service
Enterprise Group Incorporated.
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PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Page
----
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG):
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six
Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997......................... 1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1998
and December 31, 1997....................................... 2
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six
Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997......................... 4
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G):
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six
Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997......................... 5
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1997........................................... 6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six
Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997......................... 8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-- PSEG.............. 9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-- PSE&G............. 17
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
PSEG.......................................................... 18
PSE&G......................................................... 25
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market
Risk.................................................. 26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings....................................... 27
Item 5. Other Information....................................... 29
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K........................ 31
Signatures -- PSEG.............................................. 32
Signatures -- PSE&G............................................. 32
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
---------------------- -----------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- ----------
OPERATING REVENUES
Electric ............................................... $ 1,194 $ 946 $ 2,371 $ 1,906
Gas .................................................... 273 324 884 1,058
Nonutility Activities .................................. 90 53 203 91
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Operating Revenues .......................... 1,557 1,323 3,458 3,055
--------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation
Interchanged Power and Fuel for Electric Generation .... 447 243 933 491
Gas Purchased .......................................... 169 180 560 601
Other .................................................. 327 268 620 517
Maintenance .............................................. 54 70 102 128
Depreciation and Amortization ............................ 163 155 327 305
Taxes (Note 6)
Income Taxes ........................................... 90 49 221 153
Transitional Energy Facility Assessment/New Jersey
Gross Receipts Taxes ................................. 38 117 87 289
Other .................................................. 18 22 39 42
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Operating Expenses .......................... 1,306 1,104 2,889 2,526
--------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING INCOME ......................................... 251 219 569 529
--------- --------- --------- ---------
OTHER INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS
Settlement of Salem Litigation - Net of Applicable
Taxes of $29 ........................................ -- -- -- (53)
Other - net ............................................ 2 2 8 4
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Other Income and Deductions ................. 2 2 8 (49)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES AND
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED SECURITIES ........................ 253 221 577 480
--------- --------- --------- ---------
INTEREST CHARGES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES
DIVIDENDS
Interest Expense ....................................... 116 117 236 227
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction - Debt and
Capitalized Interest ................................. (3) (4) (7) (10)
Preferred Securities Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries 18 14 35 29
Net Loss on Preferred Stock Redemptions .................. -- 3 -- 3
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Interest Charges and Preferred Securities
Dividends ...................................... 131 130 264 249
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME ........................................ $ 122 $ 91 $ 313 $ 231
========= ========= ========= =========
AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OUTSTANDING (000's) ................................... 231,958 231,958 231,958 232,014
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and Diluted) .................. $ 0.53 $ 0.39 $ 1.35 $ 0.99
========= ========= ========= =========
DIVIDENDS PAID PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK ................. $ 0.54 $ 0.54 $ 1.08 $ 1.08
========= ========= ========= =========
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
---------- --------
UTILITY PLANT - Original cost
Electric ........................................................... $13,787 $13,692
Gas ................................................................ 2,742 2,697
Common ............................................................. 576 558
------- -------
Total ......................................................... 17,105 16,947
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization .................... 6,761 6,463
------- -------
Net ........................................................... 10,344 10,484
Nuclear Fuel in Service, net of accumulated amortization -
1998, $297; 1997, $302 .......................................... 206 216
------- -------
Net Utility Plant in Service .................................. 10,550 10,700
Construction Work in Progress, including Nuclear Fuel in
Process - 1998, $31; 1997, $60 ................................... 323 326
Plant Held for Future Use .......................................... 24 24
------- -------
Net Utility Plant ............................................. 10,897 11,050
------- -------
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
Long-Term Investments, net of amortization - 1998, $29; 1997,
$21, and net of valuation allowances - 1998, $23; 1997, $10 ...... 2,931 2,873
Nuclear Decommissioning and Other Special Funds ..................... 588 492
Other Noncurrent Assets, net of amortization - 1998, $22; 1997, $16,
and net of valuation allowances - 1998, $5; 1997, $0 ............. 181 167
------- -------
Total Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets ................. 3,700 3,532
------- -------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents .......................................... 115 83
Accounts Receivable:
Customer Accounts Receivable ..................................... 510 520
Other Accounts Receivable ........................................ 242 293
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts ............................ 42 41
Unbilled Revenues .................................................. 179 270
Fuel, at average cost .............................................. 249 310
Materials and Supplies, at average cost, net of inventory valuation
reserves - 1998, $12; 1997, $12 .................................. 144 142
Prepayments ........................................................ 358 48
Miscellaneous Current Assets ....................................... 29 38
------- -------
Total Current Assets .......................................... 1,784 1,663
------- -------
DEFERRED DEBITS (Note 3)
Unamortized Debt Expense ........................................... 129 136
OPEB Costs ......................................................... 280 289
Environmental Costs ................................................ 119 122
Electric Energy and Gas Costs ...................................... 73 167
SFAS 109 Income Taxes .............................................. 706 725
Demand Side Management Costs ....................................... 149 116
Other .............................................................. 130 143
------- -------
Total Deferred Debits ......................................... 1,586 1,698
------- -------
TOTAL ................................................................ $17,967 $17,943
======= =======
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- --------------
CAPITALIZATION
Common Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock ........................................... $ 3,603 $ 3,603
Retained Earnings ...................................... 1,675 1,623
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment ................ (27) (15)
-------- --------
Total Common Stockholders' Equity ................... 5,251 5,211
Subsidiaries' Preferred Securities:
Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption ........... 95 95
Preferred Stock With Mandatory Redemption .............. 75 75
Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in Subordinated
Debentures (Note 8) ................................. 888 513
Long-Term Debt ........................................... 4,614 4,873
-------- --------
Total Capitalization ................................ 10,923 10,767
-------- --------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Accrued OPEB ............................................. 323 289
Decontamination and Decommissioning Costs ................ 43 43
Environmental Costs (Note 4) ............................ 69 73
Capital Lease Obligations ................................ 50 52
-------- --------
Total Other Long-Term Liabilities ................... 485 457
-------- --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-Term Debt due within one year ....................... 646 340
Commercial Paper and Loans ............................... 1,069 1,448
Accounts Payable ......................................... 592 686
Other .................................................... 346 353
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities ........................... 2,653 2,827
-------- --------
DEFERRED CREDITS
Income Taxes ............................................. 3,354 3,394
Investment Tax Credits ................................... 333 343
Other .................................................... 219 155
-------- --------
Total Deferred Credits .............................. 3,906 3,892
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 4) ............ -- --
-------- --------
TOTAL ...................................................... $ 17,967 $ 17,943
======== ========
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
------------------------
1998 1997
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income ................................................................... $ 313 $ 231
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and Amortization .............................................. 327 305
Amortization of Nuclear Fuel ............................................... 44 34
Recovery of Electric Energy and Gas Costs - net ............................ 94 15
Unrealized Gains on Investments - net ...................................... (40) (7)
Proceeds from Leasing Activities ........................................... (51) 47
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities:
Net decrease in Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenues ................. 153 142
Net decrease in Inventory - Fuel and Materials and Supplies ............... 59 89
Net decrease in Accounts Payable .......................................... (94) (104)
Net increase in Prepayments ............................................... (310) (588)
Net change in Other Current Assets and Liabilities ........................ 2 164
Other ...................................................................... 39 (29)
----- -----
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities ............................... 536 299
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to Utility Plant, excluding AFDC ................................... (191) (229)
Net decrease (increase) in Long-Term Investments and Real Estate ............. 2 (385)
Contribution to Decommissioning Funds and Other Special Funds ................ (61) (28)
Other ........................................................................ (24) (56)
----- -----
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities ................................... (274) (698)
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (decrease) increase in Short-Term Debt ................................... (379) 353
Issuance of Long-Term Debt ................................................... 250 476
Redemption of Long-Term Debt ................................................. (203) (358)
Redemption of Preferred Stock ................................................ -- (94)
Issuance of Preferred Securities ............................................. 375 95
Retirement of Common Stock ................................................... -- (43)
Cash Dividends Paid on Common Stock .......................................... (251) (251)
Other ........................................................................ (22) (4)
----- -----
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities ..................... (230) 174
----- -----
Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash And Cash Equivalents ........................... 32 (225)
Cash And Cash Equivalents At Beginning Of Period ............................... 83 279
----- -----
Cash And Cash Equivalents At End Of Period ..................................... $ 115 $ 54
===== =====
Income Taxes Paid .............................................................. $ 241 $ 84
Interest Paid .................................................................. $ 204 $ 187
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ -------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- ------- ------- -------
OPERATING REVENUES
Electric ........................................... $ 1,194 $ 946 $ 2,371 $ 1,906
Gas ................................................ 273 324 884 1,058
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Operating Revenues ...................... 1,467 1,270 3,255 2,964
------- ------- ------- -------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation
Interchanged Power and Fuel for Electric Generation 447 243 933 491
Gas Purchased ...................................... 169 180 560 601
Other .............................................. 291 246 549 478
Maintenance .......................................... 54 70 102 128
Depreciation and Amortization ........................ 161 154 322 303
Taxes (Note 6)
Income Taxes ....................................... 80 46 196 147
Transitional Energy Facility Assessment/New Jersey
Gross Receipts Taxes ............................ 38 117 87 289
Other .............................................. 19 20 38 40
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Operating Expenses ...................... 1,259 1,076 2,787 2,477
------- ------- ------- -------
OPERATING INCOME ..................................... 208 194 468 487
------- ------- ------- -------
OTHER INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS
Settlement of Salem Litigation - Net of Applicable
Taxes of $29 ................................... -- -- -- (53)
Other - net ........................................ 3 2 5 4
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Other Income and Deductions ............. 3 2 5 (49)
------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES AND
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED SECURITIES .................... 211 196 473 438
------- ------- ------- -------
INTEREST CHARGES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES DIVIDENDS
Interest Expense ................................... 92 101 188 197
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction - Debt (3) (3) (6) (8)
Preferred Securities Dividend Requirements
of Subsidiaries ............................... 11 11 22 22
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Interest Charges and Preferred Securities
Dividends ................................... 100 109 204 211
------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME .................................... 111 87 269 227
------- ------- ------- -------
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements .............. 2 3 5 7
Net Loss on Preferred Stock Redemptions ............ -- 3 -- 3
------- ------- ------- -------
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC SERVICE
ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED ........................ $ 109 $ 81 $ 264 $ 217
======= ======= ======= =======
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
------- -------
UTILITY PLANT - Original cost
Electric ......................................................... $13,787 $13,692
Gas .............................................................. 2,742 2,697
Common ........................................................... 576 558
------- -------
Total ....................................................... 17,105 16,947
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization .................. 6,761 6,463
------- -------
Net ......................................................... 10,344 10,484
Nuclear Fuel in Service, net of accumulated amortization -
1998, $297; 1997, $302 ........................................ 206 216
------- -------
Net Utility Plant in Service ................................ 10,550 10,700
Construction Work in Progress, including Nuclear Fuel in
Process - 1998, $31; 1997, $60 ................................. 323 326
Plant Held for Future Use ........................................ 24 24
------- -------
Net Utility Plant ........................................... 10,897 11,050
------- -------
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
Long-Term Investments, net of amortization - 1998, $29; 1997, $21,
and net of valuation allowances - 1998, $9; 1997, $10 .......... 139 137
Nuclear Decommissioning and Other Special Funds .................. 588 492
Other Noncurrent Assets .......................................... 44 45
------- -------
Total Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets ............... 771 674
------- -------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents ........................................ 32 17
Accounts Receivable:
Customer Accounts Receivable ................................... 468 488
Other Accounts Receivable ...................................... 226 232
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts .......................... 40 41
Unbilled Revenues ................................................ 179 270
Fuel, at average cost ............................................ 249 310
Materials and Supplies, at average cost, net of inventory
valuation reserves - 1998, $12; 1997, $12 ...................... 144 142
Prepayments ...................................................... 354 44
Miscellaneous Current Assets ..................................... 25 37
------- -------
Total Current Assets ........................................ 1,637 1,499
------- -------
DEFERRED DEBITS (Note 3)
Unamortized Debt Expense ......................................... 128 135
OPEB Costs ....................................................... 280 289
Environmental Costs .............................................. 119 122
Electric Energy and Gas Costs .................................... 73 167
SFAS 109 Income Taxes ............................................ 706 725
Demand Side Management Costs ..................................... 149 116
Other ............................................................ 130 143
------- -------
Total Deferred Debits ....................................... 1,585 1,697
------- -------
TOTAL .............................................................. $14,890 $14,920
======= =======
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
June 30 December 31,
1998 1997
---------- -----------
CAPITALIZATION
Common Stockholder's Equity:
Common Stock ........................................... $ 2,563 $ 2,563
Contributed Capital .................................... 594 594
Retained Earnings ...................................... 1,365 1,352
------- -------
Total Common Stockholder's Equity ................... 4,522 4,509
Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption ............. 95 95
Preferred Stock With Mandatory Redemption ............... 75 75
Subsidiaries' Preferred Securities:
Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in Subordinated
Debentures (Note 8) ................................. 513 513
Long-Term Debt ........................................... 4,140 4,126
------- -------
Total Capitalization ................................ 9,345 9,318
------- -------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Accrued OPEB ............................................. 323 289
Decontamination and Decommissioning Costs ................ 43 43
Environmental Costs (Note 4) ............................ 69 73
Capital Lease Obligations ................................ 50 52
------- -------
Total Other Long-Term Liabilities ................... 485 457
------- -------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-Term Debt due within one year ....................... 252 118
Commercial Paper and Loans ............................... 955 1,106
Accounts Payable ......................................... 510 608
Other .................................................... 271 268
------- -------
Total Current Liabilities ........................... 1,988 2,100
------- -------
DEFERRED CREDITS
Income Taxes ............................................. 2,544 2,569
Investment Tax Credits ................................... 324 333
Other .................................................... 204 143
------- -------
Total Deferred Credits .............................. 3,072 3,045
------- -------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 4) ............ -- --
------- -------
TOTAL ...................................................... $14,890 $14,920
======= =======
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------ --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income ................................................................... $ 269 $ 227
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and Amortization .............................................. 322 303
Amortization of Nuclear Fuel ............................................... 44 34
Recovery of Electric Energy and Gas Costs - net ............................ 94 15
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities:
Net decrease in Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenues ................. 116 161
Net decrease in Inventory - Fuel and Materials and Supplies ............... 59 89
Net decrease in Accounts Payable .......................................... (98) (86)
Net increase in Prepayments ............................................... (310) (590)
Net change in Other Current Assets and Liabilities ........................ 15 186
Other ...................................................................... 27 (50)
----- -----
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities ............................... 538 289
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to Utility Plant, excluding AFDC ................................... (191) (229)
Contribution to Decommissioning Funds and Other Special Funds ................ (61) (28)
Other ........................................................................ (12) (21)
----- -----
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities ................................... (264) (278)
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (decrease) increase in Short-Term Debt ................................... (151) 224
Issuance of Long-Term Debt ................................................... 250 279
Redemption of Long-Term Debt ................................................. (102) (276)
Redemption of Preferred Stock ................................................ -- (94)
Issuance of Preferred Securities ............................................. -- 95
Cash Dividends Paid .......................................................... (256) (259)
Other ........................................................................ -- (8)
----- -----
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities ................................... (259) (39)
----- -----
Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash And Cash Equivalents ........................... 15 (28)
Cash And Cash Equivalents At Beginning Of Period ............................... 17 47
----- -----
Cash And Cash Equivalents At End Of Period ..................................... $ 32 $ 19
===== =====
Income Taxes Paid .............................................................. $241 $137
Interest Paid .................................................................. $193 $161
<FN>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</FN>
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
--------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation/Organization
The financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain
information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, in the
opinion of management, the disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes) should be read in conjunction with the
Registrant's Notes contained in the 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. These Notes
update and supplement matters discussed in the 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K
and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
The unaudited financial information furnished reflects all adjustments which
are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results for the
interim periods presented. The year-end consolidated balance sheets were derived
from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications of the prior year's data have
been made to conform with the current presentation.
On June 12, 1998, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) renamed
certain of its principal non-utility subsidiaries. Enterprise Diversified
Holdings Incorporated was renamed PSEG Energy Holdings Inc. (Energy Holdings);
Community Energy Alternatives Incorporated was renamed PSEG Global Inc.
(Global); Energis Resources Incorporated was renamed PSEG Energy Technologies
Inc. (Energy Technologies) and Public Service Resources Corporation was renamed
PSEG Resources Inc. (Resources).
Note 2. Rate Matters
New Jersey Energy Master Plan
As previously reported, on April 30, 1997, the New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities (BPU) issued its final report regarding Phase II (final Phase II
report) of the Energy Master Plan addressing wholesale and retail electric
competition in New Jersey. In accordance with the final Phase II report, Public
Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) filed a proposal regarding competition
and rates with the BPU on July 15, 1997. The BPU is in the process of reviewing
filings of all New Jersey electric utilities. The decision of the BPU in the
Energy Master Plan proceedings, which include hearings before the Office of
Administrative Law (OAL) (stranded costs and unbundling) and the BPU
(restructuring), including management audit reports, and the legislation
required to implement certain aspects of electric restructuring, if enacted into
law, will establish the industry rules for the future. These actions are
expected to fundamentally change the electric industry in the State by
introducing retail competition to replace the utilities' former monopoly
position and potentially requiring or resulting in the separation or sale of
generation assets and the establishment of generic rules regarding a regulated
utility's relationships with its affiliates.
Also, as previously reported, by Order dated June 25, 1997, the BPU commenced
management audits of all New Jersey electric utilities, with the assistance of
certain consulting firms, under the direction of its own audit staff. The audit
process included, but was not limited to, reviews of electric utility filings in
response to the Energy Master Plan. The management audit process for PSE&G
concluded in December 1997 with a report of the BPU's management consultants
relating to issues of stranded costs, securitization and consumer rate
reductions. A second report on restructuring was filed on February 27, 1998.
These management audit reports were approved for release by the BPU on January
29, 1998 and March 5, 1998, respectively, and are being considered by the BPU as
part of the proceedings discussed below. The BPU can adopt, reject or modify the
audit reports' results in its decision on PSE&G's proposal. PSE&G cannot predict
the extent to which the BPU will rely on the results of these audit reports in
evaluating its proposal.
The BPU requested the OAL to hold evidentiary hearings regarding stranded
costs and unbundling issues. These hearings concluded on March 18, 1998. The
management audit report released in January 1998 is being considered as part of
this proceeding. Briefs have been filed by the parties in these hearings and an
OAL decision is expected in August 1998.
Hearings at the BPU addressing other restructuring issues such as market
power, functional separation and consumer protection concluded on May 28, 1998.
The management audit report released in March 1998, relating to these issues, is
being considered as part of this proceeding. Briefs have been filed by the
parties in these hearings and a decision is pending.
The BPU has indicated its intent to submit draft legislation to the Governor
by Fall 1998 to provide it requisite authority to implement certain aspects of
wholesale and retail electric competition in New Jersey. Legislative leadership
has indicated its intent to consider passage of a legislative package providing
such authority by year end 1998.
PSEG and PSE&G cannot predict the outcome of these administrative and
legislative proceedings. However, such proceedings could have a material adverse
effect on PSEG's and PSE&G's financial condition, results of operations and net
cash flows.
Non-utility Generation Buydown
As previously reported, PSE&G is seeking to restructure certain of its BPU
approved contracts with Non-utility Generators (NUGs), which are estimated to be
$1.6 billion above assumed future market prices. In June 1998, PSE&G and the
Union County Utilities Authority (UCUA) announced an agreement to amend their
Power Purchase and Interconnection Agreement originally signed in 1990. Under
Federal and State regulations, utilities have been required to enter into
long-term power purchase agreements with NUGs at prices which subsequently
proved to be above market. In accordance with a July 17, 1998 BPU Decision and
Order and based on the Amendment to the Power Purchase and Interconnection
Agreement, PSE&G will pay UCUA a lump sum amount of $7.75 million in exchange
for a $15.6 million savings to ratepayers on a net present value basis. The
payment of $7.75 million by PSE&G will be recovered through the LEAC or
successor mechanisms for recovery of NUG costs, to be determined by the outcome
of the Energy Master Plan proceedings.
Levelized Gas Adjustment Clause (LGAC)
On November 14, 1997, PSE&G filed a petition with the BPU requesting a $45
million annual increase in its LGAC for the period January 1, 1998 to December
31, 1998, which, as filed, would increase a typical residential bill by
approximately 4.8%. On February 18, 1998, the BPU approved a Stipulation agreed
to by the parties in the proceeding providing for an interim increase in annual
LGAC revenues of approximately $31 million, excluding State sales and use tax,
or an increase of 3.5% on a typical residential bill. On June 26, 1998, an Order
was executed by the BPU making the terms of the interim Stipulation final,
without modification.
On July 10, 1998, PSE&G filed a motion with the BPU requesting a $27 million
annual increase in its LGAC for the period October 1, 1998 to September 30,
1999, representing an increase on a typical residential bill of approximately
2.8%. Also included in the revised LGAC rate is an increase in the Remediation
Adjustment Clause (RAC) component, a decrease in the Demand Side Adjustment
Factor (DSAF) and a request to change, on a monthly basis, the over/under
collection component of the LGAC rate for residential customers. On July 28,
1998, the matter was transmitted to the OAL for review. PSE&G cannot predict the
outcome of this proceeding.
Gas Unbundling Pilot Program
In April 1997, the BPU approved PSE&G's proposal for a residential gas
unbundling pilot program (SelectGas), which allows approximately 65,000
residential natural gas customers, out of a total of 1.4 million residential gas
customers, to participate in the competitive marketplace effective May 1, 1997.
To date, none of these eligible customers have subscribed to the program. On
April 30, 1998, PSE&G filed a report with the BPU on SelectGas and its proposed
refinements for a permanent residential gas unbundling program (Energy Choice).
Under Energy Choice, as proposed, a total of 300,000 residential customers could
be permitted to choose their gas supplier on a first-come, first-served basis.
This expanded program would commence by the later of sixty days after a BPU
order authorizing this program or September 30, 1998. PSE&G's proposal would
permit its remaining residential customers to choose their gas supplier by July
1, 1999 or such alternate date as may be established by the BPU.
Electric Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC)/Demand Side
Adjustment Factor (DSAF)
As previously reported, on April 1, 1998, the BPU approved an annualized
increase of $150.8 million in the DSAF component of the LEAC. This increase was
effective for service rendered on or after April 3, 1998. The Division of the
Ratepayer Advocate has appealed the BPU's order seeking to overturn the BPU's
decision. PSE&G cannot predict the outcome of the appeal process but the impact
on PSE&G's future financial condition, results of operations and net cash flows
could be materially adverse if such an appeal is successful.
As previously reported, while PSE&G's proposal in response to the final Phase
II report of the Energy Master Plan provides for a transition period of seven
years with basic tariff rates being capped and the discontinuation of the LEAC
effective December 31, 1998, such proposal provides for recovery of mandated
societal costs, including Demand Side Management (DSM), to be adjusted based on
changes in such costs. At June 30, 1998, PSE&G had an underrecovered balance,
including interest, of approximately $156 million related to electric DSM
programs. Such amount is included in Deferred Debits on PSEG's and PSE&G's
Consolidated Balance Sheets. PSE&G estimates that the underrecovered electric
DSM balance at December 31, 1998 will be approximately $135 million. PSEG and
PSE&G cannot predict the final outcome of DSM and other mandated societal costs
recovery under the Energy Master Plan but inability to recover such amounts
could have a material adverse impact on PSEG's and PSE&G's financial condition,
results of operations and net cash flows. For further discussion of the
potential impact on PSEG and PSE&G of the Energy Master Plan proceedings, see
New Jersey Energy Master Plan.
Remediation Adjustment Charge (RAC)
As previously reported, on August 1, 1997, PSE&G requested that the BPU
approve recovery of $6.8 million through PSE&G's RAC for manufactured gas plant
remediation costs. This request represents an increase in the amount of PSE&G's
recovery of such costs by approximately $2 million over current rate levels. On
October 9, 1997, this matter was transferred to the OAL. The rates were approved
for recovery on June 26, 1998 (see LGAC).
On July 10, 1998, PSE&G filed a motion before the BPU requesting a $1.5
million annual increase in its RAC for the period August 1, 1997 to July 31,
1998, representing an increase on a typical residential bill of approximately
0.03%. On July 28, 1998, the motion was transferred to the OAL for review. PSE&G
cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
Order Adopting Auction Standards
On June 16, 1998, the BPU adopted standards applicable to the auction
processes being used by GPU Energy and Rockland Electric Company to divest
themselves of certain of their generating plants. At this time, PSE&G's strategy
is to retain its generation assets. The BPU order adopting these auction
standards indicated that the standards would be reviewed and possibly modified,
if deemed appropriate. If, at some time in the future, PSE&G were to decide or
be required to sell its generation assets, PSE&G would determine whether to seek
such review or modification.
Note 3. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Electric Energy and Gas Costs: Recoveries of electric energy and gas costs
are determined by the BPU under the LEAC and LGAC. PSE&G's deferred fuel
balances as of June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively, reflect
underrecovered costs as follows:
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
-------- -----------
(Millions of Dollars)
Underrecovered Electric Energy Costs...... $8 $91
Underrecovered Gas Fuel Costs............. 65 76
------- -------
Total.................................. $73 $167
======= =======
The BPU Order dated December 31, 1996 provides PSE&G the opportunity, but not
a guarantee, during the period January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1998, to
fully recover its December 31, 1996 underrecovered LEAC balance of $151 million
without any change in the current energy component of the LEAC charge.
Management believes that it will recover this amount by December 31, 1998 and
continues to follow deferred accounting treatment for the LEAC.
Note 4. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Nuclear Operating Performance Standard (OPS)
PECO Energy Company (PECO Energy), Delmarva Power & Light Company (DP&L) and
PSE&G, three of the co-owners of the Salem Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1
and 2 (Salem) and the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 (Peach
Bottom), have agreed to an OPS through December 31, 2011 for Salem and through
December 31, 2007 for Peach Bottom. PSE&G is the operator of Salem and PECO
Energy is the operator of Peach Bottom. Under the OPS, the station operator is
required to make payments to the non-operating owners (excluding Atlantic City
Electric Company) commencing in January 2001 if the three-year historical
average net maximum dependable capacity factor (MDC) (defined below) for that
station, calculated as of December 31 of each year commencing with December 31,
2000, falls below 40%. Any such payment is limited to a maximum of $25 million
per year. MDC is the gross electrical output for a station measured at the
output terminals of its turbine generators during the most restrictive seasonal
conditions, less the station's service load. The parties have further agreed to
forego litigation in the future, except for limited cases in which the operator
would be responsible for damages of no more than $5 million per year.
Year 2000
Many of PSEG's and PSE&G's systems, which include information technology
applications, plant control and telecommunications infrastructure systems, must
be modified due to computer program limitations in recognizing dates beyond
1999. During the six months ended June 30, 1998, $12 million of costs related to
Year 2000 readiness were incurred. Management estimates the total cost of this
effort to approximate $92 million, to be incurred from 1997 through 2001, of
which $37 million is expected to be incurred in 1998. A portion of these costs
is not likely to be incremental to PSEG or PSE&G, but rather, will represent a
redeployment of existing personnel/resources.
PSEG and PSE&G are continuing to work with their supplier base to assess the
Year 2000 status of vendors who provide critical materials and services.
Sufficient information has not yet been received from all critical vendors to
confirm the vendors' preparedness for Year 2000. PSEG and PSE&G are aggressively
pursuing the key vendors who have been unresponsive; however, PSEG and PSE&G are
not yet able to determine whether all of their critical vendors will be able to
meet Year 2000 requirements.
As previously reported, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had proposed
to issue a generic letter which would require all nuclear plant operators to
provide it with information concerning their programs, planned or implemented,
to address Year 2000 computer and systems issues at their facilities. On May 11,
1998, the NRC issued a Generic Letter requiring submission of a written response
within 90 days of the date of the Generic Letter indicating whether or not the
operators have pursued and continue to pursue Year 2000 programs and addressing
the programs' scope, assessment process, plans for corrective actions, quality
assurance measures, contingency plans and regulatory compliance. Additionally,
the Generic Letter requires submission of a written response upon completion of
the operators' Year 2000 program or no later than July 1, 1999 confirming that
their facilities are Year 2000 ready, or will be Year 2000 ready, by 2000 with
regard to compliance with the terms and conditions of their licenses and NRC
regulations. On July 23, 1998, PSE&G provided its written response to the first
requirement noted above, outlining for the NRC its Nuclear Business Unit (NBU)
Year 2000 program and indicating that planned implementation will allow the NBU
to be Year 2000 ready and compliant with the terms and conditions of its
operating licenses and NRC regulations by January 1, 2000.
If PSEG, PSE&G, their domestic and international subsidiaries, the other
members of the Pennsylvania--New Jersey--Maryland Interconnection (PJM) or
PSEG's or PSE&G's critical vendors are unable to meet the Year 2000 deadline,
such inability could have a material adverse impact on PSEG's and PSE&G's
operations, financial condition, results of operations and net cash flows.
Hazardous Waste
Certain Federal and state laws authorize the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP),
among other agencies, to issue orders and bring enforcement actions to compel
responsible parties to investigate and take remedial actions at any site that is
determined to present an actual or potential threat to human health or the
environment because of an actual or threatened release of one or more hazardous
substances. Because of the nature of PSE&G's business, including the production
of electricity, the distribution of gas and, formerly, the manufacture of gas,
various by-products and substances are or were produced or handled which contain
constituents classified as hazardous. PSE&G generally provides for the disposal
or processing of such substances through licensed independent contractors.
However, these statutory provisions impose joint and several responsibility
without regard to fault on all responsible parties, including the generators of
the hazardous substances, for certain investigative and remediation costs at
sites where these substances were disposed of or processed. PSE&G has been
notified with respect to a number of such sites and the investigation and
remediation of these potentially hazardous sites is receiving attention from the
government agencies involved. Generally, actions directed at funding such site
investigations and remediation include all suspected or known responsible
parties. Except as discussed below with respect to its Remediation Program, PSEG
and PSE&G do not expect its expenditures for any such site to have a material
effect on their financial conditions, results of operations and net cash flows.
The NJDEP has recently revised regulations concerning site investigation and
remediation. These regulations will require an ecological evaluation of
potential injuries to natural resources in connection with a remedial
investigation of contaminated sites. The NJDEP is presently working with the
utility industry, among others, to develop procedures for implementing these
regulations. These regulations may substantially increase the costs of remedial
investigations and remediations, where necessary, particularly at sites located
on surface water bodies. PSE&G and predecessor companies owned and/or operated
facilities located on surface water bodies, certain of which are currently the
subject of remedial activities. The financial impact of these regulations on
these projects is not currently estimable. PSE&G does not anticipate that the
compliance with these regulations will have a material adverse effect on its
financial position, results of operations and net cash flows.
PSE&G Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation Program (Remediation
Program)
In 1988, NJDEP notified PSE&G that it had identified the need for PSE&G,
pursuant to a formal arrangement, to systematically investigate and, if
necessary, resolve environmental concerns extant at PSE&G's former manufactured
gas plant sites. To date, NJDEP and PSE&G have identified 38 former manufactured
gas plant sites. PSE&G is currently working with NJDEP under a program to
assess, investigate and, if necessary, remediate environmental concerns at these
sites. The Remediation Program is periodically reviewed and revised by PSE&G
based on regulatory requirements, experience with the Remediation Program and
available remediation technologies. The cost of the Remediation Program cannot
be reasonably estimated, but experience to date indicates that costs of
approximately $20 million per year could be incurred over a period of about 30
years and that the overall cost could be material to PSEG's and PSE&G's
financial condition, results of operations and net cash flows.
Note 5. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
PSEG's operations give rise to exposure to market risks from changes in
commodity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and prices of
security investments. PSEG's policy is to use derivative financial instruments
for the purpose of managing market risk consistent with its business plans and
prudent business practices.
PSEG
Interest Rate Swap
PSEG entered into an interest rate swap on June 26, 1998 to hedge Enterprise
Capital Trust II's $150 million of Floating Rate Capital Securities, Series B,
due 2028, which were sold to a group of institutional investors in June 1998.
The basis for both the interest rate swap and the Floating Rate Capital
Securities is the quarterly London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Enterprise
Capital Trust II is a special purpose statutory business trust controlled by
PSEG. This interest rate swap effectively hedges the underlying debt for 10
years at an effective rate of 7.2%.
PSEG Energy Holdings Inc.
Equity Securities
Resources, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Holdings, has investments in
equity securities and partnerships which invest in equity securities. The
aggregate carrying value of Resource's portfolio approximated its fair market
value of $231 million and $185 million as of June 30, 1998 and December 31,
1997, respectively.
PSE&G
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds
Contributions made into the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds are invested
in debt and equity securities. The carrying value of $509 million and $459
million of these funds approximates their fair market value as of June 30, 1998
and December 31, 1997, respectively.
Note 6. Taxes
As previously reported, the New Jersey Gross Receipts and Franchise Tax
(NJGRT) was eliminated effective January 1, 1998 and replaced with a combination
of the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax which is a State income tax, the State
sales and use tax and a Transitional Energy Facility Assessment (TEFA), with no
material impact on the financial condition, results of operations and net cash
flows of PSEG and PSE&G. The TEFA will be phased out over five years. While
under NJGRT, PSE&G was subject to an effective state tax on unit sales equal to
approximately 13% of receipts. As a result of such tax reform, after the phase
out of the TEFA, the effective state tax rate applicable to PSE&G will be
substantially reduced. Interim rates were implemented with regard to the new tax
structure effective with service rendered on and after January 1, 1998. The BPU
completed its administrative review of the filings of all New Jersey utilities
and approved permanent rates for 1998 on July 13, 1998 in a final Order. As a
result of the July 13, 1998 BPU Order, utilities are subject to mandated
adjustments which will be incorporated into their 1999 rates, pending BPU
approval.
Therefore, effective January 1, 1998, PSE&G became subject to the New Jersey
Corporate Business Tax. Consequently, the effective income tax rate is as
follows:
Quarter Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
---------------- -----------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- ------- ------- -------
Federal tax provision at
statutory rate................ 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
New Jersey Corporate Business
Tax, net of Federal benefit... 5.9 % -- 5.9 % --
Other -- net.................... 1.3 % (0.7)% 0.7 % (0.6)%
------- ------- ------- -------
Effective Income Tax Rate... 42.2 % 34.3 % 41.6 % 34.4 %
======= ======= ======= =======
Note 7. Accounting Matters
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" (SFAS 130), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1997. SFAS 130 dictates that all items required to be recognized under
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement displayed with the same prominence as other financial
statements. It also requires that an enterprise classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and display the
accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of
financial position. PSEG and PSE&G adopted SFAS 130 effective January 1, 1998.
The effects of adoption of SFAS 130 are not material for PSEG or PSE&G.
Also in June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131), which is effective for
financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. This
Statement need not be applied to interim financial statements in the initial
year of its application. SFAS 131 supersedes SFAS 14, "Financial Reporting for
Segments of a Business Enterprise" and requires that companies disclose segment
data based on how management makes decisions about allocating resources to
segments and measuring their performance. Since SFAS 131 solely revises
disclosure requirements, the adoption of SFAS 131 will not have a material
impact on the financial condition, results of operations and net cash flows of
PSEG or PSE&G.
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" (SFAS 132), which is effective for
financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. This
statement revises and standardizes disclosure requirements for pension and other
postretirement benefit plans but does not change the measurement or recognition
of those plans. Since SFAS 132 solely revises disclosure requirements, the
adoption of SFAS 132 will not have a material impact on the financial condition,
results of operations and net cash flows of PSEG and PSE&G.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS 133), which is effective for financial
statements for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15,
1999. SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments and hedging activities. An entity is to recognize all derivatives as
assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Accounting for gains
and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation of that
derivative. PSEG and PSE&G are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 133.
In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities" (SOP 98-5), which is effective for financial statements for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1998. SOP 98-5 requires the expensing of the
costs of start-up activities as incurred. Additionally, previously capitalized
start-up costs must be written off as a Cumulative Change in Accounting
Principle. PSEG and PSE&G are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of SOP
98-5.
Note 8. Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in Subordinated Debentures
The Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in Subordinated Debentures
includes the monthly guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in PSE&G's
subordinated debentures and the quarterly guaranteed preferred beneficial
interest in PSEG's and PSE&G's subordinated debentures. The balances as of June
30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 of these preferred securities are as follows:
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
-------- -----------
(Millions of Dollars)
Monthly Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial
Interest in PSE&G's Subordinated Debentures...... $210 $210
Quarterly Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial
Interest in PSE&G's Subordinated Debentures...... 303 303
Quarterly Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial
Interest in PSEG's Subordinated Debentures....... 375 0
------- -------
Total........................................... $888 $513
======= =======
The increase in the Quarterly Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in
PSEG's Subordinated Debentures since December 31, 1997 is due to the issuance in
January 1998 and June 1998 of $225 million of 7.44% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities, Series A and $150 million of Floating Rate Capital Securities,
Series B, respectively. Additionally, Quarterly Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial
Interest in PSEG's Subordinated Debentures increased as a result of the July
1998 issuance of $150 million of 7.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities,
Series C by PSEG Capital Trust III.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
---------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PSEG are incorporated by
reference insofar as they relate to PSE&G and its subsidiaries:
Note 1. Basis of Presentation/Organization
Note 2. Rate Matters
Note 3. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Note 4. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Note 5. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
Note 6. Taxes
Note 7. Accounting Matters
Note 8. Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in Subordinated
Debentures
Note 6. Taxes
The effective income tax rate is as follows:
Quarter Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
--------------- -----------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- ------ ------- --------
Federal tax provision at
statutory rate................ 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
New Jersey Corporate Business
Tax, net of Federal benefit... 5.9% -- 5.9% --
Other-- net..................... 1.7% 0.2% 1.8% (0.2)%
------- ------ ------- --------
Effective Income Tax Rate... 42.6% 35.2% 42.7% 34.8%
======= ====== ======= ========
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
--------------------------------------------
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Following are the significant changes in or additions to information reported
in the Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) 1997 Annual Report on
Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1998 affecting the consolidated financial condition and the results of
operations of PSEG and its subsidiaries. This discussion refers to the
Consolidated Financial Statements (Statements) and related Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Notes) of PSEG and should be read in conjunction with such
Statements and Notes.
Results of Operations
Basic and diluted earnings per share of PSEG common stock (Common Stock) were
$0.53 for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, representing an increase of $0.14 or
36% per share from the comparable 1997 period. Basic and diluted earnings per
share were $1.35 for the six months ended June 30, 1998, representing an
increase of $0.36 or 36% per share from the comparable 1997 period.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company's (PSE&G) contribution to earnings
per share of Common Stock for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998
increased $0.12 and $0.21 from the comparable 1997 periods, respectively. The
increases for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 were primarily due
to profits realized from energy trading and other wholesale power activities and
decreased operating and maintenance expenses related to the return to service of
PSE&G's Salem Nuclear Generating Station (Salem). For a discussion of commodity
trading, see Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998 were further
impacted by the one-time charge to earnings of $55 million or $0.24 per share
recorded in the first quarter of 1997 resulting from the settlement of lawsuits
filed by the co-owners of Salem. The increase for the six months ended June 30,
1998 was partially offset by higher operation expenses, including Year 2000
readiness (see Note 4. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities of Notes) and
depreciation expenses.
PSEG Energy Holdings Inc.'s (Energy Holdings) contribution to earnings per
share of Common Stock for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998
increased $0.02 and $0.15 from the comparable 1997 periods, respectively,
primarily due to greater earnings of PSEG Resources Inc. (Resources). Resources'
earnings increased for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 primarily
due to higher income from investments in partnerships. The results of operations
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 were further impacted by a gain resulting
from the exercise of an early buyout option in the first quarter of 1998 by the
lessee in a leveraged lease investment of Resources.
PSE&G -- Revenues
Electric
Revenues increased $248 million or 26% and $465 million or 24% for the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the comparable periods in 1997,
respectively, primarily due to an increase in energy trading activity and higher
sales to large industrial customers (see PSE&G -- Expenses -- Interchanged Power
and Fuel for Electric Generation).
These increases were partially offset by a decrease to revenue caused by New
Jersey energy tax reform in 1998 (see Note 6. Taxes of Notes and PSE&G --
Expenses -- Income Taxes). Collection of New Jersey Gross Receipts and Franchise
Tax (NJGRT) was reflected in revenue and expense in 1997. As a result of energy
tax reform, the portion of NJGRT replaced by the New Jersey sales and use tax is
no longer reflected in revenue or expense on the income statement. State sales
and use tax is a liability of the customer, collected by PSE&G and remitted to
the State and is recorded in Tax Collections Payable, which is included in Other
Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Gas
Revenues decreased $51 million or 16% and $174 million or 16% for the quarter
and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the comparable periods in 1997,
respectively. The decreases were primarily due to lower recovery of fuel costs
and decreased therm sales resulting from milder winter weather in 1998 and
energy tax reform (see PSE&G --Revenues -- Electric above).
PSE&G -- Expenses
Interchanged Power and Fuel for Electric Generation
Interchanged Power and Fuel for Electric Generation increased $204 million or
84% and $442 million or 90% for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998
from the comparable 1997 periods, respectively, primarily due to an increase in
energy trading activity. Effective January 1, 1998, the amount included for
Electric Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) under/overrecovery represents
the difference between fuel-related revenues and fuel-related expenses which are
comprised of the cost of generation and interchanged power at the PJM market
clearing price. Effective April 1, 1998, the PJM locational marginal price
replaced the PJM market clearing price. To the extent fuel revenue and expense
flow through the LEAC mechanism, variances in fuel revenues and expenses offset
and thus have no direct effect on earnings.
Gas Purchased
Gas purchased decreased $11 million or 6% and $41 million or 7% for the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the comparable 1997 periods,
respectively. The decreases were primarily due to the milder winter weather in
1998. Due to the operation of the Levelized Gas Adjustment Clause (LGAC)
mechanism, variances in fuel revenues and expenses offset and have no direct
effect on earnings.
Operation and Maintenance
Operation and maintenance expenses increased $29 million or 9% and $45
million or 7% for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the
comparable 1997 periods, respectively. The increases were primarily due to
higher demand side management recovery, resulting in a greater recognition of
previously deferred expenses, and higher expenses related to information
technology, including Year 2000 readiness. These increases were partially offset
by lower operation and maintenance expenses related to Salem's return to
service. Demand side management costs are currently recoverable through the
demand side adjustment factor of the LEAC, are recorded in both expense and
revenue and therefore, have no direct effect on earnings (see Note 2.
Rate Matters of Notes).
Income Taxes
PSE&G became subject to New Jersey State income tax, effective January 1,
1998, due to energy tax reform in the State of New Jersey (see Note 6. Taxes of
Notes). Income Taxes increased $34 million or 74% and $49 million or 33% for the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the comparable 1997 periods,
respectively. These increases are primarily due to the inclusion of State income
tax of $25 million and $56 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30,
1998, respectively. In the quarter ended June 30, 1998, there was an increase of
$9 million in Federal income taxes due to higher pre-tax operating income. For
the six months ended June 30, 1998, there was a decrease of $7 million in
Federal income taxes due to lower pre-tax operating income.
Transitional Energy Facility Assessment (TEFA) / New Jersey Gross
Receipts and Franchise Tax (NJGRT)
TEFA/NJGRT decreased $79 million or 67% and $202 million or 70% for the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 from the comparable 1997 periods,
respectively, due to New Jersey energy tax reform. For 1998, the amount
represents TEFA unit-based taxes while the 1997 amount represents NJGRT
unit-based taxes. The TEFA unit tax rates are approximately 30% of the NJGRT
unit tax rates. See PSE&G --Revenues and Income Taxes, above, and Note 6. Taxes
of Notes for other impacts of New Jersey energy tax reform.
Year 2000 Expenses -- PSEG and PSE&G
For a discussion of Year 2000 expenses, see Note 4. Commitments and
Contingent Liabilities of Notes.
PSEG Energy Holdings Inc. -- Earnings
Increase (Decrease)
----------------------------------
Quarter Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
1998 vs. 1997 1998 vs. 1997
----------------------------------
(Millions of Dollars)
PSEG Resources Inc. (Resources).. $6 $36
PSEG Global Inc. (Global)........ (2) -
PSEG Energy Technologies Inc.
(Energy Technologies).......... - (1)
----- -------
Total........................ $4 $35
===== =======
Energy Holdings' earnings were $14 million and $49 million for the quarter
and six months ended June 30, 1998, respectively, an increase of $4 million and
$35 million, respectively. These increases were primarily due to Resources'
higher income from investments in partnerships and a gain resulting from the
exercise of an early buyout option in the first quarter of 1998 by the lessee in
a leveraged lease.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
PSEG
PSEG is a public utility holding company and as such, has no operations of
its own. The following discussion of PSEG's liquidity and capital resources is
on a consolidated basis, noting the uses and contributions of PSEG's two direct
subsidiaries, PSE&G and Energy Holdings.
Cash generated from PSE&G's operations is expected to provide the major
source of funds for PSE&G's business. Energy Holdings' growth will be funded
through external financings, cash generated from operations and equity capital.
Dividend payments on Common Stock were $1.08 per share and totaled $251
million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. PSE&G paid common dividends of
$251 million to PSEG during the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Due to the growth in Energy Holdings' investment activities, no
dividends on Energy Holdings' common stock were paid or anticipated in the six
months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 or are anticipated for the remainder of
1998. Energy Holdings paid $6 million of dividends related to its preferred
stock issued to PSEG for the six months ended June 30, 1998. Energy Holdings had
no preferred stock outstanding in the period ended June 30, 1997. Amounts and
dates of such dividends on Common Stock as may be declared in the future will
necessarily be dependent upon PSEG's future earnings, financial requirements and
other factors including the receipt of dividend payments from its subsidiaries.
PSEG and PSE&G, respectively, have issued Deferrable Interest Subordinated
Debentures in connection with the issuance of their respective tax deductible
preferred securities. If, and for as long as, payments on those Deferrable
Interest Subordinated Debentures have been deferred, or PSEG or PSE&G,
respectively, has defaulted on an indenture related thereto or its guarantee
thereof, neither PSEG nor PSE&G, respectively, may pay any dividends on its
common and preferred stock.
As of June 30, 1998, PSEG's capital structure consisted of 48% common equity,
42% long-term debt and 10% preferred stock and other preferred securities.
As a result of the 1992 focused audit of PSEG's non-utility businesses
(Focused Audit), the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved a plan
which, among other things, provides that: (1) PSEG will not permit Energy
Holdings' non-utility investments to exceed 20% of PSEG's consolidated assets
without prior notice to the BPU (such investments at June 30, 1998 were
approximately 17% of assets); (2) the PSE&G Board of Directors will provide an
annual certification that the business and financing plans of Energy Holdings
will not adversely affect PSE&G; (3) PSEG will (a) limit debt supported by the
minimum net worth maintenance agreement between PSEG and Capital to $750 million
and (b) make a good-faith effort to eliminate such support over a six to ten
year period from April 1993; and (4) Energy Holdings will pay PSE&G an
affiliation fee of up to $2 million a year to be applied by PSE&G through its
LGAC and its LEAC to reduce utility rates. Beginning in 1995, the debt supported
by such minimum net worth maintenance agreement was limited to $650 million and
the affiliation fee has been proportionately reduced as such supported debt is
reduced. PSEG and Energy Holdings and its subsidiaries continue to reimburse
PSE&G for the cost of all services provided to them by employees of PSE&G.
As a result of PSEG's intent that Energy Holdings and its subsidiaries
provide growth vehicles for PSEG, financing requirements connected with the
continued growth of Energy Holdings, changes to the utility industry expected
from the final outcome of the Energy Master Plan proceedings and potential
accounting impacts resulting from the deregulation of the generation of
electricity, modifications will be required to certain of the restrictions
agreed to by PSEG with the BPU in response to the Focused Audit. Inability to
achieve satisfactory resolution of these matters could impact the future
relative size and financing of Energy Holdings and accordingly, PSEG's future
prospects, including financial condition, results of operations and net cash
flows (see Note 2. Rate Matters of Notes).
PSE&G
For the six months ended June 30, 1998, PSE&G had utility plant additions,
including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction of $196 million, a $41
million decrease from the corresponding 1997 period. The decrease was primarily
due to the replacement of Salem 1 steam generators in 1997. PSE&G expects that
it will be able to generate all of its construction and capital requirements
over the next five years internally, assuming adequate and timely recovery of
costs, as to which no assurances can be given (see Note 2. Rate Matters of
Notes).
PSEG Energy Holdings Inc.
In June and July 1998, PSEG invested $147 million and $145 million, the
proceeds of the sale of Capital Securities and Trust Securities (see External
Financings), in Energy Holdings, which issued to PSEG like amounts of its 4.80%
and 4.875% Cumulative Preferred Stock and made additional equity investments in
Global and Resources.
In April 1998, Resources closed on its investment in the lease of a domestic
gas-fired steam electric generating station to a domestic utility. Resource's
equity investment was approximately $39 million.
In May 1998, Global sold its 50% interests in two domestic cogeneration
plants, resulting in proceeds to Energy Holdings of $70 million, which resulted
in an after-tax gain of approximately $5 million.
In June 1998, Enterprise Group Development Corporation (EGDC) sold its 75%
interest in one of its properties for approximately $5 million, resulting in a
minimal loss which had been previously reserved through a valuation allowance.
In July 1998, Resources purchased a 33.3% interest in a leveraged lease of a
natural gas-fired generating station in the United Kingdom for approximately $40
million.
For a discussion of the source of Energy Holdings' funds, see External
Financings. Over the next several years, Energy Holdings and its subsidiaries
will be required to refinance their maturing debt and provide additional debt
and equity financing for growth. Any inability to obtain required additional
external capital or to extend or replace maturing debt and/or existing
agreements at current levels and interest rates may affect future earnings.
External Financings
PSEG
On June 30, 1998, PSEG had a $25 million line of credit with a bank with no
debt outstanding under this line of credit. Also, at that date, PSEG had a
committed $150 million revolving credit facility which expires in December 2002
with no debt outstanding under this facility.
In June 1998, Enterprise Capital Trust II, a special purpose statutory
business trust controlled by PSEG, issued $150 million of its Floating Rate
Capital Securities, Series B. Proceeds were lent to PSEG and are evidenced by
its deferrable interest subordinated debentures. PSEG used the proceeds to make
a $147 million preferred equity investment in Energy Holdings. The debentures
and their related indenture constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by
PSEG of the preferred securities issued by the trust. If, and for as long as,
payments on PSEG's debentures have been deferred, or PSEG has defaulted on the
indenture related thereto or its guarantee thereof, PSEG may not pay any
dividends on its Common Stock (see Liquidity and Capital Resources -- PSEG). At
the time of issuance, PSEG's floating rate obligation under its debentures was
swapped for a fixed rate payment resulting in an effective rate of 7.2% (see
Note 5. Financial Instruments and Risk Management of Notes).
In July 1998, Enterprise Capital Trust III, a special purpose statutory
business trust controlled by PSEG, issued $150 million of its 7.25% Trust
Originated Preferred Securities, Series C. Proceeds were lent to PSEG and are
evidenced by its deferrable interest subordinated debentures. PSEG used the
proceeds to make a $145 million preferred equity investment in Energy Holdings.
The debentures and their related indenture constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by PSEG of the preferred securities issued by the trust. If, and for
as long as, payments on PSEG's debentures have been deferred, or PSEG has
defaulted on the indenture related thereto or its guarantee thereof, PSEG may
not pay any dividends on its Common Stock (see Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -- PSEG).
As previously disclosed, both PSEG and PSE&G have issued a total of
approximately $525 million and $513 million, respectively, of deferrable
interest subordinated debentures which are treated as debt to the issuer for
Federal income tax purposes and as preferred equity for financial accounting and
rating agency purposes. In a case not involving PSEG or PSE&G, the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) has proposed to disallow interest deductions claimed by
Enron Corp. (Enron) on two issues of similar long-term subordinated debentures.
That issue is now in litigation (Enron Corp. v. Commissioner, Tax Court Docket
No. 6149-98). There can be no assurance that Enron will prevail in this
litigation if it is not settled or, if Enron does prevail, that the IRS
nevertheless may seek to disallow the deductions that PSEG and PSE&G have taken
and will claim for interest paid on such debentures. The annualized interest
expense for these debentures for PSEG and PSE&G together is approximately $82
million. In total for 1994 through 1997, PSEG and PSE&G took approximately $89
million in interest deductions for these debentures, which equates to about $31
million in tax benefits. If challenged by the IRS, PSEG and PSE&G would expect
to vigorously defend the deductibility of the interest payments taken as
deductions on previously filed Federal tax returns. In the event of the
occurrence of a Tax Event as defined in the respective debenture indentures,
such as the receipt of an opinion of counsel that there is a more than
insubstantial risk that interest payable on the debentures will not be tax
deductible, PSEG and PSE&G have the right to redeem the preferred securities and
issue the debentures to the preferred securities holders or to refinance such
obligations as allowed in the respective debenture indentures.
PSE&G
PSE&G has received authority from the BPU, through December 31, 1998, to
opportunistically refinance essentially all of its long-term debt and to refund
up to $250 million of matured debt.
Under its First and Refunding Mortgage (Mortgage), PSE&G may issue new First
and Refunding Mortgage Bonds (Bonds) against previous additions and improvements
and/or retired Bonds provided that its ratio of earnings to fixed charges is at
least 2:1. At June 30, 1998, the coverage ratio under PSE&G's Mortgage was
3.66:1. As of June 30, 1998, the Mortgage would permit up to approximately $3.5
billion aggregate principal amount of new Bonds to be issued against previous
additions and improvements.
In April 1998, $8 million of PSE&G's 7.50% Bonds, Series OO, were purchased
in the open market. On August 3, 1998, the remaining outstanding $234 million of
the Series OO Bonds were redeemed.
In May 1998, PSE&G sold $250 million of its Bonds, Remarketable Series YY,
due 2023, Mandatorily Tendered 2008. The Series YY Bonds will bear interest at
the rate of 6.375% per annum until May 1, 2008. PSE&G also entered into a
Remarketing Agreement with a third party that granted the third party the option
to call and remarket the Series YY Bonds on May 1, 2008 for the remaining term
of the Series YY Bonds. If not called by the third party, the Bonds must be put
by the holders to PSE&G. The proceeds of the sale were used primarily to redeem
PSE&G's Series OO Bonds.
On July 1, 1998, $18 million of PSE&G's 6% Debenture Bonds matured.
To provide liquidity for its commercial paper program, PSE&G has a $650
million revolving credit agreement expiring in June 1999 and a $650 million
revolving credit agreement expiring in June 2002 with a group of commercial
banks, which provide for borrowings of up to one year. On June 30, 1998, there
were no borrowings outstanding under these credit agreements.
The BPU has authorized PSE&G to issue and have outstanding at any one time
through January 2, 1999, not more than $1.3 billion of short-term obligations,
consisting of commercial paper and other unsecured borrowings from banks and
other lenders. On June 30, 1998, PSE&G had $888 million of short-term debt
outstanding, including $124 million borrowed against its uncommitted bank lines
of credit which lines of credit totaled $250 million at June 30, 1998.
PSE&G Fuel Corporation (Fuelco), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSE&G, has a
$125 million commercial paper program to finance its 42.49% share of Peach
Bottom nuclear fuel, which program is supported by a $125 million revolving
credit facility expiring on June 28, 2001. PSE&G has guaranteed repayment of
Fuelco's obligations under this program. At June 30, 1998, Fuelco had $67
million of commercial paper outstanding under this program.
PSEG Energy Holdings Inc.
At June 30, 1998, PSEG Capital Corporation (Capital), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Energy Holdings, had total debt outstanding of $596 million,
including $573 million of Medium Term Notes (MTNs) and $23 million of Senior
Notes. In July 1998, $75 million of Capital's 9.00% MTNs matured. As a result of
the Focused Audit, Capital debt is being phased out over a six to ten year
period from April 1993 (see Liquidity and Capital Resources).
As of June 30, 1998, Enterprise Capital Funding Corporation (Funding), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Holdings, had $300 million and $150 million
revolving credit facilities expiring in July 1999 and November 1998,
respectively, with two groups of banks under which facilities no debt was
outstanding. On June 1, 1998, $83 million of Funding's Series E 9.95% Senior
Notes matured. Funding had $45 million of privately-placed Senior Notes
outstanding as of June 30, 1998. As of June 30, 1998, Funding had $159 million
of total debt outstanding.
Energy Holdings, Resources and Global are subject to restrictive business and
financial covenants contained in existing debt agreements. Energy Holdings is
required to maintain a debt to equity ratio of no more than 2.00:1 and a
twelve-months earnings before interest and taxes to interest (EBIT) coverage
ratio of at least 1.50:1. As of June 30, 1998, Energy Holdings had a
consolidated debt to equity ratio of 1.00:1. For the twelve months ended June
30, 1998, the EBIT coverage ratio, as defined to exclude the effects of EGDC,
was 2.61:1. Compliance with applicable financial covenants will depend upon
future financial position and levels of earnings, as to which no assurance can
be given. In addition, Energy Holdings' ability to continue to grow its business
will depend to a significant degree on PSEG's and Energy Holdings' ability to
obtain additional financing beyond current levels (see Liquidity and Capital
Resources).
Nuclear Operations
As previously reported, PSE&G's Salem Units 1 and 2 (Salem 1 and 2) returned
to service on April 17, 1998 and August 30, 1997, respectively. On June 30,
1998, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) closed its Confirmatory Action
Letter (CAL) concerning Salem noting that all commitments of the CAL had been
satisfactorily addressed. For a discussion of the operating performance standard
applicable to Salem, see Note 4. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities of
Notes.
At the July 1998 semi-annual NRC Senior Management Meeting, the NRC removed
Salem 1 and 2 from the NRC Watch List. The NRC noted that plant material
condition, safety culture and management oversight and effectiveness had
substantially improved. The NRC also observed that, while the maintenance
backlog resulting from discovery efforts during the outage remains high, PSE&G
is effectively managing the prioritization and resolution of those items.
Additionally, the NRC noted that PSE&G's management team has instituted robust
safety oversight and self-assessment at the site and that Salem has demonstrated
sustained successful plant performance.
Competitive Environment
Rate Matters
For discussions of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, non-utility generation
buydown, the LGAC, the Gas Unbundling Pilot Program, the LEAC/Demand Side
Adjustment Factor, the RAC and other rate matters, see Note 2. Rate Matters of
Notes. The outcome of these proceedings could have a material adverse impact on
PSEG's and PSE&G's financial condition, results of operations and net cash
flows.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 888 (Order No. 888)
As previously reported, numerous parties, including PSE&G, have filed
petitions for judicial review of Orders No. 888, 888A and 888B before the Courts
of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the Second Circuits. In March 1998,
all of these appeals were consolidated in the Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit). On April 30, 1998, the D.C. Circuit entered
an order permitting certain additional parties to intervene and establishing
certain procedural guidelines for the hearing of these appeals.
Pennsylvania--New Jersey--Maryland Interconnection (PJM)
Effective April 1, 1998, PJM implemented locational marginal pricing (LMP)
for congestion costs within the PJM control area pursuant to FERC requirements.
LMP provides for an allocation of congestion costs to transmission users within
the PJM control area. Sufficient data is not yet available to determine whether
LMP will ultimately result in increases or decreases in PSE&G's cost of
Interchanged Power and Fuel for Electric Generation or whether such increases or
decreases will be material.
Currently, the PJM Operating Agreement dictates that energy sold in the PJM
interchange energy market from generation located within the PJM control area
shall not exceed the variable cost of producing such energy. Transactions that
are bid into the PJM pool from generation located outside the PJM control area
are capped at $1,000 per megawatt hour. In the event that all available
generation within the PJM control area is insufficient to cover demand, PJM
could institute emergency purchases from adjoining regions. The cost of such
emergency purchases is dependent upon market conditions and not subject to any
PJM price cap. Certain of the PJM member companies have requested the FERC to
revise the PJM Operating Agreement to allow submission of market based bids to
the PJM interchange energy market. PSEG and PSE&G cannot predict the outcome of
this request or the impact on PSEG's and PSE&G's future financial condition,
results of operations and net cash flows if such request is successful. For
further discussion of price volatility of electricity, see Item 3. Qualitative
and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Future Outlook
PSEG continues to pursue its strategies to grow its business. As previously
reported, more emphasis will be placed on finding opportunities for expansion
outside of traditional utility services and markets. PSE&G's strategy is to size
its electric generation fleet in New Jersey to meet its anticipated needs, while
seeking to increase its value through wholesale trading. PSE&G will also seek to
capitalize on synergies which may exist with its natural gas purchasing and
trading activities. PSE&G's transmission and distribution strategy, both gas and
electric, is to provide cost-effective, high quality service, while considering
opportunities for expansion of this business through business combinations.
Global's strategy is to invest in both generation and transmission and
distribution facilities worldwide with the goal of creating long-term value.
Resources' strategy is to continue focusing on passive investments in the energy
sector worldwide seeking to provide earnings and economic value. Energy
Technologies' strategy is to expand upon the current energy related services it
provides to industrial and commercial customers to create long-term value.
Successful implementation of these strategies, coupled with the restructuring
of the electric industry, could significantly change PSEG's earnings mix. Most
significant among the changes would be the shift in earnings away from the
domestic generation business into the international generation, transmission and
distribution businesses, and to a lesser extent, into the energy services
business.
PSE&G
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to
the following portions of PSEG's Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, insofar as they relate to PSE&G
and its subsidiaries: Results of Operations; Liquidity and Capital Resources;
External Financings; Nuclear Operations; Competitive Environment and Future
Outlook.
Forward Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a
"safe harbor" for forward-looking statements to encourage such disclosures
without the threat of litigation providing those statements are identified as
forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful, cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause the actual results to differ
materially from those projected in the statement. Forward-looking statements
have been made in this report. Such statements are based on management's beliefs
as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to
management. When used herein, the words "will", "anticipate", "estimate",
"expect", "objective", "hypothetical", "potential" and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions
and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such
forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements include,
among others, the following: deregulation and the unbundling of energy supplies
and services; an increasingly competitive energy marketplace; sales retention
and growth potential in a mature service territory and a need to contain costs;
ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief, cost recovery, including the
potential impact of stranded costs, and other necessary regulatory approvals;
Federal and State regulatory actions; costs of construction; operating
restrictions; increased cost and construction delays attributable to
environmental regulations; nuclear decommissioning and the availability of
reprocessing and storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel; licensing and
regulatory approval necessary for nuclear and other operating stations; market
risk; and credit market concerns. PSEG and PSE&G undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors
pursuant to the Act should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission
regarding the adequacy of disclosures made by PSEG and PSE&G prior to the
effective date of the Act.
ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodities
The availability and price of energy commodities are subject to fluctuations
from factors such as weather, environmental policies, changes in demand, changes
in supply and state and Federal regulatory policies. To reduce price risk caused
by market fluctuations, PSE&G enters into physical forward and options contracts
and financial derivatives including forwards, futures, swaps and options with
approved counterparties, to hedge its anticipated demand. These contracts, in
conjunction with owned electric generating capacity, are designed to cover
estimated electric and gas customer commitments. Gains and losses resulting from
physical forward and options contracts and financial derivatives are recognized
as a component of fuel revenue and expense upon maturity of these contracts.
Additionally, PSE&G enters into physical forward and options contracts that are
speculative in nature which are immaterial to PSE&G's market portfolio and do
not have a material impact on PSE&G's financial condition, results of operations
and net cash flows.
PSE&G uses a value-at-risk model to assess the market risk of its commodity
business. This model includes fixed price sales commitments, owned generation,
native load requirements, physical contracts and financial derivative
instruments. Value-at-risk represents the potential gains or losses for
instruments or portfolios due to changes in market factors, for a specified time
period and confidence level. PSE&G estimates value-at-risk across its commodity
business using a model with historical volatilities and correlations. The
measured value-at-risk using a variance/co-variance model with a 97.5 percent
confidence level and assuming a one week horizon at June 30, 1998 was
approximately $18 million. PSE&G's calculated value-at-risk exposure represents
an estimate of potential net losses that could be recognized on its portfolio of
physical and financial derivative instruments assuming historical movements in
future market rates. These estimates, however, are not necessarily indicative of
actual results which may occur, since actual future gains and losses will differ
from those historical estimates based upon actual fluctuations in market rates,
operating exposures, and the timing thereof, and changes in PSE&G's portfolio of
hedging instruments during the year.
PSE&G is generally in a short (or deficit) position when comparing average
on-peak demand to its average expected economic generating capability. As a
result of unseasonably warm weather increasing the demand for electricity,
coupled with scheduled and unscheduled generating plant outages in the Midwest
in June 1998, forward prices of electricity rose to unprecedented high levels
for the summer months of 1998 and 1999. In addition, the volatility factor for
those months increased sharply. The value-at-risk at June 30, 1998 increased by
approximately $11 million from December 31, 1997 due to the large net long (or
surplus) position (created by anticipated economic generation) multiplied by the
increased volatility rate.
As discussed in Results of Operations of Item 2. Management's Discussion and
Analysis, energy trading operations at PSE&G positively impacted the results of
operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998. Other utilities and power
marketers have experienced significant losses in their energy trading operations
during that period. These losses were primarily attributable to counterparty
defaults as a result of extreme market volatility, as noted above.
PSEG is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance or
non-payment by counterparties. PSEG has a Risk Management Committee made up of
executive officers and an independent risk oversight function to enhance its
risk management practices. PSEG also has a credit management process which is
used to assess, monitor and mitigate counterparty exposure for PSE&G and Energy
Holdings. In the event of nonperformance or nonpayment by a major counterparty,
there may be a material adverse impact on PSEG's and PSE&G's financial
conditions, results of operations and net cash flows.
There are no other material changes in or additions to the information
reported in the PSEG and the PSE&G 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding
qualitative and quantitative disclosures about market risk of PSEG, PSE&G and
their subsidiaries.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
--------------------------------------------
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Certain information reported under Item 3 of Part I of Public Service
Enterprise Group Incorporated's (PSEG) and Public Service Electric and Gas
Company's (PSE&G) 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 is updated below.
(1) Form 10-K, Pages 19-20. As previously reported, PSE&G has been named as a
potentially responsible party and alleged to be liable for contamination
at the Metal Bank Cottman Avenue Superfund Site, a former non-ferrous
scrap reclamation facility located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PSE&G
estimates that its share of the cost of performing the remedy selected by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could be $4 to $8 million.
On June 26, 1998, EPA Region III issued an Administrative Order For
Remedial Design And Remedial Action, Docket No. III-98-082-DC, to thirteen
Respondents including PSE&G, other utilities, and other persons and
entities, ordering the Respondents to implement the remedy selected in the
Record of Decision (ROD) issued by EPA Region III in December, 1997.
Additionally, with respect to this site, on July 1, 1998, the United
States of America moved in the matter entitled United States of America,
et. al., v. Union Corporation, et. al., Civil Action No. 80-1589, United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, seeking
leave of court to file an amended complaint adding claims under the
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980 (CERCLA). PSE&G and one other utility are third party
defendants in the foregoing captioned matter. On July 28, 1998, PSE&G and
seven other utilities named as Respondents in the above-referenced
Administrative Order filed with EPA Region III a Notice of Intent to
Comply With Administrative Order for Remedial Design and Remedial Action,
Metal Bank Cottman Avenue Site, Docket No. III-98-082-DC.
(2)Form 10-K, Page 27 and March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q, Page 24. As previously
reported, in October 1995, PSEG received a letter from a representative of
a purported shareholder demanding that it commence legal action against
certain of its officers and directors with regard to nuclear operations of
Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations (Salem and Hope Creek).
The Board of Directors promptly commenced an investigation and advised the
purported shareholder thereof. While the investigation was pending, the
purported shareholder nevertheless commenced, by complaint filed in
December 1995, a shareholder derivative action against the then incumbent
directors, except Dr. Remick. Similar derivative complaints were filed by
two profit sharing plans and one individual in February and March 1996
against Messrs. Ferland, Codey, Eliason and others. On March 19, 1996, the
Board's investigation was concluded, and the Board determined that this
litigation should not have been instituted and should be terminated. On
July 3, 1996, another individual purported shareholder filed a similar
complaint naming the same defendants as the first derivative lawsuit. The
four complaints generally seek recovery of damages for alleged losses
purportedly arising out of PSE&G's operation of Salem and Hope Creek,
together with certain other relief, including removal of certain executive
officers of PSE&G and PSEG and certain changes in the composition of
PSEG's Board of Directors. On August 21, 1996, all defendants filed
motions to dismiss all four derivative actions, which motions were denied
and attempts to appeal were unsuccessful. Pursuant to a Court Order, on
December 31, 1997, the defendants filed motions for summary judgment to
dismiss two of the cases. In one of the other two cases, separate motions
for partial and complete summary judgment were filed by the defendants on
April 1, 1998. In the fourth case, on April 1, 1998 the defendants filed a
motion for partial summary judgment. On May 21, 1998, the defendants filed
additional motions for complete summary judgment in the third and fourth
cases. All of these motions are pending. By stipulation filed on June 15,
1998, the individual plaintiff in the action filed in March 1996 was
voluntarily dismissed as a plaintiff in the action. The outcome of these
matters cannot be predicted.
(3)Form 10-K, Page 45. As previously reported, in October 1997, Old Dominion
Electric Cooperative (ODEC) filed a complaint at the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking to modify its 1992 agreement with
PSE&G for a ten year sale of 150 megawatts of capacity and energy. On
August 4, 1998, FERC dismissed ODEC's complaint, determining that certain
issues relating to rate "pancaking" for transmission were more
appropriately addressed in the pending FERC docket relating to the PJM
Interconnection and that ODEC had failed to show it was entitled to relief
on the remaining issues. PSE&G cannot predict whether ODEC will appeal
this ruling or the final outcome of these proceedings.
New Matter
On June 25, 1998, a complaint was filed against the directors of PSEG, and
PSEG as a nominal defendant, by the same purported shareholder of PSEG who
instituted the December 1995 shareholder derivative suit, alleging that the
1996, 1997 and 1998 proxy statements provided to shareholders of PSEG were false
and misleading by reason, among other things, of failure to disclose certain
material facts relating to (i) the controls over and oversight of PSEG's nuclear
operations, (ii) the condition of problems at and reserves with respect to
PSEG's nuclear operations, (iii) a demand letter relating to an earlier
shareholder derivative suit, (iv) PSEG's liabilities to the Salem co-owners as a
result of the shutdown of the Salem plants and (v) a shareholder proposal
relating to operations of Salem 1 and 2 which was voted upon at the 1998 annual
meeting of shareholders. The complaint seeks to have declared illegal the 1996,
1997 and 1998 elections of directors of PSEG, the vote upon a stockholder
proposal at the 1998 annual meeting, ratification of the selection of Deloitte &
Touche as PSEG's auditors at those annual meetings, requiring PSEG to conduct a
special meeting of shareholders providing for election of directors following
timely dissemination of a proxy statement approved by the court hearing this
matter, which will include as nominees for election as directors persons having
no previous relationship with PSEG or the current directors and other relief.
PSEG is currently reviewing the complaint. PSEG cannot predict the outcome of
this matter. G.E. Stricklin v. E. James Ferland, et al, United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 98-3279.
In addition, see the following at the pages hereof indicated:
(1)Pages 9 and 10. Proceedings before the New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities (BPU) in the matter of the Energy Master Plan Phase II
Proceeding to investigate the future structure of the Electric Power
Industry, Docket Nos. EX94120585Y, EO97070462 and EO97070463.
(2)Page 9. Proceeding before the BPU in the Matter of the Board's
Determination a Management Audit be Performed on PSE&G, Docket No.
EA97060397.
(3)Page 10. Proceeding before the BPU relating to PSE&G's Levelized Gas
Adjustment Clause (LGAC) filed on November 14, 1997, Docket No.
GR97110839.
(4)Page 11. Proceeding before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate
Division in the matter of the motion of PSE&G to increase the level of the
Electric Demand Side Adjustment Factor, Appellate Docket No.
A-005257-97T2.
(5)Page 11. Proceedings before the BPU relating to the Electric Levelized
Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) rate increase to recover Demand Side
Management (DSM) costs, Docket No. ER97020101.
(6)Page 11. Proceedings before the BPU in the Matter of the Electric
Restructuring Plans Filed by Atlantic City Electric Company, Jersey
Central Power & Light Company, D/B/A GPU Energy, Public Service Electric
and Gas Company, and Rockland Electric Company - General Auction Standards
and Review Criteria, Order Adopting Auction Standards, Docket Nos.
EX94120585Y, EO97070457, EO97070460, EO97070463, and EO97070466.
(7)Page 24. Proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) relating to competition and electric wholesale power markets.
(Inquiry Concerning the Pricing Policy for Transmission Services Provided
by Utilities Under the Federal Power Act, Docket No. RM93-19.)
(8)Page 24. Proceedings before the United States Court of Appeals, District
of Columbia Circuit, in the matter of appeal of FERC Orders No. 888, 888A
and 888B. (Transmission Access Policy Study Group v. Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, United States Court of Appeals in the District of
Columbia Circuit, Docket No. 97-1715.)
(9)Page 24. Proceeding before FERC relating to the development by PSE&G and
other regional transmission owners in PJM of a new transmission service
tariff and an Independent System Operator, FERC Docket Nos. OA97-261-000,
et. al.
(10) Page 29. Proceedings before the United States Court of Appeals, District
of Columbia Circuit, in the matter of the DOE's unconditional obligation
to begin spent fuel acceptance by January 31, 1998, Northern States Power
v. Department of Energy, Docket No. 97-1064.
(11) Page 30. Proceedings before FERC relating to a declaratory judgment
action challenging PSE&G's interpretation of the capacity release rules,
Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation, FERC Docket No. RP98-83-000.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Certain information reported under PSEG's and PSE&G's 1997 Annual and March
31, 1998 Quarterly Report to the SEC is updated below. References are to the
related pages of the Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998 as printed and distributed.
Discretionary Proxy Voting Authority
New Matter
The SEC has recently amended its proxy rules regarding use of discretionary
voting authority with respect to certain shareholder proposals. If PSEG is not
notified by January 23, 1999 of any proposal intended to be presented for
consideration at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, then the proxies named
by PSEG management with respect to the meeting shall have discretionary voting
authority with respect to such proposal if presented at the meeting.
Credit Ratings
Form 10-K, Page 5
During the second quarter of 1998, Standard and Poor's, Moody's and Duff and
Phelps reconfirmed the credit ratings for PSEG and PSE&G as disclosed in the
1997 Form 10-K. Additionally, Moody's changed its outlook from negative to
stable.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal
Form 10-K, Page 12
As previously reported, in accordance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act
(NWPA), PSE&G has entered into contracts with the Department of Energy (DOE) for
the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Payments made to the DOE for disposal costs
are based on nuclear generation and are included in Interchanged Power and Fuel
for Electric Generation in the Statements of Income. These costs are being
recovered through the LEAC (see Note 2. Rate Matters of Notes).
DOE construction of a permanent disposal facility has not begun and DOE has
announced that it does not expect a facility to be available until 2010 at the
earliest. Accordingly, legislation which would have the DOE establish a
centralized interim spent fuel storage facility has been introduced in Congress.
In cases brought by PSE&G, 40 other utilities and many state and local
governments, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit reaffirmed DOE's unconditional obligation to begin spent fuel acceptance
by January 31, 1998. In November 1997, the court ruled that the utilities had
fulfilled their obligations under their respective contracts with DOE by
contributing to the Nuclear Waste Fund. The court further ruled that DOE's
argument of unavoidable delay to meet its obligation was without merit. However,
the court did not order DOE to commence spent fuel acceptance by January 31,
1998; instead, it decided that the standard contract provided a potentially
adequate remedy in the form of payment of damages if DOE failed its obligations.
In May 1998 the court denied a petition by PSE&G, 40 other utilities, and many
states and state agencies to order DOE to begin spent fuel acceptance
immediately and declare that the utilities are allowed to escrow their Nuclear
Waste Fund fees until DOE begins spent fuel acceptance. Following this decision,
DOE proposed a settlement of issues related to its failure to meet its
obligation, which the utilities unanimously rejected. PSE&G is continuing to
work with the utility industry to develop a methodology for determining damages
incurred as a result of DOE's failure to meet its obligation and a strategy for
its implementation. PSE&G is presently studying options to recover damages from
DOE. No assurances can be given as to the ultimate availability of a disposal
facility.
Nuclear Operations
Form 10-K, Page 8
On June 8, 1998, the NRC issued its latest Systematic Assessment of Licensee
Performance (SALP) Report for Hope Creek for the period November 10, 1996 to May
16, 1998. In the areas of Operations, Maintenance and Engineering, Hope Creek
was rated Category 2 or "good" performance. In the area of Plant Support, Hope
Creek received a "superior", or Category 1, rating. The NRC noted improved
performance in all functional areas during the period, with marked improvement
in the Plant Support area, particularly concerning security and emergency
preparedness. The NRC also noted that although several human performance issues
associated with procedure violations, attention to detail and work controls were
evident during the fall 1997 outage, operation since then has been nearly
event-free.
On July 29, 1998, the NRC notified PSE&G that Salem 1 and 2 had been removed
from the NRC's Watch List (see Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis --
Nuclear Operations).
Form 10-K, Page 10
PECO Energy has advised PSE&G that the NRC held a predecisional enforcement
conference on May 21, 1998 to discuss two apparent violations concerning failure
to maintain the operability of a Peach Bottom Unit 3 emergency core cooling
system pump. On June 11, 1998, the NRC issued an aggregate Level III violation
and a civil penalty of $55,000. PECO will not dispute the violation.
Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW)
Form 10-K, Page 12 and March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q, Page 27
As a by-product of their operations, nuclear generating units, including
those in which PSE&G owns an interest, produce LLRW. Such wastes include paper,
plastics, protective clothing, water purification materials and other materials.
LLRW materials are accumulated on site and disposed of at licensed permanent
disposal facilities in Barnwell, South Carolina and Clive, Utah.
PECO Energy has advised PSE&G that on June 18, 1998, the Appalachian States
LLRW Compact Commission unanimously agreed to suspend efforts to site a radwaste
storage facility in Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection had suggested ending the search due to the declining
amounts of radwaste produced by hospitals, nuclear power plants and research
facilities. The other compact members (Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia)
have asked Pennsylvania to make provisions to resume the search if conditions
change.
Other State Regulatory Matters
Form 10-K, Page 4 and March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q, Page 27
As previously reported, on December 3, 1997 one of the interstate pipeline
companies from which PSE&G obtains service filed a declaratory judgment action
with FERC challenging PSE&G's interpretation of the capacity release rules.
Under the interpretation proposed by the interstate pipeline company, PSE&G
would be required to guarantee the performance of Public Service Energy Trading
Company (PSETC) under the transferred agreements. PSE&G disagreed with these
claims and filed a protest challenging the December 3, 1997 filing. On February
11, 1998, FERC ruled in favor of the interstate pipeline company finding that it
was not unreasonable for the pipeline company to refuse to discharge PSE&G under
the circumstances addressed in the order. On April 29, 1998, FERC issued an
order on rehearing in which it denied PSE&G's request for a rehearing. On June
26, 1998, PSE&G filed a petition for review of FERC's order with the U.S. Court
of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit.
Air Pollution Control
Form 10-K, Page 15
As previously reported, in September 1997, the NJDEP proposed regulations
implementing a memorandum of understanding among 11 Northeastern states and the
District of Columbia, establishing a regional plan for reducing NOx emissions
from utility and large industrial boilers. In June 1998, NJDEP adopted final
regulations implementing a NOx budget program and establishing the formulas for
NOx allocations. The extent of investment in control technologies or operational
changes required to comply with these regulations will be directly related to
the number of allowances PSE&G receives. PSE&G does not expect to receive its
final NOx budget allocation under the rule until early 1999 and thus cannot
access the potential costs at this time, but such costs could be material.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) A listing of exhibits being filed with this document is as follows:
PSEG
- ----------------------
Exhibit Document
Number
- ----------------------
3 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement for Enterprise
Capital Trust II
4a First Supplemental Indenture to Indenture dated as of January 1,
1998 between Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and First
Union National Bank, as Trustee, dated June 1, 1998 providing for
the issuance of Floating Rate Deferrable Interest Subordinated
Debentures, Series B (relating to Trust Preferred Securities)
4b Second Supplemental Indenture to Indenture dated as of January 1,
1998 between Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and First
Union National Bank, as Trustee, dated July 1, 1998 providing for
the issuance of Deferrable Interest Subordinated Debentures, Series
C (relating to Trust Preferred Securities)
10 Employment Agreement with E. James Ferland, dated June 16, 1998
12 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(PSEG)
27(A) Financial Data Schedule (PSEG)
PSE&G
- ----------------------
Exhibit Document
Number
- ----------------------
10 Employment Agreement with E. James Ferland, dated June
16, 1998
12(A) Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(PSE&G)
12(B) Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges plus
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements (PSE&G)
27(B) Financial Data Schedule (PSE&G)
(B) Reports on Form 8K: None.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
--------------------------------------------
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrants have duly caused these reports to be signed on their respective
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
(Registrants)
By: PATRICIA A. RADO
----------------
Patricia A. Rado
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: August 14, 1998