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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[x] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
Consolidated Edison, Inc
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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[CON EDISON LOGO]
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LETTER TO
STOCKHOLDERS
NOTICE OF 2001
ANNUAL MEETING,
PROXY STATEMENT
AND 2000 FINANCIAL
REPORT
MAY 21, 2001
CON EDISON HEADQUARTERS
4 IRVING PLACE
NEW YORK, N.Y.
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[CON EDISON LOGO]
[CON EDISON LETTERHEAD]
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EUGENE R. MCGRATH
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
April 9, 2001
Dear Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Consolidated
Edison, Inc. ("CEI" or the "Company"). I hope that you will join the Board of
Directors and management of your Company at the Company's Headquarters Building
at 4 Irving Place, New York, N.Y., on Monday, May 21, 2001 at 10:00 a.m.
The accompanying Proxy Statement contains information about matters to be
considered at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be
asked to vote on the election of Directors and the ratification of the
appointment of independent accountants for 2001. In addition to the matters
described above, stockholders will be asked to vote on a proposal submitted by
an individual stockholder described in the attached Proxy Statement, if the
proposal is properly presented at the Annual Meeting. For the reasons stated in
the Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors and management recommend that
stockholders vote against this proposal.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please date, sign and
return the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided. It is very important that as
many shares as possible be represented at the meeting. Stockholders of record
may also vote their shares by telephone or by the Internet. Instructions for
using the telephone or the Internet service are set forth on the enclosed proxy
card.
If after voting your proxy you come to the meeting, you may vote in person
even though you have previously voted your proxy.
Sincerely,
/s/ Eugene R. McGrath
Eugene R. McGrath
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[CON EDISON LOGO]
[CON EDISON LETTERHEAD]
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Dear Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Consolidated Edison, Inc. will be
held at the Company's Headquarters Building, 4 Irving Place, New York, New York,
on Monday, May 21, 2001 at 10:00 a.m., E.D.S.T. for the following purposes:
a. To elect the members of the Board of Directors as described in the
Proxy Statement (attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference);
b. To ratify and approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers,
LLP ("PwC") as independent accountants for the year 2001;
c. To act on a stockholder proposal as set forth in the Proxy
Statement; and
d. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND,
please mark the appropriate box on the enclosed proxy card and we will send you
an admission ticket. If you are a stockholder of record and vote by telephone or
the Internet, you will have the opportunity to indicate that you plan to attend
the meeting and a ticket will be sent to you.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, WE URGE YOU TO
VOTE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, OR VOTE YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THE PROXY CARD. WE WILL SINCERELY
APPRECIATE YOUR DOING SO.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
ARCHIE M. BANKSTON
Secretary
Dated: April 9, 2001
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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Notice of Annual Meeting....................................
Consolidated Edison, Inc. 2001 Proxy Statement.............. 1
Appendix A: Audit Committee Charter......................... 21
Appendix B: 2000 Financial Report........................... 22
Selected Financial Data, Selected Quarterly Information,
Market Price Range and Dividends.......................... B-1
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operation.................................. B-2
Report of Independent Accountants........................... B-13
Consolidated Financial Statements........................... B-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. B-20
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PROXY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is provided to stockholders of Consolidated Edison,
Inc. ("CEI" or the "Company") in connection with the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. The Annual
Meeting will be held at the Company's principal executive offices at 4 Irving
Place, New York, New York, on Monday, May 21, 2001 at 10:00 a.m.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of CEI,
for use at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Proxy Statement and the
form of proxy are being mailed to stockholders on or about April 9, 2001.
Included as an Appendix to this Proxy Statement are the Company's
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended
December 31, 2000, and other information relating to the Company's financial
condition and results of operations. The Company's Summary Annual Report to
Stockholders also accompanies the mailing of this Proxy Statement.
This solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting is being made by
management on behalf of the Board of Directors and will be made by mail,
telephone, the Internet, facsimile and electronic transmission or overnight
delivery. The expense of the solicitation will be borne by the Company. The
expense will include reimbursement for postage and clerical expenses to
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees or fiduciaries for forwarding
proxy material and other documents to beneficial owners of stock held in their
names. In addition, Morrow & Co. of New York, New York, has been retained to
assist in the solicitation of proxies by the means described above. The
estimated cost of Morrow's services is $17,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses.
RECORD DATE, OUTSTANDING
VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Board of Directors has established April 2, 2001, as the record date
for the determination of CEI's stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the meeting. On the record date, there were 212,292,190 shares of Common
Stock which are entitled to one vote per share upon the propositions to be
presented. The holders will vote on the election of Directors, the ratification
of the appointment of independent accountants and the stockholder proposal.
The enclosed proxy card is for the number of shares registered in your name
with CEI, together with any additional full shares held in your name in CEI's
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Payment Plan. The instructions on the
proxy card provide that any shares registered in your name and any full shares
held for your account in the Plan will be voted in the same manner.
In all matters other than the election of Directors, the affirmative vote
of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the
Annual Meeting, entitled to vote and voting on the subject matter, shall be the
act of the stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes are voted neither
"for" nor "against," and have no effect on the vote, but are counted in the
determination of the quorum. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the
votes present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting, entitled
to vote and voting on the election of Directors.
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
All shares represented by properly executed proxies received in time for
the Annual Meeting will be voted at the Annual Meeting in the manner specified
by the persons giving those proxies. If the proxy is signed but no voting
instructions are made, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted for the
election of Directors and in accordance with the recommendations of the Board on
other proposals.
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Instead of submitting a signed proxy card, if you are a stockholder of
record located in the United States, you may vote your proxy by telephone using
the control number and instructions set forth on the proxy card. You may also
vote by the Internet using the control number that has been assigned to you.
Voting by telephone or by the Internet eliminates the need to return the proxy
card. The telephone and Internet voting procedures may not be available to
stockholders who hold their shares through a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other
custodian.
Voting by use of a proxy on the enclosed proxy card, telephone or on the
Internet does not preclude a shareholder from voting in person at the Annual
Meeting. A shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise by
mailing to the Secretary of the Company a duly executed revocation or by
submitting a duly executed proxy, telephone or Internet vote to the Company with
a later date or by appearing at the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
Shareholders may revoke a proxy by any of these methods, regardless of the
method used to cast his or her previous vote. Attendance at the Annual Meeting
without voting will not itself revoke a proxy.
ATTENDANCE AND PROCEDURES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
Attendance at the Annual Meeting will be limited to stockholders of record,
beneficial owners of Common Stock entitled to vote at the meeting having
evidence of ownership, the authorized representative (one only) of an absent
stockholder, and invited guests of management. Any person claiming to be an
authorized representative of a stockholder must, upon request, produce written
evidence of the authorization. In order to assure the holding of a fair and
orderly meeting and to accommodate as many stockholders as possible who may wish
to speak at the Annual Meeting, management will limit the general discussion
portion of the meeting to one hour and permit only stockholders or their
authorized representatives to address the meeting. In addition, management will
require that all signs, banners, placards and protest-type materials be left
outside the meeting room.
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(ITEM 1 ON PROXY CARD)
Twelve Directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to hold office
until the next annual meeting and until their respective successors are elected
and qualified. Of the Board members standing for election, two (Eugene R.
McGrath and Joan S. Freilich) are officers of the Company. The current
non-officer nominees bring to the Company the benefit of their broad expertise
and experience in many diverse fields.
At the last Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company elected 12
Directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. Since then there was a
change regarding the members of the Board. Dr. George W. Sarney was elected to
the Board of Directors, effective January 18, 2001. He is the Chairman of
Spirent plc, a world-leading supplier of telecommunications testing systems and
network products. He was appointed to his present position in September 1999.
From 1993 to August 1999, Dr. Sarney was a senior executive officer of Invensys
plc (formerly Siebe plc), London, United Kingdom. He also held various executive
positions with General Electric Company from 1961 through 1986.
At the opening of business on May 21, 2001, Dr. Ruth M. Davis will retire
from the Board following nearly 20 years of outstanding and dedicated service to
the Company.
With the exception of Dr. Sarney, all of the nominees were elected
Directors at the last Annual Meeting. The Company's management believes that all
of the nominees will be able and willing to serve as Directors of the Company.
All of the Directors, except Mr. Del Giudice, also serve as Trustees of CEI's
subsidiary, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. ("Con Edison of
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New York"). Mr. McGrath and Mr. Del Giudice also serve on the Board of CEI's
subsidiary, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
Shares represented by every properly signed proxy will be voted at the
Annual Meeting for the election of Directors of the persons nominated by
management, except where the right to vote such shares is withheld as provided
in the proxy or otherwise instructed. If one or more of the nominees is unable
or unwilling to serve, the shares represented by the proxies will be voted for
the other nominees and for any substitute nominee or nominees as shall be
designated by management.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES
The name and age of each of the nominees, the year in which each was first
elected a Director or Trustee of Con Edison of New York, the principal
occupation and business experience of each during the past five years, the
number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each as of the close of
business on January 31, 2001, their directorships in other publicly-held
business corporations and the more significant of their directorships in
charitable and educational organizations as of that date are set forth below,
based on information provided by the nominees.
NAME, AGE, LENGTH OF SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR AND TRUSTEE
AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND BUSINESS
EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS
[PHOTO] E. VIRGIL CONWAY, 71
Consultant. Former Chairman, Metropolitan Transportation
Authority, New York, N.Y. (public transportation) from April
1995 to March 2001. Mr. Conway has been a Trustee of Con
Edison of New York since 1970 and a Director of CEI since
December 1997. Director or Trustee, Accuhealth, Inc.,
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, Centennial Insurance
Company, Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., certain mutual
funds managed by Phoenix Investment Partners, Union Pacific
Corporation, Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation, Pace University
and Chairman, New York Housing Partnership Development
Corporation.
Shares owned: 14,379
[photo to come] PETER W. LIKINS, 64
President, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona since
October 1, 1997. Dr. Likins was previously President of
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Dr. Likins has been a
Trustee of Con Edison of New York since 1978 and a Director
of CEI since December 1997. Director or Trustee,
Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Udall Foundation and University
Medical Center. Member, National Academy of Engineering.
Shares owned: 4,703
[PHOTO] EUGENE R. MCGRATH, 59
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
of CEI since October 1997. Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Con Edison of New York since September 1990. He
was also President of Con Edison of New York from September
1990 through February 1998. Mr. McGrath has been a Trustee
of Con Edison of New York since 1987, a Director of CEI
since October 1997 and a Director of O&R since July 1999.
Director or Trustee, Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company,
Schering-Plough Corporation, Business Council of New York
State, Inc., New York City Partnership and Chamber of
Commerce, American Museum of Natural History, Barnard
College, National Action Council for Minorities in
Engineering, Inc., American Woman's Economic Development
Corporation, The Fresh Air Fund, the Wildlife Conservation
Society and the United Way of New York City. Member,
National Academy of Engineering.
Shares owned: 225,403*
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NAME, AGE, LENGTH OF SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR AND TRUSTEE
AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND BUSINESS
EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS
[PHOTO] GORDON J. DAVIS, 59
President, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York,
N.Y. since January 1, 2001. Mr. Davis was previously a
Partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP, Attorneys at
Law. Mr. Davis has been a Trustee of Con Edison of New York
since 1989 and a Director of CEI since December 1997.
Director or Trustee, Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance
Company, certain mutual funds managed by the Dreyfus
Corporation, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (Founding
Chairman/Emeritus) and the New York Public Library.
Shares owned: 2,929
[photo to come] ELLEN V. FUTTER, 51
President and Trustee, American Museum of Natural History,
New York, N.Y. Ms. Futter has been a Trustee of Con Edison
of New York since 1989 and a Director of CEI since December
1997. Director, Trustee or Member, American International
Group, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, J.P. Morgan Chase
& Co., Inc., NYC & Company, Council on Foreign Relations,
New York City Partnership and Yale School of Management
Advisory Board. Fellow, American Academy of Arts and
Sciences.
Shares owned: 2,752
[photo to come] RICHARD A. VOELL, 67
Private investor and retired President and Chief Executive
Officer of The Rockefeller Group, New York, N.Y. (real
estate, real estate services and communications and
communications services). Mr. Voell has been a Trustee of
Con Edison of New York since 1990 and a Director of CEI
since December 1997. Member, Council on Foreign Relations.
Director and Member of the Nominating Committee of the
Wildlife Conservation Society. Vice Chairman, United Nations
Association and Past Chairman, Economic Club of New York.
Shares owned: 6,289
[PHOTO] SALLY HERNANDEZ-PINERO, 48
Senior Vice President, The Related Companies, L.P. since May
1, 1999. Mrs. Hernandez-Pinero was a Managing Director of
Fannie Mae from July 1998 to April 30, 1999. She was of
counsel to the law firm of Kalkines, Arky, Zall & Bernstein,
New York, N.Y. from 1994 to May 1998. Mrs. Hernandez-Pinero
has been a Trustee of Con Edison of New York since 1994 and
a Director of CEI since December 1997. Director or Trustee,
Accuhealth, Inc., American Museum of Natural History, The
Dime Savings Bank, Goodwill Industries and Tarragon Realty
Investors, Inc.
Shares owned: 1,732
[PHOTO] STEPHEN R. VOLK, 64
Senior Partner, Shearman & Sterling, Attorneys at Law, New
York, N.Y. Mr. Volk has been a Trustee of Con Edison of New
York since 1996 and a Director of CEI since December 1997.
Member, Council on Foreign Relations and the Harvard Law
School Dean's Advisory Board. Director and Member of
Executive Committee, New York City Partnership.
Shares owned: 2,971
[PHOTO] JOAN S. FREILICH, 59
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CEI
and Con Edison of New York since March 1998. She was Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CEI from
October 1997 to February 1998 and of Con Edison of New York
from July 1996 to February 1998. Ms. Freilich has been a
Trustee of Con Edison of New York since 1997 and a Director
of CEI since October 1997. Trustee, Citizens Budget
Commission and College of New Rochelle. Member, Financial
Executives Institute.
Shares owned: 58,107**
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NAME, AGE, LENGTH OF SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR AND TRUSTEE
AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND BUSINESS
EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS
[PHOTO] MICHAEL J. DEL GIUDICE, 58
Managing Director and Principal, Millennium Credit Markets,
LLC, New York, N.Y. He co-founded Millennium in 1996. Mr.
Del Giudice was a Managing Director and General Partner of
Lazard Freres & Co., LLC. Mr. Del Giudice has been a
Director of CEI since July 1999. He also has been a Director
of O&R since 1988, and was Chairman of the Board from
February 1998 to July 1999. Director, Barnes and Noble, Inc.
and Front-line Group. Chairman of the Governor's Committee
on Scholastic Achievement. Member, Curran & Connor, Inc.
Advisory Board.
Shares owned: 1,989
[PHOTO] GEORGE CAMPBELL, JR., 55
President, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science
and Art, New York, N.Y. since July 1, 2000. Dr. Campbell
previously served as the President and CEO of NACME, Inc.
Dr. Campbell has been a Director of CEI and a Trustee of Con
Edison of New York since February 17, 2000. Trustee,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Montefiore Medical Center
and New York Hall of Science. Member, President's Circle,
National Academy of Sciences. Fellow, American Association
for the Advancement of Science.
Shares owned: 1,416
[PHOTO] GEORGE W. SARNEY, 61
Chairman of Spirent plc, Crawley, West Sussex, U.K.
(supplier of telecommunications testing systems and network
products) since September 1999. Dr. Sarney was CEO of the
Intelligent Automation group of Invensys plc., London, U.K.
from 1995 to 1999. He has been a Director of CEI and a
Trustee of Con Edison Company of New York since January 18,
2001.
Shares owned: 2,200***
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* Includes 210,000 shares underlying currently exercisable options.
** Includes 54,000 shares underlying currently exercisable options.
*** As of March 19, 2001.
The number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of January 31,
2001, by each of the executive officers named in the compensation table on page
11 who are not also nominees is set forth below.
NAME SHARES OWNED*
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Kevin Burke................................................. 46,234
Charles F. Soutar........................................... 59,596
John D. McMahon............................................. 7,708
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* Includes shares underlying currently exercisable options for: Mr.
Burke--42,000; Mr. Soutar--54,000 and Mr. McMahon--6,000.
As of January 31, 2001, no nominee or officer was the beneficial owner of
any class of equity securities of CEI or beneficially owned more than 0.106
percent of the total outstanding Common Stock. As of the same date all officers
and members of the Board as a group beneficially owned 931,793 shares, including
794,000 shares underlying currently exercisable options, (0.439 percent) of the
outstanding Common Stock. Each officer and member of the Board held his or her
shares with sole voting power and sole investment power, except for shares as to
which voting power, or investment power, or both, were shared with a spouse or a
relative of such person.
The following table provides, as of December 31, 2000, information with
respect to persons who are known to the Company to beneficially own more than
five percent of the common shares of CEI.
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SHARES OF
COMMON
STOCK BENEFICIALLY
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED PERCENT OF CLASS
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Capital Research and Management Company..................... 18,310,800(1) 8.6%
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
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(1) Capital Research and Management Company has sole dispositive power for
18,310,800 shares.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Directors
and executive officers of the Company to file reports of ownership and changes
in ownership of the equity securities of the Company and its affiliates with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and to furnish copies of these reports to the
Company. Based upon its review of the reports furnished to the Company for 2000
pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Act and written representations from certain
reporting persons, the Company believes that all of the reports were filed on a
timely basis, except that Mr. John Nutant, a former Vice President,
inadvertently filed a late Form 4.
BOARD MEMBERS' FEES AND ATTENDANCE
Those members of the Board who are not employees of the Company or its
subsidiaries are paid an annual retainer of $40,000, a fee of $1,200 for each
meeting of the Board or of the Boards of its subsidiaries attended, and a fee of
$1,000 for each meeting of a Committee of the Board or of the Boards of its
subsidiaries attended. CEI will reimburse Board members, who are not currently
officers of the Company for expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee
meetings. No person who serves on both the CEI Board and on the Board of its
subsidiary, Con Edison of New York, and corresponding Committees, is paid
additional compensation for concurrent service.
The Chairs of the Audit, Budget and Contracts, Environmental, Executive
Personnel and Pension, Finance, Nominating and Planning Committees each receive
an annual retainer fee of $4,000, provided, however, that if any Director is
serving at the same time as the Chairman of the Budget and Contracts Committee
and the Finance Committee he or she is paid only one such annual retainer. The
Acting Chairman of any Board Committee is paid an additional meeting fee of $200
for any Committee meeting at which he or she presides. Members of the Board may
participate in the Stock Purchase Plan, the Deferred Compensation Plan and the
Retirement Plan for Non-Officer Directors described below. Members of the Board
who are officers of the Company or its subsidiaries receive no retainer or
meeting fees for their service on the Board.
The Company has a restricted common stock plan for non-officer directors.
Under the plan each non-officer Director received 200 shares of CEI Common Stock
on the adoption of the plan. Each Director receives an additional award of 200
shares following each Annual Meeting. A new Director receives 200 shares upon
joining the Board. The shares are purchased on the open market. Shares of stock
received under the plan may not be transferred by the Director (except to a
family member or a trust or other entity for estate planning purposes) without
the permission of CEI's Board or the Executive Personnel and Pension Committee
of the Board until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of grant, (ii)
retirement from the Board at age 72 or earlier with the permission of the Board
or the Committee, (iii) the death of the Director or (iv) a change in control of
CEI.
The Company has a deferred compensation plan applicable to non-officer
members of the Board. A Board member who elects to participate in the plan may
defer all or a portion of the compensation paid by the Company with interest. As
of April 1, 2001, one former Trustee of Con Edison of New York was a participant
in the plan.
The Company has a retirement plan for those Board members who are not
entitled to receive employee pension benefits from the Company. The plan
provides that a member who retires from the Board and who has completed ten full
years of service on the Board shall receive annually, for
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life, commencing at age 65 or the date of retirement, whichever is later, a
benefit in an amount equal to the then annual retainer being paid to the active
members of the Board, changing as and when such annual retainer changes. The
benefits for a Board member who retires with less than ten years of service are
prorated. As of April 1, 2001, four former Trustees of Con Edison of New York
were participants in the plan.
The Stock Purchase Plan permits employees of Con Edison of New York,
including executive officers, to contribute up to 20 percent of their salaries
into the plan, but not more than $25,000 per year. Non-officer members of the
Board are eligible to participate and may contribute up to $1,000 per month.
Also, dividends may be reinvested. The Company contributes one-ninth of the
participant's contributions, including reinvested dividends. The contributions
are used to purchase outstanding shares of Common Stock of CEI for the
participants. The Company pays brokerage and other expenses relating to the
plan.
The law firm of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, of which Mr. Davis is a
former partner, provided services to Con Edison of New York in 2000 and will
provide services in 2001. The law firm of Shearman & Sterling, of which Mr. Volk
is Senior Partner, provided services to CEI and/or its subsidiaries in 2000 and
will provide them in 2001.
The Board of Directors held eight regular and five special meetings in
2000. During 2000 each incumbent member of the Board attended more than 75
percent of the combined meetings of the Board of Directors and the Board
Committees on which he or she served.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Audit Committee, composed of five non-officer Directors (Mrs.
Hernandez-Pinero, Chair, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Davis, Mr. Del Giudice and Ms.
Futter), meets with the Company's management, including Con Edison of New York's
General Auditor and the Company's independent accountants, several times a year
to discuss internal controls and accounting matters, the Company's financial
statements and the scope and results of the auditing programs of the independent
accountants and of the Con Edison of New York's internal auditing department.
The Audit Committee also recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment of
the independent accountants for the Company, subject to stockholder approval at
the Annual Meeting. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2000.
The Budget and Contracts Committee, composed of six non-officer Directors
(Dr. Davis, Chair, Mr. Conway, Mr. Davis, Dr. Likins, Mr. Voell and Mr. Volk),
examines and makes recommendations to the Board and to the Board of Con Edison
of New York with respect to the annual capital budgets of CEI and Con Edison of
New York, major purchase authorizations, investments and contractual
commitments, and the annual operating budget, receives a five-year forecast of
capital budget expenditures and reviews major real estate transactions and
litigation settlements. The Budget and Contracts Committee held six meetings
during 2000.
The Environmental Committee, composed of five non-officer Directors (Ms.
Futter, Chair, Mr. Davis, Dr. Davis, Mrs. Hernandez-Pinero and Dr. Likins),
provides advice and counsel to the Company's management on corporate
environmental policy and on such other environmental matters as from time to
time the Committee deems appropriate; reviews significant new developments in
environmental laws and governmental agency actions as they affect the Company's
corporate environmental policies; reviews significant issues relating to the
Company's compliance with environmental laws and regulations and corporate
environmental policies; meets annually with the Planning Committee to review and
evaluate planning and environmental issues; submits recommendations to the Board
with respect to environmental-related matters; and makes such other reviews and
recommends to the Board such other actions as it may deem necessary or desirable
to help promote sound planning by the Company with due regard to the protection
of the environment. The Environmental Committee held four meetings in 2000.
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The Executive Committee, composed of Mr. McGrath, the Chairman of the Board
and of the Committee, and four non-officer Directors (Mr. Conway, Dr. Likins,
Mr. Voell and Mr. Volk), may exercise during intervals between the meetings of
each Board all the powers vested in the Board, except for certain specified
matters. No meetings of the Executive Committee were held in 2000.
The Executive Personnel and Pension Committee, composed of four non-officer
Directors (Mr. Conway, Chair, Dr. Campbell, Mrs. Hernandez-Pinero and Mr.
Voell), reports and makes recommendations to the Board relating to officer and
senior management appointments and compensation. In addition, the Committee
makes incentive compensation awards to officers participating in Con Edison of
New York's Executive Incentive Plan, subject to confirmation by the Board and
administers CEI's Stock Option Plan, including determining the recipients of,
and the number of shares covered by, stock option grants. The Committee also
reviews and makes recommendations as necessary to provide for orderly succession
and transition in the executive management of the Company and receives reports
and makes recommendations with respect to minority and female recruitment,
employment and promotion. It also oversees and makes recommendations to the
Board with respect to compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), and reviews and makes recommendations with respect to new
benefit plans and plan amendments, the selection of plan trustees and the
funding policy and contributions to the funded plans, and reviews the
performance of the funded plans. The Executive Personnel and Pension Committee
held four meetings during 2000.
The Finance Committee, which is composed of six non-officer Directors (Mr.
Volk, Chair, Mr. Conway, Mr. Davis, Dr. Davis, Dr. Likins and Mr. Voell),
reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the Company's
financial condition and policies, its dividend policy, bank credit arrangements,
financings, investments, nuclear decommissioning funds, and other financial
matters, and reviews five-year financial forecasts. The Finance Committee held
eight meetings during 2000.
The Nominating Committee, composed of four non-officer Directors (Mr.
Voell, Chair, Mr. Conway, Ms. Futter and Mr. Volk), is responsible for
recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. In addition, the
Committee assists with respect to the composition and size of the Board and of
all Committees of the Board. The Committee also makes recommendations to the
Board as to the compensation of Board members and members of the Committees as
well as other corporate governance matters. The Nominating Committee held six
meetings in 2000. The Committee has no formal procedures for consideration of
recommendations for nominations to the Board. It considers candidates proposed
by stockholders. Nominations for candidates, accompanied by biographical
material for evaluation, may be sent to the Secretary of the Company. Each
nomination should include information as to the qualifications of the candidate
and should be accompanied by a written statement (presented to the Secretary of
the Company) from the suggested candidate, to the effect that the candidate is
both willing and affirmatively desirous of serving.
The Planning Committee, composed of seven non-officer Directors (Dr.
Likins, Chair, Mr. Davis, Dr. Davis, Mr. Del Giudice, Ms. Futter, Mrs.
Hernandez-Pinero and Mr. Volk), examines and makes recommendations to the Board
regarding long range planning for the Company. The Planning Committee held two
meetings in 2000.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Dr. Campbell, Mr. Conway, Mrs. Hernandez-Pinero, retired Director Mr.
Robert G. Schwartz and Mr. Voell were on CEI's Executive Personnel and Pension
Committee in 2000. The Company believes that there are no interlocks with the
members who serve, or served, on the Committee.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Company's Audit Committee consists of five members of the Board. Each
member of the Audit Committee is independent and the members meet the other
qualifications required by the New York Stock Exchange. The charter of the Audit
Committee, which has been approved by the Board of Directors, is included in
this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited
financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2000, which
are included in this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. The Audit Committee has also
discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC"), the Company's independent
public accountants, the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended.
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter
from PwC required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee has discussed the
independence of PwC with representatives of that firm.
Based on the Audit Committee's review and discussions, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company's audited financial
statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000.
The Audit Committee
Sally Hernandez-Pinero (Chair)
George Campbell, Jr.
Ruth M. Davis
Michael J. Del Giudice
Ellen V. Futter
AUDIT FEES
Fees paid or payable to PwC for services rendered during 2000 are as
follows:
Audit fees............................................... $ 961,000
Financial information systems design and implementation
fees................................................... --
All other fees........................................... 2,214,600
----------
Total fees............................................... $3,175,600
In connection with the 2000 audit of CEI, PwC examined the Company's and
its subsidiaries' financial statements, reviewed interim financial statements
and certain of the Company's or its subsidiaries' filings with the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. All
other fees primarily relate to the audits of the Company's pension and certain
other benefit plans, lease consulting work, comfort letters for securities
issuances, income tax services other than those directly related to the audit of
the income tax accrual, and risk management advisory services.
The Audit Committee considered whether the provision of the non-audit
services was compatible with maintaining PwC's independence.
MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL
(ITEM 2 ON PROXY CARD)
PROPOSAL NO. 2--Ratification of the Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
as Independent Accountants for the Year 2001.
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At the Annual Meeting, the Board will recommend that the stockholders
ratify and approve the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP ("PwC") as
independent accountants for the Company for the year 2001. PwC has acted in the
same capacity for the Company for many years.
Before the Audit Committee recommended the appointment of PwC, it
considered that firm's qualifications. This included a review of PwC's
performance in prior years, as well as PwC's reputation for integrity and for
competence in the fields of accounting and auditing. The Audit Committee has
expressed its satisfaction with PwC in these respects. The Audit Committee
reviewed information provided by PwC concerning litigation involving that firm
and the existence of any investigations by the Securities and Exchange
Commission into the financial reporting practices of companies audited by them.
As to these matters, the Audit Committee has concluded that the ability of PwC
to perform services in 2001 for the Company is not in any way adversely affected
by any litigation or investigations reflected in such information.
Representatives of PwC will be present at the Annual Meeting and will be
afforded the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to
respond to appropriate questions.
Adoption of Proposal No. 2 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares of Common Stock voted on the proposal at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
(ITEM 3 ON PROXY CARD)
PROPOSAL NO. 3--Mrs. Evelyn Y. Davis, Watergate Office Building, 2600 Virginia
Avenue, N.W., Suite 215, Washington, D.C. 20037, who owns 200 shares of Common
Stock, has submitted the following proposal:
"RESOLVED: That the shareholders recommend that the Board take the
necessary steps that Con Edison specifically identify by name and corporate
title in all future proxy statements those executive officers, not
otherwise so identified, who are contractually entitled to receive in
excess of $250,000 annually as a base salary, together with whatever other
additional compensation bonuses and other cash payments were due them."
The statement made in support of this proposal is as follows:
"In support of such proposed Resolution it is clear that the shareholders
have a right to comprehensively evaluate the management in the manner in which
the Corporation is being operated and its resources utilized. At present only a
few of the most senior executive officers are so identified, and not the many
other senior executive officers who should contribute to the ultimate success of
the Corporation. Through such additional identification the shareholders will
then be provided an opportunity to better evaluate the soundness and efficacy of
the overall management.
"Last year the owners of 17,246,681 shares, representing approximately
13.67% of shares voting, voted FOR my similar proposal.
"If you AGREE, please mark your proxy FOR this proposal."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL NO. 3 FOR
THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
Disclosure of executive compensation is governed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission's proxy solicitation rules. In accordance with those rules
CEI currently provides information on pages 11 through 19 of the Proxy Statement
concerning compensation for the five highest paid executive officers.
The proposal would impose on CEI more stringent disclosure requirements
than those imposed on other companies by the Commission's rules. The Board
believes that any changes in the
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disclosure requirements should emanate from the Commission and should be
uniformly applicable to all companies subject to the proxy rules.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL NO. 3.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adoption of the preceding stockholder resolution (Proposal 3) would require
the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of Common Stock voted thereon at
the meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation of the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executive officers other
than the Chief Executive Officer who were serving as executive officers at the
end of 2000. The positions shown are the officers' positions with the Company or
with the Company's principal subsidiary, Con Edison of New York, as of December
31, 2000.
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
---------------------------------------- ---------------------
OTHER RESTRICTED NUMBER OF
ANNUAL STOCK OPTION ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARDS(2) SHARES COMPENSATION(5)
- --------------------------- ---- ------ ----- ------------ ---------- --------- ---------------
Eugene R. McGrath......... 2000 $1,030,000 $981,000 $17,408 $6,237,500 150,000 $49,459
Chairman of the Board 1999 $ 943,333 $585,000 $17,996 -- 150,000 $41,746
and Chief Executive 1998 $ 865,000 $594,750 $17,636 -- 70,000 $26,116
Officer(1)(3)
Joan S. Freilich.......... 2000 $ 385,000 $250,000 -- $1,559,375 40,000 $11,550
Executive Vice President 1999 $ 338,333 $170,000 -- -- 50,000 $ 9,676
and Chief Financial 1998 $ 271,553 $167,500 -- -- 20,000 $ 7,500
Officer(1)
Charles F. Soutar......... 2000 $ 431,333 $191,000 -- -- 30,000 $12,940
Executive Vice President 1999 $ 411,333 $140,000 -- -- 20,000 $11,206
- --Central Services(4) 1998 $ 391,333 $150,000 -- -- 20,000 $ 7,650
John D. McMahon........... 2000 $ 332,800 $215,000 -- $1,559,375 40,000 $ 9,984
Senior Vice President 1999 $ 272,800 $115,000 -- -- 20,000 $ 8,276
and General Counsel(1) 1998 $ 217,267 $100,000 -- -- 2,000 $ 6,518
Kevin Burke............... 2000 $ 310,000 $215,000 -- $1,559,375 20,000 $ 7,600
President and Chief 1999 $ 264,167 $113,401 -- -- 18,000 $ 7,901
Operating Officer(4) 1998 $ 226,167 $ 80,000 -- -- 18,000 $ 6,615
- ------------
(1) Holds same positions with Con Edison of New York.
(2) The aggregate restricted stock holdings by the individuals named in the
table at December 31, 2000 was 350,000 restricted stock units, with each
unit representing the right to one share of Common Stock of the Company. The
aggregate units had a value of $13,475,000 based on the closing price of a
share of Common Stock as of December 31, 2000. The units vest 50% on August
31, 2003, 25% on August 31, 2004 and 25% on August 31, 2005. Amounts equal
to dividends payable on the Company's shares are payable on the restricted
stock units.
(3) Also President of CEI.
(4) Positions with Con Edison of New York.
(5) The amounts shown in this column consist of amounts contributed by Con
Edison of New York under its Thrift Savings Plan for Management Employees
(Thrift Plan) and Deferred Income Plan (DIP) and amounts paid for life
insurance for Mr. McGrath, as follows: For 2000, Mr. McGrath, life
insurance--$18,559; Thrift Plan--$5,100; DIP--$25,800; Ms. Freilich, Thrift
Plan--$5,100; DIP--$6,450; Mr. Soutar, Thrift Plan--$5,100; DIP--$7,840; Mr.
McMahon, Thrift Plan--$5,100; DIP--$4,884; Mr. Burke, Thrift Plan--$3,400;
DIP--$4,200. For 1999, Mr. McGrath, life insurance--$18,957; Thrift
Plan--$5,513; DIP--$17,276; Ms. Freilich, Thrift Plan--$5,513; DIP--$4,163;
Mr. Soutar, Thrift Plan--$5,513; DIP--$5,693; Mr. McMahon, Thrift
Plan--$5,513; DIP--$2,763; Mr. Burke, Thrift
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Plan--$5,513; DIP--$2,388. For 1998, Mr. McGrath, life insurance--$18,466;
Thrift Plan--$7,650; Ms. Freilich, Thrift Plan--$7,500; Mr. Soutar, Thrift
Plan--$7,650; Mr. McMahon, Thrift Plan--$6,618; Mr. Burke, Thrift
Plan--$6,815.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's executive compensation policies are administered by the
Executive Personnel and Pension Committee of the Board, which was composed of
four Board members in 2000. All action by the Committee pertaining to executive
compensation, except for awards under the 1996 Stock Option Plan, is submitted
to the full Board for approval. The Committee submits the following report
related to compensation matters for 2000.
The Committee's compensation policy--The Committee believes that total
executive compensation should be such as to attract to the Company, motivate and
reasonably reward individuals of the highest professional and personal
qualifications and, at the same time, secure substantial and proportionate value
for the Company. In 2000, compensation of the Company's executive officers
consisted primarily of base salary, which is reviewed by the Committee annually,
a potential award under Con Edison of New York's Executive Incentive Plan, which
is shown in the Summary Compensation Table on page 11 under the caption "Bonus,"
a potential award under the 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan"),
which was approved by the stockholders at the 1996 Annual Meeting, and an award
of restricted stock for certain key officers, which is shown in the Summary
Compensation Table under the caption "Long Term Compensation--Restricted Stock
Awards." In making its recommendations to the Board, with respect to salaries of
officers, the Executive Incentive Plan and the Restricted Stock Awards to
officers, other than Mr. McGrath, and in making awards under the Stock Option
Plan for officers other than Mr. McGrath, the Committee considered
recommendations made by Mr. McGrath. The Committee initiates the recommendations
that are made to the Board with respect to Mr. McGrath's salary, any award under
the Executive Incentive Plan and any grants the Committee makes to him under the
Stock Option Plan or any Restricted Stock Award.
Individual performance is the primary factor considered in determining base
salary, within a range appropriate to that individual's position, although in
some cases corporate performance may also be relevant to base salary
determinations. Awards under the Executive Incentive Plan are based on both
individual and corporate performance. Grants under the Stock Option Plan and the
Restricted Stock Awards are based on individual performance and on an assessment
of the individual's responsibility for the success and growth of the Company and
its subsidiaries. Base salary ranges are identified for the officers with
reference to salaries paid by other utilities and industry in general, as
reflected in surveys by such organizations as the Edison Electric Institute and
in general industry studies conducted by compensation consulting firms. These
surveys are not identical to the surveys referred to in the next paragraph. In
addition, an attempt is made to assure internal equity by maintaining
appropriate salary relationships. Increases for individuals are based on the
current salary's relationship to the range for the position (but not to any
specific level within the range) and the individual's performance with respect
to the requirements of the individual's position.
In considering the level of Mr. McGrath's compensation, the Committee
reviewed surveys of the total compensation, including base salary and incentive
compensation, paid to the chief executive officers of other large utilities with
revenues exceeding $4 billion and a survey, entitled the "1999 Energy Services
Industry Executive Compensation Report," of the compensation paid to chief
executive officers in the electric utility industry. The Committee does not
target Mr. McGrath's compensation to any specific level within the ranges of
compensation paid by these comparison companies but uses the surveys as
references. The utilities included in the surveys referred to in this paragraph
and the previous paragraph are some but not all of the utilities included in the
Standard & Poor's Electric Utilities Index shown on the performance graph on
page 19. None of the non-utility companies in the surveys are in the Index.
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The Committee believes that an evaluation of corporate performance must
take into account many factors affecting the Company's operations, over some of
which management has total or considerable control and over others of which it
has little or no control. In this context the Committee looks not only at
current reported financial operating results and financial condition (as
reflected in such factors as earnings per share and return on common equity),
but also at a wide range of other information relating to the quality of service
provided to customers, the efficiency of operations, the development and
management of personnel and the effectiveness of management's efforts to
strengthen the Company for the future. In recommending the base salaries or
awards under the Executive Incentive Plan or grants under the Stock Option Plan
and in making the awards of Restricted Stock, the Committee does not have a
predetermined list of criteria nor does it have a formula for weighing or
applying the criteria the Committee members consider. The process is neither
arithmetic nor formulaic, but judgmental.
2000 Base Salary Determinations--In 2000 individual performance and overall
compensation ranges relevant to officers were the factors considered by the
Executive Personnel and Pension Committee in determining the base salaries
recommended for such individuals.
2000 Executive Incentive Plan Awards--Each year under the Executive
Incentive Plan, a maximum fund is established by the Committee, subject to the
approval of the Board, based on the salaries of the eligible participants at the
end of the prior year. This maximum fund may not exceed three quarters of one
percent of Con Edison of New York's net income for common stock for the year.
Awards may be made by the Committee, subject to approval by the Board, to
eligible executives based on their performance during the year. Payment of
one-third of the award is deferred for five years and is subject to forfeiture
in certain circumstances. Portions of awards that are required to be deferred
are treated during the mandatory deferral period as if the portions were
invested in the Company's common stock and are credited with dividend
equivalents and credited or debited for increases or decreases in the market
value of an equivalent number of shares.
In recommending the amount awarded under the Executive Incentive Plan for
year 2000, the Committee considered the following financial factors for 2000:
earnings per share for 2000 in comparison to the budget and 1999 earnings per
share; earnings available for common stock for 2000 in comparison to the budget
and 1999 earnings; the increase in the Company's common stock price compared to
the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 stock index and the S&P electric utilities
index; the total market return on the Company's common stock for 2000; the rate
of return on shareholders' equity in 2000 compared to 1999; the total average
annual return on the Company's common stock for the five-year period ending
December 31, 2000 compared to the average for the S&P electric utilities index;
the increase in the Company's dividend of 1.9% in 2000 compared with the
industry average increase of 1.2%; interest coverage for 2000 compared to 1999;
the continued strength of the Company's credit quality, with senior unsecured
debt ratings of A-1 by Moody's and A+ by Standard and Poor's; the placement of
the Company's ratings on credit watch with "negative implications" pending the
outcome of the acquisition of Northeast Utilities; and uncollectible accounts
receivable, as measured by net loss per $100 revenues, which remained at $0.37
in 2000 despite an increase in customer bills.
The Committee also considered the following additional factors: the Company
developed and implemented plans that address the recommendations and
requirements issued by numerous review bodies following the July 1999 summer
heat wave, including an increase in transmission, distribution, and substation
capacity and a reduction in the length of time electric feeders are out of
service; the Company successfully concluded negotiations for the sale of certain
properties on First Avenue in New York City; the Company completed successful
negotiations with the New York State Public Service Commission ("PSC") and other
interested parties resulting in electric, gas and steam rate settlements; the
Company entered into a new four-year labor contract with the Company's largest
union; the Company's Indian Point 2 nuclear unit was shut down on February 15
following a steam generator tube leak, the Company replaced the unit's four
steam generators and the unit returned to service on January 3, 2001; the
Company has been in negotiations with the PSC regarding the
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Company's liability for the Indian Point 2 outage; the Company entered into a
contract for the sale of Indian Point Units 1 and 2 and associated gas turbines
for $502 million plus the book value of the Company's nuclear fuel; the Company
also entered into an agreement for the sale of its interest in the Roseton
generating plant for $129 million; the Governor signed legislation, which the
Company had supported for years, that totally reforms the way the energy
business is taxed in New York State; several customer care initiatives were
implemented to assist customers in coping with higher energy prices; the Company
received 12% more calls from customers but was able to maintain performance
within PSC targets for calls answered and customer satisfaction; the number of
PSC complaints was maintained at a record low of 4.2 per 100,000 customers; the
Company's environmental statistics for 2000 reflected a continuing positive
trend with improvements in water permit exceedences, opacity events, transformer
spills and chemical releases; Con Edison of New York's minority representation
in its workforce increased from 32.7% at year-end 1999 to 33.7% at year-end
2000; female representation decreased slightly from 14.6% to 14.5%; and minority
and female representation both increased in the senior management, officials and
managers, and professional categories.
Based on the Committee's review of the Company's performance in 2000, as
reflected in the factors mentioned above, for 2000 the Committee recommended,
and the Board approved, that the total amount awarded under the Executive
Incentive Plan to all participants as a group be 90 percent of the target amount
provided by the Plan.
CEO Compensation--In making its recommendations to the Board with respect
to both the base salary and the Executive Incentive Plan award for 2000 of Mr.
McGrath and the Stock Option grant and Restricted Stock Award made to him in
2000, the Committee considered among other things, the Company's good financial
and operating results; the Company's financial condition; the Company's
continued progress in achieving the goal of environmental excellence; Mr.
McGrath's success in motivating the Company's workforce; the progress of the
Company's unregulated subsidiaries; and compensation levels of the chief
executive officers of the other companies included in the compensation surveys
referred to on page 12.
I.R.S. Limitations on Deductibility of Executive Compensation--Federal law
restricts the deductibility, for federal income tax purposes, of certain
executive compensation above a specified threshold. In 2000, a portion of Mr.
McGrath's compensation exceeded the threshold. In the Committee's judgment, the
non-deductibility of the compensation is not material. The Committee intends to
take into account these tax law provisions in structuring the Company's
executive compensation in future years.
The Executive Personnel and Pension
Committee
E. Virgil Conway (Chairman)
George Campbell, Jr.
Sally Hernandez-Pinero
Richard A. Voell
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EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE
IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Company has entered into employment agreements (the "Employment
Agreements") with Messrs. McGrath, Burke and McMahon and Ms. Freilich, four of
the officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.
Each Employment Agreement provides that the officer will serve in the
positions shown on the Summary Compensation Table. Mr. McGrath and Ms.
Freilich's agreements provide that the Board shall nominate each of them for
re-election to the Board of Directors through the term of their agreements. The
initial employment periods of the agreements continue until August 31, 2005. The
initial employment period in each agreement will be automatically extended for
one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement on six months'
prior notice. Mr. McGrath's agreement may not be automatically extended more
than twice. Each Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary in the
following amounts: Mr. McGrath--$1,090,000; Ms. Freilich--$425,000; Mr.
Burke--$330,000; and Mr. McMahon--$342,000. The agreements provide that the
salaries will be reviewed at least annually by the Executive Personnel and
Pension Committees for possible increase. The agreements also provided for
restricted stock awards, which are shown in the Summary Compensation Table. Mr.
McGrath's agreement also provides for supplemental term life insurance, the
premiums for which are included in the Summary Compensation Table.
The employment periods under the Employment Agreements may also be ended by
the Company for "cause," as defined in the agreements, or without cause. Mr.
McGrath may end his employment period with or without "good reason" as defined
in his agreement. The other officers may end their employment periods without
"good reason" or, following a "change in control," with "good reason," as such
terms are defined in the agreements. If Mr. McGrath is terminated other than for
"cause," death or disability or he resigns for "good reason," or if the other
officers are terminated prior to a "change in control" other than for "cause,"
death or disability, the officer will receive: (i) a lump sum equal to the
officer's target award under the Company's Executive Incentive Plan ("EIP"),
prorated through the termination date; (ii) a lump sum equal to two times the
sum of the officer's annual salary and target award under the EIP; (iii) a lump
sum equal to the net present value of two years additional service credit under
the Company's pension plans (assuming compensation at the officer's annual
salary and target award); (iv) continued participation in the Company's health
and life insurance plans for two years following termination, and (v) two years
additional service credit toward eligibility for (but not for commencement of)
retiree benefits. In addition, stock options will fully vest. In the event such
a termination occurs after a "change in control," the "two" becomes a "three" in
clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above. In addition, the officer would receive
a gross-up for excise taxes, if any, due under the Internal Revenue Code on any
termination payments. If the Company terminates Mr. McGrath's employment without
"cause," or he terminates his employment for "good reason," or he dies or
becomes disabled, any unvested restricted stock units become fully vested on
termination of employment. If the other officers die or become disabled, or if,
following a "change in control," the Company terminates their employment without
"cause," or the officer terminates his or her employment for "good reason," any
unvested restricted stock units become fully vested on termination of
employment.
The Employment Agreements provide that the officers are prohibited from
competing with or recruiting employees from the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates for two years after termination of employment, other than following a
"change in control."
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SEVERANCE PLAN
The Company has a severance plan to provide officers of Consolidated
Edison, Inc., and certain officers of its subsidiaries, including the officer
listed in the Summary Compensation Table who is not covered by an employment
agreement, certain benefits in the event their employment is involuntarily
terminated by the Company without "cause," at any time. Enhanced severance
benefits (as described below) would be payable if within two years following a
"change of control," the officer is involuntarily terminated, other than for
"cause," or the officer resigns for "good reason" (all such terms as defined in
the plan). For an involuntary termination of employment before a "change of
control," benefits under the plan include: (i) a lump sum equal to the officer's
target award under the EIP, prorated through the termination date; (ii) a lump
sum equal to one times the sum of the officer's annual salary and target award
under the EIP; (iii) a lump sum payment equal to the net present value of one
additional year's service credit under the Company's pension plans (assuming
compensation at the officer's annual salary and target award); (iv) one year's
additional service credit toward eligibility for (but not for commencement of)
retiree benefits; (v) continued participation for one year in the Company's
health and life insurance plans; and (vi) outplacement services for one year. In
the event the involuntary termination occurs or the officer resigns for "good
reason" after a "change of control," the "one" becomes a "two" in clauses (ii),
(iii), (iv) and (v) above. Payments under the plan are subject to reduction if
the reduction would result in greater after-tax proceeds to the officer than if
full payments were made and were subject to taxation to the officer as an
"excess parachute payment" under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
STOCK OPTIONS
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan, which provides for granting options
to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock, is to promote the interests of
the Company and its stockholders by providing long-term incentives to those
persons with significant responsibility for the success and growth of the
Company and its subsidiaries, by strengthening their ability to attract and
retain officers and other employees, and by aligning the interests of such
persons with those of the Company's stockholders by facilitating their purchase
of an equity interest in the Company. All grants of stock options outstanding
under the 1996 Stock Option Plan have a term of 10 years from date of grant and
an exercise price equal to 100 percent of fair market value on the date of
grant. The stock options are non-transferable and become exercisable three years
after the date of grant. In the event of a change in control of the Company, the
Executive Personnel and Pension Committee of the Board may provide for
appropriate adjustments including (i) rescinding or taking any other action with
respect to any option to the extent necessary to permit the Company to engage in
a merger, consolidation or business combination intended to be accounted for as
a pooling of interests transaction or (ii) accelerating any exercisability or
expiration dates, and settlements of options either at the time the option is
granted or at a subsequent date.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR (2000)
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SHARES OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO GRANT DATE
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME GRANTED IN 2000 BASE PRICE DATE VALUE(1)
- ---- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Eugene R. McGrath................... 150,000 11.1% $32.50 4/20/10 $663,000
Joan S. Freilich.................... 40,000 3.0% $32.50 4/20/10 $176,800
Charles F. Soutar................... 30,000 2.2% $32.50 4/20/10 $132,600
John D. McMahon..................... 40,000 3.0% $32.50 4/20/10 $176,800
Kevin Burke......................... 20,000 1.5% $32.50 4/20/10 $ 88,400
- ---------------
(1) The grant date present values were calculated using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model applied as of the grant date, April 20, 2000. The values
generated by this model depend upon
16
22
the following assumptions: an option exercise date eight years after the
grant date, a constant dividend yield on the underlying stock of 6.60
percent, an assumed annual volatility of the underlying stock of 20.51
percent; and a risk-free rate of return for the option period of 6.25
percent. The market value on the grant date is the closing price of the
Common Stock on the day preceding the grant date. No assumptions were made
regarding restrictions on vesting or the likelihood of vesting.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR (2000)
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES (12/31/00)
NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN THE MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES AT FISCAL YEAR END FISCAL YEAR END(1)
ACQUIRED VALUE ---------------------------- ----------------------------
ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Eugene R. McGrath.... 0 0 140,000 370,000 $1,233,750 $900,000
Joan S. Freilich..... 0 0 34,000 110,000 $ 296,000 $240,000
Charles F. Soutar.... 0 0 34,000 70,000 $ 296,000 $180,000
John D. McMahon...... 0 0 4,000 62,000 $ 35,250 $240,000
Kevin Burke.......... 0 0 24,000 56,000 $ 204,250 $120,000
- ---------------
(1) Represents the difference between the market price of the Company's Common
Stock and the exercise price of the option at 12/31/00. The amounts may not
be realized. Actual values, if any, will be realized at the time of any
exercise.
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PENSION PLANS
The following table shows, for the salary levels and years of service
indicated, the annual pension benefit payable commencing at age 65 under Con
Edison of New York's Retirement Plan for Management Employees (the "Management
Plan"), a funded, tax-qualified, defined benefit pension plan, and Con Edison of
New York's Supplemental Retirement Income Plan, an unfunded, non-qualified plan
(together referred to as the "Plans"), as supplemented in the case of Mr.
McGrath by his employment agreement. CEI does not have a separate pension plan.
FINAL
AVERAGE
SALARY YEARS OF SERVICE
------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 20 25 30 35 40 45
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
$50,000.... $ 11,250 $ 15,000 $ 19,000 $ 24,000 $ 25,250 $ 26,500 $ 27,750
$100,000... $ 23,529 $ 31,372 $ 49,715 $ 50,058 $ 52,558 $ 55,058 $ 57,558
$200,000... $ 51,279 $ 68,372 $ 86,465 $ 108,558 $ 113,558 $ 118,558 $ 123,558
$300,000... $ 79,029 $105,372 $ 133,215 $ 167,058 $ 174,558 $ 182,058 $ 189,558
$400,000... $106,779 $142,372 $ 189,965 $ 225,558 $ 235,558 $ 245,558 $ 255,558
$500,000... $134,529 $179,372 $ 226,715 $ 284,058 $ 296,558 $ 309,058 $ 321,558
$600,000... $162,279 $216,372 $ 273,465 $ 342,558 $ 357,558 $ 372,558 $ 387,558
$700,000... $190,029 $253,372 $ 320,215 $ 401,058 $ 418,558 $ 436,058 $ 453,558
$800,000... $217,779 $290,372 $ 366,965 $ 459,558 $ 479,558 $ 499,558 $ 519,558
$900,000... $245,529 $327,372 $ 413,715 $ 518,058 $ 540,558 $ 563,058 $ 585,558
$1,000,000.. $273,229 $364,372 $ 460,465 $ 576,558 $ 601,558 $ 626,558 $ 651,558
$1,500,000.. $412,029 $549,372 $ 694,215 $ 869,058 $ 906,558 $ 944,058 $ 981,558
$2,000,000.. $550,779 $734,372 $ 928,333 $1,161,558 $1,211,558 $1,261,558 $1,311,558
$2,500,000.. $689,529 $919,372 $1,161,715 $1,454,058 $1,516,558 $1,579,058 $1,641,558
The Plans provide pension benefits based on (i) the participant's highest
average salary for 60 consecutive months within the 120 consecutive months prior
to retirement ("final average salary"), (ii) the portion of final average salary
in excess of the Social Security taxable wage base in the year of retirement,
and (iii) the participant's length of service. For purposes of the Plans, a
participant's salary for a year is deemed to include any award under the
Executive Incentive Plan (See "Report on Executive Compensation" above) for that
year; provided that the portions of awards that are required to be deferred will
not be included in the pension calculation if such portions are forfeited in
accordance with the plan. Participants in the Plans whose age and years of
service equal 75 are entitled to an annual pension benefit for life, payable in
equal monthly installments. Participants may earn increased pension benefits by
working additional years. Benefits payable to a participant who retires between
ages 55 and 59 with less than 30 years of service are subject to a reduction of
1 1/2 percent for each full year of retirement before age 60. Early retirement
reduction factors are not applied to pensions of employees electing retirement
at age 55 or older with at least 30 years of service. However, benefits payable
on the portion of final average salary in excess of the Social Security taxable
wage base to a participant who retires before age 65 are subject to IRS
reduction factors. The years of service covered by the Plans are for: Mr.
McGrath, 38 years; Ms. Freilich, 23 years; Mr. Soutar, 43 years; Mr. McMahon, 24
years and Mr. Burke, 28 years.
Current compensation rates covered by the Plans for Messrs. McGrath, Soutar,
McMahon and Burke and Ms. Freilich are approximately equal to the sum of the
amounts set forth under the captions "Salary" and "Bonus" in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 11. The Plans provide an annual adjustment equal to
the lesser of 3% or 3/4 of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index to
offset partially the effects of inflation.
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Mr. McGrath's agreement provides that under certain circumstances, if he
elects upon termination of his employment to defer the commencement of his
pension as permitted by the Plans, the Company will accrue and later pay with
interest the amounts that Mr. McGrath would have been entitled to receive under
the Plans during the deferral period, as supplemented by his agreement.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following performance graph compares the Company's cumulative total
stockholder return on its Common Stock for a five year period (December 31, 1995
to December 31, 2000) with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's
Electric Utilities Index and the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR TOTAL CUMULATIVE RETURN*
CEI, S&P ELECTRIC UTILITIES INDEX AND S&P 500 INDEX
DECEMBER 31, 1995 TO DECEMBER 31, 2000
[PERFORMANCE CHART]
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Con Edison 100.0 98.6 148.2 200.1 137.2 163.9
S&P Electric Utilities 100.0 99.8 126.0 145.6 117.4 180.1
S&P 500 100.0 123.0 164.0 210.9 255.2 232.0
* Based on $100 invested at December 31, 1995; reinvestment of all dividends in
equivalent shares of stock; and market price changes on all such shares.
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25
CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
No stockholder action is required with respect to the following information
which is included to fulfill the requirements of Sections 725 and 726 of the
Business Corporation Law of the State of New York.
Effective December 2, 2000, the Company purchased insurance providing for
reimbursement, with certain exclusions and deductions, to (a) CEI or its
subsidiaries for payments they make to indemnify directors, trustees, officers
and assistant officers of CEI and its subsidiaries (b) directors, trustees,
officers and assistant officers for losses, costs and expenses incurred by them
in actions brought against them in connection with their acts in those
capacities for which they are not indemnified by CEI or its subsidiaries and (c)
CEI and its subsidiaries for any payments they make resulting from a securities
claim. The insurers are: A.C.E. Bermuda Ltd., Continental Casualty Company,
Federal Insurance Company, Greenwich Insurance Company, Lumbermens Mutual
Casualty Company, and Zurich American Insurance Company. The cost of this
insurance was $792,500 for a one year term. The Company also purchased from
Federal Insurance Company, Royal Insurance Company of America and Zurich
American Insurance Company additional insurance coverage, for one year effective
January 1, 2001, insuring the directors, trustees, officers and employees of CEI
and its subsidiaries and certain other parties against certain liabilities which
could arise in connection with the administration of the employee benefit plans
of the Company and its subsidiaries. The cost of such coverage was $194,000.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
In order to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating
to the Company's 2002 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals must be received by
the Company at its principal offices at 4 Irving Place, New York, New York
10003, Attention: Corporate Secretary, by December 10, 2001.
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Management intends to bring before the meeting only the election of
Directors and Proposal No. 2 above and knows of no matters to come before the
meeting other than the matters set forth herein. If other matters or motions
come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the
accompanying form of proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment
on such matters or motions, including any matters dealing with the conduct of
the meeting.
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN
THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE, OR VOTE YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE OR ON THE
INTERNET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS SET FORTH ON THE PROXY CARD. YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Stockholders planning to attend the meeting but choosing not
to return the proxy card should send a note requesting an admission ticket in
the envelope provided.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
ARCHIE M. BANKSTON
Secretary
New York, N.Y.
April 9, 2001
20
26
APPENDIX A: AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
21
27
APPENDIX A: AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall consist of three or more Directors all of whom, in the
Board of Directors' judgment, shall be independent in accordance with the rules
of the New York Stock Exchange. Each member of the Committee shall, in the Board
of Directors' judgment, be financially literate or shall at the time of
appointment undertake training for that purpose. At least one member of the
Committee shall, in the Board of Directors' judgment, have accounting or
financial management expertise.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee shall be to:
1. Review with the Company's independent accountants the scope of the
annual audit to be performed and results of the annual audit and such
other matters pertaining to the annual audit as the Committee may deem
appropriate; review with management and the Company's independent
accountants the Company's audited annual financial statements and any
material changes in accounting principles or practices used in preparing
the statements prior to the filing of the annual report on Form 10-K to
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the review to include
the items required by Statement on Auditing Standards ("SAS") 61 as in
effect at the time of the review;
2. Review, or provide that the Chairman of the Committee review, with the
independent accountants the quarterly financial statements of the
Company and any material changes in accounting principles or practices
used in preparing the statements prior to the filing of a report on Form
10-Q with the SEC, such review to include the items required by SAS 71;
3. Review, at least annually, the scope of the audit programs and reports
of the Company's internal auditors (who may be employees of Consolidated
Edison Company of New York, Inc.) to the Committee and actions by
management in response to any recommendations contained in the reports
and review the qualifications of the internal auditing department;
4. Review such other reports of the Company's management, its independent
accountants, and its internal auditors, as the Committee may deem
advisable, with respect to measures taken by the Company to maintain
internal controls and accounting practices in compliance with legal
requirements and current and new generally accepted accounting
principles and auditing standards;
5. Receive and discuss with the independent accountants the report required
by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as in effect at that
time; review the non-audit services provided by the independent
accountants and consider the possible effect thereof on the accountants'
independence; review the fees paid or to be paid to the independent
accountants; review such other matters with respect to the
qualifications and independence of the independent accountants as the
Committee deems advisable; recommend to the Board of Directors the
independent accountants to be nominated for approval by the shareholders
at the annual meeting, and review and approve any discharge of the
independent accountants;
6. Receive and review from time to time such reports or other materials as
the Committee may deem advisable with respect to significant new
developments and trends in accounting and auditing policies and
procedures and their impact on the Company;
A-1
28
7. Communicate to the Company's independent accountants and internal
auditors that each of them has the right of full access to the Committee
and to the Board of Directors, without restriction by management, and
has the responsibility for bringing to the attention of the Committee or
the Committee's chair in a timely manner any matter necessary or
appropriate to the discharge of the Committee's duties and which is not
otherwise being brought to the Committee's attention; and, periodically,
as the Committee may determine, provide an opportunity for the
independent accountants and the Company's internal auditors to confer
privately with the Committee without the presence of management.
COMMITTEE REPORT AND REVIEW OF CHARTER
Beginning in 2001, the Committee shall prepare a report each year for
inclusion in the Company's annual proxy statement, in accordance with the rules
of the SEC. The Committee shall review the Audit Committee's Charter once each
year and propose such revisions to the Board of Directors, as it deems
necessary. The Charter shall be included as an appendix to the annual proxy
statement in 2001 and once every three years thereafter or earlier if the
Charter is amended.
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
The Committee shall determine the time and place of meetings of the
Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee but not less than two will
constitute a quorum. A majority of the members present at any meeting at which a
quorum is present may act on behalf of the Committee. The Committee may meet by
telephone and may take action by unanimous written consent.
A-2
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APPENDIX B: 2000 FINANCIAL REPORT
22
30
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
CON EDISON*
Year Ended December 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues $ 9,431.4 $ 7,491.3 $ 7,093.0 $ 7,196.2 $ 7,133.1
Purchased power 3,642.9 1,824.0 1,253.8 1,349.6 1,272.9
Fuel 350.8 430.1 579.0 596.8 573.3
Gas purchased for resale 790.9 485.2 437.3 552.6 590.4
Operating income 1,016.1 1,019.8 1,053.3 1,035.3 1,012.5
Net income for common stock 582.8 700.6 712.7 694.5 688.2
Total assets 16,767.2 15,531.5 14,381.4 14,722.5 14,057.2
Long-term debt 5,415.4 4,524.6 4,050.1 4,188.9 4,238.6
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption 37.1 37.1 37.1 84.6 84.6
Common stockholders' equity 5,472.4 5,412.0 6,025.6 5,930.1 5,727.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per share $ 2.75 $ 3.14 $ 3.04 $ 2.95 $ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.74 $ 3.13 $ 3.04 $ 2.95 $ 2.93
Cash dividends per common share $ 2.18 $ 2.14 $ 2.12 $ 2.10 $ 2.08
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average common shares outstanding (millions) 212.2 223.4 234.3 235.1 235.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Con Edison, which was established as the parent holding company for Con Edison
of New York effective January 1, 1998, owns all of Con Edison of New York's
outstanding shares of common stock.
CON EDISON OF NEW YORK*
Year Ended December 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues $ 8,000.7 $ 6,956.0 $ 6,998.7 $ 7,196.2 $ 7,133.1
Purchased power 2,988.1 1,669.2 1,252.0 1,349.6 1,272.9
Fuel 322.1 430.2 579.0 596.8 573.3
Gas purchased for resale 490.6 351.8 370.1 552.6 590.4
Operating income 952.1 1,001.5 1,067.1 1,035.3 1,012.5
Net income for common stock 570.1 698.3 728.1 694.5 688.2
Total assets 14,547.9 13,682.2 14,172.8 14,722.5 14,057.2
Long-term debt 4,915.1 4,243.1 4,050.1 4,188.9 4,238.6
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption 37.1 37.1 37.1 84.6 84.6
Common stockholders' equity 4,479.6 4,393.8 5,842.7 5,930.1 5,727.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per share * * * $ 2.95 $ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share * * * $ 2.95 $ 2.93
Cash dividends per common share * * * $ 2.10 $ 2.08
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average common shares outstanding (millions) * * * 235.1 235.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Con Edison, which was established as the parent holding company for Con Edison
of New York effective January 1, 1998, owns all of Con Edison of New York's
outstanding shares of common stock.
Market Price Range in Consolidated Reporting System
and Dividends Paid on Common Stock
2000 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends Dividends
High Low Paid High Low Paid
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Quarter $36.19 $26.19 $ 0.545 $53.44 $45.13 $ 0.535
2nd Quarter 36.81 28.88 0.545 49.88 43.88 0.535
3rd Quarter 35.56 29.81 0.545 46.63 40.00 0.535
4th Quarter 39.50 32.06 0.545 43.06 33.56 0.535
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of January 31, 2001 there were 108,999 holders of record of common stock.
B-1
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
This discussion and analysis relates to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) and should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
CON EDISON'S BUSINESS
Con Edison is a holding company that provides a wide range of energy-related
services to its customers through its regulated and unregulated subsidiaries.
Con Edison's core business is energy distribution and it is also pursuing
related growth opportunities in competitive businesses.
Con Edison's principal subsidiary is Consolidated Edison Company of New York,
Inc. (Con Edison of New York), a regulated utility that provides electric
service to over three million customers and gas service to over one million
customers in New York City and Westchester County. It also provides steam
service in parts of Manhattan.
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is also a regulated utility subsidiary
of Con Edison. O&R, along with its regulated utility subsidiaries, provides
electric service to over 278,000 customers and gas service to over 118,000
customers in southeastern New York and in adjacent sections of New Jersey and
northeastern Pennsylvania.
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
Con Edison's results of operations for 2000 were materially affected by electric
rate reductions of (on an annual basis) $103 million, effective April 2000, and
$170 million, effective October 2000, (see "State Regulatory Matters --
Electric," below) and a $130 million charge relating to the Indian Point 2
nuclear plant (see Note G to the financial statements). Indian Point 2 returned
to service in January 2001 following installation of new steam generators.
Other significant developments in 2000 included agreements to sell, subject to
approval of the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and other
conditions, Indian Point 2 and related assets (including fuel) for approximately
$602 million, subject to certain adjustments, and a nine-acre development site
in midtown Manhattan along the East River (the First Avenue Properties) for an
expected price of $576 million to $680 million, depending on zoning and other
adjustments.
Results of operations for 2000 reflect for the entire year Con Edison's
ownership of O&R (which it acquired in July 1999) and Con Edison of New York's
sales (in June and August 1999) of most of its electric generating capacity. See
Notes I and K to the financial statements.
In March 2001 Con Edison and Northeast Utilities commenced litigation relating
to their October 1999 merger agreement. See Note P to the financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH AND SHORT-TERM BORROWING
Cash and temporary cash investments decreased $390.2 million at December 31,
2000 compared to December 31,1999, reflecting repayment of notes payable
(primarily commercial paper), including short-term borrowing done in December
1999 in anticipation of January 2000 cash requirements, and the changes in cash
flows from operating, investing and financing activities discussed below.
Con Edison's average daily commercial paper outstanding in 2000 was $319 million
compared to $125 million in 1999. The weighted average interest rate was
approximately 6.4 percent in 2000 compared to approximately 5.0 percent in 1999.
For additional information about Con Edison's commercial paper programs, see
Note C to the financial statements.
B-2
32
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash flows from operating activities in 2000 decreased $245.1 million
compared to 1999, due principally to lower net income (which included increased
pension credits) and increased purchased power and gas costs. Net cash flows
from operating activities in 1999 decreased $184.5 million compared to 1998, due
principally to higher charges for purchased electric generating capacity and
other cash flow effects of generation divestiture.
Cumulative credits to pension expense for Con Edison of New York amounted to
$366.7 million at December 31, 2000, compared with $116.0 million at December
31,1999. Pension credits, which result from favorable performance by the
company's pension plans in past years, increase net income but do not provide
cash for the company's operations. See Note D to the financial statements.
Con Edison's accounts receivable - customer, less allowance for uncollectible
accounts increased $262.8 million at December 31, 2000 compared with year-end
1999, due primarily to increased customer billings by Con Edison's utility
subsidiaries, reflecting higher purchased power and gas costs. Con Edison of New
York's equivalent number of days of revenue outstanding (ENDRO) of customer
accounts receivable was 29.7 days at December 31, 2000, compared with 28.8 days
at December 31,1999. For O&R, the ENDRO was 35.4 days at December 31, 2000 and
36.5 days at December 31,1999.
Recoverable energy costs increased $245.3 million at December 31, 2000 compared
with year-end 1999, reflecting increased purchased power and gas costs, offset
in part by the ongoing recovery of previously deferred amounts. See "Recoverable
Energy Costs" in Note A to the financial statements.
Deferred charges for divestiture -- capacity replacement reconciliation
increased $49.5 million at December 31, 2000 compared with year-end 1999,
reflecting incremental electric capacity costs under contracts with the buyers
of the generating assets sold by Con Edison of New York. See Note I to the
financial statements.
Deferred environmental remediation costs increased $35.7 million at December 31,
2000 compared with year-end 1999, reflecting site investigation and remediation
costs for Con Edison's utility subsidiaries deferred under current rate
agreements. See Note F to the financial statements.
Unfunded other post-employment benefit (OPEB) obligations (shown as pension and
benefits reserve on the balance sheet) were $181.3 million at December 31, 2000,
compared to $143.8 million at December 31,1999. Con Edison of New York's policy
is to fund its OPEB costs to the extent deductible under current tax
limitations. O&R's policy is to fund its OPEB costs to the extent of its rate
recovery. The reserve also includes a minimum liability for Con Edison of New
York's and O&R's supplemental executive retirement programs. A portion of this
minimum liability has been included in other comprehensive income. See Note E to
the financial statements.
The accumulated provision for injuries and damages was $160.7 million at
December 31, 2000, compared to $119.0 million at December 31,1999. The increase
resulted primarily from increased workers' compensation claims relating to
alleged asbestos exposure.
Accounts payable increased $404.4 million at December 31, 2000 compared with
year-end 1999, due primarily to the higher costs of electric power and gas
purchases.
Accrued taxes increased $46.0 million at December 31, 2000 compared to year-end
1999, due principally to timing differences.
The New York State tax laws applicable to utility companies were changed,
effective January 1, 2000. Certain revenue-based taxes were repealed or reduced
and replaced by a net income-based tax. In addition, a compensating use tax was
imposed on gas and electricity purchased outside New York State for use within
the state. In December 2000 the PSC issued its requirements relating to the tax
law changes. The amounts applicable to the provisions of the previous tax laws
will continue to be collected through base rates and tariff surcharges, until
the PSC directs otherwise, with
B-3
33
the differences between those collections and the tax expense under the new law
to be deferred, pending future disposition by the PSC. At December 31, 2000 Con
Edison's utility subsidiaries had accrued a liability of $59.5 million
reflecting these differences.
Under Con Edison's 1997 Restructuring Agreement (see "State Regulatory Matters--
Electric," below), $50 million of the net after-tax gain on divestiture of most
of Con Edison of New York's electric generating assets has been retained for
shareholders (and is to be recognized in income during the 12 months ending
March 2002), and the remaining net gain was deferred for future customer
benefit. Under the electric agreement approved by the PSC in November 2000 (see
"State Regulatory Matters--Electric," below), $188.2 million was credited
against electric distribution plant balances, $107.3 million was used to offset
a like amount of existing regulatory assets (including deferred power contract
termination costs) and $12 million has been set aside as a partial funding
source for low-income customer programs.
Other regulatory liabilities increased $48.0 million at December 31, 2000
compared with year-end 1999, reflecting primarily the deferral under Con Edison
of New York's current gas rate agreement of $12.1 million of earnings above a 13
percent threshold that are to be shared with customers (see "State Regulatory
Matters--Gas," below) and deferral of a portion of the divestiture gain to
partially fund retail access incentives and a low income program of $19.8
million and $12.0 million, respectively (see Note I to the financial
statements), offset by the recognition of $22.3 million of previously deferred
revenues relating to Indian Point refueling and maintenance work. See Note G to
the financial statements.
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows used in investing activities, including construction, in 2000
increased $991.1 million compared to 1999, primarily because 1999 cash flows
included proceeds from generation divestiture. In addition, in 2000 there were
higher utility construction expenditures and greater investments by unregulated
subsidiaries than in 1999.
Utility construction expenditures during 2000 increased $280.8 million compared
to 1999, principally as a result of expenditures related to meeting load growth
on Con Edison of New York's electric distribution system and replacement of the
steam generators at its nuclear generating unit.
In June 2000 Con Edison Development purchased an 80 percent interest in a
partnership that owns a 236-MW electric generating unit in Lakewood, New Jersey
(the Lakewood Project) for $98.1 million.
Deferred real estate sale costs were $103 million at year-end 2000, reflecting
costs related to the demolition and remediation of the First Avenue Properties,
which the company has agreed to sell, subject to PSC approval and other
conditions, for an expected price of $576 million to $680 million, depending on
zoning and other adjustments. See "Capital Requirements," below. The buyer paid
Con Edison of New York $50 million as a down payment, which the company used to
fund a portion of the demolition and remediation expenses. The down payment has
been recorded as a regulatory liability.
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2000 decreased $463.3 million
compared to 1999, because of increased debt issuances and decreased repurchases
of common stock.
During 2000, Con Edison of New York repaid at maturity $275 million of
debentures, with a weighted average annual interest rate of approximately 7.48
percent, and issued $975 million of 5-year and 10-year debentures, with a
weighted average annual interest rate of approximately 7.39 percent. During this
period O&R repaid at maturity $120 million of debentures, with a weighted
average annual interest rate of 8.27 percent, and issued $55 million of 10-year
7.5 percent debentures. Also during 2000 the Lakewood Project retired $8.3
million of debt. In addition, the Lakewood Project had $174.2 million
B-4
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of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2000, which has been included in
Con Edison's consolidated financial statements.
During 1999, Con Edison of New York repaid at maturity $150 million of floating
rate taxable debentures and $75 million of 6.5 percent debentures, and issued
$475 million of 40-year and 10-year debentures, with a weighted average annual
interest rate of approximately 7.27 percent. In addition, it issued $292.7
million of 35-year adjustable rate tax-exempt debt in July 1999, the proceeds of
which, along with other funds, were used in August 1999 to redeem $150 million
of 7 1/4 percent Series 1989 C tax-exempt debt and $150 million of 7 1/2 percent
Series 1990 A tax-exempt debt.
Con Edison purchased approximately 1.9 million shares of its common stock, at an
aggregate cost of $60.7 million in 2000. Through December 31, 2000, a total of
23.2 million shares was purchased under a stock repurchase program begun in
1998, at an average price of $43.13 per share, and a total cost of $1.0 billion.
In addition, Con Edison purchased 432,400 shares of its common stock (at an
aggregate cost of approximately $19.8 million) in April and May 1999 to be used
for exercise of options under its 1996 Stock Option Plan. At December 31, 2000,
250,263 of these shares remained available for future option exercises. Shares
of Con Edison common stock to be issued upon the exercise of options may be
either purchased in the market or newly issued shares. See Note M to the
financial statements.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Con Edison expects to finance its operations, capital requirements and the
payment of dividends to its shareholders primarily from dividends and other
distributions it receives from its subsidiaries and through external borrowings,
including commercial paper. For information about restrictions on the payment of
dividends by Con Edison of New York, see Note B to the financial statements.
Con Edison's ratio of earnings to fixed charges for 2000, 1999 and 1998 and
common equity ratio at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Earnings to fixed
charges (SEC basis) 3.10 4.04 4.29
Common equity 49.1 53.1 58.4
The changes in interest coverage in these years reflect changes in pre-tax
income and changes in interest charges due to debt issuances and refundings.
Excluding the $130 million charge for replacement power costs incurred in
connection with an outage at the Indian Point nuclear plant (see Note G to the
financial statements) and the charge for merger-related expenses (see Note P to
the financial statements), Con Edison's ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
2000 would have been 3.47. The changes in the equity ratio reflect the issuance
of debt and the repurchase of approximately $1.0 billion of common stock.
The commercial paper of Con Edison and its utility subsidiaries is rated P-l
and A-1, respectively, by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Standard
& Poor's Rating Services (S&P). S&P has assigned an issuer rating of A to Con
Edison, which has not yet issued any long-term debt. The senior unsecured debt
of Con Edison's utility subsidiaries is rated A1 and A+, respectively, by
Moody's and S&P.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The following table compares Con Edison's capital requirements relating to its
regulated and unregulated subsidiaries for the years 1998 through 2000 and
estimated amounts for 2001 and 2002:
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35
(Millions of Dollars) 1998 1999 2000 2001* 2002*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utility construction
expenditures $619 $ 678 $ 959 $ 993 $ 943
Investment in
unregulated subsidiaries 56 165 121 400 335
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-total 675 843 1,080 1,393 1,278
Nuclear
decommissioning trust 21 21 21 21 21
Nuclear fuel 7 17 27 3 47
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-total 28 38 48 24 68
Retirement of long-term
securities at maturity 200 225 395 300 337
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $903 $1,106 $1,523 $1,717 $1,683
*Does not reflect the pending sale of Indian Point 2, which is expected to be
completed in 2001.
The increased utility construction expenditures in 2001 and 2002 reflect
expenditures to repower Con Edison of New York's East River steam-electric
generating plant and expenditures related to meeting load growth on its electric
distribution system, as well as the construction programs of O&R. The repowering
will provide additional, cost efficient steam generating capacity and
approximately 360 MW of electric capacity. The increased generating capacity
will more than offset the 160 MW of electric capacity that will be lost upon the
closing of the company's Waterside generating station, which is located on the
First Avenue Properties.
UNREGULATED SUBSIDIARIES
Con Edison's unregulated subsidiaries provide competitive gas and electric
supply and energy-related products and services (Con Edison Solutions); invest
in and manage energy infrastructure projects (Con Edison Development); market
specialized energy supply services to wholesale customers (Con Edison Energy);
and invest in telecommunications infrastructure (Con Edison Communications).
These subsidiaries operate primarily in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states.
Con Edison's investment in these subsidiaries was $405.6 million at December 31,
2000. See "Capital Requirements," above.
The unregulated subsidiaries participate in competitive energy supply and
services businesses that are subject to different investment risks than those
found in the businesses of the regulated utility subsidiaries.
ELECTRIC POWER PURCHASES
In December 1999, following approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, the New York State Independent System Operator (ISO) commenced
operations. The ISO controls and operates most electric transmission facilities
in New York State as an integrated system and administers a wholesale
electricity market in the state. Con Edison's utility subsidiaries continue to
own and maintain, but not operate, their transmission facilities and receive
fees for use of the facilities by other parties.
In 2000 Con Edison's utility subsidiaries purchased substantially all of the
energy they sold to customers pursuant to firm contracts with non-utility
generators and others or through the ISO's wholesale electricity market.
Electric energy prices during summer 2000 increased significantly compared with
summer 1999. The higher energy prices increased the working capital requirements
of Con Edison's utility subsidiaries. Accounts receivable (and uncollectible
bills) and recoverable energy costs increased in 2000 compared to 1999. See
"Cash Flows From Operating Activities," above.
In general, Con Edison's utility subsidiaries recover prudently incurred
purchased power costs pursuant to rate provisions approved by the relevant state
public utility commission. See "Financial Market Risks," below and "Recoverable
Energy Costs" in Note A to the financial statements. From time to time certain
parties have petitioned the PSC to review these provisions. Con Edison believes
that the petitions are without merit, but is unable to predict whether or not
any related proceedings or other actions will have a material adverse effect on
its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
B-6
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The PSC has established a proceeding to consider rate measures that could reduce
the volatility of electric energy costs experienced during the months of peak
usage. The Agreement (see "State Regulatory Matters--Electric," below) provides
that such measures may neither be materially inconsistent with the Agreement nor
adversely impact Con Edison of New York's financial integrity.
To reduce the volatility of electric energy costs, Con Edison's utility
subsidiaries have firm contracts to purchase electric energy and have entered
into derivative transactions to hedge expected purchases for a substantial
portion of the electric energy expected to be sold to their customers in summer
2001 (see Note 0 to the financial statements). In addition, Con Edison of New
York's Indian Point generating plant, which was out of service during summer
2000, is in service and expected to be available in summer 2001. Following
completion of Indian Point's pending sale, Con Edison of New York, pursuant to a
power purchase agreement with the buyer, will be allowed to purchase its output
at an annual average price of 3.9 cents per kilowatt hour, through the end of
2004.
To further mitigate price volatility, the company is seeking changes in the way
the ISO administers its wholesale energy market. Those changes include a new
"circuit breaker" mechanism to prevent unreasonable price volatility when the
wholesale electric market is not competitive, which could occur when usage is
high and power supplies are extremely tight, and making customers eligible for
retroactive refunds if a power generator abuses the system and charges more than
a competitive price.
Con Edison's utility subsidiaries do not expect to add long-term electric
generation resources other than in connection with the repowering of Con Edison
of New York's East River generating plant, which will add incremental electric
capacity of approximately 200 MW. In a July 1998 order, the PSC indicated that
it "agree(s) generally that Con Edison of New York need not plan on constructing
new generation as the competitive market develops," but considers "overly broad"
and did not adopt its request for a declaration that, solely with respect to
providing generating capacity, it will no longer be required to engage in
long-range planning to meet potential demand and, in particular, that it will no
longer have the obligation to construct new generating facilities, regardless of
the market price of capacity.
STATE REGULATORY MATTERS
ELECTRIC
In 1996 the PSC, in its Competitive Opportunities proceeding, endorsed a
fundamental restructuring of the electric utility industry in New York State,
based on competition in the generation and energy services sectors of the
industry.
In September 1997 the PSC approved a restructuring agreement among Con Edison of
New York, the PSC staff and certain other parties (the 1997 Restructuring
Agreement). Pursuant to the 1997 Restructuring Agreement, Con Edison of New York
reduced electric rates by approximately $129 million in 1998, $80 million in
1999 and $103 million in 2000, made available "retail choice" to all of its
electric customers and divested most of its electric generation capacity. For
additional information about the 1997 Restructuring Agreement, see Note A to the
financial statements.
In November 2000 the PSC approved an October 2000 agreement (the Agreement)
that, among other things, revises and extends the electric rate plan provisions
of the 1997 Restructuring Agreement and addresses certain generation
divestiture-related issues.
The electric rate plan provisions of the Agreement cover the five-year period
ending March 2005. Pursuant to the Agreement Con Edison of New York reduced the
distribution component of its electric rates by $170 million on an annual basis,
effective October 2000, and, in accordance with the 1997 Restructuring
Agreement, will reduce the generation-related component of its electric rates by
$208.7 million on an annual basis, effective April 2001.
The Agreement continues the rate provisions pursuant to which Con Edison of New
York recovers prudently incurred purchased power and
B-7
37
fuel costs from customers. See "Recoverable Energy Costs" in Note A to the
financial statements.
For additional information about the Agreement, see Note A to the financial
statements.
O&R has entered into settlement agreements or similar arrangements with the PSC
and the New Jersey and Pennsylvania public utility commissions, which provide
for a transition to a competitive electric market, and address
customer/shareholder sharing of net synergy savings from Con Edison's July 1999
acquisition of O&R. See "Restructuring Agreements" in Note A to the financial
statements.
GAS
In November 2000 the PSC approved an agreement among Con Edison of New York, the
PSC staff and certain other parties that extended the 1996 gas rate settlement
agreement through September 2001. The 1996 agreement, with limited exceptions,
continued base rates at September 1996 levels through September 2000.
In November 2000 the PSC also approved a gas rate settlement agreement among
O&R, the PSC Staff, and certain other parties covering the three-year period
November 2000 through October 2003.
For additional information about the new gas rate agreements, see Note A to the
financial statements.
STEAM
In November 2000 the PSC approved an agreement between Con Edison of New York,
the PSC staff and certain other parties with respect to the steam rate plan
filed by the company in November 1999. The agreement provides for a $16.6
million steam rate increase, which took effect October 2000 and, with limited
exceptions, no further changes in steam rates prior to October 2004.
For additional information about the agreement, see Note A to the financial
statements.
NUCLEAR GENERATION
In January 2001 Con Edison of New York's Indian Point 2 nuclear generating
station returned to service following an outage that commenced in February 2000.
During the outage Indian Point's four steam generators were replaced and
refueling and maintenance work was performed. For information about the recovery
of replacement power costs incurred during the outage, the pending sale of
Indian Point 2 and additional information about nuclear generation, see Note G
to the financial statements.
FINANCIAL MARKET RISKS
Con Edison's primary market risks associated with activities in derivative
financial instruments, other financial instruments and derivative commodity
instruments, are interest rate risk and commodity price risk.
The interest rate risk relates primarily to new debt financing needed to fund
capital requirements, including utility construction expenditures and maturing
debt securities, and to variable rate debt. See "Capital Requirements," above.
In general, the rates Con Edison's utility subsidiaries charge customers for
electric, gas and steam service are not subject to change for fluctuations in
the cost of capital during the respective terms of the current rate agreements.
The utility subsidiaries manage interest rate risk through the issuance of
mostly fixed-rate debt with varying maturities and through opportunistic
refundings of debt through optional redemptions and tender offers. In addition,
Con Edison and its subsidiaries, from time to time, have entered into derivative
financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk.
In general, the rates Con Edison's utility subsidiaries charge customers for
electric, gas and steam service are subject to change for fluctuations in the
cost of purchased power or gas during the respective terms of the current rate
agreements. See "Electric Power Purchases," above and "Recoverable Energy Costs"
in Note A to the financial statements. Con Edison's subsidiaries
B-8
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have, from time to time, used derivative instruments to hedge purchases of
electricity and gas and gas in storage.
At December 31, 2000 neither the fair value of the hedged positions outstanding
nor potential, near-term derivative losses from reasonably possible near-term
changes in market prices were material to the financial position, results of
operations or liquidity of Con Edison. See Note O to the financial statements.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
For information concerning potential liabilities arising from laws and
regulations protecting the environment, including the Federal Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund), and
from claims relating to alleged exposure to asbestos, see Note F to the
financial statements.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Con Edison is affected by the decline in the purchasing power of the dollar
caused by inflation. Regulation permits Con Edison's utility subsidiaries to
recover through depreciation only the historical cost of their plant assets even
though in an inflationary economy the cost to replace the assets upon their
retirement will substantially exceed historical costs. The impact is, however,
partially offset by the repayment of the utility subsidiaries' long-term debt in
dollars of lesser value than the dollars originally borrowed.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements, which are
statements of future expectation and not facts. Words such as "estimates,"
"expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans" and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements. Actual results or developments might differ
materially from those included in the forward-looking statements because of
factors such as competition and industry restructuring, developments relating to
Indian Point 2 (see Note G to the financial statements), developments relating
to Northeast Utilities (see Note P to the financial statements), developments in
wholesale energy markets, technological developments, changes in economic
conditions, changes in historical weather patterns, changes in laws, regulations
or regulatory policies, developments in legal or public policy doctrines, and
other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Con Edison's earnings per share in 2000 were $2.75 ($2.74 on a diluted basis).
Earnings per share in 1999 and 1998 were $3.14 ($3.13 on a diluted basis) and
$3.04, respectively. Excluding a $130 million charge relating to the Indian
Point nuclear plant (see Note G to the financial statements) and a $32.1 million
charge for merger-related expenses (see Note P to the financial statements),
earnings per share in 2000 would have been $3.24 ($3.23 on a diluted basis).
Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
________________________________________________________________________________
Con Edison of New York $570.1 $698.3 $728.1
O&R 39.1 22.2* --
Unregulated subsidiaries 7.7 (10.9) (18.4)
Other** (34.1) (9.0) 3.0
________________________________________________________________________________
Con Edison $582.8 $700.6 $712.7
________________________________________________________________________________
* O&R earnings are for the period subsequent to its acquisition in July 1999.
** Includes parent company expenses, goodwill amortization and inter-company
eliminations.
Con Edison's earnings for 2000 decreased $117.8 million compared to 1999,
reflecting the effects of cooler than normal summer weather in 2000 as compared
with warmer than normal summer weather in 1999, electric rate reductions of
$139.3 million, a $130 million charge relating to the Indian Point nuclear plant
(see Note G to the financial statements), $41.3 million of higher transmission
and distribution expenses, $48.3 million of increased interest charges and $32.1
million of merger-related expenses (see Note P to the financial statements),
offset in part by increased revenues resulting from the favorable economy,
B-9
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$157.1 million of increased pension credits, $12.3 million of net increased
unregulated earnings and parent company expenses (other than merger-related
expenses), and $16.9 million of increased O&R earnings.
Con Edison's earnings for 1999, compared to 1998, decreased $12.1 million. The
principal components of the decrease (net of tax) were: $42.3 million of
electric rate reductions; $41.9 million of lost equity return on generating
assets that were divested; and $8.5 million of higher distribution expenses
relating to Hurricane Floyd and a July 1999 heat wave, offset by $22.2 million
of O&R earnings reflecting the acquisition of O&R in July 1999 and approximately
$65.7 million of lower nuclear and pension expenses.
Earnings also reflect the levels of electric, gas and steam sales discussed
below.
Con Edison estimates that the earnings per share impact in the 2000 period of
the June and August 1999 divestiture of most of Con Edison of New York's
electric generating capacity was substantially offset by reductions in property
taxes, depreciation and other operating and maintenance costs, its July 1999
acquisition of O&R and its repurchase of approximately $1 billion of common
stock.
Con Edison's operating revenues in 2000, compared to 1999, increased by $1.9
billion, and its operating income decreased by $3.7 million. Operating revenues
in 1999, compared to 1998, increased by $398.3 million, and operating income
increased by $33.5 million.
A discussion of Con Edison's operating revenues and operating income by business
segment follows. Con Edison's principal business segments are its electric, gas
and steam utility businesses. For additional information about Con Edison's
business segments, see Note N to the financial statements.
ELECTRIC
Con Edison's electric operating revenues in 2000 increased $1.1 billion from
1999 and in 1999 increased $118.2 million from 1998. The increases reflect
increased purchased power costs (see "Recoverable Energy Costs" in Note A to the
financial statements) and sales volumes, offset by electric rate reductions of
approximately $139.3 million in 2000 and $65 million in 1999. The 2000 increase
also reflects $513.0 million of O&R's electric operating revenues for the 12
months ended December 31, 2000, compared to $235.5 million of O&R's electric
operating revenues recognized in the 1999 period following Con Edison's July
1999 acquisition of O&R.
Electricity sales volume in Con Edison of New York's service territory increased
1.7 percent in 2000 and 3.9 percent in 1999.
The increase in sales volume in 2000 reflects the continued strength of the New
York City economy, offset in part by the cooler than normal summer weather. Con
Edison's electric sales vary seasonally in response to weather, and peak in the
summer.
After adjusting for variations, principally weather and billing days, in each
period, electricity sales volume in Con Edison of New York's service territory
increased 3.6 percent in 2000 AND 2.7 percent in 1999. Weather-adjusted sales
represent an estimate of the sales that would have been made if historical
average weather conditions had prevailed.
Con Edison's electric operating income decreased $57.6 million in 2000 compared
to 1999, reflecting a decrease in Con Edison of New York's electric operating
income of $76.7 million. The decrease in Con Edison of New York's electric
operating income was comprised of a reduction in net revenues (operating
revenues less fuel and purchased power) of $325.3 million (reflecting cooler
than normal summer weather, $139.3 million of electric rate reductions and a
$130 million charge relating to Indian Point), offset by increased pension
credits ($124.5 million) and decreased property taxes ($18.1 million), dividend
and subsidiary capital taxes ($13.8 million) and income tax ($100.6 million).
Electric operating income also reflects an increase in O&R's electric operating
income of $19.2 million. O&R's electric operating income in 2000 was $47.5
million compared to $28.4 million recognized in the 1999
B-10
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period following Con Edison's July 1999 acquisition of O&R.
Con Edison's electric operating income decreased $47.3 million in 1999 compared
to 1998. The principal components of the decrease (net of tax) were: $41.9
million of lost equity return on generating assets that were divested,
approximately $8.5 million of increased distribution expenses relating to
Hurricane Floyd and a July 1999 heat wave, and $42.3 million of electric rate
reductions; offset, in part, by approximately $65.3 million of reduced expenses
at Indian Point 2 (which had an extended maintenance outage in 1998) and
decreased pension costs, and $28.4 million of electric operating income
attributable to O&R.
GAS
Con Edison's gas operating revenues and gas operating income increased $261.9
million and $32.3 million, respectively, in 2000 and increased $40.5 million and
$10.5 million, respectively, in 1999. These changes reflect changes in gas sales
and transportation volumes. The changes in gas operating revenues also reflect
increases in the cost of gas (see "Recoverable Energy Costs" in Note A to the
financial statements). In addition, the changes reflect O&R's gas operating
revenues of approximately $183.4 million and O&R's gas operating income of
approximately $11.1 million for 2000, compared to gas operating revenues of
$56.4 million and $0.5 million of gas operating income recognized in the 1999
period following Con Edison's July 1999 acquisition of O&R.
Gas sales and transportation volume to firm customers of Con Edison of New York
increased 7.8 percent in 2000 compared to 1999 and increased 5.8 percent in 1999
compared to 1998.
Con Edison's gas sales and transportation vary seasonally in response to
weather, and peak in the winter. The increase in volumes from 1999 reflects the
colder 2000 winter compared to 1999. The increase in 1999 compared to 1998
reflects the colder 1999 winter compared to 1998.
After adjusting for variations, principally weather and billing days, in each
period, gas sales and transportation volume to firm customers increased 2.0
percent in 2000 and 1.3 percent in 1999.
A weather-normalization provision that applies to the gas businesses of Con
Edison's utility subsidiaries operating in New York moderates, but does not
eliminate, the effect of weather-related changes on gas operating income.
STEAM
Con Edison's steam operating revenues increased $112.1 million in 2000 compared
to 1999, reflecting primarily increased purchased steam and fuel costs (see
"Recoverable Energy Costs" in Note A to the financial statements). Steam
operating income increased $5.6 million in 2000 compared to 1999, reflecting an
October 2000 rate increase. Steam operating revenues and operating income
increased $18.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in 1999 compared to
1998, primarily because of changes in steam sales volume.
Steam sales volume increased 0.8 percent in 2000 and increased 6.1 percent in
1999. The increase in 1999 reflects the colder winter compared to 1998.
After adjusting for variations, principally weather and billing days, in each
period, steam sales volume decreased 0.7 percent in 2000 and decreased 1.4
percent in 1999.
TAXES, OTHER THAN INCOME TAX
At $1.1 billion, taxes other than income tax remain one of Con Edison's utility
subsidiaries' largest operating expenses.
The principal components of and variations in operating taxes were:
B-11
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Increase/ (Decrease)
--------------------
2000 1999
(Millions of 2000 over over
Dollars) Amount 1999 1998
------ ---- ----
Property taxes $616.2 $10.1 $(12.2)
State and local
taxes on
revenues 421.6 (72.2) 4.9
Payroll taxes 60.8 1.1 2.9
Other taxes 23.2 3.0 (23.9)
-------- ------ ------
Total $1,121.8* $(58.0) $(28.3)
======== ====== ======
*Including sales taxes on customers' bills, total taxes, other than income
taxes, billed to customers in 2000 were $1,480.1 million.
OTHER INCOME
Other income decreased $44.2 million in 2000 compared with 1999, due principally
to the recognition in 2000 of $32.1 million of merger-related expenses (see Note
P to the financial statements) and the recognition in 1999 of $29 million of
deferred federal income tax credits relating to generation divestiture (see Note
I to the financial statements). Other income increased $29.7 million in 1999
compared with 1998, due principally to the recognition in 1999 of the deferred
federal income tax credits.
NET INTEREST CHARGES
Net interest charges increased $69.9 million in 2000 compared to 1999,
reflecting increased interest expense for Con Edison of New York related to
short-term borrowings ($11.3 million) and long-term borrowings ($26.2 million),
and $10.6 million of interest accrued on the gain on generation divestiture
prior to its disposition in 2000 pursuant to the Agreement. The increase also
reflects $9.6 million of interest expense related to long-term borrowing for the
Lakewood Project (which was purchased in June 2000 by an unregulated subsidiary
of Con Edison). The increase also reflects $25.4 million of O&R's interest
expense for 2000 compared to $15.4 million of O&R's interest recognized in the
1999 period following Con Edison's July 1999 acquisition of O&R.
Net interest charges increased $11.7 million in 1999 compared to 1998,
reflecting the addition of O&R's debt expense and increased interest on
short-term borrowing, offset in part by refunding of long-term debt and
favorable tax audit adjustments.
INCOME TAX
Federal income tax decreased $89.3 million in 2000 and decreased $32.6 million
in 1999, reflecting the changes each year in income before tax, deductions
related to removal costs and tax credits. State income tax for 2000 was $23.6
million. In 2000 certain New York State revenue-based taxes applicable to
utilities were replaced by a net income-based tax. See Notes A and L to the
financial statements.
B-12
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[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
of Consolidated Edison, Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of income, of retained earnings, of comprehensive
income, of capitalization and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Consolidated Edison, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles genarally
accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, NY
February 15, 2001, except for Note P, as to which the date is March 19, 2001
B- 13
43
Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Edison, Inc.
ASSETS
AT DECEMBER 31 (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) 2000 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY PLANT, AT ORIGINAL COST (NOTE A)
Electric $11,808,102 $11,323,826
Gas 2,300,055 2,197,735
Steam 740,189 722,265
General 1,388,602 1,328,544
Unregulated generating assets 279,060 48,583
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 16,516,008 15,620,953
Less: Accumulated depreciation 5,234,701 4,733,613
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net 11,281,307 10,887,340
Construction work in progress 504,471 381,804
Nuclear fuel assemblies and components, less accumulated amortization 107,641 84,701
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET UTILITY PLANT 11,893,419 11,353,845
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and temporary cash investments (Note A) 94,828 485,050
Accounts receivable - customer, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of
$33,714 and $34,821 in 2000 and 1999, respectively 910,344 647,545
Other receivables 168,415 98,454
Fuel, at average cost 29,148 24,271
Gas in storage, at average cost 82,419 55,387
Materials and supplies, at average cost 131,362 142,905
Prepayments 524,377 197,671
Other current assets 75,094 61,395
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,015,987 1,712,678
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 328,969 305,717
Other 238,871 182,201
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (NOTE A) 567,840 487,918
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CHARGES, REGULATORY ASSETS AND NONCURRENT ASSETS
GOODWILL 488,702 427,496
REGULATORY ASSETS
Future federal income tax (Note A) 676,527 785,014
Recoverable energy costs (Note A) 340,495 95,162
Real estate sale costs - First Avenue properties 103,009 1,074
Deferred special retirement program costs (Note D) 88,633 57,630
Divestiture - capacity replacement reconciliation (Note I) 73,850 24,373
Accrued unbilled revenue (Note A) 72,619 67,775
Deferred environmental remediation costs (Note F) 49,056 13,330
Deferred revenue taxes 43,879 60,712
Power contract termination costs - 71,861
Other 159,701 201,181
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REGULATORY ASSETS 1,607,769 1,378,112
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other deferred charges and noncurrent assets 193,528 171,427
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES, REGULATORY ASSETS AND NONCURRENT ASSETS 2,289,999 1,977,035
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $16,767,245 $15,531,476
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-14
44
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
AT DECEMBER 31 (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) 2000 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITALIZATION (SEE STATEMENT OF CAPITALIZATION)
Common shareholders' equity $ 5,472,389 $ 5,412,007
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption (Note B) 37,050 37,050
Other preferred stock (Note B) 212,563 212,563
Long-term debt 5,415,409 4,524,604
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION 11,137,411 10,186,224
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Obligations under capital leases 31,504 34,544
Accumulated provision for injuries and damages 160,671 119,010
Pension and benefits reserve 181,346 143,757
Other noncurrent liabilities 40,456 42,865
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 413,977 340,176
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt due within one year 309,590 395,000
Notes payable 255,042 495,371
Accounts payable 1,020,401 615,983
Customer deposits 202,888 204,421
Accrued taxes 64,345 18,389
Accrued interest 85,276 60,061
Accrued wages 70,951 79,408
Other current liabilities 328,686 232,706
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,337,179 2,101,339
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CREDITS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES
Accumulated deferred income tax (Note L) 2,302,764 2,267,548
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits (Note A) 131,429 139,838
REGULATORY LIABILITIES
NYS tax law revisions 59,523 -
Gain on divestiture (Note I) 50,000 306,867
Deposit from sale of First Avenue properties 50,000 -
Accrued electric rate reduction (Note A) 38,018 -
NYPA revenue increase 35,021 25,630
Other 211,706 163,687
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REGULATORY LIABILITIES 444,268 496,184
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other deferred credits 217 167
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES 2,878,678 2,903,737
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINGENCIES (NOTE F)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ 16,767,245 $ 15,531,476
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
B-15
45
Consolidated Income Statement Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVENUES (NOTE A)
Electric $ 6,938,128 $ 5,792,673 $ 5,674,446
Gas 1,261,970 1,000,083 959,609
Steam 452,135 340,026 321,932
Non-utility 779,158 358,541 137,061
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 9,431,391 7,491,323 7,093,048
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Purchased power 3,642,850 1,824,023 1,253,783
Fuel 350,816 430,050 579,006
Gas purchased for resale 790,905 485,155 437,308
Other operations 1,146,598 1,188,623 1,157,958
Maintenance 458,046 437,979 477,413
Depreciation and amortization (Note A) 586,407 526,182 518,514
Taxes, other than income taxes 1,121,843 1,179,796 1,208,102
Income taxes (Notes A and L) 317,790 399,716 407,639
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 8,415,255 6,471,524 6,039,723
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME 1,016,136 1,019,799 1,053,325
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS)
Investment income (Note A) 8,476 14,842 11,801
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (Note A) 1,299 3,810 2,431
Other income less miscellaneous deductions (32,660) (13,571) (14,212)
Income taxes (Notes A and L) 10,622 26,891 2,229
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (12,263) 31,972 2,249
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 1,003,873 1,051,771 1,055,574
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on long-term debt 363,994 319,393 308,671
Other interest 49,527 20,065 18,400
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (Note A) (6,076) (1,895) (1,246)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INTEREST CHARGES 407,445 337,563 325,825
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS 13,593 13,593 17,007
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME FOR COMMON STOCK $ 582,835 $ 700,615 $ 712,742
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.75 $ 3.14 $ 3.04
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.74 $ 3.13 $ 3.04
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING 212,186,412 223,442,315 234,307,767
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Retained Earnings Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JANUARY 1 $ 4,921,089 $ 4,700,500 $ 4,484,703
Less: Stock options exercised 1,026 1,922 --
Orange & Rockland purchase accounting adjustment (46) 51 --
NET INCOME FOR COMMON STOCK FOR THE YEAR 582,835 700,615 712,742
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 5,502,852 5,399,244 5,197,445
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS DECLARED ON COMMON, $2.18, $2.14 AND $2.12 PER SHARE, RESPECTIVELY 461,921 478,155 496,945
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31 $ 5,040,931 $ 4,921,089 $ 4,700,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 582,835 $ 700,615 $ 712,742
Other Comprehensive Income/(loss), net of taxes
Investment in marketable equity securities - net of $454 taxes (843) -- --
Minimum pension liability adjustments - net of $703 taxes (1,304) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Comprehensive Income/(loss), net of taxes (2,147) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 580,688 $ 700,615 $ 712,742
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
B-16
46
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income for common stock $ 582,835 $ 700,615 $ 712,742
PRINCIPAL NON-CASH CHARGES (CREDITS) TO INCOME
Depreciation and amortization 586,407 526,182 518,514
Federal income tax deferred (excluding taxes resulting from divestiture of plant) 177,736 41,784 86,430
Common equity component of allowance for funds used during construction (1,299) (3,810) (2,431)
Prepayments -- accrued pension costs (250,743) (54,000) (49,800)
Other non-cash charges 18,448 42,050 11,297
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES NET OF EFFECTS FROM PURCHASE OF THE LAKEWOOD
PROJECT AND ORANGE AND ROCKLAND IN 2000 AND 1999, RESPECTIVELY
Accounts receivable -- customer, less allowance for uncollectibles (262,799) (66,371) 59,515
Materials and supplies, including fuel and gas in storage (19,980) 56,554 14,804
Prepayments (other than pensions), other receivables and other current assets (131,203) (37,588) (889)
Deferred recoverable energy costs (221,804) (57,692) 76,711
Cost of removal less salvage (130,590) (71,451) (72,033)
Accounts payable 402,861 167,598 (68,840)
Other -- net 210,292 (38,581) 103,742
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 960,161 1,205,290 1,389,762
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION
Utility construction expenditures (958,927) (678,157) (618,844)
Nuclear fuel expenditures (27,357) (16,537) (7,056)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trust (21,301) (21,301) (21,301)
Common equity component of allowance for funds used during construction 1,299 3,810 2,431
Payment for purchase of Orange and Rockland, net of cash and cash equivalents -- (509,083) --
Payment for purchase of the Lakewood Project, net of cash and cash equivalents (98,090) -- --
Divestiture of utility plant (net of federal income tax) -- 1,138,750 --
Investments by unregulated subsidiaries (19,309) (101,953) (24,072)
Demolition and remediation costs for First Avenue properties (101,935) -- --
Deposit received from sale of First Avenue properties 50,000 -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION (1,175,620) (184,471) (668,842)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING DIVIDENDS
Repurchase of common stock (68,531) (817,399) (115,247)
Net proceeds from short-term debt (265,031) 430,196 --
Issuance of long-term debt 1,030,000 767,689 460,000
Retirement of long-term debt (403,230) (225,000) (200,000)
Advance refunding of preferred stock and long-term debt -- (300,000) (773,645)
Issuance and refunding costs (5,468) (16,440) (8,864)
Funds held for refunding of debt -- -- 328,874
Common stock dividends (462,503) (477,110) (493,201)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING DIVIDENDS (174,763) (638,064) (802,083)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (390,222) 382,755 (81,163)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS AT JANUARY 1 485,050 102,295 183,458
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS AT DECEMBER 31 $ 94,828 $ 485,050 $ 102,295
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 351,165 321,785 $ 285,956
Income taxes 136,573 846,559 355,707
Business Acquisitions
Assets $ 225,462 $1,009,049 --
Purchase price in excess of net assets acquired 66,336 436,725 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 291,798 1,445,774 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt, minority interest and liability assumed 193,708 936,691 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used to acquire $ 98,090 $ 509,083 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
B-17
47
Consolidated Statement of Capitalization Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares outstanding
-------------------------------------
December 31, 2000 December 31,1999
-------------------------------------
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTE B)
Common stock 212,027,131 213,810,634 $ 1,482,341 $ 1,482,341
Retained earnings 5,040,931 4,921,089
Treasury stock, at cost; 23,210,700 shares
and 21,358,500 shares at December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively (1,012,919) (955,311)
Capital stock expense (35,817) (36,112)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (2,147) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 5,472,389 5,412,007
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCK (NOTE B)
Subject to mandatory redemption
Cumulative Preferred, $100 par value,
6-1/8% Series J 370,500 370,500 37,050 37,050
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SUBJECT TO MANDATORY REDEMPTION 37,050 37,050
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER PREFERRED STOCK
$5 Cumulative Preferred, without par value,
authorized 1,915,319 shares 1,915,319 1,915,319 175,000 175,000
Cumulative Preferred, $100 par value,
authorized 6,000,000 shares*
4.65% Series C 153,296 153,296 15,330 15,330
4.65% Series D 222,330 222,330 22,233 22,233
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OTHER PREFERRED STOCK 212,563 212,563
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK $ 249,613 $ 249,613
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Represents total authorized shares of cumulative preferred stock, $100 par
value, including preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption.
B-18
48
At December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt (Note B)
Maturity Interest Rate Series
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures:
2000 9-3/8 1990A $ -- $ 80,000
2000 7-3/8 1992A -- 150,000
2000 7.60 1992C -- 125,000
2000 6.14 1993C -- 20,000
2000 6.00 1993I -- 20,000
2001 6-1/2 1993B 150,000 150,000
2001 6.68* 1996B 150,000 150,000
2002 6-5/8 1993C 150,000 150,000
2002 6.64* 1997A 150,000 150,000
2003 6-3/8 1993D 150,000 150,000
2003 6.56 1993D 35,000 35,000
2004 7-5/8 1992B 150,000 150,000
2005 6-5/8 1995A 100,000 100,000
2005 6-5/8 2000C 350,000 --
2007 6.45 1997B 330,000 330,000
2007 7-1/8 1997J 20,000 20,000
2008 6-1/4 1998A 180,000 180,000
2008 6.15 1998C 100,000 100,000
2009 7.15 1999B 200,000 200,000
2010 7-1/2 2000A 55,000 --
2010 8-1/8 2000A 325,000 --
2010 7-1/2 2000B 300,000 --
2023 7-1/2 1993G 380,000 380,000
2026 7-3/4 1996A 100,000 100,000
2027 6-1/2 1997F 80,000 80,000
2028 7.10 1998B 105,000 105,000
2028 6.90 1998D 75,000 75,000
2029 7-1/8 1994A 150,000 150,000
2029 7.00 1999G 45,000 45,000
2039 7.35 1998A 275,000 275,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debentures 4,105,000 3,470,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax-exempt debt - notes issued to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for Facilities Revenue Bonds:
2014 6.09 1994** 55,000 55,000
2015 4.21* 1995** 44,000 44,000
2020 5-1/4 1993B 127,715 127,715
2020 6.10 1995A 128,285 128,285
2022 5-3/8 1993C 19,760 19,760
2026 7-1/2 1991A 128,150 128,150
2027 6-3/4 1992A 100,000 100,000
2027 6-3/8 1992B 100,000 100,000
2028 6.00 1993A 101,000 101,000
2029 7-1/8 1994A 100,000 100,000
2034 4.12* 1999A 292,700 292,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total tax-exempt debt 1,196,610 1,196,610
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subordinated deferrable interest debentures:
2031 7-3/4 1996A 275,000 275,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other long-term debt 177,440 3,236
Unamortized debt discount (29,051) (25,242)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 5,724,999 4,919,604
Less: long-term debt due within one year 309,590 395,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term debt 5,415,409 4,524,604
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capitalization $11,137,411 $10,186,224
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Rates reset weekly or quarterly; December 31, 2000 rates shown.
** Issued for O&R pollution control financing.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
B-19
49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
These notes form an integral part of the accompanying consolidated financial
statements of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) and its subsidiaries.
CON EDISON
Con Edison is a holding company that provides a wide range of energy-related
services to its customers through its regulated and unregulated subsidiaries.
Con Edison's core business is energy distribution and it is also pursuing
related growth opportunities in competitive businesses. Con Edison's principal
subsidiary is Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison of New
York), a regulated utility that provides electric service to over three million
customers and gas service to over one million customers in New York City and
Westchester County. It also provides steam service in parts of Manhattan.
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility that Con Edison
acquired in July 1999 (see Note K), provides electric service to over 278,000
customers and gas service to over 118,000 customers in southeastern New York and
in adjacent sections of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Con Edison's unregulated subsidiaries provide competitive gas and electric
supply and energy-related products and services (Con Edison Solutions); invest
in and manage energy infrastructure projects (Con Edison Development); market
specialized energy supply services to wholesale customers (Con Edison Energy);
and invest in telecommunications infrastructure (Con Edison Communications).
These subsidiaries operate primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states.
NOTE A SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation Con Edison's consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Con Edison and its consolidated subsidiaries, including
the regulated utilities, Con Edison of New York and O&R. Intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.
Accounting Policies The accounting policies of Con Edison and its subsidiaries
conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. For
regulated public utilities, like Con Edison of New York and O&R, accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States include Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation," and, in accordance with SFAS No. 71, the
accounting requirements and rate-making practices of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the New York State Public Service Commission
(PSC).
The standards in SFAS No. 101, "Regulated Enterprises -- Accounting for the
Discontinuation of Application of the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Statement No. 71," have been applied to the non-nuclear electric supply
portion of Con Edison's business that was deregulated (the Deregulated Business)
as a result of the Restructuring Agreement (defined below). The Deregulated
Business includes all of Con Edison's fossil electric generating assets and its
non-utility generators (NUG) contracts and related regulatory assets and
liabilities. The application of SFAS No. 101 to the Deregulated Business had no
material effect on the financial position or results of operations of Con
Edison.
No impairment of Con Edison of New York's fossil generating assets has been
recognized under SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," because most of these
assets have been sold at a gain (see Note I) and the estimated cash flows from
the operation and/or sale of the remaining generating assets, together with the
cash flows from the strandable cost recovery provisions of the Restructuring
Agreement (see "Rate and Restructuring Agreements" in this Note A), will not be
less than the net carrying amount of the fossil generating assets.
Similarly, there has been no charge against Con Edison of New York's earnings
for the deferred charges (regulatory assets - principally relating to future
federal income taxes) and deferred credits (regulatory liabilities) relating to
the Deregulated Business because recovery of regulatory assets net of regulatory
liabilities is probable under the Restructuring Agreement. At December 31, 2000,
net regulatory assets amounted to approximately $1.2 billion.
No loss has been accrued for Con Edison of New York's NUG contracts under SFAS
No. 5,
B-20
50
"Accounting for Contingencies," because it is not probable that the charges by
NUGs under the contracts will exceed the cash flows from the sale by Con Edison
of New York of the electricity provided by the NUGs, together with the cash
flows provided pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement. See Note H.
Con Edison of New York recently entered into an agreement to sell its nuclear
generating assets, which include Indian Point 2, the retired Indian Point l and
certain related assets. The anticipated sales proceeds are expected to be less
than the net carrying amount of the nuclear generating assets at the time of
closing. No impairment of the assets has been recognized under SFAS No. 121,
because recovery is probable under the Restructuring Agreement. The company
expects to establish a regulatory asset at the time the sale is completed. See
Note G.
Rate and Restructuring Agreements In September 1997 the PSC approved a
restructuring agreement between Con Edison of New York, the PSC staff and
certain other parties (the Restructuring Agreement). The Restructuring Agreement
provided for a transition to a competitive electric market through the
development of a "retail access" plan, a rate plan for the period ending March
31, 2002, a reasonable opportunity for recovery of "strandable costs" and the
divestiture of electric generation capacity by Con Edison of New York.
At December 31, 2000, approximately 91,000 Con Edison of New York customers
representing approximately 20 percent of aggregate customer load were purchasing
electricity from other suppliers under the electric Retail Choice program (which
is available to all of Con Edison of New York's electric customers). Con Edison
of New York delivers electricity to customers in this program through its
regulated transmission and distribution systems. In general, the company's
delivery rates for Retail Choice customers are equal to the rates applicable to
other comparable Con Edison of New York customers, less an amount representing
the cost of the energy and capacity it avoids by not supplying these customers.
Pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, Con Edison of New York reduced electric
rates, on an annual basis, by $129 million in 1998, $80 million in April 1999
and $103 million in April 2000 and is required to further reduce rates in April
2001 by $209 million. The April 2001 decrease will be partially offset by
recognition in income of $36 million relating to rates for distributing
electricity to customers of the New York Power Authority and $50 million of
deferred generation divestiture gain. See Note 1.
Pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, as amended by a July 1998 PSC order,
Con Edison of New York has sold approximately 6,800 MW of the approximately
8,300 MW of generating capacity that it owned (including 480 MW sold in January
2001). See Note 1. In addition, Con Edison has agreed to sell its Indian Point 2
nuclear generating unit. See Note G.
In 1997 the PSC approved a four-year O&R restructuring plan, pursuant to which
O&R sold all of its generating assets, made retail access available to all of
its electric customers effective May 1,1999 and reduced its electric rates by
approximately $32.4 million through rate reductions implemented in December 1997
and 1998. In 1998 and 1999 similar plans for O&R's utility subsidiaries in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey were approved by state regulators. The Pennsylvania
plan provides for retail access for all customers effective May 1999. The New
Jersey plan provides for rate reductions of $6.8 million effective August 1999,
an additional reduction of $2.7 million effective January 2001 and a final
reduction of $6.3 million effective August 2002.
In accordance with the April 1999 PSC order approving Con Edison's acquisition
of O&R, Con Edison of New York has reduced its annual electric and gas rates by
approximately $12 million and $2 million, respectively, and O&R has reduced its
electric rates by $6.1 million and its gas rates by approximately $1.1 million.
In November 2000 the PSC approved an agreement (the Agreement) that revises and
extends the rate plan provisions of the Restructuring Agreement. Pursuant to the
Agreement, Con Edison of New York reduced the distribution component of its
electric rates by $170 million on an annual basis, effective October 2000, and
will further reduce electric rates, effective April 1, 2001, in accordance with
the Restructuring Agreement (as discussed above).
In general, under the Agreement, Con Edison of New York's base electric
transmission and distribution rates will not otherwise be changed
B-21
51
during the five-year period ending March 2005 except (i) with respect to certain
changes in costs above anticipated annual levels resulting from legal or
regulatory requirements, inflation in excess of a 4 percent annual rate,
property tax changes and environmental cost increases or (ii) if the PSC
determines that circumstances have occurred that either threaten the company's
economic viability or ability to provide, or render the company's rate of return
unreasonable for the provision of, safe and adequate service.
Under the Agreement as approved by the PSC, 35 percent (50 percent if certain
energy price volatility mitigation objectives are achieved) of any earnings in
each of the rate years ending March 2002 through 2005 in excess of a specified
rate of return on electric common equity (12.9 percent for the rate year ending
March 2002 and 11.75 percent thereafter; or 12 percent if certain customer
service and reliability objectives are achieved) will be retained for
shareholders and the balance will be applied for customer benefit through rate
reductions or as otherwise determined by the PSC. There is no sharing of
earnings for the rate year ending March 2001. Con Edison of New York could be
required to pay up to $40 million annually in penalties if certain threshold
service and reliability objectives are not achieved.
Con Edison of New York's potential electric strandable costs are those prior
utility investments and commitments that may not be recoverable in a competitive
electric supply market. Con Edison of New York is recovering these costs in the
rates it charges all of its electric customers. The Agreement continues the
stranded cost recovery provisions of the Restructuring Agreement, stating that
Con Edison of New York "will be given a reasonable opportunity to recover
stranded and strandable costs remaining at March 31, 2005, including a
reasonable return on investments, under the parameters and during the time
periods set forth therein."
The Agreement also continues the rate provisions pursuant to which Con Edison of
New York recovers prudently incurred purchased power and fuel costs from
customers. See "Recoverable Energy Costs" in this Note A.
In November 2000 the PSC approved an agreement among Con Edison of New York, the
PSC staff and certain other parties that revised and extended the 1996 gas rate
settlement agreement through September 2001. The 1996 agreement, with limited
exceptions, continued base rates at September 1996 levels through September
2000.
Under the new agreement, the level above which the company will share with
customers 50 percent of earnings is increased from a 13 percent to a 14 percent
rate of return on gas common equity. In addition, customer bills are to be
reduced by $20 million during the January through March 2001 period;
approximately $22.6 million that normally would be credited to customers over
various annual periods is to be credited during the four-month period ending
March 2001; and $19 million of charges to customers resulting from the
reconciliation of actual gas costs to amounts included in rates that were
scheduled to be billed to customers beginning December 2000 instead are to be
billed to customers beginning April 2001.
Under the new agreement, Con Edison of New York will also reduce firm
transportation customer bills by a retail choice credit and will implement other
programs designed to increase customer and marketer participation in the
company's gas Retail Choice program, the net costs of which are to be recovered
by reducing credits otherwise due customers or deferred for future recovery from
customers.
In November 2000 the PSC also approved a gas rate settlement agreement among
O&R, the PSC staff, and certain other parties covering the three-year period
November 2000 through October 2003. With limited exceptions, the agreement
provides for no changes to base rates. O&R will be permitted to retain $18.1
million of deferred credits that otherwise would have been credited to
customers. The term of the agreement could be reduced to 18 months depending on
the outcome of the PSC's ongoing proceeding to examine programs and rate design
changes to facilitate customer choice of gas suppliers.
In November 2000 the PSC approved an agreement between Con Edison of New York,
the PSC staff and certain other parties with respect to the steam rate plan
filed by the company in November 1999.
The agreement provides for a $16.6 million steam rate increase which took effect
October 2000 and, with limited exceptions, no further changes in steam rates
prior to October 2004. Con Edison of New York is required to share
B-22
52
with customers 50 percent of any earnings for any rate year covered by the
agreement in excess of a specified rate of return on steam common equity (11.0
percent for the first rate year, the 12-month period ending September 2001; 10.5
percent thereafter if the repowering of the company's East River steam-electric
generating plant is not completed). A rate moderation mechanism will permit the
company to defer a portion of the revenues collected in the first two rate years
attributable to the rate increase and recognize such deferrals in income during
the last two rate years.
Under the agreement, upon completion of the East River repowering project, the
net benefits of the project (including the net after-tax gain from the sale of a
nine-acre development site in mid-town Manhattan along the East River) allocable
to steam operations will be used to offset any deficiency in the accumulated
reserve for depreciation of steam plant or otherwise inure to the benefit of
steam customers.
The agreement continues the rate provisions pursuant to which the company
recovers prudently incurred purchased steam and fuel costs and requires the
company to develop a strategy for hedging price variations for a portion of the
steam produced each year.
Utility Plant and Depreciation Utility plant is stated at original cost. The
capitalized cost of additions to utility plant includes indirect costs such as
engineering, supervision, payroll taxes, pensions, other benefits and an
allowance for funds used during construction (AFDC). The original cost of
property, together with removal cost, less salvage, is charged to accumulated
depreciation as property is retired. The cost of repairs and maintenance is
charged to expense, and the cost of betterments is capitalized.
Rates used for AFDC include the cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable rate on
Con Edison of New York's own funds when so used, determined in accordance with
PSC and FERC regulations. The AFDC rate was 7.2 percent in 2000 and 9.1 percent
in 1999 and 1998. The rate was compounded semiannually, and the amounts
applicable to borrowed funds were treated as a reduction of interest charges.
Con Edison's utility subsidiaries generally compute annual charges for
depreciation using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes,
with rates based on average lives and net salvage factors. Con Edison's
regulated utility depreciation rates averaged approximately 3.6 percent in 2000,
and 3.4 percent in 1999 and 1998.
Con Edison Development currently depreciates its generating assets over the
estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The composite
depreciation rate for its generating assets averages approximately 4.1 percent.
Nuclear Generation For information about the accounting policies followed for
Con Edison of New York's nuclear generation, see Note G.
Revenues Con Edison's utility subsidiaries recognize revenues for electric, gas
and steam service on a monthly billing cycle basis. O&R accrues revenues at the
end of each month for estimated energy usage not yet billed to customers, while
Con Edison of New York does not accrue such revenues. Con Edison of New York
defers for refund to firm gas sales and transportation customers over a 12-month
period all net interruptible gas revenues not authorized by the PSC to be
retained by the company.
Recoverable Energy Costs Con Edison's utility subsidiaries generally recover all
of their prudently incurred fuel, purchased power and gas costs in accordance
with rate provisions approved by their state public utility commissions (which
provisions, for Con Edison of New York, also include a $35 million annual
incentive or penalty relating to electricity costs). If the actual energy costs
for a given month are more or less than amounts billed to customers for that
month, the difference is recoverable from or refundable to customers.
Differences between actual and billed energy costs are generally deferred for
charge or refund to customers during the next billing cycle (normally within one
or two months). For Con Edison's New Jersey utility subsidiary, Rockland
Electric Company, differences between actual and billed electricity costs (which
amounted to actual in excess of billed costs of $31.6 million at December 31,
2000) are deferred for charge or refund to customers in the manner and at such
time as is to be determined by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Temporary Cash Investments Temporary cash investments are short-term, highly
liquid investments that generally have maturities of three months or less. They
are stated at cost which approximates market. Con Edison
B-23
53
considers temporary cash investments to be cash equivalents.
Investments For 2000 and 1999, investments consisted primarily of the external
nuclear decommissioning trust fund and investments of Con Edison's unregulated
subsidiaries. The nuclear decommissioning trust fund is stated at market, net of
income taxes. Earnings on the nuclear decommissioning trust fund are not
recognized in income but are included in the accumulated depreciation reserve.
See "Decommissioning" in Note G. Investments of Con Edison's unregulated
subsidiaries are recorded either at cost or using the equity method.
Guarantees of Subsidiary Obligations Con Edison has guaranteed certain
obligations of its subsidiaries. These guarantees, which total $683 million at
December 31, 2000, relate primarily to obligations of up to $263 million under
power purchase and sales agreements entered into by Con Edison Solutions and Con
Edison Energy and certain obligations of Con Edison Development. See Note J. Con
Edison does not expect to incur losses as a result of these guarantees.
New Financial Accounting Standards As of January 2001, Con Edison adopted SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as
amended by SFAS No. 137, "Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No.
133," and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and
Certain Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." The
application of SFAS No. 133 and No. 138 is not expected to have a material
effect on the financial position or results of operations of Con Edison or
materially change its current disclosure practices. See Note O.
In September 2000 the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities - a Replacement
of FASB Statement No. 125." SFAS No. 140 revises the accounting for
securitizations, other financial asset transfers and collateral and introduces
new disclosures. The application of SFAS No. 140 is not expected to have a
material impact on Con Edison's consolidated financial statements.
Federal Income Tax In accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," Con Edison's utility subsidiaries have recorded an accumulated deferred
federal income tax liability for substantially all temporary differences between
the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities at current tax rates. In
accordance with rate agreements, the utility subsidiaries have recovered amounts
from customers for a portion of the tax expense they will pay in the future as a
result of the reversal or "turn-around" of these temporary differences. As to
the remaining temporary differences, in accordance with SFAS No. 71, the utility
subsidiaries have established regulatory assets for the net revenue requirements
to be recovered from customers for the related future tax expense. See Note L.
In 1993 the PSC issued an Interim Policy Statement proposing accounting
procedures consistent with SFAS No. 109 and providing assurances that these
future increases in taxes will be recoverable in rates. The final policy
statement is not expected to differ materially from the Interim Policy
Statement.
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits are amortized ratably over the lives
of the related properties and applied as a reduction in future federal income
tax expense.
Con Edison and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Income taxes are allocated to each company based on its taxable income.
State Income Tax The New York State tax laws applicable to utility companies
were changed, effective January 1, 2000. Certain revenue-based taxes were
repealed or reduced and replaced by a net income-based tax. In addition, a
compensating use tax was imposed on gas and electricity purchased outside New
York State for use within the state. In December 2000 the PSC issued its
requirements relating to the tax law changes. The amounts applicable to the
provisions of the previous tax laws will continue to be collected through base
rates and tariff surcharges, until the PSC directs otherwise, with the
differences between those collections and the tax expense under the new law to
be deferred, pending future disposition by the PSC.
Research and Development Costs Research and development costs relating to
specific construction projects are capitalized. All other such costs are charged
to operating expenses as incurred. Research and development costs in 2000, 1999
and 1998 amounting to $14.1 million, $12.4 million and $20.3 million,
B-24
54
respectively, were charged to operating expenses. No research and development
costs were capitalized in these years.
Reclassification Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
with the current year presentation.
Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per share has been computed in
accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." Under SFAS No. 128, basic
earnings per common share is computed based on income applicable to common stock
divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Dilutive earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could
occur if securities or other agreements to issue common stock, such as stock
options, were exercised or converted into common stock. At December 31, 2000,
1999, and 1998, the weighted average number of shares used to calculate the
diluted earnings per common share included dilutive common stock equivalents of
212,417,885, 223,890,546, and 234,907,897 shares, respectively. The numerator
for the calculation of basic and dilutive earnings per share is net income for
common stock.
Goodwill Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of
assets of businesses acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40
years. Goodwill expense was $10.9 million and $5.5 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999 respectively.
In September 2000 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an
exposure draft of a proposed statement on accounting for Business Combinations
and Intangible Assets. The Exposure Draft provides that all business
combinations be accounted for using the purchase method, and that goodwill,
including amounts previously recorded under the purchase method, instead of
being amortized, be reviewed for impairment when an event or series of events
occurs indicating that the fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying
amount.
Estimates The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect judgments
and estimates made in the application of the above accounting policies.
NOTE B CAPITALIZATION
Capitalization of Con Edison Con Edison's outstanding capitalization, on a
consolidated basis, consists of its common shareholders' equity and the
outstanding preferred stock and long-term debt of its subsidiaries. Con Edison's
authorized capitalization also includes six million authorized, but unissued,
Preferred Shares, $1.00 par value.
Preferred Stock Not Subject To Mandatory Redemption Con Edison of New York has
the option to redeem its $5 cumulative preferred stock at $105 and its
cumulative preferred stock, Series C and Series D, at a price of $101 per share
(in each case, plus accrued and unpaid dividends).
Preferred Stock Subject To Mandatory Redemption Con Edison of New York is
required to redeem its cumulative preferred stock, Series J shares on August 1,
2002. The redemption price is $100 per share (plus accrued and unpaid
dividends). Series J shares may not be called for redemption while dividends are
in arrears on outstanding shares of $5 cumulative preferred stock or other
cumulative preferred stock.
Common Stock During the period 1998-2000, Con Edison repurchased $1 billion of
its shares as follows:
(Millions) Shares Cost
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 2.6 $120.8
1999 18.7 819.7
2000 1.9 60.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends Dividends on Con Edison's common shares depend primarily on the
dividends and other distributions that Con Edison of New York and Con Edison's
other subsidiaries pay to Con Edison, and the capital requirements of Con Edison
and its subsidiaries. Under Con Edison of New York's Restructuring Agreement,
the dividends that it may pay are limited to not more than 100 percent of its
income available for dividends, calculated on a two-year rolling average basis.
Excluded from the calculation of "income available for dividends" are non-cash
charges to income resulting from accounting changes or charges to income
resulting from significant unanticipated events. The restriction also does not
apply to dividends paid in order to transfer to Con Edison proceeds from major
transactions, such as asset sales, or to dividends reducing Con Edison of
B-25
55
New York's equity ratio to a level appropriate to its business risk.
Payment of Con Edison of New York's common stock dividends to Con Edison is
subject to certain additional restrictions. No dividends may be paid, or funds
set apart for payment, on Con Edison of New York's common stock until all
dividends accrued on the $5 cumulative preferred stock and other cumulative
preferred stock have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, and
unless Con Edison of New York is not in arrears on its mandatory redemption
obligation for the Series J cumulative preferred stock. No dividends may be paid
on any of Con Edison of New York's capital stock during any period in which Con
Edison of New York has deferred payment of interest on its subordinated
deferrable interest debentures.
Long-Term Debt Long-term debt maturing in the period 2001-2005 is as follows:
(Millions of Dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 $310
2002 300
2003 185
2004 150
2005 450
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt of Con Edison's utility subsidiaries is stated at cost which, as
of December 31, 2000, approximates fair value (estimated based on current rates
for debt of the same remaining maturities).
NOTE C SHORT TERM BORROWING
At December 31, 2000, Con Edison and its utility subsidiaries had commercial
paper programs, under which short-term borrowings are made at prevailing market
rates, totaling $950 million. These programs are supported by revolving credit
agreements with banks. At December 31, 2000, $49.5 million, at a weighted
average interest rate of 6.71 percent, was outstanding under Con Edison's $350
million program; $140.0 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 6.66
percent per annum, was outstanding under Con Edison of New York's $500 million
program; and $40.8 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 6.67 percent,
was outstanding under O&R's $100 million program. Con Edison of New York changes
the amount of its program from time to time, subject to an $800 million
FERC-authorized limit.
Bank commitments under the revolving credit agreements may terminate upon a
change of control of Con Edison, and borrowings under the agreements are subject
to certain conditions, including that the ratio (calculated in accordance with
the agreements) of debt to total capital of the borrower not at any time exceed
0.65 to 1. At December 31, 2000, this ratio was 0.51 to 1 for Con Edison, 0.53
to 1 for Con Edison of New York and 0.53 to 1 for O&R.
NOTE D PENSION BENEFITS
Con Edison of New York and O&R have noncontributory pension plans that cover
substantially all of their employees and certain employees of other Con Edison
subsidiaries. The plans are designed to comply with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Investment gains and losses are recognized over five years (three years for
O&R's plan) and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are amortized over 10
years.
Con Edison of New York offered a special retirement program in 1999 providing
enhanced pension benefits for those employees who met specified eligibility
requirements and retired within specific time limits. These incentives fall
within the category of special termination benefits and curtailments as
described in SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and
Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits." The
increase in pension obligations as a result of these programs amounted to $49.7
million. For Con Edison of New York, the Agreement provided that $15 million of
this amount would be expensed in 2000 and the remaining $30 million would be
recorded as a regulatory asset and amortized over a 15-year period beginning in
October 2000. For O&R, pension costs for 1999 reflect the impact of the sale of
its generating assets. Due to the relatively high number of employees for whom
benefits ceased to be accrued as a result of this event, a curtailment charge of
$4.7 million was recognized. A portion of this curtailment charge was recorded
as a regulatory asset in accordance with SFAS No. 71 and a portion was expensed.
B-26
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The acquisition of O&R by Con Edison in July 1999 triggered purchase accounting
requirements that are reflected in the net periodic pension cost. Under such
accounting O&R's accrued pension liability was adjusted to recognize all
previously unrecognized gains and losses arising from past experience different
from that assumed, all unrecognized prior service costs, and the remainder of
any unrecognized obligation or asset existing at the date of the initial
application of SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions." A portion of
these adjustments was recorded as a regulatory liability in accordance with SFAS
No. 71 and a portion was expensed.
O&R is currently allowed to recover in rates pension costs recognized under SFAS
No. 87. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 71, the company defers for
future recovery any difference between expenses recognized under SFAS No. 87 and
the current rate allowance authorized by each regulatory jurisdiction in which
it operates.
The components of Con Edison of New York and O&R's net periodic pension costs
for 2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost - including
administrative expenses $ 90.0 $ 110.9 $ 111.6
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation 408.7 378.4 366.0
Expected return on plan
assets (565.7) (505.6) (462.6)
Amortization of net
actuarial (gain) (186.1) (92.8) (78.0)
Amortization of prior
service cost 10.5 12.6 14.5
Amortization of transition
obligation 3.0 2.5 2.0
Recognition of curtailment
and termination benefits -- 11.9 --
Recognition of purchase
accounting -- (29.6) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic pension cost (239.6) (111.7) (46.5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amortization of regulatory
asset* 17.7 2.2 2.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total pension cost $ (221.9) $ (109.5) $ (44.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost capitalized (41.4) (47.5) (9.3)
Cost charged to operating
expenses (180.5) (62.0) (35.0)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Relates to $33.3 million increase in Con Edison of New York's pension
obligations from a 1993 special retirement program and a $45 million
increase from a 1999 special retirement program.
The funded status of the plans at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was as
follows:
2000 1999 1998
(Millions of Dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in benefit
obligation
Benefit obligation at
beginning of year $ 5,241.6 $ 5,673.9 $ 5,200.9
Service cost - excluding
administrative expenses 88.7 109.6 110.3
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation 408.7 378.4 366.0
Plan amendments 37.7 0.8 2.1
Actuarial (gain) loss 128.5 (705.4) 211.0
Termination benefits and
curtailments -- 49.7 --
Benefits paid (274.8) (265.4) (216.4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at
end of year $ 5,630.4 $ 5,241.6 $ 5,673.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year $ 7,720.1 $ 6,945.7 $ 6,236.2
Actual return on plan
assets (84.7) 1,047.0 937.9
Employer contributions 4.7 13.0 2.3
Benefits paid (274.8) (265.4) (216.4)
Administrative expenses (17.8) (20.2) (14.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year $ 7,347.5 $ 7,720.1 $ 6,945.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status $ 1,717.1 $ 2,478.5 $ 1,271.8
Unrecognized net (gain) (1,496.8) (2,478.2) (1,396.8)
Unrecognized prior
service costs 99.8 72.5 118.0
Unrecognized net
transition liability at
January 1,1987* 2.4 5.3 5.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Prepaid (accrued)
benefit cost $ 322.5 $ 78.1 $ (1.7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Being amortized over approximately 15 years.
The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid benefit cost $ 350.6 $ 113.0 $ 32.6
Accrued benefit liability (37.1) (34.9) (34.3)
Intangible asset 7.1 -- --
Accumulated other
comprehensive income 1.9 -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Amount Recognized $ 322.5 $ 78.1 $ (1.7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2000 Con Edison adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which
requires reporting of comprehensive income in any complete presentation of
general-purpose financial statements. For Con Edison, comprehensive income
consists of additional minimum pension liability adjustments for the Con Edison
of New York and O&R plans and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
marketable securities associated with the O&R supplemental retirement plan.
B-27
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The actuarial assumptions for the plans of Con Edison of New York at December
31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate 7.75% 8.00% 6.75%
Expected return on plan
assets 8.50% 8.50% 8.50%
Rate of compensation
increase 4.55% 4.80% 4.80%
The actuarial assumptions for the plan of O&R at December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998 were as follows:
2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate 7.75% 8.00% 6.75%
Expected return on plan
assets 8.50% 8.50% 8.00%
Rate of compensation
increase
Hourly 4.40% 3.00% 3.00%
Management 4.40% 1.00% 1.00%
NOTE E POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (OPEB)
Con Edison of New York and O&R have contributory comprehensive hospital, medical
and prescription drug programs for all retirees, their dependents and surviving
spouses.
Con Edison of New York also has a contributory life insurance program for
bargaining unit employees and provides basic life insurance benefits up to a
specified maximum at no cost to retired management employees. O&R has a
noncontributory life insurance program for retirees.
Certain employees of other Con Edison subsidiaries are eligible to receive
benefits under these programs. The company has reserved the right to amend or
terminate these programs.
Investment gains and losses are recognized over five years for Con Edison of New
York's plan and are recognized immediately for O&R's plan. For both plans
unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are amortized over 10 years.
During 1999, O&R sold its electric generating assets. Because of the relatively
high number of O&R employees for whom benefits in the plan ceased to be accrued
as a result of this event, a curtailment charge was recorded in accordance with
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other than
Pensions."
The acquisition of O&R by Con Edison in July 1999 triggered purchase accounting
requirements that are reflected in the net periodic benefit cost. Under such
accounting O&R's accrued postretirement liability was adjusted to recognize all
previously unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, all unrecognized prior
service costs, and the remainder of any unrecognized obligation or asset
existing at the date of the initial application of SFAS No. 106. The total of
these adjustments along with the curtailment charge discussed above were
recorded as a regulatory asset in accordance with SFAS No. 71.
O&R is currently allowed to recover in rates OPEB costs recognized under SFAS
No. 106. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 71, the company defers
for future recovery any difference between expenses recognized under SFAS No.
106 and the current rate allowance authorized by each regulatory jurisdiction in
which it operates.
The components of Con Edison of New York and O&R's postretirement benefit
(health and life insurance) costs for 2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost $ 10.7 $ 15.4 $ 16.4
Interest cost on
accumulated
postretirement benefit
obligation 78.8 77.8 76.1
Expected return on plan
assets (62.3) (43.7) (39.9)
Amortization of net
actuarial loss 1.2 27.2 20.9
Amortization of prior
service cost 1.4 1.4 0.1
Amortization of transition
obligation 17.4 18.6 23.9
Recognition of curtailment
and termination benefits -- (5.1) --
Recognition of purchase
accounting valuation -- 39.2 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic
postretirement benefit
cost $ 47.2 $ 130.8 $ 97.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost capitalized/ deferred 10.3 53.0 13.5
Cost charged to operating
expenses 36.9 77.8 84.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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58
The funded status of the programs at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was as
follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN BENEFIT
OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at
beginning of year $ 1,012.5 $ 1,177.5 $ 1,044.7
Service cost 10.7 15.4 16.4
Interest cost on
accumulated
postretirement benefit
obligation 78.8 77.8 76.1
Plan amendments (0.4) -- (44.7)
Actuarial (gain) loss 127.6 (205.5) 131.9
Benefits paid and
administrative expenses (71.4) (63.5) (57.0)
Participant contributions 12.0 10.8 10.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at
end of year $ 1,169.8 $ 1,012.5 $ 1,177.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year $ 872.3 $ 697.0 $ 596.3
Actual return on plan
assets 4.4 104.0 121.4
Employer contributions 23.5 121.0 26.2
Participant contributions 11.8 10.7 10.1
Reimbursements for
benefits owed to
company (0.8) -- --
Benefits paid and
administrative expenses (67.9) (60.4) (57.0)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year $ 843.3 $ 872.3 $ 697.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status $ (326.5) $ (140.2) $ (480.5)
Unrecognized net
(gain) loss (31.3) (215.6) 78.0
Unrecognized prior
service costs 9.4 11.2 12.7
Unrecognized transition
obligation at January 1, 1993* 208.8 226.2 278.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued postretirement
benefit cost $ (139.6) $ (118.4) $ (111.6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Being amortized over a period of 20 years.
The actuarial assumptions at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
2000 1999 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCOUNT RATE
Con Edison of New York 7.75% 8.00% 6.75%
O&R 7.75% 8.00% 6.75%
EXPECTED RETURN ON PLAN
ASSETS
TAX-EXEMPT ASSETS
Con Edison of New York 8.50% 8.50% 8.50%
O&R 8.50% 8.50% 6.25%
TAXABLE ASSETS
Con Edison of New York 7.50% 7.50% 7.50%
O&R 8.00% 7.50% 6.25%
The health care cost trend rate assumed for 2001 was 8.0 percent. The rate was
assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 percent for 2006 and remain at that level
thereafter.
A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would
have the following effects:
1- Percentage- 1- Percentage-
(Millions of Dollars) Point Increase Point Decrease
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect on accumulated
postretirement benefit
obligation $ 142.9 $ 125.0
Effect on service cost and
interest cost components $ 12.6 $ 10.7
NOTE F ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Hazardous substances, such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
coal tar, have been used or generated in the course of operations of Con
Edison's utility subsidiaries and may be present in their facilities and
equipment.
The Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980 (Superfund) and similar state statutes impose joint and several strict
liability, regardless of fault, upon generators of hazardous substances for
resulting removal and remedial costs and environmental damages. Liabilities
under these laws can be material and in some instances may be imposed without
regard to fault, or may be imposed for past acts, even though such past acts may
have been lawful at the time they occurred.
At December 31, 2000, Con Edison had accrued $117.9 million as its best estimate
of the utility subsidiaries' liability for sites as to which they have received
process or notice alleging that hazardous substances generated by them (and, in
most instances, other potentially responsible parties) were deposited. There
will be additional liability at these sites and other sites, the amount of which
is not presently determinable but may be material to Con Edison's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
Con Edison's utility subsidiaries are permitted under current rate agreements to
defer for subsequent recovery through rates certain site investigation and
remediation costs with respect to hazardous waste. At December 31, 2000, $49
million of such costs had been deferred as regulatory assets.
Suits have been brought in New York State and federal courts against Con
Edison's utility subsidiaries and many other defendants, wherein a large number
of plaintiffs sought large amounts of compensatory and punitive damages for
deaths and injuries allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos at various premises
of the utility subsidiaries. Many of these suits have been
B-29
59
disposed of without any payment by the utility subsidiaries, or for immaterial
amounts. The amounts specified in all the remaining suits total billions of
dollars but Con Edison believes that these amounts are greatly exaggerated, as
were the claims already disposed of. Based on the information and relevant
circumstances known to Con Edison at this time, it does not believe that these
suits will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
NOTE G NUCLEAR GENERATION
Con Edison of New York owns the Indian Point 2 nuclear generating unit, which
has a capacity of approximately 1,000 MW, and the retired Indian Point 1 nuclear
generating unit.
The book value of Indian Point 2, net of accumulated depreciation, was $504
million and $382 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Pending Sale In November 2000 Con Edison of New York entered into an agreement
with Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2 LLC (Entergy) for the sale of Indian Point
2, the retired Indian Point 1 and certain related assets (including fuel) for
approximately $602 million, subject to certain adjustments. The estimated net
after-tax loss on the sale of $170 million will be deferred as a regulatory
asset at the time the sale is completed. No impairment of the assets has been
recognized under SFAS No. 121 because recovery is probable under the Agreement
(see "Rate and Restructuring Agreements" in Note A).
Under the agreement, Con Edison of New York will transfer $430 million of
decommissioning trust funds at closing and Entergy will assume full
responsibility for the decommissioning of Indian Point 1 and 2. In addition, Con
Edison of New York has entered into a power purchase agreement with Entergy
through the end of 2004 for the output of the Indian Point 2 unit at an annual
average price of 3.9 cents per kilowatthour. The sale is subject to PSC and
other regulatory approvals and other conditions.
Rate Recovery Con Edison of New York is recovering its investment in Indian
Point 2 and funds to decommission Indian Point 1 and 2 in the rates it charges
all its electric customers. Under the Agreement, following March 31, 2005, the
company will be given a reasonable opportunity to recover its remaining
investment in Indian Point 2, including funds needed to decommission Indian
Point 1 and 2, through a non-bypassable charge to customers over a period that
will extend no longer than the end of Indian Point 2's operating license in
2013. Reconciliation of estimated and actual decommissioning costs may be
reflected in rates after 2013.
Outage Proceedings In February 2000 Con Edison of New York shut down Indian
Point 2 following a leak in one of its four steam generators. The plant returned
to service in January 2001. During the outage, the steam generators were
replaced and refueling and maintenance work was performed.
The staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has advised Con Edison of
New York that it will monitor Indian Point 2 with heightened oversight.
The PSC is investigating the Indian Point 2 outage and its causes and the
prudence of Con Edison of New York's actions regarding the operation and
maintenance of Indian Point 2. The PSC has indicated that the examination should
include, among other things, Con Edison of New York's inspection practices, the
circumstances surrounding Indian Point 2's October 1997 to September 1998
outage, the basis for postponement of the steam generator replacement and
whether, and to what extent, increased replacement power costs and repair and
replacement costs should be borne by Con Edison's shareholders.
In August 2000 the New York State legislature enacted the "Indian Point 2 Law,"
which directed the PSC to prohibit the company from recovering Indian Point 2
replacement power costs from customers. In October 2000 the United States
District Court for the Northern District of New York, in an action entitled
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. v. Pataki, et al., determined that
the Indian Point 2 Law was unconstitutional and granted the company's motion for
a permanent injunction to prevent its implementation. Appeals of the court's
decision have been filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit.
Con Edison of New York has billed to customers the Indian Point 2 replacement
power costs
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incurred prior to August 2000 and after October 2000, but not approximately $90
million of replacement power costs incurred in August through October 2000.
Con Edison believes that its operation, maintenance and inspection practices
related to Indian Point 2 have been prudent. At December 31, 2000, the company
accrued a $40 million liability for the possible disallowance of Indian Point 2
replacement costs that it recovered from customers. The company is unable to
predict whether or not any Indian Point 2-related proceedings, lawsuits,
legislation or other actions will have a material adverse effect on its
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Outage Accounting Scheduled refueling and maintenance outages are generally
required after a cycle of approximately 22 months. Con Edison of New York's
electric rates reflect a charge for the cost of scheduled refueling and
maintenance outages. Under the company's current and previous electric rate
agreements, these charges have been deferred for recognition in income during
the period in which expenses are incurred for the outage. The costs of
unscheduled outages are expensed as incurred and are not reflected in rates.
Decommissioning Since 1975, Con Edison of New York has been collecting costs
of decommissioning from customers and accruing such amounts within its internal
accumulated depreciation reserve. Amounts collected to fund decommissioning of
the nuclear portions of the units have been deposited in external trust funds
and earnings on such funds have been accrued as additional accumulated
depreciation. The trust funds amounted to $329.0 million and $305.7 million,
respectively, at December 31, 2000 and 1999. See "Investments" in Note A.
Accumulated decommissioning provisions at December 31, 2000 and 1999 were as
follows:
Amounts Included in
Accumulated Depreciation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuclear $ 329.0 $ 305.7
Non-nuclear 55.1 55.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 384.1 $ 361.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Con Edison of New York's electric rates reflect annual expense allowances of
$21.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively, to fund the estimated costs of
decommissioning the nuclear and non-nuclear portions of the Indian Point 1 and 2
units. These amounts were established pursuant to a 1995 electric rate agreement
based upon a 1994 site-specific study. The study estimated the decommissioning
costs to be approximately $657 million in 1993 dollars (assuming 2016 as the
midpoint for decommissioning expenditures), including $252 million for extended
storage of spent nuclear fuel. The minimum decommissioning fund estimate
calculated in accordance with NRC regulations was between $572 million and $981
million as of December 31, 2000.
Nuclear Fuel Nuclear fuel assemblies and components are amortized to operating
expense based on the quantity of heat produced in the generation of electricity.
Nuclear fuel costs are recovered in revenues through base rates or through the
fuel adjustment clause.
Nuclear fuel costs include provisions for payments to the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) for future off-site storage of the spent fuel and for a portion of
the costs to decontaminate and decommission the DOE facilities used to enrich
uranium purchased by Con Edison of New York. Such payments amounted to $3.9
million in 2000.
The DOE has defaulted on its obligation to Con Edison of New York and all other
utilities that have nuclear reactors to begin to take title to the spent nuclear
fuel generated at Indian Point 2. The company and a number of other utilities
are pursuing their legal remedies against the DOE. The company estimates that it
has adequate on-site capacity for interim storage of its spent fuel until 2005
after which, absent regulatory or technological developments, additional on-site
or other spent fuel storage facilities would be required. The operation of
Indian Point 2 could be curtailed if appropriate arrangements for the storage of
its spent fuel were not made.
Nuclear Insurance The insurance policies covering Con Edison of New York's
nuclear facilities for property damage, excess property damage, and outage costs
permit assessments under certain conditions to cover insurers' losses. As of
December 31, 2000, the highest amount that could be assessed for losses during
the current policy year under all of the policies was $14.7 million. While
assessments may also be made for losses in certain prior years, the
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company is not aware of any losses in such years that it believes are likely to
result in an assessment. Under certain circumstances, in the event of nuclear
incidents at facilities covered by the federal government's third-party
liability indemnification program, the company could be assessed up to $88.1
million per incident, of which not more than $10 million may be assessed in any
one year.
NOTE H NON-UTILITY GENERATORS (NUGS)
Con Edison of New York has contracts with NUGs for approximately 2,100 MW of
electric generating capacity. Assuming performance by the NUGs, the company is
obligated over the terms of the contracts (which extend for various periods, up
to 2036) to make capacity and other fixed payments.
For the years 2001-2005, the capacity and other fixed payments under the
contracts are estimated to be $466 million, $476 million, $487 million, $498
million and $508 million. Such payments gradually increase to approximately $600
million in 2013, and thereafter decline significantly. For energy delivered
under these contracts, the company is obligated to pay variable prices that are
estimated to be lower than expected market levels.
Under the terms of its electric rate agreements, Con Edison of New York is
recovering in rates the charges it incurs under contracts with NUGs. The
Agreement provides that, following March 31, 2005, the company will be given a
reasonable opportunity to recover, through a non-bypassable charge to customers,
the amount, if any, by which the actual costs of its purchases under the
contracts exceed market value.
The Restructuring Agreement provided for a potential NUG contract disallowance
of the lower of (i) 10 percent of the above-market costs or (ii) $300 million
(in 2002 dollars). The Restructuring Agreement provided that Con Edison of New
York could offset the potential disallowance by NUG contract mitigation and by
10 percent of the gross proceeds of any generating unit sales to third parties.
The company has offset the entire $300 million maximum possible disallowance
through NUG contract mitigation and generating plant divestiture proceeds.
NOTE I GENERATION DIVESTITURE
In 1999 Con Edison of New York completed the sales of almost 6,300 MW of its
approximately 8,300 MW of electric generating assets for an aggregate price of
$1.8 billion. The net book value of the assets sold was approximately $1
billion.
In 1999, pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, $50 million of the net
after-tax gain was applied as an increase to the accumulated depreciation
reserve for Indian Point 2 and $29 million of accumulated deferred taxes and
investment tax credits relating to the assets sold were recognized in income. In
2000, pursuant to the Agreement, the balance of the net after-tax gain
(including interest accrued thereon) was applied as follows: $188.2 million was
credited against electric distribution plant balances, $107.3 million was used
to offset a like amount of regulatory assets (including deferred power contract
termination costs), $50 million was deferred for recognition in income during
the 12 months ending March 31, 2002, and $12 million was deferred to be used for
low-income customer programs. Pursuant to the Agreement, $30 million of
voluntary employee retirement incentive expenses related to the generation
divestiture were deferred for amortization over 15 years and $15 million of such
expenses were charged to income in 2000.
The Agreement provides for recovery of an approximately $74 million regulatory
asset representing incremental electric capacity costs incurred prior to May
2000 to purchase capacity from the buyers of the generating assets the company
sold. The Agreement provides for the company to recover these deferred costs
from the shareholders' portion of any earnings above the Earnings Sharing Levels
and by March 2005 to charge to expense any remaining asset balance.
At December 31, 2000, Con Edison of New York owned approximately 2,000 MW of
electric generating assets, including its approximately 1,000 MW Indian Point 2
plant (the sale of which is pending, see Note G) and a 480 MW interest in the
jointly-owned Roseton generating station, the sale of which was completed in
January 2001. The net book value of the company's interest in Roseton was
approximately $55.5 million, and the net after-tax gain from the sale was $37.3
million.
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O&R completed the sale of all of its generating assets prior to the completion
of Con Edison's purchase of O&R in July 1999.
NOTE J LEASE GUARANTEE
A subsidiary of Con Edison Development has an operating lease covering a
gas-fired generation facility now under construction and underlying land located
in Newington, NH. The initial lease term is approximately eight years, beginning
at the date of construction completion, which is expected to be May 2002. There
is no rental expense under this arrangement for the period 1998-2000. At the end
of the lease term, the subsidiary has the option to renew the lease or purchase
the project for the then outstanding amounts expended by the lessor for the
project. If the subsidiary chooses not to renew the lease or acquire the
project, then Con Edison will guarantee a residual value of the project for an
amount not to exceed $239.7 million.
Payments and performance obligations are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
Con Edison. Future minimum rental payments required under the non-cancelable
operating lease as of December 31, 2000 are as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 $ --
2002 16,854
2003 33,704
2004 33,700
2005 33,696
2006 and thereafter 151,775
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $269,729
NOTE K ACQUISITION OF ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES (O&R)
In July 1999 Con Edison completed its acquisition of O&R for $791.5 million in
cash. Con Edison has accounted for the acquisition under the purchase method of
accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The
results of operations of O&R for 2000 and the six months ended December 31, 1999
have been included in the consolidated income statement of Con Edison for the
years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. Con Edison has recorded in its
consolidated financial statements all of the assets and liabilities of O&R. The
fair value of O&R's regulatory assets approximates book value. All other assets
and liabilities of 0&R were adjusted to their estimated fair values. The $437
million excess of the purchase price paid by Con Edison over the estimated fair
value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill
(O&R Goodwill) and is being amortized over 40 years. In accordance with
regulatory agreements, costs to achieve the merger have been deferred as
regulatory assets and are being amortized over a five-year period ending May
2004.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated Con Edison financial information shown
below has been prepared based upon the historical consolidated income statements
of Con Edison and O&R, giving effect to Con Edison's acquisition of O&R as if it
had occurred at the beginning of 1999. The historical information has been
adjusted to reflect the amortization of O&R Goodwill for the entire period and
the after-tax cost Con Edison would have incurred for financing the acquisition
of O&R by issuing debt at the beginning of the period at an assumed 8.0 percent
per annum interest rate. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative
of the results that Con Edison would have had if its acquisition of O&R had been
completed prior to July 1999, or the results that Con Edison will have in the
future.
(Thousands of Dollars) 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues $ 7,816,815
Operating income 984,613
Net income 645,549
Average shares
outstanding (000) 223,442
Earnings per share $ 2.89
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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NOTE L INCOME TAX Consolidated Edison, Inc.
The components of income taxes are as follows:
Year Ended December 31 (Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charged to operations:
State $ 28,941 $ -- $ --
Federal Current 103,670 836,783 322,259
Deferred - net 193,257 (428,859) 94,090
Amortization of investment tax credit (8,078) (8,208) (8,710)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total charged to operations 317,790 399,716 407,639
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charged to other income:
State (5,304) -- --
Federal Current (1,095) 1,430 (3,279)
Deferred - net (7,037) 851 1,050
Amortization of investment tax credit (331) (164) --
Amortization of taxes associated with divestiture assets 3,145 (29,008) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total charged to other income (10,622) (26,891) (2,229)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $307,168 $ 372,825 $405,410
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tax effect of temporary differences which gave rise to deferred tax assets
and liabilities is as follows:
As of December 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Depreciation $1,441.1 $1,367.1 $1,307.6
Excess deferred federal income tax on depreciation 156.2 165.3 186.7
Advance refunding of long-term debt 31.9 32.5 35.5
Other 209.8 140.1 86.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 1,839.0 1,705.0 1,616.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Unbilled revenues (81.7) (86.1) (87.2)
Federal income tax audit adjustments -- 1992-1994 (29.7) (30.5) --
Other (101.3) (105.9) (87.7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets (212.7) (222.5) (174.9)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory liability - future federal income taxes 676.5 785.0 951.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Liability $2,302.8 $2,267.5 $2,392.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconciliation of the difference between income tax expenses and the amount
computed by applying the prevailing statutory income tax rate to income before
income taxes is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(% of Pre-tax income)
Statutory tax rate
Federal 35% 35% 35%
Changes in computed taxes resulting from:
State income tax 2% -- --
Depreciation related differences 4% 5% 4%
Cost of removal (6)% (3)% (2)%
Amortization of taxes associated with divestiture assets -- (3)% --
Other (1)% -- (1)%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective Tax Rate 34% 34% 36%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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NOTE M STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Under Con Edison's Stock Option Plan (the Plan), options may be granted to
officers and key employees for up to 10 million shares of Con Edison's common
stock. Generally, options become exercisable three years after the grant date
and remain exercisable until 10 years from the grant date.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," Con
Edison has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB
25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in
accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise
price of Con Edison's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
Disclosure of pro-forma information regarding net income and earnings per share
is required by SFAS No. 123. The information presented below relates to the
income and earnings per share of Con Edison. This information has been
determined as if Con Edison had accounted for its employee stock options under
the fair value method of that statement. The fair values of 2000,1999 and 1998
options are $4.42, $7.90 and $6.23 per share, respectively. They were estimated
at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Risk-free interest rate 6.25% 5.24% 5.61%
Expected lives - in years 8 8 8
Expected stock volatility 20.51% 18.76% 12.68%
Dividend yield 6.60% 4.46% 4.98%
The following table reflects pro forma net income and earnings per share had the
company elected to adopt the fair value approach of SFAS No. 123 (income in
millions):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Net Income:
As reported $ 583 $ 701 $ 713
Pro forma 578 697 711
Diluted earnings per share:
As reported $ 2.74 $ 3.13 $ 3.04
Pro forma 2.72 3.11 3.03
These pro forma amounts may not be representative of future disclosures since
the estimated fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over the
vesting period, and additional options may be granted in future years. For 2000,
the number of total shares of common stock after giving effect to the dilutive
common stock equivalents and used in the reported diluted earnings per share
calculation is 212,417,885.
A summary of the status of Con Edison's Stock Option Plan as of December 31,
2000,1999 and 1998 and changes during those years is as follows:
Weighted
Average
Shares Price
------ --------
Outstanding at 12/31/97 1,517,200 $29.852
Granted 901,650 42.605
Exercised - -
Forfeited (22,900) 36.326
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at 12/31/98 2,395,950 34.589
Granted 1,293,950 47.880
Exercised (113,440) 27.875
Forfeited (20,250) 40.246
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at 12/31/99 3,556,210 39.607
Granted 1,349,500 32.499
Exercised (68,697) 29.732
Forfeited (48,100) 39.231
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at 12/31/00 4,788,913 37.749
The following summarizes the Plan's stock options outstanding at December 31,
2000:
Weighted
Average Shares
Plan Exercise Outstanding Remaining
Year Price At 12/31/00 Contractual Life
- ---- -------- ----------- ----------------
2000 $32.499 1,339,500 9 years
1999 47.879 1,274,700 8 years
1998 42.607 869,850 7 years
1997 31.500 766,913 6 years
1996 27.875 537,950 5 years
Pursuant to employment agreements, effective September 2000, Con Edison granted
certain officers of Con Edison and Con Edison of New York an aggregate of
350,000 restricted stock units. The units, each of which represents the right to
receive one share of Con Edison common stock and related dividends, vest over a
five-year period and upon the occurrence of certain events. Pursuant to SFAS No.
123, Con Edison is recognizing compensation expense and accruing a liability for
the units over the vesting period.
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NOTE N FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT (a)
CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC.
ELECTRIC STEAM
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
(Thousands of Dollars) 2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Operating revenues $ 6,938,128 $ 5,792,673 $ 5,674,446 $ 452,135 $ 340,026 $ 321,932
Intersegment revenues 53,514 150,488 53,464 2,023 1,667 1,655
Depreciation and amortization 477,085 433,203 439,869 18,173 17,996 17,361
Income tax expense 247,683 339,630 351,088 2,867 2,910 5,057
Operating income 801,113 858,681 905,976 25,097 19,450 19,416
Total assets 10,908,432 10,670,017 10,919,857 596,510 565,945 575,018
Construction expenditures 786,211 530,068 465,258 32,014 28,488 30,512
GAS UNREGULATED AND OTHER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Operating revenues $ 1,261,970 $ 1,000,083 $ 959,609 $ 779,158 $ 358,541 $ 137,061
Intersegment revenues 6,113 2,812 2,460 14,582 -- 290
Depreciation and amortization 66,780 66,262 60,596 24,369 8,721 688
Income tax expense 56,635 60,598 58,665 10,605 (3,422) (7,171)
Operating income 184,478 152,212 141,680 5,448 (10,544) (13,747)
Total assets 2,327,119 2,097,200 1,795,567 2,935,184 2,198,314 1,090,961
Construction expenditures 140,702 119,601 123,074 -- -- --
TOTAL
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues $ 9,431,391 $ 7,491,323 $ 7,093,048
Intersegment revenues 76,232 154,967 57,869
Depreciation and amortization 586,407 526,182 518,514
Income tax expense 317,790 399,716 407,639
Operating income 1,016,136 1,019,799 1,053,325
Total assets 16,767,245 15,531,476 14,381,403
Construction expenditures 958,927 678,157 618,844
(a) For a description of Con Edison, see "Con Edison" appearing before Note A.
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NOTE O DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Neither Con Edison nor any of its subsidiaries, other than Con Edison Energy,
enters into derivative transactions that do not qualify for deferred accounting
treatment. At December 31, 2000, deferred gains or losses were not material. Con
Edison Energy, as discussed below, is an "energy trading organization."
Energy Trading Con Edison's subsidiaries use derivative instruments to hedge
purchases or sales of electricity and gas against adverse market price
fluctuations.
Con Edison's utility subsidiaries, pursuant to SFAS No. 71, defer recognition in
income of hedging gains and losses until the electricity or gas is purchased or
sold. Pursuant to rate provisions that permit the recovery of the cost of
purchased power and gas, Con Edison's utility subsidiaries credit or charge to
their customers hedging gains or losses and related transaction costs. See "
Recoverable Energy Costs" in Note A. SFAS No. 133 will not change how Con
Edison's utility subsidiaries account for these hedging transactions. Where SFAS
No. 71 does not allow deferred recognition in income, Con Edison's utility
subsidiaries are expected to elect special hedge accounting pursuant to SFAS No.
133 to defer recognition of unrealized hedging gains and losses.
Con Edison Solutions defers recognition in income of hedging gains and losses
until the related electricity or gas is purchased or sold. Pursuant to SFAS No.
133, Con Edison Solutions will elect cash flow hedging for most such
transactions and defer any changes in fair value of the transactions in other
comprehensive income until the hedging transactions are terminated. Any hedge
ineffectiveness will be recognized as income in the period in which it occurs.
Con Edison Energy enters into over-the-counter and exchange traded contracts for
the purchase and sale of electricity or gas (which may provide for either
physical or financial settlement) and is considered an "energy trading
organization" required to account for such trading activities in accordance with
FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts
Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" (98-10). As a result
of the implementation of 98-10, Con Edison Energy recognized in income a pre-tax
gain of $1.6 million in 2000, reflecting mark to market gains relating to its
outstanding contracts at December 31, 2000. SFAS No. 133 will not change how Con
Edison Energy accounts for its trading activities.
Interest Rate Hedging In 2000 Con Edison purchased for $8.9 million options to
hedge interest rate risk with respect to its agreement to acquire Northeast
Utilities. The options expired unexercised. The cost of the options was
recognized in income in 2000. See Note P.
In connection with its $55 million promissory note issued to the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority for the net proceeds of the
Authority's variable rate Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (O&R
Projects), 1994 Series A (the 1994 Bonds), O&R has a swap agreement pursuant to
which it pays interest at a fixed rate of 6.09 percent and is paid interest at
the same variable rate as is paid on the 1994 Bonds. If the swap agreement had
been terminated on December 31, 2000, O&R would have been required to pay
approximately $13.9 million. In connection with $95 million of variable rate
loans undertaken relating to the Lakewood electric generating plant, Con Edison
Development has swap agreements pursuant to which it pays interest at a fixed
rate of 6.68 percent and is paid interest at a variable rate equal to the
three-month London Interbank Offered Rate. If these swap agreements had been
terminated on December 31, 2000, Con Edison Development would have been required
to pay approximately $2.6 million. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, the O&R and Con
Edison Development swap agreements will be accounted for as cash flow hedges and
changes in their fair value will be recorded in other comprehensive income. The
fair value of these swap agreements, which have no established market price, is
the amount that would be required to be paid upon early termination.
NOTE P NORTHEAST UTILITIES
On March 6, 2001, Con Edison commenced an action in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York, entitled Consolidated Edison, Inc.
v. Northeast Utilities, seeking a declaratory judgment that Northeast Utilities
has failed to meet certain conditions precedent to Con Edison's obligation to
complete its acquisition of Northeast Utilities pursuant to their agreement and
plan of merger, dated as of October 13, 1999, as amended and restated as of
January 11, 2000 (the merger agreement). The action also seeks the court's
declaration that under the merger agreement Con Edison has no further or
continuing obligations to Northeast Utilities, and
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that Northeast Utilities has no further or continuing rights as against Con
Edison.
On March 12, 2001, Northeast Utilities commenced an action in the same court
claiming that Con Edison materially breached the merger agreement by repudiating
its obligations under the merger agreement and refusing to proceed with the
transaction on the terms set forth in the merger agreement. The action also
claims that, as a result of Con Edison's breach of the merger agreement,
Northeast Utilities and its shareholders have suffered substantial damages,
including the difference between the consideration to be paid to Northeast
Utilities shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement and the current market
value of Northeast Utilities' common stock, expenditures in connection with
regulatory approvals and lost business opportunities. Pursuant to the merger
agreement, Con Edison agreed to acquire Northeast Utilities for $26.00 per share
(an estimated aggregate of not more than $3.9 billion) plus $0.0034 per share
for each day after August 5, 2000 through the day prior to the completion of the
transaction, payable 50 percent in cash and 50 percent in stock.
Con Edison believes that it is not obligated to acquire Northeast Utilities
because Northeast Utilities does not meet the merger agreement's conditions that
Northeast Utilities perform all of its obligations under the merger agreement,
including the obligation that it carry on its businesses in the ordinary course
consistent with past practice; that the representations and warranties made by
it in the merger agreement were true and correct when made and remain true and
correct; and that there be no material adverse change with respect to Northeast
Utilities. Con Edison believes that it has not materially breached the merger
agreement. Con Edison is unable to predict whether or not any Northeast
Utilities-related lawsuits or other actions will have a material adverse effect
on Con Edison's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
On March 19, 2001, Con Edison announced that $32.1 million of expenses relating
to the transaction, including $8.9 million paid for options to hedge interest
rate risk relating to the transaction (see Note O) had been recognized in income
for 2000. Recognition of these expenses was being deferred pending completion of
the transaction.
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CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF
COMMON STOCK OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
________________________________________________________________________________
The undersigned hereby appoints E. Virgil Conway, Peter W.
Likins and Joan S. Freilich and each or any of them with
PLEASE DATE AND power of substitution, proxies to vote all stock of the
SIGN ON REVERSE undersigned (including any shares held through the Company's
SIDE. TO VOTE IN Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Payment Plan) at
ACCORDANCE WITH the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 21, 2001 at 10:00
THE RECOMMEN- a.m. at the Company's Headquarters, 4 Irving Place, New
DATIONS OF THE York, N.Y. or at any adjournments thereof, as specified on
BOARD OF DIRECTORS the reverse side in the election of Directors and on the
NO BOXES NEED proposals, all as more fully set forth in the proxy
BE CHECKED. statement, and in their discretion on any matters that may
come before the meeting.
Your vote for the election of Directors may be indicated on
the reverse side. Nominees are: 01 - G. Campbell, Jr., 02 -
E.V. Conway, 03 - G.J. Davis, 04 - M.J. Del Giudice, 05 -
J.S. Freilich, 06 - E.V. Futter, 07 - S. Hernandez-Pinero,
08 - P.W. Likins, 09 - E.R. McGrath, 10 - G.W. Sarney 11 -
R.A. Voell and 12 - S.R. Volk
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE,
BUT IF NO CHOICE IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE
ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS LISTED ABOVE
(PROPOSAL 1) AND "FOR" PROPOSAL 2; AND "AGAINST" PROPOSAL 3.
CON EDISON
P.O. BOX 11003
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0003
[CONEDISON, INC., LOGO]
69
[CONEDISON, INC. LETTERHEAD] VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET
24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
TELEPHONE INTERNET MAIL
800-648-2094 https://proxy.shareholder.com/cei
Use any touch-tone telephone Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Mark, sign and date your proxy card
to vote your proxy. Have your Have your proxy card in hand when and return it in the postage-paid
proxy card in hand when you you access the website. You will be envelope we have provided.
call. You will be prompted prompted to enter your control
to enter your control number, number, located in the box below,
located in the box below, to create an electronic ballot.
and then follow the simple
directions.
__________________________________________________________
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named If you have submitted your proxy by telephone or the
proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if Internet there is no need for you to mail back your proxy.
you marked, signed and returned the proxy card. __________________________________________________________
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CALL TOLL-FREE TO VOTE - IT'S FAST AND CONVENIENT CONTROL NUMBER FOR
800-648-2094 TELEPHONE OR INTERNET VOTING
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- DETACH PROXY CARD HERE IF YOU ARE NOT -
VOTING BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET. THANK YOU FOR VOTING
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
(1) ELECTION OF FOR all nominees listed WITHHELD Authority *EXCEPTIONS
DIRECTORS on the reverse side to vote for all
(except as marked to nominees on the
the contrary below) reverse side
(INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, MARK THE "EXCEPTIONS" BOX AND WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME
IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW.)
*Exceptions ______________________________________________________________
(2) Ratification of appointment of
independent accountants. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL (NO. 3):
(3) Additional compensation information. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
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Address Change and/or
Comments Mark Here
If you plan to attend the
meeting and want an
admission ticket, check here.
Dated: ________________________, 2001
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SIGNATURE(S)
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SIGNATURE(S)
Votes MUST be indicated
(x) in black or blue ink.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.