UNITED STATES
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 December 31, 2000 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _________ to
___________ [NO FEE REQUIRED]
Commission File Registrant; State of Incorporation; IRS Employer
Number Address and Telephone Number Identification No.
------ ---------------------------- ------------------
1-11459 PPL Corporation 23-2758192
(Exact name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 774-5151
1-905 PPL Electric Utilities Corporation 23-0959590
(Exact name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 774-5151
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class which registered
- ------------------- ------------------------
Common Stock of PPL Corporation New York & Philadelphia Stock Exchanges
Preferred Stock of PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation
4-1/2% New York & Philadelphia Stock Exchanges
3.35% Series Philadelphia Stock Exchange
4.40% Series New York & Philadelphia Stock Exchanges
4.60% Series Philadelphia Stock Exchange
Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Securities of PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation
8.20% Series ($25 stated value)(a) New York Stock Exchange
8.10% Series ($25 stated value)(b) New York Stock Exchange
(a) Issued by PPL Capital Trust and guaranteed by PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation
(b) Issued by PPL Capital Trust II and guaranteed by PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 Registrants' 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.
PPL Corporation [X]
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have 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
Registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
PPL Corporation Yes X No___
---
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Yes X No___
---
As of January 31, 2001, PPL Corporation had 145,257,806 shares of its $.01 par
value Common Stock outstanding, excluding 30,993,637 shares held as treasury
stock. The aggregate market value of these common shares (based upon the average
of the high and low price of these shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that
date) held by non-affiliates was $6,007,136,567.
PPL Corporation held all 102,230,382 outstanding common shares, no par value, of
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, excluding 55,070,000 shares held as treasury
stock. The aggregate market value of the voting preferred stock held by
non-affiliates of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation at January 31, 2001 was
$82,880,271.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Registrants have incorporated herein by reference certain sections of PPL
Corporation's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, and PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information
Statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not
later than 120 days after December 31, 2000. Such Statements will provide the
information required by Part III of this Report.
PPL CORPORATION
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by PPL Corporation and PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation. Information contained herein relating to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation is filed by PPL Corporation and separately by PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation on its own behalf. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
makes no representation as to information relating to PPL Corporation or its
subsidiaries, except as it may relate to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation.
Item Page
PART I
------
1. Business........................................................................................................ 1
2. Properties...................................................................................................... 10
3. Legal Proceedings............................................................................................... 10
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............................................................. 11
Executive Officers of the Registrants........................................................................... 12
PPL CORPORATION
PART II
-------
5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters....................................... 15
6. Selected Financial and Operating Data........................................................................... 16
7. Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations..................................................... 17
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...................................................... 26
Report of Independent Accountants............................................................................... 27
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements.................................................. 28
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 29
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 30
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2000 and 1999........................................................ 31
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 33
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2000 and 1999 ........................................ 34
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Securities at
December 31, 2000 and 1999 ................................................................................ 35
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2000 and 1999 ......................................... 36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................................... 37
Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule:
II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2000................. 59
Quarterly Financial Data, Common Stock Price and Dividend Data.................................................. 60
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure............................ 61
PART III
--------
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............................................................. 61
11. Executive Compensation.......................................................................................... 61
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.................................................. 61
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................................................................. 61
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
PART II
-------
5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters....................................... 64
6. Selected Financial and Operating Data........................................................................... 65
7. Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations..................................................... 66
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...................................................... 72
Report of Independent Accountants............................................................................... 73
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements.................................................. 74
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 75
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 76
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2000 and 1999........................................................ 77
Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common Equity for each of the Three Years Ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998........................................................................... 79
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2000 and 1999 ........................................ 80
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Securities at
December 31, 2000 and 1999 ................................................................................ 81
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2000 and 1999 ......................................... 82
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................................... 83
Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule:
II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2000................. 92
Quarterly Financial Data........................................................................................ 93
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure............................ 94
PART III
--------
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............................................................. 94
11. Executive Compensation.......................................................................................... 94
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.................................................. 94
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................................................................. 94
PART IV
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14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K................................................ 95
Shareowner and Investor Information............................................................................. 97
Signatures...................................................................................................... 99
Exhibit Index................................................................................................... 101
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges............................................................... 106
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AFUDC (Allowance for Funds Used During Construction) - the cost of equity and
debt funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized as part of
construction cost.
Aguaytia - Aguaytia Energy, LLC, a consortium of energy companies involved in
the development of gas pipeline and generating units in Peru.
Bangor Hydro - Bangor Hydro-Electric Company.
BG&E - Baltimore Gas & Electric Company.
BGG - Bolivian Generating Group, LLC, an energy consortium with a 50% interest
in an electric generating company in Bolivia.
CEMAR - Companhia Energetica do Maranhao, a Brazilian electric distribution
holding company in which PPL Global has a majority ownership interest.
CGE - Compania General Electricidad, SA, a distributor of energy in Chile and
Argentina, in which PPL Global has a minority ownership interest.
Clean Air Act (Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990) - legislation enacted
to address certain environmental issues including acid rain, ozone and toxic air
emissions.
CTC - competitive transition charge on customer bills to recover allowable
transition costs under the Customer Choice Act.
Customer Choice Act - (Pennsylvania Electricity Generation Customer Choice and
Competition Act) - legislation enacted to restructure the state's electric
utility industry to create retail access to a competitive market for generation
of electricity.
DelSur - Distribuidora Electricidad del Sur S.A., an electric distribution
company in El Salvador, a majority of which is owned by EC.
DEP - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
DOE - Department of Energy.
DRIP - Dividend reinvestment plan.
EC - Electricidad de Centroamerica, S.A. de C.V, an El Salvadoran holding
company and the majority owner of Del Sur. PPL Global has 100% ownership of EC.
EGS - electric generation supplier.
EITF (Emerging Issues Task Force) - an organization that aids the FASB in
identifying emerging issues that may require FASB action.
Emel - Empresas Emel, S.A., a Chilean electric distribution holding company of
which PPL Global has majority ownership.
EMF - electric and magnetic fields.
Energy Marketing Center - business unit responsible for marketing and trading
wholesale energy and capacity. Effective July 1, 2000, the Energy Marketing
Center is part of PPL EnergyPlus.
Enrichment - the concentration of fissionable isotopes to produce a fuel
suitable for use in a nuclear reactor.
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency.
EPS - Earnings per share.
ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Fabrication - the process which manufactures nuclear fuel assemblies for
insertion into the reactor.
FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) - a rulemaking organization that
establishes financial accounting and reporting standards.
FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) - federal agency that regulates
interstate transmission and wholesale sales of electricity and related matters.
GAAP - Generally accepted accounting principles.
Hyder - Hyder plc, a subsidiary of WPDL and owner of South Wales Electricity
plc, Welsh Water and other service-oriented businesses.
IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
ICP - Incentive Compensation Plan.
ISO - Independent System Operator.
ITC - intangible transition charge on customer bills to recover intangible
transition costs associated with securitizing stranded costs under the Customer
Choice Act.
JCP&L - Jersey Central Power & Light Company.
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.
Mirant - Mirant Corporation, formerly Southern Energy Inc., a diversified energy
company based in Atlanta. PPL Global and Mirant jointly own WPDH and WPDL.
Montana Power - The Montana Power Company, a Montana-based company engaged in
diversified energy and communication-related businesses. Montana Power sold its
generating assets to PPL Global in December 1999.
NO\\x\\ - nitrogen oxide.
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) - federal agency that regulates operation of
nuclear power facilities.
NUGs - (Non-Utility Generators) - generating plants not owned by public
utilities whose electrical output must be purchased by utilities under the PURPA
if the plant meets certain criteria.
OSM - United States Office of Surface Mining.
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) - additive to oil used in certain electrical
equipment up to the late-1970s. Now classified as a hazardous chemical.
PJM (PJM Interconnection, LLC) - operates the electric transmission network and
electric energy market in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
PLR - provider of last resort, referring to PPL Electric providing electricity
to retail customers within its delivery territory who have chosen not to shop
for electricity under the Customer Choice Act.
PPL - PPL Corporation, the parent holding company of PPL Electric, PPL Energy
Funding and other subsidiaries.
PPL Capital Funding - PPL Capital Funding, Inc., a PPL financing subsidiary.
PPL Capital Trust - a Delaware statutory business trust created to issue
Preferred Securities, whose common securities are held by PPL Electric.
PPL Capital Trust II - a Delaware statutory business trust created to issue
Preferred Securities, whose common securities are held by PPL Electric.
PPL Electric - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a regulated subsidiary which
distributes and transmits electricity in its service territory, and provides
electric supply to retail customers in this territory as a PLR.
PPL Energy Funding - PPL Energy Funding Corporation, an unregulated subsidiary
which, as of July 1, 2000, is the parent company for most of PPL's unregulated
businesses.
PPL EnergyPlus - PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, an unregulated subsidiary of PPL Energy
Funding which markets wholesale electricity and supplies energy and energy
services in newly deregulated markets.
PPL Gas Utilities - PPL Gas Utilities Corporation, a regulated subsidiary
specializing in natural gas distribution, transmission and storage services, and
the sale of propane.
PPL Generation - PPL Generation, LLC, an unregulated subsidiary of PPL Energy
Funding which, effective July 1, 2000, owns and operates U.S. generating
facilities through various subsidiaries.
PPL Global - PPL Global, LLC, an unregulated subsidiary which invests in and
develops domestic and international power projects, and owns and operates
international projects. Effective June 30, 2000, PPL Global, Inc. became PPL
Global, LLC. (Effective July 1, 2000, PPL Global became a subsidiary of PPL
Energy Funding.)
PPL Holtwood - PPL Holtwood, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Generation which,
effective July 1, 2000, owns PPL's hydroelectric generating operations in
Pennsylvania.
PPL Maine - PPL Maine, LLC, formerly Penobscot Hydro, LLC. PPL Maine, effective
July 1, 2000, became a subsidiary of PPL Generation.
PPL Montana - PPL Montana, LLC, an unregulated subsidiary which generates
electricity for wholesale sales in Montana and the Northwest. Effective July 1,
2000, PPL Montana became a subsidiary of PPL Generation.
PPL Services - PPL Services Corporation, an unregulated subsidiary of PPL which,
as of July 1, 2000, provides shared services for PPL and its subsidiaries.
PPL Susquehanna - PPL Susquehanna, LLC, the nuclear generating subsidiary of PPL
Generation effective July 1, 2000.
PPL Transition Bond Company - PPL Transition Bond Company, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PPL Electric, formed to issue transition bonds under the Customer
Choice Act.
Preferred Securities - Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely company debentures (issued by PPL
Capital Trust and PPL Capital Trust II).
PRP - potentially responsible parties under Superfund.
PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission) - state agency that regulates
certain ratemaking, services, accounting, and operations of Pennsylvania
utilities.
PUC Final Order - final order issued by the PUC on August 27, 1998, approving
the settlement of PPL Electric Utilities' restructuring proceeding.
PUHCA - Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
PURPA (Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978) - legislation passed by
Congress to encourage energy conservation, efficient use of resources, and
equitable rates.
PURTA - Public Utility Realty Tax Act.
SCR - selective catalytic reduction.
SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission.
SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards) - accounting and financial
reporting rules issued by the FASB.
SNCR - selective non-catalytic reduction.
SO\\2\\ - sulfur dioxide.
Superfund - federal and state environmental legislation that addresses
remediation of contaminated sites.
SWEB - the trading name for South Western Electricity plc, a British regional
electric utility company. Following the sale of its supply business in 1999,
SWEB was renamed Western Power Distribution. See WPD, below.
Synfuel projects - production facilities that manufacture synthetic fuel from
coal or coal byproducts. Favorable federal tax credits are available on
qualified synfuel products.
UGI - UGI Corporation.
VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association Trust) - trust accounts for health
and welfare plans for future payments to employees, retirees or their
beneficiaries. WPD - Western Power Distribution, the trading name for South
Western Electricity, plc, a British regional electric utility company.
WPDH - WPD Holdings UK, a jointly owned subsidiary of PPL Global and Mirant.
WPDH owns WPD.
WPDL - Western Power Distribution Limited, a jointly owned subsidiary of PPL
Global and Mirant. WPDL owns 100% of the common shares of Hyder.
Forward-looking Information
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K concerning expectations, beliefs,
plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and
underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of
historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
federal securities laws. Although PPL and PPL Electric believe that the
expectations and assumptions reflected in these statements are reasonable, there
can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.
These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties,
and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements. In addition to the specific factors discussed in the
Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections herein, the
following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements: market demand and prices
for energy, capacity and fuel; weather variations affecting customer energy
usage; competition in retail and wholesale power markets; the effect of any
business or industry restructuring; the profitability and liquidity of PPL and
its subsidiaries; new accounting requirements or new interpretations or
applications of existing requirements; operating performance of plants and other
facilities; environmental conditions and requirements; system conditions and
operating costs; development of new projects, markets and technologies;
performance of new ventures; political, regulatory or economic conditions in
countries where PPL or its subsidiaries conduct business; receipt of necessary
governmental approvals; capital market conditions; stock price performance;
foreign exchange rates; and the commitments and liabilities of PPL and its
subsidiaries. Any such forward-looking statements should be considered in light
of such important factors and in conjunction with PPL's and PPL Electric's other
documents on file with the SEC.
New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not
possible for PPL or PPL Electric to predict all of such factors, or the extent
to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to
differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any
forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is
made, and neither PPL nor PPL Electric undertakes any obligation to update the
information contained in such statement to reflect subsequent developments or
information.
(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY)
PART I
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
----------------
BACKGROUND
PPL Corporation (formerly PPL Resources, Inc.) is an energy and utility holding
company that was incorporated in 1994. Through its subsidiaries, PPL generates
electricity in power plants in the northeastern and western U.S.; markets
wholesale or retail energy in 42 states and Canada; delivers electricity to 5.7
million customers in the U.S., U.K. and Latin America; and provides energy
services for businesses in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern U.S.
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (formerly PP&L, Inc., incorporated in 1920)
is a subsidiary of PPL and a regulated public utility. PPL Electric provides
electricity delivery service in its service territory in Pennsylvania, and
provides electricity supply to retail customers in that territory as a Provider
of Last Resort under the Pennsylvania Customer Choice Act. Prior to July 1,
2000, PPL Electric also generated electricity at its power plants in
Pennsylvania, and marketed wholesale and retail electricity (through PPL
EnergyPlus) in deregulated markets.
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in order
to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and distribution
operations from its recently deregulated generation operations, to better
position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive marketplace.
See "Corporate Realignment" in each of the Review of the Financial Condition and
Results of Operations sections for the key features of the corporate
realignment.
As a result of the corporate realignment, PPL is organized in segments
consisting of Supply, Delivery and Development. In addition, certain corporate
functions reside in PPL Services. See Exhibit 99 in Item 14 for the corporate
organization before and after realignment. See Note 2 to PPL's Financial
Statements for financial information about the new segments.
Supply Segment
- --------------
The Supply Segment consists of PPL Generation, which operates power plants to
generate electricity, and PPL EnergyPlus, which markets this electricity and
other power purchases and gas to unregulated wholesale and retail markets,
primarily in the northeastern and western portions of the U.S.
PPL Generation was established in the corporate realignment and, through
subsidiaries, operates power plants in Pennsylvania, Montana and Maine. At
December 31, 2000, PPL Generation had 9,678 megawatts of generating capacity.
PPL Generation subsidiaries are subject to the jurisdiction of certain federal,
regional, state and local regulatory agencies with respect to air and water
quality, land use and other environmental matters.
The Pennsylvania plants, with a total capacity of 8,425 megawatts, were
transferred by PPL Electric to PPL Generation in the corporate realignment.
These plants are fueled by nuclear reaction, coal, gas, oil and hydro power. The
electricity from these plants is sold to PPL EnergyPlus under
FERC-jurisdictional power purchase agreements.
PPL Susquehanna, a subsidiary of PPL Generation, is subject to the jurisdiction
of the NRC in connection with the operation of the two nuclear-fueled generating
units at its Susquehanna station. PPL Susquehanna owns a 90% undivided interest
in each of the Susquehanna units and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. owns a
10% undivided interest in each of those units.
PPL Generation operates its Pennsylvania power plants in conjunction with the
PJM.
The Montana generating assets were acquired by PPL Montana in December 1999.
(PPL Montana was transferred to PPL Generation in the corporate realignment.)
These stations are fueled by coal and hydro power, and have a net
1
capacity of 1,157 megawatts. Under the terms of wholesale power transition
agreements, PPL Montana provides the retail requirements of Montana Power, with
excess generation available for wholesale marketing by PPL EnergyPlus. The
transition agreements expire in 2001 and 2002.
The Maine assets were acquired from Bangor Hydro in 1998. The oil and hydro
powered stations have a total capacity of 96 megawatts. A portion of the output
of the Maine generating assets is sold to meet the retail load requirements of
Bangor Hydro.
Refer to the "Power Supply" section for additional information regarding the
various power plants operated by PPL Generation. Also refer to "Fuel Supply" for
a discussion of fuel requirements and contractual arrangements.
PPL EnergyPlus, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding, markets the electricity
produced by PPL Generation, along with purchased power and gas, in wholesale and
deregulated retail markets in order to take advantage of opportunities in the
competitive energy marketplace. Prior to the corporate realignment, PPL
EnergyPlus was a subsidiary of PPL Electric.
PPL EnergyPlus operates a 24-hour a day trading floor and a marketing effort
with responsibility for all wholesale power transactions. PPL EnergyPlus buys
and sells energy at competitive prices. PPL EnergyPlus purchases electric
capacity and energy at the wholesale level, and also sells electric capacity and
energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs. PPL EnergyPlus
enters into these agreements to market available energy and capacity from PPL
Generation's assets and to profit from market price fluctuations. PPL EnergyPlus
is actively managing its portfolios to attempt to capture opportunities and to
limit exposure to price fluctuations. PPL EnergyPlus also purchases and sells
energy futures contracts as well as other commodity-based financial instruments
in accordance with PPL's risk management policies, objectives and strategies.
PPL EnergyPlus has a PUC license to act as an EGS in Pennsylvania. This license
permits PPL EnergyPlus to offer retail electric and gas supply to customers
throughout Pennsylvania. In 2000, PPL EnergyPlus was licensed, and supplied
energy to industrial and commercial customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Delaware, Maine and Montana. PPL EnergyPlus is also licensed to provide energy
in Maryland and Massachusetts. At this time, PPL EnergyPlus has decided not to
pursue residential customers in the competitive marketplace based on economic
considerations.
PPL EnergyPlus also provides energy services to commercial and industrial
customers, through its mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries based
in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
Delivery Segment
- ----------------
PPL Electric provides electricity delivery service to approximately 1.3 million
customers in a 10,000 square mile territory in 29 counties of eastern and
central Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 2.6 million people. The
largest cities in this territory are Allentown, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Hazleton,
Lancaster, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport. In addition to delivery of
purchased power as a PLR, PPL Electric is delivering power supplied by licensed
EGS' pursuant to the Customer Choice Act.
The electric utility industry, including PPL Electric, has experienced a
significant increase in the level of competition in the energy market. The
Energy Act amended the PUHCA to create a new class of independent power
producers, and amended the Federal Power Act to provide open access to electric
transmission systems for wholesale transactions. In addition, the Customer
Choice Act was enacted in Pennsylvania to restructure the state's electric
utility industry in order to create retail access to a competitive market for
the generation of electricity. See "PUC Restructuring and FERC Settlement" in
Note 5 to PPL's Financial Statements and "Increasing Competition" in its Review
of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional discussion
of competition-related developments. Competitive factors affecting PPL's results
of operations include new market entrants, construction by others of generating
assets, the actions of regulatory authorities, weather and other factors. PPL
cannot predict the impact of these and other competitive factors on its future
results of operations or financial position.
2
During 2000, about 62% of PPL Electric's operating revenue was derived from
regulated electricity deliveries and supply as a PLR. About 35% of operating
revenue in 2000 was from unregulated retail and wholesale sales. Assets related
to these unregulated activities were transferred to the Supply Segment in the
July 1, 2000 corporate realignment. The remaining 3% of operating revenues in
2000 were from energy related products and services and miscellaneous revenues.
During 2000 about 48% of electricity delivery and PLR revenues were from
residential customers, 32% from commercial customers, 19% from industrial
customers and 1% from other customer classes.
PPL Electric is subject to regulation as a public utility by the PUC and certain
of its activities are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC under Parts I, II
and III of the Federal Power Act. PPL Electric is not a holding company under
PUHCA, and PPL has been exempted by the SEC from the provisions of PUHCA
applicable to it as a holding company.
PPL Electric is also subject to the jurisdiction of certain federal, regional,
state and local regulatory agencies with land use and other environmental
matters. In addition, the domestic operations of PPL and its subsidiaries are
subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
PPL Electric operates its transmission facilities as part of the PJM. PJM
operates the electric transmission network and electric energy market in the
mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Bulk electricity is transmitted to wholesale
users throughout a geographic area including all or part of Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia. PPL Electric
is also a party to the Mid-Atlantic Area Coordination Agreement, which provides
for the coordinated planning of generation and transmission facilities by the
companies included in the PJM.
PJM serves as an ISO in order to accommodate greater competition and broader
participation in the power pool. The purpose of the ISO is to separate operation
of, and access to, the transmission grid from the PJM electric utilities'
generation interests. The electric utilities continue to own the transmission
assets, but the ISO directs the control and operation of the transmission
facilities.
PPL Gas Utilities, formerly Penn Fuel Gas, Inc., was acquired by PPL in 1998.
PPL Gas Utilities provides natural gas and propane delivery to approximately
105,000 customers in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Development Segment
- -------------------
The Development Segment reflects the activities of PPL Global. PPL Global
develops domestic generation projects for PPL Generation. It also develops, owns
and operates international energy projects.
PPL Global's major domestic generation project to-date has been the acquisition
of the Montana generating assets in 1999. This acquisition, at a total purchase
price of $757 million, transferred to PPL Montana 1,315 gross megawatts of
capacity including 11 hydroelectric facilities, a storage reservoir, the Corette
coal-fired station, and ownership interests in three of the four units of the
Colstrip coal-fired power plant.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Global was in the process of developing approximately
2,350 megawatts of capacity in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Arizona.
Two of these projects are expected to be operational in 2001, totaling 550
megawatts of capacity. These are the Wallingford, Connecticut project and the
Griffith Energy project near Kingman, Arizona. The other projects are expected
to be operational by 2003.
PPL Global has also announced plans for another 1,800 megawatts of generation in
Arizona and Washington state.
PPL Global's major international projects include equity investments in two U.K.
electricity transmission and distribution companies: WPD, which serves customers
in England, and Hyder, which owns South Wales Electricity, serving customers in
Wales. PPL Global jointly owns these investments with Mirant.
3
PPL Global also has consolidated investments in electricity transmission and
distribution companies serving customers in Chile, El Salvador, Bolivia and
Brazil.
See Note 11 to PPL's Financial Statements for additional information on PPL
Global's domestic and international acquisition activities in 2000.
PPL Services
- ------------
Various corporate functions reside in PPL Services, a new unregulated subsidiary
established in the corporate realignment. PPL Services provides shared services
for PPL and its subsidiaries. These services include financial, legal, human
resources and information services. These services are direct-charged or
allocated to the Supply, Delivery and Development segments.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
See "Earnings" and "Financial Indicators" in PPL's Review of the Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for this information. Also, see these same
sections in the PPL Electric report.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS
See "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in PPL and PPL
Electric's Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations for
information concerning estimated capital expenditure requirements for the years
2001-2005. See Note 15 and Note 11 in the Notes to Financial Statements of PPL
and PPL Electric, respectively, for information concerning estimates of the
costs to comply with various environmental regulations.
POWER SUPPLY
PPL Generation's system capacity (winter rating) at December 31, 2000 was as
follows:
Net
Megawatt
Plant Capacity
----- --------
Pennsylvania
- ------------
Nuclear-fueled steam station
Susquehanna 1,995 (a)
Coal-fired steam stations
Montour 1,536
Brunner Island 1,473
Martins Creek 300
Keystone 210 (b)
Conemaugh 194 (c)
------
Total coal-fired 3,713
------
Gas and oil-fired steam station
Martins Creek 1,640
Combustion turbines and diesels 454
Hydroelectric 146
------
Total generating capacity 7,948
------
Firm purchases
Hydroelectric 139 (d)
Qualifying facilities 338
------
Total firm purchases 477
------
Total system capacity - Pennsylvania 8,425
------
Montana
- -------
Coal-fired thermal stations
Colstrip Units 1 & 2 307 (e)
Colstrip Unit 3 222 (f)
Coal-fired steam station
Corette 154
------
Total coal-fired 683
------
Hydroelectric 474
------
Total system capacity - Montana 1,157 (g)
------
Maine
- -----
Oil-fired generating station
Wyman Unit 4 52 (h)
Hydroelectric 44 (i)
-------
Total system capacity - Maine 96
-------
Total system capacity - PPL Generation 9,678
=======
___________________________
(a) PPL's 90% undivided interest.
(b) PPL's 12.34% undivided interest.
(c) PPL's 11.39% undivided interest. In January 2001, PPL completed a
purchase of 83MW of additional capacity, which brings PPL's ownership to
16.25%.
(d) From Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation.
(e) PPL's 50% undivided leasehold interest.
(f) PPL's 30% undivided leasehold interest.
(g) Gross capacity (before station use) equals 1,315 MW.
(h) PPL's 8.33% undivided interest.
(i) Includes PPL's 50% interest in the West Enfield Station.
4
The capacity of generating units is based upon a number of factors, including
the operating experience and physical condition of the units, and may be revised
from time to time to reflect changed circumstances.
The system capacity shown in the preceding table does not reflect two-party
sales and purchases, contractual bulk power sales to BG&E (as described in Note
6 to PPL's Financial Statements), or installed capacity credit sales and
purchases with other utilities. The net effect of these transactions is to
reduce Pennsylvania system capacity by 925 megawatts at the end of December
2000, to 7,500 megawatts. The net effect of Maine sales committed to Bangor
Hydro is to reduce Maine's system capacity by 65 megawatts, to 31 megawatts. The
West Enfield facility's output will be sold to Bangor Hydro through the year
2024. The Wyman Unit 4 output will be sold to Constellation through 2004. The
output from other hydroelectric stations in Maine was sold to Bangor Hydro
through March 2000. Bangor Hydro did not purchase the output after this date.
PPL Montana has two transition agreements to supply wholesale electricity to
Montana Power. One agreement provides for the sale of 200 megawatts from PPL
Montana's leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 3 until December 2001. The other
agreement covers Montana Power's remaining native load commitments and lasts
until the remaining load is zero, but in no event later than June 2002.
As part of the purchase of generation assets from Montana Power, PPL Montana
agreed to supply electricity to the United States government on behalf of the
Flathead Irrigation Project (FLIP). Under the agreement, which expires in
December 2010, the company is required to supply approximately 7.5 megawatts of
capacity year round, with an additional 3.7 megawatts during April through
October.
During 2000, PPL Generation produced about 40.6 billion kWh in its Pennsylvania
plants, with 56% of the energy generated by coal-fired stations, 39% from
nuclear operations at the Susquehanna station, 3% from the Martins Creek gas and
oil-fired station and 2% from hydroelectric stations. PPL EnergyPlus also
purchased 28.2 billion kWh and had 31.0 billion kWh in non-system energy sales.
During 2000, PPL Montana generated 8.2 billion kWh. Of this total, 4.9 billion
kWh was from fossil generation, with the balance from PPL Montana's
hydroelectric plants.
During 2000, PPL Maine generated about 467 million kWh. Of this total, about 263
million kWh was from hydroelectric generation, with the balance from Maine's
interest in the oil-fired Wyman Unit 4.
PPL EnergyPlus purchases energy from, and sells energy to, other utilities and
FERC-certified power marketers at market-based rates under power purchase and
sales agreements. PPL EnergyPlus enters into these transactions on an hourly,
daily, weekly, monthly or longer-term basis.
PPL EnergyPlus has FERC authorization to sell electric energy, capacity and
ancillary services at market-based rates to wholesale customers located both
inside and outside the PJM control area. As of the end of 2000, 150 utilities
and power marketers had signed power sales agreements under this tariff.
Transactions under these agreements allow PPL EnergyPlus to make more efficient
use of its generating resources and are intended to provide benefits to both PPL
EnergyPlus and other parties. Under the market-based tariff, PPL EnergyPlus may
also sell power purchased from third parties.
PPL EnergyPlus also has an export license to sell capacity and/or energy to
electric utilities in Canada. This export license allows PPL EnergyPlus to sell
either its own capacity and energy not required to serve domestic obligations or
power purchased from other utilities.
FUEL SUPPLY
Coal - Pennsylvania
- -------------------
During 2000, about 57% of the coal delivered to PPL Generation's Pennsylvania
stations was purchased under long-term contracts and 43% was obtained through
open market purchases. These contracts provided PPL Generation with
5
about 4.2 million tons of coal in 2000 and are expected to provide 4.9 million
tons in 2001.
The amount of coal in inventory at PPL Generation's Pennsylvania generating
stations varies from time to time depending on market conditions and plant
operations. At December 31, 2000, Pennsylvania plants had sufficient supply for
about 20 days of operations.
The coal burned at PPL Generation's Pennsylvania power plants contains sulfur.
Mechanical cleaning processes are utilized to reduce the sulfur content of the
coal. The reduction of the sulfur content by either mechanical cleaning or
blending has lowered the total sulfur content of the coal burned to levels which
permit compliance with current SO\\2\\ emission regulations established by the
DEP.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Generation owned a 12.34% undivided interest in the
Keystone station and an 11.39% undivided interest in the Conemaugh station. PPL
Generation's Conemaugh ownership increased to 16.25% in January 2001, based on
an additional 83 megawatt purchase. See Note 11 to PPL's Financial Statements
for additional information. The owners of the Keystone station have a long-term
contract with a coal supplier that provides 2.8 million tons per year until the
contract expires at the end of 2004. The balance of the Keystone station
requirements are purchased in the open market. The coal supply requirements for
the Conemaugh station are being met from several sources through a blend of
long-term and short-term contracts and spot market purchases.
Coal - Montana
- --------------
PPL Montana has a 50% leasehold interest in Colstrip Units 1 & 2 and a 30%
leasehold interest in Unit 3. PPL Montana is party to a contract to purchase
coal with defined quality characteristics and specifications. The contract for
Units 1 & 2 is in effect through December 31, 2009. The contract for Unit 3 is
in effect through December 31, 2019.
PPL Montana owns the Corette power plant. The plant has a one-year contract to
purchase low sulfur coal with defined quality characteristics and
specifications. The contract expires in December 2001. At December 31, 2000,
Montana Power continues to own a 30% leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 4. Each
party is responsible for its own fuel-related costs.
Oil and Natural Gas
- -------------------
PPL Generation's Martins Creek station Units 3 and 4 burn both oil and natural
gas. During 2000, 100% of the oil requirements for the Martins Creek units were
purchased on the spot market. At December 31, 2000, PPL Generation had no
long-term agreements for these requirements. During 2000, all of the natural gas
consumed at Martins Creek was purchased under short-term agreements. PPL
Generation has no long-term agreements to purchase gas.
Nuclear
- -------
PPL Susquehanna has executed uranium supply and conversion agreements that
satisfy 75% of the uranium requirements for the Susquehanna units in 2001,
approximately 35% of the requirements for the period 2002-2003 and, including
options, an additional 25% of the requirements for the period 2004-2007.
Deliveries under these agreements are expected to provide sufficient uranium to
permit Units 1 and 2 to operate into the first quarter of 2002.
PPL Susquehanna has executed an agreement that satisfies all of its enrichment
requirements through 2004. Assuming that the other uranium components of the
nuclear fuel cycle are satisfied, deliveries under this agreement are expected
to provide sufficient enrichment to permit Unit 1 to operate into the first
quarter of 2006 and Unit 2 to operate into the first quarter of 2007.
PPL Susquehanna has entered into an agreement that, including options, satisfies
all of its fabrication requirements through 2006. Assuming that the uranium and
other components of the nuclear fuel cycle are satisfied, deliveries under this
agreement are expected to provide sufficient fabrication to permit Unit 1 to
operate into the first quarter of 2008 and Unit 2 to operate into the first
quarter of 2007.
Federal law requires the federal government to provide for the permanent
disposal of
6
commercial spent nuclear fuel. Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the DOE
initiated an analysis of a site in Nevada for a permanent nuclear waste
repository. Progress on a proposed disposal facility has been slow, and the
repository is not expected to be operational before 2010. Thus, expansion of
Susquehanna's on-site spent fuel storage capacity was necessary. To support this
expansion, PPL Susquehanna contracted for the design and construction of a spent
fuel storage facility employing dry cask fuel storage technology. The facility
is modular, so that additional storage capacity can be added as needed. The
facility began receiving spent nuclear fuel in October 1999. PPL Susquehanna
estimates that there is sufficient storage capacity in the spent nuclear fuel
pools and the on-site dry spent fuel storage facility at Susquehanna to
accommodate discharged fuel through the life of the plant, if necessary.
Federal law also provides that generators of spent fuel are responsible for
certain costs of disposal. In January 1997, PPL Electric joined over 30 other
utilities in a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit seeking assurance of the DOE's performance of its contractual obligation
to accept spent nuclear fuel and suspension of payment to that agency pending
such performance. In November 1997, the Court denied the utilities' requested
relief and held that the contracts between the utilities and the DOE provide a
potentially adequate remedy if the DOE failed to begin disposal of spent nuclear
fuel by January 31, 1998. However, the Court also precluded the DOE from arguing
that its delay in contract performance was "unavoidable".
The U.S. Congress is currently considering amendments to the Nuclear Waste
Policy Act to address certain of the issues which have arisen between the DOE
and the nuclear power industry regarding disposal of spent nuclear fuel as well
as the ongoing litigation against DOE. PPL Generation is unable to predict the
ultimate outcome of this proposed legislation or litigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Certain PPL subsidiaries, including PPL Electric and PPL Generation
subsidiaries, are subject to certain present and developing federal, regional,
state and local laws and regulations with respect to air and water quality, land
use and other environmental matters. See PPL's "Financial Condition - Capital
Expenditure Requirements" in the Review of the Financial Condition and Results
of Operations for information concerning environmental expenditures during 2000
and PPL's estimate of those expenditures during the years 2001-2005. PPL
believes that its subsidiaries are in substantial compliance with applicable
environmental laws and regulations.
See "Environmental Matters" in Note 15 to PPL's Financial Statements for
information concerning federal clean air legislation, groundwater degradation
and waste water control at facilities owned by PPL's subsidiaries and PPL
Electric's and PPL Gas Utilities' agreements with the DEP concerning remediation
at certain sites. Other environmental laws, regulations and developments that
may have a substantial impact on PPL's subsidiaries are discussed below.
Air
- ---
The Clean Air Act includes, among other things, provisions that: (a) restrict
the construction of, and revise the performance standards for, new and
substantially modified coal-fired and oil-fired generating stations; and (b)
authorize the EPA to impose substantial noncompliance penalties of up to $27,500
per day of violation for each facility found to be in violation of the
requirements of an applicable state implementation plan. The state agencies
administer the EPA's air quality regulations through the state implementation
plans and have concurrent authority to impose penalties for non-compliance.
In December 1997, international negotiators reached agreement in Kyoto, Japan to
strengthen the 1992 United Nations Global Climate Change Treaty by adding
legally-binding greenhouse gas emission limits. This Agreement - formally called
the Kyoto Protocol - if ratified by the U.S. Senate and implemented, would
require the United States to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 7% below
1990 levels by 2008 - 2012. Compliance under the Agreement, if implemented,
could result in increased capital and operating expenses which
7
are not now determinable but which could be significant.
Water
- -----
To implement the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of
1972, as amended by the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the Water Quality Act of
1987, the EPA has adopted regulations on effluent standards for steam electric
stations. The states administer the EPA's effluent standards through state laws
and regulations relating, among other things, to effluent discharges and water
quality. The standards adopted by the EPA pursuant to the Clean Water Act may
have a significant impact on existing facilities of certain PPL subsidiaries
depending on the states' interpretation and future amendments to regulations.
Pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, the OSM has adopted
effluent guidelines which are applicable to PPL subsidiaries as a result of
their past coal mining and coal processing activities. The EPA and the OSM
limitations, guidelines and standards also are enforced through the issuance of
NPDES permits. In accordance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act and the
Reclamation Act of 1977, the EPA and the OSM have authorized the states to
implement the NPDES program. Compliance with applicable water quality standards
is assured by state review of NPDES permit conditions.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
- -------------------------
The provisions of Superfund authorize the EPA to require past and present owners
of contaminated sites and generators of any hazardous substance found at a site
to clean-up the site or pay the EPA or the state for the costs of clean-up. The
generators and past owners can be liable even if the generator contributed only
a minute portion of the hazardous substances at the site. Present owners can be
liable even if they contributed no hazardous substances to the site.
State laws such as the Pennsylvania Superfund statute also give state agencies
broad authority to identify hazardous or contaminated sites and to order owners
or responsible parties to clean-up the sites. If responsible parties cannot or
will not perform the clean-up, the agency can hire contractors to clean-up the
sites and then require reimbursement from the responsible parties after the
clean-up is completed.
Certain federal and state statutes, including Superfund and the Pennsylvania
Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, also empower certain governmental agencies, such as
the EPA and the DEP, to seek compensation from the responsible parties for the
lost value of damaged natural resources. The EPA and the DEP may file such
compensation claims against the parties held responsible for cleanup of such
sites. Such natural resource damage claims could result in material additional
liabilities for PPL subsidiaries.
Low-Level Radioactive Waste
- ---------------------------
Under federal law, each state is responsible for the disposal of low-level
radioactive waste generated in that state. States may join in regional compacts
to jointly fulfill their responsibilities. The states of Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Delaware and West Virginia are members of the Appalachian States Low-Level
Radioactive Waste Compact. Efforts to develop a regional disposal facility in
Pennsylvania were suspended by the DEP in 1998. The Commonwealth retains the
legal authority to resume the siting process should it be necessary. Low-level
radioactive waste resulting from the operation of Susquehanna is currently being
sent to Barnwell, South Carolina for disposal. In the event this or other
emergent disposal options become unavailable or no longer cost-effective, the
low-level radioactive waste will be stored on-site at Susquehanna. PPL
Susquehanna cannot predict the future availability of low-level waste disposal
facilities or the cost of such disposal.
General
- -------
Concerns have been expressed by some members of the scientific community and
others regarding the potential health effects of EMFs. These fields are emitted
by all devices carrying electricity, including electric transmission and
distribution lines and substation equipment. Federal, state and local officials
have focused attention on this issue. PPL and its subsidiaries support the
current efforts to determine whether
8
EMFs cause any human health problems and is taking low cost or no cost steps to
reduce EMFs, where practical, in the design of new transmission and distribution
facilities. PPL is unable to predict what effect, if any, the EMF issue might
have on its operations and facilities and the associated cost, or what, if any,
liabilities it might incur related to the EMF issue.
PPL and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the ultimate effect of evolving
environmental laws and regulations upon its existing and proposed facilities and
operations. In complying with statutes, regulations and actions by regulatory
bodies involving environmental matters, including the areas of water and air
quality, hazardous and solid waste handling and disposal and toxic substances,
PPL's subsidiaries may be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain
of their facilities. PPL's subsidiaries may also incur significant capital
expenditures and operating expenses in amounts which are not now determinable,
but which could be significant.
FRANCHISES AND LICENSES
PPL Electric is authorized to provide electric public utility service throughout
its service area as a result of grants by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in
corporate charters to PPL Electric and companies to which it has succeeded and
as a result of certification by the PUC. PPL Electric is granted the right to
enter the streets and highways by the Commonwealth subject to certain
conditions. In general, such conditions have been met by ordinance, resolution,
permit, acquiescence or other action by an appropriate local political
subdivision or agency of the Commonwealth. PPL EnergyPlus also has an export
license from the DOE to sell capacity and/or energy to electric utilities in
Canada.
PPL Susquehanna operates Units 1 and 2 pursuant to NRC operating licenses which
expire in 2022 and 2024, respectively. PPL Holtwood operates two hydroelectric
projects pursuant to licenses renewed by the FERC in 1980: Wallenpaupack (44,000
kilowatts capacity) and Holtwood (102,000 kilowatts capacity). The Wallenpaupack
license expires in 2004 and the Holtwood license expires in 2014.
PPL Holtwood owns one-third of the capital stock of Safe Harbor Water Power
Corporation (Safe Harbor), which holds a project license which extends the
operation of its hydroelectric plant until 2030. The total capacity of the Safe
Harbor plant is 417,500 kilowatts, and PPL Electric is entitled by contract to
one-third of the total capacity (139,000 kilowatts).
The eleven hydroelectric facilities and one storage reservoir purchased from
Montana Power in 1999 are licensed by FERC. These licenses expire periodically
and the generating facilities must be relicensed at such times. The FERC license
for the Mystic facility expires in 2009; the Thompson Falls and Kerr licenses
expire in 2025 and 2035, respectively, and the license for the nine
Missouri-Madison facilities expire in 2040.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
As of December 31, 2000, PPL and its subsidiaries had 11,893 full-time
employees. This total included 3,330 in PPL Electric; 424 in PPL Gas Utilities;
2,398 in PPL Generation; 1,697 in PPL EnergyPlus (including the mechanical
contractors); 45 in PPL Global; 3,056 in several Central and South American
electric companies controlled by PPL Global; and 943 in PPL Services.
Approximately 49%, or 4,297, of PPL's domestic workforce are members of labor
unions, with four IBEW locals representing nearly 4,100 employees (including
2,535 of PPL Electric). The other unions primarily represent small locals of gas
utility employees in Pennsylvania. The collective bargaining agreement with the
largest union was negotiated in 1998 and expires in May 2002. Eight new
three-year contracts with smaller locals in Pennsylvania were negotiated in
2000, and five additional agreements will expire during the first half of 2001,
with the largest being for three locals representing about 320 PPL Montana
employees.
9
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
------------------
Refer to the "Property, Plant and Equipment" section of Note 1 to PPL's
Financial Statements for information concerning investments in property, plant
and equipment. On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate
realignment in which PPL Electric transferred its electric generation and
related assets to various unregulated PPL affiliates. In connection with this
transfer, all of these assets were released from the lien of PPL Electric's
mortgage. In addition, PPL Electric has electric transmission and distribution
lines in public streets and highways pursuant to franchises and rights-of-way
secured from property owners. For a description of PPL Electric's service
territory, see Item 1, "BUSINESS - Background," and "BUSINESS - Power Supply."
See these same sections for descriptions of PPL Generation's generating
stations, and an overview of PPL Global's international investments.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-------------------------
See Item 1 "BUSINESS - Fuel Supply" for information concerning a lawsuit against
the DOE for failure of that agency to perform certain contractual obligations.
Pursuant to changes in PURTA enacted in 1999, PPL subsidiaries have filed a
number of tax assessment appeals in various Pennsylvania counties where PPL
generating plants are located. These appeals challenge existing local tax
assessments, which now furnish the basis for payment of the PURTA tax on PPL's
properties. Also, as of January 1, 2000, generation facilities are no longer
taxed under PURTA, and these local assessments will be used directly to
determine local real estate tax liability for PPL's power plants. In July 1999,
PPL filed retroactive appeals for tax years 1998 and 1999, as permitted by the
new law, as well as prospective appeals for 2000, as permitted under normal
assessment procedures. Additional prospective appeals were filed in 2000 for the
2001 tax year. It is anticipated that assessment appeals will now be an annual
occurrence.
Hearings on the pending appeals were held by the boards of assessment appeals in
each county, and decisions have now been rendered by most counties. To the
extent the appeals were denied or PPL was not otherwise satisfied with the
results, PPL filed further appeals from the board decisions with the appropriate
county Courts of Common Pleas.
Of all the pending proceedings, the most significant appeal concerns the
assessed value of the Susquehanna nuclear station. The county assessment of the
Susquehanna station indicated a market value of $3.9 billion. Based on this
value, the annual local taxes for the Susquehanna station would have been about
$70 million. However, PPL was able to reach a settlement with the local taxing
authorities in late December 2000, for tax years 2000 and 2001. This settlement
will result in the payment of annual local taxes of about $3 million. PPL and
the local taxing authorities also reached a settlement concerning the 1998 and
1999 tax years which, if effectuated, would not result in any additional PURTA
tax liability for PPL. This portion of the settlement with the local tax
authorities is subject, however, to the outcome of claims asserted by certain
intervenors which are described below.
In August 2000, over PPL's objections, the court permitted Philadelphia City and
County, the Philadelphia School District and the Southeastern Pennsylvania
Transportation Authority (SEPTA) (collectively, the "Philadelphia parties") to
intervene in the case. The Philadelphia parties have intervened because they
believe a change in the assessment of the plant will affect the amount they
would collect under PURTA for the tax years 1998 and 1999. As part of the change
in the law, the local real estate assessment determines what the 1998 and 1999
PURTA payments by PPL will be. In November 2000, the Philadelphia parties
submitted their own appraisal report, which indicates that the taxable fair
market value of the Susquehanna Station under PURTA for 1998 and 1999 is
approximately $2.3 billion. Based on this appraisal, PPL would have to pay up to
10
an extra $213 million in PURTA taxes for tax years 1998 and 1999.
PPL's appeal of the Susquehanna station assessment for 1998 and 1999 is still
pending in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas; trial commenced in December
2000, and is expected to continue in February 2001. As a result of these
proceedings and potential appeals, a final determination of market value and the
associated tax liability for 1998 and 1999 may not occur for several years.
In the other assessment appeals pending in county courts, the local authorities
have assessed PPL's generating plants at an aggregate market value amount of
about $311 million for tax year 2000, for a total tax liability of about $5.2
million. PPL has estimated the aggregate market value of these plants at about
$26 million for tax year 2000, for a total tax liability of about $460,000. As
at the Susquehanna station, the school districts involved in these proceedings
have issued interim tax bills at levels which are disputed by PPL. Final
determinations of market value and associated tax liability in these proceedings
may not occur for several years.
See "Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operation" for a
description of the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment in which PPL Electric's
generating plants were transferred to various PPL affiliates.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders, through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of 2000.
11
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
-------------------------------------
Officers of PPL and PPL Electric are elected annually by their Boards of
Directors to serve at the pleasure of the respective Boards. There are no family
relationships among any of the executive officers, or any arrangement or
understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to
which the officer was selected.
There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and
no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and
integrity of any executive officer during the past five years.
Listed below are the executive officers as of December 31, 2000:
PPL Corporation:
Effective Date of
Election to
Name Age Position Present Position
---- --- -------- ----------------
William F. Hecht 57 Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer February 24, 1995
Francis A. Long 60 Executive Vice President February 24, 1995
John R. Biggar 56 Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer January 1, 2001
Robert J. Grey 50 Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary March 1, 1996
Michael E. Bray/*/ 53 Vice Chair and President-PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation July 1, 2000
Paul T. Champagne/*/ 42 President-PPL Global, LLC May 24, 1999
Lawrence E. De Simone/*/ 53 President-PPL EnergyPlus, LLC November 1, 1998
Joseph J. McCabe 50 Vice President and Controller August 1, 1995
James E. Abel 49 Vice President-Finance
and Treasurer June 1, 1999
/*/ Messrs. Bray, Champagne and De Simone have been designated executive
officers of PPL by virtue of their respective positions at PPL subsidiaries.
In addition, effective February 5, 2001, James H. Miller was elected
President of PPL Generation, LLC, and by virtue of that position is an
executive officer of PPL. Prior to that time, Mr. Miller was Executive Vice
President of USEC, Inc.
12
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation:
Effective Date of
Election to
Name Age Position Present Position
---- --- -------- ----------------
Michael E. Bray 53 Vice Chair and President July 1, 2000
Joseph J. McCabe 50 Vice President and Controller August 1, 1995
James E. Abel 49 Treasurer July 1, 2000
Each of the above officers, with the exception of Messrs. Bray, Champagne and De
Simone, had been employed by PPL Electric Utilities for more than five years as
of July 1, 2000. In connection with the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment,
Messrs. Hecht, Long, Biggar, Grey, McCabe and Abel became employees of PPL
Services Corporation, another PPL subsidiary; Messrs. Hecht, Long, Biggar and
Grey ceased being officers of PPL Electric Utilities.
Mr. Bray joined PPL Electric Utilities in April 2000. Prior to that time, he was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison Development, Inc.
Mr. De Simone joined PPL EnergyPlus in November 1998. Prior to that time, he was
Senior Vice President - Energy Services at Virginia Power Company. (Effective
with the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment, PPL EnergyPlus became a principal
PPL subsidiary and Mr. De Simone, as President of PPL EnergyPlus, became an
executive officer of PPL.) Mr. Champagne became President of PPL Global in May
1999. Prior to that time, he was Vice President and Senior Development Officer
of PPL Global.
Prior to their election to the positions shown above, the following executive
officers held other positions within PPL and PPL Electric Utilities since
January 1, 1996. Mr. Hecht was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(of PPL Electric Utilities); Mr. Biggar was Vice President - Finance, Vice
President - Finance and Treasurer, Senior Vice President - Financial, and Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Grey was Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary; Mr. McCabe was Controller; and Mr. Abel was Manager -
Treasury, Manager - Auditing, and Treasurer.
13
PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
14
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S
COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
-------------------
Additional information for this item is set forth in the sections entitled
"Quarterly Financial, Common Stock Price and Dividend Data" and "Shareowner and
Investor Information" of this report. The number of common shareowners is set
forth in the section entitled "Selected Financial and Operating Data" in Item 6.
15
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
2000 (a) 1999 (a) 1998 (a) 1997 (a) 1996
PPL Corporation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Items -- millions
Operating revenues ........................................ $ 5,683 $ 4,590 $ 3,786 $ 3,077 $ 2,926
Operating income (f)....................................... 1,202 872 827 800 810
Net income (loss).......................................... 498 432 (569) 296 329
Net income excluding nonrecurring items.................... 474 358 309 328 329
Balance Sheet Items -- millions (b)
Property, plant and equipment, net......................... 5,948 5,624 4,480 6,820 6,960
Recoverable transition costs............................... 2,425 2,647 2,819
Total assets............................................... 12,360 11,174 9,607 9,485 9,670
Long-term debt............................................. 4,784 4,157 2,984 2,735 2,832
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely company debentures....................... 250 250 250 250
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements.......................... 47 47 47 47 295
Without sinking fund requirements....................... 50 50 50 50 171
Common equity.............................................. 2,012 1,613 1,790 2,809 2,745
Short-term debt............................................ 1,037 857 636 135 144
Total capital provided by investors........................ 8,180 6,974 5,757 6,026 6,187
Capital lease obligations (h).............................. 125 168 171 247
Financial Ratios
Return on average common equity -- % (e)................... 27.14 16.89 10.98 11.69 12.30
Embedded cost rates (b)
Long-term debt -- %..................................... 6.98 6.95 7.40 7.88 7.89
Preferred stock -- %.................................... 5.87 5.87 5.87 5.85 6.09
Preferred securities -- %............................... 8.44 8.44 8.44 8.43
Times interest earned before income taxes (e).............. 2.95 3.14 3.28 3.59 3.55
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges -- total
enterprise basis (c), (e)............................... 2.66 2.80 3.10 3.51 3.45
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
dividends on preferred stock
--total enterprise basis (c), (e)....................... 2.55 2.64 2.77 3.11 2.90
Common Stock Data
Number of shares outstanding -- thousands
Year-end................................................ 145,041 143,697 157,412 166,248 162,665
Average................................................. 144,350 152,287 164,651 164,550 161,060
Number of record shareowners (b)........................... 91,777 91,553 100,458 117,293 123,290
Basic EPS (loss) - reported................................ $ 3.45 $ 2.84 ($3.46) $ 1.80 $ 2.05
Basic EPS - excluding nonrecurring items (e)............... $ 3.29 $ 2.35 $1.87 $ 2.00 $ 2.05
Diluted EPS (loss) - reported.............................. $ 3.44 $ 2.84 ($3.46) $ 1.80 $ 2.05
Diluted EPS - excluding nonrecurring items (e)............. $ 3.28 $ 2.35 $ 1.87 $ 2.00 $ 2.05
Dividends declared per share............................... $ 1.06 $ 1.00 $ 1.335 $ 1.67 $ 1.67
Book value per share (b)................................... $ 13.87 $ 11.23 $ 11.37 $ 16.90 $ 16.87
Market price per share (b)................................. $ 45.188 $ 22.875 $ 27.875 $ 23.938 $ 23
Dividend payout rate -- % (g).............................. 32 43 71 84 81
Dividend yield -- % (d).................................... 2.35 4.37 4.79 6.98 7.26
Price earnings ratio (g)................................... 13.78 9.73 14.91 11.97 11.22
Sales Data - millions of kWh
Electric energy supplied - retail.......................... 41,493 36,637 31,651 31,964 32,307
Electric energy supplied - wholesale....................... 40,884 32,045 36,708 21,454 14,341
Electric energy delivered - retail......................... 37,642 35,987 32,144 31,964 32,307
(a) The earnings for each year, except for 1996, were affected by nonrecurring
items. These adjustments affected net income and certain items under
Financial Ratios and Common Stock Data. See "Earnings" in Review of the
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a description of
nonrecurring items in 2000, 1999 and 1998.
(b) At year-end.
(c) Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL and its subsidiaries.
Fixed charges consist of interest on short- and long-term debt, other
interest charges, interest on capital lease obligations and the estimated
interest component of other rentals.
(d) Based on year-end market prices.
(e) Based on earnings excluding nonrecurring items.
(f) Operating income of 1997 and 1996 restated to conform to the current
presentation.
(g) Based on diluted EPS - excluding nonrecurring items.
(h) PPL terminated its capital lease in 2000. See Note 1 for additional
information.
16
PPL CORPORATION
ITEM 7. REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------
PPL is a holding company with headquarters in Allentown, PA. See Item 1
"BUSINESS - Background" for descriptions of PPL's major segments. See Exhibit 99
in Item 14 for the corporate organization. Other subsidiaries may be formed by
PPL to take advantage of new business opportunities.
Corporate Realignment
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in order
to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and distribution
businesses from its recently deregulated generation businesses and to better
position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive marketplace.
The corporate realignment included the following key features:
. PPL Electric contributed its generating and certain other related assets,
along with associated liabilities, to new unregulated generating
subsidiaries of PPL Generation. In connection with the contribution, PPL
Energy Funding, the parent company of PPL Generation, assumed $670 million
aggregate principal amount of PPL Electric's debt issued to affiliated
companies.
. PPL Electric also contributed assets associated with its wholesale energy
marketing activities, along with associated liabilities, to its
wholly-owned subsidiary, PPL EnergyPlus, and contributed its interest in
PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Energy Funding.
. PPL Electric distributed in a "tax-free spin-off" all of the outstanding
shares of stock of PPL Energy Funding to PPL, which resulted in PPL Energy
Funding becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL.
. PPL's unregulated power subsidiary, PPL Global, also transferred its U.S.
electric generating subsidiaries to PPL Generation.
. PPL Electric entered into agreements with PPL EnergyPlus for the purchase
of electricity to meet all of PPL Electric's requirements through 2001 as a
PLR for customers who have not selected an alternative supplier under the
Customer Choice Act.
As a result of the corporate realignment, PPL Generation's principal business is
owning and operating U.S. generating facilities through various subsidiaries;
PPL EnergyPlus' principal business is unregulated wholesale and retail energy
marketing; PPL Electric's principal businesses are the regulated transmission
and distribution of electricity to serve retail customers in its franchised
territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to
retail customers in that territory as a PLR; and PPL Global's principal
businesses are the acquisition and development of both U.S. and international
energy projects, and ownership and operation of international energy projects.
PPL Energy Funding serves as the parent company for substantially all of PPL's
unregulated businesses, including PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Global.
Other subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Electric are generally aligned in the new
corporate structure according to their principal business functions.
The corporate realignment followed receipt of various regulatory approvals,
including approvals from the PUC, the FERC, the NRC and the IRS.
Results of Operations
---------------------
The following discussion explains significant changes in principal items on the
Consolidated Statement of Income, comparing 2000 to 1999, and 1999 to 1998.
Certain items on the Consolidated Statement of Income have been impacted by the
acquisition of Montana generating assets. PPL acquired the generating assets
from Montana Power in December 1999. As such, the results of PPL Montana are
included for the entire year in 2000, but only for the last two weeks of 1999.
When discussing PPL's results of operations for 2000 compared with 1999, the
results of PPL Montana for the year 2000 are eliminated for purposes of
comparability.
17
Earnings
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Earnings per share (basic) - excluding
nonrecurring items $3.29 $2.35 $1.87
Nonrecurring items:
Environmental insurance recoveries .16
Sale of Sunbury plant and related
assets (Note 11) .28
Sale of SWEB supply business (Note 11) .42
Securitization (Note 5) .13
Write-down carrying value of
investments (Note 11) (.34)
PUC restructuring charge (Note 5) (5.56)
FERC municipalities settlement
(Note 5) (.19)
Settlement with NUG .11
U.K. tax rate reduction .06
PPL Gas Utilities acquisition costs .03
Other impacts of restructuring .22
----- ----- ------
Earnings (loss) per share (basic) - actual $3.45 $2.84 ($3.46)
===== ===== ======
The earnings of PPL for 2000, 1999 and 1998 were impacted by several
nonrecurring items. Earnings in 2000 benefited by 16 cents per share from
insurance settlements for past and potential future environmental exposures. In
addition, the PUC restructuring adjustments provided a favorable impact of about
22 cents per share on earnings in the second half of 1998. The nonrecurring
items without note references are discussed in "Other Income and (Deductions)."
Excluding the effects of nonrecurring items, earnings per share were $3.29 in
2000 (or $3.28 diluted), compared with $2.35 in 1999. The adjusted earnings for
2000 represents a 94 cents per share improvement, or about 40%, compared with
1999. The earnings improvement was primarily due to:
. higher margins on wholesale transactions, including PPL Montana;
. the end of a one year 4% rate reduction for delivery customers in
Pennsylvania;
. gains on sales of emission allowances;
. lower depreciation on certain fossil generating assets; and
. fewer common shares outstanding.
These earnings improvements in 2000 were partially offset by higher levels of
interest expense, higher costs of wages and employee benefits, and the write-off
of a regulatory asset related to Pennsylvania's 1998 electric choice program.
Excluding the effects of nonrecurring items, 1999 earnings were $2.35 compared
with $1.87 for 1998. The adjusted earnings for 1999 represents a 48 cents per
share improvement, or about 26%, compared with 1998. This earnings improvement
was primarily due to higher margins on wholesale energy and marketing
activities, an increase in electricity supplied to commercial and industrial
customers, lower taxes, lower depreciation on generation assets, increased
earnings from unregulated operations, and the benefit of fewer common shares
outstanding. In addition, 1998 earnings were adversely impacted by mild winter
weather. The earnings improvements in 1999 were partially offset by a 4% rate
reduction for electric delivery customers in Pennsylvania and by the loss of
customers who shopped for alternate electric generation suppliers. In addition,
1998 earnings benefited from certain regulatory treatments that did not carry
over to 1999.
Operating Revenues
Retail Electric and Gas
- -----------------------
The increase (decrease) in retail revenues from electric and gas operations was
attributable to the following (millions of dollars):
2000 vs. 1999 1999 vs. 1998
------------- -------------
Retail Electric Revenue
PPL Electric
Electric delivery $ 28 $(179)
PLR electric generation supply 32 (159)
PPL EnergyPlus
Electric generation supply 88 416
PPL Global
Electric delivery 75 245
Other 3 25
---- ----
226 348
---- ----
Retail Gas Revenue
PPL Gas Utilities 25 74
PPL EnergyPlus 43 6
---- ----
68 80
----- ----
Retail Revenues - total $294 $428
==== ====
Operating revenues from retail electric operations increased by $226 million in
2000 compared with 1999. PPL EnergyPlus provided 15.5% more electricity to
retail customers in 2000 as compared to 1999. Revenues from PPL Global were $75
million, or 31%, greater in 2000 as compared to 1999, due to the acquisition of
CEMAR and higher sales volumes in Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia. Also
contributing to the increase were higher PPL Electric retail delivery sales in
2000 compared with 1999, and the end of the one year 4% rate reduction for
delivery customers. In addition, PPL Electric's PLR revenues were higher in
2000, as fewer customers selected a supplier other than PPL Electric.
Operating revenues from retail electric operations increased by $348 million in
1999 compared with
18
1998. This was primarily due to the consolidation of Emel and EC results
effective January 1, 1999. Also, PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus provided 6.5%
more electricity to retail customers during 1999 as compared with 1998.
Both PPL Gas Utilities and PPL EnergyPlus had higher retail gas sales for 2000
when compared to 1999. The increase in PPL Gas Utilities' revenues reflects
greater demand, higher gas commodity costs and increased off-system revenues in
2000. PPL EnergyPlus' increase was related to intensified gas marketing efforts
and increased retail pricing attributed to higher wholesale gas commodity costs.
After eliminating the revenues of PPL Gas Utilities, which was acquired in
August 1998, retail gas revenues increased by $6 million in 1999 compared with
1998.
PPL Gas Utilities' two natural gas delivery subsidiaries reached a settlement
with the PUC for a $9.3 million base rate increase, effective January 1, 2001.
As a condition of the settlement, PPL Gas Utilities agreed to not increase
natural gas delivery base rates in Pennsylvania for the next three years.
Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading
- --------------------------------------
The increase (decrease) in revenues from wholesale energy marketing and trading
activities was attributable to the following (millions of dollars):
2000 vs. 1999 1999 vs. 1998
------------- -------------
PPL Electric/PPL EnergyPlus
Bilaterial Sales $209 $38
PJM 39
Cost-based contracts (38) (71)
Gas & oil sales (39) 223
PPL Montana 405 9
PPL Maine 67 15
Other (3) 3
---- ----
$640 $217
==== ====
After eliminating the revenues of PPL Montana, wholesale energy marketing and
trading revenues increased by $235 million in 2000 compared to 1999. This was
primarily due to higher bilateral sales revenues due to higher market pricing
and increased sales volumes to other counterparties.
Wholesale energy marketing and trading revenues increased by $217 million in
1999 compared with 1998. This increase was predominately due to an increase in
wholesale gas revenues. This increase was, in part, due to greater demand for
gas-fired generation and an increase in retail gas marketing activities. The
decrease in revenues from cost-based contracts reflects the phase-down of the
capacity and energy agreement with JCP&L. The contract expired in December 1999.
Energy Related Businesses
Energy related businesses (see Note 1 to Financial Statements) contributed $46
million to the 2000 operating income of PPL, which was a decrease of $14 million
from 1999. This decrease was primarily due to operating losses incurred by PPL's
synfuel projects. These and other losses were partially offset by increased
operating income of the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries, and
higher equity earnings from PPL Global's international investments.
Energy related businesses provided an additional $35 million to operating income
in 1999 compared with 1998. This was primarily due to PPL Global's higher equity
earnings from its investment in WPD, and additional operating income provided by
the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries.
Fuel
Fuel costs increased by $47 million in 2000 compared with 1999, and decreased by
$11 million in 1999 compared with 1998.
Electric fuel cost increased by $23 million in 2000 compared with 1999.
Excluding PPL Montana, electric fuel costs decreased by $8 million during 2000
compared with 1999. The decrease was attributed to lower unit costs for nuclear
generation, in part due to a $5 million accrual in 1999 for dry cask canisters
for on-site spent fuel storage. The decrease from lower unit costs was partially
offset by higher generation at Susquehanna.
Electric fuel costs decreased by $44 million in 1999 compared with 1998. The
decrease resulted from lower generation by PPL Generation's coal-fired and
oil/gas fired units, as well as lower fuel prices for coal. The lower coal-fired
generation resulted from units being dispatched less during off-peak periods, as
a result of NOx allowances affecting the unit costs from May to September of
1999. The Holtwood plant closing and the Sunbury plant sale (See "Power Plant
Operations" discussion) also contributed to the decrease in generation. In
addition, PPL Generation entered into a rail contract which lowered coal freight
prices effective June 1999. These decreases in
19
1999 were partially offset by higher fuel prices for nuclear and oil/gas-fired
stations.
The cost of natural gas and propane increased by $24 million in 2000 compared
with 1999. This reflects higher sales by PPL Gas Utilities, and intensified gas
marketing efforts by PPL EnergyPlus.
The cost of natural gas and propane increased by $33 million in 1999 compared
with 1998. This reflects the acquisition of PPL Gas Utilities in August 1998.
The results for 1999 included a full year of operations of PPL Gas Utilities.
Energy Purchases
The increase in energy purchases was attributed to the following (millions of
dollars):
2000 vs. 1999 1999 vs. 1998
------------- -------------
PPL EnergyPlus $143 $309
PPL Maine 58 6
PPL Global 46 142
PPL Montana 121 1
Other 15
---- ----
$383 $458
==== ====
After excluding the impact of PPL Montana, energy purchases increased by $262
million during 2000, compared with 1999. This increase was attributed to higher
wholesale prices for energy purchases needed to supply retail load obligations.
Excluding the purchases made by Emel and EC, which were consolidated by PPL
Global effective January 1, 1999, energy purchases increased by $316 million in
1999 when compared to 1998. The increase was primarily due to increased gas
purchases by the Energy Marketing Center, additional wholesale purchases to
support PPL EnergyPlus, and higher wholesale prices for electricity. These
increases were partially offset by a decrease in the volume of electricity
purchases.
Other Operation Expenses
Other operation expenses increased by $47 million in 2000 when compared to 1999.
After eliminating the expenses of PPL Montana, other operation expenses
decreased $30 million in 2000 when compared with 1999. This decrease was
primarily the result of environmental insurance settlements, gains on the sale
of emission allowances and reduced pension costs. These reductions were
partially offset by increased expenses due to the CEMAR acquisition, a loss
accrual under the Clean Air Act and increased costs of wages and other benefits.
Other operation expenses increased by $69 million in 1999 compared with 1998.
Operating expenses of acquired companies and certain regulatory impacts caused a
substantial portion of this increase. These included:
. PPL Global's consolidation of Emel and EC, effective January 1, 1999, which
added about $25 million in operation expenses.
. About $23 million of additional operation expenses of PPL Gas Utilities
recorded in 1999 compared to 1998. PPL Gas Utilities was acquired in August
1998.
. About $46 million of regulatory credits recorded in 1998. These credits
were for the loss of revenue as a result of Pennsylvania's pilot Electric
Choice Program and the deferral of undercollected energy costs. No similar
items were reflected in 1999, as the pilot program was completed and energy
costs were no longer recoverable through the Energy Cost Rate.
Eliminating the effects of the above amounts, the other operation expenses of
PPL decreased by $29 million in 1999 compared with 1998. This decrease was
primarily due to PPL Electric's cost-cutting initiatives, gains on the sale of
emission allowances and decreased load dispatching activities for system
control.
Maintenance Expenses
Maintenance expenses increased by $46 million in 2000 from 1999. After
eliminating the expenses of PPL Montana, maintenance expenses increased by $33
million in 2000 from 1999. This increase was primarily due to higher maintenance
costs at the Susquehanna generating station, higher transmission and
distribution line maintenance expenses and higher costs of wages.
Maintenance expenses increased by $33 million in 1999 from 1998. About half of
the increase was due to the consolidation of Emel and EC effective January 1,
1999 and the acquisition of PPL Gas Utilities in August 1998. The other half of
this increase was due to higher costs of outage-related and other maintenance at
PPL Electric's fossil and nuclear power plants, and additional expenses to
maintain transmission and distribution facilities.
20
Power Plant Operations
In April 1999, PPL Electric closed its Holtwood coal-fired generating station.
The closing was part of an effort to reduce operating costs and position PPL for
the competitive marketplace. The adjacent hydroelectric plant, owned by PPL
Holtwood, continues to operate.
In November 1999, PPL Electric sold its Sunbury plant and the principal assets
of its wholly-owned coal processing subsidiary, Lady Jane Collieries, to Sunbury
Holdings, LLC. PPL Electric received cash proceeds of $107 million for the
assets, including coal inventory, which resulted in a one-time contribution to
earnings of about 28 cents per share.
Depreciation
Depreciation increased by $4 million in 2000 compared with 1999. After
eliminating the expenses of PPL Montana, depreciation decreased by $10 million
in 2000 compared with 1999. This decrease was primarily due to a change in the
estimated remaining useful lives of certain PPL generating plants. PPL
subsidiaries periodically review the depreciable lives of their fixed assets. In
conjunction with corporate realignment activities undertaken in early 2000,
studies were conducted of depreciable lives of certain generation assets. These
studies indicated that the estimated economic lives for certain generation
assets were longer than currently used to calculate depreciation for financial
statement purposes. Therefore, effective July 1, 2000, PPL Generation revised
the estimated economic lives for fossil generation and pipeline assets. This
change is expected to reduce depreciation expense by approximately $33 million
per year for the next several years from previous levels. The reduction in
depreciation expense in the second half of 2000 was partially offset by
depreciation of CEMAR's transmission, distribution and other assets recorded
subsequent to acquisition by PPL Global.
Depreciation decreased by $81 million in 1999 compared with 1998. This decrease
was mainly due to the write-down of generation-related assets in connection with
the restructuring adjustments recorded in June 1998. The decrease was partially
offset by depreciation associated with the acquisition of PPL Gas Utilities in
August 1998 and the consolidation of Emel and EC effective January 1, 1999.
Other Income and (Deductions)
Other income of PPL decreased by $112 million in 2000 from 1999. PPL Electric's
earnings in 2000 reflected a charge of $12 million resulting from a PUC ruling
requiring the write-off of the regulatory asset for the loss incurred in
Pennsylvania's pilot Electric Choice Program, and an adverse FERC decision
regarding investments in PJM. PPL Generation also recorded a loss contingency
for an unasserted claim against the company under the Clean Air Act. Other
income in 1999 included PPL Global's share of the gain on the sale of SWEB's
electrical supply business (which was $78 million pre-U.S. tax), and a $66
million pre-tax gain on the sale of PPL Electric's Sunbury plant and the
principal assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, Lady Jane Collieries. These
increases were partially offset by a $51 million write-down of certain of PPL
Global's international investments: WPD, Aguaytia and BGG. The net impact of the
charges in 2000, versus the credits to income in 1999, are the primary reasons
for the decrease in other income between the periods.
Other income in 1999 increased by $31 million from 1998. PPL recorded several
favorable nonrecurring items in 1998, including a $30 million recovery from a
NUG to settle a suit over disputed energy prices, a $9 million credit for a
reduction in U.K. corporate tax rates and a $6 million credit to earnings to
reverse the prior expensing of PPL Gas Utilities acquisition costs. However,
there were larger credits to other income in 1999, as noted above.
Financing Costs
PPL experienced higher financing costs on long-term debt during the past few
years, primarily associated with the issuance of $2.4 billion of transition
bonds by PPL Transition Bond Company in August 1999, and the issuance of
medium-term notes by PPL Capital Funding in 2000. Refer to Note 10 to the
Financial Statements for more information. Interest on long-term debt and
dividends on preferred stock increased from $219 million in 1997 to $349 million
in 2000. Interest on short-term debt, net of capitalized interest and AFUDC
borrowed funds, increased from $20 million in 1997 to $53 million in 2000. This
increase reflects PPL Capital Funding's commercial paper program initiated in
1998.
21
Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased by $120 million in 2000 compared with 1999. This
was primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income and a 1999 release of
deferred taxes no longer required due to securitization.
Income tax expense decreased by $85 million in 1999, compared with 1998. This
was primarily due to a release of deferred income taxes no longer required due
to securitization and tax changes relating to the 1998 restructuring write-off.
Financial Condition
-------------------
Energy Marketing and Trading Activities
PPL, through its PPL EnergyPlus subsidiary, purchases and sells electric and
energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the
U.S. PPL enters into agreements to market available energy and capacity from its
generating assets in Pennsylvania, Maine and Montana with the expectation of
profiting from market price fluctuations.
If PPL were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy under these agreements,
under certain circumstances it would be required to pay damages. These damages
would be based on the difference between the market price to acquire replacement
capacity or energy and the contract price of the undelivered capacity or energy.
Depending on price volatility in the wholesale energy markets, such damages
could be significant. Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages,
transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their
counterparties) with which it has power contracts, and other factors could
affect PPL's ability to meet its firm capacity or energy obligations, or cause
significant increases in the market price of replacement capacity and energy.
Although PPL attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it
will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to
pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty
non-performance in the future.
PPL attempts to mitigate risks associated with open contract positions by
reserving generation capacity to deliver electricity to satisfy its net firm
sales contracts and, when necessary, by purchasing firm transmission service. In
addition, PPL adheres to its risk management policy and programs, including
established credit policies to evaluate counterparty credit risk. To date, PPL
has not experienced any significant losses due to non-performance by
counterparties. Additionally, given the current electric energy situation in
California, PPL has established a reserve to limit its exposure as a result of
sales within that market area. See Note 19 to Financial Statements for
discussion related to the California energy situation.
On January 1, 1999, PPL adopted mark-to-market accounting for energy contracts
executed for trading purposes, in accordance with EITF 98-10, "Accounting for
Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." Under
mark-to-market accounting, gains and losses from changes in market prices on
contracts executed for trading purposes are reflected in current earnings. The
earnings effect of mark-to-market accounting was not significant in 1999. Under
EITF 98-10, energy trading activities refer to energy contracts executed with
the objective of generating profits on, or from exposure to, shifts or changes
in market prices. Risk management activities refer to energy contracts that are
designated as (and effective as) hedges of non-trading activities (i.e.,
marketing available capacity and energy and purchasing fuel for consumption).
PPL adopted SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," as amended by SFAS 138, effective January 1, 2001. See Note 18 to
the Financial Statements for the effect of adopting SFAS 133.
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
- ----------------------------------------------------------
PPL actively manages the market risk inherent in its commodity, debt, foreign
currency and equity positions. The Board of Directors of PPL has adopted a risk
management policy to manage the risk exposures related to energy prices,
interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. This policy established a
Risk Management Committee comprised of certain executive officers which oversees
the risk management function. Nonetheless, adverse changes in commodity prices,
interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices may result in
losses in earnings, cash flows and/or fair values. The forward-looking
information presented below provides only estimates of what may occur in the
future, assuming certain adverse market conditions, due to reliance on model
22
assumptions. As a result, actual future results may differ materially from those
presented. These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future
losses, but only indicators of reasonably possible losses.
See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of financial derivatives
used to hedge debt issuances and retirements during 2000. Note 9 also describes
hedge positions at December 31, 2000 to manage exposures to interest rate risk
for anticipated debt issuances in the first quarter of 2001.
Commodity Price Risk
- --------------------
PPL's risk management program is designed to manage the risks associated with
market fluctuations in the price of electricity, natural gas, oil and emission
allowances. PPL's risk management policy and programs include risk
identification and risk limits management, with measurement and controls for
real-time risk monitoring. In 2000, PPL entered into fixed-price forward and
option contracts that required physical delivery of the commodity,
exchange-for-physical transactions and over-the-counter contracts (such as swap
agreements where settlement is generally based on the difference between a fixed
and index-based price for the underlying commodity). PPL expects to continue
using such contracts in 2001.
PPL enters into contracts to hedge the impact of market fluctuations on its
energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements. In
addition, it executes these contracts to take advantage of market opportunities.
PPL may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result
in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction
anticipated.
PPL uses various methodologies to simulate forward price curves in the energy
markets to estimate the size and probability of changes in market value
resulting from commodity price movements. The methodologies require several key
assumptions, including selection of confidence levels, the holding period of the
commodity positions, and the depth and applicability to future periods of
historical commodity price information.
At December 31, 2000, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices
across all geographic areas and time periods could have decreased the value of
its trading portfolio by approximately $6 million, as compared to a $1 million
decrease at December 31, 1999. For PPL's non-trading portfolio, a 10% adverse
movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods could
have decreased the value of its non-trading portfolio by approximately $292
million at December 31, 2000, as compared to an $87 million decrease at December
31, 1999. However, this effect would have been offset by an inverse change in
the value of the underlying commodity, the electricity generated. In addition to
commodity price risk, PPL's commodity positions are also subject to operational
and event risks including, among others, increases in load demand and forced
outages at power plants.
Commodity Price Risk - PPL Electric
- ------------------------------------
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment and
transferred generation assets to unregulated PPL affiliates. As part of the
realignment, PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus entered into a long-term power
sales agreement under which PPL EnergyPlus will sell PPL Electric, at a
predetermined pricing arrangement, energy, capacity and ancillary services to
fulfill its PLR obligation through 2001. As a result, PPL Electric has shifted
any electric price risk to PPL EnergyPlus. PPL Electric is currently evaluating
supply alternatives after 2001, including extension of the existing contract
with PPL EnergyPlus, negotiation of a new contract or contracts with PPL
EnergyPlus, or supply from other sources.
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
PPL and its subsidiaries, including PPL Electric, have issued debt to finance
their operations. PPL has also issued debt to provide funds for unregulated
energy investments, which also increases interest rate risk. PPL manages
interest rate risk by using financial derivative products to adjust the mix of
fixed and floating-rate interest rates in its debt portfolios, adjusting the
duration of its debt portfolios and locking in U.S. treasury rates (and interest
rate spreads over treasuries) in anticipation of future financing, when
appropriate. Risk limits are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in
interest expense and losses in the fair value of PPL's and PPL Electric's debt
portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates. See Note 9 to
Financial Statements for a discussion of financial derivative instruments
outstanding at December 31, 2000.
23
PPL's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense due to a 10%
increase in interest rates was estimated at $6.7 million at December 31, 2000,
and $4.9 million at December 31, 1999.
PPL is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio. At
December 31, 2000, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the
fair value of its debt portfolio through a 10% adverse movement in interest
rates was $65.6 million, compared with $61.3 million at December 31, 1999.
PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to
adverse interest rate movements for future anticipated financings. While PPL is
exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, they are designed
such that any economic loss in value should be offset by interest rate savings
at the time the future anticipated financing is completed. At December 31, 2000,
PPL estimated its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these
instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, at $2.5 million,
compared to $46.3 million at December 31, 1999.
Market events that are inconsistent with historical trends could cause actual
results to exceed estimated levels.
Foreign Currency Risk
- ---------------------
PPL Global has investments in international energy-related distribution
facilities. PPL Global is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily through
investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe.
PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge
foreign currency exposures including firm commitments, recognized assets or
liabilities, forecasted transactions or net investments. At December 31, 2000,
PPL had certain anticipated purchases of equipment which were, in part, payable
in euros. As of December 31, 2000, PPL had entered into forward contracts for
the purchase of 37 million euros. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for
additional information.
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund - Securities Price Risk
- ----------------------------------------------------
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, the
nuclear decommissioning trust funds for the Susquehanna nuclear plant were
transferred from PPL Electric to PPL Susquehanna.
PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds, as required by the NRC, to fund certain
costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna station. At December 31, 2000, these
funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate,
fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL's Consolidated
Balance Sheet. The mix of securities is designed to provide returns to be used
to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary
increases in decommissioning costs. However, the equity securities included in
the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the value of
fixed rate, fixed income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates.
PPL Susquehanna actively monitors the investment performance and periodically
reviews asset allocation in accordance with its nuclear decommissioning trust
policy statement. A hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and 10% decrease
in equity prices would have resulted in an $18.1 million reduction in the fair
value of the trust assets at December 31, 2000, as compared to an $18.6 million
reduction at December 31, 1999.
PPL Electric's restructuring settlement agreement in 1998 provides for the
collection of authorized nuclear decommissioning costs through the CTC.
Additionally, PPL Electric is permitted to seek recovery from customers of up to
96% of any increases in these costs. Under the power purchase agreement between
PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus, these recoveries would be passed on to PPL
EnergyPlus. Similarly, these recoveries would be passed on to PPL Susquehanna
under a power purchase agreement between PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Susquehanna.
Therefore, PPL's securities price risk is expected to remain insignificant.
24
Capital Expenditure Requirements
The schedule below shows PPL's current capital expenditure projections for the
years 2001-2005 and actual spending for the year 2000 (millions of dollars):
PPL Capital Expenditure Requirements
Actual ----------------Projected--------------
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Construction expenditures 1)
Generating facilities 2) $ 79 $ 387 $ 826 $ 473 $ 118 $ 107
Transmission and
distribution facilities 148 155 164 166 169 182
Environmental 134 69 18 22 57 51
Other 35 94 40 41 37 35
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------
Total Construction
Expenditures 396 705 1,048 702 381 375
Nuclear fuel 44 59 54 55 57 57
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------
Total Capital
Expenditures $ 440 $ 764 $1,102 $ 757 $ 438 $ 432
====== ====== ====== ===== ===== ======
1) Construction expenditures include AFUDC and capitalized interest, which are
expected to be less than $11 million in each of the years 2001-2005.
2) Includes the projected development costs for PPL Global's turbine generation
projects. Some of these projects may ultimately be financed by parties who lease
such projects back to PPL pursuant to leases that are not capitalized on PPL's
financial statements.
3) This information excludes lease payments by PPL Montana under its
sales/leaseback transaction.
4) This information excludes any equity investments by PPL Global.
PPL's capital expenditure projections for the years 2001-2005 total about $3.5
billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised from time-to-time to reflect
changes in conditions.
Acquisitions and Development
Refer to Note 11 to the Financial Statements for information regarding
acquisitions and development activities. Additionally, in February 2001, WPDL
and Glas executed a contract whereby Glas would purchase the water business for
one British pound sterling and assume the water business' 1.8 billion British
pounds sterling of debt.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Global had investments in foreign facilities,
including consolidated investments in Emel, EC, CEMAR and others. See Note 3 to
the Financial Statements for information on PPL Global's unconsolidated
investments accounted for under the equity method.
Financing and Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $409 million more during 2000 compared
with 1999. The reasons for this change were:
. A $221 million increase in cash provided by operating activities, primarily
due to an increase in operating income.
. A $428 million decrease in cash used in investing activities, primarily due
to lower acquisitions of generating assets.
. A $240 million decrease in cash provided by various financing activities.
From 1998 through 2000, PPL issued $4.1 billion of long-term debt (including
$2.4 billion of securitized debt issued by PPL Transition Bond Company). For the
same period, PPL issued $105 million of common stock, excluding stock issued in
conjunction with the PPL Gas Utilities acquisition. From 1998 through 2000, PPL
retired $2.5 billion of long-term debt and purchased $835 million of common
shares. From 1998 through 2000, PPL Electric also incurred $128 million of
obligations under capital leases.
Refer to Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information on
credit arrangements and financing activities in 2000. Also, in February 2001,
PPL and PPL Capital Funding filed a $1.2 billion omnibus shelf registration
statement with the SEC to register debt and equity securities.
Financial Indicators
Earnings for 2000, 1999 and 1998 were impacted by nonrecurring items. (See
"Earnings" for additional information.) The following financial indicators
reflect the elimination of these impacts from earnings, and provide an
additional measure of the underlying earnings performance of PPL and its
subsidiaries.
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Earnings per share, diluted,
as adjusted $ 3.28 $ 2.35 $ 1.87
Return on average common equity 27.14% 16.89% 10.98%
Times interest earned before
income taxes 2.95 3.14 3.28
Dividends declared per share $ 1.06 $ 1.00 $1.335
See Item 6 "Selected Financial and Operating Data" for additional financial
indicators.
25
Environmental Matters
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental
matters.
Increasing Competition
The electric utility industry has experienced, and will continue to experience,
a significant increase in the level of competition in the energy supply market
at both the state and federal level.
Federal Activities
- ------------------
PPL Electric, PPL EnergyPlus and certain subsidiaries of PPL Generation have
authority from the FERC to sell specified ancillary services at market-based
rates in the following markets: the New England power pool, the New York power
pool, the market administered by the California ISO, and the PJM.
PPL Electric, PPL EnergyPlus and certain subsidiaries of PPL Generation also
have authority from the FERC to sell electric energy and capacity at
market-based rates and to sell, assign or transfer transmission rights and
associated ancillary services. PPL Electric has a FERC-filed code of conduct
governing its relationship with such affiliates that engage in the sale and/or
transmission of electric energy.
State Activities
- ----------------
Refer to Note 5 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of PPL Electric's
PUC restructuring proceeding under the Customer Choice Act.
Also refer to Note 17 to the Financial Statements regarding PPL Electric's
transfer of its retail electric marketing function to PPL EnergyPlus. PPL
EnergyPlus has a PUC license to act as a Pennsylvania EGS. This license permits
PPL EnergyPlus to offer retail electric supply to participating customers in the
service territory of PPL Electric and in the service territories of other
Pennsylvania utilities.
In 2000, PPL EnergyPlus served industrial and commercial customers in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maine and Montana. PPL EnergyPlus is
licensed to sell energy in Maryland and Massachusetts, and has filed an
application for such a license in New York.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk," in Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations, price
risk management in Note 1 and Note 9.
26
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of
PPL Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(a)(1) on page 95 present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries ("PPL")
at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed
in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) present fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the PPL's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of
these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, PA
January 29, 2001
27
PPL Corporation
---------------
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements
--------------------------------------------------------------
The management of PPL Corporation is responsible for the preparation, integrity
and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements and all other sections
of this annual report. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and
the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission for regulated businesses. In preparing the financial statements,
management makes informed estimates and judgments of the expected effects of
events and transactions based upon currently available facts and circumstances.
Management believes that the financial statements are free of material
misstatement and present fairly the financial position, results of operations
and cash flows of PPL.
PPL's consolidated financial statements have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PricewaterhouseCoopers), independent certified
public accountants. PricewaterhouseCoopers' appointment as auditors was
previously ratified by the shareowners. Management has made available to
PricewaterhouseCoopers all PPL's financial records and related data, as well as
the minutes of shareowners' and directors' meetings. Management believes that
all representations made to PricewaterhouseCoopers during its audit were valid
and appropriate.
PPL maintains a system of internal control designed to provide reasonable, but
not absolute, assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the financial
statements, the protection of assets from unauthorized use or disposition and
the prevention and detection of fraudulent financial reporting. The concept of
reasonable assurance recognizes that the cost of a system of internal control
should not exceed the benefits derived and that there are inherent limitations
in the effectiveness of any system of internal control.
Fundamental to the control system is the selection and training of qualified
personnel, an organizational structure that provides appropriate segregation of
duties, the utilization of written policies and procedures and the continual
monitoring of the system for compliance. In addition, PPL maintains an internal
auditing program to evaluate PPL's system of internal control for adequacy,
application and compliance. Management considers the internal auditors' and
PricewaterhouseCoopers' recommendations concerning its system of internal
control and has taken actions which are believed to be cost-effective in the
circumstances to respond appropriately to these recommendations. Management
believes that PPL's system of internal control is adequate to accomplish the
objectives discussed in this report.
The Board of Directors, acting through its Audit Committee, oversees
management's responsibilities in the preparation of the financial statements. In
performing this function, the Audit Committee, which is composed of four
independent directors, meets periodically with management, the internal auditors
and the independent certified public accountants to review the work of each. The
independent certified public accountants and the internal auditors have free
access to the Audit Committee and to the Board of Directors, without management
present, to discuss internal accounting control, auditing and financial
reporting matters.
Management also recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical
climate so that PPL's affairs are conducted according to the highest standards
of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is characterized and
reflected in the business policies and guidelines of PPL's operating
subsidiaries. These policies and guidelines address: the necessity of ensuring
open communication within PPL; potential conflicts of interest; proper
procurement activities; compliance with all applicable laws, including those
relating to financial disclosure; and the confidentiality of proprietary
information.
William F. Hecht
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
John R. Biggar
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
28
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
2000 1999 1998
Operating Revenues
Retail electric and gas................................................ $3,167 $2,873 $2,445
Wholesale energy marketing and trading................................. 2,080 1,440 1,223
Energy related businesses.............................................. 436 277 118
------------ ------------- ------------
Total ................................................................. 5,683 4,590 3,786
------------ ------------- ------------
Operating Expenses
Operation
Fuel.................................................................. 539 492 503
Energy purchases...................................................... 1,922 1,539 1,081
Other................................................................. 690 643 574
Amortization of recoverable transition costs.......................... 227 194
Maintenance............................................................ 261 215 182
Depreciation (Note 1).................................................. 261 257 338
Taxes, other than income (Note 7)...................................... 191 161 188
Energy related businesses.............................................. 390 217 93
------------ ------------- ------------
Total.................................................................. 4,481 3,718 2,959
------------ ------------- ------------
Operating Income........................................................ 1,202 872 827
------------ ------------- ------------
Other Income and (Deductions) - Net..................................... (15) 97 66
------------ ------------- ------------
Income Before Interest, Income Taxes and Minority Interest.............. 1,187 969 893
Interest Expense........................................................ 376 277 230
------------ ------------- ------------
Income Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Extraodinary Items.... 811 692 663
Income Taxes (Note 7)................................................... 294 174 259
Minority Interest (Note 1).............................................. 4 14
------------ ------------- ------------
Income Before Extraordinary Items....................................... 513 504 404
Extraordinary Items (net of income taxes) (Note 5)..................... 11 (46) (948)
------------ ------------- ------------
Income (Loss) Before Dividends on Preferred Stock....................... 524 458 (544)
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements................................... 26 26 25
------------ ------------- ------------
Net Income (Loss)....................................................... $498 $432 ($569)
============ ============= ============
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Note 4):
Income Before Extraordinary Items...................................... $3.38 $3.14 $2.29
Extraordinary Items (net of tax)....................................... 0.07 (0.30) (5.75)
------------ ------------- ------------
Net Income (Loss)....................................................... $3.45 $2.84 ($3.46)
============ ============= ============
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Note 4):....................
Income Before Extraordinary Items...................................... $3.37 $3.14 $2.29
Extraordinary Items (net of tax)....................................... 0.07 (0.30) (5.75)
------------ ------------- ------------
Net Income (Loss)....................................................... $3.44 $2.84 ($3.46)
============ ============= ============
Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock............................ $1.06 $1.00 $1.335
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
29
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999 1998
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss) ........................................................... $ 498 $ 432 ($569)
Extraordinary items (net of income taxes).................................... 11 (46) (948)
------- ------- ------
Net income before extraordinary items........................................ 487 478 379
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation............................................................. 261 257 338
Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other................... 121 149 (3)
Gain on sale of generating assets and electric energy projects........... (146)
Minority interest........................................................ 4 14
Writedown of investments in electric energy projects..................... 51
Preferred stock dividend requirement..................................... 26 26 25
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.......................... (80) (59) (49)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits ........................ (59) (43) 12
Change in current assets and current liabilities ............................. 78 (82) (42)
Other operating activities - net.............................................. 27 (1) (23)
------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................... 865 644 637
------- ------- ------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment............................... (460) (318) (304)
Sale of generating assets and electric energy projects...................... 221
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of generating assets............................ 410
Investment in generating assets and electric energy projects................. (570) (1,095) (306)
Sale of nuclear fuel to trust................................................ 27 14 54
Purchases of available-for-sale securities................................... (11) (15)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities........................ 70
Loan to affiliated company................................................... (114)
Other investing activities - net............................................. (33) (1) 16
------- ------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities............................... (751) (1,179) (485)
------- ------- ------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Issuance of long-term debt................................................... 1,000 2,620 495
Retirement of long-term debt................................................. (532) (1,644) (295)
Issuance of common stock..................................................... 35 8 62
Purchase of treasury stock .................................................. (417) (419)
Payments on capital lease obligations........................................ (11) (59) (58)
Payment of common and preferred dividends ................................... (177) (180) (278)
Termination of nuclear fuel lease............................................ (154)
Net increase in short-term debt.............................................. 45 215 487
Other financing activities - net ............................................ 27 (70) (1)
------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities................. 233 473 (7)
------- ------- ------
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents ............................ 347 (62) 145
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period ........................... 133 195 50
------- ------- ------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period .................................. $ 480 $ 133 $ 195
======= ======= ======
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)......................................... $ 363 $ 267 $ 237
Income taxes................................................................. $ 266 $ 184 $ 248
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
30
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)............................................. $ 480 $ 133
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2000, $70; 1999, $22)...................... 588 399
Notes receivable-affiliated company (Note 16).................................. 114
Unbilled revenues.............................................................. 279 310
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost................................. 197 200
Prepayments.................................................................... 40 119
Unrealized energy trading gains................................................ 79 26
Other.......................................................................... 168 106
-------- --------
1,945 1,293
-------- --------
Investments
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates at equity (Note 3)..................... 800 424
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates at cost................................ 46
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Notes 1 and 8)....................... 268 255
Other (Note 9)................................................................. 47 16
-------- --------
1,161 695
-------- --------
Property, Plant and Equipment - net
Electric utility plant in service - (Note 1)
Transmission and distribution............................................ 2,841 2,462
Generation............................................................... 2,177 2,352
General.................................................................. 294 259
-------- --------
5,312 5,073
Construction work in progress.................................................. 261 181
Nuclear fuel................................................................... 123 139
-------- --------
Electric utility plant................................................... 5,696 5,393
Gas and oil utility plant...................................................... 177 171
Other property................................................................. 75 60
-------- --------
5,948 5,624
-------- --------
Regulatory Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets (Notes 1 and 5)
Recoverable transition costs................................................... 2,425 2,647
Other.......................................................................... 881 915
-------- --------
3,306 3,562
-------- --------
$ 12,360 $ 11,174
======== ========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
31
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt (Note 10)......................................................... $902 $857
Note payable - affiliated company (Note 16)....................................... 135
Long-term debt.................................................................... 317 468
Above market NUG contracts (Notes 5 and 15)....................................... 93 99
Accounts payable.................................................................. 506 399
Taxes............................................................................. 223 110
Interest.......................................................................... 42 31
Dividends......................................................................... 45 43
Unrealized energy trading losses.................................................. 84 28
Other............................................................................. 164 245
------------- --------------
2,511 2,280
------------- --------------
Long-term Debt (Note 10)................................................................. 4,467 3,689
------------- --------------
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 7)......................... 1,412 1,548
Above market NUG contracts (Notes 5 and 15)....................................... 581 674
Other (Notes 1 and 8)............................................................ 976 959
------------- --------------
2,969 3,181
------------- --------------
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 15)
------------- --------------
Minority Interest (Note 1)............................................................... 54 64
------------- --------------
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trust holding solely company debentures....................................... 250 250
------------- --------------
Preferred Stock
With sinking fund requirements.................................................... 47 47
Without sinking fund requirements................................................. 50 50
------------- --------------
97 97
------------- --------------
Shareowners' Common Equity
Common stock...................................................................... 2 2
Capital in excess of par value.................................................... 1,895 1,860
Treasury stock (Note 1)........................................................... (836) (836)
Earnings reinvested............................................................... 999 654
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 1)................................... (36) (55)
Capital stock expense and other................................................... (12) (12)
------------- --------------
2,012 1,613
------------- --------------
$12,360 $11,174
============= ==============
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
32
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS' COMMON EQUITY
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
For the Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
------------- -------------- -------------
Common stock at beginning of year.................................. $ 2 $ 2 $ 2
Issuance of common stock......................................
------------- -------------- -------------
Common stock at end of year........................................ 2 2 2
------------- -------------- -------------
Capital in excess of par value at beginning of year................ 1,860 1,866 1,669
Common stock issued through the ESOP, DRIP, and the ICP (a)... 35 8 62
Common stock issued for purchase of PPL Gas Utilities......... 135
Other......................................................... (14)
------------- -------------- -------------
Capital in excess of par value at end of year...................... 1,895 1,860 1,866
------------- -------------- -------------
Treasury stock at beginning of year................................ (836) (419)
Purchase of treasury stock.................................... (417) (419)
------------- -------------- -------------
Treasury stock at end of year...................................... (836) (836) (419)
------------- -------------- -------------
Earnings reinvested at beginning of year........................... 654 372 1,164
Net income (loss) (b)......................................... 498 432 (569)
Cash dividends declared on common stock....................... (153) (150) (223)
------------- -------------- -------------
Earnings reinvested at end of year................................. 999 654 372
------------- -------------- -------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income at
beginning of year (c)............................................ (55) (4)
Foreign currency translation adjustments,
net of tax benefit of $6, $6, $3 (b)........................ 15 (51) 1
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale
securities (b)............................................. 3 (2)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (b)...................... 1 (3)
------------- -------------- -------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income at
end of year...................................................... (36) (55) (4)
------------- -------------- -------------
Capital stock expense at beginning of year......................... (12) (27) (26)
Other......................................................... 15 (1)
------------- -------------- -------------
Capital stock expense at end of year............................... (12) (12) (27)
------------- -------------- -------------
Total Shareowners' Common Equity................................... $2,012 $1,613 $1,790
============= ============== =============
Common stock shares (thousands) at
beginning of year (a)........................................... 143,697 157,412 166,248
Common stock issued through the ESOP,
DRIP, and the ICP........................................... 1,344 282 2,604
Common stock issued for purchase of
PPL Gas Utilities........................................... 5,556
Treasury stock purchased...................................... (13,997) (16,996)
------------- -------------- -------------
Common stock shares at end of year................................. 145,041 143,697 157,412
============= ============== =============
(a) $.01 par value, 390 million shares authorized. Each share entitles the
holder to one vote on any question presented to any shareowners' meeting.
(b) Statement of Comprehensive Income (Note 1):
Net income (loss) $498 $432 ($569)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments.................. 15 (51) 1
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities... 3 (2)
Minimum pension liability adjustment...................... 1 (3)
------------- -------------- -------------
Total other comprehensive income.......................... 19 (51) (4)
------------- -------------- -------------
Comprehensive income (loss)............................... $517 $381 ($573)
============= ============== =============
(c) See Note 1 for disclosure of balances for each component of Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements
33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries (a)
(Millions of Dollars)
Shares
Outstanding Outstanding Shares
2000 1999 2000 Authorized
PPL Electric
Preferred Stock - $100 par, cumulative
4-1/2%................................................. $25 $25 247,658 629,936
Series................................................. 72 72 726,665 10,000,000
----------- --------------
$97 $97
=========== ==============
Details of Preferred Stock (b)
Sinking Fund
Optional Provisions
Shares Redemption Shares to be
Outstanding Outstanding Price Per Redeemed Redemption
2000 1999 2000 Share Annually Period
With Sinking Fund Requirements
Series Preferred
5.95% ................................. $ 1 $ 1 10,000 (c) 10,000 April 2001
6.125% ................................ 31 31 315,500 (c) (d) 2003-2008
6.15%.................................. 10 10 97,500 (c) 97,500 April 2003
6.33% ................................. 5 5 46,000 (c) 46,000 July 2003
---------- -----------
$ 47 $ 47
========== ===========
Without Sinking Fund Requirements
4-1/2% Preferred......................... $ 25 $ 25 247,658 $110.00
Series Preferred
3.35%.................................. 2 2 20,605 103.50
4.40%.................................. 11 11 117,676 102.00
4.60%.................................. 3 3 28,614 103.00
6.75%.................................. 9 9 90,770 (c)
---------- -----------
$ 50 $ 50
========== ===========
Increases (Decreases) in Preferred Stock
There were no issuances or redemptions of preferred stock in 2000, 1999 or 1998.
(a) Each share of PPL Electric's preferred stock entitles the holder to one
vote on any question presented to PPL Electric's shareowner's meetings.
There were also 10 million shares of PPL's preferred stock and 5 million
shares of PPL Electric's preference stock authorized; none were outstanding
at December 31, 2000 and 1999.
(b) The involuntary liquidation price of the preferred stock is $100 per share.
The optional voluntary liquidation price is the optional redemption price
per share in effect, except for the 4-1/2% Preferred Stock for which such
price is $100 per share (plus in each case any unpaid dividends).
(c) These series of preferred stock are not redeemable prior to the following
years: 5.95%, 2001; 6.125%, 6.15%, 6.33% and 6.75%, 2003.
(d) Shares to be redeemed annually on October 1 as follows: 2003-2007, 57,500;
2008, 28,000.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
34
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPANY- OBLIGATED
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE SECURITIES AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries (a)
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding Outstanding
2000 1999 2000 Authorized Maturity (b)
Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts Holding
Solely Company Debentures - $25 per security
8.10%.................. $150 $150 6,000,000 6,000,000 July 2027
8.20%.................. 100 100 4,000,000 4,000,000 April 2027
----------- ----------
$250 $250
=========== ==========
(a) PPL Electric issued a total of $250 million of company-obligated
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures by PPL Capital Trust and PPL Capital Trust II,
two Delaware statutory business trusts. These preferred securities are
supported by a corresponding amount of junior subordinated deferrable
interest debentures issued by PPL Electric to the trusts. PPL Electric
owns all of the common securities, representing the remaining undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the trusts. The proceeds
derived from the issuance of the preferred securities and the common
securities were used by PPL Capital Trust and PPL Capital Trust II to
acquire $103 million and $155 million principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures ("Subordinated Debentures"),
respectively. PPL Electric has guaranteed all of the trusts' obligations
under the preferred securities. The proceeds of the sale of these
preferred securities were loaned by PPL Electric to PPL for the tender
offer for PPL Electric's preferred stock.
(b) The preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or
in part, upon the repayment of the Subordinated Debentures at maturity or
their earlier redemption. At the option of PPL Electric, the Subordinated
Debentures are redeemable on and after April 1, 2002 (for the 8.20%
securities) and July 1, 2002 (for the 8.10% securities) in whole at any
time or in part from time to time. The amount of preferred securities
subject to such mandatory redemption will be equal to the amount of
related Subordinated Debentures maturing or being redeemed. The redemption
price is $25 per security plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid
distributions to the date of redemption.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding
2000 1999 Maturity (b)
First Mortgage Bonds (a)
6% .............................................................. $ 125 June 1, 2000
7 3/4%........................................................... $ 28 28 May 1, 2002
6 7/8%........................................................... 19 19 February 1, 2003
6 7/8%........................................................... 25 25 March 1, 2004
6 1/2%........................................................... 125 125 April 1, 2005
6 1/8% to 7.70%.................................................. 350 (d) 350 2006-2010
7 3/8%........................................................... 10 10 2011-2015
9 1/4%........................................................... (c) 28 2016-2020
9 3/8 to 7.30%................................................... 88 88 2021-2025
First Mortgage Pollution Control Bonds (a)
6.40% Series H................................................... 90 90 November 1, 2021
5.50% Series I................................................... 53 53 February 15, 2027
6.40% Series J................................................... 116 116 September 1, 2029
6.15% Series K................................................... 55 55 August 1, 2029
------------ -------------
959 1,112
Series 1999-1 Transition Bonds
6.08 to 7.15%.................................................... 2,164 (e) 2,390 2001-2008
Medium-Term Notes
5.75 to 8.375%................................................... 1,487 (f) 597 2000-2007
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds...................................... 9 9 June 1, 2027
Unsecured Promissory Notes........................................... 16 17 2005-2022
Other Long-Term Debt................................................. 155 (g) 38 2001-2024
----------- ------------
4,790 4,163
Unamortized (discount) and premium - net ............................ (6) (6)
----------- ------------
4,784 4,157
Less amount due within one year...................................... (317) (468)
----------- ------------
Total Long-Term Debt.............................................. $4,467 $ 3,689
=========== ============
(a) Substantially all owned transmission and distribution plant is subject to
the lien of PPL Electric's Mortgage.
(b) Aggregate long-term debt maturities through 2005 are (millions of dollars);
2001, $317; 2002, $507; 2003, $387; 2004, $418; 2005, $947. There are no
bonds outstanding that have sinking fund requirements.
(c) In April 2000, PPL Electric redeemed and retired all of its First Mortgage
Bonds, 9-1/4 Series due 2019, at the aggregate par value of $27.6 million
through the maintenance and replacement fund provisions of its mortgage.
(d) In May 1998, PPL Electric issued $200 million First Mortgage Bonds, 6-1/8%
Reset Put Securities Series due 2006. In connection with this issuance, PPL
Electric assigned to a third party the option to call the bonds from the
holders on May 1, 2001. These bonds will mature on May 1, 2006, but will be
required to be surrendered by the existing holders on May 1, 2001 either
through the exercise of the call option by the callholder or, if such
option is not exercised, through the automatic exercise of a mandatory put
by the trustee on behalf of the bondholders.
(e) In August 1999, PPL Transition Bond Company issued $2.4 billion of
transition bonds to securitize a portion of PPL Electric's stranded costs.
The bonds were issued in eight different classes, with expected average
lives of 1 to 8.7 years. Bond principal payments of $226 million were made
in 2000.
(f) During 2000, PPL Capital Funding issued the following series of medium-term
notes: in February 2000, $500 million of 7.75% Series due 2005; in June
2000, $300 million of 8.375% Series due 2007; in August 2000, $25 million
of 7.75% Series due 2002; in September 2000, $125 million and $50 million
of two floating-rate issues with maturities of 2002. Retirements of $110
million were made in October 2000.
(g) In 2000, PPL Global acquired a controlling interest in CEMAR. As a result,
in the third quarter PPL Global consolidated the financial statements of
CEMAR.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
36
PPL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business and Consolidation
PPL is an energy holding company based in Allentown, PA. PPL is the parent of
PPL Energy Funding, PPL Electric, PPL Gas Utilities, PPL Services, and PPL
Capital Funding.
PPL Energy Funding serves as the holding company for PPL's principal unregulated
subsidiaries: PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Global. The principal
business of PPL Generation is owning and operating U.S. generating facilities
through various subsidiaries. The principal business of PPL EnergyPlus is
unregulated wholesale and retail energy marketing. PPL Global's principal
businesses are the acquisition and development of both U.S. and international
energy projects, and the ownership and operation of international energy
projects.
PPL Electric is the principal regulated subsidiary of PPL. PPL Electric's
principal businesses are the regulated transmission and distribution of
electricity to serve retail customers in its service territory in eastern and
central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to retail customers in that
territory as a PLR.
PPL consolidates the financial statements of its affiliates when it has majority
ownership and control. All significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated. Minority interests in operating results and equity ownership are
reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of all controlled
affiliates on a current basis, with the exception of certain PPL Global
investments. It is the policy of PPL Global to record equity in earnings of
affiliates on a lag, based on the availability of financial data on a U.S. GAAP
basis. Earnings from WPDH and WPDL are recorded on a one-month lag. PPL Global
has 51% equity ownership interests in these entities but has joint control of
these investments with Mirant. Earnings from all other equity method investments
are recorded on a three-month lag. PPL Global consolidates the results of Emel,
EC, the Bolivian subsidiaries and other investments on a one-month lag. The
results of CEMAR are consolidated on a three-month lag. Earnings from PPL
Global's 2.9% investment in CGE are accounted for using the cost method.
When ownership interest in an affiliate increases through a series of
acquisitions and subsequently results in control, the equity method of
accounting ceases to apply. In accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin 51,
"Consolidated Financial Statements," the affiliate's results are included in the
consolidated financial statements as though it were acquired at the beginning of
the year. The portion of the affiliate's earnings owned by outside shareowners
is included in "Minority Interest" in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Accounting Records
The accounting records for PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities are maintained in
accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and
adopted by the PUC.
Regulation
Historically, PPL Electric accounted for its operations in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 71, which requires rate-regulated entities to reflect the
effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements. PPL Electric
discontinued application of SFAS 71 for the generation portion of its business,
effective June 30, 1998. In connection with the corporate realignment, effective
July 1, 2000, the generating and certain other related assets, along with
associated liabilities, were contributed to new unregulated subsidiaries of PPL
Generation. PPL Gas Utilities and two PPL Global affiliates continue to be
subject to SFAS 71.
37
Property, Plant and Equipment
Following are the classes of PPL's Electric Utility Plant in Service with
associated accumulated depreciation reserves, at December 31, 2000 and 1999
(millions of dollars):
2000 1999
---- ----
Property, Plant and Equipment
Generation $ 6,801 $ 6,837
Transmission and Distribution 3,521 3,836
General 460 415
-------- --------
10,782 11,088
Less: Accumulated depreciation 5,470 6,015
-------- --------
Property, Plant and Equipment - net $ 5,312 $ 5,073
======== ========
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at original cost, unless impaired, in
which case the plant's basis is reduced to its estimated fair value. Property,
plant and equipment acquired is recorded at the fair market value at acquisition
date. Generation plant is reflected at the lower of cost or market value, as
these assets are no longer subject to the provisions of SFAS 71. The other
classes of property, plant and equipment, as well as items capitalized
subsequent to an acquisition, are recorded at historical cost.
PPL subsidiaries periodically review the depreciable lives of their fixed
assets. In conjunction with the corporate realignment, studies were conducted of
depreciable lives of certain generation assets. These studies indicated that the
estimated economic lives for certain generation assets were longer than the
lives used to calculate depreciation for financial statement purposes.
Therefore, effective July 1, 2000, PPL Generation subsidiaries revised the
estimated economic lives for fossil generation and pipeline assets. The effect
of this change in 2000 was to increase net income by about $10 million, or 7
cents per share.
AFUDC is capitalized as part of the construction costs for regulated projects.
Capitalized interest is recorded for non-regulated construction projects in
accordance with SFAS 34.
The cost of repairs and replacements are charged to expense as incurred for
non-regulated projects. When regulated property, plant and equipment is retired,
the original cost plus the cost of retirement, less salvage, is charged to
accumulated depreciation. When entire regulated operating units are sold or
non-regulated plant is retired or sold, 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, unless otherwise required by the FERC.
Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of property using
various methods including the straight-line, composite, and group methods. The
annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally in accordance
with the following ranges of asset lives: generation, 5-50 years; transmission
and distribution, 15-80 years; and general, 10-80 years.
Amortization of Goodwill
Goodwill, which is included in "Regulatory Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets"
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, is amortized on a straight-line basis over a
40-year period, except for goodwill related to the CEMAR acquisition which is
amortized on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period. The excess cost over
fair value of PPL Global's investments in unconsolidated affiliates is amortized
on a straight-line basis over a period not in excess of 40 years.
Nuclear Decommissioning and Fuel Disposal
An annual provision for PPL's share of the future cost to decommission the
Susquehanna station, equal to the amount allowed in utility rates, is charged to
depreciation expense. Such amounts are invested in external trust funds which
can be used only for future decommissioning costs. See Note 8.
Recoverable Transition Costs
Based on the PUC Final Order, PPL Electric was amortizing its competitive
transition (or stranded) costs over an 11-year transition period beginning
January 1, 1999 and ending December 31, 2009. In August 1999, competitive
transition costs of $2.4 billion were converted to intangible transition costs
when securitized by the issuance of transition bonds. The intangible transition
costs are being amortized over the life of the transition bonds, August 1999
through December 2008, in accordance with an amortization schedule filed with
the PUC. The assets of PPL Transition Bond Company, including the intangible
transition property, are not available to creditors of PPL or PPL Electric. The
transition bonds are obligations of PPL Transition Bond Company and are
non-recourse to PPL and PPL Electric. The remaining competitive transition costs
are also being amortized based on an amortization schedule previously filed with
the PUC, adjusted for
38
those competitive transition costs that were converted to
intangible transition costs. As a result of the conversion of a significant
portion of the competitive transition costs into intangible transition costs,
amortization of substantially all of the remaining competitive transition costs
will occur in 2009.
Accounting for Price Risk Management
PPL engages in price risk management activities for both energy trading and
non-trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts
Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." In 1999 and 2000,
PPL entered into commodity forward and financial contracts for the physical
purchase and sale of energy as well as energy contracts that can be settled
financially. In 1998, these instruments were reflected in the financial
statements using the accrual method of accounting. As of January 1, 1999, PPL
adopted mark-to-market accounting for energy trading contracts, in accordance
with EITF 98-10. Gains and losses from changes in market prices are reflected in
"Energy Purchases" on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
PPL used EITF 98-10 to account for its commodity forward and financial contracts
and will adopt SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" on January 1, 2001. See Note 18 for additional information.
PPL entered into interest rate derivative contracts to hedge its exposure to
changes in the fair value of its assets or liabilities, its exposure to
variability in expected cash flows associated with existing assets or
liabilities, or forecasted transactions. The gains or losses on these
derivatives have been deferred and are being recognized over the life of the
debt, in accordance with SFAS 80, "Accounting for Futures Contracts."
PPL and its subsidiaries also enter into foreign currency derivative contracts
to hedge foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized
assets or liabilities, forecasted transactions or net investments. Until PPL
adopts SFAS 133, market gains and losses are recognized in accordance with SFAS
52, "Foreign Currency Translation," and are included in accumulated other
comprehensive income on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Leases
Leased property of PPL capitalized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December
31, 1999, consisted solely of nuclear fuel. In March 2000, PPL Electric
terminated its nuclear fuel lease and repurchased $154 million of nuclear fuel
from the lessor energy trust. In July 2000, all nuclear fuel was transferred to
PPL Susquehanna in connection with the corporate realignment.
In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its investment in the Colstrip Steam Generation
electric plant to owner lessors who are leasing the assets back to PPL Montana
under four 36-year operating leases. The proceeds from this sale approximated
$410 million. A gain of approximately $8 million was deferred, and is being
amortized over the life of the lease. PPL Montana used the proceeds to reduce
outstanding debt and make distributions to its parent, PPL Generation. PPL
Montana leases a 50% interest in the Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest
in Unit 3, through four non-cancelable operating leases. The leases provide two
renewal options based on the economic useful life of the generation assets. The
leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional
debt, sell assets and declare dividends, and require PPL Montana to maintain
certain financial ratios related to cash flow and net worth. Future minimum
lease payments are estimated as follows (millions of dollars): 2001, $43; 2002,
$49; 2003, $47; 2004, $44; 2005, $38; and thereafter, $531.
Payments on other leased property classified as operating leases are estimated
as follows (millions of dollars): 2001, $55; 2002, $57; 2003, $59; 2004, $61;
and 2005, $64. These leases include vehicles, office space, personal computers
and other equipment.
Revenue Recognition
"Retail Electric and Gas" and "Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading" revenues
are recorded based on deliveries through the end of the calendar month.
"Energy Related Businesses" revenue includes revenues from PPL Global, PPL
Spectrum, and the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries. PPL
Global's revenue reflects its proportionate share of affiliate earnings under
the equity method of accounting, as described in the Business and Consolidation
section of this Note 1, and dividends
39
received from its investments accounted for using the cost method. PPL Spectrum
and the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries record profits from
construction contracts on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
Under the percentage-of-completion method, the relationship of actual costs
incurred to total estimated costs of the contracts is applied to total income to
be derived from the contracts. Income from time and material contracts is
recognized currently as the work is performed. Costs include all direct material
and labor costs and job-related overhead. Provisions for estimated loss on
uncompleted contacts, if any, are made in the period in which such losses are
determined.
Income Taxes
The income tax provision for PPL is calculated in accordance with SFAS 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes."
The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets is
based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC
and FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for
regulated assets and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under U.S. GAAP
is deferred and included in taxes recoverable through future rates on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 7.
PPL Electric deferred investment tax credits when utilized, and is amortizing
the deferrals over the average lives of the related assets.
PPL and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three
months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income,
defined as changes in common equity from transactions not related to
shareowners. Other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains or losses
on available-for-sale securities, the excess of additional pension liability
over unamortized prior service costs and foreign currency translation
adjustments recorded by PPL Global. Comprehensive income is reflected on the
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity, and "Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income" is presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The accumulated other comprehensive income of PPL at December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, consisted of (in millions): foreign currency translation
adjustments, ($34) and ($50); unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities,
$3 and $1; and adjustments to minimum pension liability, ($5) and ($6).
Treasury Stock
Treasury shares are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an offset to
common equity under the cost method of accounting. Management has no definitive
plans for the future use of these shares. Treasury shares are not considered
outstanding in calculating earnings per share.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of international operations where the local currency is
the functional currency have been translated at year-end exchange rates, and
related revenues and expenses have been translated at average exchange rates
prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from translation have been
recorded in other comprehensive income. The effect of translation adjustments on
other comprehensive income, net of income taxes, is disclosed in the
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity. Gains or losses relating
to foreign currency transactions are recognized in income currently. The
aggregate transaction gain (loss) was not significant in 2000, 1999 or 1998.
Project Development Costs
In accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants'
Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities", PPL
Global expenses the costs of evaluating potential acquisition and development
opportunities as incurred. Acquisition and development costs are capitalized
upon approval of the investment by the PPL Global Board of Managers and the
Finance Committee of PPL's Board of Directors or, if later, the achievement of
sufficient project milestones such that the economic viability of the project is
reasonably assured. The level of assurance needed for capitalization of such
costs requires that all major
40
uncertainties be resolved and a high probability that the project will proceed
as planned, or that such costs will be recoverable through long-term operations,
a financing or a sale.
The continued capitalization of project development and acquisition costs is
subject to on-going risks related to successful completion. In the event that
PPL Global determines that a particular project is no longer viable, previously
capitalized costs are charged to expense in the period that such determination
is made.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the 1999 and 1998 financial statements have been reclassified
to conform to the current presentation.
2. Segment and Related Information
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment, in
order to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and
distribution businesses from its recently deregulated generation businesses and
to better position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive
marketplace.
PPL's reportable segments have been revised to reflect this new corporate
structure. After realignment, the new segments of PPL are Supply, Delivery and
Development. The Supply group includes the domestic unregulated energy marketing
and generation functions of PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Generation. The Delivery
group includes the regulated electric and gas delivery businesses of PPL
Electric and PPL Gas Utilities. The Development group includes PPL Global, the
principal businesses of which are the acquisition and development of both U.S.
and international energy projects, and the ownership and operation of
international energy projects. The majority of PPL Global's international
investments are located in the U.K., Chile, El Salvador and Brazil. Each segment
includes an allocation of indirect corporate costs for services provided by PPL
Services. These indirect costs include functions such as financial, legal, human
resources, and information services. Prior to the corporate realignment, the
reportable segments of PPL were PPL Electric, PPL Global and Other.
Previously reported 1999 information has been restated to conform to the current
presentation. Previously reported 1998 information has not been restated in
terms of the new segments, due to the fact that electric rates were not
unbundled to separate charges for generating, transmission and distribution
services until January 1, 1999. Therefore, it is impracticable to restate 1998
information. Financial data for PPL's business segments are as follows (millions
of dollars):
2000 1999
---- ----
Income Statement data
Revenues from external customers
Supply................................. $3,945 $2,988
Delivery............................... 1,282 1,272
Development............................ 456 330
------- -------
5,683 4,590
Intersegment revenues
N/A - There are no intersegment revenues.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
Development............................ 80 59
------- -------
80 59
Depreciation
Supply................................. 136 137
Delivery............................... 104 102
Development............................ 21 18
------- -------
261 257
Amortizations - recoverable transition costs
and other
Supply................................. (107) (45)
Delivery............................... 228 194
------- -------
121 149
Interest Revenue
Development............................ 12 8
------- -------
12 8
Interest Expense
Supply................................. 63 65
Delivery............................... 230 168
Development............................ 83 44
------- -------
376 277
Income Taxes
Supply................................. 251 118
Delivery............................... 59 28
Development............................ (16) 28
------- -------
294 174
Extraordinary Items, net of income taxes
Delivery............................... 11 (46)
------- -------
11 (46)
Net Income
Supply................................. 368 220
Delivery............................... 113 177
Development............................ 17 35
------- -------
498 432
Net income excluding nonrecurring items (a)
Supply................................. 368 178
Delivery............................... 89 158
Development............................ 17 22
------- -------
474 358
(a) Nonrecurring items:
additions to (deductions from) net income
41
2000 1999
---- ----
Supply
Sale of Sunbury plant and related
assets................................. 42
------- --------
Delivery
Environmental insurance settlement.... 24
Securitization........................ 19
------- --------
Development
SWEB sale of supply business.......... 64
Writedown of carrying value of certain
investments......................... (51)
------- --------
......................................... 13
------- --------
$ 24 $ 74
======= ========
Cash Flow Data
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment
Supply................................ $ 39 $ 43
Delivery.............................. 319 271
Development........................... 102 4
------- --------
460 318
Investment in generating assets and
electric energy projects
Supply................................ 870
Development........................... 570 225
------- --------
$ 570 $ 1,095
December 31,
-----------
2000 1999
---- ----
Balance Sheet data
Cumulative net investment in
unconsolidated affiliates at equity
Supply................................ $ 17 $ 17
Development........................... 783 407
------- --------
800 424
Total assets
Supply................................ 3,843 3,778
Delivery.............................. 6,049 5,972
Development........................... 2,468 1,424
------- --------
$12,360 $ 11,174
======= ========
Financial data for PPL's business segments under the old basis of segmentation
were as follows (millions of dollars):
1999 1998
---- ----
Income Statement data
Operating Revenues
PPL Electric........................... $ 3,952 $ 3,643
PPL Global............................. 330 47
Other and Eliminations................. 308 96
------- --------
4,590 3,786
Depreciation
PPL Electric........................... 233 335
PPL Global............................. 18
Other and Eliminations................. 6 3
------- --------
257 338
1999 1998
---- ----
Interest Expense
PPL Electric........................... 214 196
PPL Global............................. 44 22
Other and Eliminations................. 19 12
------- --------
277 230
Income Taxes
PPL Electric........................... 151 273
PPL Global............................. 29 (4)
Other and Eliminations................. (6) (10)
------- --------
174 259
Extraordinary Items, net of income taxes
PPL Electric........................... (46) (948)
------- --------
(46) (948)
Net Income (Loss) - actual
PPL Electric........................... 398 (587)
PPL Global............................. 37 15
Other and Eliminations................. (3) 3
------- --------
432 (569)
Net Income (Loss) - excluding
nonrecurring items (b)
PPL Electric.......................... 337 304
PPL Global............................ 24 6
Other and Eliminations................ (3)
------- --------
358 310
(b) Nonrecurring items:
additions to (deductions from)
net income
PPL Electric
Sale of Sunbury plant and
related assets....................... 42
Securitization......................... 19
PUC restructuring charge............... (915)
FERC municipality settlement........... (32)
SER settlement......................... 18
Other impacts of restructuring......... 38
------- --------
61 (891)
------- --------
PPL Global
SWEB sale of supply business........... 64
Writedown of carrying value
of certain investments................ (51)
U.K. income tax rate reduction......... 9
------- --------
13 9
------- --------
Other and Eliminations
PPL Gas Utilities
acquisition costs..................... 3
------- --------
$ 74 $ (879)
======= ========
1999 1998
---- ----
Cash Flow data
Expenditures for property,
plant & equipment
PPL Electric.......................... $ 300 $ 297
PPL Global............................ 4
Other and Eliminations................ 14 7
------- --------
318 304
Investment in generating assets
and electric energy projects
PPL Global............................ 1,095 306
------- --------
$ 1,095 $ 306
42
3. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - at Equity
PPL's investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity
method were $800 million and $424 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. The most significant investment was PPL Global's investment in
WPDH, which was $479 million at December 31, 2000 and $303 million at December
31, 1999. At December 31, 2000 PPL Global had a 51% equity ownership interest in
WPDH, but shared joint control with Mirant. Accordingly, PPL Global accounts for
its investment in WPDH (and other investments where it has majority ownership
but lacks voting control) under the equity method of accounting.
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method
at December 31, 2000, and the effective equity ownership percentages, were as
follows:
PPL Global
Bolivian Generating Group, LLC - 29.3%
Latin American Energy & Electricity Fund I, LP - 16.6%
Aguaytia Energy, LLC - 11.4%
WPD Holdings UK - 51%
Hidrocentrais Reunidas, LDA - 50%
Hidro Iberica, B. V. - 50%
Southwest Power Partners, LLC - 50%
Western Power Distribution Limited - 51%
PPL Generation
Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation - 33.3%
Bangor Pacific Hydro Associates - 50%
Summarized below is financial information from the financial statements of these
affiliates, as comprehended in the PPL consolidated financial statements for the
periods noted (millions of dollars):
Balance Sheet Data
December 31,
2000 1999
---- ----
Current Assets $ 396 $ 389
Noncurrent Assets 4,904 3,340
Current Liabilities 409 367
Noncurrent Liabilities 3,365 1,890
Income Statement Data
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Revenues (a) $505 $1,130 $1,206
Operating Income 254 212 188
Net Income (a) 131 427 137
(a) The decrease in revenues and net income in 2000 were in part due to the sale
of the supply business of WPD, formerly SWEB, in the fourth quarter of 1999.
4. Earnings Per Share
SFAS 128, "Earnings Per Share," requires the disclosure of basic and diluted
EPS. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings available to common
shareowners ("Net Income" on the PPL's Consolidated Statement of Income) by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In the
calculation of diluted EPS, weighted average shares outstanding are increased
for additional shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive
securities were converted to common stock.
Potential dilutive securities for PPL consist of stock options granted under the
incentive compensation plans (See Note 12) and stock units representing common
stock granted under directors compensation programs.
Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator for basic and diluted earnings
per common share are shown below.
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(Millions, except per
Share Data)
Income (Numerator)
Earnings applicable
to common stock-
before extraordinary
items $487 $478 $379
Extraordinary items 11 (46) (948)
---- ----- ----
Earnings applicable
to common stock-
after extraordinary
items $498 $432 ($569)
Shares(Denominator)
Number of shares on
which basic earnings
per share is
calculated =
Weighted-average
shares outstanding
during year 144,350,221 152,287,390 164,650,872
Add- Incremental
shares attributable
to stock options 364,535 9,631
Add- Incremental
shares attributable
to stock units 66,841 58,938 48,180
Number of shares on
which diluted
earnings per
share is calculated 144,781,597 152,355,959 164,699,052
Basic EPS before
extraordinary items $3.38 $3.14 $2.29
Diluted EPS before
extraordinary items $3.37 $3.14 $2.29
43
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Basic EPS after
extraordinary items $3.45 $2.84 ($3.46)
Diluted EPS after
extraordinary items $3.44 $2.84 ($3.46)
5. Extraordinary Items
PUC Restructuring and FERC Settlement
Historically, PPL Electric prepared its financial statements for its regulated
operations in accordance with SFAS 71, which requires rate-regulated companies
to reflect the effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements.
PPL Electric deferred certain costs pursuant to rate actions of the PUC and the
FERC and recovered, or expected to recover, such costs in electric rates charged
to customers.
The EITF addressed the appropriateness of the continued application of SFAS 71
by entities in states that have enacted restructuring legislation similar to
Pennsylvania's Customer Choice Act. The EITF came to a consensus on Issue No.
97-4, "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the
Application of FASB Statements 71 and 101," which concluded that an entity
should cease to apply SFAS 71 when a deregulation plan is in place and its terms
are known. For PPL Electric, with respect to the generation portion of its
business, this occurred effective June 30, 1998 based upon the outcome of the
PUC restructuring proceeding. PPL Electric adopted SFAS 101 for the generation
side of its business. SFAS 101 required a determination of impairment of plant
assets performed in accordance with SFAS 121, and the elimination of all effects
of rate regulation that were recognized as assets and liabilities under SFAS 71.
PPL Electric performed impairment tests of its electric generation assets on a
plant specific basis and determined that $2.388 billion of its generation plant
was impaired at June 30, 1998. Impaired plant was the excess of the net plant
investment at June 30, 1998 over the present value of the net cash flows during
the remaining lives of the plants. Annual net cash flows were determined by
comparing estimated generation sustenance costs to estimated regulated revenues
for the remainder of 1998, market revenues for 1999 and beyond, and revenues
from bulk power contracts. The net cash flows were then discounted to present
value.
In addition to the impaired generation plant, PPL Electric estimated that there
were other stranded costs totaling $1.989 billion at June 30, 1998. This
primarily included generation-related regulatory assets and liabilities and an
estimated liability for above-market purchases under NUG contracts. The total
estimated impairment described above was $4.377 billion. The PUC's Final Order
in the restructuring proceeding, entered on August 27, 1998, permitted the
recovery of $2.819 billion through the CTC on a present value basis, excluding
amounts for nuclear decommissioning and consumer education, resulting in a net
under-recovery of $1.558 billion. PPL Electric recorded an extraordinary charge
for this under-recovery in June 1998.
Under FERC Order 888, 16 small utilities which had power supply agreements with
PPL Electric signed before July 11, 1994, requested and were provided with PPL
Electric's current estimate of its stranded costs applicable to these customers
if they were to terminate their agreements in 1999. Subject to certain
conditions, FERC-approved settlement agreements executed with 15 of these
customers provide for continued power supply by PPL Electric through January
2004. As a result of these settlements, PPL Electric, in the second quarter of
1998, recorded an extraordinary charge in the amount of $56 million.
The extraordinary items related to the PUC restructuring proceeding and the FERC
settlement are reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Income, net of income
taxes.
Details of amounts written-off in June 1998 were as follows (millions of
dollars):
Impaired generation-related assets $2,388
Above-market NUG contracts 854
Generation-related regulatory assets and other 1,135
------
Total 4,377
Recoverable transition costs (a) (2,819)
------
Extraordinary item pre-tax - PUC 1,558
- FERC 56
------
1,614
Tax effects (666)
------
Extraordinary items $ 948
======
(a) Excluding recoveries for nuclear decommissioning and consumer education
expenditures.
PPL Electric believes that the electric transmission and distribution operations
continue to meet the requirements of SFAS 71 and that regulatory assets
associated with these operations will continue to be recovered through rates
from customers. At December 31, 2000, $277 million of net regulatory assets,
other than the recoverable transition costs,
44
remain on PPL Electric's books. These regulatory assets will continue to be
recovered through regulated transmission and distribution rates over periods
ranging from one to 29 years.
Extinguishment of Debt - Securitization
In August 1999, PPL Transition Bond Company issued $2.4 billion of transition
bonds to securitize a portion of PPL Electric's stranded costs. PPL Electric
used a portion of the securitization proceeds to repurchase $1.5 billion of its
first mortgage bonds. The premiums and related expenses to reacquire these bonds
were $59 million, net of tax. PPL Electric's customers will benefit from
securitization through an expected average rate reduction of approximately one
percent for the period the transition bonds are outstanding. With
securitization, a substantial portion of the CTC has been replaced with an ITC,
which passes 75% of the net financing savings back to customers. In August 1999,
PPL Electric released approximately $78 million of deferred income taxes
associated with the CTC that was no longer required because of securitization.
The net securitization impact of the bond repurchase and the tax change was a
gain of $19 million.
SFAS 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt," requires that
a material aggregate gain or loss from the extinguishment of debt be classified
as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. The $59 million
loss associated with the bond repurchase was treated as an extraordinary item.
Details were as follows (millions of dollars):
Reacquisition cost of debt $1,554
Net carrying amount of debt (1,454)
-------
Extraordinary charge pre-tax 100
Tax effects (41)
---------
Extraordinary charge $ 59
========
The extraordinary charge related to extinguishment of debt was partially offset
in December 1999 with a credit relating to wholesale power activity. In December
2000 there was an additional credit relating to wholesale power activity.
6. Sales to Other Electric Utilities
As part of the corporate realignment on July 1, 2000, PPL Electric's contracts
for sales to other electric utilities were assigned to PPL EnergyPlus, which was
transferred to an unregulated subsidiary of PPL. See Note 17 for information on
the corporate realignment.
PPL EnergyPlus provided JCP&L with 300,000 kilowatts of capacity and related
energy from the Pennsylvania generating units through November 2000, at which
point the agreement was terminated. PPL EnergyPlus is reselling the returning
capacity in wholesale markets.
In August 1999, the FERC approved new interconnection and power supply
agreements between PPL EnergyPlus and UGI. Under the new power supply agreement,
effective August 1999, UGI purchases capacity from PPL EnergyPlus equal to UGI's
PJM capacity obligation less the capacity reserve value of UGI's owned
generation and an existing power purchase agreement. In 2000, UGI purchased a
firm block of energy in addition to the capacity. This agreement terminated in
February 2001.
PPL EnergyPlus provides BG&E with 129,000 kilowatts, or 6.6%, of PPL
Susquehanna's share of capacity and related energy from the Susquehanna station.
Sales to BG&E will continue under existing agreements through May 2001.
PPL Montana provides power to Montana Power under two wholesale transition sales
agreements. These agreements expire in December 2001 and June 2002. PPL Montana
supplied Montana Power with 5,096 million kWh in 2000.
7. Income and Other Taxes
For 2000, 1999 and 1998 the corporate federal income tax rate was 35%, and the
PA corporate net income tax rate was 9.99%.
The tax effects of significant temporary differences comprising PPL's net
deferred income tax liability were as follows (millions of dollars):
2000 1999
---- ----
Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred investment tax credits $ 66 $ 71
NUG contracts & buybacks 326 360
Accrued pension costs 106 108
Deferred foreign income taxes 86
Other 195 181
Valuation allowance (8) (6)
------ ------
771 714
------ ------
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Electric utility plant - net 845 813
Restructuring - CTC 949 1,026
Taxes recoverable through
future rates 102 107
Other 53 96
------ ------
1,949 2,042
------ ------
Net deferred tax liability $1,178 $1,328
====== ======
45
Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal
income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to income from continuing
operations for accounting purposes, and details of taxes other than income are
as follows (millions of dollars):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Income Tax Expense
Current-Federal $285 $178 $183
Current-State 57 36 64
Current-Foreign 11 10
------ ------ -----
353 224 247
------ ------ -----
Deferred-Federal (52) 76 19
Deferred-State 12 (109) 3
Deferred-Foreign (4)
------ ----- -----
(44) (33) 22
------ ----- -----
Investment tax credit,
net-federal (15) (17) (10)
------ ----- -----
$294 $174 $259
====== ===== =====
Total income tax expense-Federal $218 $237 $192
Total income tax expense-State 69 (73) 67
Total income tax expense-Foreign 7 10
----- ----- -----
$294 $174 $259
===== ===== =====
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Reconciliation of Income Tax
Expense
Indicated federal income tax on
pre-tax income before extraordinary
item at statutory tax rate - 35% $284 $242 $232
------ ----- -----
Increase/(decrease) due to:
State income taxes 45 (50) 43
Flow through of depreciation
differences not previously
normalized 2 3 9
Amortization of investment tax (11) (12) (10)
credit
Difference related to income
recognition of foreign affiliates (15) (13)
Foreign income taxes 7 6
Federal income tax credits (6) (1)
Other (12) (15) (1)
------ ----- -----
10 (68) 27
------ ----- -----
Total income tax expense $294 $174 $259
====== ===== =====
Effective income tax rate 36.3% 25.1% 39.1%
In August 1999, PPL Electric released approximately $78 million of deferred
income taxes associated with the CTC that were no longer required because of
securitization.
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Taxes Other than Income
State gross receipts $128 $108 $105
State utility realty 6 13 41
State capital stock 23 13 18
Social security and other 34 27 24
------ ----- -----
$191 $161 $188
====== ===== =====
PPL does not record U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of
its foreign subsidiaries and its 20% to 50% owned corporate joint ventures where
management has determined that the earnings are permanently reinvested in the
companies that produced them. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included
in consolidated retained earnings on the balance sheet. The amount considered
permanently reinvested at December 31, 2000 was $27.1 million. It is not
practical to estimate the amount of taxes that might be payable on these foreign
earnings if they were remitted to PPL.
8. Nuclear Decommissioning Costs
The cost to decommission the Susquehanna station is based on a site-specific
study to dismantle and decommission each unit immediately following final
shutdown. PPL's 90% share of the total estimated cost of decommissioning the
Susquehanna station was approximately $724 million in 1993 dollars. This
estimate includes decommissioning the radiological portions of the station and
the cost of removal of non-radiological structures and materials. The operating
licenses for Units 1 and 2 expire in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Decommissioning costs are recorded as a component of depreciation expense.
Beginning in January 1999, in accordance with the PUC Final Order, $130 million
of decommissioning costs will be recovered from customers through the CTC over
the 11-year life of the CTC rather than the remaining life of Susquehanna. The
recovery will include a return on unamortized decommissioning costs.
Decommissioning charges were $26 million in 2000, $27 million in 1999 and $12
million in 1998.
Amounts collected from PPL Electric's customers for decommissioning, less
applicable taxes, are deposited in external trust funds for investment and can
be used only for future decommissioning costs. Accrued nuclear decommissioning
costs were $280 million and $260 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
In February 2000, the FASB issued a revised Exposure Draft on the accounting for
obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. The FASB
expects to issue a final document during the second quarter of 2001. As a
result, current industry accounting practices for decommissioning may change,
including the possibility that the estimated cost for decommissioning could be
recorded as a liability at the present value of the
46
estimated future cash outflows that will be required to satisfy those
obligations.
9. Financial Instruments
PPL utilized financial derivative products to hedge interest rate risk
associated with anticipated debt issuances. In April 2000, PPL settled $180
million notional amount of treasury lock agreements and made a payment of $6
million under the terms of the agreements. In 2000, PPL settled $1.050 billion
notional amount of forward-starting interest rate swaps. PPL received net
proceeds of about $26 million. These amounts have been deferred on the balance
sheet and are currently being amortized over the life of the medium-term notes.
Of these total notional amounts, $270 million was in connection with the PPL
Montana lease transaction and resulted in net proceeds of about $4 million,
which also have been deferred on the balance sheet and are currently being
amortized over the life of the lease. PPL also settled $125 million notional
amount of interest rate swaps in the fourth quarter of 2000 and made a payment
of about $3 million. Since the original transaction dates of these swaps, the
anticipated debt they were expected to hedge was not issued. Therefore, the
payment made on these swaps is recorded in current earnings.
At December 31, 2000, PPL agreed to pay fixed rates between 5.90% - 6.138% on
forward-starting swaps with notional amounts of $100 million and maturities of
May 2006. PPL will receive a variable-rate interest payment based on either a
3-month or 6-month LIBOR rate through the maturity of these agreements. The
estimated fair value of these agreements, which represents the estimated amount
PPL would pay if it had terminated these agreements at December 31, 2000, was
insignificant.
PPL has also entered into interest rate swap agreements whereby PPL agreed to
pay a floating interest rate and receive a fixed interest rate payment. These
swaps are executed with the intent of adjusting the amount of floating-rate debt
carried in PPL's liability portfolio. In 2000, PPL settled $915 million of these
swaps and recorded a gain of approximately $2 million. At December 31, 2000, PPL
had approximately $19 million notional amount of these swaps outstanding. The
estimated fair value of these contracts, representing the amount PPL would pay
if it terminated these agreements at December 31, 2000, was insignificant.
During 2000, PPL entered into currency hedges related to the acquisition of
Hyder shares in order to minimize its exposure to adverse foreign currency
exchange rate fluctuations. PPL also entered into currency forward agreements to
lock in the exchange rate on the purchase of 37 million euros. These positions
were unwound in 2000. The net gain on these hedges was insignificant.
Subsequently, new currency forward agreements for 37 million euros were entered
into and remained outstanding at December 31, 2000, the estimated fair value of
which was insignificant.
The carrying amount on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the estimated fair
value of PPL's financial instruments are as follows (millions of dollars):
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
Assets
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (a) $ 268 $ 268 $ 255 $ 255
Financial investments (a) 6 6 1 1
Other investments (a) 41 41 15 15
Cash and cash equivalents (a) 486 480 133 133
Other financial instruments included in
other current assets (a) 2 2 4 4
Liabilities
Preferred stock with sinking fund
requirements (b) 47 46 47 45
Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts holding solely company debentures (b) 250 250 250 217
Long-term debt (b) 4,784 4,804 4,157 4,189
Commercial paper and bank loans (a) 1,037 1,037 857 857
(a) The carrying value of these financial instruments generally is based on
established market prices and approximates fair value.
(b) The fair value generally is based on quoted market prices for the securities
where available and estimates based on current rates offered to PPL where quoted
market prices are not available.
10. Credit Arrangements & Financing Activities
PPL Electric and PPL Capital Funding issue commercial paper and borrow from
banks to provide short-term funds. PPL Capital Funding's commercial paper is
guaranteed by PPL. At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric and PPL Capital Funding
had $636 million of short-term debt outstanding at interest rates ranging from
7.17% to 7.94% per annum.
In order to enhance liquidity, and as a credit back-stop to the commercial paper
programs, PPL Electric, PPL
47
Capital Funding and PPL (as guarantor for PPL Capital Funding) share a 364-day
$750 million credit facility and a five-year $300 million credit facility, each
with a group of banks. At December 31, 2000, no borrowings were outstanding
under either facility.
In December 2000, PPL Capital Funding entered into a three-month $200 million
credit facility. At December 31, 2000, PPL Capital Funding had borrowed $200
million under this facility to be used for general corporate purposes including
making loans to PPL subsidiaries and reducing their debt balances. In January
2001, PPL Capital Funding entered into a three-month $200 million credit
facility and subsequently borrowed this amount to use for the same general
corporate purposes.
Through December 31, 2000, PPL Capital Funding had issued $1 billion of
medium-term notes, of which $825 million was issued at fixed rates between 7.75%
and 8.375% and $175 million at floating rates tied to 3-month LIBOR. The
proceeds from these issuances were used for general corporate purposes,
including making loans to PPL subsidiaries and reducing commercial paper
balances. In October 2000, PPL Capital Funding retired $110 million of
medium-term notes consisting of three separate series with coupons between 5.86%
and 5.90%.
In April 2000, PPL Electric redeemed and retired all of its outstanding First
Mortgage Bonds, 9-1/4% Series due 2019, at the aggregate par value of $27.6
million through the maintenance and replacement fund provisions of its Mortgage.
In June 2000, PPL Electric paid and retired all $125 million aggregate principal
amount of its outstanding First Mortgage Bonds, 6% Series due 2000.
During 2000, PPL Transition Bond Company made principal payments on bonds
totaling $226 million.
In 1999, PPL Montana entered into $950 million of credit facilities,
non-recourse to PPL, with a group of banks, including a $675 million 364-day
facility and two revolving credit facilities totaling $275 million which mature
in 2002. The purpose of these facilities was to provide bridge loan financing
for the acquisition of the Montana assets and to fund PPL Montana's working
capital needs.
In July 2000, PPL Montana completed the sale of its investment in the Colstrip
coal-fired plant to owner lessors, which are leasing the assets back to PPL
Montana under four 36-year operating leases. The proceeds from the sale were
approximately $410 million. PPL Montana used these proceeds to reduce
outstanding debt and make distributions to its parent, PPL Generation. This
sale-leaseback was financed with the private issuance of pass-through
certificates due 2020. In November 2000, PPL Montana filed an S-4 registration
statement with the SEC for the exchange of these certificates for registered
securities. During 2000, PPL Montana reduced the amount of its credit facilities
to $100 million. At December 31, 2000, no borrowings were outstanding under
these facilities. PPL Montana has also obtained letters of credit in the
aggregate amount of $71 million.
In September 2000, a PPL Global subsidiary entered into an agreement with a
lessor to lease turbine-generators and related equipment. See Note 11 for
additional information. The turbines are being financed using a leasing
structure that eliminates the need for cash outlays during the turbine
manufacturing process and diversifies PPL's funding sources.
In December 2000, PPL initiated a Structured Equity Shelf Program for the
issuance of up to $100 million in PPL common stock in small amounts on a
periodic basis.
11. Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures
Domestic Generation Projects
In November 1999, PPL Electric sold its Sunbury plant and the principal assets
of its wholly-owned coal processing subsidiary, Lady Jane Collieries, to Sunbury
Holdings, LLC. PPL Electric received cash proceeds of $107 million for these
assets, which resulted in an after tax gain of about $42 million.
In 1998, PPL Global signed definitive agreements with Montana Power, Portland
General Electric Company ("Portland") and Puget Sound Energy, Inc. ("Puget") to
acquire interests in 13 Montana power plants, with 2,372 gross megawatts of
generating capacity, for a purchase price of $1.546 billion. The acquisition
involved the Colstrip and Corette coal-fired plants, 11 hydroelectric facilities
and a storage reservoir. The Puget and Portland agreements also provided for the
acquisition of related transmission assets for an additional $126 million,
subject to certain conditions. In December 1999, PPL Global completed the
purchase of about 1,315 gross megawatts of generating assets from Montana
Power for $757 million. This acquisition transferred to PPL Montana the 11
hydroelectric facilities, the storage reservoir, the Corette plant and Montana
48
Power's ownership interest in three of the four units of the Colstrip plant,
along with other generation-related assets.
PPL Global's acquisition of the Colstrip interests of Puget and Portland,
totaling 1,057 additional megawatts, was subject to several conditions,
primarily the receipt by Puget and Portland of satisfactory regulatory approvals
from the state utility commissions in Washington and Oregon. However, these
satisfactory regulatory approvals were not obtained. The acquisition agreements
permitted each party to terminate the respective agreements if closing did not
occur by April 30, 2000. Both of these acquisition agreements have now been
terminated.
The Montana Power Asset Purchase Agreement, which PPL Global assigned to PPL
Montana, provided that if neither the Puget nor the Portland acquisitions were
consummated, PPL Montana would be required to purchase a portion of Montana
Power's interest in the 500-kilovolt Colstrip Transmission System for $97
million, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, which have been
received. PPL Montana currently is in discussions with Montana Power to pursue
alternatives to acquiring this entire interest in the Colstrip Transmission
System as contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement. These discussions are
ongoing; therefore, PPL Montana cannot predict whether it will buy all, or less
than all, of Montana Power's interest in the Colstrip Transmission System or
what the purchase price will be if a purchase occurs.
In May 2000, PPL Global announced plans to install five compact, natural
gas-fired electric generation facilities in eastern Pennsylvania totaling about
900 megawatts of capacity. The five facilities, with an estimated total cost
between $450 and $500 million, will be peaking generators to be used during
periods of high energy demand. These facilities are expected to be completed by
the summer of 2002, pending necessary governmental approvals.
PPL Global continues to pursue plans to build peaking capacity in New York
state. The current emphasis is on a facility for 300 megawatts of capacity at a
total capital cost of approximately $200 million.
In September 2000, a PPL Global subsidiary entered into an arrangement that
provides 30 turbine-generators for PPL's domestic expansion program. The
gas-fired, 50-megawatt turbine-generators and related equipment, manufactured by
General Electric, will provide PPL with flexibility in growing its electricity
generation and marketing business in various regions of the U.S. General
Electric will receive approximately $400 million under the terms of the
arrangement. The turbines are being financed using a leasing structure, with the
PPL Global subsidiary as the lessee, that eliminates the need for any cash
outlays during the turbine manufacturing process and diversifies PPL's funding
sources. The units are expected to go into service beginning in 2002. The
arrangement also gives the lessor the option to purchase an additional 36
turbine-generators and lease them to the PPL Global subsidiary.
In December 2000, PPL Global announced plans to develop a gas-fired plant in
Pinal County, Arizona which will operate during times of intermediate and high
demand for electricity. The facility will use combustion turbines that PPL
recently acquired from General Electric (described above). The facility is
expected to be in operation by summer 2002, pending necessary governmental
approvals. The current emphasis is on a facility for 500 to 600 megawatts of
capacity with an anticipated project cost of about $300 million.
In December 2000, PPL Global signed an agreement to purchase Starbuck Power
Company, LLC, from Northwest Power Enterprises, Inc., which will transfer the
ownership and development rights for up to a 1,200-megawatt gas-fired, combined
cycle power plant to be built in eastern Washington state. The facility, to be
called PPL Starbuck, is expected to be in service by 2004, pending necessary
governmental approvals. The expected cost of the facility is approximately $600
million.
In January 2001, PPL Montour, LLC acquired an additional interest in the
coal-fired Conemaugh Power Plant from Potomac Electric Power Company. Under the
terms of the acquisition agreement, PPL Montour, LLC and a subsidiary of
Allegheny Energy, Inc. jointly acquired a 9.72 percent interest in the 1,711
megawatt plant. The purchase increased PPL's ownership interest to 16.25% in the
two-unit plant. PPL paid $78 million for its 83-megawatt share of the plant.
International Distribution Projects
In September 1999, PPL Global's U.K. subsidiary, SWEB, sold its electricity
supply business to London
49
Electricity for about $264 million. PPL Global recorded an after tax gain from
the sale of $64 million. The supply business provided about 15% of SWEB's annual
earnings. PPL Global and Mirant continue joint ownership of the electric
delivery business, which has been renamed WPD. WPD continues to own and operate
an extensive power network in southwest Britain, transporting and delivering
electricity to 1.4 million customers.
In December 1999, the U.K.'s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the
regulatory authority for electricity and natural gas distribution, announced the
final price review for the electric distribution companies, including WPD. In
this final price review, WPD was given a one-time rate cut of 19%, the lowest
rate reduction among distribution companies in the U.K. The price cut is
effective for five years starting in April 2000. As a result of this action, PPL
Global evaluated the carrying value of its investment in WPD and the investment
was written down by $36 million. In December 1999, in unrelated transactions,
PPL Global wrote down the carrying value of two other international investments
by a total of $16 million.
At the end of June 2000, PPL Global finalized the acquisition of an 84.7%
interest in CEMAR, an electricity distribution company in Brazil. The
acquisition price was $289 million, financed initially with short-term debt. In
accordance with its policy of recording the results of foreign operations on a
lag basis, the operating results of CEMAR were consolidated on a three-month
lag.
WPDL submitted an offer to purchase shares of Hyder for 365 pence per share, or
a total purchase price of 559 million British pounds sterling ($838 million
based on current exchange rates at that time). Hyder is the owner of South Wales
Electricity plc, an electric distribution company serving approximately 980,000
customers in Wales. Hyder also owns certain Welsh water and other
service-oriented businesses.
On September 15, 2000, WPDL's offer of 365 pence per share was declared
unconditional in all respects and remained open for acceptance by Hyder
shareowners through October 25, 2000. Designation of the increased offer as
unconditional allowed WPDL to take operational control of Hyder.
On September 29, 2000, WPDL closed on the purchase of approximately 110 million
shares of Hyder for a total purchase price of about 395 million British pounds
sterling ($584 million based on current exchange rates at that time). When
combined with WPDL's existing ownership interest in Hyder, this purchase gave
WPDL approximately 70% of Hyder's total outstanding shares. Subsequently, WPDL
purchased the remaining shares of Hyder.
PPL Global's ownership interest in WPDL is 51%, but it has joint control with
Mirant, who's ownership interest is 49%. PPL Global's share of the acquisition
cost was made from existing resources and facilities, of which approximately
$100 million is expected to be repaid by the end of the first quarter of 2001.
Based on a 51% ownership interest, PPL Global's share of the total investment in
WPDL was $114 million.
WPDL is actively pursuing a range of options with respect to Hyder's
non-electric businesses. In this regard, WPDL is offering management of Hyder's
water business in a competitive bid process, pursuant to European Union
procurement rules. At the same time, WPDL has announced an agreement in
principle with Welsh firm Glas Cymru Cyfyngedig (Glas) for the disposition of
the water business. In January 2001, the U.K. regulator announced that it would
not move to block Glas' plans for the water business.
In October 2000, PPL Global announced a partnership with the Claro group, a key
shareowner of CGE, a leading energy distribution company in Chile and Argentina.
PPL Global had a 2.9% ownership interest in CGE at December 31, 2000. Under the
terms of the partnership, the Claro group had the right to sell up to an
additional 5.6% to PPL Global over the next two years. In January 2001, PPL
Global purchased the additional 5.6 percent of CGE from the Claro group,
bringing its total investment to about $141 million. CGE provides electricity
delivery services to 1.4 million customers in Chile, and natural gas delivery
services to 200,000 customers in Santiago.
Other
During 2000, PPL acquired three additional mechanical engineering and
contracting firms in the northeast U.S. The purchase prices of these
acquisitions were not significant.
12. Stock-Based Compensation
Under the PPL Incentive Compensation Plan ("ICP") and the Incentive Compensation
Plan for Key
50
Employees ("ICPKE") (together, the "Plans"), restricted shares of common stock
as well as stock options may be granted to officers and other key employees of
PPL, PPL Electric and other affiliated companies. Awards under the Plans are
made in the common stock of PPL by the Compensation and Corporate Governance
Committee of the Board of Directors in the case of the ICP, and by the PPL
Corporate Leadership Council in the case of the ICPKE. Each Plan limits the
number of shares available for awards to two percent of the outstanding common
stock of PPL on the first day of each calendar year. The maximum number of
options which can be awarded under each Plan to any single eligible employee in
any calendar year is 1.5 million shares. Any portion of these options that has
not been granted may be carried over and used in any subsequent year. If any
award lapses or is forfeited or the rights to the participant terminate, any
shares of common stock are again available for grant. Shares delivered under the
Plans may be in the form of authorized and unissued common stock, common stock
held in treasury by PPL or common stock purchased on the open market (including
private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Restricted Stock
Restricted shares of common stock are outstanding shares with full voting and
dividend rights. However, the shares are subject to forfeiture or accelerated
payout under Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death.
Restricted shares vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.
Restricted stock awards of 440,549, 108,890 and 107,198 shares, with per share
weighted-average fair values of $21.30, $26.74, and $22.74, were granted in
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Compensation expense for these three years
was less than $3 million annually. At December 31, 2000, there were 607,009
restricted shares outstanding. These awards currently vest from three to
twenty-one years from the date of grant.
Stock Options
Under the Plans, stock options may also be granted with an option exercise price
per share not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date
of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of
grant, assuming the individual is still employed by PPL or a subsidiary, in
installments as determined by the Compensation and Corporate Governance
Committee of the Board of Directors in the case of the ICP, and the Corporate
Leadership Council in the case of the ICPKE. The Committee (or the Corporate
Leadership Council, in the case of the ICPKE) has discretion to accelerate the
exercisability of the options. All options expire no later than ten years from
the grant date. The options become exercisable if control of PPL changes, as
defined by the Plans.
PPL applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees" and related interpretations in accounting for stock options. Since
stock options are granted at market price, no compensation cost has been
recognized. Compensation calculated in accordance with the disclosure
requirements of FASB 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was not
significant.
A summary of stock option activity follows:
2000 1999
------------------- -------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price
------ ----- ------ -----
Outstanding at beginning of year 626,020 $26.84
Granted 1,501,110 $22.45 704,800 $26.85
Exercised (56,590) $26.84
Forfeited (101,239) $24.02 (78,780) $26.84
-------- -------
Outstanding at December 31, 1,969,301 $23.64 626,020 $26.85
Exercisable at December 31, 215,158 $26.03 13,570 $26.84
The weighted average fair values of options at their grant date during 2000 and
1999 were $3.35 and $2.37, respectively. The estimated fair value of each option
granted is calculated using a modified Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The
weighted average assumptions used in the model were as follows:
2000 1999
---- ----
Risk-free interest rate 6.74% 5.61%
Expected option term 10 yrs 10 yrs
Expected stock volatility 19.79% 16.19%
Dividend yield 5.70% 6.60%
Outstanding options had a weighted-average remaining life of 8.6 years at
December 31, 2000.
51
13. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
PPL and its subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement and
postemployment benefit plans.
PPL Montana and PPL Maine (Penobscot Hydro) sponsor a separate, funded,
noncontributory defined benefit plan, as do PPL Gas Utilities and its
subsidiaries. The funded noncontributory defined benefit plan of PPL Electric
became sponsored by various other PPL affiliated companies, in addition to PPL
Electric, as a result of the realignment July 1, 2000. PPL and its subsidiaries
also provide supplemental retirement benefits to directors, executives, and
other key management employees through unfunded nonqualified retirement plans.
Substantially all employees of PPL's subsidiaries will become eligible for
certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement through
contributory plans. Postretirement benefits under the PPL Retiree Health Plans
(covering retirees of PPL Electric and various other affiliated PPL companies)
and for the North Penn Gas Plans are paid from funded VEBA trust sponsored by
the respective companies. The companies sponsoring the PPL Retiree Health Plans,
and North Penn Gas, made contributions to the VEBA trusts of $30 million and $1
million, respectively, during 2000 and 1999. At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric
had a regulatory asset of $6 million relating to postretirement benefits that is
being amortized and recovered in rates with a remaining life of 12 years.
Net pension and postretirement medical benefit costs were (millions of dollars):
Postretirement
Pension Benefits Medical Benefits
------------------ ------------------
2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Service cost $ 40 $ 42 $ 35 $ 5 $ 5 $ 4
Interest cost 86 78 69 22 19 16
Expected return on plan assets (113) (99) (87) (8) (7) (4)
Net amortization and deferral (21) (9) (13) 12 12 9
----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net periodic pension and
postretirement benefit cost $ (8) $ 12 $ 4 $ 31 $ 29 $ 25
===== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
The net periodic pension cost charged to (or credited to) operating expense was
$(6) million in 2000, $9 million in 1999 and $2 million in 1998. Retiree health
and benefits costs charged to operating expense were approximately $25 million
in 2000, $20 million in 1999 and $19 million in 1998. Costs in excess of the
amounts charged to expense were charged to construction and other accounts.
Postretirement medical costs at December 31, 2000 were based on the assumption
that costs would increase 7.25% in 2000, then the rate of increase would decline
gradually to 6% in 2006 and thereafter. A one-percentage point change in the
assumed health care cost trend assumption would have the following effects (in
millions):
One
Percentage Point
Increase Decrease
-------- --------
Effect on service cost and
interest cost components $ 1 $ (1)
Effect on postretirement
benefit obligation 12 (10)
The following assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations:
Pension Benefits
- ----------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Discount rate 7.5% 7.0% 6.25%
Expected return on plan assets 9.2% 8.0% 8.0%
Rate of compensation increase 4.75% 5.0% 5.0%
Postretirement Medical Benefits
- -------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Discount rate 7.5% 7.0% 6.25%
Expected return on plan assets 7.6% 6.35% 6.35%
Rate of compensation increase 4.75% 5.0% 5.0%
The funded status of the combined plans was as follows (millions of dollars):
Postretirement
Pension Benefits Medical Benefits
---------------- ----------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, January 1 $ 1,206 $1,232 $ 317 $ 303
Service cost 40 42 5 5
Interest cost 86 78 22 19
Plan amendments 13 2 18
Actuarial (gain)/loss (98) (127) (18) (15)
Acquisitions/Divestitures 25* 2*
Special termination benefits 3
Actual expense paid (4) (3)
Net benefits paid (51) (46) (15) (15)
------- ----- ----- -----
Benefit Obligation, December 31 1,192 1,206 311 317
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, January 1 1,799 1,627 130 104
Actual return on plan assets 44 201 2 9
Employer contributions 2 1 33 33
Acquisitions/Divestitures 3 19*
Actual expense paid (4) (3)
Net benefits paid (50) (46) (16) (16)
------- ----- ----- -----
Plan assets at fair value, December 31 1,794 1,799 149 130
Funded Status
Funded Status of Plan 601 593 (162) (187)
Unrecognized transition assets (40) (45) 104 113
Unrecognized prior service cost 114 110 27 33
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss (911) (906) 14 23
------- ----- ----- -----
Asset/(liability) recognized (236) (248) (17) (18)
52
Postretirement
Pension Benefits Medical Benefits
----------------- ----------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet consist of:
Prepaid benefit cost 1 1
Accrued benefit liability (237) (250) (17) (18)
Intangible asset 1
Additional minimum liability (9) (11)
Accumulated other
comprehensive income 9 11
----- ----- ----- -----
Net Amount Recognized $(236) $(248) $ (17) $(18)
===== ===== ===== =====
*Acquisition of PPL Montana & Penobscot Hydro net of Sunbury divestiture.
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value
of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess
of plan assets were (in millions) $33, $29 and $0 respectively, as of December
31, 2000 and $41, $34 and $6 respectively, as of December 31, 1999.
PPL Electric and its subsidiaries formerly engaged in coal mining accrued an
additional liability for the cost of health care of their retired miners. At
December 31, 2000, the liability was $20 million. The liability is the net of
$53 million of estimated future benefit payments offset by $33 million of
available assets in PPL Electric funded VEBA trusts.
PPL subsidiaries engaged in the mechanical contracting business make
contributions to various union sponsored multiemployer pension and health and
welfare plans. Contributions of $10 million, $8 million and $1 million were made
in 2000, 1999 and 1998 respectively.
Savings Plans
Substantially all employees of PPL's subsidiaries are eligible to participate in
deferred savings plans (401k's). Company contributions to the plans charged to
operating expense approximated $9 million in 2000, $6 million in 1999 and $4
million in 1998. Increasing contributions were the result of 1999 and 2000
enhancements to the matching formula for one of the PPL plans and a full year of
participation in the plans for employees of PPL Montana in 2000.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
PPL sponsors a non-leveraged employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), in which
substantially all employees of the pre-realignment PPL Electric are enrolled
after one year of credited service. Dividends paid on ESOP shares are treated as
ordinary dividends by PPL. Under existing income tax laws, PPL is permitted to
deduct the amount of those dividends for income tax purposes and to contribute
the resulting tax savings (dividend-based contribution) to the ESOP.
The dividend-based contribution is used to buy shares of PPL's common stock and
is expressly conditioned upon the deductibility of the contribution for federal
income tax purposes. Contributions to the ESOP are allocated to eligible
participants accounts as of the end of each year, based 75% on shares held in
existing participants' accounts and 25% on the eligible participants'
compensation.
Amounts charged as compensation expense for ESOP contributions approximated $4
million in 2000, $4 million in 1999 and $6 million in 1998. However, these
amounts were offset by the dividend-based contribution tax savings and had no
impact on PPL's earnings.
ESOP shares outstanding at December 31, 2000 totaled 5,377,849, or 4% of total
common shares outstanding, and are included in all EPS calculations.
Postemployment Benefits
PPL Electric and various affiliated companies, after the corporate realignment,
provide health and life insurance benefits to disabled employees and income
benefits to eligible spouses of deceased employees. Postemployment benefits
charged to operating expenses were not significant in 2000, 1999 or 1998.
14. Jointly Owned Facilities
At December 31, 2000, subsidiaries of PPL owned undivided interests in the
following facilities (millions of dollars):
Electric
Utility Construction
Ownership Plant in Other Accumulated Work in
Interest Service Property Depreciation Progress
-------- ------- -------- ------------ --------
PPL Generation
- --------------
Generating Stations
Susquehanna 90.00% $4,187 $3,504 $21
Keystone 12.34% 70 45 1
Wyman 8.33% 15 1
Conemaugh 11.39% 107 54
Merrill Creek Reservoir 8.37% 22 12
Each PPL Generation subsidiary, either on its own behalf or through another PPL
affiliate, provided its own financing for its share of the facility. Each
receives a portion of the total output of the generating stations equal to its
percentage
53
ownership. The share of fuel and other operating costs associated with the
stations is reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
On January 8, 2001, PPL Generation purchased an additional 83 megawatts of
generation capacity at the Conemaugh Generating station. The addition brings PPL
Generation's ownership to 16.25 percent.
15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Wholesale Energy Commitments
As part of the purchase of generation assets from Montana Power, PPL Montana
agreed to supply electricity to Montana Power under two wholesale transition
service agreements. The agreements expire in 2001 and 2002. In addition, PPL
Montana assumed a power purchase agreement, which expires in April 2010. In
accordance with purchase accounting guidelines, PPL Montana recorded a liability
of $111 million as an estimate of the fair value of the contracts at the
acquisition date. The supply and purchase contracts are prospectively amortized
over the contract terms as adjustments to "Wholesale Energy Marketing and
Trading" revenues and "Energy Purchases", respectively. The unamortized balance
at December 31, 2000 was $92 million and is included in "Other" in the "Deferred
Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" section of the Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
Liability for Above Market NUG Contracts
At June 30, 1998, PPL Electric recorded a loss accrual for above market
contracts with NUGs of $854 million. See Note 5 for further information.
Effective January 1999, PPL Electric began reducing this liability as an offset
to "Energy Purchases" on the Consolidated Statement of Income. This reduction is
based on the estimated timing of the purchases from the NUGs and projected
market prices for this generation. The final existing NUG contract expires in
2014. In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, the
remaining balance of this liability was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus. The
liabilities associated with these above market NUG contracts were $674 million
at December 31, 2000.
Commitments - Acquisitions and Development Activities
PPL Global and its subsidiaries have committed additional capital and extended
loans to certain affiliates, joint ventures and partnerships in which they have
an interest. At December 31, 2000, PPL Global and its subsidiaries had
approximately $839 million of such commitments. The majority of these
commitments are for the purchase of turbines from GE, as well as the January
2001 Conemaugh and CGE acquisitions, as discussed in Note 11.
Nuclear Insurance
PPL Susquehanna is a member of certain insurance programs which provide coverage
for property damage to members' nuclear generating stations. Facilities at the
Susquehanna station are insured against property damage losses up to $2.75
billion under these programs. PPL Susquehanna is also a member of an insurance
program which provides insurance coverage for the cost of replacement power
during prolonged outages of nuclear units caused by certain specified
conditions. Under the property and replacement power insurance programs, PPL
Susquehanna could be assessed retroactive premiums in the event of the insurers'
adverse loss experience. At December 31, 2000, this maximum assessment was about
$20 million.
PPL Susquehanna's public liability for claims resulting from a nuclear incident
at the Susquehanna station is limited to about $9.5 billion under provisions of
The Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988. PPL Susquehanna is protected against
this liability by a combination of commercial insurance and an industry
assessment program. In the event of a nuclear incident at any of the reactors
covered by The Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, PPL Susquehanna could be
assessed up to $176 million per incident, payable at $20 million per year.
Environmental Matters
Air
- ---
The Clean Air Act deals, in part, with acid rain, attainment of federal ambient
ozone standards and toxic air emissions. PPL subsidiaries are in substantial
compliance with the Clean Air Act.
The DEP has finalized regulations requiring further seasonal (May-June) NOx
reductions to 80% from 1990 levels starting in 2003. These further reductions
are based on the requirements of the Northeast Ozone Transport Region Memorandum
of Understanding and two EPA ambient ozone initiatives: the September 1998 EPA
State Implementation Plan (SIP) call (i.e., EPA's requirement for states to
revise their SIPs) issued
54
under Section 110 of the Clean Air Act, requiring reductions from 22 eastern
states, including Pennsylvania; and the EPA's approval of petitions filed by
Northeastern states, requiring reductions from sources in 12 Northeastern states
and Washington D.C., including PPL sources. The EPA's SIP-call was substantially
upheld by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in an appeals proceeding. Although
the Court extended the implementation deadline to May 2004, the DEP has not
changed its rules accordingly. PPL expects to achieve the 2003 NOx reductions
with the recent installation of SCR technology on the Montour units and possibly
SCR or SNCR on a Brunner Island unit.
The EPA has also developed new standards for ambient levels of ozone and fine
particulates. These standards were challenged and remanded to the EPA by the
D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1999. However, on appeal to the United States
Supreme Court, the D.C. Circuit Court's decision was reversed in part and
remanded to the D.C. Circuit. The new particulates standard, if finalized, may
require further reductions in SO2 for certain PPL subsidiaries and year-round
NOx reductions commencing in 2010-2012 at SIP-call levels in Pennsylvania, and
at slightly less stringent levels in Montana. The revised ozone standard, if
finalized, is not expected to have a material effect on facilities of PPL
subsidiaries.
Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has been studying the health effects of
hazardous air emissions from power plants and other sources, in order to
determine what emissions should be regulated and has determined that mercury
emissions must be regulated. In this regard, EPA is expected to develop
regulations by 2004.
In 1999, the EPA initiated enforcement actions against several utilities,
asserting that older, coal-fired power plants operated by those utilities have,
over the years, been modified in ways that subject them to more stringent "New
Source" requirements under the Clean Air Act. The EPA has since issued notices
of violation and commenced enforcement activities against other utilities, and
has threatened to continue expanding its enforcement actions. At this time PPL
is unable to predict whether such EPA enforcement actions will be brought with
respect to any of its affiliates' plants. However, the EPA regional offices that
regulate plants in Pennsylvania (Region III) and Montana (Region VIII) have
indicated an intention to issue information requests to all utilities in their
jurisdiction, and the Region VIII office has issued such a request to PPL
Montana's Corette plant. PPL cannot presently predict what, if any, action the
EPA might take following PPL's responses to such information requests. Should
the EPA initiate one or more enforcement actions against PPL, compliance with
any such EPA enforcement actions could result in additional capital and
operating expenses in amounts which are not now determinable, but which could be
significant.
The EPA is also proposing to revise its regulations in a way that will require
power plants to meet "New Source" performance standards and/or undergo "New
Source" review for many maintenance and repair activities that are currently
exempted.
Water and Waste
- ---------------
The final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the Montour
plant contains stringent limits for iron discharges. The results of a toxic
reduction study show that additional water treatment facilities or operational
changes are needed at this station. A plan for these changes is being developed
and will be submitted to DEP in the fall of 2001.
EPA has significantly lowered the water quality standard for arsenic. The
lowered standard may require PPL Generation to further treat wastewater and/or
take abatement action at several of its power plants, the cost of which is not
now determinable, but could be significant.
Capital expenditures through the year 2003 to correct groundwater degradation at
fossil-fueled generating stations, and to address waste water control at PPL
Generation's facilities, are included in the table of construction expenditures
in the section entitled "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements"
in the Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Additional
capital expenditures could be required beyond the year 2005 in amounts which are
not now determinable but which could be significant. Actions taken to correct
groundwater degradation, to comply with the environmental regulations and to
address waste water control, are also expected to result in increased operating
costs in amounts which are not now determinable but which could be significant.
EPA's proposed requirements for new or modified water intake structures will
affect where generating facilities are built, will establish intake design
standards, and could lead to requirements for cooling towers at new power
plants. These proposed regulations are expected to be finalized by August of
2001. In the worst case, the rule could require new or modified cooling towers
at one or
55
more PPL stations. Another new rule, also expected in 2001, will address
existing structures. Each of these rules could impose significant costs on PPL,
which are not now determinable.
Superfund and Other Remediation
- -------------------------------
In 1995 PPL Electric entered into a consent order with the DEP to address a
number of sites where it may be liable for remediation. This may include
potential PCB contamination at certain PPL Electric substations and pole sites;
potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities
formerly owned and operated by PPL Electric; and oil or other contamination
which may exist at some of PPL Electric's former generating facilities. In
connection with the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment, PPL Electric's
generation facilities were transferred to subsidiaries of PPL Generation. As of
December 31, 2000, work has been completed on approximately three-quarters of
the sites included in the consent order.
In 1996, PPL Gas Utilities entered into a similar consent order with the DEP to
address a number of sites where subsidiaries of PPL Gas Utilities may be liable
for remediation. The sites primarily include former coal gas manufacturing
facilities. Subsidiaries of PPL Gas Utilities are also investigating the
potential for any mercury contamination from gas meters and regulators. Any
sites will likely be addressed under the consent order.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric, PPL Generation and PPL Gas Utilities had
accrued approximately $20.3 million, representing the estimated amounts they
will have to spend for site remediation, including those sites covered by each
company's consent orders mentioned above.
In October 1999, the Montana Supreme Court held in favor of several citizens'
groups that the right to a clean and healthful environment is a fundamental
right guaranteed by the Montana Constitution. The court's ruling could result in
significantly more stringent environmental laws and regulations, as well as an
increase in citizens' suits under Montana's environmental laws. The effect on
PPL Montana of any such changes in laws or regulations or any such increase in
legal actions are not currently determinable, but could be significant.
Future cleanup or remediation work at sites currently under review, or at sites
not currently identified, may result in material additional operating costs for
PPL subsidiaries that cannot be estimated at this time. Under the Montana Power
acquisition agreement, PPL Montana is indemnified by Montana Power for any
pre-acquisition environmental liabilities. However, this indemnification is
conditioned on certain circumstances that can result in PPL Montana and Montana
Power sharing in certain costs within limits set forth in the agreement.
General
- -------
Due to the environmental issues discussed above or others, PPL subsidiaries may
be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain facilities to comply
with statutes, regulations and actions by regulatory bodies or courts. In this
regard, PPL subsidiaries also may incur capital expenditures, operating expenses
and other costs in amounts which are not now determinable, but which could be
significant.
Credit Support for Affiliated Companies
PPL provides certain guarantees for its subsidiaries. Specifically, PPL
guarantees all of the debt of PPL Capital Funding. As of December 31, 2000, PPL
had guaranteed $1.5 billion of medium-term notes and $581 million of commercial
paper issued by PPL Capital Funding. PPL had also guaranteed certain obligations
of PPL EnergyPlus for up to $625 million under power purchase and sales
agreements. PPL had also guaranteed certain obligations of other subsidiaries,
totaling $473 million at December 31, 2000. Finally, PPL has caused lender
banks, under its 364-day credit facility, to issue letters of credit in the
aggregate amount of $125 million on behalf of PPL Montana.
Source of Labor Supply
As of December 31, 2000, PPL and its subsidiaries had 11,893 full-time
employees. This included 3,330 in PPL Electric; 424 in PPL Gas Utilities; 2,398
in PPL Generation; 1,697 in PPL EnergyPlus; 45 in PPL Global; 3,056 in several
Central and South American electric companies controlled by PPL Global; and 943
in PPL Services.
Approximately 49%, or 4,297, of PPL's domestic workforce are members of labor
unions, with four IBEW locals representing nearly 4,100. The other unions
primarily represent small locals of gas utility employees in Pennsylvania. The
bargaining agreement with the largest union was negotiated in 1998 and expires
in May of 2002. Eight new three-
56
year contracts with smaller locals in Pennsylvania were negotiated in 2000 and
five additional agreements will expire during the first half of 2001, with the
largest being for three locals representing about 320 Montana employees.
16. Related Party Transactions
A wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL Global extended a 90 million British pounds
sterling loan facility to WPDH, an entity in which PPL Global has a 51%
ownership interest and shares joint control with Mirant. This facility was
subsequently reduced to 76.5 million pounds sterling. This facility provided
funds that were loaned to WPDL as temporary financing for the acquisition of
Hyder. The facility was entered into September 28, 2000 and expires September
25, 2001. Interest is reset monthly based on sterling LIBOR. This rate was 6.4%
as of December 31, 2000. At December 31, 2000, WPDH had borrowed 76.5 million
British pounds sterling (US $114 million at the foreign exchange rate on
December 31, 2000.)
At December 31, 2000, PPL Global had a $135 million note outstanding payable to
an affiliate of WPDH. The note was denominated in U.S. dollars, and provided for
interest at market rates. PPL Global repaid this note in January, 2001.
17. Corporate Realignment
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in order
to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and distribution
businesses from its recently deregulated generation businesses and to better
position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive marketplace.
The realignment included PPL Electric's transfer of certain generation and
related assets, and associated liabilities, to affiliates at book value. The net
book value of this transfer, recorded as a distribution on common shares from
PPL Electric to its parent, PPL, was $271 million. PPL Energy Funding, a holding
company for virtually all of PPL's unregulated businesses, assumed $670 million
of debt that PPL Electric had issued to other subsidiaries of PPL.
As a result of the corporate realignment, PPL Generation's principal business is
owning and operating U.S. generating facilities through various subsidiaries;
PPL EnergyPlus' principal business is wholesale and unregulated retail energy
marketing; PPL Electric's principal businesses are the transmission and
distribution of electricity to serve retail customers in its franchised
territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to
retail customers in that territory as a PLR, and PPL Global's principal
businesses are the acquisition and development of both U.S. and international
energy projects, and the ownership and operation of international energy
projects. PPL Energy Funding serves as the holding company for substantially all
of PPL's unregulated businesses, including PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and
PPL Global. Other subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Electric are generally aligned in
the new corporate structure according to their principal business functions.
The corporate realignment followed receipt of various regulatory approvals,
including approvals from the PUC, the FERC, the NRC and the IRS.
18. Adoption of SFAS 133
On January 1, 2001, PPL will adopt SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 133 requires that every derivative
instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or liability measured at
its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. PPL,
through the use of a cross-functional project team, has completed the process of
identifying all derivative instruments, determining their fair market values,
designating and documenting hedge relationships, and evaluating the
effectiveness of those hedge relationships.
In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS 133, PPL expects to record
a cumulative-effect charge of $181.9 million in accumulated other comprehensive
income to recognize at fair value all derivatives that are designated as cash
flow hedging instruments. This adjustment includes a credit of $5.8 million for
derivatives that were previously deferred on the balance sheet. A majority of
PPL's fixed price commodity contracts meet the definition of derivatives under
SFAS 133. PPL uses these contracts and other financial derivative instruments to
mitigate commodity price risk related to the sale of electricity as well as the
purchase of oil, gas and coal. PPL has designated many of these instruments as
cash flow hedges of the anticipated purchases or sales of the commodity. PPL
also uses certain financial derivative instruments to mitigate interest rate
risk exposure for future financing. The most significant portion of the
cumulative adjustment will be attributed to forward sales contracts and
financial
57
swaps in which PPL has reserved and stands ready to deliver energy from the
planned output of its wholly-owned generating units. In these cases, PPL will
realize a margin that represents the difference between the sales price and the
average cost of generation.
Future changes in the fair market values of these derivative instruments, to the
extent that the hedges are effective at mitigating the underlying commodity
risk, will be recorded in other comprehensive income. At the date the underlying
transaction occurs, the amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income will
be reported in earnings. To the extent that the hedges are not effective, the
ineffective portion of the changes in the fair market value will be recorded
directly in earnings. PPL expects to reclassify into earnings during the next
twelve months $144.7 million from the transition adjustment that was recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income. The cash flow hedges described above
cover the period from January 2001 through December 2008.
Under the terms of SFAS 133, PPL will also record at fair value certain
derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges. This is expected to result
in a cumulative-effect credit to earnings of $10.6 million in recognition of
these instruments.
The cumulative-effect adjustment in earnings to recognize at fair value all
derivatives that are designated as fair-value hedging instruments and the
cumulative-effect adjustment to recognize the difference between the carrying
values and fair values of related hedged liabilities are expected to be
insignificant.
19. Sales to California Independent System Operator
Through subsidiaries, PPL has made certain limited sales to the California
Independent System Operator ("Cal ISO"), for which PPL has not yet been paid in
full. Specifically, through January 2001, PPL has made approximately $18 million
of sales to the Cal ISO. A small amount of these sales were ordered by the U.S.
Secretary of Energy ("Secretary") between December 14, 2000 and February 7, 2001
pursuant to emergency authority granted to the Secretary pursuant to federal
law. The Secretary has not exercised his emergency authority after February 7,
2001. PPL negotiated prices for a portion of the involuntary sales with the Cal
ISO. The prices for the remaining ordered sales will be established in future
proceedings at the FERC.
Given the myriad of electricity supply problems presently faced by the
California electric utilities and the Cal ISO, PPL cannot predict when it will
receive payment for sales to the Cal ISO that have been made, or that may be
required to be made in the future, or the final amounts of such payments. As of
December 31, 2000, PPL has fully reserved for possible underrecoveries of
payments for these sales. PPL may have to add to this reserve in future periods
if it is required by the Secretary to continue to supply the Cal ISO.
Litigation arising out of the California electric supply situation has been
filed at the FERC and in California courts against sellers of energy to the Cal
ISO. The plaintiffs and intervenors allege abuse of market power, among other
things, and seek price caps on wholesale sales in California and other western
power markets, refunds of excess profits allegedly earned on these sales, and
other relief, including treble damages and attorneys' fees. Certain PPL
subsidiaries have intervened in the FERC proceedings in order to protect their
interests, but have not been named as a defendant in any of the court actions.
PPL cannot predict whether any of its subsidiaries will eventually be named in
these lawsuits or other lawsuits, the outcome of any such litigation or the
ultimate impact on PPL or its subsidiaries of the California electricity supply
situation.
58
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance
at Additions Balance at
--------------------------
Beginning Charged End of
Description of Period to Income Other Deductions Period
----------- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------
(Millions of Dollars)
PPL Corporation
- ---------------
Year Ended December 31, 2000
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts .......................... $22 $47 $26 (1) $25 $70
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies...... 3 5 4 4
Year Ended December 31, 1999
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts .......................... 16 22 16 22
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies...... 11 3 11 3
Year Ended December 31, 1998
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts .......................... 16 24 24 16
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies...... 12 1 11
(1) Includes the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded upon the acquisition
of CEMAR by PPL Global.
59
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL, COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA (Unaudited)
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
For the Quarters Ended (a)
March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
2000
Operating revenues...................................... $1,413 $1,297 $1,458 $1,515
Operating income........................................ 320 241 313 328
Net income before extraordinary items................... 142 92 136 117
Net income.............................................. 142 92 136 128
Earnings per common share-basic (b)..................... 0.99 0.64 0.94 0.88
Dividends declared per common share-basic (c)........... 0.265 0.265 0.265 0.265
Price per common share
High.................................................. $24.00 $25.00 $44.44 $46.13
Low................................................... $18.38 $20.38 $21.94 $37.56
1999
Operating revenues...................................... $1,067 $1,004 $1,386 $1,133
Operating income........................................ 262 164 238 208
Net income before extraordinary items................... 120 63 161 134
Net income (loss)....................................... 120 63 102 147
Earnings per common share-basic (b)..................... 0.76 0.40 0.68 1.02
Dividends declared per common share (c)................. 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Price per common share
High.................................................. $28.50 $31.88 $32.00 $28.50
Low................................................... $24.75 $24.13 $25.38 $20.38
(a) Quarterly results can vary depending on weather and the forward pricing of
power. In addition, earnings in 2000 and 1999 were affected by nonrecurring
items. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be
indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.
(b) The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal annual earnings per share
due to changes in the number of common shares outstanding during the year
or rounding.
(c) PPL has paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in every year
since 1946. The dividends paid per share in 2000 were $1.06 and in 1999
were $1.00. The most recent regular quarterly dividend paid by PPL was 26.5
cents per share (equivalent to $1.06 per annum) paid January 1, 2001.
Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors,
will be dependent upon future earnings, financial requirements and other
factors.
60
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS
WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
------------------------
None
PART III
--------
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
-----------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item concerning directors of PPL will be set forth in the
sections entitled "Nominees for Directors," and "Directors Continuing in Office"
in PPL's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed
with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this
item concerning the executive officers of PPL is set forth at the end of Part I
of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
-------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL will be set forth in the sections entitled
"Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option Grants in
Last Fiscal Year" and "Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PPL's 2001
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC
not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, and which information is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL will be set forth in the section entitled
"Stock Ownership" in PPL's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,
which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31,
2000, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL will be set forth in the section entitled
"Certain Transactions Involving Directors or Executive Officers" in PPL's 2001
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC
not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, and which information is
incorporated herein by reference.
61
(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY)
62
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
63
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S
COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
-------------------
Additional information for this item is set forth in the sections entitled
"Quarterly Financial Data" and "Shareowner and Investor Information" of this
report.
64
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
2000 (a), (f) 1999 (a) 1998 (a) 1997 (a) 1996
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Items -- millions
Operating revenues .................................. $ 3,336 $ 3,952 $ 3,643 $ 3,049 $ 2,911
Operating income (e).................................. 669 749 801 790 809
Earnings (loss) available to PPL...................... 261 398 (587) 308 329
Excluding nonrecurring items........................ 237 337 301 313 329
Balance Sheet Items -- millions (b)
Property, plant and equipment, net.................... 2,401 4,345 4,331 6,820 6,960
Recoverable transition costs.......................... 2,425 2,647 2,819
Total assets.......................................... 5,924 9,092 8,838 9,472 9,405
Long-term debt........................................ 3,126 3,505 2,569 2,633
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable 2,832
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures........................... 250 250 250 250
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements...................... 47 47 295 295 295
Without sinking fund requirements................... 50 50 171 171 171
Common equity......................................... 1,160 1,296 1,730 2,612 2,617
Short-term debt....................................... 59 183 91 45 10
Total capital provided by investors................... 4,692 5,331 5,106 6,006 5,925
Capital lease obligations (g)......................... 125 168 171 247
Financial Ratios
Return on average common equity -- % (d).............. 18.35 17.90 11.45 11.91 12.95
Embedded cost rates (b)
Long-term debt -- %................................. 6.88 6.97 7.56 7.91 7.89
Preferred stock -- %................................ 5.87 5.87 6.09 6.90 6.09
Preferred securities -- %........................... 8.44 8.44 8.44 8.43
Times interest earned before income taxes (d)......... 2.65 3.46 3.77 3.67 3.62
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges -- total
enterprise basis (c), (d)........................... 2.47 3.10 3.53 3.47 3.50
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
dividends on preferred stock
--total enterprise basis (c), (d).................. 2.31 2.62 2.68 2.77 2.93
Sales Data
Customers (thousands)(b).............................. 1,270 1,270 1,257 1,247 1,236
Electric energy sales delivered -- millions of kWh
Residential ........................................ 11,924 11,704 11,156 11,434 11,849
Commercial ......................................... 11,565 11,002 10,597 10,309 10,288
Industrial ......................................... 10,224 10,179 10,227 10,078 10,016
Other .............................................. 194 160 164 143 154
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Service area sales ............................... 33,907 33,045 32,144 31,964 32,307
Wholesale energy sales ........................... 17,548 31,715 36,708 21,454 14,341
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Total electric energy sales delivered............. 51,455 64,760 68,852 53,418 46,648
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
(a) The earnings for each year, except for 1996, were affected by nonrecurring
items. These adjustments affected earnings available to PPL and certain
items in Financial Ratios. See "Earnings" in Review of the Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for a description of nonrecurring
items in 2000, 1999 and 1998.
(b) At year-end.
(c) Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL Electric and its
subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on short- and long-term
debt, other interest charges, interest on capital lease obligations and the
estimated interest component of other rentals.
(d) Based on earnings excluding nonrecurring items.
(e) Operating income of 1997 and 1996 restated to conform to the current
presentation.
(f) Selected Financial and Operating Data for 2000 were affected by the
corporate realignment on July 1, 2000.
(g) PPL Electric terminated its capital lease in 2000. See Note 1 for
additional information.
(See "Corporate Realignment" in Review of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations for additional discussion).
65
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
ITEM 7. REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Realignment
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in order
to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and distribution
businesses from its recently deregulated generation businesses and to better
position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive marketplace.
The corporate realignment included the following key features:
. PPL Electric contributed its generating and certain other related assets,
along with associated liabilities, to new unregulated generating
subsidiaries of PPL Generation. In connection with the contribution, PPL
Energy Funding, the parent company of PPL Generation, assumed $670 million
aggregate principal amount of PPL Electric debt issued to affiliated
companies.
. PPL Electric also contributed assets associated with its wholesale energy
marketing activities, along with associated liabilities, to its
wholly-owned subsidiary, PPL EnergyPlus, and contributed its interest in
PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Energy Funding.
. PPL Electric distributed, in a "tax-free spin-off" all of the outstanding
shares of stock of PPL Energy Funding to PPL, which resulted in PPL Energy
Funding becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL.
. PPL Electric entered into agreements with PPL EnergyPlus for the purchase
of electricity to meet all of PPL Electric's requirements through 2001 as a
PLR for customers who have not selected an alternative supplier under the
Customer Choice Act.
As a result of the corporate realignment, PPL Electric's principal businesses
are the regulated transmission and distribution of electricity to serve retail
customers in its franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and
the supply of electricity to retail customers in that territory as a PLR. Other
subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Electric are generally aligned in the new corporate
structure according to their principal business functions.
The corporate realignment followed receipt of various regulatory approvals,
including approvals from the PUC, the FERC, the NRC and the IRS.
Results of Operations
---------------------
The following discussion explains significant changes in principal items on the
Consolidated Statement of Income comparing 2000 to 1999, and 1999 to 1998.
Certain items on the Consolidated Statement of Income have been impacted by the
corporate realignment undertaken by PPL and PPL Electric effective July 1, 2000.
See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for information regarding the corporate
realignment.
The Consolidated Statement of Income of PPL Electric for 2000 includes the
results of its remaining activities (the transmission and distribution of
electricity in its service territory and the supply of electricity as a PLR in
this territory under Pennsylvania's Customer Choice Act) for the second half of
the year. The results for the first six months of 2000 and the entire year 1999
also include PPL Electric's former electric generation and unregulated wholesale
and retail marketing functions. When discussing the results of operations for
2000 compared with 1999, the estimated results of operations of the electric
generation and unregulated marketing assets during the second half of 1999 are
eliminated for purposes of comparability.
Earnings
($ Millions)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Earnings available to PPL- excluding
nonrecurring items $ 237 $ 337 $ 301
Nonrecurring items:
Environmental insurance recoveries 24
Sale of Sunbury plant and related
assets 42
Securitization (Note 2) 19
PUC restructuring charge (Note 2) (915)
FERC municipalities settlement (Note 2) (32)
Settlement with NUG 18
PPL Gas Utilities acquisition costs 3
Other impacts of restructuring 38
----- ----- -----
Earnings available to PPL - actual $ 261 $ 398 $(587)
===== ===== =====
The earnings of PPL Electric for 2000, 1999 and 1998 were impacted by several
nonrecurring items. Earnings in 2000 benefited by $24 million from insurance
settlements for past and potential future environmental exposures. Refer to
specific Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of certain of these
nonrecurring items. The nonrecurring items without note
66
references are discussed in "Other Income and (Deductions)." In addition, the
PUC restructuring adjustments provided a favorable impact of about $38 million
on earnings in the second half of 1998.
The decrease in adjusted earnings in 2000 compared with 1999 was primarily due
to the corporate realignment completed on July 1, 2000. (See "Corporate
Realignment" for additional discussion). After eliminating the estimated results
of the electric generation and marketing assets from the earnings in the second
half of 1999, comparable earnings for 1999 would have been an estimated $228
million. The $237 million adjusted earnings for 2000 were $9 million higher than
the estimated adjusted earnings for 1999. This increase was primarily due to
higher margins on wholesale energy transactions, an end of the one year 4% rate
reduction for delivery customers, a 2.6% increase in electric delivery sales,
gains on sales of emission allowances and lower pension expenses. These earnings
gains were partially offset by higher interest expense and income taxes, and the
write-off of a regulatory asset for the loss incurred in the Retail Access Pilot
Program.
Excluding the effects of nonrecurring items, 1999 earnings were $337 million
compared with $301 million for 1998. The adjusted earnings for 1999 represents a
$36 million improvement compared with 1998. The earnings improvement was
primarily due to higher margins on wholesale energy and marketing activities, an
increase in electricity supplied to commercial and industrial customers, lower
taxes and lower depreciation on generation assets. In addition, 1998 earnings
were adversely impacted by mild winter weather. These earnings improvements in
1999 were partially offset by a 4% rate reduction for electric delivery
customers in Pennsylvania and by the loss of customers who shopped for alternate
electric generation suppliers. In addition, 1998 earnings benefited from certain
regulatory treatments that did not carry over to 1999.
Operating Revenues
Retail Electric
The increase (decrease) in revenues from electric operations was attributable to
the following (millions of dollars):
2000 vs. 1999 1999 vs. 1998
------------- -------------
PPL Electric
Electric delivery $ 28 $(179)
PLR electric generation supply 32 (159)
PPL EnergyPlus
Electric generation supply (155) 416
Other 6 25
----- -----
$ (89) $ 103
===== =====
After eliminating the revenues transferred in the corporate realignment from the
results for the second half of 1999, operating revenues from retail electric
operations increased by $150 million during 2000 compared with 1999. This was
primarily due to an increase in PPL EnergyPlus' supply volumes in the first half
of 2000 compared with the same period in 1999. This increase was driven by PPL
EnergyPlus' marketing efforts in Pennsylvania and surrounding states that have
been implemented to secure and retain end use customers in these deregulated
states. Also contributing to the increase were higher PPL Electric retail
delivery and PLR supply sales in 2000. This was due to increased usage by
commercial and residential customers and fewer service territory customers
selecting a supplier other than PPL Electric.
Operating revenues from retail electric operations increased by $103 million in
1999 compared with 1998. This was due to PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus
providing 6.5% more electricity to retail customers during 1999 compared with
1998. These revenue gains were partially offset by a one-year 4% reduction in
PPL Electric's regulated rates, effective January 1, 1999, in connection with
the PUC Final Order in PPL Electric's restructuring proceeding.
Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading
- --------------------------------------
The increase (decrease) in revenues from wholesale energy marketing and trading
activities was attributable to the following (millions of dollars):
2000 vs. 1999 1999 vs. 1998
------------- -------------
PPL Electric Utilities
Bilaterial Sales $(337) $ 36
PJM (44)
Cost-based contracts (85) (69)
Gas & oil sales (143) 229
Other (5) 1
NUG purchases sold to affiliate 84
----- ----
$(530) $197
===== ====
Wholesale energy marketing and trading revenues decreased by $530 million in
2000 compared with 1999. After eliminating the revenues transferred in the
corporate realignment from the results for the second half of 1999, wholesale
energy marketing and trading revenues increased by $153 million in 2000 compared
with 1999. This was primarily due to increased bilateral sales revenues
reflecting higher market pricing and sales volumes to other counterparties.
Wholesale energy marketing and trading revenues increased by $197 million in
1999 compared with 1998. This increase was predominately due to wholesale gas
revenues, which increased nearly four-fold. This increase was, in part, due to a
need for more supply to meet the greater demand for gas-fired generation and an
67
increase in retail gas marketing activities. The decrease in revenues from
cost-based contracts reflected the phase-down of the capacity and energy
agreement with JCP&L by 189,000 kilowatts from 1998. The contract expired in
December 1999.
Fuel
Electric fuel costs decreased by $245 million in 2000 compared with 1999. After
eliminating the expenses associated with assets transferred in the corporate
realignment from the results for the second half of 1999, electric fuel costs
decreased by $20 million compared with 1999. This decrease was attributed to
lower generation because of the Holtwood plant closing in April 1999, the sale
of the Sunbury plant in November 1999, plant outages, and reduced operation of
less economical units. In addition, lower nuclear fuel expense contributed to
the decrease in electric fuel costs. During the first quarter of 1999, there was
a charge of $5 million to accrue for the increase in estimated costs of dry cask
canisters for the on-site spent fuel storage at the Susquehanna plant.
Electric fuel costs decreased by $45 million in 1999 when compared to 1998. The
decrease resulted from lower generation by PPL Electric's coal-fired and oil/gas
fired units, as well as lower fuel prices for coal. The lower coal-fired
generation resulted from units being dispatched less during off-peak periods, as
a result of NOx allowances affecting the unit costs from May to September of
1999. The Holtwood plant closing and the Sunbury plant sale (See "Power Plant
Operations" discussion) also contributed to the decrease in generation. In
addition, PPL Electric entered into a rail contract which lowered coal freight
prices effective June 1999. These decreases were partially offset by higher fuel
prices for nuclear and oil/gas-fired stations.
Energy Purchases
Energy purchases increased by $22 million in 2000 compared with 1999. After
eliminating the expenses of assets transferred in the corporate realignment from
the results for the second half of 1999, energy purchases increased by $301
million during 2000 compared with 1999. During the first half of 2000, energy
purchases increased by $166 million over the same period in 1999. This was
primarily due to higher purchases to support PPL EnergyPlus' increased
unregulated retail electric and gas sales. Also, higher per unit prices for
these purchases contributed to the increase in energy purchases, coupled with
recognized losses on certain long-term forward transactions. The remainder of
the increase during 2000, $135 million, represents the estimated increase in PPL
Electric's purchases to support its PLR load in the second half of 2000, as
noted above.
Energy purchases increased by $306 million in 1999 when compared to 1998. This
increase was primarily due to increased gas purchases by the Energy Marketing
Center, additional wholesale purchases to support PPL EnergyPlus, and higher
wholesale prices for electricity. These increases were partially offset by a
decrease in the volume of electricity purchases and the reduction of the
liability for above-market NUG purchases.
Other Operation Expenses
Other operation expenses decreased by $230 million from 1999 to 2000. After
eliminating the expenses associated with assets transferred in the corporate
realignment from the results for the second half of 1999, other operation
expenses decreased by $79 million during 2000 compared with 1999. This decrease
was primarily the result of environmental insurance settlements, gains on the
sale of emission allowances and a decrease in pension plan costs, offset by a
loss accrual under the Clean Air Act and increased costs of wages and other
benefits.
Other operation expenses increased by $16 million from 1998 to 1999. About $46
million of regulatory credits were recorded in 1998. These credits were for the
loss of revenue as a result of the pilot Electric Choice Program and the
deferral of undercollected energy costs. No similar items were reflected in
1999, as the pilot program was completed and energy costs were no longer
recoverable through the ECR.
Eliminating the effects of these regulatory credits, other operation expenses of
PPL Electric decreased by $30 million in 1999 compared with 1998. This decrease
was primarily due to PPL Electric's cost-cutting initiatives, gains on the sale
of emission allowances and decreased load dispatching activities for system
control.
Maintenance Expenses
Maintenance expenses decreased by $52 million in 2000 from 1999. After
eliminating the expenses associated with assets transferred in the corporate
realignment from the results for the second half of 1999, maintenance expenses
increased by $2 million during 2000 compared with 1999.
Maintenance expenses increased by $15 million in 1999 from 1998. This increase
was due to higher costs of outage-related and other maintenance at PPL
Electric's fossil and nuclear power plants, and additional expenses to maintain
transmission and distribution facilities.
68
Power Plant Operations
In April 1999, PPL Electric closed its Holtwood coal-fired generating station.
The closing was part of an effort to reduce operating costs and position PPL
Electric for the competitive marketplace. The adjacent hydroelectric plant owned
by PPL Holtwood continues to be operated.
In November 1999, PPL Electric sold its Sunbury plant and the principal assets
of its wholly-owned coal processing subsidiary, Lady Jane Collieries, to Sunbury
Holdings, LLC. PPL Electric received cash proceeds of $107 million for the
assets, including coal inventory, which resulted in a one-time contribution to
earnings of about $42 million.
Depreciation
Depreciation decreased by $66 million in 2000 from 1999. After eliminating the
expenses of assets transferred in the corporate realignment from the results for
the second half of 1999, depreciation decreased by $3 million from 1999 to 2000.
Depreciation decreased by $102 million in 1999 from 1998. This decrease was
mainly due to the write-down of generation-related assets in connection with the
restructuring adjustments recorded in June 1998.
Other Income and (Deductions)
Other income and (deductions) decreased by $80 million in 2000 from 1999. After
eliminating the revenues and expenses of assets transferred in the corporate
realignment from the results for the second half of 1999 (including a $66
million pre-tax gain on the sale of the Sunbury plant and related assets), other
income decreased by $28 million during 2000 compared with 1999. This was
primarily due to a charge of $12 million resulting from a PUC ruling requiring
the write-off of the regulatory asset for the loss incurred in Pennsylvania's
pilot Electric Choice Program, and an adverse FERC decision regarding
investments at PJM.
Other income in 1999 increased by $20 million from 1998. Other income in 1998
included a favorable nonrecurring item for a $30 million recovery from a NUG to
settle a suit over disputed energy prices, and a $6 million credit to earnings
to reverse the prior expensing of the PPL Gas Utilities acquisition costs.
However, other income in 1999 included a $66 million pre-tax gain on the sale of
the Sunbury plant and related assets.
Financing Costs
PPL Electric experienced higher financing costs associated with long-term debt
during the past few years, primarily associated with the issuance of $2.4
billion of transition bonds by PPL Transition Bond Company in August 1999.
Interest on long-term debt and dividends on preferred stock increased from $235
million in 1997 to $249 million in 2000, for a total increase of $14 million.
Interest on short-term debt, net of capitalized interest and AFUDC borrowed
funds, increased from $12 million in 1997 to $21 million in 2000.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased by $20 million in 2000 compared with 1999. After
eliminating the estimated income associated with assets transferred in the
corporate realignment from the results for the second half of 1999, income taxes
increased by $68 million during 2000 compared with 1999. This was primarily due
to a release of deferred taxes no longer required due to securitization
recognized in the third quarter of 1999.
Income tax expense decreased by $122 in 1999 compared with 1998. This was
primarily due to a release of deferred income taxes no longer required due to
securitization and tax changes relating to the second quarter 1998 restructuring
write-off.
Financial Condition
-------------------
Energy Marketing and Trading Activities
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, PPL
Electric's unregulated energy marketing and trading activities were transferred
to PPL EnergyPlus.
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
Commodity Price Risk
- --------------------
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in which
each transferred its generation assets to other unregulated PPL affiliates. As
part of the realignment, PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus entered into a
long-term power sales agreement under which PPL EnergyPlus will sell PPL
Electric, pursuant to a predetermined pricing arrangement, energy, capacity and
ancillary services to fulfill PPL Electric's PLR obligation through 2001. As a
result, PPL Electric has shifted any electric price risk to PPL EnergyPlus. PPL
Electric is currently evaluating supply alternatives after 2001, including
extension of the existing contract with PPL EnergyPlus, negotiation of new
contract or contracts with PPL EnergyPlus, or supply from other sources.
69
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
PPL Electric has issued debt to finance its operations, which increases interest
rate risk. At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric's potential annual exposure to
increased interest expense due to a 10% increase in interest rates was estimated
at $1.5 million.
PPL Electric is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric estimated that its potential exposure to a
change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement
in interest rates, was about $20 million.
Market events that are inconsistent with historical trends could cause actual
results to differ from estimated levels.
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund - Securities Price Risk
- ----------------------------------------------------
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, the
nuclear decommissioning fund was transferred to, and will be maintained by, PPL
Susquehanna.
Capital Expenditure Requirements
The schedule below shows PPL Electric's current capital expenditure projections
for the years 2001-2005 and actual spending for the year 2000 (millions of
dollars).
PPL Electric's Capital Expenditure Requirements
Actual --------Projected--------
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Construction expenditures
Generating facilities $ 23
Transmission and
distribution facilities 132 $138 $149 $151 $154 $166
Environmental 65
Other 28 18 18 18 18 18
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Construction
Expenditures 248 156 167 169 172 184
Nuclear fuel 14
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Capital
Expenditures $262 $156 $167 $169 $172 $184
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Construction expenditures include AFUDC which is expected to be less than $3
million in each of the years 2001-2005.
PPL Electric's capital expenditure projections for the years 2001-2005 total
about $848 million. Capital expenditure plans are revised from time to time to
reflect changes in conditions.
Financing and Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $194 million more during 2000 compared
with the same period in 1999. The reasons for this change were:
. A $158 million increase in cash provided by operating activities, primarily
due to decreases in prepayments, accounts receivable and unbilled revenue.
. A $177 million decrease in cash used in investing activities, primarily due
to an increase in proceeds from the sales of nuclear fuel to the trust and
an increase in loan repayments from affiliated companies. Also property,
plant and equipment expenditures were lower in 2000, due to generation
assets transferred to PPL Generation, as part of the corporate realignment.
. A $141 million increase in cash used in financing activities. This increase
was principally due to funds required to terminate the nuclear fuel lease,
and cash of subsidiaries divested in the corporate realignment.
From 1998 through 2000, PPL Electric issued $2.6 billion of long-term debt
(including $2.4 billion of securitized debt issued by PPL Transition Bond
Company), PPL Electric retired $2.1 billion of long-term debt and purchased $632
million of treasury shares. During the years 1998 through 2000, PPL Electric
also incurred $128 million of obligations under capital leases.
Refer to Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information on credit
arrangements and financing activities in 2000.
Financial Indicators
Earnings for 2000, 1999, and 1998 were impacted by nonrecurring items and
restructuring impacts. The following financial indicators for PPL Electric
reflect the elimination of these impacts from earnings, and provide an
additional measure of the underlying earnings performance of PPL Electric and
its subsidiaries. For purposes of comparability with 2000, the results of
businesses transferred in the corporate realignment were eliminated for the
second half of 1999.
1999
adjusted for
2000 realignment 1999 1998
---- ---------- ---- ----
Earnings available
to PPL
(adjusted, in millions) $ 237 $ 228 $ 337 $ 301
Times interest earned
before income taxes 2.65 2.67 3.46 3.77
70
Environmental Matters
See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental
matters.
Increasing Competition
The electric utility industry has experienced, and will continue to experience,
a significant increase in the level of competition in the energy supply market
at both the state and federal level.
State Activities
- ----------------
Refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of PPL Electric's
PUC restructuring proceeding under the Customer Choice Act.
Also refer to Note 13 to the Financial Statements regarding PPL Electric's
transfer of its retail electric marketing function to PPL EnergyPlus.
Federal Activities
- ------------------
Refer to Note 13 to the Financial Statements regarding PPL Electric's transfer
of its retail electric marketing function to PPL EnergyPlus.
71
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk," in Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Note
1 to the Financial Statements.
72
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareowner of
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(a)(1) on page 95 present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and its
subsidiaries ("PPL Electric") at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2)
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when
read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These
financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of
the PPL Electric's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our
audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing
standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, PA
January 29, 2001
73
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
----------------------------------
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements
--------------------------------------------------------------
The management of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation is responsible for the
preparation, integrity and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements
and all other sections of this annual report. The financial statements were
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America, and the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for regulated businesses. In preparing the
financial statements, management makes informed estimates and judgments of the
expected effects of events and transactions based upon currently available facts
and circumstances. Management believes that the financial statements are free of
material misstatement and present fairly the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of PPL Electric.
PPL Electric's consolidated financial statements have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PricewaterhouseCoopers) independent certified public
accountants. PricewaterhouseCoopers' appointment as auditors was previously
ratified by the shareowners of PPL. Management has made available to
PricewaterhouseCoopers all PPL Electric's financial records and related data, as
well as the minutes of shareowners' and directors' meetings. Management believes
that all representations made to PricewaterhouseCoopers during its audit were
valid and appropriate.
PPL Electric's maintains a system of internal control designed to provide
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance as to the integrity and reliability of
the financial statements, the protection of assets from unauthorized use or
disposition and the prevention and detection of fraudulent financial reporting.
The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes that the cost of a system of
internal control should not exceed the benefits derived and that there are
inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control.
Fundamental to the control system is the selection and training of qualified
personnel, an organizational structure that provides appropriate segregation of
duties, the utilization of written policies and procedures and the continual
monitoring of the system for compliance. In addition, PPL Electric maintains an
internal auditing program to evaluate PPL Electric's system of internal control
for adequacy, application and compliance. Management considers the internal
auditors' and PricewaterhouseCoopers' recommendations concerning its system of
internal control and has taken actions which are believed to be cost-effective
in the circumstances to respond appropriately to these recommendations.
Management believes that PPL Electric's system of internal control is adequate
to accomplish the objectives discussed in this report.
The Board of Directors, acting through PPL Corporation's Audit Committee,
oversees management's responsibilities in the preparation of the financial
statements. In performing this function, the Audit Committee, which is composed
of four independent directors, meets periodically with management, the internal
auditors and the independent certified public accountants to review the work of
each. The independent certified public accountants and the internal auditors
have free access to PPL Corporation's Audit Committee and to the Board of
Directors, without management present, to discuss internal accounting control,
auditing and financial reporting matters.
Management also recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical
climate so that PPL Electric's affairs are conducted according to the highest
standards of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is
characterized and reflected in PPL Electric's business policies and guidelines.
These policies and guidelines address: the necessity of ensuring open
communication within PPL Electric; potential conflicts of interest; proper
procurement activities; compliance with all applicable laws, including those
relating to financial disclosure; and the confidentiality of proprietary
information.
Michael E. Bray
Vice Chair and President
Joseph J. McCabe
Vice President and Controller
74
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999 1998
Operating Revenues
Retail electric................................................. $2,424 $2,513 $2,410
Wholesale energy marketing and trading.......................... 890 1,420 1,223
Energy related businesses....................................... 22 19 10
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total........................................................... 3,336 3,952 3,643
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Operating Expenses
Operation
Fuel.......................................................... 200 445 490
Energy purchases.............................................. 1,409 1,387 1,081
Other......................................................... 349 579 563
Amortization of recoverable transition costs.................. 227 194
Maintenance..................................................... 143 195 180
Depreciation (Note 1)........................................... 167 233 335
Taxes, other than income (Note 4)............................... 149 153 185
Energy related businesses....................................... 23 17 8
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total........................................................... 2,667 3,203 2,842
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Operating Income.................................................. 669 749 801
Other Income and (Deductions) - Net............................... 17 97 77
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes........................... 686 846 878
Interest Expense.................................................. 239 214 196
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Income Before Income Taxes and Extraordinary Items................ 447 632 682
Income Taxes (Note 4)............................................. 171 151 273
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Income Before Extraordinary Items................................. 276 481 409
Extraordinary Items (net of income taxes) (Note 2)................ 11 (46) (948)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net Income(Loss) Before Dividends on Preferred Stock.............. 287 435 (539)
Dividends on Preferred Stock...................................... 26 37 48
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Earnings Available to PPL Corporation............................. $261 $398 ($587)
================ ================ ===============
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of the financial statements.
75
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999 1998
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)..................................................... $287 $435 ($539)
Extraordinary items (net of income taxes)............................. 11 (46) (948)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net income before extraordinary items................................. 276 481 409
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation...................................................... 167 233 335
Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other............ 189 149 (3)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits ................. (9) (73) 12
Gain on sale of generating assets................................. (65)
Change in current assets and current liabilities ..................... 169 (73) 8
Other operating activities - net ..................................... 11 (7) (66)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities.................... 803 645 695
------------ ----------- -----------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment ....................... (242) (300) (297)
Sales of nuclear fuel to trust........................................ 27 14 54
Sale of generating assets............................................. 99
Purchases of available-for-sale securities ........................... (15)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities................. 69
Purchases and sales of other financial investments - net.............. 16
Loan to parent........................................................ 142 (60)
Other investing activities - net ..................................... (12) 1 6
------------ ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities........................ (69) (246) (183)
------------ ----------- -----------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Issuance of long-term debt............................................ 2,419 200
Retirement of long-term debt.......................................... (380) (1,497) (266)
Termination of nuclear fuel lease..................................... (154)
Retirement of preferred stock......................................... (380)
Purchase of treasury stock............................................ (632)
Payments on capital lease obligations................................. (11) (59) (58)
Payment of common and preferred dividends............................. (140) (231) (412)
Cash of subsidiaries divested in corporate realignment (Note 13) (73)
Net increase in short-term debt....................................... 239 92 35
Other financing activities - net ..................................... (90) 5
------------ ----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities........................ (519) (378) (496)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents....................... 215 21 16
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period...................... 52 31 15
------------ ----------- -----------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period............................ $267 $ 52 $ 31
============ =========== ===========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)............................. $227 $202 $208
Income taxes..................................................... $ 91 $192 $261
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
76
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)........................................ $ 267 $ 52
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2000, $16; 1999, $18)................. 173 207
Income tax receivable..................................................... 51 49
Unbilled revenues......................................................... 137 275
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost............................ 30 175
Prepayments............................................................... 4 87
Unrealized energy trading gains........................................... 26
Accounts receivable from parent and its affiliates (Note 12).............. 10 18
Other..................................................................... 44 78
-------------- --------------
716 967
-------------- --------------
Investments
Loan to parent and its affiliates......................................... 60 489
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Notes 1 and 5).................. 255
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate at equity ......................... 17
Other (Note 6)............................................................ 18 15
-------------- --------------
78 776
-------------- --------------
Property, Plant and Equipment - net
Electric utility plant in service (Note 1)
Transmission and distribution........................................ 2,183 2,193
Generation........................................................... 1,620
General.............................................................. 180 208
-------------- --------------
2,363 4,021
Construction work in progress............................................. 33 139
Nuclear fuel owned and leased............................................. 139
-------------- --------------
Electric utility plant............................................... 2,396 4,299
Gas and oil utility plant................................................. 26
Other property............................................................ 5 20
-------------- --------------
2,401 4,345
-------------- --------------
Regulatory Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets (Notes 1 & 2)
Recoverable transition costs.............................................. 2,425 2,647
Other..................................................................... 304 357
-------------- --------------
2,729 3,004
-------------- --------------
$5,924 $9,092
============== ==============
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
77
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2000 1999
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt (Note 7)................................................. $ 59 $ 183
Long-term debt........................................................... 240 352
Above market NUG contracts (Note 2)...................................... 99
Accounts payable......................................................... 62 284
Taxes.................................................................... 51 96
Interest................................................................. 20 20
Dividends................................................................ 23 6
Unrealized energy trading losses......................................... 28
Accounts payable to parent and its affiliates (Note 12).................. 108
Other.................................................................... 62 220
------- -------
625 1,288
------- -------
Long-term Debt............................................................. 2,886 3,153
------- -------
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 4)................ 724 1,528
Above market NUG contracts (Note 2)...................................... 674
Other (Notes 1 and 5).................................................... 182 806
------- -------
906 3,008
------- -------
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 11)...........................
------- -------
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trust holding solely company debentures....................... 250 250
------- -------
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements........................................... 47 47
Without sinking fund requirements........................................ 50 50
------- -------
97 97
------- -------
Shareowner's Common Equity
Common stock............................................................. 1,476 1,476
Additional paid-in capital............................................... 55 55
Treasury stock (Note 1).................................................. (632) (632)
Earnings reinvested...................................................... 277 419
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 1).......................... (6)
Capital stock expense and other.......................................... (16) (16)
------- -------
1,160 1,296
------- -------
$ 5,924 $ 9,092
======= =======
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
78
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNER'S COMMON EQUITY
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
For the Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Common stock at beginning of year......................................... $ 1,476 $ 1,476 $ 1,476
Issuance of common stock................................................
--------- --------- ---------
Common stock at end of year............................................... 1,476 1,476 1,476
--------- --------- ---------
Additional paid-in capital at beginning of year........................... 55 70 64
Capital contribution from PPL........................................... 6
Other................................................................... (15)
--------- --------- ---------
Additional paid-in capital at end of year................................. 55 55 70
--------- --------- ---------
Treasury stock at beginning of year....................................... (632)
Purchase of treasury stock.............................................. (632)
--------- --------- ---------
Treasury stock at end of year............................................. (632) (632)
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings reinvested at beginning of year.................................. 419 210 1,092
Net income (loss) (b)................................................... 261 398 (587)
Common distribution in corporate realignment............................ (271)
Cash dividends declared on common stock................................. (132) (189) (295)
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings reinvested at end of year........................................ 277 419 210
--------- --------- ---------
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of year............... (6) (6)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for sale securites (b).............. (3)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (c)................................ 6 (3)
--------- --------- ---------
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of year..................... (6) (6)
--------- --------- ---------
Capital stock expense and other at beginning of year...................... (16) (20) (20)
Other................................................................... 4
--------- --------- ---------
Capital stock expense and other at end of year............................ (16) (16) (20)
--------- --------- ---------
Total Shareowner's Common Equity.......................................... $ 1,160 $ 1,296 $ 1,730
========= ========= =========
Common stock shares (thousands) at beginning of year (a).................. 102,230 157,300 157,300
Treasury stock purchased................................................ (55,070)
--------- --------- ---------
Common stock shares at end of year........................................ 102,230 102,230 157,300
========= ========= =========
(a) No par value. 170 million shares authorized. All common shares of PPL Electric stock are owned by PPL.
(b) Statement of Comprehensive Income (Note 1):
Net income (loss)....................................................... $ 261 $ 398 ($587)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities............... (3)
Minimum pension liability adjustment.................................. 6 (3)
--------- --------- ---------
Total other comprehensive income........................................ 6 (6)
--------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive Income.................................................... $ 267 $ 398 ($593)
========= ========= =========
(c) The adjustment in 2000 represents the transfer of the minimum pension liability to PPL Services in the corporate realignment.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
79
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries(a)
(Millions of Dollars)
Shares
Outstanding Outstanding Shares
2000 1999 2000 Authorized
Preferred Stock -- $100 par, cumulative
4-1/2%..................................... $25 $25 247,658 629,936
Series..................................... 72 72 726,665 10,000,000
------ -------
$97 $97
====== =======
Details of Preferred Stock (b)
Sinking Fund
Optional Provisions
Shares Redemption Shares to be
Outstanding Outstanding Price Per Redeemed Redemption
2000 1999 2000 Share Annually Period
With Sinking Fund Requirements
Series Preferred
5.95% ............................... $ 1 $ 1 10,000 (c) 10,000 April 2001
6.125% .............................. 31 31 315,500 (c) (d) 2003-2008
6.15%................................ 10 10 97,500 (c) 97,500 April 2003
6.33% ............................... 5 5 46,000 (c) 46,000 July 2003
------- --------
$ 47 $ 47
======= ========
Without Sinking Fund Requirements
4-1/2% Preferred...................... $ 25 $ 25 247,658 $110.00
Series Preferred
3.35%................................ 2 2 20,605 103.50
4.40%................................ 11 11 117,676 102.00
4.60%................................ 3 3 28,614 103.00
6.75%................................ 9 9 90,770 (c)
------- --------
$ 50 $ 50
======= ========
Decreases in Preferred Stock
2000 1999 1998
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
4-1/2% Preferred........................... (282,531) $ (28)
Series Preferred
3.35%.................................... (21,178) (2)
4.40%.................................... (111,097) (12)
4.60%.................................... (34,386) (3)
5.95%.................................... (290,000) (29)
6.05%.................................... (250,000) (25)
6.125%................................... (834,500) (84)
6.15%.................................... (152,500) (15)
6.33%.................................... (954,000) (95)
6.75%.................................... (759,230) (76)
Decreases in Preferred Stock normally represent: (I) the redemption of stock
pursuant to sinking fund requirements; or (ii) shares redeemed pursuant to
optional provisions. There were no issuances or redemptions of preferred stock
in 2000 or 1998 through these provisions. The decreases in 1999 indicated above
represent PPL Electric's purchase and cancellation of its preferred stock which
had been held by PPL. PPL Electric used $380 million of securitization proceeds
to effect this repurchase.
(a) Each share of PPL Electric's preferred stock entitles the holder to one
vote on any question presented to PPL Electric's shareowners meetings.
There were 5,000,000 shares of PPL Electric's preference stock authorized;
none were outstanding at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
(b) The involuntary liquidation price of the preferred stock is $100 per share.
The optional voluntary liquidation price is the optional redemption price
per share in effect, except for the 4-1/2% Preferred Stock for which such
price is $100 per share (plus in each case any unpaid dividends).
(c) These series of preferred stock are not redeemable prior to the following
years: 5.95%, 2001; 6.125%, 6.15%, 6.33% and 6.75%, 2003.
(d) Shares to be redeemed annually on October 1 as follows: 2003-2007, 57,500;
2008, 28,000
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of the financial statements.
80
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPANY-OBLIGATED
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE SECURITIES AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries (a)
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding Outstanding
2000 1999 2000 Authorized Maturity (b)
Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts Holding
Solely Company Debentures - $25 per security
8.10%.................. $150 $150 6,000,000 6,000,000 July 2027
8.20%.................. 100 100 4,000,000 4,000,000 April 2027
----------- ----------
$250 $250
=========== ==========
(a) PPL Electric issued a total of $250 million of company-obligated
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures by PPL Capital Trust and PPL Capital Trust II,
two Delaware statutory business trusts. These preferred securities are
supported by a corresponding amount of junior subordinated deferrable
interest debentures issued by PPL Electric to the trusts. PPL Electric owns
all of the common securities, representing the remaining undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the trusts. The proceeds
derived from the issuance of the preferred securities and the common
securities were used by PPL Capital Trust and PPL Capital Trust II to
acquire $103 million and $155 million principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, ("Subordinated Debentures")
respectively. PPL Electric has guaranteed all of the trusts' obligations
under the preferred securities. The proceeds of the sale of these preferred
securities were loaned by PPL Electric to PPL for the tender offer for PPL
Electric preferred stock.
(b) The preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or
in part, upon the repayment of the Subordinated Debentures at maturity or
their earlier redemption. At the option of PPL Electric the Subordinated
Debentures are redeemable on and after April 1, 2002 (for the 8.20%
securities) and July 1, 2002 (for the 8.10% securities) in whole at any
time or in part from time to time. The amount of preferred securities
subject to such mandatory redemption will be equal to the amount of related
Subordinated Debentures maturing or being redeemed. The redemption price is
$25 per security plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid
distributions to the date of redemption.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements
81
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding
2000 1999 Maturity(b)
First Mortgage Bonds (a)
6% ...................................................... $125 June 1, 2000
7 3/4%................................................... $28 28 May 1, 2002
6 7/8%.................................................. 19 19 February 1, 2003
6 7/8%................................................... 25 25 March 1, 2004
6 1/2%................................................... 125 125 April 1, 2005
6 1/8% to 7.70%.......................................... 350 (d) 350 2006-2010
7.30% to 9 3/8%.......................................... 88 88 2021-2025
7 3/8%................................................... 10 10 2011-2015
9 1/4%................................................... (c) 28 2016-2020
First Mortgage Pollution Control Bonds (a)
6.40% Series H.......................................... 90 90 November 1, 2021
5.50% Series I.......................................... 53 53 February 15, 2027
6.40% Series J.......................................... 116 116 September 1, 2029
6.15% Series K.......................................... 55 55 August 1, 2029
-------- --------
959 1,112
Series 1999-1 Transition Bonds
6.08 to 7.15%........................................... 2,164 (e) 2,390 2001-2008
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds........................... 9 9 June 1, 2027
-------- --------
3,132 3,511
Unamortized (discount) and premium - net ................. (6) (6)
-------- --------
3,126 3,505
Less amount due within one year........................... (240) (352)
-------- --------
Total Long-term debt................................... $2,886 $3,153
======== ========
(a) Substantially all owned transmission and distribution plant is subject to
the lien of PPL Electric's Mortgage.
(b) Aggregate long-term debt maturities through 2005 are (millions of dollars):
2001, $240; 2002, $274; 2003, $275; 2004, $288; 2005, $391. There are no
bonds outstanding that have sinking fund requirements.
(c) In April 2000, PPL Electric redeemed and retired all of its First Mortgage
Bonds, 9 1/4% Series due 2019, at par value of $28 million through the
maintenance and replacement fund provisions of its Mortgage.
(d) In May 1998, PPL Electric issued $200 million First Mortgage Bonds, 6-1/8%
Reset Put Securities due 2006.
In connection with this issuance, PPL Electric assigned to a third party
the option to call the bonds from the holders on May 1, 2001. These bonds
will mature on May 1, 2006, but will be required to be surrendered by the
exiting holders on May 1, 2001 either through the exercise of the call
option by the callholder or, if such option is not exercised, through the
automatic exercise of a mandatory put by the trustee on behalf of the
bondholders.
(e) In August 1999, PPL Transition Bond Company issued $2.4 billion of
transition bonds to securitize a portion of PPL Electric stranded costs.
The bonds were issued in eight different classes, with expected average
lives of 1 to 8.7 years. Bond principal payments of $226 million were made
in 2000.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of the financial statements.
82
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business and Consolidation
At December 31, 2000, PPL was the parent holding company of PPL Energy Funding,
PPL Electric, PPL Gas Utilities, PPL Services and PPL Capital Funding. PPL
Electric's principal businesses are the transmission and distribution of
electricity to serve retail customers in its service territory in eastern and
central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to retail customers in this
territory as a PLR.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PPL Electric and
its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U. S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Accounting Records
The accounting records for PPL Electric are maintained in accordance with the
Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the PUC.
Regulation
Historically, PPL Electric accounted for its operations in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 71, which requires rate-regulated entities to reflect the
effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements. PPL Electric
discontinued application of SFAS 71 for the generation portion of its business,
effective June 30, 1998. In connection with the corporate realignment, effective
July 1, 2000, the generating and certain other related assets, along with
associated liabilities, were contributed to new unregulated subsidiaries of PPL
Generation.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Following are the classes of PPL Electric's Electric Utility Plant in Service
with associated accumulated depreciation reserves, at December 31, 2000 and 1999
(millions of dollars):
2000 1999
---- ----
Property, Plant and Equipment
Generation $6,105
Transmission and distribution $3,521 3,474
General 309 361
------ ------
3,830 9,940
Less: Accumulated depreciation 1,467 5,919
------ ------
Property, Plant and Equipment - net $2,363 $4,021
====== ======
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, generating
plant and certain other related assets were contributed to new unregulated
subsidiaries of PPL Generation.
The other classes of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2000 are
recorded at historical cost.
AFUDC is capitalized as part of the construction costs for regulated projects.
When regulated property, plant and equipment is retired, the original cost plus
the cost of retirement, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.
When entire regulated operating units are sold, 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, unless otherwise required by the FERC.
Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of property using
various methods including the straight-line, composite, and group method. The
annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally in accordance
with the following ranges of asset lives: transmission and distribution, 15-80
years, and general, 10-80 years.
83
Nuclear Decommissioning and Fuel Disposal
An annual provision for PPL Electric's share of the future cost to decommission
the Susquehanna station, equal to the amount allowed in utility rates, is
charged to depreciation expense. Such amounts are invested in external trust
funds which can be used only for future decommissioning costs. See Note 5. In
connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, the
generating and certain other related assets, along with associated liabilities,
were transferred to new unregulated subsidiaries of PPL Generation.
Recoverable Transition Costs
Based on the PUC Final Order, PPL Electric was amortizing its competitive
transition (or stranded) costs over an eleven-year transition period beginning
January 1, 1999 and ending December 31, 2009. In August 1999, competitive
transition costs of $2.4 billion were converted to intangible transition costs
when securitized by the issuance of transition bonds. The intangible transition
costs are being amortized over the life of the transition bonds, August 1999
through December 2008, in accordance with an amortization schedule filed with
the PUC. The assets of PPL Transition Bond Company, including the intangible
transition property, are not available to creditors of PPL or PPL Electric. The
transition bonds are obligations of PPL Transition Bond Company and are non-
recourse to PPL and PPL Electric. The remaining competitive transition costs are
also being amortized based on an amortization schedule previously filed with the
PUC, adjusted for those competitive transition costs that were converted to
intangible transition costs. As a result of the conversion of a significant
portion of the competitive transition costs into intangible transition costs,
amortization of substantially all of the remaining competitive transition costs
will occur in 2009.
Liability for Above Market NUG Contracts
At June 30, 1998, PPL Electric recorded a loss for above market contracts with
NUGs. Effective January 1999, PPL Electric began reducing this liability as an
offset to "Energy Purchases" on the Consolidated Statement of Income. This
reduction was based on the estimated timing of the purchases from the NUGs and
projected market prices for this generation. In connection with the corporate
realignment, effective July 1, 2000, the remaining balance of this liability was
transferred to PPL EnergyPlus.
Accounting for Price Risk Management
PPL Electric engages in price risk management activities for both energy trading
and non-trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts
Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." In 1999 and 2000,
PPL Electric entered into commodity forward and financial contracts for the
physical purchase and sale of energy as well as energy contracts that can be
settled financially. In 1998, these instruments were reflected in the financial
statements using the accrual method of accounting. As of January 1, 1999, PPL
Electric adopted mark-to-market accounting for energy trading contracts, in
accordance with EITF 98-10, and gains and losses from changes in market prices
are reflected in "Energy Purchases" on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
PPL Electric used EITF 98-10 to account for its commodity forward and financial
contracts and will adopt SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" effective January 1, 2001. See Note 14 for additional
information. On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate
realignment in which PPL Electric transferred its generation assets to other
unregulated PPL affiliates. As part of the realignment, PPL Electric and PPL
EnergyPlus entered into a power sales agreement under which PPL EnergyPlus will
sell energy, capacity and ancillary services to PPL Electric, pursuant to a
predetermined pricing arrangement, to fulfill PPL Electric's PLR obligation. As
a result, PPL Electric has shifted any electric price risk to PPL EnergyPlus
through 2001.
Leases
Leased property of PPL Electric capitalized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at
December 31, 1999, consisted solely of nuclear fuel. In March 2000, PPL Electric
terminated its nuclear fuel lease and repurchased $154 million of nuclear fuel
from the lessor energy trust. In July 2000, all nuclear fuel was transferred to
PPL Susquehanna, the new unregulated nuclear generating subsidiary of PPL
Generation, in connection with the corporate realignment. See Note 13 for
additional information.
Payments on other leased property, which are classified as operating leases, are
estimated as follows (millions of dollars): 2001, $24; 2002, $25; 2003, $26;
2004, $27; and 2005, $28. These leases include vehicles, personal computers and
other equipment.
84
Revenue Recognition
"Retail Electric" and "Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading" revenues are
recorded based on deliveries through the end of the calendar month.
Income Taxes
The provision for PPL Electric deferred income taxes for regulated assets is
based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC
and FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for
regulated assets and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under U.S. GAAP
is deferred and included in taxes recoverable through future rates on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 4.
PPL Electric deferred investment tax credits when utilized, and is amortizing
the deferrals over the average lives of the related assets.
PPL Electric and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a consolidated federal
income tax return.
Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three
months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income,
defined as changes in common equity from transactions not related to
shareowners. Other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains or losses
on available-for-sale securities and the excess of additional pension liability
over unamortized prior service costs. Comprehensive income is reflected on the
Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common Equity, and "Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income" is presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The
comprehensive income of PPL Electric was not materially different from net
income for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.
Treasury Stock
Treasury shares are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an offset to
common equity under the cost method of accounting. Management has no definitive
plans for the future use of these shares.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the 1999 and 1998 financial statements have been reclassified
to conform to the current presentation.
2. Extraordinary Items
PUC Restructuring and FERC Settlement
Historically, PPL Electric prepared its financial statements for its regulated
operations in accordance with SFAS 71, which requires rate-regulated companies
to reflect the effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements.
PPL Electric deferred certain costs pursuant to rate actions of the PUC and the
FERC and recovered, or expected to recover, such costs in electric rates charged
to customers.
The EITF addressed the appropriateness of the continued application of SFAS 71
by entities in states that have enacted restructuring legislation similar to
Pennsylvania's Customer Choice Act. The EITF came to a consensus on Issue No.
97-4, "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the
Application of FASB Statements 71 and 101," which concluded that an entity
should cease to apply SFAS 71 when a deregulation plan is in place and its terms
are known. For PPL Electric, with respect to the generation portion of its
business, this occurred effective June 30, 1998 based upon the outcome of the
PUC restructuring proceeding. PPL Electric adopted SFAS 101 for the generation
side of its business. SFAS 101 required a determination of impairment of plant
assets performed in accordance with SFAS 121, and the elimination of all effects
of rate regulation that were recognized as assets and liabilities under SFAS 71.
PPL Electric performed impairment tests of its electric generation assets on a
plant specific basis and determined that $2.388 billion of its generation plant
was impaired at June 30, 1998. Impaired plant was the excess of the net plant
investment at June 30, 1998 over the present value of the net cash flows during
the remaining lives of the plants. Annual net cash flows were determined by
comparing estimated generation sustenance costs to estimated regulated revenues
for the remainder of 1998, market revenues for 1999 and beyond, and revenues
from bulk power contracts. The net cash flows were then discounted to present
value.
In addition to the impaired generation plant, PPL Electric estimated that there
were other stranded costs totaling $1.989 billion at June 30, 1998. This
85
primarily included generation-related regulatory assets and liabilities and an
estimated liability for above-market purchases under NUG contracts. The total
estimated impairment described above was $4.377 billion. The PUC's Final Order
in the restructuring proceeding, entered on August 27, 1998, permitted the
recovery of $2.819 billion through the CTC on a present value basis, excluding
amounts for nuclear decommissioning and consumer education, resulting in a net
under-recovery of $1.558 billion. PPL Electric recorded an extraordinary charge
for this under-recovery in June 1998.
Under FERC Order 888, 16 small utilities which had power supply agreements with
PPL Electric signed before July 11, 1994, requested and were provided with PPL
Electric's current estimate of its stranded costs applicable to these customers
if they were to terminate their agreements in 1999. Subject to certain
conditions, FERC-approved settlement agreements executed with 15 of these
customers provide for continued power supply by PPL Electric through January
2004. As a result of these settlements, PPL Electric, in the second quarter of
1998, recorded an extraordinary charge in the amount of $56 million.
The extraordinary items related to the PUC restructuring proceeding and the FERC
settlement are reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Income, net of income
taxes.
Details of amounts written-off in June 1998 were as follows (millions of
dollars):
Impaired generation-related assets $ 2,388
Above-market NUG contracts 854
Generation-related regulatory assets and other 1,135
-------
Total 4,377
Recoverable transition costs (a) (2,819)
-------
Extraordinary item pre-tax - PUC 1,558
- FERC 56
-------
1,614
Tax effects (666)
-------
Extraordinary items $ 948
=======
(a) Excluding recoveries for nuclear decommissioning and consumer education
expenditures.
PPL Electric believes that the electric transmission and distribution operations
continue to meet the requirements of SFAS 71 and that regulatory assets
associated with these operations will continue to be recovered through rates
from customers. At December 31, 2000, $277 million of net regulatory assets,
other than the recoverable transition costs, remain on PPL Electric's books.
These regulatory assets will continue to be recovered through regulated
transmission and distribution rates over periods ranging from one to 29 years.
Extinguishment of Debt - Securitization
In August 1999, PPL Transition Bond Company issued $2.4 billion of transition
bonds to securitize a portion of PPL Electric's stranded costs. PPL Electric
used a portion of the securitization proceeds to repurchase $1.5 billion of its
first mortgage bonds. The premiums and related expenses to reacquire these bonds
were $59 million, net of tax. PPL Electric's customers will benefit from
securitization through an expected average rate reduction of approximately one
percent for the period the transition bonds are outstanding. With
securitization, a substantial portion of the CTC has been replaced with an ITC,
which passes 75% of the net financing savings back to customers. In August 1999,
PPL Electric released approximately $78 million of deferred income taxes
associated with the CTC that was no longer required because of securitization.
The net securitization impact of the bond repurchase and the tax change was a
gain of $19 million.
SFAS 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt," requires that
a material aggregate gain or loss from the extinguishment of debt be classified
as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. The $59 million
loss associated with the bond repurchase was treated as an extraordinary item.
Details were as follows (millions of dollars):
Reacquisition cost of debt $ 1,554
Net carrying amount of debt (1,454)
-------
Extraordinary charge pre-tax 100
Tax effects (41)
-------
Extraordinary charge $ 59
=======
The extraordinary charge related to extinguishment of debt was partially offset
in December 1999 with a credit relating to wholesale power activity. In December
2000 there was an additional extraordinary credit relating to wholesale power
activity.
3. Sales to Other Electric Utilities
As part of the corporate realignment on July 1, 2000, PPL Electric's contracts
for sales to other electric utilities were assigned to PPL EnergyPlus, which was
transferred to an unregulated subsidiary of PPL. See Note 13 for information on
the corporate realignment.
86
4. Income and Other Taxes
For 2000, 1999 and 1998 the corporate federal income tax rate was 35%, and the
PA corporate net income tax rate was 9.99%.
The tax effects of significant temporary differences comprising PPL Electric's
net deferred income tax liability were as follows (millions of dollars):
2000 1999
---- ----
Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred investment tax credits $ 13 $ 71
NUG contracts & buybacks 8 337
Accrued pension costs 47 106
Contribution in aid of construction 32 27
Other 64 138
Valuation allowance (4)
------ ------
164 675
------ ------
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Electric utility plant - net 479 811
Restructuring - CTC/ITC 223 1,026
Taxes recoverable through
future rates 100 107
Reacquired debt costs 12 13
Other 8 31
------ ------
822 1,988
------ ------
Net deferred tax liability $ 658 $1,313
====== ======
Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal
income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to income from continuing
operations for accounting purposes, and details of taxes other than income are
as follows (millions of dollars):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Income Tax Expense
Current-Federal $ 144 $ 190 $ 198
Current -State 35 35 64
------ ------ ------
179 225 262
------ ------ ------
Deferred-Federal (10) 53 18
Deferred-State 10 (110) 3
------ ------ ------
(57) 21
------ ------ ------
Investment tax credit, net-federal (8) (17) (10)
------ ------ ------
Total $ 171 $ 151 $ 273
====== ====== ======
Federal $ 126 $ 226 $ 206
State 45 (75) 67
------ ------ ------
$ 171 $ 151 $ 273
====== ====== ======
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
Indicated federal income tax on
pre-tax income before extraordinary
items at statutory tax rate - 35% $ 156 $ 221 $ 230
Increase/(decrease) due to:
State income taxes 29 (51) 43
Flow through of depreciation
differences not previously normalized 2 3 9
Amortization of investment tax credit (7) (12) (10)
Research & experimentation
income tax credits (1)
Other (9) (10) 2
------ ------ ------
15 (70) 43
------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense $ 171 $ 151 $ 273
====== ====== ======
Effective income tax rate 38.3% 23.9% 40.0%
In August 1999, PPL Electric released approximately $78 million of deferred
income taxes associated with the CTC that were no longer required because of
securitization.
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Taxes Other Than Income
State gross receipts $117 $105 $104
State utility realty 6 12 41
State capital stock 12 11 17
Social security and other 14 25 23
---- ---- ----
$149 $153 $185
==== ==== ====
5. Nuclear Decommissioning Costs
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, ownership
and related liabilities regarding the operation and decommissioning of the
Susquehanna nuclear station were transferred to PPL Susquehanna.
6. Financial Instruments
The carrying amount on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the estimated fair
value of PPL Electric's financial instruments are as follows (millions of
dollars):
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
Assets
Nuclear plant decommissioning
trust fund (a) (b) $ 0 $ 0 $255 $255
Other investments (a) 18 18 15 15
Cash and cash equivalents (a) 267 267 52 52
Other financial instruments
included in other current
assets (a) 1 1 4 4
87
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
Liabilities
Preferred stock with sinking
fund requirements (c) 47 46 47 45
Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities
of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures (c) 250 250 250 217
Long-term debt (c) 3,126 3,147 3,505 3,539
Commercial paper and
bank loans (c) 59 59 183 183
(a) The carrying value of these financial instruments generally is based on
established market prices and approximates fair value. (b) The nuclear
decommissioning fund was transferred to PPL Susquehanna in the corporate
realignment.
(c) The fair value generally is based on quoted market prices for the
securities where available and estimates based on current rates offered to PPL
Electric where quoted market prices are not available.
7. Credit Arrangements & Financing Activities
PPL Electric issues commercial paper and borrows from banks to provide
short-term funds for general corporate purposes. Bank borrowings generally bear
interest at rates negotiated at the time of the borrowing. At December 31, 2000,
PPL Electric had $55 million of commercial paper outstanding at interest rates
ranging from 7.89% to 7.94%.
In order to enhance liquidity, and as a credit back-stop to the commercial paper
programs, PPL Electric, PPL Capital Funding and PPL (as guarantor for PPL
Capital Funding) share a 364-day $750 million credit facility and a five-year
$300 million credit facility, each with a group of banks. At December 31, 2000,
no borrowings were outstanding under either facility.
In April 2000, PPL Electric redeemed and retired all of its outstanding First
Mortgage Bonds, 9-1/4% Series due 2019, at par value of $27.6 million through
the maintenance and replacement fund provisions of its Mortgage. In June 2000,
PPL Electric paid and retired all of its outstanding first mortgage bonds, 6%
Series due 2000, at par value of $125 million.
During 2000, PPL Transition Bond Company made principal payments on bonds
totaling $226 million.
8. Stock- Based Compensation
Under the PPL Incentive Compensation Plan ("ICP") and the Incentive Compensation
Plan for Key Employees ("ICPKE") (together, the "Plans"), restricted shares of
common stock as well as stock options may be granted to officers and other key
employees of PPL, PPL Electric and other affiliated companies. Awards under the
Plans are made in the common stock of PPL by the Compensation and Corporate
Governance Committee of the Board of Directors in the case of the ICP, and by
the PPL Corporate Leadership Council in the case of the ICPKE. Each Plan limits
the number of shares available for awards to two percent of the outstanding
common stock of PPL on the first day of each calendar year. The maximum number
of options which can be awarded under each Plan to any single eligible employee
in any calendar year is 1.5 million shares. Any portion of these options that
has not been granted may be carried over and used in any subsequent year. If any
award lapses or is forfeited or the rights to the participant terminate, any
shares of common stock are again available for grant. Shares delivered under the
Plans may be in the form of authorized and unissued common stock, common stock
held in treasury by PPL or common stock purchased on the open market (including
private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Restricted Stock
Restricted shares of common stock are outstanding shares with full voting and
dividend rights. However, the shares are subject to forfeiture or accelerated
payout under Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death.
Restricted shares vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.
Restricted stock awards of 25,790, 13,380 and 10,690 shares, with per share
weighted-average fair values of $20.46, $26.65, and $22.63, were granted to
employees of PPL Electric in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Compensation
expense for these three years was insignificant. At December 31, 2000, there
were 49,860 restricted shares outstanding. These awards currently vest three
years from the date of grant.
Stock Options
Under the Plans, stock options may also be granted with an option exercise price
per share not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date
of grant. The options are exercisable beginning
88
one year after the date of grant, assuming the individual is still employed by
PPL or a subsidiary, in installments as determined by the Compensation and
Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors in the case of the ICP,
and the Corporate Leadership Council in the case of the ICPKE. The Committee (or
the Corporate Leadership Council, in the case of the ICPKE) has discretion to
accelerate the exercisability of the options. All options expire no later than
ten years from the grant date. The options become exercisable if control of PPL
changes, as defined by the Plans.
PPL applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees" and related interpretations in accounting for stock options. Since
stock options are granted at market price, no compensation cost has been
recognized. Compensation calculated in accordance with the disclosure
requirements of SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was not
significant.
A summary of stock option activity follows:
2000 1999
------------------ -------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price
------ ----- ------ -----
Outstanding at beginning of year 47,090 $26.84
Granted 58,310 $22.65 47,090 $26.84
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 105,400 $24.53 47,090 $26.84
Exercisable at December 31, 15,699 $26.84
The weighted average fair values of options at their grant date during 2000 and
1999 were $3.37 and $2.37, respectively. The estimated fair value of each option
granted is calculated using a modified Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The
weighted average assumptions used in the model were as follows:
2000 1999
---- ----
Risk-free interest rate 6.75% 5.61%
Expected option term 10 yrs 10 yrs
Expected stock volatility 19.66% 16.19%
Dividend yield 5.70% 6.60%
Outstanding options had a weighted-average remaining life of 8.7 years at
December 31, 2000.
9. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
In connection with the corporate realignment on July 1, 2000, sponsorship of the
various pension and postretirement benefit plans was transferred from PPL
Electric to PPL Services to provide for participation by any of the newly
realigned companies. Substantially all employees of PPL Electric are covered by
a defined benefit plan and will become eligible for certain health care and life
insurance benefits upon retirement.
PPL Electric was allocated its portion of the pension benefit obligation on July
1, 2000 and net periodic pension costs from July 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000.
The net periodic pension cost charged to (or credited to) operating expense was
$(6) million in 2000, $8 million in 1999, and $2 million in 1998. Costs in
excess of the amounts charged to expense were charged to construction and other
accounts. At December 31, 2000, the balance of PPL Electric's pension liability
was $105 million.
PPL Electric was also allocated its portion of the postretirement medical
benefit obligation on July 1, 2000 and retiree health and benefit costs for July
1, 2000 to December 31, 2000. The retiree health and benefits costs charged to
operating expense was $19 million in 2000, $20 million in 1999, and $19 million
in 1998. Costs in excess of the amounts charged to expense were charged to
construction and other accounts. At December 31, 2000, the balance of PPL
Electric's postretirement medical liability was $5 million.
PPL Electric has a regulatory asset of $6 million relating to postretirement
benefits that is being amortized and recovered in rates with a remaining life of
12 years.
PPL Electric also maintains an additional liability for the cost of health care
of retired miners of former subsidiaries that had been engaged in coal mining.
At December 31, 2000 the liability was $20 million. The liability is the net of
$53 million of estimated future benefit payments offset by $33 million of
available assets in a PPL Electric funded VEBA trust.
Savings Plans
Substantially all employees of PPL Electric and its subsidiaries are eligible to
participate in deferred savings plans (401k's). Company contributions to the
plans approximated $4 million in 2000, $4 million in 1999, and $3 million in
1998. Increasing
89
contributions were the result of a 1999 enhanced matching formula for the PPL
Electric plans.
Substantially all employees of PPL Electric are also eligible to participate in
the PPL Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Postemployment Benefits
PPL Electric provides health and life insurance benefits to disabled employees
and income benefits to eligible spouses of deceased employees. Postemployment
benefits charged to operating expenses were not significant in 2000, 1999 or
1998.
10. Jointly Owned Facilities
PPL Electric transferred its ownership interest in joint-owned facilities to PPL
Generation in the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment. See Note 13.
11. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Nuclear Insurance
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, ownership
and operation of the Susquehanna nuclear station was transferred to PPL
Susquehanna, which became the insured under existing nuclear insurance programs.
Environmental Matters
In connection with the corporate realignment, effective July 1, 2000, any air,
water and residual waste contingent liabilities associated with the generation
assets of PPL Electric were assumed by PPL Generation.
Superfund and Other Remediation
- -------------------------------
In 1995, PPL Electric entered into a consent order with the DEP to address a
number of sites where PPL Electric may be liable for remediation. This may
include potential PCB contamination at certain PPL Electric substations and pole
sites; potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities
formerly owned and operated by PPL Electric; and oil or other contamination
which may exist at some of PPL Electric's former generating facilities. As of
December 31, 2000, work has been completed on approximately three-quarters of
the sites included in the consent order.
At December 31, 2000, PPL Electric had accrued approximately $5 million,
representing the amount it estimates it will have to spend for site remediation,
including those sites covered by its consent order mentioned above.
Guarantees of Affiliated Companies
At December 31, 2000 and 1999, PPL Electric provided a guarantee in the amount
of $12 million in support of Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation.
Source of Labor Supply
As of December 31, 2000, PPL Electric had a total of 3,330 full-time employees
with approximately 76%, or 2,535, being members of the IBEW Local Union 1600.
The agreement with the IBEW Local Union 1600 was negotiated in 1998 and expires
in May 2002.
12. Related Party Transactions
As part of the corporate realignment, PPL Electric entered into power sales
agreements with PPL EnergyPlus for the purchase of electricity to meet its
obligations as a PLR for customers who have not selected an alternative supplier
under the Customer Choice Act. Under the terms of these agreements, this
electricity is purchased by PPL Electric at the applicable shopping credits
authorized by the PUC, plus nuclear decommissioning costs, less state taxes.
These purchases totaled $540 million for the six months ended December 31, 2000,
and are included in "Energy purchases" on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Also as part of the corporate realignment, PPL Electric executed a reciprocal
contract with PPL EnergyPlus to sell electricity purchased under contracts with
NUGs. PPL Electric purchases electricity from the NUGs at contractual rates, and
then sells the electricity at the same price to PPL EnergyPlus. These revenues
totaled $85 million for the six months ended December 31, 2000, and are included
in Operating Revenues as "Wholesale energy marketing and trading" on the
Consolidated Statement of Income.
Lastly, corporate functions such as financial, legal, human resources and
information services were transferred to PPL Services in the corporate
realignment. PPL Services bills the respective PPL subsidiaries for the cost of
such services when they can be specifically identified. The cost of these
services that are not directly charged to PPL subsidiaries are allocated to
certain of the subsidiaries based on the relative capital invested by PPL in
these subsidiaries. During the period July 1,
90
2000 to December 31, 2000, PPL Services charged PPL Electric approximately $21.9
million for direct expenses, and allocated PPL Electric approximately $41.4
million of overhead costs.
13. Corporate Realignment
On July 1, 2000, PPL and PPL Electric completed a corporate realignment in order
to effectively separate PPL Electric's regulated transmission and distribution
businesses from its recently deregulated generation businesses and to better
position the companies and their affiliates in the new competitive marketplace.
The realignment included PPL Electric's transfer of certain generation and
related assets, along with the associated liabilities, to PPL Energy Funding, a
wholly-owned subsidiary. PPL Electric then distributed its investment in PPL
Energy Funding to PPL. The net book value of this transfer, recorded effective
July 1, 2000, was $271 million.
This $271 million non-cash dividend to PPL had a significant impact on the
consolidated assets and liabilities of PPL Electric. As indicated on the
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows of PPL Electric, approximately $73 million
of cash and cash equivalents of consolidated affiliates was divested as a result
of the realignment distribution. The following major reductions in consolidated
assets and liabilities resulted from the non-cash dividend (millions of
dollars):
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 73
Other current assets 331
Investments 578
Property, plant and equipment 1,969
Other noncurrent assets 16
------
$2,967
------
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities $767
Deferred credits and other
noncurrent liabilities 1,935
Minimum pension liability
component of accumulated
other comprehensive income (6)
------
$2,696
------
Net Dividend $ 271
======
As a result of the corporate realignment, PPL Electric's principal businesses
are the transmission and distribution of electricity to serve retail customers
in its franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and the supply
of electricity to retail customers in that territory as a PLR. Other
subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Electric are generally aligned in the new corporate
structure according to their principal business functions.
The corporate realignment followed receipt of various regulatory approvals,
including approvals from the PUC, the FERC, the NRC and the IRS.
14. Adoption of SFAS 133
In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS 138, which amends certain implementation
issues of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." PPL Electric will adopt SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS
138, as of January 1, 2001.
In an effort to assess the financial statement impact of the adoption of SFAS
133 and SFAS 138, PPL evaluated its current commodity contracts and financial
instruments. Contract evaluations were performed by a PPL project team of
representatives from PPL's major business lines. Additionally, an outside
consultant was retained to provide guidance to the team. Contracts that were
identified as derivatives under SFAS 133 and SFAS 138 were also evaluated to
determine if hedge accounting treatment could be applied.
Based upon this evaluation, it appears that as of December 31, 2000, contracts
which meet the definition of a derivative will not have a significant impact on
PPL Electric's results of operations or its financial position.
91
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance
at Additions Balance at
---------
Beginning Charged End of
Description of Period to Income Other Deductions Period
----------- --------- --------- ----- ---------- ----------
(Millions of Dollars)
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
- ----------------------------------
Year Ended December 31, 2000
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts.................................. 18 22 24 (1) 16
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies............. 2 1 3
Year Ended December 31, 1999
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts.................................. 15 22 19 18
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies............. 11 9 2
Year Ended December 31, 1998
- ----------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts.................................. 16 20 21 15
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies............. 12 1 11
(1) Includes $1 million transfer of PPL EnergyPlus' allowance for doubtful
accounts due to the corporate realignment.
92
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
For the Quarters Ended (a)
March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
2000
Operating revenues......................................... $1,127 $1,006 $ 570 $ 633
Operating income........................................... 268 217 100 84
Net income before extraordinary items...................... 137 102 31 6
Net income................................................. 137 102 31 17
Earnings available to PPL.................................. 131 95 25 10
1999
Operating revenues......................................... $ 968 $ 923 $1,128 $ 933
Operating income........................................... 237 148 190 174
Net income before extraordinary items...................... 120 73 166 122
Net income................................................. 120 73 107 135
Earnings available to PPL.................................. 108 61 101 128
(a) PPL Electric's business is seasonal in nature with peak sales periods
generally occurring in the winter months. In addition, earnings in several
quarters were affected by several nonrecurring items. Lastly, PPL Electric
transferred its electric generation and related assets as part of a
corporate realignment. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year
may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.
93
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS
WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
------------------------
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
-----------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item concerning directors of PPL Electric will be set forth
in the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors," and "Directors Continuing in
Office" in PPL Electric's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information
Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after
December 31, 2000, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required by this item concerning the executive officers of PPL
Electric is set forth at the end of Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
-------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL Electric will be set forth in the sections
entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option
Grants in Last Fiscal Year" and "Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PPL
Electric's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will
be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL Electric will be set forth in the section
entitled "Stock Ownership" in PPL Electric's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and
Information Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days
after December 31, 2000, and which information is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item for PPL Electric will be set forth in the section
entitled "Certain Transactions Involving Directors or Executive Officers" in PPL
Electric's 2001 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will
be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
94
PART IV
-------
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
----------------------------------
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements - included in response to Item 8.
PPL Corporation
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the Three Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2000 and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2000
and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated Mandatorily
Redeemable Securities at December 31, 2000 and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2000 and
1999
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the Three Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2000 and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common Equity for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2000
and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated Mandatorily
Redeemable Securities at December 31, 2000 and 1999
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2000 and
1999
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Supplementary Data and Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule -
included in response to Item 8.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the
Three Years Ended December 31, 2000
All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of the
conditions under which they are required or because the required
information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
Exhibit Index on page 101.
95
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The following Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three months
ended December 31, 2000:
Report dated September 29, 2000
-------------------------------
Item 5. Other Events
Hyder plc transaction
Item 7. Financial Statement and Exhibits
Audited consolidated financial information of Hyder plc, unaudited
proforma consolidated financial information of PPL and consent of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Report dated October 24, 2000
-----------------------------
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Information regarding PPL's strategic initiatives and third quarter
earnings.
Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure
Press Releases dated October 24, 2000 and October 25, 2000, regarding
PPL's two strategic initiatives and its third quarter earnings.
Report dated December 21, 2000
------------------------------
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Sales Agency Agreement between PPL and UBS Warburg, LLC
96
SHAREOWNER AND INVESTOR INFORMATIO
----------------------------------
Annual Meetings: The annual meeting of shareowners of PPL Corporation is held
each year on the fourth Friday of April. The 2001 meeting for PPL Corporation
will be held on Friday, April 27, 2001, at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena, at
the Goodman Campus Complex located in Lower Saucon Township, outside Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania. The 2001 meeting for PPL Electric will be held Tuesday, April 24,
2001, in the North Auditorium of PPL's headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Proxy and Information Statement Material: A proxy statement and information
statement and notice of PPL's and PPL Electric's annual meetings are mailed to
all shareowners of record as of February 28, 2001.
Dividends: The 2001 dates for consideration of the declaration of dividends on
PPL common stock by the PPL Board of Directors or its Executive Committee and
PPL Electric preferred stock by the PPL Electric Board of Directors are February
23, May 25, August 24 and November 16. Subject to the declaration, such
dividends are paid on the first day of April, July, October and January.
Dividend checks are mailed in advance of those dates with the intention that
they arrive as close as possible to the payment dates. The 2001 record dates for
dividends are expected to be March 9, June 8, September 10, and December 10.
Direct Deposit of Dividends: Shareowners may choose to have their dividend
checks deposited directly into their checking or savings account. Quarterly
dividend payments are electronically credited on the dividend date, or the first
business day thereafter.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Shareowners may choose to have dividends on their
PPL common stock or PPL Electric preferred stock reinvested in PPL common stock
instead of receiving the dividend by check.
Certificate Safekeeping: Shareowners participating in the Dividend Reinvestment
Plan may choose to have their common stock certificates forwarded to PPL for
safekeeping.
Lost Dividend or Interest Checks: Dividend or interest checks lost by investors,
or those that may be lost in the mail, will be replaced if the check has not
been located by the 10th business day following the payment date.
Transfer of Stock or Bonds: Stock or bonds may be transferred from one name to
another or to a new account in the name of another person. Please contact
Investor Services regarding transfer instructions.
Bondholder Information: Much of the information and many of the procedures
detailed here for shareowners also apply to bondholders. Questions related to
bondholder accounts should be directed to Investor Services.
Lost Stock or Bond Certificates: Please contact Investor Services for an
explanation of the procedure to replace lost stock or bond certificates.
PPL Summary Annual Report: Published and mailed in mid-March to all shareowners
of record.
Shareowner News: An easy-to-read newsletter containing current items of interest
to shareowners -- published and mailed at the beginning of each quarter.
Periodic Mailings: Letters regarding new investor programs, special items of
interest, or other pertinent information are mailed on a non-scheduled basis as
necessary.
Duplicate Mailings: The summary annual report and other investor publications
are mailed to each investor account. If you have more than one account, or if
there is more than one investor in your household, you may contact Investor
Services to request that only one publication be delivered to your address.
Please provide account numbers for all duplicate mailings.
Shareowner Information Line: Shareowners can get detailed corporate and
financial information 24 hours a day using the Shareowner Information Line. They
can hear timely recorded messages about earnings, dividends and other company
news releases; request information by fax; and request printed materials in the
mail.
The toll-free Shareowner Information Line is 1-800-345-3085.
Other PPL publications, such as the annual and quarterly reports to the
Securities and Exchange Commission (Forms 10-K and 10-Q) will be mailed upon
request.
Shareowners can also obtain information from PPL's Internet home page
(www.pplweb.com). Shareowners can access PPL Securities and
97
Exchange Commission filings, stock quotes and historical performance. Visitors
to our website can provide their E-mail address and indicate their desire to
receive future earnings or news releases automatically.
Investor Services: For any questions you have or additional information you
require about PPL and its subsidiaries, please call the Shareowner Information
Line, or write to:
Manager-Investor Services
PPL Corporation
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Internet Access: For updated information throughout the year, check out our home
page at http://www.pplweb.com. You may also contact Investor Services via E-mail
at invserv@pplweb.com.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listed Securities: Fiscal Agents:
New York Stock Exchange Stock Transfer Agents and
Registrars
PPL Corporation: Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Common Stock (Code: PPL) Shareowner Services
161 North Concord Exchange
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation: South St. Paul, MN 55075-1139
4-1/2% Preferred Stock
(Code: PPLPRB) PPL Services Corporation
4.40% Series Preferred Stock Investor Services Department
(Code: PPLPRA)
Dividend Disbursing Office and
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent
PPL Capital Trust: PPL Services Corporation
8.20% Preferred Securities Investor Services Department
(Code: PPLPRC)
Mortgage Bond Trustee
PPL Capital Trust II: Bankers Trust Co.
8.10% Preferred Securities Attn: Security Transfer Unit
(Code: PPLPRD) P.O. Box 291569
Nashville, TN 37229
Philadelphia Stock Exchange
Bond Interest Paying Agent
PPL Corporation: PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Common Stock Investor Services Department
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
4-1/2% Preferred Stock
3.35% Series Preferred Stock
4.40% Series Preferred Stock
4.60% Series Preferred Stock
98
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PPL Corporation
---------------
(Registrant)
By /s/ William F. Hecht
- ----------------------------------
William F. Hecht -
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the date indicated.
TITLE
-----
By /s/ William F. Hecht Principal Executive
- ---------------------------------- Officer and Director
William F. Hecht -
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer
By /s/ John R. Biggar Principal Financial
- ---------------------------------- Officer
John R. Biggar -
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
By /s/ Joseph J. McCabe Principal Accounting
- ---------------------------------- Officer
Joseph J. McCabe -
Vice President and
Controller
Frederick M. Bernthal Elmer D. Gates Directors
John W. Conway Stuart Heydt
E. Allen Deaver Francis A. Long
William J. Flood W. Keith Smith
By /s/ William F. Hecht
- ----------------------------------
William F. Hecht, Attorney-in-fact Date: March 1, 2001
99
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
----------------------------------
By /s/ Michael E. Bray
- ------------------------------------------
Michael E. Bray -
Vice Chair and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the date indicated.
TITLE
-----
By /s/ Michael E. Bray Principal Executive Officer
- -------------------------------------------
Michael E. Bray - and Director
Vice Chair and President
By /s/ James E. Abel Principal Financial
- -------------------------------------------
James E. Abel - Officer
Treasurer
By /s/ Joseph J. McCabe - Principal Accounting
- -------------------------------------------
Joseph J. McCabe Officer
Vice President and Controller
Directors:
/s/ William F. Hecht /s/ Paul T. Champagne /s/Francis A. Long
- ------------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------------
William F. Hecht Paul T. Champagne Francis A. Long
/s/ John R. Biggar /s/ Robert J. Grey /s/ Lawrence De Simone
- ------------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------------
John R. Biggar Robert J. Grey Lawrence De Simone
/s/Michael E. Bray /s/ James H. Miller
- ------------------------------ ----------------------
Michael E. Bray James H. Miller
Date: March 1, 2001
100
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
Commission and pursuant to Rule 12(b)-32 are incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibits indicated by a [_] are filed or listed pursuant to Item
601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
3(a)-1 - Articles of Incorporation of PPL Corporation (Exhibit B
to Proxy Statement of PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation and Prospectus of PPL Corporation, dated
March 9, 1995)
3(a)-2 - Articles of Amendment of PPL Corporation (Exhibit 3.2
to Registration Statement Nos. 333-54504, 333-54504-01
and 333-54504-02)
3(a)-3 - Articles of Incorporation of PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation (Exhibit 3(i) to PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999)
* 3(a)-4 - Articles of Amendment of PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation
3(b)-1 - By-laws of PPL Corporation (Exhibit 3(ii)(a) to PPL
Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998)
* 3(b)-2 - By-laws of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
* 4(a) - Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
effective January 1, 2000
4(b)-1 - Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1,
1945, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (now
Bankers Trust Company, as successor Trustee) (Exhibit
2(a)-4 to Registration Statement No. 2-60291)
4(b)-2 - Supplement, dated as of July 1, 1954, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 2(b)-5 to Registration
Statement No. 219255)
4(b)-3 - Supplement, dated as of July 1, 1991, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated July 29, 1991)
4(b)-4 - Supplement, dated as of May 1, 1992, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905)
dated June 1, 1992)
4(b)-5 - Supplement, dated as of November 1, 1992, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-29 to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File
1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1992)
4(b)-6 - Supplement, dated as of February 1, 1993, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated February 16, 1993)
4(b)-7 - Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1993, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905)
dated April 30, 1993)
4(b)-8 - Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1993, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated October 29, 1993)
101
4(b)-9 - Supplement, dated as of February 15, 1994, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated March 11, 1994)
4(b)-10 - Supplement, dated as of March 1, 1994, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905)
dated March 11, 1994)
4(b)-11 - Supplement, dated as of March 15, 1994, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated March 30, 1994)
4(b)-12 - Supplement, dated as of September 1, 1994, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K (File No. 1-
905) dated October 3, 1994)
4(b)-13 - Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1994, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated October 3, 1994)
4(b)-14 - Supplement, dated as of August 1, 1995, to said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 6(a) to PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File
No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 1995)
4(b)-15 - Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1997 to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-17 to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905)
for the year ended December 31, 1997)
4(b)-16 - Supplement, dated as of May 5, 1998, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. I-905)
dated May 1, 1998)
4(b)-17 - Supplement, dated as of June 1, 1999, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-19 to PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905)
for the year ended December 31, 1999)
4(c)-1 - Indenture, dated as of November 1, 1997, among PPL
Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc. and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL
Corporation 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated November
12, 1997)
4(c)-2 - Supplement, dated as of November 1, 1997, to said
Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Corporation 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated November 12, 1997)
4(c)-3 - Supplement, dated as of March 1, 1999, to said
Indenture (Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement Nos.
333-87847, 333-87847-01 and 333-87847-02)
4(c)-4 - Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1999, to said
Indenture (Exhibit 4(c)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K
Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1999)
4(c)-5 - Supplement, dated as of June 1, 2000, to said Indenture
(Exhibit 4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File
No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000)
4(d)-1 - Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of April 1,
1997, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and
The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-20661)
102
4(d)-2 - Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of April
8, 1997, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Property Trustee, Chase
Manhattan Bank (Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, and
John R. Biggar and James E. Abel, as Administrative
Trustees (Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement No.
333-20661)
4(d)-3 - Guarantee Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1997, between
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.6 to Registration
Statement No. 333-20661)
4(e)-1 - Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of June
13, 1997, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Property Trustee, Chase
Manhattan Bank (Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, and
John R. Biggar and James E. Abel, as Administrative
Trustees (Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement No.
333-27773)
4(e)-2 - Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1997, between
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.6 to Registration
Statement No. 333-27773)
10(a) - Amended and Restated 364-Day Revolving Credit
Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2000, among PPL
Electric Utilities Corporation, PPL Capital Funding,
Inc., PPL Corporation and the banks named therein
(Exhibit 10 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File
No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 2000)
10(b)-1 - Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of
November 20, 1997, among PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation
and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL
Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No.1-905) for the
year ended December 31, 1997)
10(b)-2 - Amendment No. 1 to said Five-Year Revolving Credit
Agreement (Exhibit 10(b)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K
Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1999)
* 10(c) - Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2000, among
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation, Morgan
Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., and the banks named
therein
* 10(d) - Credit Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2001, among
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation, Credit
Suisse First Boston and the banks named therein
10(e) - Pollution Control Facilities Agreement, dated as of May
1, 1973, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and
the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority
(Exhibit 5(z) to Registration Statement No. 2-60834)
* 10(f) - Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the PJM
Interconnection, L.L.C., dated February 7, 2001
10(g)-1 - Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement, dated January 28,
1988, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (Exhibit 10(e)-7 to
PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for
the year ended December 31, 1987)
10(g)-2 - First Supplement, effective November 1, 1988, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(i)-2 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1989)
103
10(g)-3 - Second Supplement, effective June 1, 1989, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(i)-3 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1989)
10(g)-4 - Third Supplement, effective June 1, 1991, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(g)-4 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1991)
10(g)-5 - Fourth Supplement, effective June 1, 1992, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-5 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
10(g)-6 - Fifth Supplement, effective July 15, 1993, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-6 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
10(g)-7 - Sixth Supplement, effective June 1, 1993, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-7 to
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
*[_]10(h) - Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective February 14, 2000
*[_]10(i)-1 - Amended and Restated Officers Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective February 14, 2000
*[_]10(i)-2 - Amendment No. 1 to said Officers Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective July 1, 2000
*[_]10(i)-3 - Amendment No. 2 to said Officer's Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective July 1, 2000
*[_]10(j)-1 - Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, effective October 1, 1999
*[_]10(j)-2 - Amendment No. 1 to said Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan, effective July 1, 2000
*[_]10(k) - Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan,
effective February 14, 2000
[_]10(l) - Short-Term Incentive Plan (Schedule B to Proxy
Statement of PPL Corporation, dated March 12, 1999)
[_]10(m) - Form of Severance Agreement entered into between PPL
Corporation and Officers (Exhibit 10 to PPL Corporation
Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended
June 30, 1998)
*[_]10(n) - Agreement, effective May 24, 2000, between PPL
Corporation and Paul T. Champagne
10(o) - Equity Contribution Agreement among PPL Corporation,
PPL Montana, LLC, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Trustee (Exhibit 10.15 to PPL Montana's Form S-4 on
Registration Statement (File No. 333-50350)
* 12(a) - PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio
of Earnings to Fixed Charges
* 12(b) - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
104
* 21(a) - Subsidiaries of PPL Corporation
* 21(b) - Subsidiaries of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
* 23 - Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
* 24 - Power of Attorney
* 99 - PPL Corporation Corporate Organization Before and After
Realignment (Selected Subsidiaries)
105