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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 1999
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Registrant, State or other Jurisdiction
Commission of Incorporation or Organization, I.R.S. Employer
File Number Address and Telephone Number Identification No.
----------- ------------------------------------- -----------------
333-09033 Southern Investments UK plc None
(Registered in England & Wales)
800 Park Avenue
Aztec West
Almondsbury
Bristol
BS32 4SE, UK
(01144) 1454 201101
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. ( X )
Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates: $0
A description of the registrant's common stock follows:
Description of Shares Outstanding
Registrant Common Stock at May 31, 1999
- ---------- -------------- ------------------
Southern Investments UK plc Par Value(pound)1 Per Share 902,128,735
Table of Contents
PART I PAGE
Item 1 Business
General..............................................................................................I-1
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in England and Wales.......................................I-1
SWEB's Main Businesses...............................................................................I-2
SWEB's Ancillary Business Activities.................................................................I-6
Risk Management......................................................................................I-6
UK Environmental Regulation..........................................................................I-7
Employee Relations...................................................................................I-7
Item 2 Properties..............................................................................................I-8
Item 3 Legal Proceedings.......................................................................................I-8
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.....................................................I-9
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity...................................................................II-1
Item 6 Selected Financial Data.................................................................................II-1
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Introduction.........................................................................................II-2
Results of Operations................................................................................II-2
Financial Condition..................................................................................II-9
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk..............................................II-11
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.............................................................II-12
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure..................................................................II-31
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant......................................................III-1
Item 11 Executive Compensation..................................................................................III-2
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management..........................................III-3
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..........................................................III-5
PART IV
Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
on Form 8-K..........................................................................................IV-1
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 1999 Annual Report Form 10-K contains forward-looking and
historical information. The Company cautions that there are various important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
indicated in the forward-looking information; accordingly, there can be no
assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include
legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the current review of
regulation, and the results of the distribution price review scheduled to take
effect April 1, 2000); potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or internal restructuring that may be pursued by the
Company or its subsidiaries; Year 2000 issues; the potential introduction of the
Euro; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations
to which the Company and its subsidiaries are subject; political, legal and
economic conditions and developments in which the Company and its subsidiaries
operate; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts;
changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural
phenomena; the performance of projects undertaken by the Company or its
subsidiaries and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new
opportunities; and other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports
filed from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
i
SELECTED DEFINITIONS
When used in this report, the following terms will have the meanings
indicated.
"Accentacross" means Accentacross Limited, a Director of the Company.
"Authorized Area" means a REC's designated service area as determined
by its PES license.
"Calendar Year" means a year ended December 31.
"Company" means Southern Investments UK plc.
"Distribution Price Control Formula" ("DPCF") is determined by the PES
license. It means a formula of P+RPI-Xd where P reflects the previous
maximum average price per unit of electricity distributed, RPI
reflects the percentage change in the Retail Price Index between the
previous year and the current year and the Xd factor is established
by the Regulator following review.
"Electricity Act" means the Electricity Act 1989.
"EMFs" means electromagnetic fields.
"Fiscal Year" means a year ended March 31.
"Fossil Fuel Levy" means a levy system instituted to reimburse the
generators and the RECs for the extra costs involved in generating
electricity from non-fossil fuel plants as compared to generating
electricity from fossil fuel plants.
"Holdings" means SWEB Holdings Limited, the direct parent company of
the Company.
"Holdings UK" means SWEB Holdings UK, an unlimited liability company
and the direct parent company of Holdings.
"London Electricity" means London Electricity plc.
"Mighteager" means Mighteager Limited, a Director of the Company.
"National Grid" is the high voltage transmission system in England and
Wales and connects the power stations to regional and local
distribution systems.
"NGC" means the National Grid Company plc, which is wholly-owned by
NGG, and owns and operates the National Grid.
"NGG" means the National Grid Group plc.
"OFFER" means the Office of Electricity Regulation, the body appointed
by the Government of the UK to regulate the electricity industry in
Great Britain.
"Outage" means a disruption to the supply of electricity.
"PES" means public electricity supplier licensed by the Regulator.
"PMDC" means PMDC UK, a direct shareholder in Holdings UK and an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PP&L Resources.
"PMDC Directors" means Accentacross and Mighteager.
"Pool" means the wholesale trading market for electricity in England
and Wales.
ii
"Pooling and Settlement Agreement" means the agreement which governs
the constitution and operation of the Pool and the calculation of
payments to and from generators and suppliers.
"PP&L" means PP&L Resources, Inc., a public stock corporation, and
ultimate parent of PMDC and the registered utility Pennsylvania Power
and Light.
"Price Cap" means a maximum price per unit of electricity supplied for
various tariffs as established by the Regulator.
"PSB" means NGC's pumped storage electricity generation business.
"REC" means one of the 12 regional electricity companies in England and
Wales licensed to distribute, supply, and, to a limited extent,
generate electricity.
"Regulated Supply Customers" means customers whose electricity prices
are subject to regulation, and comprises mainly domestic and small
commercial customers. See "Unregulated Supply Customers" below for an
associated definition.
"Regulator" means The Director General of Electricity and Gas Supply
in Great Britain.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"SFAS" means US Statement of Financial Accounting Standard.
"Southern" means The Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of
the Southern Company system.
"Southern Company system" means Southern and its subsidiaries.
"Supply Price Control Formula" ("SPCF") is determined by the PES
license. It related to Regulated Supply Customers and applied until
March 31, 1998. It meant P+RPI-Xs+Y, where P reflected the maximum
average price unit of electricity supplied, and RPI reflected the
percentage change in the Retail Price Index between the previous year
and the current year. The Xs factor was established by the Regulator
following review and the Y term was a pass through of certain costs.
"SWEB" means South Western Electricity plc, a subsidiary of the
Company, and the main operating company within the Holdings UK group.
"Unregulated Supply Customers" are defined until March 31, 1998, as
customers with a demand greater than 100kW and, from April 1, 1998,
as customers who are non-domestic and have an annual consumption in
excess of 12,000kWh.
"UK" means the United Kingdom.
"UK GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the UK.
"US" means the United States of America.
"US GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the US.
iii
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March 31, 1999
of $1.6140 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements".
General
The Company was incorporated as a public limited company under the laws
of England and Wales in June 1995 as a vehicle for the acquisition of SWEB, one
of the 12 RECs in England and Wales licensed to distribute, supply and, to a
limited extent, generate electricity. In September 1995, the Company gained
effective control of SWEB, and subsequently replaced SWEB's board of directors
and certain senior managers with officers and employees of companies from within
the Southern Company system. The Company's main investment and only significant
asset is the entire share capital of SWEB, which is headquartered in Bristol,
England.
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Holdings is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings UK, which is owned indirectly by Southern
and PP&L. Until July 1996, Holdings was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Southern. In July 1996, Southern sold a 25 percent stake in Holdings to PP&L. In
June 1998, Southern sold an additional 26 percent economic interest in Holdings
to PP&L. This further sale increased PP&L's economic interest in Holdings to 51
percent. Subsequently in June 1998, shares in Holdings held by Southern and PP&L
were exchanged for equivalent shares in Holdings UK. Under the terms of the
associated shareholders' agreement, Southern retains operational and management
control of SWEB and the Holdings UK group. Southern continues to hold a majority
of the voting shares in Holdings UK and appoints a majority of the board of
directors.
SWEB's two main business lines during the period under review were the
distribution of electricity and supply of electricity to approximately
1.3 million customers in its Authorized Area in southwest England. The
distribution business and the supply business are distinct business
segments.
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity. The sale is subject to regulatory clearance. See Note 12 in
the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
SWEB's Authorized Area covers approximately 5,560 square miles extending
from Bristol and Bath in the northeast, 188 miles southwest along the peninsula
to Land's End and 28 miles beyond to the Isles of Scilly, and has a resident
population of approximately 2.8 million. The southwest of England, of which the
Authorized Area forms the greater part, has benefitted from economic growth (as
measured by Gross Domestic Product) which on average has exceeded the UK rate
over the long term and on average during the 1990's. The area has also
benefited from an average unemployment rate during calendar year 1998 of
approximately 3.5% which was below the UK average of 4.7% according to a 1999
study by Cambridge Econometrics. The largest cities and towns in SWEB's
Authorized Area are Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton. Business
activity is generally concentrated in the population centers around Bristol,
Bath and Plymouth. The Bristol and Bath area is served by the M4 and M5
motorways, a rail network including a link between Bristol and London, and a
commercial port at Avonmouth.
The Company and SWEB have undertaken to make SWEB a more focused and
competitive company concentrating on the main electricity businesses of
distribution and supply. Several businesses not related to distribution and
supply have been sold since SWEB was acquired by Southern, and the remaining
ancillary businesses have been redirected to focus on support for the main
electricity businesses.
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in England and Wales
In 1990, the electric utility industry in Great Britain was privatized,
and SWEB was created along with the other 11 RECs in England and Wales. In
connection with the privatization, distribution assets in England and Wales,
previously owned indirectly by Her Majesty's Government, were allocated among
the RECs, licensing requirements were established for the RECs and price
controls were implemented in the areas of distribution and supply. In England
and Wales, generation assets (other than nuclear facilities) were allocated to
two generating companies, and the high voltage transmission assets were
allocated to NGC.
I-1
The high voltage transmission system in England and Wales, which is
generally referred to as the National Grid, carries the generated electricity in
bulk from the power stations to the regional and local distribution systems.
This transmission system is owned and operated by NGC.
Distributors transfer electricity over their networks, generally at lower
voltage than the National Grid, from supply points on the national grid to final
consumers. The distribution systems in England and Wales are owned by the 12
RECs. Virtually all customers in England and Wales are connected to the
distribution system of the RECs and have no choice as to the distribution system
from which they receive their electricity. Distribution prices charged by the
RECs are regulated by the Distribution Price Control Formula ("DPCF").
Suppliers sell electricity to end users. Each REC is required to have a
PES license which authorizes it to supply electricity. Electricity customers
fall into two categories, Regulated Supply Customers (largely domestic and small
commercial) and Unregulated Supply Customers.
Prices for supply of electricity to Regulated Supply Customers were
regulated by the Supply Price Control Formula ("SPCF") until March 1998. From
April 1998, prices are subject to a Price Cap determined by the Regulator. This
Price Cap only applies to Regulated Customers that a PES supplies in its
Authorized Area. The exclusive right for a REC to supply Regulated Supply
Customers in its Authorized Area was phased out from September 1998 - see
"SWEB's Main Businesses - Supply Business".
Unregulated Supply Customers have been able to choose their supplier for
several years. Such suppliers, including SWEB, compete for business nationally
and at prices determined by competitive bids or negotiation.
At the time of privatization, the Pool was established for bulk trading
of electricity in England and Wales between generators and suppliers. The Pool
reflects two principal characteristics of the physical generation and supply of
electricity from a particular generator to a particular supplier. First, it is
not possible to trace electricity from a particular generator to a particular
supplier. Second, it is not practicable to store electricity in significant
quantities, creating the need for a constant matching of supply and demand.
Subject to certain exceptions, all electricity generated in England and Wales
must be sold and purchased through the Pool. All licensed generators and
suppliers must become signatories to a Pooling and Settlement Agreement, which
governs the constitution and operation of the Pool and the calculation of
payments due to and from generators and suppliers. Prices for electricity are
set by the Pool daily for each half hour of the following day based on the bids
of the generators and a complex set of calculations matching supply and demand
and taking account of system stability, security and other costs.
The Regulator is currently considering how a program for the delivery
and implementation of new electricity trading arrangements, targeted for April
2000, will be taken forward - see "Results of Operations - Future Earnings
Potential".
SWEB's Main Businesses
Distribution Business
SWEB's distribution business is the ownership, management and operation
of the electricity distribution network within SWEB's Authorized Area. The
primary activity of the distribution business is the receipt of electricity from
the National Grid transmission system and its distribution to end users of
electricity that are connected to SWEB's power lines. Virtually all electricity
supplied (whether by SWEB's independent supply business or by other suppliers)
to consumers in SWEB's Authorized Area is transported through its distribution
network, thus providing SWEB with distribution volume that is stable from year
to year. As a holder of a PES license, SWEB is subject to a regulatory framework
that provides economic incentives to increase the number of units of electricity
distributed and to operate in a more cost-efficient manner.
SWEB's distribution business has grown in both its customer base and in
the number of units distributed, primarily reflecting population and economic
growth in the southwest of England. At March 31, 1999 SWEB had experienced a
5-year compound annual growth rate of 0.97% in customers and 1.97% in units
distributed.
I-2
Strategy
Since being acquired by the Company, SWEB has reviewed and refined its
distribution strategy and has established key goals of cost reduction, improved
customer service and network performance.
Staff reductions play a key role in cost savings. Since acquisition, SWEB
has implemented a plan of voluntary and other staff reductions, mainly in the
distribution business. By March 31, 1999 staff numbers had been reduced by 722
(22%). Part of these reductions were made possible due to new work practices
which SWEB has developed with the cooperation of SWEB's unions. Team
restructuring in the engineering division and the establishment of multi-skilled
independent field teams has also contributed to improved cost efficiency. In
addition, management restructuring has produced a flatter organizational
structure by reducing management levels from seven to three.
Improvements in customer service in the distribution business are a key
part of SWEB's strategy. SWEB aims to meet or exceed all the performance
criteria established by the Regulator who is responsible for setting the
performance standards and targets. SWEB believes that achieving these goals is
important both for improving customer satisfaction and for maintaining good
relations with the Regulator. Improvements in customer service are being
pursued, in part, through improvements in system performance, measured primarily
in terms of the frequency and duration of outages. To that end, several
initiatives have been implemented or are being pursued including:
* eliminating a backlog of tree-trimming near distribution lines. At March
31, 1999, 90.4% of high voltage (11kV) lines and 74.4% of low voltage
(415/240V) lines had been cleared of trees;
* introduction of rubber glove working techniques, allowing work to take
place on the network without disrupting supplies to customers;
* refurbishment of 11kV aluminum overhead lines;
* implementing a program of network improvements that improves the
reliability of worst performing circuits;
* reordering the priorities of SWEB's capital expenditure program to focus on
improving system reliability;
* implementation of a computerized telecontrol system, allowing the move to
one centralized control center, providing a speedier, more accurate and
reliable service to customers;
* continuous process improvement and training at our call center supported by
new computerized information systems; and,
* monthly measurement of customer satisfaction through individual telephone
surveys.
An indication of the success of these initiatives on improving system
reliability is in the number of minutes that the average customer is off supply
(excluding major storms). In fiscal year 1999, this was 57.7 minutes per
customer which compares with 72.3 minutes for fiscal year 1998, an improvement
of 20%. Excellent progress has been made with the restoring of supplies within
three hours where SWEB has exceeded the 90% target set by the Regulator with a
total success rate of 93%.
Customers
A high proportion of SWEB's distribution customers are domestic and
smaller businesses. SWEB's fastest growing category of distribution customers
are commercial customers, e.g. retail. Commercial activity of SWEB's customers
is mostly service based and includes financial and business services,
electronics and technology-related businesses. SWEB also distributes electricity
to a number of larger industrial concerns in its Authorized Area. The principal
activities of SWEB's largest distribution customers include china clay
extraction, ship repair, fertilizer production, aerospace, defense engineering,
cement and paper manufacturing. SWEB's 20 largest distribution customers in its
Authorized Area accounted for 10% of total electricity distributed by SWEB in
fiscal year 1999 in terms of units distributed, with no single customer
exceeding 3% of total electricity distributed.
I-3
The following table sets out details of SWEB's distribution customers,
units distributed and distribution revenues.
Distribution Business
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution Customers Electricity Units Distributed Revenues(4)
---------------------- ----------------------------- -----------
% of 5 year Volume % of 5 year % of
Number(1) Total CAGR(2) Twh(3) Total CAGR(2) Total
-------- ----- ------- ------ ----- ------- -----
not more than 100kW........... 1,344,682 99.78 0.96% 8.8 62 1.45% 79
above 100kW to 1MW............ 2,715 0.20 3.98 2.5 17 5.01 13
above 1MW..................... 250 0.02 3.55 2.9 21 1.22 8
---------- ------ ---- ---- --- ---- ----
Total 1,347,647 100.00 0.97 14.2 100 1.97 100
========== ====== ==== ==== === ==== ====
- ---------------
(1) At March 31, 1999.
(2) Represents the compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") for the period from April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1999.
(3) In terawatt hours for fiscal year 1999.
(4) For fiscal year 1999.
Distribution Facilities
Electricity is transported across the National Grid transmission system
at 400kV or 275kV to ten grid supply points connected to SWEB's distribution
network, where it is transformed to 132kV and enters SWEB's distribution system.
Substantially all electricity which enters SWEB's system is received at these
ten grid supply points.
At March 31, 1999, SWEB's electricity distribution network (excluding
service connections to consumers) included overhead lines and underground cables
at the operating voltage levels and approximate lengths as indicated in the
table below:
Overhead lines Underground cables
Operating voltage: (Circuit miles) (Circuit miles)
--------------- --------------------
132kV................................................................. 910 37
33kV.................................................................. 1,750 577
11kV.................................................................. 10,633 3,982
6.6kV................................................................. 15 77
480 or 415/240V...................................................... 4,902 6,950
------ ------
Total........................................................... 18,210 11,623
====== ======
In addition to the circuits referred to above, SWEB's distribution
facilities also include approximately:
Aggregate Capacity
(mega Volt-
Number Amperes)
___________________________________________________________________________ ------ --------------------
Transformers:
- -------------
132kV/lower voltages........................................................ 91 5,040
33kV/11kV or 6.6kV.......................................................... 535 7,652
11kV or 6.6kV/lower voltages (including 36,638 pole mounted transformers) 48,331 6,680
Substations:
- -----------
132kV/33kV.................................................................. 46
33kV/11kV or 6.6kV.......................................................... 311
11kV or 6.6kV/415V or 240V.................................................. 12,143
Substantially all substations are owned in freehold, and most of the
balance are held on leases which will not expire within 10 years.
Operation and control of SWEB's distribution system is continuously
monitored and coordinated from a control center located in Exeter. Electricity
is received by customers at various voltages depending upon their requirements.
At March 31, 1999, SWEB's distribution system was connected to over 1.3 million
customers.
I-4
Supply Business
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity. The sale is subject to regulatory clearance. See Note 12 in
the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
SWEB's supply business is selling electricity to end users, purchasing
such electricity, primarily from the Pool, and arranging for its distribution to
those end users. SWEB's supply business is comprised predominantly of supplying
Regulated Supply Customers (largely domestic and small commercial). In fiscal
year 1999, these customers accounted for approximately 49% of all units of
electricity supplied by SWEB. Prices for supply of electricity to Regulated
Supply Customers in a REC's Authorized Area are subject to Price Cap regulation
until at least March 2000.
The exclusive right for a REC to supply Regulated Supply Customers in its
Authorized Area was phased out from September 1998. Each REC's Authorized Area
was opened to competition in three phases. The first phase covered 10 percent of
customers plus maximum demand and half-hourly metered customers. The second
phase, approximately three months later, covered a further third of customers
including the remaining business customers. Phase three covered the remaining
domestic customers. The process took around six months in each REC's Authorized
Area and has been completed for all RECs. From May 1999, all supply customers
can choose their electricity supplier. SWEB's first phase commenced in November
1998, followed by phases two and three in February and May, 1999, respectively.
Once a REC's Authorized Area opened to competition, it could compete in the
Authorized Area of other RECs where competition had commenced, and vice versa.
SWEB intends to maintain a significant share of these customers by providing
superior service and competitive pricing.
The Regulator has imposed a penalty on all RECs, including SWEB, relating
to the delay in opening the remainder of the supply market to competition beyond
the April 1998 deadline; the penalty imposed on SWEB did not have a material
impact on earnings.
The market to supply Unregulated Supply Customers has been fully
competitive for some years, principally with other RECs and the major
generators. Unregulated Supply Customers are typically supplied through
individual contracts with a duration of one to two years with competitively bid
or negotiated prices.
Strategy
Since its acquisition by the Company, SWEB has completed a review of the
supply market, established new goals for its supply business and adopted new
strategies for achieving those goals. The key goals established are the
retention of its current Regulated Supply Customers as supply customers
following the opening of the market, and a profitable increase in SWEB's share
of electricity supplied to Unregulated Supply Customers both inside and outside
SWEB's Authorized Area.
SWEB's strategy for retaining its Regulated Supply Customers is to build
customer loyalty and to offer competitive prices. SWEB seeks to build customer
loyalty by providing superior, responsive service in dealing with billing and
other matters and providing other service enhancements.
Initiatives in relation to the Regulated Supply Customers include:
* a single-number, toll free, telephone service call center;
* improvements and enhancements to the billing and customer service system
which will enable employees at the call center to act on or resolve
customer billing and account inquiries on line during their calls; and
* increasing meter reads to reduce estimated readings. In the UK, most meters
are located within buildings and meter readers are required to obtain
access from occupants in order to read meters.
SWEB's strategy for sales to Regulated Supply Customers outside its
Authorized Area is to actively pursue high margin/low acquisition cost customers
and respond to any request received for a quotation. SWEB's strategy for
Unregulated Supply Customers both inside and outside its Authorized Area is to
offer competitive pricing and build customer loyalty through superior service.
Additional initiatives to support growth in market share in both the Supply
Customer markets include:
I-5
* higher profile and more focused advertising campaigns;
* the introduction of a business call center;
* increasing the number of proposals and bids made to customers, potential
customers, brokers and agents;
* development of an integrated system for contract customer sales, electronic
registration and marketing with full customer life-cycle management and
tracking facilities; and
* further enhancement of a competitive price setting
system used to determine appropriate contract supply prices.
Regulated Supply Market
Sales to Regulated Supply Customers during fiscal year 1999 represented 49%
of total units supplied by SWEB and produced 57% of SWEB's total supply
revenues.
As discussed above, the exclusive right for a REC to supply Regulated
Supply Customers in its Authorized Area has been phased out and SWEB intends to
maintain a significant share of these customers by providing superior customer
service and competitive pricing. As at May 31, 1999 SWEB had retained 98% of its
Regulated Supply Customers. In fiscal year 1999, SWEB met or exceeded seven of
the Regulator's eight standards of performance targets for services measured by
the Regulator; it narrowly failed to meet a target for meter reading. By the end
of fiscal year 1998, SWEB had moved from worst to best in a national ranking of
RECs in respect of customer complaints to the Regulator and has maintained this
position throughout fiscal year 1999.
Unregulated Supply Market
In addition to competing for Unregulated Supply Customers in its
Authorized Area, SWEB holds the required license to compete with RECs and other
suppliers to provide electricity to Unregulated Supply Customers outside its
Authorized Area. At the end of fiscal year 1999, SWEB had approximately 1,600
Unregulated Supply Customers, consisting primarily of large commercial and
industrial accounts. Revenue from Unregulated Supply Customers during fiscal
year 1999 accounted for 43% of total supply revenues.
SWEB's Ancillary Business Activities
SWEB also has ancillary business activities that support its main
electricity distribution and supply businesses, including electricity
generation, energy purchasing, property and telecommunications. SWEB owns
generating assets with 16 MW of capacity used to back up the distribution
network as well as minority investments in windfarms, and a 7.69% interest in
Teesside Power Limited, owner of a 1,875 MW combined cycle plant. SWEB also
markets and develops property no longer used in the main electricity businesses.
The energy purchasing business is ancillary to the supply business. Provided the
sale of the supply business receives regulatory clearance, the energy purchasing
business will cease.
Risk Management
SWEB's distribution business does not involve the purchase and sale of
electricity, and therefore SWEB's risk management efforts are focused on the
supply business which is exposed to Pool price volatility.
SWEB utilizes contracts to mitigate its exposure to Pool price
volatility. These contracts allow the Company to effectively convert the
majority of its anticipated Pool prices to fixed prices. The gains and losses on
these contracts are deferred and recognized as electricity is purchased.
Recently, a market has developed for trading these contracts in the United
Kingdom. However, due to the immaturity of this market and the complexity of the
existing contracts, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of these
contracts.
The most common terms for supply to both Regulated and Unregulated Supply
Customers contain fixed rates. SWEB is exposed to two principal risks associated
with such terms: load shape risk (the risk associated with a shift in the
customer's usage pattern, including absolute amounts demanded and timing of
amounts demanded) and purchasing price risk (the cost of purchased electricity
relative to the price received from the supply customer).
I-6
SWEB employs risk management methods to maximize its return consistent
with an acceptable level of risk. SWEB manages load shape risk by setting
customer sales prices based on their expected load shape and including an
additional premium to cover the risk of load shape variation. Variable volume
energy purchasing contracts are also used when available at a competitive price.
SWEB, through its energy purchasing business, manages purchasing price risk by
employing a variety of risk management tools, including management of its supply
contract portfolio, and other means which mitigate risk of future Pool price
volatility.
SWEB's ability to manage its purchasing price risk depends, in part, on
the future availability of properly priced risk management mechanisms such as
energy purchasing contracts. SWEB intends to purchase cover at competitive
prices and constantly evaluates market conditions. No assurance can be given
that an adequate, transparent market for such products will in fact be available
and thus that contracts will be available at competitive prices.
The Company and SWEB utilize certain financial derivative contracts for
the sole purpose of hedging business exposure in connection with fluctuations in
interest rates and currency rates. Interest rate swaps are used to assure the
stability of future interest charges by effectively converting a portion of
outstanding variable-rate debt into fixed rates. In addition, the US dollar
liabilities associated with certain of the Company's and SWEB's debt are
converted into pounds sterling by entering into foreign currency hedging
contracts.
UK Environmental Regulation
SWEB's businesses are subject to numerous regulatory requirements with
respect to the protection of the environment. The Electricity Act obligates the
President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to
take into account the effect of electricity generation, transmission and supply
activities upon the physical environment in approving applications for the
construction of generating facilities and the location of overhead power lines.
The Electricity Act requires SWEB to have regard to the desirability of
preserving natural beauty and the conservation of natural and man-made features
of particular interest when it formulates proposals for development in
connection with certain of its activities. SWEB mitigates the effects its
proposals have on natural and man-made features and is required to carry out an
environmental assessment when it intends to lay cables, construct overhead lines
or carry out any other development in connection with its licensed activities.
SWEB also has produced an Environmental Policy Statement which sets out the
manner in which it intends to comply with its obligations under the Electricity
Act.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses waste management issues
and imposes certain obligations and duties on companies which handle and dispose
of waste. Some of SWEB's distribution activities produce waste, but SWEB
believes that it is in compliance with applicable standards in such regard.
Possible adverse health effects of EMFs from various sources, including
transmission and distribution lines, have been the subject of a number of
studies and public discussion. Scientific research has not shown any causal link
between EMFs and adverse health effects. UK standards for exposure to power
frequency EMFs are those promulgated by the National Radiological Protection
Board and relate to the levels above which non-reversible physiological effects
may be observed. SWEB fully complies with these standards. However, there is the
possibility that the future introduction and passage of legislation and change
of regulatory standards would require measures to mitigate EMFs, with resulting
increases in capital and operating costs. In addition, the potential exists for
public liability with respect to lawsuits brought by plaintiffs claiming damages
for adverse health effects caused by EMFs.
SWEB believes that it has taken and continues to take measures to comply
with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the
environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending
against SWEB or the Company with respect to any environmental matter.
Employee Relations
At March 31, 1999, SWEB had 2,618 employees (2,537 full time equivalent)
and the Company had no employees. Of SWEB's employees, 95% are represented by
labor unions. All SWEB employees who are not party to a personal employment
contract are subject to one of two collective bargaining agreements. One is
called The Electricity Business Agreement, which covered 2,400 employees at
March 31, 1999 (2,319 full time equivalent); it may be amended by agreement
between SWEB and the unions and is terminable with 12 months notice by either
side. The other is called the SWEB Data Collection Services Agreement, which
covered 93 employees at March 31, 1999 (93 full time equivalent); it may be
I-7
amended by agreement between SWEB and the unions and is terminable by written
notice (with no period specified) by either side. SWEB believes that its
relations with its employees are favorable. Legal proceedings concerning the
Electricity Supply Pension Scheme involving a company other than SWEB were
taken. These proceedings may affect SWEB in the future. See "Item 3 - Legal
Proceedings".
Item 2. PROPERTIES
SWEB has both network and non-network land and buildings.
Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1999 SWEB had freehold and leasehold interests in
approximately 12,000 network properties, comprising principally substation
sites. The recorded cost of total network land and buildings at March 31, 1999
was (pound)75 million ($121 million).
Non-Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1999 SWEB had freehold and leasehold interests in
non-network properties comprising chiefly offices, former retail outlets,
depots, warehouses and workshops and included the freehold of its principal
executive offices in Bristol. The recorded cost of total non-network land and
buildings at March 31, 1999 was (pound)35 million ($56 million).
The number of properties in each category is:
Freehold or
Long Leasehold Leasehold
-------------- ---------
Depots........................................ 18 1
Offices....................................... 7 -
Surplus property(1)........................... 38 12
- ---------
(1)......Largely unused retail sites (shops).
SWEB markets and develops property no longer used in the main electricity
businesses.
For a discussion of other properties and other assets of SWEB, see Item 1
"Business - SWEB's Main Businesses - Distribution Facilities".
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and SWEB are routinely party to legal proceedings arising in
the ordinary course of business which are not material, either individually or
in aggregate. Neither the Company nor SWEB is a party to any material legal
proceedings nor are they currently aware of any threatened material legal
proceedings. As described below, the Company is aware of an issue which could
subsequently impact SWEB.
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of that use of the
surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the High Court by the
employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a judgment
delivered in June 1997. The High Court also granted the complainants leave to
appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing took place in October
1998, and its judgment was given in February 1999. While the complainants'
appeal was successful, the Court of Appeal indicated that it may be possible to
validate the employer's actions by a retrospective rule amendment. The Court of
Appeal gave leave in principle for a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords
(the UK Supreme Court), but also made arrangements for a further hearing held on
May 25 and 26. The Court of Appeal declined to hear further arguments and told
the parties that any outstanding matters would have to be addressed by the House
of Lords. The parties agreed a form of order, stayed pending the further appeal,
I-8
which contains a requirement for the amounts offset against the surplus, plus
interest, to be paid into the pension fund. Until any further appeal is
determined it is not known whether this case will have a material impact on
SWEB's financial position or results of operations. It is unlikely a hearing
will take place before the House of Lords earlier than Fall 2000. Therefore it
is not practical to make an estimate of the exposure at the present time.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
I-9
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
There is no established public trading market for the Company's common
stock, all of which is owned indirectly by Southern and PP&L.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In Millions)
Period from |
inception | Period from
(2) (June | April 1,
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal 23, 1995) | 1995 to Fiscal
Year Year Year to March | September Year
1999 (1) 1998 (1) 1997 (1) 31, 1996 (1)| 17, 1995 1995
Successor Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- ----------- | ----------- -----------
|
Operating Revenues from |
continuing operations........(pound) 261 $ 421 (pound) 245 (pound) 257 (pound) 144 |(pound) 122 (pound) 277
Net Income (Loss) from |
continuing operations (3).... 76 123 (27) 50 45 | 24 82
Total Assets.................... 2,139 3,452 1,728 1,721 1,690 | 795 820
Long-term Debt.................. 301 486 301 301 - | 95 95
Preferred Securities (4)........ 50 81 50 50 - | - -
Common Dividend Declared........ 70 113 34 37 191 | 75 30
- -------------
(1) Successor periods are not comparable to predecessor periods due to acquisition related adjustments (including the revaluation
of assets and liabilities) and to increases in debt as a result of the acquisition.
(2) The Company was incorporated on June 23, 1995, as a vehicle for the acquisition of SWEB. Effective control was gained on
September 18, 1995 and designated as the acquisition date; the operating results of SWEB have been included in the Company's
financial statements from that date. Given that SWEB represents substantially all of the current operations of the Company,
SWEB is considered the "Predecessor" Company. The Company and its subsidiaries is considered the "Successor" Company.
(3) The Net Loss in fiscal year 1998 is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of (pound)90 million ($145million). The
results for 1999 and 1998 have benefited from a decrease in UK income tax rates which served to reduce the Company's
provision for deferred income taxes with a corresponding reduction in income tax expense of (pound)11 million ($18
million) and (pound)22 million ($36 million) respectively.
(4) Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I Holding Company
Junior Subordinated Debentures. See Note 9 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
II-1
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The consolidated
financial statements discussed in this Section are presented in accordance with
US GAAP. Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling
amounts have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March
31, 1999 of $1.6140 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements".
INTRODUCTION
Background
In 1995, the Company was incorporated as a vehicle for the acquisition of
SWEB. In September 1995, the Company gained effective control of SWEB.
Significant Events
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity for consideration of (pound)160 million cash and the
assumption of certain liabilities. This sale is subject to regulatory clearance.
See Note 12 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements". The
Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods shown have been restated to
reflect discontinued operations accounting for this business segment.
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures - see Note 9
to "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements". This arrangement reduces
the net interest cost of the Company as reported in this Form 10-K, but has no
impact at the Holdings UK group level.
The UK government's 1998 Finance Act included a reduction in the rate of
UK corporation tax from 31% to 30% effective April 1999. This decrease resulted
in a reduction to SWEB's provision for deferred income taxes and a corresponding
reduction in income tax expense of approximately (pound)11 million during fiscal
year 1999.
In July 1997 the Labour government presented its first budget which
included a "one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized
utilities". Based upon the legislation, SWEB's liability was assessed at
(pound)90 million. The levy was paid in 1997 and 1998. The legislation also
reduced the UK corporation tax rate from 33% to 31% effective April 1997. This
decrease resulted in a reduction to the Company's provision for deferred income
taxes and a corresponding reduction in income tax expense of approximately
(pound)22 million during fiscal year 1998.
In December 1998, the board of directors elected W. P. Bowers, who had
been serving as Senior Vice President of marketing at Georgia Power, an
affiliated company, as Chairman and Chief Executive of SWEB. He succeeded Gale
Klappa, who has been appointed as Senior Vice President and President of
Southern Energy's North America Group.
Effective June 1, 1999, the board of directors elected Charl Oosthuizen,
who had been serving as Assistant to the SWEB Chief Executive prior to taking up
his most recent role as General Manager, Information Resources at SWEB, as Chief
Financial and Accounting Officer of SWEB. He replaces Mike Harreld, who has been
appointed as Senior Vice President and Controller of Southern Energy's North
America Group, and Southern Energy Controller.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Operating results from continuing operations
Earnings
Earnings in fiscal years 1999 and 1998 benefited from a decrease in the
UK corporation tax rate which reduced the Company's provision for deferred
income taxes by (pound)11 million and (pound)22 million respectively, as
discussed in "Significant Events" above. Earnings in fiscal year 1998 were
adversely affected by a (pound)90 million windfall levy assessed against SWEB.
II-2
Operating income increased by (pound)12 million (11%) to (pound)122
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)110 million in the fiscal year 1998.
This increase is due to a (pound)7 million increase in operating income from
ancillary businesses (net of eliminations), and a (pound)5 million increase in
the distribution business.
Operating income decreased by (pound)3 million (3%) to (pound)110 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)113 million in the fiscal year 1997. This
decrease is due to a (pound)2 million decrease in the distribution business, and
a (pound)1 million decrease from ancillary businesses (net of eliminations).
Net income from continuing operations increased by (pound)24 million
(59%) to (pound)65 million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)41 million in the
fiscal year 1998, before the effect of the tax rate change on deferred income
taxes in fiscal years 1998 and 1999, and the windfall levy in fiscal year 1998.
This increase was principally due to interest income on three US dollar loans
made to Holdings UK in December 1998 (as discussed in Note 9 to "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements"), a gain on the sale of certain non-core
assets, the increase in operating income discussed above, and a reduction to the
income tax provision, which was prudently increased in fiscal year 1998 to cover
possible disallowable items, following the resolution of some of these items in
fiscal year 1999.
Net income from continuing operations decreased by (pound)9 million (18%)
to (pound)41 million in the fiscal year 1998, before the windfall levy and
effect of the tax rate change on deferred income taxes, from (pound)50 million
in the fiscal year 1997. This decrease was principally due to increased interest
expense, a decrease in investment related income, and the decrease in operating
income discussed above.
Revenues
Operating revenues increased by (pound)16 million (7%) to (pound)261
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)245 million in fiscal year 1998
which had decreased by (pound)12 million (5%) from (pound)257 million in fiscal
year 1997 as follows:
Operating Revenues Operating Revenues
Increase (Decrease) from the Increase (Decrease) from the
Fiscal Year 1998 Fiscal Year 1997
to the Fiscal Year 1999 to the Fiscal Year 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
Electricity distribution............ 19 (3)
Other(1)............................ 5 (11)
Intra-business(2)................... (8) 2
--- ----
Total operating revenues............ 16 (12)
--- ----
Percentage change................... 7% (5%)
- -------------
(1) "Other" includes SWEB's ancillary activities as well as corporate items not
allocated to distribution.
(2) Intra-business revenues relate to the elimination of intra-business revenues
in consolidation.
Two factors determine the amount of revenues produced by the distribution
business: the unit price of the electricity distributed (which is controlled by
the Distribution Price Control Formula) and the number of electricity units
distributed. In July 1995, the Regulator announced the result of the
distribution price review which was precipitated by certain market events in the
UK electric utility industry. For SWEB, such announcement meant a real reduction
of 11% in allowable distribution income for the twelve months from April 1,
1996, followed by an efficiency factor of X = 3% for each year thereafter. The
number of units distributed depends on the demand of SWEB's customers for
electricity. That demand varies based in part upon weather conditions and
economic activity. Revenues from the distribution business increased by
(pound)19 million (8%) to (pound)247 million for the fiscal year 1999 from
(pound)228 million for fiscal year 1998 which had decreased by (pound)3 million
(1%) from fiscal year 1997 as a result of the following factors:
II-3
Operating Revenues from Operating Revenues from
Electricity Distribution Electricity Distribution
Increase (Decrease) from the Increase (Decrease) from the
Fiscal Year 1998 Fiscal Year 1997
to the Fiscal Year 1999 to the Fiscal Year 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
Application of Distribution Price Control Formula.......... 7 (2)
Sales growth............................................... 4 1
Other revenue attributable to distribution business........ 8 (2)
---- ---
Total distribution revenues................................ 19 (3)
---- ---
Percentage change.......................................... 8% (1%)
Revenues from "other" increased by (pound)5 million (11%) to (pound)49
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)44 million for the fiscal year 1998.
The increase was principally due to the setting up of an energy purchasing
business in April 1998 to manage the purchase price risk of the supply business,
and to higher revenue from the Information Resources business which was
primarily due to the Year 2000 project. This was partly offset by lower reported
sales in the gas retailing business due to a restructuring of that business,
including a teaming arrangement with another organization effective from October
1997. In addition, due to the commencement of competition for Regulated Supply
Customers which began in SWEB's Authorized Area in November 1998, and the
uncertainty of recoverability of an element of the unbilled revenue receivable,
management reflected, as a corporate item, a (pound)9 million revision to this
balance during fiscal year 1999.
Revenues from "other" decreased by (pound)11 million (20%) to (pound)44
million in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)55 million for the fiscal year 1997.
The decrease was principally due to the lower activity in the gas retailing
business as discussed above.
Intra-business eliminations for fiscal year 1999 increased by (pound)8
million (30%) from fiscal year 1998 which decreased by (pound)2 million (7%)
from fiscal year 1997. The increase in fiscal year 1999 was primarily due to
higher internal charges from the Information Resources business relating to Year
2000 project costs.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased by (pound)3 million (16%) to (pound)16 million in
the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)19 million in the fiscal year 1998. The
decrease principally arose from lower reported sales in the gas retailing
business.
Cost of sales decreased by (pound)18 million (49%) to (pound)19 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)37 million in the fiscal year 1997. The
decrease principally arose from lower volumes in the gas retailing business.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by (pound)7 million (6%) to (pound)123
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)116 million in the fiscal year 1998.
The increase was principally due to a (pound)5 million increase in depreciation
and amortization, a (pound)3 million increase in maintenance costs, partly
offset by a (pound)1 million decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses.
Operating expenses increased by (pound)9 million (8%) to (pound)116
million in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)107 million in the fiscal year 1997.
The increase was principally due to a (pound)7 million increase in selling,
general and administrative costs, a (pound)3 million increase in depreciation
and amortization, partly offset by a (pound)1 million decrease in maintenance
costs. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs is primarily
due to the activities and restructuring of the gas retailing business.
Interest Income from Affiliated Companies
Interest income, net of amortization of associated premium, from
affiliated companies was (pound)6 million in fiscal year 1999. There was no
interest income from affiliated companies in fiscal years 1998 and 1997. This
interest relates to three US dollar loans totaling $584 million ((pound)351
million) made to Holdings UK in December 1998 - see Note 9 to "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements".
II-4
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by (pound)3 million (6%) to (pound)55 million
in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)52 million in the fiscal year 1998. This
increase is largely due to increased short term borrowings to finance the first
and second installments of the windfall levy, paid in the third quarters of
fiscal years 1998 and 1999, respectively.
The weighted average balance of debt outstanding during the fiscal year
1999 was (pound)686 million at a weighted average interest rate of 7.9% compared
to (pound)654 million at 7.9% during the fiscal year 1998. The increase in the
average level of debt is primarily due to financing the windfall levy payments.
Interest expense increased by (pound)5 million (11%) to (pound)52 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)47 million in the fiscal year 1997. This was
caused by an approximate 1% increase in bank borrowing rates during the fiscal
year 1998, the increase in debt as described above and the replacement of short
term debt with higher margin long term debt.
Investment Income
Investment income decreased by (pound)4 million (44%) to (pound)5 million
in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)9 million in the fiscal year 1998, which
increased by (pound)3 million (50%) from (pound)6 million in the fiscal year
1997. The movements are mainly due to the timing of dividends from an investment
in a generating plant.
Gain on Sale of Assets
The gain on sale of assets of(pound)7 million in fiscal year 1999 was due
to the sale of certain non-core assets.
Gain on Sale of Investments
The (pound)6 million gain in the fiscal year 1997 related principally to
additional proceeds of (pound)4 million relating to the demerger of the PSB
associated with the sale of NGG and the sale by SWEB of its interest in a cable
television and telecommunications company.
Operating results from discontinued operations
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity. This sale is subject to regulatory clearance. See Note 12 in
the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
As a result of the above, the supply business has been treated as a
discontinued activity. The supply business is selling electricity to end users,
purchasing such electricity, and arranging for its distribution to those end
users.
Two factors determine the amount of revenues produced by the supply
business: the unit price of the electricity supplied and the number of
electricity units supplied. From April 1998 the unit price of electricity
supplied to Regulated Supply Customers in a REC's Authorized Area is subject to
Price Cap regulation; until March 1998, it was controlled by the Supply Price
Control Formula.
Regulated Supply Customers are generally residential/domestic and small
commercial customers. The volume of unit sales of electricity for Regulated
Supply Customers is influenced largely by the number of customers in the
Authorized Area, weather conditions and prevailing economic conditions. Unit
sales to Unregulated Supply Customers are determined primarily by the success of
the supply business in entering into contracts to supply customers with
electricity.
Revenues from the supply business increased by (pound)34 million (5%) to
(pound)740 million for the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)706 million for the
fiscal year 1998. The number of electricity units supplied in the fiscal year
1999 increased by 12%, which mainly arose from a 58% increase in units supplied
to Unregulated Supply Customers outside SWEB's Authorized Area. Although units
supplied to Regulated Supply Customers increased by 4%, revenues remain
unchanged mainly due to a reduction in the fossil fuel levy, which is passed
through to customers, together with a 3% tariff reduction.
II-5
Revenues from the supply business decreased by (pound)82 million (10%) to
(pound)706 million for the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)788 million for the
fiscal year 1997. The number of electricity units supplied in the fiscal year
1998 decreased by 10%, which mainly arose from a reduction in units supplied to
Unregulated Supply Customers. In addition to units supplied reducing, revenues
were also reduced due to a reduction in the fossil fuel levy for the fiscal year
1998. Revenues from Regulated Supply Customers reduced by 5% mainly due to the
reduction in the fossil fuel levy, together with a reduction in allowable income
as set by the Supply Price Control Formula.
Future Earnings Potential
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily
indicative of future earnings potential. On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached
agreement to sell its supply business to London Electricity. This sale is
subject to regulatory clearance. See Note 12 within the "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements". The level of future earnings also depends on
numerous factors including the outcome of the current and future distribution
price reviews.
The largest portion of SWEB's operating income is derived from its
distribution business - the operation and maintenance of the electricity
distribution network in its Authorized Area in the southwest of England. SWEB is
the only distributor of electricity in this area, and management believes that
economic, environmental and regulatory factors are likely to prevent competitors
from entering this business in SWEB's Authorized Area. Distribution revenues are
subject to price-cap regulation. Current regulation is expected to continue
until March 2000. A regulatory review has commenced which will determine the
regulation to apply thereafter; the final outcome of this review is expected to
be announced by the Regulator in November 1999.
There are currently a number of issues which impact the electricity
industry and which are the subject of discussion and consultation papers. The
principal ones are:
(i) In March 1998 the government published a discussion paper ("Green Paper") on
the regulation of the water, electricity, gas and telecommunications utilities
within the UK entitled "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernizing the Framework for
Utility Regulation". The government's stated objective for the review is to set
a long term stable framework for utilities which is seen to be fair by all the
interested groups involved. The guiding principles are that regulation must be
transparent, consistent and predictable. In July 1998 the government announced
its conclusions on reform of utility regulation. Key decisions include merging
the electricity and gas regulators, the retention of the RPI - X approach to
regulation, social and environmental actions to be issued by Ministers, and
greater transparency. These proposals will be the subject of new legislation as
soon as Parliamentary time permits. In October 1998 the government published
their proposals in two areas for consultation. The two documents are "The Future
of Gas and Electricity Regulation" and "Consumer Councils". The government is
currently considering the responses received.
(ii) In May 1998 the Director General of Electricity Supply (the "Regulator")
issued a consultation paper concerning the separation of businesses in the
context of the reviews of the price controls post 2000. It is the Regulator's
view that full separation of supply and distribution would be desirable.
However, he recognizes that it is likely that interim arrangements will be
necessary. The Regulator published further consultation papers on separation of
the businesses in November 1998 and May 1999. He remains of the view that full
separation between supply and distribution is desirable. However, the papers
acknowledge that, for certain unspecified shared services, an interim exemption
may be allowed. Discussions are continuing.
(iii) In October 1997 the government's Minister for Science, Energy and Industry
invited the Regulator to consider how a review of electricity trading
arrangements might be undertaken. In July 1998 the Regulator published a
proposals document describing new market based trading arrangements for
electricity. In October 1998 the government accepted these proposals. The
proposals envisage market-based trading arrangements more like those in
commodity markets elsewhere. Forwards and futures markets would operate up to
several years ahead, evolving in response to demand. A voluntary short-term
bilateral market is proposed to enable "fine tuning" of contract positions. The
system operator will be responsible for balancing generation and demand from
about four hours before each half-hour trading period. Suppliers and generators
will be charged an imbalance fee for differences between their contractual and
physical positions by the System Operator. The proposals document sets a target
date of April 2000 for the introduction of these new arrangements. In November
1998 the Regulator published a Framework Document setting out how a program for
the delivery and implementation of new electricity trading arrangements will be
taken forward.
(iv) The current distribution and supply price control reviews, expected to be
effective April 2000.
II-6
As these papers and review are only consultative at this time, it is not
possible for the Company to determine the impact until after such issues have
been finalized by the government, and firm proposals are made by the Regulator.
In relation to separation, SWEB's supply business and associated staff will be
employed by London Electricity once the sale of SWEB's supply business has been
completed. These staff will continue to occupy SWEB's buildings along with
distribution business staff for the immediate future. Depending on the outcome
of the Regulator's review and the detailed agreements between SWEB and London
Electricity, there will be costs involved for physically separating the
business.
The supply market has been undergoing change and is now fully open to
competition as discussed in Item 1 "Business - SWEB's Main Businesses - Supply
Business".
Until March 2000, a REC has the exclusive right to provide meter
operation, data collection, and data aggregation services to non half-hourly
metered customers (generally residential and small businesses) in its Authorized
Area. From April 2000, competitive market pricing will be introduced and
suppliers, on behalf of non half-hourly metered customers, will be able to
contract these services from any company holding an appropriate license. SWEB
does not expect the introduction of competition to have a significant impact on
future earnings. Competitive market pricing already exists for operations
related to the metering of network connections to half-hourly metered customers.
A possible further impact on future earnings is a court ruling related to
a pension matter. See Note 2 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements" herein for discussion of this matter. Additionally, other
contingencies, including the possibility of changes in the valuation of the
Teesside contract, and other matters that may affect future earnings potential,
are discussed in Notes 3 and 4.
Year 2000
Year 2000 Challenge
In order to save storage space, computer programmers in the 1960s and
1970s shortened the year portion of date entries to two digits. Computers
assumed, in effect, that all years began with "19". This practice was widely
adopted and hard-coded into computer chips and processors found in some
equipment. This approach, intended to save processing time and storage space
within computers, was used until the mid-1990s. Unless corrected before the Year
2000, affected software systems and devices containing a chip or microprocessor
with date and time functions could incorrectly process dates or the systems may
cease to function.
SWEB depends on complex computer systems for many aspects of its
operations, which is primarily the distribution of electricity, as well as other
business support activities. SWEB's goal is to have critical devices or software
that are required to maintain operations to be Year 2000 ready by June 1999.
Year 2000 ready means that a system or application is determined suitable for
continued use through the Year 2000 and beyond. Critical systems include, but
are not limited to, control center computer systems, customer service systems,
and telephone switches and equipment.
Year 2000 Program and Status
SWEB's executive management recognizes the seriousness of the Year 2000
challenge and has dedicated what it believes to be adequate resources to address
the issue. An executive steering committee reviews Millennium Project progress
on a regular basis, and Southern receives periodic updates and progress reports.
SWEB's Millennium Project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 began in
1996 and consisted of identifying and assessing corporate assets related to
software systems and devices that contain a computer chip or clock. The first
phase was completed in July 1997. Phase 2 consists of testing and remediating
high priority systems and devices. Also, contingency planning is included in
this phase. Phase 2 is on target for completion by the end of June 1999. The
Millennium Project will continue to monitor the affected computer systems,
devices, and applications into the Year 2000.
II-7
Year 2000 Costs
Current projected costs of SWEB's Year 2000 readiness are approximately
(pound)15 million. These costs include labor necessary to identify, test and
renovate affected devices and systems. From its inception through March 31,
1999, the Year 2000 program costs amounted to (pound)10 million.
Year 2000 Risks
SWEB is implementing a detailed process to minimize the possibility of
service interruptions related to the Year 2000. SWEB believes, based on current
tests, that the system can provide customers with electricity. These tests
increase confidence, but do not guarantee error-free operations. SWEB is taking
what it believes to be prudent steps to prepare for the Year 2000, and it
expects any interruptions in service that may occur to be isolated and short in
duration.
SWEB has followed a proven methodology for identifying and assessing
software and devices containing potential Year 2000 challenges. Remediation and
testing of those devices are in progress. SWEB is also assessing risks
associated with critical assets. Following risk assessment, SWEB is preparing
contingency plans as appropriate and is participating with the UK Electricity
Industry.
SWEB is currently reviewing the Year 2000 readiness of material third
parties which provide goods and services crucial to SWEB's operations. Among
such critical third parties are the NGG, telecommunications, water, and other
suppliers. There is some risk associated with representations by third parties
regarding their readiness and completion of their own Year 2000 related work.
Contingency plans based on the assessment of each third party's ability to
continue supplying critical goods and services to SWEB are being developed.
There is a potential for some earnings erosion caused by reduced
electrical demand by customers because of their Year 2000 issues.
Year 2000 Contingency Plans
SWEB is skilled at using contingency plans in unusual circumstances
because of experience with storms. As part of Year 2000 business continuity and
contingency planning, SWEB is drawing on that experience to make risk
assessments and is developing additional plans to deal specifically with
situations that could arise relative to Year 2000 challenges. SWEB is
identifying critical operational locations, and key employees will be on duty at
those locations during the Year 2000 transition. In September 1999, drills are
scheduled to be conducted to test contingency plans. Because of the level of
detail of the contingency planning process, management feels that the
contingency plans will keep any service interruptions that may occur isolated
and short in duration.
SWEB is participating with the rest of the UK Electricity Industry and
also with other utilities (water, telecommunications and gas) through the Year
2000 Utilities Interest Group where the focus now is very much on contingency
planning.
The material in this section constitutes forward looking statements made
pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There can be
no assurance that the actual results of the Company, its suppliers, or other
third party dependencies will not materially differ from expectations.
European Monetary Union
In January 1999, 11 European Union countries formed an economic and
monetary union and started using a single currency - the Euro. The UK did not
join at this time, but the UK government has indicated that it might in the
future. Some suppliers and possibly customers may be affected by the
introduction of the Euro, which may have a possible impact on SWEB. Currently,
SWEB is assessing the requirements for the potential introduction of the Euro.
The cost of conversion to Euro compatible systems could have a material impact
on the Company's earnings.
II-8
New Accounting Standard
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued Statement No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. The statement was originally scheduled to
be adopted for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. However, in response
to requests from entities and their auditors for more time to study, understand,
and implement the provisions of the statement, the FASB has issued an exposure
draft which proposes to defer the effective date of the statement to fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company is in the process of
quantifying the impact of adopting this statement on its financial statements;
the adoption could increase volatility in earnings and other comprehensive
income.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
The Company's financial condition continues to remain strong. Excluding
interest income on the inter-company loan between the Company and Holdings UK,
Income Before Income Taxes has remained at approximately the same level for the
last three fiscal years. SWEB's operating income is predominantly from the
distribution business and this will continue after the sale of the supply
business has been completed. During the fiscal year 1999 SWEB incurred
expenditure of approximately (pound)75 million on property, plant, and
equipment, largely in respect of the distribution network. This compared with
(pound)81 million during fiscal year 1998. The funds required for such additions
were derived primarily from operations. It is expected that SWEB's capital
requirements in the foreseeable future for its investment in property, plant,
and equipment will be generated from operating activities.
Demand for electricity in Great Britain, in general, and in SWEB's
Authorized Area, in particular, is seasonal, with demand being higher in the
winter months and lower in the summer months. SWEB balances the effect of this
and other cyclical influences on its working capital needs with drawings under
its available credit facilities.
The Company's main investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of SWEB. The Company is primarily dependent upon dividends from
SWEB for its cash flow. SWEB can make distribution of dividends to the Company
under English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to
the retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its supply and
distribution businesses as required by its regulatory license. The Company
believes that currently sufficient distributable reserves will continue to exist
at SWEB to allow for reasonable and necessary dividends from SWEB, through
operations, to be distributed to the Company. In the UK, the Accounting
Standards Board is currently reviewing the treatment of deferred income tax
accounting. If full provision for deferred tax were required, SWEB's
distributable reserves could be eliminated. In addition, in March 1999, the
Regulator proposed a variation to the licenses under which all RECs (including
SWEB) operate such that the directors of a REC must certify to the Regulator
that it is reasonably foreseeable that the REC will not breach any of its
license conditions if it declares a dividend. This variation is currently
subject to further discussion. SWEB has no reason to believe that a breach of
its license would flow from declaring a reasonable dividend.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest
rates, currency exchange rates, and certain commodity prices. To manage the
volatility attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to
take advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative
transactions for other material exposures pursuant to the Company's policies in
areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. The Company's policy
is that derivatives are to be used only for hedging purposes. Derivative
positions are monitored using techniques that include market value and
sensitivity analysis.
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to hedge certain debt
obligations. These swaps hedge specific debt issuances and currently qualify for
hedge accounting. Consequently, the interest rate differential associated with
the swap is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the
instruments.
If the Company sustained a 100 basis point change in interest rates for
all variable rate debt in all currencies, the change would affect annualized
interest expense by approximately (pound)1 million (1%) on (pound)117 million of
variable rate debt as at March 31, 1999. Based on the Company's overall interest
II-9
rate exposure at March 31, 1999, including derivative and other interest rate
sensitive instruments, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would not
materially affect the consolidated financial statements.
Currency swaps and forward agreements are also utilized by the Company to
hedge US dollar denominated debt. These swaps offset the dollar cash flows,
thereby effectively converting debt to the pound. Gains and losses related to
qualified hedges of foreign currency firm commitments are deferred and included
in the basis of the underlying transactions. To the extent that a qualifying
hedge is terminated or ceases to be effective as a hedge, any deferred gains and
losses to that point continue to be deferred and are included in the basis of
the underlying transaction.
For all derivative financial instruments, the Company is exposed to
losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative
financial instruments. The Company has established controls to determine and
monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties in order to mitigate the
Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk. The Company is not aware of any
counterparties to financial derivatives that will fail to meet their
obligations.
The Company has derivative financial instruments with an affiliate,
Holdings UK. See "Financing Activities" in Note 9 to "Notes the Consolidated
Financial Statements".
FASB has issued Statement No. 133 relating to the accounting for
derivative financial instruments. This could have a material impact on the
Company's accounting for its derivative financial instruments and Net Income -
See "New Accounting Standard" above.
Financing Activities
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures see Note 9 to
"Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements". This arrangement reduces the
net interest cost of the group as reported in this Form 10-K, but has no impact
at the Holdings UK group level.
The Company has a US commercial paper program, which is fully supported
by a swingline and revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks,
under which the maximum available is $520 million. At March 31, 1999 the amount
unutilized under these facilities was $118 million. SWEB enters into foreign
currency contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and
principal of each utilization under this program.
SWEB actively manages its short-term debt, which includes a number of
bank lines of credit in addition to the commercial paper program. At March 31,
1999 the Company and SWEB together had short-term debt of (pound)399 million
($643 million) outstanding ($250 million from a swingline and revolving credit
facility, and $393 million in other short-term loans).
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company and SWEB
together had at March 31, 1999 approximately (pound)3 million of cash and
(pound)5 million of unutilized committed lines of credit with banks. Also
available was $118 million of the swingline and revolving credit facility
mentioned above.
Excluding swap agreements between the Company and Holdings UK, at March 31,
1999, the Company and SWEB have sterling interest rate swaps expiring between
2001 and 2012, with notional amounts totaling (pound)600 million, and have
cross currency swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007, with notional amounts
totaling (pound)350 million.
II-10
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 1999 Annual Report Form 10-K contains forward-looking and
historical information. The Company cautions that there are various important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
indicated in the forward-looking information; accordingly, there can be no
assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include
legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the current review of
regulation, and the results of the distribution price review scheduled to take
effect April 1, 2000); potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or internal restructuring that may be pursued by the
Company or its subsidiaries; Year 2000 issues; the potential introduction of the
Euro; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations
to which the Company and its subsidiaries are subject; political, legal and
economic conditions and developments in which the Company and its subsidiaries
operate; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts;
changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural
phenomena; the performance of projects undertaken by the Company or its
subsidiaries and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new
opportunities; and other factors discussed herein and in other reports filed
from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to information in Item 1 "Business Risk Management"
above, and in the Company's "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Derivative
Financial Instruments" above, and to Notes 1 and 7 in the "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements" under the heading "Financial Instruments"
contained herein.
II-11
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Southern Investments UK plc and Subsidiaries
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Management's Report..................................................................................... II-13
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................................................ II-14
Consolidated Statements of Income....................................................................... II-15
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity.............................................. II-16
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................................................... II-17
Consolidated Balance Sheets............................................................................. II-18
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................... II-20
II-12
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT
1999 Annual Report
The management of the Company has prepared -- and is responsible for --
the consolidated financial statements and related information included in this
report. These statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and necessarily include
amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management.
Financial information throughout this annual report is consistent with the
financial statements.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls to provide
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that books and records
reflect only authorized transactions of the Company. Limitations exist in any
system of internal controls, however, based on a recognition that the cost of
the system should not exceed its benefits. The Company believes its system of
internal accounting controls maintains an appropriate cost/benefit relationship.
The Company's system of internal accounting controls is evaluated on an
ongoing basis by the Company's internal audit staff. The Company's independent
public accountants also consider certain elements of the internal control system
in order to determine their auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the financial statements.
Management believes that its policies and procedures provide reasonable
assurance that the Company's operations are conducted according to a high
standard of business ethics.
In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations,
and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States.
/s/ Richard J. Pershing /s/ D. Charl S. Oosthuizen
Richard J. Pershing D. Charl S. Oosthuizen
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
June 23, 1999
II-13
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SOUTHERN
INVESTMENTS UK plc (the "Company" being a company incorporated in England and
Wales) and SUBSIDIARIES as of March 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholder`s equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 1999. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Southern Investments UK plc and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1999 and 1998 and
the consolidated results of its operations, changes in stockholder's equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 1999, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 23, 1999
II-14
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Millions)
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Note 1)
OPERATING REVENUES (pound) 261 $421 (pound) 245 (pound) 257
COST OF SALES 16 26 19 37
----- ---- ----- -----
GROSS MARGIN 245 395 226 220
----- ---- ----- -----
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Maintenance 37 60 34 35
Depreciation and amortization 51 82 46 43
Selling, general and administrative 35 56 36 29
----- ---- ----- -----
Total operating expenses 123 198 116 107
----- ---- ----- -----
OPERATING INCOME FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 122 197 110 113
----- ---- ----- ------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income 1 2 2 2
Interest income from affiliate
companies 6 10 - -
Interest expense (55) (89) (52) (47)
Investment income 5 8 9 6
Gain on sale of assets 7 11 - -
Gain on sale of investments - - - 6
----- ---- ----- -----
Total other income (expense) (36) (58) (41) (33)
----- ---- ----- -----
INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME
TAXES 86 139 69 80
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
Customary (21) (34) (28) (30)
Effect of change in tax rates (Note 6) 11 18 22 -
Windfall levy (Note 6) - - (90) -
----- ---- ----- -----
NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 76 123 (27) 50
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS, net of income tax effect
of (pound)5 ($8), (pound)5 and (pound)2,
respectively (Note 12) 11 18 12 5
----- ---- ----- -----
NET INCOME (LOSS) (pound) 87 $141 (pound) (15) (pound) 55
===== ==== ===== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-15
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In Millions)
Number of Retained Total
Ordinary Share Earnings/ Stockholder's
Shares Capital (Deficit)(2) Equity
----------------------------------------------------------
Balance, March 31, 1996 500 (pound) 500 (pound) (132) (pound) 368
Net income - - 55 55
Dividends declared on common stock - - (37) (37)
----- ----- ------ -----
Balance, March 31, 1997 500 500 (114) 386
Net loss (1) - - (15) (15)
Dividends declared on common stock - - (34) (34)
----- ----- ------ -----
Balance, March 31, 1998 500 500 (163) 337
Issue of share capital 402 402 - 402
Net income - - 87 87
Dividends declared on common stock - - (70) (70)
----- ----- ------ -----
Balance, March 31, 1999 902 (pound) 902 (pound)(146) (pound) 756
===== ===== ====== =====
- -------------
(1) The Net Loss is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of(pound)90 million.
(2) The Company shows a retained earnings deficit primarily due to dividends in the amount of (pound)191 million being declared
and paid by the Company during the fiscal year 1996 as proceeds from the sale of SWEB's shares in The National Grid Group
plc provided cash in addition to that provided from operations. In addition, the first budget of the Labour government
included a "one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized utilities"; SWEB's liability was assessed at
(pound)90 million.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-16
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions)
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Note 1)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) (pound) 87 $ 141 (pound) (15) (pound) 55
----- ----- ------ -----
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 47 76 54 43
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net 2 3 33 (17)
Accounts payable (6) (10) (10) 3
Income taxes, accrued/deferred (32) (51) 36 23
Other, net (11) (18) (38) (48)
------ ------ ----- -----
Total adjustments - - 75 4
----- ----- ----- -----
Net cash provided from operating activities 87 141 60 59
----- ----- ----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (75) (121) (81) (70)
Proceeds from sales of assets 10 16 2 5
Proceeds from sales of investments 2 3 1 17
----- ----- ----- ------
Net cash used for investing activities (63) (102) (78) (48)
------ ------ ----- ------
CASH FLOWS FROM financing ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of bonds - - - 300
Change in short term borrowings 37 60 79 (366)
Issue of share capital 402 649 - -
Loans to affiliated company (351) (567) - -
Payment of premium in respect of loans to affiliated
company and related hedges (42) (68) - -
Issue of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities - - - 50
Payment of dividends (70) (113) (59) (12)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities (24) (39) 20 (28)
------ ------ ------ ------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS - - 2 (17)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
YEAR 5 8 3 20
------ ------ ------ ------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR (pound) 5 $ 8 (pound) 5 (pound) 3
====== ====== ====== ======
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized) (pound) 54 $ 87(pound) 51(pound) 48
====== ====== ====== ======
Income taxes:
Customary 2 3 20 11
Windfall levy (Note 6) 45 73 45 -
------ ------ ------ ------
Total cash paid for income taxes (pound) 47 $ 76(pound) 65(pound) 11
====== ====== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-17
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 1999 and 1998
(In Millions)
ASSETS 1999 1998
______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ ___________
(Note 1)
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (pound) 1,452 $ 2,344 (pound) 1,389
Less accumulated depreciation 151 244 109
------- -------- ------
Property, plant, and equipment, net 1,301 2,100 1,280
------- -------- ------
OTHER ASSETS:
Investments 16 26 17
Prepaid pension cost (Note 2) 134 216 116
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of (pound)16 ($26) at March
31, 1999 and(pound)11 at March 31, 1998 167 270 172
Loans to affiliated company 351 566 -
Premium in respect of loans to affiliated company and related
hedges, net of accumulated amortization of (pound)3 ($5) at March
31, 1999 39 63 -
------- -------- ------
Total other assets 707 1,141 305
------- -------- ------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 5 8 5
Investments 15 24 17
Receivables:
Customer accounts, less provision for uncollectables of (pound)10
($16) at March 31, 1999 and (pound)9 at March 31, 1998 80 129 85
Other 17 27 14
------- -------- ------
Receivables, net 97 156 99
Materials and supplies 3 5 4
Prepaid expenses 11 18 18
------- -------- ------
Total current assets 131 211 143
------- -------- ------
TOTAL ASSETS (pound) 2,139 $ 3,452 (pound)1,728
======= ======== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
II-18
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 1999 and 1998
(In Millions)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1999 1998
_____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________ ______________
(Note 1)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
Common stock, (pound)1 par value, 902,128,735 and
500,400,587 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding at March 31, 1999, and March 31, 1998,
respectively (pound) 902 $ 1,456 (pound) 500
Retained deficit (146) (236) (163)
------- ------- -------
Total stockholder's equity 756 1,220 337
------- ------- -------
COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK CAPITAL TRUST I HOLDING COMPANY JUNIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Note 9) 50 81 50
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt 301 486 301
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) 363 586 361
Provision for loss contracts (Note 4) 69 111 72
Other 36 58 46
------- ------- -------
Total non-current liabilities 769 1,241 780
------- ------- -------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Commercial paper 94 151 80
Notes payable to banks 273 439 248
Notes payable to affiliated company 25 40 25
Other notes payable 7 13 10
Accounts payable 44 74 50
Accrued income taxes 48 73 82
Unearned revenue 1 5 4
Accrued interest 9 15 8
Other 63 100 54
-------- ------- -------
Total current liabilities 564 910 561
-------- ------- -------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND
LIABILITIES (pound) 2,139 $ 3,452 (pound) 1,728
======== ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
II-19
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1999
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
The Company was incorporated as a public limited company under the laws
of England and Wales on June 23, 1995 as a vehicle for the acquisition of South
Western Electricity plc (together with its subsidiaries, "SWEB"). The effective
date of acquisition was September 18, 1995. The Company is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdings. Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings UK,
which is owned indirectly by Southern and PP&L. Until July 1996, Holdings was an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern. In July 1996, Southern sold a 25
percent stake in Holdings to PP&L. In June 1998 Southern sold an additional 26
percent interest in Holdings to PP&L. This further sale increased PP&L's
economic interest in Holdings to 51 percent. Subsequently in June 1998, shares
in Holdings held by Southern and PP&L were exchanged for equivalent shares in
Holdings UK. Under the terms of the agreement, Southern retains operational and
management control of SWEB and the Holdings UK group. Southern continues to hold
a majority of the voting shares in Holdings UK and appoints a majority of the
board of directors.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company are presented in pounds sterling
((pound)) and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States. The accompanying financial statements have not been prepared in
accordance with the policies of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation" ("SFAS No. 71").
This pronouncement, under which most US electric utilities report financial
statements, applies to entities which are subject to cost-based rate regulation.
By contrast, SWEB is not subject to rate regulation, but, rather is subject to
price cap regulation (Note 3) and therefore the provisions of SFAS No. 71 do not
apply. Financial statements presented in accordance with SFAS No. 71 contain
deferred items which have not yet been included in rates charged to customers in
compliance with the respective regulatory authorities, but which would have been
included in the income statement of enterprises in general under US GAAP. The
accompanying financial statements of the Company do not contain such deferrals.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries and have been prepared from
records maintained by SWEB in the United Kingdom. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in
companies in which the Company's ownership interests range from 20% to 50% and
the Company exercises significant influence over operating and financial
policies are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are
accounted for using the cost method (Note 10).
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
included in the financial statements have been translated into US dollars at the
exchange rate of $1.6140 = (pound)1.00, the noon buying rate in New York City
for cable transfers in pounds sterling as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March 31, 1999. The following table sets out
this rate for previous periods:
Fiscal Year Period end Average (1) High Low
----------- ---------- ----------- ---- ---
($ per (pound)1.00)
1995............................................... 1.55 1.58 1.64 1.53
1996............................................... 1.53 1.53 1.56 1.50
1997............................................... 1.64 1.59 1.71 1.49
1998............................................... 1.68 1.65 1.69 1.61
1999............................................... 1.61 1.65 1.70 1.60
(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates in effect on the last business day of
each month during the relevant period.
II-20
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Use of Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
SWEB records revenue net of value added tax ("VAT") and accrues revenues
for services provided but unbilled at the end of each reporting period. SWEB
purchases power primarily from a market for the bulk trading of electricity (the
"Pool").
The Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer
comprises 10% or more of revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at fair market value as
adjusted at the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16, "Accounting for Business Combinations" ("APB No. 16"). Items
capitalized subsequent to the acquisition are recorded at original cost, which
includes materials, labor, appropriate administrative and general costs, and the
estimated cost of funds used during construction. The cost of maintenance,
repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense.
Depreciation of the recorded cost of depreciable property, plant, and
equipment is provided primarily by using composite straight-line rates, which
approximate 3.2% per year (2.5% per year for depreciable utility plant in
service). Upon the retirement or sale of assets, the costs of such assets and
the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the
gain or loss, if any, is included in income.
Information Technology Consultancy and Development Costs
Significant information technology ("IT") consultancy and development
costs are capitalized when they become technologically feasible and are
amortized over their estimated useful economic life from the date of first use.
Other IT consultancy and development costs are charged to income in the period
in which they are incurred. This policy was adopted effective October 1, 1995 as
the Company embarked on a significant program of investment and will be
incurring significant development costs which are fundamental to the future
performance of the business and which will benefit the business for a number of
years. The directors are of the opinion that in relation to the planned
development costs to be incurred in the future, the policy followed by the
Predecessor Company of writing off such costs to the Statement of Income does
not give a fair reflection of the period over which the benefits will accrue.
Prior to this change in accounting policy the Company expensed all IT
consultancy and development costs as incurred. The effect of adopting this
policy has resulted in the capitalization of (pound)8 million of costs in the
fiscal year 1999, (pound)14 million of costs in the fiscal year 1998 and
(pound)11 million of costs in the fiscal year 1997.
Goodwill
The Company amortizes costs in excess of fair value of net assets of the
business acquired using the straight-line method over a period of 40 years.
Recoverability (performed on the basis of undiscounted operating cash flow
analysis) is reviewed annually or sooner if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value, in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed of". Goodwill shown in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements relates to the acquisition of SWEB.
II-21
Investments
The Company accounts for its current investments in accordance with SFAS
No. 115, "Accounting for Investments for Certain Debt and Equity Securities".
These investments represent investments in debt securities, which management
classifies as available-for-sale securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115. The
Company's long-term investments consist of investments accounted for using the
cost method (Note 10).
Income Taxes
SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", requires the asset and
liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for deferred income
taxes. The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income
taxes and provides deferred income taxes for all significant income tax
temporary differences.
Comprehensive Income
In fiscal year 1999, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income". This statement establishes rules for the
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. The objective
of the statement is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity of
an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the
period other than transactions with owners.
There were no items for inclusion in a consolidated statement of
comprehensive income other than net income as shown on the condensed
consolidated statements of income. Consequently, a consolidated statement of
comprehensive income has not been included.
Financial Instruments
Non-trading derivative financial instruments are used to hedge exposures
to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Gains and
losses on qualifying hedges are deferred and recognized either in income or as
an adjustment to the carrying amount when the hedged transaction occurs.
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps to
minimize borrowing costs by changing the interest rate and currency of the
original borrowing. For qualifying hedges, the interest rate differential is
reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the swaps (see
Note 7).
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
SWEB has two pension plans, a defined contribution plan and a defined
benefit plan. In 1998, SWEB adopted FASB Statement No. 132, "Employers'
Disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits". The measurement
date is December 31 for each year.
Defined Contribution Plan
The defined contribution plan was established in fiscal year 1994. The
assets of the defined contribution plan are held and administered by an
independent trustee. Contributions to the plan by SWEB on behalf of its
employees were (pound)0.3 million ($0.5 million) for the fiscal year 1999,
(pound)0.2 million for the fiscal year 1998 and (pound)0.1 million for the
fiscal year 1997.
II-22
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Defined Benefit Plan
SWEB participates in the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, which
provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable
pay, to substantially all employees throughout the Electricity Supply Industry
in the UK. Contributions to the plan by SWEB on behalf of its employees were
(pound)0.3 million ($0.5 million) for the fiscal year 1999, (pound)0.3 for the
fiscal year 1998 and (pound)0.6 million for the fiscal year 1997.
Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and the fair
value of the plan assets were as follows (in millions):
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
-------------- --------------
Change in projected benefit obligation
- --------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at beginning of year........................... (pound) 542 $ 875 (pound) 529
Service cost ..................................................... 7 11 7
Interest cost..................................................... 39 63 43
Actuarial loss.................................................... 87 140 -
Benefits paid..................................................... (36) (58) (37)
------ ------- -----
Benefit obligations at end of year................................ (pound) 639 $ 1,031 (pound) 542
------ ------- -----
Plan Assets
- -----------
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.................... (pound) 701 $ 1,131 (pound) 641
Actual return on plan assets...................................... 117 189 94
Employee contributions............................................ 4 6 3
Benefits paid..................................................... (36) (58) (37)
------ ------- -----
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.......................... (pound) 786 $ 1,268 (pound) 701
------ ------- -----
Reconciliation of funded status
- -------------------------------
Funded status of plan............................................. (pound) 147 $ 237 (pound) 159
Unrecognized prior service cost................................... 2 3 3
Unrecognized net gain............................................. (15) (24) (46)
------ ----- -----
Prepaid pension cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet............ (pound) 134 $ 216 (pound) 116
------ ----- -----
The components of the plan's net periodic income were as follows (in
millions):
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
1999 1998 1997
---- ----- ----
Service cost...................................................... (pound) 7 $ 11 (pound) 7 (pound) 9
Interest cost..................................................... 39 63 43 44
Expected return on plan assets.................................... (60) (97) (60) (57)
---- ----- ---- ----
Gross benefit cost/(credit)....................................... (14) (23) (10) (4)
Employee contributions............................................ (4) (6) (3) (4)
----- ----- ---- ----
Net benefit cost/(credit)......................................... (18) (29) (13) (8)
----- ----- ---- ----
The assumptions used in the actuarial calculations were as follows:
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Discount rate..................................................... 5.75% 7.50% 8.50%
Expected rate of return on assets................................. 8.75% 9.50% 9.50%
Rate of pay increase.............................................. 4.00% 4.75% 5.75%
II-23
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Pensions Contingency
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of that use of the
surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the High Court by the
employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a judgment
delivered in June 1997. The High Court also granted the complainants leave to
appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing took place in October
1998, and its judgment was given in February 1999. While the complainants'
appeal was successful, the Court of Appeal indicated that it may be possible to
validate the employer's actions by a retrospective rule amendment. The Court of
Appeal gave leave in principle for a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords
(the UK Supreme Court), but also made arrangements for a further hearing held on
May 25 and 26. The Court of Appeal declined to hear further argument and told
the parties that any outstanding matters would have to be addressed by the
House of Lords. The parties agreed a form of order, stayed pending the further
appeal, which contains a requirement for the amounts offset against the surplus,
plus interest, to be paid into the pension fund. Until any further appeal is
determined it is not known whether this case will impact SWEB significantly. It
is unlikely a hearing will take place before the House of Lords earlier than
Fall 2000. Therefore it is not practical to make an estimate of the exposure at
the present time.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
Distribution
OFFER controls the revenues generated by SWEB in its distribution
business by applying a price control formula, P + RPI -X, where P is the price
level at the beginning of each new regulatory period, RPI is the change in the
Retail Price Index and X is an adjustment factor determined by OFFER. X is
currently 3%.
The DPCF is usually set for a five-year period, subject to more frequent
adjustments as determined necessary by the Regulator. At each review, the
Regulator can require a one-time price adjustment. An initial review by the
Regulator of allowable income in the distribution business led to a reduction of
the price level by 14% for SWEB starting April 1995, followed by efficiency
factors of X = 2% for each year until March 2000. In July 1995, the Regulator
announced the result of a further distribution price review which was
precipitated by certain market events in the UK electric utility industry. For
SWEB, such announcement meant a real reduction of 11% in allowable distribution
income for the twelve months from April 1996, followed by an efficiency factor
of X = 3% for each year, before an allowed increase for inflation. The Regulator
is currently undertaking the next DPCF review expected to become effective from
April 2000.
Supply
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity. The sale is subject to regulatory clearance. See Note 12
in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
Within the supply business, customers fall into the two categories of
Unregulated and Regulated Supply Customers.
Unregulated Supply Customers have been able to choose their supplier for
some years. Regulated Customers are those customers who are not Unregulated
Supply Customers and largely comprise domestic and small business customers.
Prices charged to Regulated Supply Customers by a REC within its Authorized Area
are controlled by regulation. Until March 1998, the calculation of the maximum
supply charge was based on a SPCF, similar to the DPCF, plus an ability to pass
through certain costs, principally the costs of energy purchases, transmission
and distribution use of system charges. For the four-year period ending March
1998, an efficiency factor of X = 2% (before an allowed increase for inflation)
was applied to SWEB, offset by an allowance for both unit and customer growth.
From April 1998 supply business charges to Regulated Supply Customers within a
REC's Authorised Area have been subject to a Price Cap instead of being based on
the SPCF; the concept of pass through costs no longer applies.
II-24
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Following the announcement by the Regulator in October 1997, in respect
of the latest supply price review for Regulated Supply Customers effective from
April 1998, SWEB has implemented a tariff reduction of 2.8% effective from that
date. A further 3% reduction (before an allowed increase for inflation) will be
implemented for fiscal year 2000. The Regulator is currently undertaking the
next supply price review expected to become effective from April 2000.
The exclusive right for a REC to supply Regulated Supply Customers in its
Authorized Area was phased out from September 1998, and from May 1999, all
supply customers can choose their electricity supplier. SWEB's first phase
commenced in November 1998, followed by phases two and three in February and
May, 1999, respectively. Once a REC's Authorized Area opened to competition, it
could compete in the Authorized Area of other RECs where competition had
commenced, and vice versa.
The Regulator has imposed a penalty on all RECs, including SWEB, relating
to the delay in opening competition to Regulated Supply Customers beyond the
April 1998 deadline; the penalty imposed on SWEB did not have a material impact
on earnings. The supply tariffs in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 represent maximum
price restraints intended to protect each REC's Regulated Supply Customers,
which it supplies within its Authorized Area.
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
Power Purchase Agreements
SWEB has entered into a contract relating to the purchase of 200
megawatts of capacity from a 7.69% owned related party, Teesside Power Limited
("Teesside"), for a period of 15 years beginning April 1993. The contract sets
escalating electricity purchase prices at predetermined levels. The Company has
recognized an accrual at the acquisition date for the excess of these Teesside
power purchase costs in each year over an estimate of the equivalent Pool costs
in that respective year. These costs have been discounted at an appropriate rate
to their present value of (pound)69 million ($111 million) at March 31, 1999 and
(pound)72 million at March 31, 1998. Over the past three years, the Pool prices
have been less than anticipated when the accrual was recognized. The Company is
continuing to review the trend of Pool prices and an adjustment to the provision
may be required in the future. As part of the sale of the supply business it is
anticipated that London Electricity will assume SWEB's obligations under the
contract.
Operating Leases
SWEB has commitments under operating leases with various terms and
expiration dates. Expenses associated with these commitments totaled (pound)6
million ($10 million) for the fiscal year 1999, (pound)5 million for the fiscal
year 1998, and (pound)4 million for the fiscal year 1997.
At March 31, 1999, estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable
operating leases were as follows (in millions):
Fiscal year
2000....................................... (pound) 4 $ 6
2001....................................... 2 3
2002....................................... 1 2
2003....................................... 1 2
2004....................................... - -
2005 and thereafter........................ 4 6
---- ----
Total minimum payment........................ (pound) 12 $ 19
==== ====
II-25
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Labor Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements
Substantially all of SWEB's employees are subject to one of two
collective bargaining agreements. Such agreements are ongoing in nature, and
SWEB's employee participation level is consistent with that of the electric
utility industry in the UK.
5. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Effective March 31, 1998, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 131,
"Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". All
revenues are in respect of sales to customers in the UK.
Business Segments
- ----------------- (in millions)
Fiscal Year Distribution Other Eliminations Consolidated
- ---------- ------------ ----- ------------ ------------
1999
- ----
Operating revenues (pound) 247 $ 399(pound)49 $ 79(pound)(35) $ (57) (pound)261 $ 421
Depreciation and Amortization 45 72 6 10 - - 51 82
Operating income 111 180 12 19 (1) (2) 122 197
Total assets employed at year-end 1,599 2,581 540 871 - - 2,139 3,452
Capital expenditures 70 113 3 5 - - 73 118
1998
- ----
Operating revenues (pound) 228 (pound) 44 (pound) (27) (pound) 245
Depreciation and Amortization 39 7 - 46
Operating income 106 4 - 110
Total assets employed at year-end 1,540 188 - 1,728
Capital expenditures 78 4 (1) 81
1997
- ----
Operating revenues (pound) 231 (pound) 55 (pound) (29) (pound) 257
Depreciation and Amortization 37 6 - 43
Operating income 108 6 (1) 113
Total assets employed at year-end 1,481 240 - 1,721
Capital expenditures 64 6 (1) 69
Distribution involves the transfer of electricity from the high voltage
transmission system, and its delivery, across low voltage distribution systems,
to consumers. Included in "Other" are ancillary business activities that
generally support SWEB's distribution business, including electricity generation
for standby purposes, property and telecommunications, as well as corporate
items and assets not allocated to specific segments and energy purchasing.
Interest expense and taxes are wholly allocated to "Other" and are disclosed in
the Consolidated Income Statements. With the exception of total assets employed
and capital expenditures, the values above exclude discontinued operation - see
Note 12.
II-26
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
6. INCOME TAXES
Details of the income tax provisions are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Total provision for income taxes:
Customary:
Currently payable (pound) 13 $ 21 (pound) 27 (pound) 21
Deferred 13 21 6 11
---- ---- ----- ----
26 42 33 32
Effect of change in tax rates (11) (18) (22) -
Windfall levy - - 90 -
---- ---- ----- ----
Total income taxes charged to operations (pound) 15 $ 24 (pound) 101 (pound) 32
==== ==== ===== ====
The decrease in customary income taxes from fiscal year 1998 to fiscal
year 1999 is primarily due to a prudent increase to the income tax provision in
fiscal year 1998 to cover possible disallowable items. In the fiscal year 1999,
it has been possible to reduce the provision following the resolution of some of
these items.
The UK government's 1998 Finance Act included a reduction in the rate of
UK corporation tax from 31% to 30% effective April 1999. This decrease resulted
in a reduction to SWEB's provision for deferred income taxes and a corresponding
decrease in income tax expense of approximately (pound)11 million, during fiscal
year 1999.
In fiscal year 1998, the UK corporation tax rate was reduced from 33%
to 31% with effective April 1997, which resulted in a reduction to the Company's
provision for deferred income taxes and a corresponding decrease in income tax
expense of approximately (pound)22 million.
In July 1997 the Labour government presented its first budget which
included a "one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized
utilities". Based upon the legislation, SWEB's liability was assessed at
(pound)90 million. The levy was paid by installments; the first half in December
1997 and the second half in two tranches in November and December 1998.
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax
bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows
(in millions):
March 31, March 31,
1999 1998
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant, and equipment basis differences...................(pound)345 $ 557 (pound) 361
Pensions........................................................... 41 66 38
----- ----- -----
Total...................................................... 386 623 399
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals, including acquisition related items............. 23 37 38
----- ----- -----
Net deferred tax liabilities in consolidated balance sheet...........(pound)363 $ 586 (pound) 361
===== ===== =====
The effect of the change in tax rates, as discussed above, would reduce the
effective rate by 11% and 26% in fiscal years 1999 and 1998 respectively. The
effect of the windfall levy would increase the effective rate by 105%, in fiscal
year 1998. Excluding these items, the reconciliation of the UK statutory rate to
the effective customary income tax rate is as follows:
II-27
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
UK statutory rate 31% 31% 33%
Nondeductible amortization of goodwill 1 2 2
Other permanent differences (7) 5 1
--- --- ---
Effective customary income tax rate 25% 38% 36%
=== === ===
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company and SWEB utilize interest rate swaps to minimize borrowing
costs and mitigate their exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by allowing
them to convert their outstanding variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. These
swaps are designated as hedges of underlying debt obligations and, as such, the
interest rate differential is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense
over the life of the swaps. At March 31, 1999, sterling interest rate swaps
expiring between 2001 and 2012 with notional amounts totaling (pound)600
million ($968 million), resulted in an unrealized loss of (pound)80 million
($129 million).
Foreign currency swaps embedded in cross currency swaps and interest rate
swap hybrid instruments are used by the Company and SWEB to hedge exposure to
currency fluctuations for US dollar denominated debt. Gains and losses on these
hedges are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the carrying amount when
the hedged transaction occurs. At March 31, 1999, currency swaps expiring
between 2001 and 2007 with notional amounts totaling (pound)350 million,
resulted in an unrealized profit of (pound)23 million.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the
event of counterparties' nonperformance. The Company has established controls to
determine and monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties in order to
mitigate the Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk. The Company is
unaware of any counterparties that will fail to meet their obligations.
SWEB utilizes contracts to mitigate its exposure to Pool price
volatility. These contracts allow the Company to effectively convert the
majority of its anticipated Pool prices to fixed prices. The gains and losses on
these contracts are deferred and recognized as electricity is purchased.
Recently a market has developed for trading these contracts. However, due to the
immaturity of this market and the complexity of the Company's existing
contracts, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of these contracts.
Other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal
fair value at March 31 were as follows (in millions):
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
-------------- --------------
Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value
Amount Amount
Long-term debt (pound) 301 (pound) 335 (pound) 301 (pound) 332
Preferred securities (pound) 50 (pound) 70 (pound) 50 (pound) 67
The fair values for long-term debt have been calculated by discounting
cashflows at prevailing interest rates. The fair values for preferred securities
were based on the closing price of comparable instruments.
II-28
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
8. CAPITAL BUDGET
The Company's capital expenditure for the fiscal year 1999 was (pound)73
million ($118 million); for the fiscal years 2000 and 2001 capital expenditures
are estimated to be (pound)62 million and (pound)61 million respectively. The
capital budget is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual capital
cost incurred may vary from the above statement because of numerous factors. The
factors include: changes in business conditions; revised load growth
projections; change in regulatory requirements; and increasing costs of labor,
equipment, and materials.
9. FINANCING
The Company has $500 million Senior Notes in the US, of which some $168
million of the Senior Notes are due for redemption in 2001 and $332 million in
2006; the Senior Notes are at rates of 6.375% and 6.8% respectively. The Company
entered into currency swap transactions that effectively convert the US dollar
obligations of the Senior Notes into pounds sterling obligations, with a nominal
value of (pound)300 million.
Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), issued $82 million
of its 8.23% preferred securities and invested the proceeds thereof in 8.23%
subordinated debentures issued by the Company, which are scheduled to mature on
February 1, 2027. The Company guarantees the Trust's obligations under the
preferred securities. The Company has also entered into foreign currency swap
contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and principal
on the preferred securities, by swapping the US dollar liabilities back to
pounds sterling for the period to February 2007. The nominal value of the
swapped liabilities is (pound)50 million. The Company owns all of the common
securities of the Trust, all of the assets of which are the aforementioned
subordinated debentures of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of
$84.5 million.
The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the
preferred securities, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by the Company of the Trust's payment obligations with respect to the
preferred securities.
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures. Sums
totaling (pound)402 million were contributed to the Company for newly issued
shares and the Company made three US dollar loans, totaling $584 million
((pound)351 million) to Holdings UK on the same terms as the existing long-term
debt and subordinated debentures. In consideration of entering into these loans
and their related currency and interest rate swaps, the Company made premium
payments (independently calculated as a fair arms-length value between
unconnected parties) of $84 million ((pound)51 million) to Holdings UK. Of the
premium payments, (pound)42 million is being amortized over the life of the
respective loans and swaps, and (pound)9 million represents accrued interest.
This arrangement reduces the net interest cost of the SIUK group as reported in
this Form 10-K, but has no impact at the Holdings UK group level.
The Company has a US commercial paper program, which is fully supported
by a swingline and revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks,
under which the maximum available is $520 million. At March 31, 1999 the amount
unutilized under these facilities was $118 million. SWEB enters into foreign
currency contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and
principal of each utilization under this program.
Excluding swap agreements between the Company and Holdings UK, at March
31, 1999, the Company and SWEB have sterling interest rate swaps expiring
between 2001 and 2012 with notional amounts totalling (pound)600 million ($968
million), and cross currency swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007 with notional
amounts totalling (pound)350 million ($565 million).
II-29
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
10. INVESTMENTS
The Company's long-term investments accounted for under the cost method
consist of its 7.69% ownership of Teesside (Note 4), the fair value of which is
not readily determinable. The Company's short-term investments are classified as
available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, the fair value of which approximated cost
at March 31, 1999.
The fair value of SWEB's holdings at acquisition in PSB was assessed at
(pound)39 million. PSB was subsequently sold and a gain of (pound)4 million was
recognized in fiscal year 1997.
11. COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
The Company's main investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of SWEB. The Company is primarily dependent upon dividends from
SWEB for its cash flow. SWEB can make distribution of dividends to the Company
under English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to
the retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its supply and
distribution businesses as required by its regulatory license. The Company
believes that currently sufficient distributable reserves will exist at SWEB to
allow for any and all cash flow generated at SWEB through operations to be
distributed to the Company through dividends to the Company. In the UK, the
Accounting Standards Board is currently reviewing the treatment of deferred
income tax accounting. If full provision for deferred tax were required, SWEB's
distributable reserves could be eliminated. In addition, in March 1999, the
Regulator proposed a variation to the licenses under which all RECs (including
SWEB) operate such that the directors of a REC must certify to the Regulator
that it is reasonably foreseeable that the REC will not breach any of its
license conditions if it declares a dividend. This variation is currently
subject to further discussion. SWEB has no reason to believe that a breach of
its license would flow from declaring a reasonable dividend.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On June 11, 1999, SWEB reached agreement to sell its supply business to
London Electricity for consideration of (pound)160 million cash and the
assumption of certain liabilities. The decision to accept London Electricity's
offer followed an intense review and evaluation of interest from numerous
parties. Approximately 800 SWEB staff will transfer to the employment of London
Electricity. SWEB's distribution business, which owns and operates the
electricity network in the south west of England, is not part of this contract
and ownership will not change. The sale is expected to be completed, subject to
regulatory approval, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2000. The Company
expects to record a gain on the sale of the supply business once regulatory
approval has been given.
The supply business segment is accounted for as discontinued operations,
and accordingly, amounts in the financial statements and related notes for all
periods shown have been restated to reflect discontinued operations accounting.
Summarized results of this business are shown separately as discontinued.
The net assets directly attributable to the discontinued activity as at
March 31, 1999 were (pound)21 million and largely comprise accounts receivable
and accounts payable. The value of net assets to be transferred as part of the
sale will be determined once regulatory approval has been given.
II-30
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
II-31
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 1999:
Name Age Position
---- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Pershing.............................. 52 Director, Chief Executive Officer
C. B. (Mike) Harreld............................. 54 Director, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
W. P. Bowers..................................... 42 Director
C. Philip Saunders............................... 46 Director
Robert A. Symons................................. 46 Director
Accentacross Limited............................. Director
Mighteager Limited............................... Director
Richard J. Pershing has been a Director of the Company since June 1995
and Chief Executive Officer since July 1996. From February 1994 to the present,
Mr. Pershing has served as Executive Vice President of Southern Energy, an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
C. B. (Mike) Harreld was a Director of the Company from September 1995
and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company from July 1996. He was
also the Finance Director of SWEB from September 1995. From February 1986 to
August 1995, he had served as Vice President, Comptroller and Chief Accounting
Officer of Georgia Power. Effective June 1, 1999, he was appointed as Senior
Vice President and Controller of Southern Energy's North America Group, and
Southern Energy Controller. He was replaced on this Board and the SWEB Board by
D.C.S. Oosthuizen, who had been serving as Assistant to the SWEB Chief Executive
prior to taking up his most recent role as General Manager, Information
Resources at SWEB.
W. P. Bowers has been a Director of the Company since December 1998. He
has also been Chief Executive Officer of SWEB since that date. From September
1995 to December 1998, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for
Georgia Power.
C. Philip Saunders has been a Director of the Company since September
1995. He has also been Supply Director of SWEB since that date. From February
1994 to September 1995, he served as Western Region Director and Power Marketing
Director for US business development at Southern Energy. From May 1992 to
February 1994, Mr. Saunders was Assistant to the Senior Vice President of
Marketing at Georgia Power.
Robert A. Symons has been a Director of the Company since October 1997.
He has also been Distribution Director of SWEB since that date. From December
1994 to September 1997, Mr. Symons served as Network Services Manager in
Plymouth for SWEB. From October 1994 to November 1994, he was in Network
Services, West and from April 1992 to September 1994, Mr. Symons served as Meter
Test Manager for SWEB.
Accentacross Limited ("Accentacross") has been a Director of the
Company since July 1996. Stephen J. Feerrar represents Accentacross at
meetings of the Directors of the Company. Mr. Feerrar has represented
Accentacross at meetings of the Directors of the Company since July 1996. From
March 1995 to the present, Mr. Feerrar has served as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of PP&L Global, Inc. Prior to March 1995, Mr. Feerrar
served as Finance Director for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
Mighteager Limited ("Mighteager") has been a Director of the Company
since July 1996. Stephen J. Feerrar represents Mighteager at meetings of the
Directors of the Company. Mr. Feerrar has represented Mighteager at meetings
of the Directors of the Company since July 1996. From March 1995 to the
present, Mr. Feerrar has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of PP&L Global, Inc. Prior to March 1995, Mr. Feerrar served as Finance
Director for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
III-1
Accentacross and Mighteager were elected by PMDC to the board of the
Company pursuant to a Shareholders' Agreement dated July 1, 1996 among Southern
Electric International-Europe Inc. ("SEI-Europe"), PMDC and Holdings and
reaffirmed under a revised Shareholders' Agreement of June 18, 1998 (the
"Shareholders' Agreement") between SEI-Europe, PMDC and Holdings UK. The
Shareholders' Agreement provides that holders of a majority of the A shares can
appoint the majority of directors to the board and that holders of a majority of
the B shares can appoint a number of directors that is one less than the number
of directors that the holders of the A shares have the right to appoint. This
applies not only to the board of directors of Holdings UK but also extends to
the boards of Holdings and of the Company as wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Holdings UK. During the period under review Holdings UK as holder of the B
shares exercised this right to the extent of electing Accentacross and
Mighteager to the board of the Company. Accentacross and Mighteager are
represented on the board of directors of the Company by Mr. Feerrar.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Accentacross and Mighteager (the "PMDC Directors") do not receive
compensation for their services as Directors of the Company. Mr. Symons has
received, and will continue to receive, compensation in respect of services
performed as a SWEB Officer, SWEB being his primary employer and a subsidiary of
the Company. He receives no cash or non-cash compensation as a result of these
arrangements beyond that which he would otherwise receive from SWEB for the
services performed by him for SWEB. The other officers and directors listed in
Item 10 above (such officers and directors, with the exception of Robert Symons
and the PMDC Directors, each a "Southern Company system Officer or Director", as
applicable) have received, and will continue to receive, compensation in respect
of services performed by such persons in their capacities as Southern Company
system Officers or Directors of the Company from Southern Energy, their primary
employer and an affiliate of the Company. The salaries, including a portion of
the overhead costs associated with each, for Messrs. Bowers, Harreld and
Saunders are paid by Southern Energy, and Southern Energy is reimbursed by the
Company, in accordance with a services agreement between the Company and
Southern Energy. Southern Company system Officers and Directors receive no cash
or non-cash compensation as a result of these arrangements beyond that which
they would otherwise receive from Southern Energy for the services performed by
them for Southern Energy.
III-2
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners. The authorized share capital of
the Company consists of 902,128,735 ordinary shares of (pound)1 each, all of
which have been issued fully paid and are held by Holdings. Holdings is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings UK. The following table sets forth, as of
March 31, 1999, certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Holdings
UK common stock held by each person known by the Company to own beneficially
more than 10% of Holdings UK outstanding common stock.
Name and Address Amount and Nature Percent
of Beneficial of Beneficial of
Title of Class Owner Ownership Class
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Ordinary The Southern Company 12,184,716 (1) 100%
270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
B Ordinary PP&L Resources, Inc. 11,936,049 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
C Ordinary PP&L Resources, Inc. 746,003 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
(1) Such shares are owned by SEI-Europe UK Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
(2) Such shares are owned by PMDC UK, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PP&L.
The A Ordinary shares and the B Ordinary shares have the same voting rights,
while the C Ordinary shares have no voting rights. The only other material
difference between them is the requirement for dividends attributable to the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998 aggregating up to (pound)30.4 million to
be allocated 61% to the holder(s) of the A shares and 39% to the holders of the
B shares and the C shares collectively, and for dividends attributable to the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998 in excess of (pound)30.4 million to be
allocated pro-rata to the shareholders in accordance with their ownership of
shares.
Security ownership of management. The following table shows the number of shares
of Southern common stock owned by the directors, nominees and executive officers
as of March 31, 1999. It is based on information furnished by the directors,
nominees and executive officers. The shares owned by all directors, nominees and
executive officers as a group constitute less than one percent of the total
number of shares outstanding on March 31, 1999.
Name of Directors,
Nominees and
Number of Shares
Executive Officers Title of Class Beneficially Owned1,2
- ------------------ ------------- ----------------------
Richard J. Pershing Southern Common 35,238
Carson B. Harreld Southern Common 10,427
W. P. Bowers Southern Common 13,856
C. Philip Saunders Southern Common 11,813
The directors, nominees, and
executive officers as a group (7 persons) Southern Common 71,334
1 As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security
and/or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
2 The shares shown include shares of Southern common stock of which certain directors and executive officers have the right to
acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days pursuant to the Executive Stock Plan, as follows: Mr. Pershing 11,912 shares;
Mr. Harreld 6,150 shares; Mr. Bowers 6,206 shares; and Mr. Saunders 4,858 shares.
III-3
Mr. Symons and the two corporate directors, Accentacross Limited and Mighteager
Limited, do not own any equity securities of the Company or any of its
parents or subsidiaries.
Changes in control. The Company knows of no arrangements which may at a
subsequent date result in any change in control.
II-4
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with management and others.
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings
UK and the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK
became a co-obligor of the Company's existing long-term debt and
subordinated debentures - see Note 9 to "Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements".
Certain business relationships.
See Item 11 herein.
Indebtedness of management.
None.
Transactions with promoters.
None.
III-5
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report on this Form
10-K:
(1) Financial Statements:
The financial statements and the related reports of independent
public accountants filed as a part of this annual report are
listed under Item 8 herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Public Accountants as to Schedules for
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc and Subsidiaries is included herein
on page S-1
Financial Statement Schedules for the Company are included
herein on page S-2.
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index on page E-1 and E-2.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The registrant has not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the last
quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
IV-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant, Southern Investments UK plc, a public limited
company incorporated and existing under the laws of England and Wales, has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on the 23rd day of June,
1999.
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc
By: Richard J. Pershing
Director and Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ WAYNE BOSTON
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following directors and officers of Southern
Investments UK plc in the capacities and on the date indicated:
Signature Title Date
RICHARD J. PERSHING Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
D. CHARL S. OOSTHUIZEN Chief Financial and
Accounting Officer
W. P. BOWERS |
|
C. PHILIP SAUNDERS |
|
ROBERT A. SYMONS |
| Directors
MIGHTEAGER LIMITED |
|
By: Stephen J. Feerrar |
Director |
/s/ WAYNE BOSTON June 23, 1999
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
IV-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES included in
this report and have issued our report thereon dated June 23, 1999. Our audit
was made for the purposes of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item 14 (a) (2) is the
responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to
be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 23, 1999
S-1
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
(In Millions)
Additions
-------------------------------
Balance at Charged Charged to Balance
Beginning (Credited) Other at End of
of Period to Income Accounts Deductions Period
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
------------ --------- ---------- --------- ---------
Provision for Uncollectable Accounts
Year-Ended March 31, 1997................ 17 (1) (2) - (3) 12
== === = === ==
Year-Ended March 31, 1998................ 12 (2) - (1) 9
== === = === =
Year-Ended March 31, 1999................ 9 2 - (1) 10
= = = === ==
- -------------
(1) In the year ended March 31, 1997,(pound)2 million of this provision was reversed as part of the review of the
purchasing accounting adjustments.
S-2
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the exhibit
number are filed herewith. The balance of the exhibits have heretofore been
filed with the SEC, respectively, as the exhibits and in the file numbers
indicated and are incorporated herein by reference.
3.1 -- Memorandum of Association of the Company. (Designated in
Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 3.1.)
3.2 -- Articles of Association of the Company. (Designated in Form
S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 3.2.)
4.1 -- Trust Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996, between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as trustee. (Designated in
Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 4.1.)
4.2 -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996
between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as trustee.
(Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit
4.2.)
4.3 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of November 21, 1996 between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as book-entry depositary.
(Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit
4.3.)
4.4 -- Subordinated Debenture Indenture dated as of January 29,
1997, among the Company, Bankers Trust Company, as trustee,
and Bankers Trust Luxembourg S.A., as paying agent and
transfer agent. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No.
333-26939 as Exhibit 4.1.)
4.5 -- Certificate of Trust of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust
I (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as
Exhibit 4.3.)
4.6 -- Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of
January 29, 1997 of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I.
(Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit
4.4.)
4.7 -- Form of Exchange Guarantee of the Company relating to the
Exchange Capital Securities. (Designated in Form S-4
Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.6.)
4.8 -- Capital Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of
the Company relating to the Original Capital Securities.
(Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit
4.8.)
4.9 -- Common Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of
the Company relating to the Common Securities. (Designated in
Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.9.)
4.10 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of January 29, 1997 between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as book-entry depositary.
(Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit
4.10.)
10.1 -- SWEB Public Electricity Supply License dated January 31, 1996.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.1.)
10.2 -- Modifications of License Conditions dated March 31, 1998,
March 18, 1998, January 23, 1998, December 30, 1997, and March
7, 1997. (Designated in Form 10-K for the year ended March 31,
1998 as Exhibit 10.2).
10.3 -- Pooling and Settlement Agreement (as amended and restated
at July 28, 1997) together with modifications dated September
19, 1997 and May 14, 1998 between SWEB, Energy Settlements and
Information Services (as Settlement System Administrator),
Energy Pool Funds Administration Limited (as Pool Funds
Administrator), NGC (as Grid Operator and Ancillary Services
Provider) and Other Parties. (Designated in Form 10-K for the
year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.3).
E-1
10.4 -- Master Connection and Use of System Agreement dated as of
March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users (including SWEB).
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.4.)
10.5 -- Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC and SWEB.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.5.)
10.6 -- Variations dated April 1, 1998, March 31, 1998 and March
31, 1998 to the Master Connection and Use of System Agreement
dated as of March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users (including
SWEB) and to the Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC
and SWEB. (Designated in Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.6).
10.7 -- Master Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995 among The
National Grid Holding plc, NGC, SWEB and the other RECs.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.6.)
10.8 -- Memorandum of Understanding between NGG, SWEB and each of the
RECs, dated November 17, 1995. (Designated in Form S-1
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.7.)
10.9 -- Form of SWEB Use of Distribution System Agreement.
(Designated in Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1998 as
Exhibit 10.9).
* 10.10 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point,
generally applicable to commercial customers.
10.11 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point,
generally applicable to residential customers. (Designated in
Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.11).
10.12 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between
Southern Electric International, Inc. (now Southern Energy,
Inc.) and the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 10.10.)
10.13 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern
Electric International, Inc. (now Southern Energy, Inc.) and
SWEB. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 33-09033 as
Exhibit 10.11.)
10.14 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between SWEB
and Holdings. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 10.12.)
10.15 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the
Company and SWEB. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 10.13.)
* 21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant.
* 24.1 -- Power of Attorney and Resolution.
* 27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule.
E-2