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 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from _________ to ___________
Commission File Registrant; State of Incorporation; IRS Employer
Number Address and Telephone Number Identification No.
- --------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
1-11459 PP&L Resources, Inc. 23-2758192
(Exact name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 774-5151
1-905 PP&L, Inc. 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 PP&L Resources, Inc. New York & Philadelphia
Stock Exchanges
Preferred Stock of PP&L, Inc.
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 PP&L, Inc.
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 PP&L Capital Trust and guaranteed by PP&L, Inc.
(b) Issued by PP&L Capital Trust II and guaranteed by PP&L, Inc.
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.
PP&L Resources, Inc. [ ]
PP&L, Inc. [ 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.
PP&L Resources, Inc. Yes X No
----- -----
PP&L, Inc. Yes X No
----- -----
The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of
PP&L Resources, Inc. at January 31, 1999 was $4,208,205,601. PP&L Resources,
Inc. held all 157,300,382 outstanding common shares, no par value, of PP&L, Inc.
The aggregate market value of the voting preferred stock held by non-affiliates
of PP&L, Inc. at January 31, 1999 was $92,518,336.
The number of shares of PP&L Resources, Inc. Common Stock, $.01 par value,
outstanding on January 31, 1999 was 157,684,519, excluding 16,996,129 shares
held as treasury stock.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Registrants have incorporated herein by reference certain sections of their
1999 Notices of Annual Meetings and Proxy Statements which will be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December
31, 1998. Such Proxy Statements will provide the information required by Part
III of this Report.
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.
PP&L, INC.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by PP&L Resources, Inc. and
PP&L, Inc. Information contained herein relating to PP&L, Inc. is filed by PP&L
Resources, Inc. and separately by PP&L, Inc. on its own behalf. PP&L, Inc.
makes no representation as to information relating to PP&L Resources, Inc. or
its subsidiaries, except as it may relate to PP&L, Inc.
Item Page
- ---- ----
PART I
------
1. Business .............................................
2. Properties ...........................................
3. Legal Proceedings ....................................
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ..
Executive Officers of the Registrants ................
PART II
-------
5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters ..................................
6. Selected Financial Data ..............................
7. Review of the Financial Condition and
Results of Operations ...............................
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Accountants ..................
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial
Statements .......................................
Financial Statements:
PP&L Resources, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the
Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996..............................................
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996..........................................
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and
1997 .............................................
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common
Equity for each of the Three Years Ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...........................
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 .......................
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated
Mandatorily Redeemable Securities at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 .......................
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 .......................
PP&L, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the
Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996..............................................
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996..........................................
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and
1997 .............................................
Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common
Equity for each of the Three Years Ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 ..........................
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 .......................
Notes to Financial Statements ......................
Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule:
II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and
Reserves for the Three Years Ended
December 31, 1998 .............................
Quarterly Financial, Common Stock Price and
Dividend Data ......................................
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................
PART III
--------
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants ..
11. Executive Compensation ...............................
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management ................................
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions .......
PART IV
-------
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K ................................
Shareowner and Investor Information ..................
Signatures ...........................................
Exhibit Index ........................................
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ....
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.
ATLANTIC - Atlantic City Electric Company
BG&E - Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compen-sation and Liability Act
CLEAN AIR ACT (Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990) - legislation enacted
to address environmental issues including acid rain, ozone and toxic air
emissions.
CTC - competitive transition charge
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 - Distributidora Electricidad del Sur S.A., an electric distribution
company in El Salvador
DEP - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
DISTRICT COURT - United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
DOE - Department of Energy
DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) - program available to shareowners of PP&L
Resources' common stock and PP&L preferred stock to reinvest dividends in PP&L
Resources' common stock instead of receiving dividend checks.
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
EMF - electric and magnetic fields
ENERGY ACT (Energy Policy Act of 1992) - legislation passed by Congress to
promote competition in the electric energy market for bulk power.
ENERGY MARKETING CENTER - organization within PP&L responsible for marketing and
trading wholesale energy
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan
FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) - a rulemaking organization that
establishes financial accounting and reporting standards.
FGD - flue gas desulfurization equipment installed at coal-fired power plants to
reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.
FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) - federal agency that regulates
interstate transmission and sale of electricity and related matters.
GRT - Gross Receipts Tax
H.T. LYONS - H.T. Lyons, Inc., a PP&L Resources unregulated subsidiary
specializing in mechanical contracting and engineering.
IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
ISO - Independent System Operator
ITC - intangible transition charge
JCP&L - Jersey Central Power & Light Company
MAJOR UTILITIES - Atlantic, BG&E and JCP&L
McCarl's - McCarl's Inc., a PP&L Resources unregulated subsidiary specializing
in mechanical contracting and engineering.
MCCLURE - McClure Company, a PP&L Resources unregulated subsidiary specializing
in mechanical contracting and engineering.
MSHA - Mine Safety and Health Administration
NOX - nitrogen oxide
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) - federal agency that regulates operation of
nuclear power facilities
NUG (Non-Utility Generator) - generating plants not owned by regulated
utilities. If the NUG meets certain criteria, its electrical output must be
purchased by public utilities as required by PURPA.
OCA - Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
OSM - United States Office of Surface Mining
PA. CNI - Pennsylvania corporate net income tax
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) - additive to oil used in certain electrical
equipment up to the late-1970s. Now classified as a hazardous chemical.
PECO - PECO Energy Company
PENN FUEL GAS - Penn Fuel Gas, Inc., a PP&L Resources regulated subsidiary
specializing in natural gas distribution, transmission and storage services, and
the sale of propane.
PJM (PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.) - operates the electric transmission network
and electric energy market in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
PLAN - PP&L's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan.
PP&L - PP&L, Inc.
PP&L CAPITAL FUNDING - PP&L Capital Funding, Inc., PP&L Resources' financing
subsidiary.
PP&L CAPITAL TRUST - a Delaware statutory business trust created to issue
Preferred Securities, whose common stock is held by PP&L.
PP&L CAPITAL TRUST II -- a Delaware statutory business trust created to issue
Preferred Securities, whose common stock is held by PP&L.
PP&L ENERGYPLUS - Refers to PP&L, Inc. d/b/a PP&L EnergyPlus, and PP&L
EnergyPlus Co., a PP&L, Inc. unregulated subsidiary which is involved in retail
electric generating supply. During 1998, PP&L, Inc. d/b/a PP&L EnergyPlus
provided retail electric generating supply in the Pennsylvania retail pilot
program. As a result of the PUC restructuring settlement, PP&L EnergyPlus became
a separate subsidiary of PP&L, Inc. in September 1998. As of January 1999, PP&L
EnergyPlus Co. is providing retail electric generating supply to customers
throughout Pennsylvania.
PP&L GLOBAL - PP&L Global, Inc., a PP&L Resources unregulated subsidiary which
invests in and develops world-wide power projects
PP&L RESOURCES - PP&L Resources, Inc., the parent holding company of PP&L, PP&L
Global and other subsidiaries.
PP&L SPECTRUM - PP&L Spectrum, Inc., a PP&L Resources unregulated subsidiary
which offers energy-related products and services.
PP&L'S MORTGAGE - PP&L's Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated October 1, 1945.
PREFERRED SECURITIES - Company-obligated mandatorily re-deemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely company debentures (issued by two
Delaware statutory business trusts).
PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission) - state agency that regulates
certain ratemaking, services, accounting, and operations of Pennsylvania
utilities.
PUC DECISION - final order issued by the PUC on September 27, 1995 pertaining to
PP&L's base rate case filed in December 1994.
PUC FINAL ORDER - Final order issued by the PUC on August 27, 1998, approving
the settlement of PP&L Inc.'s 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.
RCRA - 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SBRCA - Special Base Rate Credit Adjustment
SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission
SER - Schuylkill Energy Resources, Inc.
SFAS (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards) - accounting and financial
reporting rules issued by the FASB.
SO2 - Sulfur dioxide
STAS (State Tax Adjustment Surcharge) - rate adjustment mechanism to customer
bills for changes in certain state taxes.
SUPERFUND - federal and state legislation that addresses remediation of
contaminated sites.
SWEB - South Western Electricity plc, a British regional electric utility
company.
U.K. - United Kingdom
VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association Trust) - trust accounts for health
and welfare plans for future payments to employees, retirees or their
beneficiaries.
VERP - Voluntary Early Retirement Program
YEAR 2000 - a set of date-related problems that may be experienced by software
systems or applications.
PART I
------
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
----------------
Terms and abbreviations appearing in "BUSINESS" are explained in the
glossary.
BACKGROUND
PP&L Resources is a holding company with headquarters in Allentown, PA.
Its subsidiaries include PP&L, which provides electricity delivery service in
eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout
Pennsylvania and markets wholesale electricity in 28 states and Canada; PP&L
EnergyPlus (a subsidiary of PP&L), which sells competitively-priced energy and
energy services to newly deregulated markets; PP&L Global, an international
independent power company which invests in and develops world-wide power
projects; PP&L Spectrum, which markets energy-related services and products;
PP&L Capital Funding, which provides debt funding for PP&L Resources and its
subsidiaries other than PP&L; Penn Fuel Gas, which provides natural gas
distribution, transmission and storage services and sells propane; and H.T.
Lyons and McClure, which are mechanical contractor and engineering firms. In
February 1999, PP&L Resources acquired McCarl's Inc., another mechanical
contractor and engineering firm. Other subsidiaries may be formed by PP&L
Resources to take advantage of new business opportunities.
The financial condition and results of operations of PP&L and PP&L Global
are currently the principal factors affecting PP&L Resources' financial
condition and results of operations.
The electric utility industry, including PP&L, has experienced and will
continue to experience a significant increase in the level of competition in the
energy supply 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, in December 1996 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 Proceeding" in Note 3 to Financial Statements and "Increasing
Competition" in Review of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a
discussion of competition-related proceedings before the PUC and PP&L's
involvement in those proceedings.
PP&L is subject to regulation as a public utility by the PUC and is subject
in certain of its activities to the jurisdiction of the FERC under Parts I, II
and III of the Federal Power Act. PP&L Resources and PP&L have been exempted by
the SEC from the provisions of PUHCA applicable to them as holding companies.
PP&L is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC in connection with the
operation of the two nuclear-fueled generating units at PP&L's Susquehanna
station. PP&L 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.
PP&L also is 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 operations of PP&L are subject to the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and the coal cleaning and loading
operations of a PP&L subsidiary are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act of 1977.
PP&L 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 persons.
This service area has 129 communities with populations over 5,000, the largest
cities of which are Allentown, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lancaster,
Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport. In addition to delivery of its own
generation or purchased power, PP&L is delivering power supplied by licensed
EGS' pursuant to the Customer Choice Act.
During 1998, about 96% of total operating revenue was derived from electric
energy sales and marketing activities, with 26% coming from residential
customers, 22% from commercial customers, 15% from industrial customers, 34%
from wholesale sales and 3% from others.
PP&L operates its generation and transmission facilities as part of the
PJM. The PJM operates the electric transmission network and electric energy
market in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. 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. PP&L 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.
In November 1997, the FERC ordered the restructuring of the PJM into 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. See
"Increasing Competition" in the Review of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations for further details on this PJM restructuring.
To take advantage of opportunities in the competitive energy marketplace,
PP&L created an Energy Marketing Center in 1995. The group operates a 24-hour
trading floor and a marketing effort with responsibility for all PP&L wholesale
power transactions. The Energy Marketing Center has allowed PP&L to buy and
sell energy at the most competitive prices and to expand these activities beyond
PP&L's traditional service territory.
Pursuant to the Joint Settlement Petition in its PUC restructuring
proceeding, PP&L transferred its retail marketing function to a new subsidiary,
PP&L EnergyPlus, in September 1998. PP&L EnergyPlus has a PUC license to act as
an EGS. This license permits PP&L EnergyPlus to offer retail electric supply to
customers throughout Pennsylvania. In 1999, PP&L EnergyPlus will offer such
supply to industrial and commercial customers throughout the state. At this
time, PP&L EnergyPlus has decided not to pursue residential customers in the
competitive marketplace based on economic considerations.
Other wholly-owned subsidiary companies of PP&L principally are engaged in
oil and gas pipeline operations, holding cash reserves and passive financial
investing.
PP&L Global, PP&L Resources' second largest subsidiary after PP&L, is an
international independent power company with current investments of $671
million. PP&L Global has ownership and operational interests in distribution
companies in the U.K., Chile and El Salvador that deliver electricity to more
than 2 million customers. PP&L Global also has investment interests in
Argentina, Peru, Spain, Portugal, Bolivia and Brazil. PP&L Global's major
investments to date are SWEB, Emel and DelSur.
During 1998, PP&L Global reached an agreement to acquire the generation
facilities of Bangor-Hydro Electric Company in Maine, totaling 95 megawatts, as
well as certain associated transmission rights, for $89 million.
In addition, during 1998 PP&L Global signed definitive agreements to
purchase 13 Montana power plants, with 2,614 megawatts of generating capacity,
for $1.586 billion. The acquisition is subject to several conditions, including
the receipt of required state and federal regulatory approvals and third-party
consents. The agreements also provide for PP&L Global's acquisition of related
transmission assets for $182 million.
PP&L Global also has announced plans to develop a 520 megawatt gas-fired
power plant in Kingman, Arizona, a 500 - 600 megawatt gas-fired plant in
Wallingford, Connecticut, and a 500 - 600 megawatt gas-fired plant in eastern
Pennsylvania.
PP&L Resources has established growth in its generation capability, along
with expansion of its energy marketing operations, as a key element of its
business strategy. In
addition to the current generating assets of PP&L and the announced acquisitions
and developments of PP&L Global discussed above, PP&L Resources plans to add
another 7,500 mW of generation within the next five years.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
See "Earnings" and "Financial Indicators" in the Review of the Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for this information.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS
See "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in the Review
of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning
PP&L's estimated capital expenditure requirements for the years 1999-2003. See
Note 14 to Financial Statements for information concerning PP&L's estimate of
the cost to comply with the federal clean air legislation enacted in 1990, to
address groundwater degradation and waste water control at PP&L facilities and
to comply with solid waste disposal regulations adopted by the DEP.
POWER SUPPLY
PP&L's system capacity (winter rating) at December 31, 1998 was as follows:
Net
Kilowatt
Plant Capacity
----- --------
Nuclear-fueled steam station
Susquehanna 1,995,000 (a)
---------
Coal-fired steam stations
Montour 1,525,000
Brunner Island 1,469,000
Sunbury 389,000 (b)
Martins Creek 300,000
Keystone 210,000 (c)
Conemaugh 194,000 (d)
Holtwood 73,000 (e)
---------
Total coal-fired 4,160,000
---------
Gas and oil-fired steam station
Martins Creek 1,592,000
Combustion turbines and diesels 364,000
Hydroelectric 146,000
---------
Total generating capacity 8,257,000
---------
Firm purchases
Hydroelectric 139,000 (f)
Qualifying facilities 338,000
---------
Total firm purchases 477,000
---------
Total system capacity 8,734,000
=========
____________________________
(a) PP&L's 90% undivided interest.
(b) PP&L has announced its intention to sell the Sunbury station in
1999.
(c) PP&L's 12.34% undivided interest.
(d) PP&L's 11.39% undivided interest.
(e) Holtwood is scheduled to be closed on May 1, 1999.
(f) From Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation.
The system capacity shown in the preceding tabulation does not reflect
two-party sales and purchases, contractual bulk power sales to JCP&L and BG&E,
and installed capacity credit sales and purchases with other utilities. The net
effect of these transactions is to reduce system capacity by 1,039,000 kilowatts
at the end of December 1998 to 7,695,000 kilowatts.
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.
During 1998, PP&L produced about 41.7 billion kWh in plants it owned. PP&L
also purchased 28.8 billion kWh, and had 35.3 billion kWh in non-system energy
sales.
During 1998, 59% of the energy generated by PP&L's plants came from coal-
fired stations, 35% from nuclear operations at the Susquehanna station, 4% from
the Martins Creek gas and oil-fired station and 2% from hydroelectric stations.
The maximum one-hour demand recorded on PP&L's system is 6,688,000
kilowatts, which occurred on January 14, 1999. The maximum recorded one-hour
summer demand is 6,046,000 kilowatts, which occurred on July 15, 1997. These
peak demands do not include energy sold to Atlantic, BG&E or JCP&L.
PP&L purchases energy from and sells energy to other utilities and FERC-
certified power marketers. PP&L enters into these transactions on an hourly,
daily, weekly, monthly or longer-term basis.
PP&L has a FERC short-term capacity and/or energy sales tariff enabling
PP&L to sell to other utilities and marketers. As of the end of 1998, ninety
utilities and marketers had signed service agreements under this cost-based
tariff. Transactions under these agreements allow PP&L to make more efficient
use of its generating resources and are intended to provide benefits to both
PP&L and the other parties. Under this tariff, PP&L may also sell power
purchased from third parties, which increases PP&L's capabilities for profitable
wholesale transactions.
PP&L also has FERC authorization to sell electric energy and capacity at
market-based rates to wholesale customers located both inside and outside the
PJM control area. Seventy parties have signed service and power sales
agreements for transactions under this market-based rates tariff.
PP&L has an export license to sell capacity and/or energy to electric
utilities in Canada. This export license allows PP&L to sell either its own
capacity and energy not required to serve domestic obligations or power
purchased from other utilities.
See Note 5 to Financial Statements for additional information concerning
the sale of capacity and energy to Atlantic, BG&E and JCP&L.
In addition to the 338,000 kilowatts of qualifying facility generation
included in the total system capacity table above, PP&L is purchasing about
12,000 kilowatts of output from various other non-utility generating companies.
In an effort to reduce operating costs and position itself for the
competitive marketplace, PP&L in August 1998 announced the closing of its
Holtwood coal-fired generating station, effective May 1, 1999. The adjacent
hydroelectric plant will continue to operate. In addition, PP&L announced its
intention to sell its Sunbury coal-fired generating station in 1999.
FUEL SUPPLY
Coal
----
During 1998, about 55% of the coal delivered to PP&L's generating stations
was purchased under contracts and 45% was obtained through open market
purchases. Contracts with non-affiliated coal producers provided PP&L with
about 4.2 million tons of coal in 1998 and are expected to provide PP&L with
about 5.0 million tons in 1999. PP&L's requirements for additional coal are
expected to be obtained by contracts and open market purchases.
The amount of coal carried in inventory at PP&L's generating stations
varies from time to time depending on market conditions and plant operations.
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L's coal supply was sufficient for at least 34 days
of operations.
The coal burned in PP&L's generating stations contains both organic and
pyritic sulfur. Mechanical cleaning processes are utilized to reduce the
pyritic sulfur content of the coal. The reduction of the pyritic 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 sulfur dioxide
emission regulations established by the DEP. For information concerning PP&L's
plans to achieve compliance with the federal clean air legislation enacted in
1990, see "Environmental Matters" in Note 14 to Financial Statements.
PP&L owns a 12.34% undivided interest in the Keystone station and an 11.39%
undivided interest in the Conemaugh station, both of which are generating
stations located in western Pennsylvania. The owners of the Keystone station
have a long-term contract with a coal supplier to provide at least two-thirds of
that station's requirements through 1999 and declining amounts thereafter 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.
Oil and Natural Gas
- -------------------
PP&L's Martins Creek generating station Units 3 and 4 burn both oil and
natural gas. During 1998, 100% of the oil requirements for the Martins Creek
units was purchased on the spot market. As of December 31, 1998, PP&L has no
long-term agreements for these requirements.
During 1998, all of the natural gas consumed at Martins Creek was purchased
and transported under short-term agreements that were one month or less in
duration. PP&L does not have any long-term agreements to purchase gas or gas
transportation.
PP&L's oil and natural gas purchasing and sales functions are now performed
by the Energy Marketing Center. The addition of oil and gas to the Energy
Marketing Center's electricity trading enhances wholesale and retail marketing
efforts and provides a diversified energy portfolio to offer customers.
Additionally, the new trading activities create opportunities to optimize
electric generation efficiency and minimize fuel costs.
Nuclear
-------
PP&L has entered into uranium supply and conversion agreements that satisfy
100% of the uranium requirements for the Susquehanna units through 1999,
approximately 45% of the requirements for the period 2000-2002 and, including
options, an additional 25% of the requirements for the period 2003-2005.
Deliveries under these agreements are expected to provide sufficient quantities
of uranium to permit Unit 1 to operate into the first quarter of 2002 and Unit 2
to operate into the first quarter of 2001.
PP&L has entered into an agreement that satisfies 100% of its enrichment
requirements through 2004. Assuming that other portions of the nuclear fuel
cycle are met, 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.
PP&L has entered into an agreement that, including options, satisfies 100%
of its fabrication requirements through 2006. Assuming that other portions of
the nuclear fuel cycle are met, 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.
PP&L estimates that there is sufficient storage capacity in the spent
nuclear fuel pools at Susquehanna to accommodate the fuel that is expected to be
discharged through the end of 1999.
Federal law requires the federal government to provide for the permanent
disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel. Pursuant to the requirements of that
law, the DOE has initiated an analysis of a site in Nevada for a permanent
nuclear waste repository. Progress on characterization of 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 is necessary. To support this expansion, PP&L has contracted for the
design and construction of a spent fuel storage facility employing dry cask fuel
storage technology at the Susquehanna station. The facility will be modular so
that additional storage capacity can be added as needed. PP&L currently expects
that the new facility will be available to start receiving nuclear spent fuel in
1999. See "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in the Review
of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Federal law also provides that certain costs of spent nuclear fuel disposal
are the responsibility of the generators of such wastes. In January 1997, PP&L
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 the spent nuclear fuel and suspension of the
payment of fees 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 (i.e., monetary
damages) if the DOE fails 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".
YEAR 2000
See "Year 2000" in the Review of the Financial Condition and Results of
Operations for information.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
PP&L is 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 "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure
Requirements" in the Review of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations
for information concerning environmental expenditures during 1998 and PP&L's
estimate of those expenditures during the years 1999-2003. PP&L believes that it
is presently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations.
See "Environmental Matters" in Note 14 to Financial Statements for
information concerning federal clean air legislation enacted in 1990,
groundwater degradation and waste water control at PP&L facilities, the DEP's
solid waste disposal regulations and PP&L's agreement with the DEP concerning
remediation at certain sites of past operations. Other environmental laws,
regulations and developments that may have a substantial impact on PP&L are
discussed below.
Air
---
The Clean Air Act includes, among other things, provisions that: (a)
require the prevention of significant deterioration of existing air quality in
regions where air quality is better than applicable ambient standards; (b)
restrict the construction of and revise the performance standards for new coal-
fired and oil-fired generating stations; and (c) authorize the EPA to impose
substantial noncompliance penalties of up to $25,000 per day of violation for
each facility found to be in violation of the requirements of an applicable
state implementation plan. The DEP administers the EPA's air quality
regulations through the Pennsylvania State Implementation Plan and has
concurrent authority to impose penalties for noncompliance. At this time, PP&L
is meeting all requirements of Phase I of the Clean Air Act.
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 the period 2008 to 2012. Compliance under
the Agreement, if implemented, could result in increased capital and operating
expenses for PP&L in amounts which are not now determinable but which could be
material.
Water
-----
To implement the requirements established by 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 including effluent
standards for steam electric stations. The DEP administers 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 PP&L's existing
facilities, depending on the DEP's interpretation and future amendments to its
regulations.
The EPA and DEP limitations, standards and guidelines for the discharge of
pollutants from point sources into surface waters are implemented through the
issuance of NPDES permits. PP&L has the NPDES permits necessary for the
operation of its facilities.
Pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, the OSM has
adopted effluent guidelines which are applicable to PP&L subsidiaries as a
result of their past coal mining and
continued 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 DEP to
implement the NPDES program for Pennsylvania sources. Compliance with applicable
water quality standards is assured by DEP review of NPDES permit conditions.
PP&L's subsidiaries have received NPDES permits for their mines and related
facilities.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
-------------------------
The RCRA regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and
disposal of hazardous wastes. RCRA also imposes joint and several liability on
generators of solid or hazardous waste for clean-up costs. A revision of RCRA
in late-1984 lowered the threshold for the amount of on-site hazardous waste
generation requiring regulation and incorporated underground tanks used for the
storage of petroleum and petroleum products as regulated units. Based upon the
results of a survey of its solid waste practices, PP&L in the past has filed
notices with the EPA indicating that hazardous waste is occasionally generated
at all of its steam electric generating stations and service centers. PP&L has
established specific operating procedures for handling this hazardous waste.
Therefore, at this time, RCRA and related DEP regulations are not expected to
have a significant additional impact on PP&L.
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.
The Pennsylvania Superfund law also gives the DEP broad authority to
identify hazardous or contaminated sites in Pennsylvania and to order owners or
responsible parties to clean-up the sites. If responsible parties cannot or
will not perform the clean-up, the DEP can hire contractors to clean-up the
sites and then require reimbursement from the responsible parties after the
clean-up is completed. To date, PP&L has principally been involved in federal,
rather than state, Superfund sites.
PP&L has completed removal of coal tar from one subsurface accumulation at
a former coal gasification plant site in Monroe County, Pennsylvania and
currently expects that significant additional remedial action will not be
required. PP&L has entered into agreements with the adjacent property owner and
DEP to share the past and future costs of remediating this site. PP&L's share
of these costs, including future monitoring, is approximately $3 million, all of
which has been spent or accrued.
PP&L has removed coal tar in two brick pits on the site of a former gas
plant and from river sediment adjacent to the site in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
The cost of investigation and remediation of the areas of the site where such
action has been required is estimated at $3 million, all of which has been spent
or accrued. There also is coal tar contamination of the soil and groundwater at
the site. Further remediation of these other areas of the site may be required,
the costs of which are not now determinable but could be material.
PP&L at one time also owned and operated several other gas plants in its
service area. None of these sites is presently on the Superfund list. However,
a few of them may be possible candidates for listing at a future date. PP&L
expects to continue to investigate and, if necessary, remediate these sites.
The cost of this work is not now determinable but could be material.
PP&L is involved in several other sites where it may be required, along
with other parties, to contribute to investigation and remediation. Some of
these sites have been listed by the EPA under Superfund, and others may be
candidates for listing at a future date. Future investigation or remediation
work at sites currently under review, or at sites currently unknown, may result
in material additional operating costs which PP&L cannot estimate at this time.
In addition, certain federal and state statutes, including Superfund and the
Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, 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, including PP&L, to be held
responsible for clean-up of such sites. Such natural resource damage claims
against PP&L could result in additional material liabilities.
See Item 3 "LEGAL PROCEEDINGS" for information concerning an EPA order and
a complaint filed by the EPA in federal district court against PP&L and 35
unrelated parties for remediation of a Superfund site in Berks County,
Pennsylvania; a complaint filed by PP&L and 16 unrelated parties in federal
district court against other parties for contribution under Superfund relating
to the Novak landfill Superfund site in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania and a
related action by the EPA against PP&L and 29 unrelated parties to recover the
agency's past and future costs at the Novak landfill site; an action by the EPA
for reimbursement of the EPA's past response costs and remediation at the site
of a former metal salvaging operation in Montour County, Pennsylvania; and
PP&L's challenge to the DEP's right to collect fees for emissions from PP&L's
coal-fired units.
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 are
currently being sent to Barnwell, South Carolina for disposal. In the event
that this disposal option becomes unavailable or no longer cost-effective, the
low-level radioactive waste will be stored on-site at Susquehanna. PP&L 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. PP&L supports the current efforts to
determine whether 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. PP&L is unable to predict what effect, if any, the
EMF issue might have on PP&L operations and facilities and the associated cost,
or what, if any, liabilities PP&L might incur related to the EMF issue.
In addition to the matters described above, PP&L and its subsidiaries have
been cited from time to time for temporary violations of the DEP and the EPA
regulations with respect to air and water quality and solid waste disposal in
connection with the operation of their facilities and may be cited for such
violations in the future. As a result, PP&L and its subsidiaries may be subject
to certain penalties which are not expected to be material in amount.
PP&L is 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, PP&L may
be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain of its facilities.
PP&L may also incur material capital expenditures and operating expenses in
amounts which are not now determinable.
FRANCHISES AND LICENSES
PP&L has authority to provide electric public utility service throughout
its entire service area as a result of grants by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania in corporate charters to PP&L and companies to which it has
succeeded and as a result of certification thereof by the PUC. PP&L has been
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. PP&L also has an export
license from the DOE to sell capacity and/or energy to electric utilities in
Canada.
PP&L operates Susquehanna Unit 1 and Unit 2 pursuant to NRC operating
licenses which expire in 2022 and 2024, respectively. PP&L operates two
hydroelectric projects pursuant to licenses which were 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.
PP&L also owns one-third of the capital stock of Safe Harbor Water Power
Corporation, which holds a project license which extends until 2030 for the
operation of its hydroelectric plant. The total capacity of the Safe Harbor
plant is 417,500 kilowatts, and PP&L is entitled by contract to one-third of the
total capacity (139,000 kilowatts).
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries had
approximately 7,600 employees including 6,344 full-time PP&L employees.
Approximately 65 percent of PP&L's full-time employees are represented by the
IBEW. PP&L reached a new labor agreement with the IBEW in 1998. This agreement
expires in May 2002.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
------------------
Reference is made to the "Utility Plant" section of Note 1 to Financial
Statements as well as to "Power Plant Operations" in the Review of the Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning investments in
property, plant and equipment. Substantially all electric utility plant is
subject to the lien of PP&L's Mortgage. For a description of PP&L's service
territory and additional information concerning the properties of PP&L, see Item
1, "BUSINESS - Power Supply" and "BUSINESS - Fuel Supply."
See Item 1 "BUSINESS-Background" for a discussion of PP&L Global's
investments.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-------------------------
Reference is made to Note 3 to Financial Statements for information
concerning PP&L's restructuring proceeding before the PUC under the Customer
Choice Act.
Reference is made to "Increasing Competition" in the Review of the
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning pending
proceedings before the FERC regarding wholesale customers and restructuring of
the PJM.
Reference is made to Item 1 "BUSINESS - Fuel Supply" for information
concerning a lawsuit against the DOE for failure of that agency to perform
certain contractual obligations.
In 1998, PP&L settled all outstanding disputes and litigation with SER, a
non-utility generating company from which PP&L purchases power under PURPA. This
litigation related to the power purchase agreement between the parties and SER's
status as a qualifying cogeneration facility. Specifically, in August 1998 PP&L
executed an agreement with SER providing that, effective January 1, 1999, the
PP&L/SER power purchase agreement will be amended to provide that SER will
receive 6.6 cents/kWh for generation up to 79.5 MW, as long as SER operates a
"qualifying facility" under FERC rules. Generation in excess of 79.5 MW will
continue to be sold at rates in the existing power purchase agreement. Subject
to regulatory requirements, SER will be permitted, but not required, to sell
generation above 80.5 MW to third parties.
In November 1998, PP&L and SER executed a second settlement providing that:
(i) SER will make two cash payments totaling $30 million to PP&L in December
1998; (ii) PP&L will retain approximately $8 million in payments withheld from
SER from March through December 1998 as a result of PP&L's reduction in the rate
paid to SER for purchased power; (iii) SER will pay PP&L an additional $4.5
million in total, plus interest, over the remaining 11 years of the power
purchase agreement; (iv) PP&L and SER will conclude all outstanding litigation
and disputes; and (v) PP&L will grant SER normal and emergency minimum operating
levels and curtailment terms like those in place for most of PP&L's other NUGs.
Both cash payments totaling $30 million were made by SER to PP&L in December
1998.
In April 1991, the U.S. Department of Labor through its MSHA issued
citations to one of PP&L's coal-mining subsidiaries for alleged coal-dust sample
tampering at one of the subsidiary's mines. Citations were also issued against
the independent operator of another subsidiary mine, who is also contesting the
citations issued with respect to that mine. The MSHA at the same time issued
similar citations to more than 500 other coal-mine operators. After the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed the ruling of the
Mine Safety and Health Review Commission in favor of one of the mine operators
in a test case, the Secretary of Labor in September 1998 moved to vacate and
dismiss all of the pending cases against the mine operators, including the PP&L
subsidiary. MSHA has indicated that it intends to withdraw all of its citations,
which would conclude all of these pending cases against the mine operators,
including PP&L's subsidiary.
In August 1994, PP&L filed a rate complaint with the federal Interstate
Commerce Commission, now the Surface Transportation Board, challenging
Consolidated Rail Corporation's (Conrail's) coal transportation rates from
interchange points with connecting carriers to PP&L's power plants. In September
1995, PP&L amended its complaint to add the connecting carriers, CSX Corporation
and Norfolk Southern Corporation, as additional defendants. In September 1997,
PP&L reached an agreement with the carriers to settle this case. The settlement
was conditioned on the outcome of the joint Norfolk Southern/CSX application to
take control of Conrail. The Surface Transportation Board approved the Conrail
takeover in July 1998. Under the terms of the settlement, PP&L began paying
lower coal transportation rates in October 1998.
In August 1991, PP&L and 35 other unrelated parties received an EPA order
under CERCLA requiring that certain remedial actions be taken at a former oil
recovery site in Berks County, Pennsylvania, which has been included on the
federal Superfund list. PP&L had been identified by the EPA as a potentially
responsible party, along with over 100 other parties. The EPA order required
remediation by the 36 named parties of four specific areas of the site. Remedial
action under this order has been completed at a cost of approximately $2
million, of which PP&L's interim share was approximately $50,000.
The EPA at the same time filed a complaint under Section 107 of CERCLA in
the District Court against PP&L and the same 35 unrelated parties. The complaint
asks the District Court to hold
the parties jointly and severally liable for all EPA's past costs at the site
and future costs of remediating some of the remaining areas of the site. The EPA
claims it has spent approximately $21 million to date. PP&L and a group of the
other named parties have sued approximately 460 other parties in District Court,
claiming that these parties contributed waste to the site, and demanding that
these companies contribute to the clean-up costs.
In July 1993, PP&L and 33 of the 35 unrelated parties received an EPA order
under Section 106 of CERCLA requiring remediation of the remaining areas of the
site identified by the EPA. The current estimate of remediating the remainder of
the site is approximately $18 million. These costs would be shared among the
responsible parties. PP&L and other parties to the lawsuit have reached a
settlement among themselves and the federal government regarding these claims.
PP&L's share of the settlement amount is not material.
In December 1991, PP&L and 16 unrelated parties filed complaints against 64
other parties in District Court seeking reimbursement under CERCLA for costs the
plaintiffs have incurred and will incur to investigate and remediate the Novak
landfill site in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. In January 1997, the EPA filed an
action against PP&L and 29 other parties under Section 107 of CERCLA to recover
the EPA's past costs at the site, which it alleges are in excess of $990,000.
The parties have settled these actions. In addition, the EPA has issued an order
under Section 106 of CERCLA against PP&L and several other parties to jointly
remediate the site. The current estimate of implementing this remedy is
approximately $17 million. PP&L's share of the remediation cost at this site is
not expected to be material.
In April 1993, PP&L received an order under Section 106 of CERCLA requiring
that actions be taken at the site of a former metal salvaging operation in
Montour County, Pennsylvania. The EPA took similar action with two other
potentially responsible parties at the site. The Company has reached a
settlement with the EPA for this site for an amount that is not material.
PP&L challenged the DEP's right to collect air emission fees for hazardous
air pollutants (HAPs) from PP&L's coal-fired units and air emission fees for
emissions from PP&L's Phase I-affected units from 1995 through 1999. (Phase I-
affected units were those units required by the Clean Air Act, or which
voluntarily opted into the requirement, to make certain reductions in SO2 and
NOx emissions by 1995; all others must make these reductions by 2000.) The HAPs
emissions fees are approximately $200,000 per year. The emission fees for Phase
I-affected units from 1995 through 1999 are estimated at $1.6 million. PP&L and
the DEP have finalized a settlement of this litigation, under which (i) PP&L
will pay reduced fees for the Phase I-affected units from 1995-1999 and will pay
all HAPs fees as assessed; and (ii) no penalties or interest will be imposed by
DEP.
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
1998.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
-------------------------------------
Officers of PP&L Resources and PP&L 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, 1998:
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.:
Effective Date of
Election to
Name Age Position Present Position
- ------------------ --------- --------- -----------------
William F. Hecht 55 Chairman, President
and Chief Executive February 24, 1995
Officer
Frank A. Long 58 Executive Vice
President February 24, 1995
Robert G. Byram* 53 Senior Vice President-
Generation and Chief
Nuclear Officer - PP&L April 1, 1997
John R. Biggar 54 Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer November 1, 1998
Robert D. Fagan* 53 President - PP&L Global,
Inc. December 20, 1995
Robert J. Grey 48 Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary March 1, 1996
Terry H. Hunt 50 Senior Vice President-
Strategic Planning October 1, 1998
Joseph J. McCabe 48 Vice President and
Controller August 1, 1995
* Mr. Byram and Mr. Fagan have been designated executive officers of PP&L
Resources by virtue of their respective positions at PP&L Resources
subsidiaries.
PP&L, Inc.
Effective Date of
Election to
Name Age Position Present Position
- ------------------ --------- --------- -----------------
William F. Hecht 55 Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Janaury 1, 1993
Officer
Frank A. Long 58 Executive Vice
President and Chief January 1, 1993
Operating Officer
Robert G. Byram 53 Senior Vice President-
Generation and Chief
Nuclear Officer April 1, 1997
John R. Biggar 54 Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial November 1, 1998
Officer
Robert J. Grey 48 Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and March 1, 1996
Secretary
Terry H. Hunt 50 Senior Vice President-
Strategic Planning October 1, 1998
Joseph J. McCabe 48 Vice President and
Controller August 1, 1995
Each of the above officers, with the exception of Messrs. Fagan, Grey, Hunt
and McCabe, has been employed by PP&L for more than five years as of December
31, 1998. Mr. Fagan joined PP&L Global in November 1994. Prior to that time,
he was Vice President and General Manager at Mission Energy Company. Mr. McCabe
joined PP&L in May 1994 and was previously a partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Mr. Grey joined PP&L in March 1995. He had been General Counsel of Long Island
Lighting Company since 1992. Mr. Hunt joined PP&L in October 1998. He also is
the President and CEO of Penn Fuel Gas and its subsidiaries.
Prior to their election to the positions shown above, the following
executive officers held other positions within PP&L since January 1, 1994: Mr.
Byram was Senior Vice President - Nuclear; Mr. Biggar was Vice President-
Finance, Vice President - Finance and Treasurer and Senior Vice President-
Financial; Mr. Grey was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and Mr.
McCabe was Controller.
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.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
1998 (a) 1997 (a) 1996 1995 (a) 1994 (a)
PP&L Resources, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Items -- millions
Operating revenues................................... $ 3,786 $ 3,077 $ 2,926 $ 2,752 $ 2,725
Operating income (g)................................. 827 800 810 836 719
Net Income (Loss).................................... (569) 296 329 323 216 (e)
Balance Sheet Items -- millions (b)
Property, plant and equipment, net................... 4,480 6,820 6,960 6,970 7,195
Recoverable transition costs......................... 2,819
Total assets......................................... 9,607 9,485 9,670 9,492 9,372
Long-term debt....................................... 2,984 2,735 2,832 2,859 2,941
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely company debentures.................. 250 250
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements..................... 47 47 295 295 295
Without sinking fund requirements.................. 50 50 171 171 171
Common equity........................................ 1,790 2,809 2,745 2,597 2,454
Short-term debt...................................... 636 135 144 89 74
Total capital provided by investors.................. 5,757 6,026 6,187 6,011 5,936
Capital lease obligations............................ 168 171 247 220 225
Financial Ratios
Return on average common equity -- % (f)............ 13.39 10.60 12.30 12.81 8.73
Embedded cost rates (b)
Long-term debt -- %................................ 7.40 7.88 7.89 7.95 8.07
Preferred stock -- %............................... 5.87 5.85 6.09 6.09 6.07
Preferred securities (pre-tax) -- %................ 8.43 8.43
Times interest earned before income taxes (f)........ 3.69 3.39 3.55 3.56 2.73
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges -- total
enterprise basis (c)............................... 3.48 3.22 3.45 3.47 2.70
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
dividends on preferred stock
--total enterprise basis (c)...................... 3.12 2.85 2.90 2.91 2.27
Common Stock Data
Number of shares outstanding -- thousands
Year-end........................................... 157,412 166,248 162,665 159,403 155,482
Average............................................ 164,651 164,550 161,060 157,649 153,458
Number of shareowners (b)............................ 100,458 117,293 123,290 128,075 132,632
Earnings (loss) per share - reported................. ($3.46) $ 1.80 $ 2.05 $ 2.05 $ 1.41
Earnings (loss) per share excluding
extraordinary items (f)............................ $ 2.29 $ 1.80 $ 2.05 $ 2.05 $ 1.41
Dividends declared per share......................... $ 1.335 $ 1.67 $ 1.67 $ 1.67 $ 1.67
Book value per share (b)............................. $ 11.37 $ 16.90 $ 16.87 $ 16.29 $ 15.79
Market price per share (b)........................... $ 27.875 $ 23.938 $ 23 $ 25 $ 19
Dividend payout rate -- % (f)........................ 58 93 82 82 119
Dividend yield -- % (d).............................. 4.79 6.98 7.26 6.68 8.79
Price earnings ratio (f)............................. 12.17 13.30 11.22 12.20 13.48
(a) Earnings for 1998, 1997, 1995 and 1994 were affected by several one-time adjustments. Results for 1998
also include the impact of extraordinary items. These adjustments affected net income and certain items
under Financial Ratios and Common Stock Data. See Financial Notes 4, 10 and 11.
(b) At year-end
(c) Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PP&L Resources 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. (Extraordinary items excluded from 1998 calculations.)
(d) Based on year-end market prices.
(e) Results for 1994 restated to reflect formation of the holding company.
(f) Results for 1998 based on earnings per share excluding extraordinary items.
(g) Operating income of 1997 and earlier years restated to conform to the current presentation.
Note: See Results of Operations - "Financial Indicators" for selected ratios for 1996, 1997 and 1998 based on
fully-adjusted earnings.
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
1998 (a) 1997 (a) 1996 1995 (a) 1994 (a)
PP&L, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME ITEMS -- millions
Operating revenues..................................... $ 3,643 $ 3,049 $ 2,911 $ 2,752 $ 2,725
Operating income (f)................................... 801 790 809 836 719
Earnings (Loss) available to PP&L Resources, Inc. (587) 308 329 324 215 (d)
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS -- MILLIONS (b)
Property, plant and equipment, net..................... 4,331 6,820 6,960 6,970 7,195
Recoverable transition costs........................... 2,819
Total assets........................................... 8,838 9,472 9,405 9,424 9,321
Long-term debt......................................... 2,569 2,633 2,832 2,859 2,941
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures............................ 250 250
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements....................... 295 295 295 295 295
Without sinking fund requirements.................... 171 171 171 171 171
Common equity.......................................... 1,730 2,612 2,617 2,528 2,404
Short-term debt........................................ 80 45 10 89 74
Total capital provided by investors.................... 5,095 6,006 5,925 5,942 5,885
Capital lease obligations 168 171 247 220 225
FINANCIAL RATIOS
Return on average common equity -- % (e)............... 13.61 11.75 12.95 13.10 8.83
Embedded cost rates (b)
Long-term debt -- %.................................. 7.56 7.91 7.89 7.95 8.07
Preferred stock -- %................................. 6.09 6.90 6.09 6.09 6.07
Preferred securities (pre-tax) -- %.................. 8.43 8.43
Times interest earned before income taxes (e).......... 4.22 3.67 3.62 3.58 2.73
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges -- total
enterprise basis (c)................................. 3.93 3.47 3.50 3.48 2.70
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
dividends on preferred stock
--total enterprise basis (c)........................ 3.04 2.77 2.93 2.92 2.26
REVENUE DATA
Average price per kWh billed for service area
sales - cents...................................... 7.26 7.36 7.38 7.21 7.24
SALES DATA
Customers (thousands)(b)............................... 1,257 1,247 1,236 1,226 1,213
Electric energy sales delivered -- millions of kWh
Residential.......................................... 11,156 11,434 11,849 11,300 11,444
Commercial........................................... 10,597 10,309 10,288 9,948 9,715
Industrial........................................... 10,220 10,078 10,016 9,845 9,536
Other................................................ 164 143 154 188 236
----------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Service area sales................................. 32,137 31,964 32,307 31,281 30,931
Wholesale energy sales............................. 36,706 21,454 14,341 11,424 10,848
----------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total electric energy sales delivered.............. 68,843 53,418 46,648 42,705 41,779
----------- -------- -------- -------- --------
NUMBER OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES (b)........................ 6,344 6,343 6,428 6,661 7,431
(a) Earnings for 1998, 1997, 1995 and 1994 were affected by several one-time adjustments. Results for 1998 also
include the impact of extraordinary items. This affected earnings available to PP&L Resources and certain items in
Financial Ratios. See Financial Note 4.
(b) At year-end
(c) Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PP&L 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.
(Extraordinary items excluded from 1998 calculations.)
(d) Results for 1994 restated to reflect formation of the holding company.
(e) Results for 1998 based on earnings per share excluding extraordinary items.
(f) Operating income of 1997 and earlier years restated to conform to the current presentation.
ITEM 7. REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF PP&L
RESOURCES, INC. AND PP&L, INC.
PP&L Resources is a holding company with headquarters in Allentown, PA.
Its subsidiaries include PP&L, which provides electricity delivery service in
eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout
Pennsylvania and markets wholesale electricity in 28 states and Canada; PP&L
EnergyPlus (a subsidiary of PP&L), which sells competitively-priced energy and
energy services to newly deregulated markets; PP&L Global, an international
independent power company which invests in and develops worldwide power
projects; PP&L Spectrum, which markets energy-related services and products;
PP&L Capital Funding, which provides debt funding for PP&L Resources and its
subsidiaries other than PP&L; Penn Fuel Gas, which provides natural gas
distribution, transmission and storage services and sells propane; and H.T.
Lyons and McClure, which are mechanical contractor and engineering firms. In
February 1999, PP&L Resources acquired McCarl's Inc., another mechanical
contractor and engineering firm. Other subsidiaries may be formed by PP&L
Resources to take advantage of new business opportunities.
The financial condition and results of operations of PP&L and PP&L Global
are currently the principal factors affecting the financial condition and
results of operations of PP&L Resources. All fluctuations, unless specifically
noted, are primarily due to activities of PP&L and PP&L Global.
Terms and abbreviations appearing in the Review of the Financial Condition
and Results of Operations are explained in the glossary.
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 PP&L Resources and PP&L believe that the
expectations 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. The following are among the factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: state and
federal regulatory developments; new state or federal legislation; national or
regional economic conditions; market demand and prices for energy and capacity;
weather variations affecting customer energy usage; competition in retail and
wholesale power markets; the need for and effect of any business or industry
restructuring; PP&L Resources' and PP&L's profitability and liquidity; new
accounting requirements or new applications of existing requirements; operating
performance of plants and other facilities; environmental conditions and
requirements; system conditions (including actual results in achieving Year 2000
compliance by PP&L Resources, its subsidiaries and others) and
operating costs; performance of new ventures; political, regulatory or economic
conditions in foreign countries where PP&L Global makes investments; foreign
exchange rates; and PP&L Resources' and PP&L's commitments and liabilities. Any
such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such important
factors and in conjunction with PP&L Resources' and PP&L'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 PP&L Resources or PP&L 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 PP&L Resources nor PP&L undertakes any obligation to update
the information contained in such statement to reflect subsequent developments
or information.
Results of Operations
---------------------
Earnings
Excluding the effects of weather and several one-time and other
adjustments, most of which are related to the transition to a competitive
electricity market in Pennsylvania, earnings per share were $2.07 in 1998, $2.03
in 1997 and $2.00 in 1996. Abnormal weather in 1998 adversely affected earnings
by 20 cents per share, the largest such effect in more than a decade.
On an as-reported basis, PP&L Resources lost $3.46 per share of common
stock in 1998, versus per share earnings of $1.80 in 1997 and $2.05 in 1996.
The following table highlights the major items that impacted earnings for each
of these years:
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -----
Earnings per share - excluding
weather, one-time adjustments
and other impacts of restructuring $ 2.07 $ 2.03 $2.00
Weather variances on billed sales (0.20) (0.03) 0.05
One-time adjustments:
PUC restructuring charge (See Note 4) (5.56)
FERC municipalities settlement
(See Note 4) (0.19)
Windfall profits tax (See Note 10) (0.23)
SER settlement 0.11
U.K. tax rate reduction 0.06 0.06
Penn Fuel Gas acquisition costs 0.03 (0.03)
Other impacts of restructuring 0.22
------ ------ -----
Earnings per share - reported $(3.46) $ 1.80 $2.05
====== ====== =====
Earnings in 1998 were negatively impacted by $948 million of after-tax
charges related to the settlement of PP&L's restructuring case before the PUC
and another competition-related case before FERC. Several one-time adjustments
helped earnings, including a reduction in U.K. corporate income tax rates, a
change in the accounting treatment of Penn Fuel Gas acquisition costs and $30
million in proceeds from a settlement with SER regarding a contract dispute over
the power purchase costs.
The PUC restructuring adjustments also provided a favorable impact of about
22 cents per share on third and fourth quarter earnings of 1998. These
adjustments included lower depreciation on impaired generation assets, reduced
accruals for taxes other than income and a regulatory adjustment to the
accounting for unbilled revenues. These favorable impacts were partially offset
by the direct expensing of costs of computer software identified as impaired as
part of the restructuring accounting adjustments.
After eliminating the effects of these adjustments, 1998 earnings improved
by four cents per share over 1997. This earnings improvement reflects higher
weather-normalized sales in all customer classes, particularly in the third and
fourth quarters of 1998. Weather-adjusted delivery sales to customers in
central and eastern Pennsylvania were 2.9% higher in 1998 than in 1997.
Earnings were also favorably affected by increased wholesale electricity
revenues.
These earnings improvements were partially offset by higher operating
expenses incurred in 1998 over 1997. This increase reflects higher costs
associated with computer information systems, and additional payroll, consultant
services and other expenses to meet the requirements of retail competition.
Increased firm transmission costs related to the Energy Marketing Center
activities and a higher provision for uncollectible customer accounts also
increased operating expenses.
Adjusted 1997 earnings were three cents per share higher than in 1996.
This earnings improvement was attributable to higher revenues from bulk power
sales and trading activity of the Energy Marketing Center, which helped offset
the impact of the phase-down of contractual sales to JCP&L. Earnings also
benefited from refinancing activities and, excluding one-time adjustments, the
on-going operations of PP&L Global.
The reduction in contractual bulk power sales to JCP&L and other major
utilities will continue to adversely impact earnings over the next few years.
However, the Energy Marketing Center will resell this returning electric energy
and capacity on the open market, along with its other energy trading activities,
in an effort to offset the loss in revenues from declining contractual sales.
ELECTRIC ENERGY SALES
Electricity sales for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
1998 1997 1996
------ ----------------- ------
(Millions of kWh)
Electricity delivered to
retail customers by PP&L (a) 32,137 31,964 32,307
Less: Electricity supplied
during pilot by others 1,999 65
------ ------ ------
Electricity supplied to retail
customers by PP&L 30,138 31,899 32,307
Electricity supplied to retail
customers by PP&L EnergyPlus
during the pilot 1,507
------ ------ ------
Total electricity supplied
to retail customers (a) 31,645 31,899 32,307
Wholesale Energy Sales 36,706 21,454 14,340
(a) kWh for customers residing in PP&L's service territory who are receiving
energy from PP&L or PP&L EnergyPlus will be reflected in both of these
categories.
Under Pennsylvania's competition pilot program, customers were allowed to
choose the supplier of their electricity in 1998. Pilot customers continued to
have the utility that served their territory deliver electricity from the
supplier of choice. "Electricity delivered to retail customers by PP&L" is the
amount of electricity delivered by PP&L to customers in its service territory.
"Electricity supplied to retail customers by PP&L" represents the amount of
electricity supplied to PP&L service territory customers who did not participate
in the pilot program. "Electricity supplied to retail customers by PP&L
EnergyPlus" is electricity supplied to customers within and outside PP&L service
territory who participated in the pilot program and chose PP&L EnergyPlus as
their energy supplier.
Electricity delivered to retail customers increased by 173 million kWh, or
0.5%, from the comparable period in 1997. If normal weather had been
experienced in 1998 and 1997, deliveries would have increased by 2.9%. This
increase is attributable to strong third and fourth quarter deliveries to all
customer classes. Electricity delivered decreased by 343 million kWh, or 1.1%,
in 1997 from 1996. However, if normal weather had been experienced, deliveries
in 1997 would have increased by 0.2%.
Total electricity supplied to retail customers has decreased for the past
two years. This decrease was due to milder weather in both 1998 and 1997 as
compared to 1996, as well as the impact of the competition pilot program.
The increase in wholesale energy sales, which includes sales to other
utilities and energy marketers through contracts, spot market transactions or
power pool arrangements, was primarily the result of
increased activity of the Energy Marketing Center. See "Operating Revenues:
Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading Activities" for more information.
PP&L Resources has established growth in its generation capability, along
with expansion of its energy marketing operations, as a key element of its
business strategy. In addition to the current generating assets of PP&L and the
announced acquisitions and developments of PP&L Global discussed in Item 1
"BUSINESS-Background," PP&L Resources plans to add another 7,500 mW of
generation within the next five years.
ENERGY MARKETING AND TRADING ACTIVITIES
PP&L, through its Energy Marketing Center, purchases and sells electric
capacity and energy at the wholesale level under its FERC market-based tariff.
PP&L has entered into agreements to sell firm capacity or energy under its
market-based tariff to certain entities located inside and outside of the PJM
power pool. PP&L enters into these agreements to market available energy and
capacity from its generating assets and to profit from market price
fluctuations. If PP&L was unable to meet its obligations under these agreements
to sell firm capacity and energy, under certain circumstances it would be
required to pay damages equal to 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 material. Events that could affect PP&L's
ability to meet its firm capacity or energy obligations or cause significant
increases in the market price of replacement capacity and energy include the
occurrence of extreme weather conditions, unplanned generating plant outages,
transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their
counterparties) with which it has power contracts and other factors affecting
the wholesale energy markets. Although PP&L 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.
PP&L's efforts to mitigate risks associated with open contract positions
include maintaining generation capacity to deliver electricity to satisfy its
net firm sales contracts and purchasing firm transmission service. In addition,
the Energy Marketing Center adheres to the Company's risk management policy and
programs, including established credit policies in evaluating counterparty
credit risk. PP&L has not experienced any material losses due to non-
performance by counterparties to date.
During 1998, the Energy Marketing Center entered into commodity forward and
option contracts for the physical purchase and sale of energy; these
transactions were reflected in the financial statements under the accrual method
of accounting. As of January 1, 1999, PP&L adopted mark-to-market accounting
for energy contracts entered into for trading purposes, in accordance with EITF
98-10, "Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management
Activities" and, as a result, recognized a $6.0 million after-tax credit to
energy
purchases. Under mark-to-market accounting, gains and losses that result from
changes in the market prices on contracts entered into for trading purposes will
be reflected in current earnings. For purposes of EITF 98-10, energy trading
activities refer to energy contracts entered into with the objective of
generating profits on or from exposure to shifts or changes in market prices,
and 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). PP&L will continue to
use accrual accounting for energy contracts that are hedges of non-trading
activities until it adopts SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities," which it expects will occur effective January 1, 2000. SFAS
133, which expands the definition of a derivative to include most of PP&L's
commodity contracts that require physical delivery, requires that an entity
recognize all derivatives in the statement of financial position at fair value.
The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative will depend on the
intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
----------------------------------------------------------
PP&L Resources actively manages the market risk inherent in its commodity,
debt, foreign currency and equity positions. The Board of Directors of PP&L
Resources has adopted a risk management policy to manage the risk exposures
related to energy prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
The policy establishes 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 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.
Commodity Price Risk - Energy Marketing Center
----------------------------------------------
PP&L'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. The Company's risk management policy and programs include
risk identification, risk limits management with measurement and controls for
real time risk monitoring. In 1998, PP&L entered into fixed-price forward and
option contracts that required physical delivery of the commodity. In 1999,
PP&L expects to continue to use such contracts as well as other contracts, such
as futures and options that could be settled either in cash or by physical
delivery of the underlying 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, and tolling, reverse
tolling, or other contractual arrangements.
PP&L enters into contracts to hedge the impact of market fluctuations on
its energy-related assets, liabilities, and other contractual arrangements. In
addition, as defined by EITF 98-10, PP&L enters into these contracts for trading
purposes to take advantage of market opportunities. PP&L may at times create a
net open position in its portfolio that could result in material losses if
prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated.
PP&L 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. As of December 31, 1998, PP&L estimated
that a 10% decline in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods
could have adversely changed the value of PP&L's trading portfolio by
approximately $16 million. For PP&L's non-trading portfolio, a 10% decline in
market prices across all geographic areas and time periods could have positively
changed the value of PP&L's non-trading portfolio by $17 million; however, this
would be offset by the decline in the value of the underlying commodity, the
electricity generated. In addition to commodity price risk, PP&L's commodity
positions are also subject to operational and event risks including, among
others, increases in load demand and forced outages at generating plants.
Beginning in October 1998, the PJM ISO established capacity auctions to
increase price transparency and liquidity. PP&L expects to participate fully in
this capacity market and will apply its existing risk management policies and
procedures to its capacity transactions. In the future, capacity is expected to
evolve into an actively traded commodity, similar to electricity.
Commodity Price Risk - PP&L EnergyPlus
--------------------------------------
PP&L EnergyPlus was created in September 1998 as a retail marketing
subsidiary of PP&L. During 1998, PP&L EnergyPlus entered into various
arrangements, effective in 1999, with retail customers who elect to shop for an
energy provider. These contracts commit PP&L EnergyPlus to the sale of
electricity or natural gas without a specified firm volume. The longest sales
contract extends for three years. To hedge the price risk of these
transactions, PP&L EnergyPlus has entered into forward purchase contracts and
has the ability to supply the electricity through an option contract with the
Energy Marketing Center. Therefore, the potential for near-term losses
associated with PP&L EnergyPlus' commodity position is immaterial.
Interest Rate Risk
------------------
As a result of deregulation and the new competitive environment, PP&L is
exposed to increased interest rate risk. In addition, PP&L
Resources has issued debt to finance unregulated energy investments, which also
increases interest rate risk. PP&L Resources plans to manage its interest
expense risk by using financial derivative products to adjust the mix of fixed
and floating rate interest rates in its debt portfolio, adjust the duration of
its debt portfolio and lock in U.S. treasury rates in anticipation of future
financing, when appropriate. Risk limits were developed using value at risk
methodology and are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest
expense and losses in the fair value of PP&L Resources' long-term fixed rate
debt due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates. As of December 31,
1998, PP&L Resources had no financial derivative instruments outstanding.
PP&L Resources is also exposed to changes in earnings and cash flows as a
result of changes in interest rates for commercial paper and other short-term
debt. At December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources' potential annual maximum exposure to
increased interest expense due to an increase in interest rates over a 30-day
period, based on a confidence level of 97.5%, was estimated at $4.5 million.
This amount has been determined by considering the impact of a hypothetical
increase in interest rates on the company's commercial paper and other short-
term debt balances as of December 31, 1998. Historically, there is a 97.5%
probability that interest rates for commercial paper and other short-term debt
will not increase more than 50 basis points over a 30-day period.
PP&L Resources is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its long-
term, fixed rate debt. At December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources estimated its
potential maximum exposure to a change in the fair value of its long-term fixed
rate debt through an adverse movement in interest rates over a one-day period,
based on a confidence level of 97.5%, at $22 million. Historically, there is a
97.5% probability that fixed interest rates will not increase more than 13 basis
points over a one-day period.
Market events that are inconsistent with historical trends could cause
actual results to exceed estimated levels.
Foreign Operations Risk
-----------------------
PP&L Global has investments in several international operations, most of
which are joint ventures. At December 31, 1998, PP&L Global had investments of
$671 million. These investments are primarily energy-related distribution
facilities. PP&L Global is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily through
investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe.
PP&L Resources has adopted a foreign currency risk management program that
is designed to limit or hedge future cross-border cash flows for firm
transactions and commitments and to hedge economic exposures such as anticipated
dividends and projected asset sales or acquisitions when there is a high degree
of certainty that the exposure will be realized. As of December 31, 1998, PP&L
Resources did not incur any significant foreign currency-based financing.
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources was party to two forward contracts
to hedge the foreign currency exchange risk associated with dividends declared
but not yet received. PP&L will exchange 16 million British pounds sterling
(BPS) for approximately $27 million on March 31, 1999, based on a contractual
exchange rate of $1.654/BPS. On January 22, 1999, PP&L Resources exchanged 359
million Chilean pesos (ChP) for $0.7 million, based on a contractual exchange
rate of $.00195/ChP. The fair value of these contracts at December 31, 1998,
was immaterial.
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund - Securities Price Risk
----------------------------------------------------
PP&L maintains trust funds, as required by the NRC, to fund certain costs
of decommissioning Susquehanna. As of December 31, 1998, these funds were
invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed rate, fixed income
securities and are reflected at fair value on the 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. PP&L actively
monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in
accordance with PP&L's nuclear decommissioning trust policy statement. A
hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and 10% decrease in equity prices
would result in a $13.7 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets.
PP&L's restructuring settlement agreement provides for the collection of
authorized nuclear decommissioning costs through the CTC. Additionally, PP&L is
permitted to seek recovery from customers of up to 96% of any increases in these
costs. Therefore, PP&L securities price risk is expected to remain immaterial.
OPERATING REVENUES: ELECTRIC OPERATIONS
The increase (decrease) in revenues from electric operations was
attributable to the following:
1998 vs 1997 1997 VS 1996
------------- -------------
(Millions of Dollars)
Retail Electric Revenues
Weather effect $(63) $(30)
Sales volume and sales mix effect 67 (1)
Unbilled revenues 10 16
Pilot shopping credit above market price (14)
Other, net 7 9
Energy revenues (29)
Other Electric Revenues 6 4
---- ----
$ 13 $(31)
==== ====
Operating revenues for electric operations increased by $13 million in 1998
over 1997. During the third quarter of 1998, PP&L recognized increased revenues
of $23 million due to the impact on unbilled revenue resulting from a change in
the regulatory treatment of energy costs. Excluding this benefit and the
effects of milder than normal weather experienced in 1998, revenues from
electric operations would have increased by $53 million.
This revenue increase can be attributed to strong retail electric sales in
the third and fourth quarters of 1998. Excluding the effects of weather,
electricity delivered to retail customers increased for all customer classes,
2.9% in total, in 1998 over 1997.
Operating revenues decreased by $31 million in 1997 from 1996. Revenues
from service area sales in 1997 were slightly lower than 1996. The decrease was
attributable to mild weather in 1997 and a change in the regulatory treatment of
energy costs by the PUC. For 1997 and 1998 underrecovered energy costs (up to a
cap of $31.5 million annually) were not recorded as energy revenues, but as
regulatory credits, which offset "Other Operating Expenses."
Operating Revenues: Wholesale Energy Marketing and Trading Activities
The increase (decrease) in revenues from wholesale energy marketing and
trading activities was attributable to the following:
1998 VS 1997 1997 vs 1996
------------- -------------
(Millions of Dollars)
Bilateral sales $496 $183
PJM 63 17
Cost-based contracts (45) (27)
Oil & gas sales 62
Other (3) (4)
---- ----
$573 $169
==== ====
Revenues from wholesale energy marketing and trading activities increased
by $573 million in 1998 and $169 million in 1997 when compared to the prior
years. Revenues have continued to increase despite the phase-down of the
capacity and energy agreement with JCP&L and the end of the capacity and energy
agreement with Atlantic in March of 1998. This increase in revenues reflects
PP&L's continued emphasis on competing in wholesale markets. Energy purchases
have also increased to meet these increased sales. Refer to "Energy Purchases"
for more information.
During 1998, the national energy trading market experienced high prices and
increased volatility. PP&L is actively managing its portfolio to attempt to
capture the opportunities and limit its exposure to these volatile prices.
Refer to "Energy Marketing and Trading Activities" for more information.
PUC RESTRUCTURING PROCEEDING
Refer to Financial Note 3 to Financial Statements for information regarding
the PUC restructuring proceeding.
COST OF ELECTRIC FUEL
Electric fuel expense increased by $14 million in 1998 when compared to
1997. This reflects increased generation at the coal and oil/gas-fired
stations. These units, particularly Martins Creek, were needed as a result of
increased wholesale energy marketing and trading activities of the Energy
Marketing Center. This increase was partially offset by lower fuel prices for
all units, especially oil/gas-fired stations.
Fuel expense for 1997 increased by $18 million from 1996. This increase
was primarily due to PP&L's coal-fired units operating at higher output to
support increased wholesale electric market activity. The increase was slightly
offset by a decrease in the unit fuel prices for coal-fired and gas-fired
generation.
ENERGY PURCHASES
Energy purchases increased by $556 million in 1998 when compared to 1997.
The increase was primarily due to greater quantities of energy purchased to meet
the increased wholesale energy marketing and trading activities of the Energy
Marketing Center, which includes increased purchases of natural gas and capacity
for resale. The related sales are included in wholesale energy sales. The
overall market price of purchased power has also been higher during 1998
compared to 1997 due to market volatility.
Energy purchases in 1997 increased by $152 million over 1996. This
increase was primarily due to increased marketing and trading activities of the
Energy Marketing Center. Higher overall market prices of power during 1997
compared to 1996 contributed to the increase in purchased power costs.
POWER PLANT OPERATIONS
In an effort to reduce operating costs and position itself for the
competitive marketplace, PP&L in August 1998, announced the closing of its
Holtwood coal-fired generating station, effective May 1, 1999. The adjacent
hydroelectric plant will continue to operate. PP&L also announced its intention
to sell its Sunbury coal-fired generating station in 1999.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization expenses in 1998 decreased by $47 million
from 1997. This decrease reflects the write-down of impaired generation-related
assets in connection with the restructuring adjustments recorded in June 1998.
See Note 4 to Financial Statements for additional information.
Depreciation and amortization expenses in 1997 increased by $10 million
from 1996. This increase was primarily due to depreciation on plant additions
and amortization of newly implemented computer software.
OTHER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased by $90 million from 1997
to 1998. This increase reflects higher costs associated with computer
information systems, and additional payroll, consultant services and other
expenses to meet the requirements of retail competition. This increase also
reflects additional software expenses, increased firm transmission costs related
to the Energy Marketing Center activities and higher provisions for
uncollectible customer accounts. Operation and maintenance costs of Penn Fuel
Gas, which was acquired in 1998, also added to the increase.
These increases were partially offset by credits recorded in connection
with the competition pilot program. The PUC has authorized PP&L to seek future
recovery of the revenue lost in the pilot program. PP&L has established a
regulatory asset for the excess of the shopping credits provided to pilot
customers over the market price of this energy. These credits totaled $14
million in 1998, and were recorded as offsets to "Other Operating Expense."
Other operation and maintenance expenses in 1997 decreased by $25 million
from 1996. Excluding the effect of underrecovered energy costs, operation and
maintenance expenses increased by $7 million in 1997. These increases were
primarily due to costs associated with the pilot program, the PUC restructuring
filing and the FERC transmission access filing.
Prior to 1997, underrecovered energy costs were accrued as energy revenues.
In 1997 and 1998, these underrecovered costs were recorded as regulatory credits
(up to a PUC-mandated cap of $31.5 million), which are reflected in the income
statement as a reduction of "Other Operating Expense." This reflects a change
in the regulatory
treatment of undercollected energy costs by the PUC. See Note 1 to Financial
Statements.
OTHER INCOME AND (DEDUCTIONS)
Other income of PP&L Resources increased by $94 million from 1997 to 1998.
This increase was primarily attributed to two one-time adjustments in 1998 and
1997. PP&L's earnings for 1998 reflect a $30 million, or 11 cents per share,
recovery from SER as a result of a settlement agreement. This settlement
agreement resolved disputes concerning the prices PP&L paid for power purchased
from SER since 1990. Conversely, 1997 earnings included a one-time $37 million,
or 23 cents per share, charge for the U.K. windfall profits tax on privatized
utilities which affected PP&L Global's SWEB investment. The tax has been paid
in full.
The accounting treatment of Penn Fuel Gas acquisition costs also
contributed to the change in other income from 1997 to 1998. The acquisition
was originally contemplated as a pooling of interests, and estimated transaction
costs of about $6 million were charged against earnings in the third quarter of
1997. The transaction was ultimately recorded under purchase accounting, and
the transaction costs were capitalized as part of the investment. Third quarter
1998 earnings were credited by $6 million due to this change.
Other income and deductions for 1997 decreased by $49 million from 1996.
This decrease was primarily due to the windfall profits tax, as well as the
initial expensing of Penn Fuel Gas acquisition costs.
FINANCING COSTS
PP&L Resources reduced its long-term financing costs during the past few
years by retiring long-term debt with the proceeds from the sale of securities
at a lower cost and by repurchasing PP&L preferred stock. Interest on long-term
debt and dividends on preferred stock decreased from $241 million in 1995 to
$228 million in 1998, for a total decrease of $13 million. Interest on short-
term debt, net of capitalized interest and AFUDC borrowed funds, increased from
$12 million in 1995 to $27 million in 1998. This increase reflects PP&L Capital
Funding's commercial paper program initiated in 1998.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for 1998 increased by $22 million, or 9.3%, from 1997.
This was primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income of $106 million.
Income tax expense for 1997 decreased by $17 million, or 6.7%, from 1996.
This was primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax book income of $54 million.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
-------------------
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS
The schedule below shows PP&L's current capital expenditure projections for
the years 1999-2003 and actual spending for the year 1998.
PP&L'S CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS
ACTUAL -------------PROJECTED-------------
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
(Millions of Dollars)
Construction expenditures
Generating facilities $ 91 $ 97 $117 $125 $104 $ 93
Transmission and
distribution facilities 102 110 123 125 125 135
Environmental 6 13 2 2 42 71
Other 44 26 19 19 18 17
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Construction
Expenditures 243 246 261 271 289 316
Nuclear fuel owned and
leased 55 47 63 65 67 68
Other leased property 26 21 21 21 21 21
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Capital Expen-
ditures $324 $314 $345 $357 $377 $405
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Construction expenditures include AFUDC and Capitalized Interest which are
expected to be less than $9.5 million in each of the years 1999-2003.
PP&L's capital expenditure projections for the years 1999-2003 total about
$1.8 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised from time to time to
reflect changes in conditions.
PP&L GLOBAL UNREGULATED INVESTMENTS
PP&L Global continues to pursue opportunities to develop and acquire
electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities in the United
States and abroad.
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Global had investments of $671 million in
distribution, transmission and generation facilities in the U.K., Bolivia, Peru,
Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Chile and El Salvador. PP&L Global's major
investments to date are SWEB, Emel and DelSur.
In 1998, PP&L Global acquired an additional 1,813,000 shares of Emel at a
cost of approximately $32 million, increasing its ownership interest to 37.5%.
In February 1998, PP&L Global and Emel acquired a 75% interest in DelSur, an
electric distribution company serving 193,000 customers in El Salvador, for
approximately $180 million. Under the purchase agreement, PP&L Global directly
acquired 37.5% of DelSur and Emel acquired the other 37.5%. Subsequently, PP&L
Global and Emel acquired an additional 925,000 shares at a cost of
approximately $10.3 million, increasing their ownership interest to 80.45%.
DelSur is one of five electricity distribution companies in El Salvador that
were privatized by the government. In June 1998, PP&L Global acquired an
additional 26% interest in SWEB for $170 million, increasing its equity interest
to 51% and its voting interest to 49%.
In September 1998, PP&L Global announced an agreement to acquire most of
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company's generating assets and certain transmission
rights. PP&L Global will purchase 100 percent of Bangor Hydro's hydroelectric
assets and certain transmission rights, as well as its interest in an oil-fired
generation facility, for $89 million. The acquisition has been approved by the
Maine Public Utilities Commission, and remains subject to the approval of the
FERC as well as certain third-party consents, which are expected in 1999.
PP&L Global has signed definitive agreements with Montana Power Company,
Portland General Electric Company and Puget Sound Energy, Inc. to acquire 13
Montana power plants, with 2,614 MW of generating capacity, for a purchase price
of $1.586 billion. The acquisition is subject to several conditions, including
the receipt of required state and federal regulatory approvals and third-party
consents. In this regard, PacifiCorp, a co-owner of Colstrip Units 3 and 4, has
a right of first refusal to purchase a portion of the assets of these Units.
PP&L Global expects to complete the acquisition by the end of 1999. About 65%
of the acquisition cost is expected to be financed on a project credit basis,
non-recourse to PP&L Global and PP&L Resources. The balance of the acquisition
cost is expected to be financed through a combination of debt and equity issued
by PP&L Resources, or with funds that PP&L Resources derives from PP&L's
securitization of transition costs. The agreements also provide for PP&L
Global's acquisition of related transmission assets for $182 million, subject to
certain conditions, including federal regulatory approval.
ACQUISITIONS
In 1998, PP&L Resources acquired Penn Fuel Gas which, together with its
subsidiaries, specializes in natural gas distribution, transmission and storage
services and the sale of propane. The transaction was treated as a purchase for
accounting and financial reporting purposes. PP&L Resources issued approximately
5.6 million shares of common stock, with a value of approximately $135 million,
to acquire all Penn Fuel Gas common and preferred stock. Under the terms of the
merger agreement, shareowners of Penn Fuel Gas received 6.968 common shares of
PP&L Resources for each common share of Penn Fuel Gas that they owned and 0.682
common shares of PP&L Resources for each preferred share of Penn Fuel Gas that
they owned.
In 1998, PP&L Resources also acquired H.T. Lyons and McClure, mechanical
contractor and engineering firms, in cash transactions for amounts that were not
material. In February 1999, PP&L acquired McCarl's, another mechanical
contractor and engineering firm, in a cash transaction for an amount that was
not material.
FINANCING AND LIQUIDITY
PP&L Resources' net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $140
million in 1998 compared with 1997. This decrease was primarily due to the
decline in net income when adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash items.
Earnings in 1998 benefited from lower depreciation, higher equity earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates, regulatory credits and other non-cash transactions.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $16 million from 1996 to
1997.
Net cash used in PP&L Resources' investing activities was $194 million
higher in 1998 than 1997. This increase was primarily due to PP&L Global's
increased investment in electric energy projects, including its additional
investment in SWEB. Net cash used in investing activities was $141 million
lower in 1997 compared with 1996. This decrease was primarily due to lower
construction expenditures by PP&L, liquidation of subsidiaries' long-term
investments to make funds available for other investing and financing
activities, and a reduction in the amount of equity funds invested by PP&L
Global.
Net cash used in PP&L Resources' financing activities was $530 million
lower in 1998 than 1997. This reflects a $487 million increase in short-term
debt in 1998. This short-term financing helped to fund PP&L Resources' $419
million stock repurchase, and PP&L Global's additional investments. Net cash
used in financing activities in 1997 was $257 million higher than in 1996. This
was primarily due to PP&L Resources' purchase of PP&L preferred stock at a cost
of $380 million, and the retirement of $210 million of long-term debt. These
outflows were partially offset by PP&L's issuance of $250 million of preferred
securities through PP&L Capital Trust and PP&L Capital Trust II.
From 1996 through 1998, PP&L Resources issued $722 million of long-term
debt. For the same period, PP&L Resources issued $215 million of common stock.
Proceeds from these security sales were used, in part, to retire $650 million of
long-term debt to lower financing costs. During the years 1996-1998, PP&L also
incurred $234 million of obligations under capital leases (primarily nuclear
fuel).
PP&L Capital Funding provides debt funding for PP&L Resources and its
subsidiaries other than PP&L. In order to ensure liquidity, PP&L and PP&L
Capital Funding share a joint facility with a group of banks. This joint
facility is comprised of a 364-day revolving credit agreement and a five-year
revolving credit agreement. In March 1998, the existing 364-day revolving
credit agreement was increased from $150 million to $350 million. This
increase, when added to the $300 million five-year revolving credit agreement,
brought to $650 million
the total amount of revolving credit available to PP&L and PP&L Capital Funding
under the joint agreement. In November 1998, PP&L, PP&L Capital Funding, and
PP&L Resources replaced the existing 364 day facility with an amended and
restated 364-day revolving credit arrangement terminating in November 1999. The
five-year revolving credit agreement expires in 2002. Separately, in July 1998,
PP&L Capital Funding entered into five separate $80 million, 364-day credit
facilities with five banks. PP&L Resources guarantees all obligations of PP&L
Capital Funding under the foregoing facilities. As of December 31, 1998, no
borrowings were outstanding under any revolving credit arrangements.
Under the PUC restructuring order of August 27, 1998, PP&L is permitted to
issue transition bonds to securitize up to $2.85 billion of its stranded costs.
PP&L is planning to pursue such securitization later in 1999. The proceeds will
be used by PP&L to retire outstanding debt and to repurchase common stock from
PP&L Resources.
See Note 9 to Financial Statements for additional financing activities in
1998.
FINANCIAL STRATEGY
PP&L Resources has developed a financial strategy that is intended to
position PP&L Resources for the anticipated future competitive environment after
giving effect to the PUC's Final Order, the related restructuring charge on
PP&L's books and the collection of CTC revenues during the transition period.
In addition to the securitization referenced above, PP&L Resources' financial
strategy and goals include:
(a) a common stock dividend level based on a targeted payout ratio of 45%-
55% designed to maintain PP&L Resources' future financing flexibility;
(b) maintenance of investment grade ratings on the senior debt securities
of PP&L Resources and PP&L; and
(c) the temporary use of a higher degree of leverage in PP&L Resources'
capital structure during the transition period.
As the electric utility industry transitions to a competitive environment,
PP&L Resources anticipates the potential to achieve long-term returns on
shareowner capital that exceed the returns that have been historically permitted
in a fully regulated business environment. At the same time, PP&L Resources'
business risks are expected to increase, resulting in an increase in the
potential volatility in revenue and income streams. As such, PP&L Resources
believes that a dividend payout ratio that is significantly lower than the 80%-
90% payout ratio previously experienced by PP&L Resources and the electric
utility industry in general is required to better position PP&L Resources to
more effectively compete in the energy markets by increasing PP&L Resources'
future financing flexibility. Accordingly, effective October 1, 1998, PP&L
Resources' quarterly common stock dividend was reduced to $0.25 per share ($1.00
annualized rate) from
the previous level of $0.4175 per share ($1.67 annualized rate). In addition to
providing an increase in PP&L Resources' future financing flexibility, this
dividend action positions PP&L Resources' common stock for potential increased
growth in market value by retaining a proportionately higher level of earnings
in the business for reinvestment.
A reduction in PP&L Resources' permanent capitalization, as well as the
temporary increase in leverage, was effected through a tender offer for 17
million shares of its common stock at $24.50 per share, which was financed by
PP&L Resources through the use of short-term debt. During the transition period
PP&L Resources anticipates using internal cash flows to retire debt, with a
corresponding decrease in financial leverage. The short-term debt used by PP&L
Resources was made available through the issuance of commercial paper by PP&L
Capital Funding.
Dividends on common stock are declared at the discretion of the Boards of
Directors of PP&L Resources and PP&L. PP&L Resources and PP&L will continue to
consider the appropriateness of these dividend levels, taking into account the
respective financial positions, results of operations, conditions in the
industry and other factors which the respective Boards deem relevant.
FINANCIAL INDICATORS
The results of 1998, 1997 and 1996 were impacted by extraordinary items,
other one-time adjustments and weather. (See "Earnings" for more information.)
The following financial indicators for PP&L Resources reflect the elimination of
these impacts from earnings, and provide a better measure of the underlying
earnings performance of PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries.
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
Earnings per share, as adjusted $ 2.07 $ 2.03 $ 2.00
Return on average common equity 12.23% 11.82% 12.03%
Ratio of pre-tax income to
interest charges 3.55 3.55 3.52
Dividends declared per share $1.335 $ 1.67 $ 1.67
Book value per share $17.80 $16.88 $16.37
Ratio of market price per share
to book value per share 157% 142% 141%
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Air
---
The Clean Air Act deals, in part, with acid rain, attainment of federal
ambient ozone standards and toxic air emissions. PP&L has complied with the
1995 Phase I acid rain provisions by installing continuous emission monitors on
all units, burning lower sulfur coal and installing low NOx burners on most
units. To comply with the year
2000 Phase II acid rain provisions, PP&L plans to purchase lower sulfur coal and
use banked or purchased emission allowances instead of installing FGD on its
wholly owned units.
PP&L has met the 1995 ambient ozone requirements of the Clean Air Act by
reducing NOx emissions by nearly 50% through the use of low NOx burners.
Further seasonal (i.e., 5 month) NOx reductions to 55% and 75% of 1990 levels
for 1999 and 2003, respectively, are specified under the Northeast Ozone
Transport Region's Memorandum of Understanding. The DEP has finalized
regulations which require PP&L to reduce its ozone seasonal NOx by 57% beginning
in 1999. PP&L plans to comply with this reduction with operational initiatives
that rely, to a large extent, on the existing low NOx burners.
The EPA has finalized new national standards for ambient levels of ground-
level ozone and fine particulates. Based in part on the new ozone standard, the
EPA has finalized NOx emission limits for 22 states, including Pennsylvania,
which in effect require approximately an 80% reduction from the 1990 level in
Pennsylvania by May 2003; the state is required by September 1999 to develop
plans for implementing this reduction. Pursuant to Section 126 of the Clean Air
Act, several Northeast states have petitioned the EPA to find that major sources
of NOx emissions, including PP&L's power plants, are significantly contributing
to non-attainment in those states. The EPA has proposed to find such
contribution and require emissions reductions at those sources if the states in
which those sources are located fail to develop plans by September 1999 to
implement the proposed 2003 limits. PP&L estimates that compliance with these
emissions reduction requirements could require installation of NOx emissions
removal systems on PP&L's three largest coal-fired units, at a capital cost of
approximately $35 million per unit. The new particulates standard may require
further reductions in SO2 and may expand the planned seasonal NOx reductions to
year round in the 2010-2012 timeframe.
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 whether those emissions should be regulated. Recently, the EPA
released a technical report of its findings to date. The EPA concluded that
mercury is the power plant air toxin of greatest concern, but that more
evaluation is needed before it can determine whether regulation of air toxins
from fossil fuel plants is necessary. The EPA is now seeking mercury and
chlorine sampling and other data from electric generating units, including
PP&L's. In addition, the EPA has announced a new enforcement initiative against
older coal-fired plants. Several of PP&L's coal-fired plants could fall into
this category. These EPA initiatives could result in compliance costs for PP&L
in amounts which are not now determinable but which could be material.
Expenditures to meet the 2000 acid rain and 1999 NOx reduction requirements
are included in the table of projected construction expenditures in the section
entitled "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements." PP&L
currently estimates that additional capital expenditures and operating costs for
environmental compliance
under the Clean Air Act will be incurred beyond 2002 in amounts which are not
now determinable but which could be material.
Water and Residual Waste
------------------------
PP&L has installed dry fly ash handling systems at most of its power
stations, which reduces waste water discharge. In other cases, PP&L has
modified the existing facilities to allow continued operation of the ash basins
under a DEP permit. Any groundwater contamination caused by the basins must
also be addressed.
Groundwater degradation related to fuel oil leakage from underground
facilities and seepage from coal refuse disposal areas and coal storage piles
has been identified at several PP&L generating stations. Remedial work related
to oil leakage is substantially completed at two generating stations. At this
time, the only other remedial work being planned is to abate a localized
groundwater degradation problem associated with a waste disposal impoundment at
the Montour plant.
The final NPDES permit for the Montour plant contains stringent limits for
iron and chlorine discharges. Depending on the results of a toxic reduction
study, additional water treatment facilities or operational changes may be
needed at this plant.
Capital expenditures through the year 2003 to correct groundwater
degradation at fossil-fueled generating stations, and to address waste water
control at PP&L facilities are included in the table of construction
expenditures in the section entitled "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure
Requirements." In this regard, PP&L currently estimates that $5.5 million of
additional capital expenditures may be required in the next four years to close
some of the ash basins and address other ash basin issues at various generating
plants. Additional capital expenditures could be required beyond the year 2003
in amounts which are not now determinable but which could be material. Actions
taken to correct groundwater degradation, to comply with the DEP's 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
material.
Superfund and Other Remediation
-------------------------------
In 1995, PP&L entered into a consent order with the DEP to address a number
of sites where PP&L may be liable for remediation of contamination. This may
include potential PCB contamination at certain PP&L substations and pole sites;
potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities
formerly owned and operated by PP&L; and oil or other contamination which may
exist at some of PP&L's former generating facilities. As of December 31, 1998,
PP&L has completed work on slightly more than half of the sites included in the
consent order.
In 1996, Penn Fuel Gas entered into a similar consent order with the DEP to
address a number of its sites where Penn Fuel Gas may be liable for remediation
of contamination. The sites primarily include
former coal gas manufacturing facilities. Prior to PP&L Resources acquiring Penn
Fuel Gas on August 21, 1998, Penn Fuel Gas had obtained a "no further action"
determination from the DEP for two of the 20 sites covered by the order.
At December 31, 1998, PP&L had accrued approximately $6 million and Penn
Fuel Gas had accrued $15 million, representing the respective amounts PP&L and
Penn Fuel Gas can reasonably estimate they will have to spend to remediate sites
involving the removal of hazardous or toxic substances, including those covered
by each company's consent orders mentioned above. Future cleanup or remediation
work at sites currently under review, or at sites not currently identified, may
result in material additional operating costs for PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas, which
neither company can estimate at this time. In addition, certain federal and
state statutes, including Superfund and the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Act, 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, including PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas, held responsible for cleanup of such
sites. Such natural resource damage claims against PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas could
result in material additional liabilities.
General
-------
Due to the environmental issues discussed above or other environmental
matters, PP&L 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, PP&L also may incur capital expenditures, operating
expenses and other costs in amounts which are not now determinable but which
could be material.
INCREASING COMPETITION
Background
----------
The electric utility industry has experienced and will continue to
experience a significant increase in the level of competition in the energy
supply market. PP&L has publicly expressed its support for full customer choice
of electricity suppliers for all customer classes. PP&L is actively involved in
efforts at both the state and federal levels to encourage a smooth transition to
full competition.
Pennsylvania Activities
-----------------------
Reference is made to Note 3 to Financial Statements for a discussion of the
disposition of PP&L's restructuring plan under the Customer Choice Act.
In August 1997, the PUC issued an order modifying and approving PP&L's
pilot program under the applicable provisions of the Customer Choice Act and PUC
guidelines. Retail customers participating in the PP&L and other Pennsylvania
utilities' pilot programs began to receive power from their supplier of choice
in November 1997. Under its pilot
program, approximately 60,000 PP&L residential, commercial and industrial
customers chose their electric supplier. PP&L continued to provide all
transmission and distribution, customer service and back-up energy supply
services to participating customers in its service area.
Only those alternative suppliers licensed by the PUC and in compliance with
the state tax obligations set forth in the Customer Choice Act could participate
in the pilot programs. Approximately 87 suppliers obtained such licenses to
participate in the pilot programs.
Reference is also made to "PUC Restructuring Proceeding" for a discussion
of the settlement approved by the PUC which requires, among other things, that
PP&L transfer its retail electric marketing function to a separate, affiliated
corporation. In August 1998, PP&L formed a new subsidiary, PP&L EnergyPlus, for
this purpose. In September 1998, the PUC approved PP&L EnergyPlus' application
to act as a Pennsylvania EGS. This license permits PP&L EnergyPlus to offer
retail electric supply to participating customers in PP&L's service territory
and in the service territories of other Pennsylvania utilities. In 1999, PP&L
EnergyPlus will offer such supply to industrial and commercial customers
throughout the state. At this time, PP&L EnergyPlus has determined not to
pursue residential customers in the competitive marketplace based on economic
considerations.
In September 1998, the PUC issued an Order which, in part, directed
Pennsylvania utilities which are members of PJM, including PP&L, to offer their
installed capacity at a price of $19.72 per kilowatt-year (Capacity Order).
PP&L brought an action in the District Court seeking an injunction against the
Capacity Order on the basis, among other things, that it attempted to regulate
matters within exclusive federal jurisdiction. In October 1998, PP&L entered
into a settlement agreement with the PUC under which (i) PP&L will offer to sell
capacity credits to EGS's licensed by the PUC at the equivalent of $19.72 per
kilowatt-year prior to June 1, 1999 (increasing to $22.41 per kilowatt-year from
June 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999) for service to PP&L residential
customers; (ii) all PP&L residential customers will be permitted to select an
EGS in January 1999; (iii) the PUC will withdraw the Capacity Order as to PP&L;
and (iv) PP&L will withdraw its federal court action against the Capacity Order.
Federal Activities
------------------
Reference is made to Note 4 to Financial Statements "Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," for a discussion of PP&L's settlement
with 15 small utilities.
In June 1997, all of the PJM companies except PECO (the PJM Supporting
Companies) filed proposals with the FERC to amend the PJM tariff and restructure
the PJM pool. PECO filed a separate request with the FERC to amend the PJM
tariff. Furthermore, PECO and certain
electric marketers submitted significantly different proposals to restructure
the PJM pool.
In November 1997, the FERC approved, with certain modifications, the PJM
Supporting Companies' proposals for transforming the PJM into an ISO. In
summary, the FERC order: (i) approved the PJM's open access transmission rates
based on geographic zones, but required PJM to file a single PJM system-wide
rate proposal by 2002; (ii) accepted the PJM Supporting Companies' methodology
to price transmission when the system is congested and to charge these
congestion costs to system users in addition to the open access transmission
rates, but ordered PJM to file an additional proposal to address concerns raised
over price certainty for buyers and sellers during periods of congestion; (iii)
determined that the ISO is to operate both the transmission system and the power
exchange which provides for the purchase and sale of spot energy within the PJM
market; and (iv) accepted the PJM Supporting Companies' proposal regarding
mandatory installed capacity obligations for all entities serving firm retail
and wholesale load within PJM, but rejected their proposal for allocating the
capacity benefits which result from PJM's ability to import power from other
regional power pools.
The PJM Supporting Companies and numerous other parties have filed requests
for amendment and/or rehearing of virtually every portion of the FERC's PJM ISO
order. PP&L also has filed its own request for amendment and/or rehearing. The
FERC has not yet taken action on these filings. PP&L's primary issue with the
FERC's order relates to a requirement that existing wholesale contracts for
sales service and transmission service be modified to have the new PJM
transmission tariff applied to service under these existing contracts and the
requirement that PP&L modify these contracts to ensure that customers are not
assessed multiple transmission charges. In an order issued in May 1998, the
FERC allowed PP&L to request an increase in the revenue requirement applicable
to transmission service over PP&L's transmission facilities to the extent that
PP&L has otherwise unrecovered transmission costs as a result of the contract
modifications. PP&L filed the proposed increase to its transmission revenue
requirement in July 1998. In October 1998, PP&L filed a settlement agreement
among the active parties in that proceeding, which was approved by FERC in
December 1998.
In July 1997, the FERC accepted a new wholesale power tariff that permits
PP&L to sell capacity and energy at market-based rates, both inside and outside
the PJM area, subject to certain conditions. This tariff allows PP&L to become
more active in the wholesale market with utilities and other entities, and
removes pricing restrictions which in the past had limited PP&L to charging at
or below cost-based rates.
In July 1998, the FERC accepted amendments to PP&L's market-based rate
tariff that permit PP&L to sell, assign or transfer transmission rights and
associated ancillary services. In October 1998, the FERC accepted a proposed
amendment to PP&L's market-based rate tariff to permit PP&L to sell electric
energy and/or capacity to its affiliates under specified conditions.
In September 1998, PP&L filed its EGS Coordination Tariff with the FERC.
The EGS Coordination Tariff applies to entities licensed to serve retail
electricity customers under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's retail access
program. The purpose of the EGS Coordination Tariff is to permit PP&L to
provide EGS's with certain FERC-jurisdictional services which will facilitate
the ability of EGS's to meet their obligations under the PJM Open Access
Transmission Tariff and related agreements of the PJM. The FERC accepted the
EGS Coordination Tariff for filing in October 1998 but in a later order stated
that it would issue a decision holding that the EGS Coordination Tariff did not
need to be filed with the FERC. That decision has not yet been issued.
In September 1997, PP&L filed a request with the FERC to lower the
applicable PP&L revenue requirement currently set forth in the PJM open access
transmission tariff. The new revenue requirement results from PP&L's use of the
same test year and cost support data used in the PUC restructuring proceeding.
PP&L requested that the new revenue requirement take effect on November 1, 1997.
In February 1998, the FERC accepted the proposed rates, subject to refund, and
set the amount of the decrease in the revenue requirement for hearing. In
October 1998, PP&L filed a settlement agreement among the active parties in that
proceeding, which was accepted by the FERC in December 1998.
Reference is made to "Pennsylvania Activities" above for a discussion of
PP&L's new retail electric marketing subsidiary, PP&L EnergyPlus. PP&L
EnergyPlus filed an application with the FERC in September 1998 for authority to
sell electric energy and capacity at market-based rates, and for authority to
sell, assign or transfer transmission rights and associated ancillary services.
The FERC accepted PP&L EnergyPlus' application in December 1998. Also, in
September 1998, PP&L filed a notification of change in status with the FERC to
report PP&L's affiliation with PP&L EnergyPlus. Pursuant to FERC requirements,
PP&L has a filed code of conduct governing its relationship with affiliates that
engage in the sale and/or transmission of electric energy.
YEAR 2000
PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries utilize computer-based systems
throughout their businesses. In the year 2000, these systems will face a
potentially serious problem with recognizing calendar dates. Without corrective
action, the most reasonable worst case scenario regarding Year 2000 issues could
result in computer shutdown or erroneous calculations causing operational
problems at the generating stations; diminished ability to monitor, control and
coordinate generation with the transmission and distribution systems; and
adverse impacts on the operation of various monitoring and metering equipment
utilized throughout PP&L. A Company-wide Year 2000 coordination committee was
formed to raise the awareness of the Year 2000 issue, share information and
review the progress towards compliance. A seven-step approach was developed to
achieve Year 2000 compliance by assessing and remediating the problem in
application software, hardware, plant control systems and devices containing
embedded microprocessors. The seven steps in the plan include awareness,
inventory, assessment, remediation, testing, implementation, and contingency
planning. PP&L Resources has identified and communicated with critical
suppliers, such as fuel suppliers, in order to obtain assurances that they are
in compliance with Year 2000 issues. The majority of the responses from these
parties are favorable, with some responses still being evaluated and followed-up
as appropriate.
Delivery of electricity is dependent on the overall reliability of the
electric grid. PP&L is cooperating and coordinating with the North American
Electric Reliability Council and the PJM Interconnection regarding Year 2000
remediation efforts.
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources estimates that approximately 75% of
mainframe applications that will remain in production have been determined as
being Year 2000 compliant. It is anticipated that all mission-critical systems
(i.e. mainframe, embedded technologies, and client server applications) will be
Year 2000 ready by July 1, 1999 and all systems ready by November 30, 1999.
Year 2000 compliant means computer systems or equipment with date-sensitive
chips will accurately process date and time data. Year 2000 ready means that the
computer systems or equipment with date-sensitive chips can be used on January
1, 2000, and beyond, but are not fully year 2000 compliant.
PP&L has basic contingency plans in place to address issues such as
blackouts on the electrical grid, cold starts of generating facilities and
disaster recovery procedures for the computing environment. PP&L recognizes
that additional contingency plans may be necessary and, as part of the seven-
step remediation process, continues to work on identifying and developing
additional contingency plans that may be needed.
In May 1998, the NRC issued a notification requirement under which nuclear
utilities are required to inform the NRC, in writing, that they are working to
solve the Year 2000 computer problem. In addition, nuclear utilities have until
July 1, 1999 to inform the NRC that their computers are Year 2000
compliant/ready or to submit a status report summarizing the on-going work.
PP&L filed its written response, detailing its Year 2000 compliance activities,
with the NRC in August 1998.
In July 1998, the PUC initiated a non-adversarial investigation to be
conducted by the Office of Administrative Law Judge "to accurately assess any
and all steps taken and proposed to be taken to resolve the Year 2000 compliance
issue by all jurisdictional fixed utilities and mission-critical service
providers such as the PJM." The PUC required all jurisdictional utilities to
file a written response to a list of questions concerning Year 2000 compliance;
and that, if mission-critical systems cannot be made Year 2000 compliant on or
before March 31, 1999, to file a detailed contingency plan by that date. PP&L
filed its written response to these questions in August 1998 and in November
1998 submitted testimony to the PUC that
the Company would have its mission-critical systems Year 2000 ready by July 1,
1999 and all systems ready by November 30, 1999.
At this time, PP&L has achieved the following completion percentages on the
seven steps referenced above for Year 2000 compliance: awareness, 87%;
inventory, 97%; assessment, 87%; remediation, 70%; testing, 72%; implementation,
56%; and additional contingency plans (beyond the basic plans referenced above),
16%.
Based upon present assessments, PP&L Resources estimates that it will incur
approximately $15 million in Year 2000 remediation costs. Through December 31,
1998, PP&L Resources spent approximately $8 million in remediation costs, which
included assistance from outside consultants. These costs are being funded
through internally generated funds and are being expensed as incurred.
(Address and phone number appears here)
Thirty South Seventeenth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-4094
Telephone 215 575 5000
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP logo appears here)
Report of Independent Accountants
- ---------------------------------
To the Shareowners and Board of Directors of
PP&L Resources, Inc. and to the Shareowner and
Board of Directors of PP&L, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements listed in the
index appearing under Item 14(a)(1) and (2) on page 101, present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of PP&L Resources, Inc.
and its subsidiaries ("PP&L Resources") at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 and the consolidated financial
position of PP&L, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("PP&L") at December 31, 1998 and
1997 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are
the responsibility of management of PP&L Resources and PP&L; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 1, 1999
PP&L Resources, Inc.
--------------------
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements
--------------------------------------------------------------
The management of PP&L Resources, Inc. 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 generally accepted accounting principles and the Uniform System
of Accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 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 PP&L Resources.
PP&L Resources' 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 PP&L Resources' 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.
PP&L Resources 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, PP&L
Resources maintains an internal auditing program to evaluate PP&L Resources'
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 PP&L Resources' system of
internal control is adequate to accomplish the objectives discussed in this
report.
The Board of Directors, acting through its Audit and Corporate
Responsibility Committee, oversees management's responsibilities in the
preparation of the financial statements. In performing this function, the Audit
and Corporate Responsibility 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 and Corporate Responsibility 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 PP&L Resources' 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 PP&L
Resources' operating subsidiaries. These policies and guidelines address: the
necessity of ensuring open communication within PP&L Resources; 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
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
PP&L, Inc.
----------
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Statements
--------------------------------------------------------------
The management of PP&L, Inc. 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 generally accepted accounting principles and the Uniform System of Accounts
prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 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 PP&L.
PP&L'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 PP&L Resources. Management has made available to
PricewaterhouseCoopers all PP&L'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.
PP&L 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, PP&L
maintains an internal auditing program to evaluate PP&L'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 PP&L's system of internal control is
adequate to accomplish the objectives discussed in this report.
The Board of Directors, acting through PP&L Resources' Audit and Corporate
Responsibility Committee, oversees management's responsibilities in the
preparation of the financial statements. In performing this function, the Audit
and Corporate Responsibility 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 PP&L Resources' Audit and Corporate Responsibility 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 PP&L's affairs are conducted according to the highest standards
of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is characterized and
reflected in PP&L's business policies and guidelines. These policies and
guidelines address: the necessity of ensuring open communication within PP&L;
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
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
1998 1997 1996
OPERATING REVENUES
Electric operations............................................ $ 2,410 $ 2,397 $ 2,428
Gas operations................................................. 35
Wholesale energy marketing and trading activities.............. 1,223 650 481
Energy related businesses (Note 1)............................. 118 30 17
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total Operating Revenues....................................... 3,786 3,077 2,926
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation
Cost of electric fuel........................................ 480 466 448
Cost of natural gas and propane.............................. 13
Energy purchases............................................. 1,060 504 352
Other operating.............................................. 605 513 531
Maintenance.................................................... 182 184 191
Depreciation and amortization (Note 1)......................... 338 385 375
Taxes, other than income (Note 6).............................. 188 204 203
Energy related businesses (Note 1)............................. 93 21 16
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total Operating Expenses....................................... 2,959 2,277 2,116
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
OPERATING INCOME................................................. 827 800 810
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Other Income and (Deductions).................................... 66 (28) 21
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES.......................... 893 772 831
Interest Expense................................................. 230 215 220
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS............... 663 557 611
Income Taxes (Note 6)............................................ 259 237 254
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS................................ 404 320 357
Extraordinary Items (net of $666 income taxes) (Note 4)......... (948)
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK................ (544) 320 357
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements............................ 25 24 28
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................................ ($569) $ 296 $ 329
================= ================= =================
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
BASIC AND DILUTED (A):
Income Before Extraordinary Items............................ $2.29 $1.80 $2.05
Extraordinary Items (net of tax)............................. (5.75)
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................................ ($3.46) $1.80 $2.05
================= ================= =================
Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock..................... $1.335 $1.67 $1.67
(a) Based on average number of shares outstanding (thousands).... 164,651 164,550 161,060
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
1998 1997 1996
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) from continuing operations................... ($569) $ 296 $ 329
Extraordinary items (net of income taxes of $666).............. (948)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Net income before extraordinary items.......................... 379 296 329
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization................................ 338 385 375
Amortization of property under capital leases................ 58 68 86
Equity in (earnings)/loss of unconsolidated affiliates....... (49) 2 (13)
Regulatory debits and credits................................ (61) (36) (10)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits............. 12 18
Change in current assets and current liabilities
Fuel inventories........................................... (9) 11 (14)
Other...................................................... (33) (13) (35)
Other operating activities -- net............................ 2 46 75
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities................ 637 777 793
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment expenditures..................... (304) (310) (360)
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel to trust.................... 54 60 93
Purchases of available-for-sale securities..................... (15) (72) (600)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities.......... 70 111 631
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates....................... (306) (152) (201)
Purchases and sales of other financial investments - net....... 4 76
Other investing activities - net............................... 12 (4) 5
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Net cash used in investing activities.................... (485) (291) (432)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of long-term debt..................................... 495 111 116
Issuance of common stock....................................... 62 76 77
Purchase of treasury stock..................................... (419)
Issuance of Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely parent debentures..................................... 250
Retirement of long-term debt................................... (295) (210) (145)
Purchase of subsidiary's preferred stock (net of premium
and associated costs)........................................ (369)
Payments on capital lease obligations.......................... (58) (68) (86)
Common and preferred dividends paid............................ (278) (298) (296)
Net increase(decrease) in short-term debt...................... 487 (9) 55
Other financing activities - net............................... (1) (20) (1)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Net cash used in financing activities.................... (7) (537) (280)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET INCREASE(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............. 145 (51) 81
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period................ 50 101 20
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period...................... $ 195 $ 50 $ 101
================== ================== ==================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized).......................... $ 237 $ 208 $ 213
Income taxes.................................................. $ 248 $ 244 $ 286
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
ASSETS 1998 1997
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Electric utility plant in service - net (Note 1)
Transmission and distribution....................................................... $2,179 $2,160
Generation.......................................................................... 1,601 4,022
General and intangible.............................................................. 223 232
-------------- --------------
4,003 6,414
Construction work in progress - at cost............................................... 117 185
Nuclear fuel owned and leased - net................................................... 162 167
-------------- --------------
Electric utility plant - net........................................................ 4,282 6,766
Gas and oil utility plant - net....................................................... 175 30
Other property - net.................................................................. 23 24
-------------- --------------
4,480 6,820
-------------- --------------
INVESTMENTS
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates at equity (Note 1)............................ 688 377
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Notes 1 and 7).............................. 206 163
Financial investments (Notes 1 and 8)................................................. 1 52
Other (Note 8)........................................................................ 11 13
-------------- --------------
906 605
-------------- --------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1).................................................... 195 50
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 1998, $16; 1997, $16)
Utility customers................................................................... 173 190
Other............................................................................... 125 48
Unbilled revenues
Utility customers................................................................... 106 90
Other............................................................................... 66 37
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost........................................ 207 200
Prepayments........................................................................... 15 28
Other................................................................................. 61 52
-------------- --------------
948 695
-------------- --------------
REGULATORY ASSETS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS (NOTE 4)
Recoverable transition costs.......................................................... 2,819
Other................................................................................. 454 1,365
-------------- --------------
3,273 1,365
-------------- --------------
$9,607 $9,485
============== ==============
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
LIABILITIES
1998 1997
Capitalization
Common equity
Common stock......................................................................... $ 2 $ 2
Capital in excess of par value....................................................... 1,866 1,669
Treasury stock....................................................................... (419)
Earnings reinvested (Note 4)......................................................... 372 1,164
Capital stock expense and other...................................................... (31) (26)
-------------- --------------
1,790 2,809
-------------- --------------
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements....................................................... 47 47
Without sinking fund requirements.................................................... 50 50
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely
company debentures................................................................... 250 250
Long-term debt......................................................................... 2,983 2,585
-------------- --------------
5,120 5,741
-------------- --------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term debt (Note 9)............................................................... 636 135
Long-term debt due within one year..................................................... 1 150
Capital lease obligations due within one year.......................................... 59 58
Above market NUG purchases due within one year (Note 4)................................ 105
Accounts payable....................................................................... 197 140
Taxes and interest accrued............................................................. 95 102
Dividends payable...................................................................... 46 76
Other.................................................................................. 128 108
-------------- --------------
1,267 769
-------------- --------------
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 6).............................. 1,574 2,221
Above market NUG purchases (Note 4).................................................... 775
Capital lease obligations.............................................................. 109 113
Other (Notes 1 and 7)................................................................. 762 641
-------------- --------------
3,220 2,975
-------------- --------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 14)........................................
-------------- --------------
$9,607 $9,485
============== ==============
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS' COMMON EQUITY
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ -------------
Common stock at beginning of year............................................ $ 2 $ 2 $ 2
Sale of common stock.......................................................
------------ ------------ -------------
Common stock at end of year.................................................. 2 2 2
------------ ------------ -------------
Capital in excess of par value at beginning of year.......................... 1,669 1,596 1,513
Common stock issued (b).................................................... 62 76 77
Common stock issued for purchase of Penn Fuel Gas (see Note 11). 135
Other...................................................................... (3) 6
------------ ------------ -------------
Capital in excess of par value at end of year................................ 1,866 1,669 1,596
------------ ------------ -------------
Treasury stock at beginning of year..........................................
Purchase of treasury stock................................................. (419)
------------ ------------ -------------
Treasury stock at end of year................................................ (419)
------------ ------------ -------------
Earnings reinvested at beginning of year..................................... 1,164 1,143 1,083
Net income (loss).......................................................... (569) 296 329
Cash dividends declared on common stock.................................... (223) (275) (269)
------------ ------------ -------------
Earnings reinvested at end of year........................................... 372 1,164 1,143
------------ ------------ -------------
Capital stock expense and other at beginning of year......................... (26) 4 (1)
Other...................................................................... (5) (30) 5
------------ ------------ -------------
Capital stock expense and other at end of year............................... (31) (26) 4
------------ ------------ -------------
Total Shareowners' Common Equity............................................. $ 1,790 $ 2,809 $ 2,745
============ ============ =============
Common stock shares at beginning of year (a)................................. 166,248,284 162,665,416 159,403,266
Common stock issued (b).................................................... 2,604,369 3,582,868 3,262,150
Common stock issued for purchase of Penn Fuel Gas.......................... 5,555,522
Common stock purchased..................................................... (16,996,129)
------------ ------------ -------------
Common stock shares at end of year........................................... 157,412,046 166,248,284 162,665,416
------------ ------------ -------------
(a) $.01 par value, 390,000,000 share authorized. Each share entitles the
holder to one vote on any question presented to any shareowners' meeting.
(b) Common stock issued through the ESOP and the DRIP.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a)
(Millions of Dollars)
SHARES
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING SHARES
1998 1997(b) 1998 (b) AUTHORIZED
PP&L
PREFERRED STOCK - $100 par, cumulative
4-1/2%........................ $ 25 $ 25 530,189 629,936
Series........................ 72 72 4,133,556 10,000,000
------- -------
$ 97 $ 97
======= =======
DETAILS OF PREFERRED STOCK (c)
SINKING FUND
OPTIONAL PROVISIONS
SHARES REDEMPTION SHARES TO BE
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING PRICE PER REDEEMED REDEMPTION
1998 (b) 1997 (b) 1998 (b) SHARE ANNUALLY (f) PERIOD
With Sinking Fund Requirements
Series Preferred
5.95%......................... $ 1 $ 1 300,000 (d) 10,000 April 2001
6.05%......................... 250,000 (d)
6.125%........................ 31 31 1,150,000 (d) (e) 2003-2008
6.15%......................... 10 10 250,000 (d) 100,000 April 2003
6.33%......................... 5 5 1,000,000 (d) 50,000 July 2003
-------------------
$47 $ 47
===================
Without Sinking Fund Requirements
4-1/2% Preferred................ $25 $ 25 530,189 $ 110.00
Series Preferred
3.35%......................... 2 2 41,783 103.50
4.40%......................... 11 11 228,773 102.00
4.60%......................... 3 3 63,000 103.00
6.75%......................... 9 9 850,000 (d)
------------------
$50 $ 50
==================
INCREASES(DECREASES) IN PREFERRED STOCK
There were no issuances or redemptions of preferred stock in 1998, 1997 or 1996.
(a) Each share of PP&L's preferred stock entitles the holder to one vote on
any question presented to PP&L's shareowners' meetings. There were
10,000,000 shares of PP&L Resources' preferred stock and 5,000,000 shares
of PP&L's preference stock authorized; none were outstanding at December
31, 1998 and 1997.
(b) In 1997, and continuing in 1998, PP&L Resources acquired 79.11% ($369
million par value) of the outstanding preferred stock of PP&L in a tender
offer. At December 31, 1998, these shares have not been retired or
redeemed. The par value of PP&L preferred stock acquired by PP&L Resources
has been eliminated for purposes of providing consolidated financial
statements.
(c) 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).
(d) These series of preferred stock are not redeemable prior to the following
years: 5.95%, 2001; 6.05%, 2002; 6.125%, 6.15%, 6.33% and 6.75%, 2003.
(e) Shares to be redeemed annually on October 1 as follows: 2003-2007, 57,500;
2008, 22,500.
(f) After giving effect to the preferred stock tender offer.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPANY-OBLIGATED
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE SECURITIES AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a)
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a)
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding Outstanding
1998 1997 1998 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 2002
8.20%............. 100 100 4,000,000 4,000,000 April 2002
------------- -------------
$ 250 $ 250
============= =============
(a) In 1997 PP&L arranged for the issuance of a total of $250 million of
company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trusts holding solely company debentures by PP&L Capital Trust
and PP&L 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 PP&L to the trusts.
PP&L 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 PP&L Capital Trust and PP&L Capital Trust
II to acquire $103 million and $155 million principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, ("Subordinated Debentures")
respectively. PP&L has guaranteed all of the trusts' obligations under the
Preferred Securities. The proceeds of the sale of these preferred
securities were loaned by PP&L to PP&L Resources for the tender offer for
PP&L 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 PP&L, the Subordinated
Debentures are redeemable on and after the dates shown above 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.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
Outstanding
1998 1997 Maturity(b)
First Mortgage Bonds (a)
5-1/2%................................................. $ 150 April 1, 1998
6%..................................................... $ 125 125 June 1, 2000
7-3/4%................................................. 150 150 May 1, 2002
6-7/8%................................................. 100 100 February 1, 2003
6-1/8% to 6-7/8%....................................... 625 (c) 425 2004-2008
7.70%.................................................. 200 200 2009-2013 (d)
7-3/8%................................................. 100 100 2014-2018
6-3/4% to 9-3/8%....................................... 815 815 2019-2023
7.30%.................................................. 150 150 2024-2028
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
------------------ -----------------
2,579 2,529
Unsecured promissory notes............................... 116
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds.......................... 9 9
------------------ -----------------
2,588 2,654
Unamortized (discount) and premium -- net................ (19) (21)
------------------ -----------------
2,569 2,633
Less amount due within one year.......................... 150
------------------ -----------------
Total PP&L long-term debt.................................. 2,569 2,483
------------------ -----------------
Additional PP&L Resources, Inc.
Medium Term Notes
5.75% to 6.84%......................................... 397 (e) 102 2000-2007
Unsecured Promissory Notes............................... 18
------------------ -----------------
415 102
Less amount due within one year.......................... 1
------------------ -----------------
Total PP&L Resources long-term debt...................... $2,983 $2,585
================== =================
__________________________________________
(a) Substantially all owned electric utility plant is subject to the lien of PP&L's Mortgage.
(b) Aggregate long-term debt maturities through 2003 are (millions of dollars): 2000, $235; 2001, $70; 2002, $150; 2003, $185.
There are no bonds outstanding that have sinking fund requirements.
(c) In May 1998, PP&L issued $200 million First Mortgage Bonds, 6-1/8% Reset Put Securities Series due 2006. In connection
with this issuance, PP&L 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. If the call option is exercised, the bonds will be remarketed
and the interest rate will be reset for the remainder of their term to the maturity date. If the call option is not exercised,
the mandatory put will be exercised and PP&L will be required to repurchase the bonds at 100% of their principal amount
on May 1, 2001. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds were used by PP&L to retire $116 million of its unsecured term loans
and to reduce its outstanding commercial paper balances.
(d) Any registered owner of these bonds has the right to require PP&L to redeem such owner's bonds on October 1, 1999
at a price of 100% of the principal amount.
(e) In 1998, PP&L Capital Funding issued $295 million of medium-term notes with maturities varying from two to seven years.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
1998 1997 1996
OPERATING REVENUES
Electric operations........................................ $2,410 $2,397 $2,428
Wholesale energy marketing and trading activities.......... 1,223 650 481
Energy related businesses (Note 1)......................... 10 2 2
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Total Operating Revenues................................... 3,643 3,049 2,911
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation
Cost of electric fuel.................................... 480 466 448
Energy purchases......................................... 1,060 504 352
Other operating.......................................... 594 513 531
Maintenance................................................ 180 184 191
Depreciation and amortization (Note 1)..................... 335 385 375
Taxes, other than income (Note 6).......................... 185 204 203
Energy related businesses (Note 1)......................... 8 3 2
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Total Operating Expenses................................... 2,842 2,259 2,102
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
OPERATING INCOME............................................. 801 790 809
Other Income................................................. 77 12 17
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES...................... 878 802 826
Interest Expense............................................. 196 207 214
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS........... 682 595 612
Income Taxes (Note 6)........................................ 273 247 255
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS............................ 409 348 357
Extraordinary Items (net of $666 income taxes) (Note 4)..... (948)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET INCOME(LOSS) BEFORE DIVIDENDS ON
PREFERRED STOCK............................................ (539) 348 357
Dividends on Preferred Stock................................. 48 40 28
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO PP&L RESOURCES, INC.................... ($587) $ 308 $ 329
================== ================== ==================
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
1998 1997 1996
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss) from continuing operations..................... ($539) $ 348 $ 357
Extraordinary items (net of income taxes of $666)................ (948)
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Net income before extraordinary items............................ 409 348 357
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization.................................. 335 385 375
Amortization of property under capital leases.................. 58 68 86
Regulatory debits and credits.................................. (61) (36) (10)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits............... 12 20 (1)
Change in current assets and current liabilities
Fuel inventories............................................. (8) 11 (14)
Other........................................................ 16 (25) (38)
Other operating activities -- net.............................. (66) 15 44
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities...................... 695 786 799
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment expenditures...................... (297) (310) (360)
Proceeds from sales of nuclear fuel to trust.................... 54 60 93
Purchases of available-for-sale securities...................... (15) (72) (90)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities........... 69 88 93
Purchases and sales of other financial investments - net........ 76
Loan to parent.................................................. (375)
Other investing activities - net................................ 6 (4) 5
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities..................... (183) (537) (259)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of long-term debt...................................... 200 9 116
Issuance of Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
solely company debentures..................................... 250
Capital contribution from parent................................ 6 7 32
Retirement of long-term debt.................................... (266) (210) (145)
Payments on capital lease obligations........................... (58) (67) (86)
Common and preferred dividends paid............................. (412) (344) (296)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt...................... 35 35 (79)
Other financing activities - net................................ (1) (9) (2)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in financing activities..................... (496) (329) (460)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.............. 16 (80) 80
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period................ 15 95 15
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period...................... $ 31 $ 15 $ 95
================ ================ ================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized).......................... $ 208 $ 201 $ 208
Income taxes.................................................. $ 261 $ 253 $ 289
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
ASSETS 1998 1997
Property, Plant and Equipment
Electric utility plant in service - net (Note 1)
Transmission and distribution.............................................. $2,179 $2,160
Generation................................................................. 1,601 4,022
General and intangible..................................................... 223 232
----------------- -----------------
4,003 6,414
Construction work in progress - at cost...................................... 117 185
Nuclear fuel owned and leased - net.......................................... 162 167
----------------- -----------------
Electric utility plant - net................................................ 4,282 6,766
Gas and oil utility plant - net.............................................. 28 30
Other property - net......................................................... 21 24
----------------- -----------------
4,331 6,820
----------------- -----------------
INVESTMENTS
Loan to parent............................................................... 429 375
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Notes 1 and 7)..................... 206 163
Financial investments (Notes 1 and 8)........................................ 1 52
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate at equity (Note 1).................... 17 17
Other (Note 8)............................................................... 12 13
----------------- -----------------
665 620
----------------- -----------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)........................................... 31 15
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 1998, $16; 1997, $16)
Utility customers.......................................................... 163 188
Other...................................................................... 67 64
Unbilled revenues
Utility customers.......................................................... 104 90
Other...................................................................... 61 36
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost............................... 196 200
Prepayments.................................................................. 14 26
Other........................................................................ 58 51
----------------- -----------------
694 670
----------------- -----------------
REGULATORY ASSETS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS (NOTE 4)
Recoverable transition costs................................................. 2,819
Other........................................................................ 329 1,362
----------------- -----------------
3,148 1,362
----------------- -----------------
$8,838 $9,472
================= =================
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
LIABILITIES 1998 1997
CAPITALIZATION
Common equity
Common stock............................................................... $1,476 $1,476
Additional paid-in capital................................................. 70 64
Earnings reinvested (Note 4)............................................... 210 1,092
Capital stock expense and other............................................ (26) (20)
----------------- -----------------
1,730 2,612
----------------- -----------------
Preferred stock
With sinking fund requirements............................................. 295 295
Without sinking fund requirements.......................................... 171 171
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely
company debentures......................................................... 250 250
Long-term debt............................................................... 2,569 2,483
----------------- -----------------
5,015 5,811
----------------- -----------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term debt (Note 9)..................................................... 80 45
Long-term debt due within one year........................................... 150
Capital lease obligations due within one year................................ 59 58
Above market NUG purchases due within one year (Note 4)...................... 105
Accounts payable............................................................. 189 148
Taxes and interest accrued................................................... 86 99
Dividends payable............................................................ 12 81
Other........................................................................ 114 107
----------------- -----------------
645 688
----------------- -----------------
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 6).................... 1,561 2,221
Above market NUG purchases (Note 4).......................................... 775
Capital lease obligations.................................................... 109 113
Other (Notes 1 and 7)........................................................ 733 639
----------------- -----------------
3,178 2,973
----------------- -----------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (NOTE 14) ..............................
----------------- -----------------
$8,838 $9,472
================= =================
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNER'S COMMON EQUITY
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
For the Years Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------
Common stock at beginning of year..................... $ 1,476 $ 1,476 $ 1,476
Sale of common stock................................
--------- --------- --------
Common stock at end of year........................... 1,476 1,476 1,476
--------- --------- --------
Additional paid-in capital at beginning of year....... 64 57 25
Capital contribution from PP&L Resources............ 6 7 32
--------- --------- --------
Additional paid-in capital at end of year............. 70 64 57
--------- --------- --------
Earnings reinvested at beginning of year.............. 1,092 1,094 1,034
Net income (loss)................................... (539) 348 357
Cash dividends declared:
Common stock...................................... (295) (310) (269)
Preferred stock................................... (48) (40) (28)
--------- --------- --------
Earnings reinvested at end of year.................... 210 1,092 1,094
--------- --------- --------
Capital stock expense and other at beginning of year.. (20) (10) (7)
Other............................................... (6) (10) (3)
--------- --------- --------
Capital stock expense and other at end of year........ (26) (20) (10)
--------- --------- --------
Total Shareowner's Common Equity...................... $ 1,730 $ 2,612 $ 2,617
========= ========= ========
Common stock shares at beginning of year (a).......... 157,300,382 157,300,382 157,300,382
Common stock issued.................................
Common stock purchased..............................
------------ ------------ -----------
Common stock shares at end of year.................... 157,300,382 157,300,382 157,300,382
------------ ------------ -----------
(a) No par value. 170,000,000 shares authorized. All common shares of PP&L stock are owned by PP&L Resources.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries(a)
(Millions of Dollars)
SHARES
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING SHARES
1998 1997 1998 AUTHORIZED
PREFERRED STOCK -- $100 par, cumulative
4-1/2%....................... $53 $53 530,189 629,936
Series....................... 413 413 4,133,556 10,000,000
------------- -------------
$466 $466
============= =============
DETAILS OF PREFERRED STOCK (b)
SINKING FUND
OPTIONAL PROVISIONS
SHARES REDEMPTION SHARES TO BE
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING PRICE PER REDEEMED REDEMPTION
1998 1997 1998 SHARE ANNUALLY PERIOD
With Sinking Fund Requirements
Series Preferred
5.95%......................... $30 $30 300,000 (c) 300,000 April 2001
6.05%......................... 25 25 250,000 (c) 250,000 April 2002
6.125%........................ 115 115 1,150,000 (c) (d) 2003-2008
6.15%......................... 25 25 250,000 (c) 250,000 April 2003
6.33%......................... 100 100 1,000,000 (c) (e) 2003-2008
------------- -------------
$295 $295
============= =============
Without Sinking Fund Requirements
4-1/2% Preferred................ $53 $53 530,189 $110.00
Series Preferred
3.35%......................... 4 4 41,783 103.50
4.40%......................... 23 23 228,773 102.00
4.60%......................... 6 6 63,000 103.00
6.75%......................... 85 85 850,000 (c)
------------- -------------
$171 $171
============= =============
INCREASES (DECREASES) IN PREFERRED STOCK
There were no issuances or redemptions of preferred stock in 1998, 1997 or 1996.
(a) Each share of PP&L's preferred stock entitles the holder to one vote on any
question presented to PP&L's shareowners' meetings. There were 5,000,000
shares of PP&L's preference stock authorized; none were outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, 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; 6.05%, 2002; 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, 862,500.
(e) Shares to be redeemed annually on July 1 as follows: 2003-2007, 50,000;
2008, 750,000.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Terms and abbreviations appearing in Notes to Financial Statements are
explained in the glossary.
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS AND CONSOLIDATION
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources was the parent holding company of
PP&L, PP&L Global, PP&L Spectrum, PP&L Capital Funding, Penn Fuel Gas, H.T.
Lyons and McClure.
The financial condition and results of operations of PP&L and PP&L Global
are currently the principal factors affecting PP&L Resources' financial
condition and results of operations. PP&L provides electricity delivery service
in eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout
Pennsylvania, and markets wholesale electricity in 28 states and Canada. PP&L
Global is an international independent power company.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PP&L
Resources and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Less than 50% owned affiliates are accounted for using the equity method.
These affiliates consist principally of PP&L's investment in Safe Harbor Water
Power Corporation and investments held by PP&L Global.
All direct and indirect affiliates of PP&L Resources report their results
on a current basis, except for PP&L Global. Effective in 1998, PP&L Global
records the results of its majority owned affiliates on a one-month lag. PP&L
Global records the results of affiliates in which it holds a minority interest
on a one-quarter lag. Recording these results on a lag basis allows PP&L Global
to close its books in a timely manner to coincide with the closing of PP&L
Resources' books.
RECLASSIFICATION
Certain amounts in the 1997 and 1996 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
The most significant reclassifications have been made in the Consolidated
Statement of Income. This Statement has been modified to better reflect the
changing nature of the business from a regulated electric utility to a full-
service provider of retail and wholesale energy and related products and
services. The operating revenues and expenses of PP&L Global, PP&L Spectrum,
McClure, and H.T. Lyons are reflected as "Energy Related Businesses," as
components of "Operating Income." Previously, the results of non-regulated
affiliates were included in "Other Income and (Deductions)" in PP&L Resources'
Statement of Income. In addition, the revenues generated by PP&L's wholesale
energy and trading activities are now separately disclosed. Also, income taxes
are no longer reflected as "Operating Expense," which was the traditional
disclosure used by utilities. Lastly, nuclear decommissioning expense had
historically been classified as
"Other operating" expense. These expenses have been reclassified as depreciation
expense.
On the Consolidated Balance Sheet, "Electric utility plant in service -
net" at December 31, 1997 has been reclassified to separately disclose
generation plant, which is no longer subject to the regulatory accounting
provisions of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation." See Note 4 for further information.
MANAGEMENT'S ESTIMATES
These financial statements have been prepared using information which
represents management's best estimates of existing conditions. Actual results
could differ from these estimates.
Significant estimates were required in recording the effect of the PUC
restructuring outcome. The impairment write-down of certain generation plant
was dependent on projections of future cash flows and capacity factors. Cash
flow projections and the resulting impact on the fair value determination of
these generating facilities are subject to future re-evaluation. In addition,
the liabilities recorded for above-market purchases from NUGs were based on
estimated generation by the NUG facilities and estimated future market prices
for this generation. Again, these recorded amounts are subject to revision if
the underlying estimates change.
ACCOUNTING RECORDS
The accounting records for PP&L are maintained in accordance with the
Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the PUC.
REGULATION
Historically, PP&L 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. PP&L
discontinued application of SFAS 71 for the generation portion of its business
effective June 30, 1998.
UTILITY PLANT
Additions to utility plant and replacement of units of property are
capitalized at cost. AFUDC is capitalized as part of the construction costs for
regulated projects. Effective June 30, 1998, the recording of AFUDC was
discontinued on generation-related construction projects, since these assets are
no longer subject to the provisions of SFAS 71. Instead, capitalized interest
is recorded on generation-related projects in accordance with SFAS 34,
"Capitalizing Interest Costs."
The cost of units of depreciable property retired or replaced is charged to
accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of property
and the cost of replacing items determined to be less than a unit of property
are charged to operating expense. The cost to retire depreciable units of
generation-related property is
charged to operating expense while the cost to retire depreciable units of
regulated property is charged to accumulated depreciation.
Following are the classes of Electric Utility Plant in Service, with
associated accumulated depreciation reserves, at December 31, 1998 and December
31, 1997 (millions of dollars):
Electric
Transmission General Utility
& & Plant In
Distribution Generation Intangible Service
------------- ---------- ---------- --------
December 31, 1998:
Original Cost $ 3,395 $ 6,351 $ 383 $10,129
Accumulated Depreciation
Reserve (1,216) (4,750) (160) (6,126)
------- ------- ----- -------
$ 2,179 $ 1,601 $ 223 $ 4,003
======= ======= ===== =======
December 31, 1997:
Original Cost $ 3,309 $ 6,306 $ 369 $ 9,984
Accumulated Depreciation
Reserve (1,149) (2,284) (137) (3,570)
------- ------- ----- -------
$ 2,160 $ 4,022 $ 232 $ 6,414
======= ======= ===== =======
Generation plant is reflected at the lower of cost or market value at
December 31, 1998. As noted in the "Regulation" section of this note, PP&L
discontinued application of SFAS 71 for the generation portion of its business
effective June 30, 1998. In accordance with SFAS 101, "Regulated Enterprises-
Accounting for the Discontinuation of Application of FASB Statement No. 71,"
impairment tests were performed on the individual generating facilities. These
impairment tests used the provisions of SFAS 121, "Accounting For the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and For Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." As a result,
generation plant assets were written down by $2.357 billion in June 1998.
The other classes of Electric Utility Plant in Service continue to be
subject to SFAS 71 and are carried at historical cost.
For financial statement purposes, depreciation is being provided over the
estimated useful lives of property using a straight-line method. Certain
property at the Susquehanna Station was depreciated at an annual rate of $173
million from October 1995 through December 1998, at which point this certain
property was fully depreciated. Provisions for depreciation, as a percent of
average depreciable property, approximated 3.7% in 1998, and 3.8% in 1997 and
1996.
NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AND FUEL DISPOSAL
An annual provision for PP&L's share of the future cost to decommission the
Susquehanna station, equal to the amount allowed for ratemaking purposes, is
charged to depreciation expense. Such amounts are invested in external trust
funds which can be used only for future decommissioning costs. See Note 7.
The DOE is responsible for the permanent storage and disposal of spent
nuclear fuel removed from nuclear reactors. PP&L pays the DOE a fee for future
disposal services and recovers such costs in customer
rates. PP&L has joined other utilities in a federal lawsuit to suspend payments
to the DOE and to place the fees in escrow unless that department begins
accepting nuclear fuel as agreed to in its contract with the utilities.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS
Securities subject to the requirements of SFAS 115 "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" are carried at fair value, determined
at the balance sheet date. Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale
securities are included in common equity. Net unrealized gains and losses on
trading securities are included in income. Net unrealized gains and losses on
securities that are not available for unrestricted use due to regulatory or
legal reasons are reflected in the related asset and liability accounts.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized utilizing the
specific cost identification method.
PREMIUM ON REACQUIRED LONG-TERM DEBT
In accordance with SFAS 71, PP&L deferred the premiums and expenses to
redeem long-term debt and amortized these costs over the life of the new debt.
If no new debt was issued to refinance the retired debt, these costs were
amortized over the remaining life of the retired debt. Effective June 30, 1998,
losses on reacquired debt attributable to the generation portion of PP&L's
business are being expensed as incurred in accordance with SFAS 4, "Reporting
Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt."
ACCOUNTING FOR PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT
PP&L 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." During 1998, the
commodity instruments used were forward and option contracts that require
physical delivery of the commodity. These instruments were reflected in the
financial statements using the accrual method of accounting. As of January 1,
1999, PP&L adopted mark-to-market accounting for energy trading contracts, in
accordance with EITF 98-10, and gains and losses from changes in market prices
will be reflected in Energy Purchases on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
PP&L will continue to use accrual accounting for physical commodity
instruments that qualify as hedges of non-trading activities until it adopts
SFAS 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" on
January 1, 2000. Commodity instruments that qualify as hedges manage exposure
to market fluctuations in the price of electricity and fuels needed to produce
electricity. In order to qualify as a hedge, the price movements in the
commodity derivatives must be highly correlated with the price movements of the
underlying hedged commodity. When a hedge relationship is terminated, the gains
accrued to date will be included in Energy Purchases when the underlying hedged
physical transaction closes; losses accrued will be recognized immediately in
Energy Purchases.
In 1999, PP&L expects to expand its use of commodity instruments to include
futures, swaps and financial options. These instruments, which will permit cash
settlement, will be recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Gains and losses on instruments that qualify as hedges will be recognized in
income when the underlying hedged physical transaction closes and will be
included in Energy Purchases. Gains and losses related to these transactions,
to the extent they are not yet settled in cash, will be reported as Current
Assets or Liabilities, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until recognized in
income, until PP&L adopts SFAS 133 on January 1, 2000. Gains and losses on
instruments considered trading activities will be recognized currently in Energy
Purchases.
PP&L Resources has utilized a written call option to manage the interest
rate on a portion of its outstanding debt. The premium received is being
amortized against interest expense over the expected life of the debt.
PP&L Resources or its subsidiaries also enter into foreign currency
exchange contracts to hedge future cash flows for firm transactions and
commitments and to hedge economic exposures such as anticipated dividends and
projected asset sales or acquisitions when there is a high degree of certainty
that the exposure will be realized. Until PP&L Resources adopts SFAS 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" on January 1,
2000, market gains and losses are recognized and accounted for in accordance
with SFAS 52, "Foreign Currency Translation."
CAPITAL LEASES
Leased property of PP&L capitalized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
consists solely of nuclear fuel. Future lease payments for nuclear fuel are
based on the quantity of electricity produced at the Susquehanna Station. The
maximum amount of nuclear fuel available for lease under current arrangements is
$200 million.
REVENUES - ELECTRIC AND GAS OPERATIONS
Electric and gas revenues are recorded based on the amounts of electricity
and gas delivered to retail customers through the end of each calendar month.
This includes amounts customers will be billed for electricity and gas delivered
from the time meters were last read to the end of the month.
During 1998, PP&L's STAS was zero. This mechanism can be used in the
future if needed. The SBRCA expired effective July 1, 1997. The ECR was
terminated effective January 1, 1997, and was rolled into base rates. In 1997
and 1998, the PUC authorized PP&L to record undercollected energy costs as a
regulatory asset. This regulatory asset was recovered during the restructuring
proceeding. See Notes 3 and 4.
INCOME TAXES
PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax
return.
The provision for PP&L'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 generally
accepted accounting principles is deferred and included in taxes recoverable
through future rates on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 6.
Investment tax credits were deferred when utilized and are amortized over
the average lives of the related assets.
PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
PP&L and Penn Fuel Gas have noncontributory pension plans covering
substantially all employees. Subsidiary companies of PP&L formerly engaged in
coal mining have a noncontributory pension plan for substantially all non-
bargaining, full-time employees. Funding is based upon actuarially determined
computations that take into account the amount deductible for income tax
purposes and the minimum contribution required under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974.
PP&L Global has a non-qualified retirement plan for its corporate officers.
For information on other postretirement and postemployment benefits, see
Note 12.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of
three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In 1997 the FASB issued SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This
statement required disclosure of "comprehensive income," defined as changes in
equity other than from transactions with shareowners. Comprehensive income
consists of net income, as well as holding gains and losses of certain assets
(such as available-for-sale securities), foreign currency translation
adjustments and pensions liability adjustments. The comprehensive income of
PP&L Resources and PP&L was not materially different from net income for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
In September 1998, PP&L Resources purchased approximately 17 million shares
of its common stock in a self-tender offer. (Refer to Note 9.) These treasury
shares are reflected on the December 31, 1998 Consolidated Balance Sheet of PP&L
Resources as an offset to common equity under the cost method of accounting.
The cost of the treasury shares was $419 million ($24.50 per share plus
transaction costs). Management has no definitive plans for the future use of
these shares. These treasury shares are not considered outstanding in
calculating
earnings per share on the Consolidated Statement of Income of PP&L Resources for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
2. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Effective December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources adopted SFAS 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." PP&L Resources'
principal business segment is PP&L, which provides electricity delivery service
in eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout
Pennsylvania, and markets wholesale electricity in 28 states and Canada. PP&L
Resources' other reported business segment, PP&L Global, invests in and develops
worldwide power projects with the majority of its investments and related
revenues as of year-end 1998 located in the U.K., Chile, and El Salvador. PP&L
Global's revenue represents equity earnings in investments. Other revenues in
the years 1996 and 1997 represent unregulated energy services. In 1998 other
revenues represent gas distribution and mechanical contracting and engineering,
in addition to unregulated energy services. Financial data for the business
segments are as follows (millions of dollars):
1998
- ----
OTHER
PP&L AND ELIMIN- PP&L
PP&L GLOBAL ATIONS RESOURCES
------- -------- ------------ ----------
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating revenues $3,643 $ 47 (b) $ 96 $3,786
Extraordinary items, net of taxes (948)(a) (948)
Interest expense 196 22 12 230
Depreciation and amortization 335 3 338
Income taxes 273 (4) (10) 259
Net income (loss) (587) 15 3 (569)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cumulative net investment in
unconsolidated affiliates 17 671 (b) 688
Total assets 8,838 757 12 9,607
CASH FLOW DATA:
Property, plant and equipment
expenditures 297 7 304
Investments in unconsolidated
affiliates 306 306
(a) See Note 4 for a detailed explanation of Extraordinary Items.
(b) Operating revenues were 9.0% of average net investment.
1997
- ----
OTHER
PP&L AND ELIMIN- PP&L
PP&L GLOBAL ATIONS RESOURCES
------ ------- ------------- ---------
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating revenues $3,049 $ 32 (a) $ (4) $3,077
Interest expense 207 8 215
Depreciation and amortization 385 385
Windfall profits tax (37)(b) (37)
Income taxes 247 (3) (7) 237
Net income (loss) 308 (17) 5 296
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cumulative net investment in
unconsolidated affiliates 17 360 (a) 377
Total assets 9,472 397 (384)(c) 9,485
CASH FLOW DATA:
Property, plant and equipment
expenditures 310 310
Investments in unconsolidated
affiliates 152 152
(a) Operating revenues were 10.7% of average net investment.
(b) See Note 10 for a detailed explanation regarding the windfall profits tax
assessed on PP&L Global.
(c) Primarily represents a consolidating elimination entry for a loan from CEP,
a PP&L subsidiary, to PP&L Resources.
1996
- ----
OTHER
PP&L AND ELIMIN- PP&L
PP&L GLOBAL ATIONS RESOURCES
------ ------ ----------- ---------
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating revenues $2,911 $ 11 (a) $ 4 $2,926
Interest expense 214 6 220
Depreciation and amortization 375 375
Income taxes 255 (1) 254
Net income (loss) 329 1 (1) 329
CASH FLOW DATA:
Property, plant and equipment
expenditures 360 360
Investments in unconsolidated
affiliates 201 201
(a) Operating revenues were 8.6% of average net investment.
3. PUC RESTRUCTURING PROCEEDING
In August 1998, the PUC entered a Final Order approving a "Joint Petition
for Full Settlement of PP&L's Restructuring Plan and Related Court Proceedings"
(Joint Settlement Petition). The following are the major elements of this
settlement:
1. PP&L is permitted to recover $2.97 billion (on a net present value
basis) in transition costs over 11 years - i.e., from January 1, 1999 through
December 31, 2009. PP&L is permitted a return of 10.86% on the unamortized
balance of these transition costs.
2. PP&L will reduce rates to all retail customers by 4% effective January
1, 1999 through December 31, 1999.
3. One-third of PP&L customers will be able to choose their electric
supplier on January 1, 1999, one-third on January 2, 1999, and the remainder on
January 2, 2000.
4. Beginning on January 1, 1999, PP&L will unbundle its retail electric
rates to reflect separate prices for the transmission and distribution charges,
the CTC (and, if applicable, the ITC), and a "shopping credit" for customers
choosing an alternate electric supplier. These shopping credits vary among
customer classes and will increase over the transition period to reflect
decreases in the CTC. The settlement provided for the following unbundled rates
over the transition period:
SCHEDULE OF SYSTEM AVERAGE RATES
CENTS/KWH
EFFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SHOPPING GENERATION TOTAL
DATE & DISTRIBUTION CTC(a) CREDIT RATE CAP(b) RATE(c)
- --------- -------------- ------ ------- ----------- -------
Jan. 1, 1999 1.74 1.57 3.81 5.38 7.12
Jan. 1, 2000 1.74 1.55 4.13 5.68 7.42
Jan. 1, 2001 1.74 1.52 4.16 5.68 7.42
Jan. 1, 2002 1.74 1.45 4.23 5.68 7.42
Jan. 1, 2003 1.74 1.41 4.27 5.68 7.42
Jan. 1, 2004 1.74 1.35 4.33 5.68 7.42
Jan. 1, 2005 (d) 1.27 4.41 5.68 (d)
Jan. 1, 2006 (d) 1.27 4.78 6.05 (d)
Jan. 1, 2007 (d) 1.21 4.84 6.05 (d)
Jan. 1, 2008 (d) 1.14 4.91 6.05 (d)
Jan. 1, 2009(e) (d) 1.03 5.02 6.05 (d)
(a) Average CTC rates are fixed, subject to reconciliation for actual CTC
collection. Reconciliation of the CTC will be reflected in a rider, which will
be a separate credit or a separate charge to the CTC (up to the Generation Rate
Cap which is the sum of the CTC and the Shopping Credit contained in the
tariff).
(b) The Generation Rate Cap equals the sum of the CTC and Shopping Credit. The
generation portion of bills for customers who continue to be supplied by PP&L as
the supplier of last resort will not, on average, exceed the figures in this
column.
(c) The bundled rate equals the sum of Transmission & Distribution plus
Generation Rate Cap. Customers who continue to be supplied by PP&L as the
provider of last resort will, on average, pay the total rate shown in the last
column. The 1999 rate represents a 4% reduction from the existing rate cap of
7.42 cents/kWh.
(d) The cap on PP&L's transmission and distribution rates under the Customer
Choice Act is extended from June 30, 2001 through 2004.
(e) Effective until December 31, 2009.
In addition, the settlement resulted in the following schedule for
amortization of the transition costs over the transition period:
ANNUAL STRANDED COST
AMORTIZATION AND RETURN (a)
REVENUE EXCLUDING GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
--------------------------------------
ANNUAL CTC AMORTI-
SALES CENTS/ TOTAL RETURN ZATION
Year MWH KWH ($000) ($000) ($000)
- ---- ---------- ----- -------- -------- --------
1999 33,108,701 1.57 $497,938 $310,396 $187,542
2000 33,605,332 1.55 498,027 290,796 207,231
2001 34,109,412 1.52 496,671 269,138 227,532
2002 34,621,053 1.45 481,095 245,359 235,736
2003 35,140,369 1.41 473,995 220,722 253,273
2004 35,667,474 1.35 461,682 194,252 267,430
2005 36,202,486 1.27 438,637 166,303 272,334
2006 36,745,524 1.27 447,326 137,841 309,485
2007 37,296,707 1.21 433,106 105,497 327,610
2008 37,856,157 1.14 411,419 71,258 340,161
2009(b) 38,424,000 1.03 377,373 35,708 341,665
(a) Subject to reconciliation for actual CTC collections.
(b) Through December 31, 2009.
5. The cap on the generation component of rates is extended from December
31, 2005 until December 31, 2009. The cap on the transmission and distribution
component of rates is extended from June 30, 2001 until December 31, 2004.
6. PP&L will recover its nuclear plant decommissioning costs through the
CTC. PP&L may seek an exception to the rate cap from customers for increases in
these decommissioning costs, but agrees not to recover more than 96% of such
increased amount.
7. PP&L is authorized to securitize up to $2.85 billion in transition and
related costs, and a PUC Qualified Rate Order authorizing this securitization is
included in the settlement. The settlement requires 75% of the savings from
securitization to be passed back to customers, while 25% would be retained by
PP&L. The costs of issuing the transition bonds and refinancing outstanding
debt and equity will be reflected in the ITC charged to all customers. As with
the CTC, the ITC must terminate by the end of the transition period; also, the
ITC will offset the CTC on customer bills.
8. On January 1, 2002, 20% of all PP&L's residential customers will be
assigned to a provider of last resort other than PP&L or an affiliate of PP&L.
These customers will be selected at random, and
the supplier will be selected on the basis of a PUC-approved bidding process.
9. Subject to a review by the PUC Bureau of Audits, effective on January
1, 1999, alternate electric generation suppliers can provide advanced metering
and billing service to PP&L's commercial and industrial customers. Effective on
January 1, 1999, such alternate suppliers can provide certain advanced metering
service to PP&L's residential customers. Effective on January 1, 2000, PP&L's
residential customers can choose their billing service as well from such
alternate suppliers.
10. PP&L will transfer its retail marketing function to a separate,
affiliated corporation by September 15, 1998.
11. PP&L is permitted, but not required, to transfer ownership and
operation of its generating facilities to a separate corporate entity at book
value.
12. PP&L will spend approximately $16 million annually on assistance and
energy conservation for low-income customers.
Pursuant to the Joint Settlement Petition, PP&L transferred its retail
marketing function to a new subsidiary, PP&L EnergyPlus, on September 14, 1998.
In September 1998, the PUC approved PP&L EnergyPlus's application to act as a
Pennsylvania electric generation supplier (EGS). This license permits PP&L
EnergyPlus to offer retail electric supply to participating customers in PP&L's
service territory and in the service territories of other Pennsylvania
utilities. In 1999, PP&L EnergyPlus will offer such supply to industrial and
commercial customers throughout the state. At this time, PP&L EnergyPlus has
determined not to pursue residential customers in the competitive marketplace
based on economic considerations.
In September 1998, the PUC issued an Order which, in part, directed
Pennsylvania utilities which are members of PJM, including PP&L, to offer their
installed capacity at a price of $19.72 per kilowatt-year (Capacity Order).
PP&L brought an action in the District Court seeking an injunction against the
Capacity Order on the basis, among other things, that it attempted to regulate
matters within exclusive federal jurisdiction. In October 1998, PP&L entered
into a settlement agreement with the PUC under which (i) PP&L will offer to sell
capacity credits to EGS's licensed by the PUC at the equivalent of $19.72 per
kilowatt-year prior to June 1, 1999 (increasing to $22.41 per kilowatt-year from
June 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999) for service to PP&L residential
customers; (ii) all PP&L residential customers will be permitted to select an
EGS in January 1999; (iii) the PUC will withdraw the Capacity Order as to PP&L;
and (iv) PP&L will withdraw its federal court action against the Capacity Order.
4. ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF REGULATION
PP&L prepares 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. PP&L has
deferred certain costs pursuant to rate actions of the PUC and the FERC and is
recovering, or expects to recover, such costs in electric rates charged to
customers.
The EITF has 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 PP&L, with respect to the generation portion of its business,
this occurred effective June 30, 1998 based upon the outcome of the PUC
restructuring proceeding. PP&L has adopted SFAS 101 for the generation side of
its business. SFAS 101 requires a determination of impairment of plant assets
performed in accordance with SFAS 121, and the elimination of all effects of
rate regulation that have been recognized as assets and liabilities under SFAS
71.
PP&L 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 as of June 30, 1998. Impaired plant is 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, PP&L 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 to these assets 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. PP&L recorded an extraordinary charge for
this under-recovery in June 1998.
Under FERC Order 888, 16 small utilities which had power supply agreements
with PP&L signed before July 11, 1994, requested and were provided with PP&L'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 PP&L through January 2004. As a result of these
settlements, PP&L, 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 Statement of Income, net of income taxes.
Details of amounts written-off in June 1998 are 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.
PP&L 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, 1998, $311 million of regulatory assets,
other than the recoverable transition costs, remain on PP&L's books. These
regulatory assets will continue to be recovered through regulated transmission
and distribution rates over periods ranging from one to 31 years.
5. SALES TO OTHER ELECTRIC UTILITIES
PP&L provided Atlantic with 125,000 kilowatts of capacity (summer rating)
and related energy from its wholly owned coal-fired stations. Sales to Atlantic
under that agreement expired in March 1998. PP&L provided JCP&L with 378,000
kilowatts of capacity and related energy from all of its generating units during
1998. This amount will decline to 189,000 kilowatts in 1999. The agreement
with JCP&L will terminate on December 31, 1999. PP&L expects to be able to
resell the returning capacity and energy through its Energy Marketing Center.
Under a separate agreement, PP&L is providing additional capacity and
energy to JCP&L. This capacity and energy increased from 150,000 kilowatts to
200,000 kilowatts in June 1998, and will increase to 300,000 kilowatts in June
1999 through the end of the agreement in May 2004. Prices for this capacity and
energy are market-based.
PP&L provides BG&E with 129,000 kilowatts, or 6.6%, of its share of
capacity and related energy from the Susquehanna station. Sales to BG&E will
continue through May 2001.
6. INCOME AND OTHER TAXES
For 1998, 1997 and 1996, the corporate federal income tax rate was 35%, and
the Pa. CNI rate was 9.99%.
The tax effects of significant temporary differences comprising PP&L
Resources' net deferred income tax liability were as follows (millions of
dollars):
1998 1997
------- -------
Deferred tax assets
Deferred investment tax credits $ 59 $ 82
Non-utility generation contracts
over market price & buybacks 389
Accrued pension costs 99 77
Contribution in aid of construction 22 19
Other 163 47
Valuation allowance (6) (6)
------ ------
726 219
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities
Electric utility plant - net 719 1,755
Restructuring - CTC 1,169
Taxes recoverable through
Future rates 100 377
Reacquired debt costs 13 43
Other 80 44
------ ------
2,081 2,219
------ ------
Net deferred tax liability $1,355 $2,000
------ ------
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):
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
Provision - Federal $ 183 $ 162 $ 189
State 64 57 65
----- ----- -----
247 219 254
----- ----- -----
Deferred - Federal 19 19 5
State 3 9 5
----- ----- -----
22 28 10
----- ----- -----
Investment tax credit, net - Federal (10) (10) (10)
----- ----- -----
259 237 254
----- ----- -----
Total income tax Expense - Federal 192 171 184
State 67 66 70
----- ----- -----
$ 259 $ 237 $ 254
----- ----- -----
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
Indicated federal income tax on
pre-tax income before extraordinary
item at statutory tax rate - 35% $ 232 $ 195 $ 213
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes 43 40 44
Flow through of depreciation
differences not previously
normalized 9 22 20
Amortization of investment
tax credit (10) (10) (10)
Research & experimentation
income tax credits (1) (1) (5)
Other (14) (9) (8)
----- ----- -----
27 42 41
----- ----- -----
Total income tax expense $ 259 $ 237 $ 254
----- ----- -----
Effective income tax rate 39.1% 42.5% 41.6%
Taxes, Other Than Income
State gross receipts $ 105 $ 104 $ 105
State utility realty 41 46 44
State capital stock 18 34 34
Social security and other 24 20 20
----- ----- -----
$ 188 $ 204 $ 203
----- ----- -----
7. NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING COSTS
PP&L's most recent estimate of the cost to decommission the Susquehanna
station was completed in 1993 and was a site-specific study, based on immediate
dismantlement and decommissioning of each unit following final shutdown. The
study indicates that PP&L's 90% share of the total estimated cost of
decommissioning the Susquehanna station is approximately $724 million in 1993
dollars. The estimated cost includes decommissioning the radiological portions
of the station and the cost of removal of nonradiological structures and
materials. The operating licenses for Units 1 and 2 expire in 2022 and 2024,
respectively.
Decommissioning costs have been historically charged to operating expense
and have been based upon amounts included in customer rates. Beginning in 1998,
decommissioning costs have been reclassified as a component of depreciation
expense. Decommissioning charges were $12 million in each of the last three
years. Beginning in January 1999, in accordance with the PUC's Restructuring
Decision, 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.
Amounts collected from customers for decommissioning, less applicable
taxes, are deposited in external trust funds for investment and can be used only
for future decommissioning costs. The market value of securities held and
accrued income in the trust funds at December 31, 1998 and 1997 aggregated
approximately $206 million and $163 million, respectively. The trust funds
experienced, on a fair market value basis, a $31 million net gain in 1998, which
includes net unrealized appreciation of $26 million, and a net gain in 1997 of
$24 million, which includes net unrealized appreciation of $18 million.
The trust fund activity is reflected in the nuclear plant decommissioning trust
fund and in other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Accrued nuclear decommissioning costs were $209 million and $166 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The FASB issued an exposure draft on the accounting for liabilities related
to closure and removal of long-lived assets, including decommissioning of
nuclear power plants. 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
estimated future cash outflows that will be required to satisfy those
obligations. Due to the FASB's recognition that these issues intertwine with
other unresolved accounting issues, the FASB has not yet determined when it will
issue another exposure draft or a final statement.
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources was party to two foreign exchange
contracts: to purchase approximately $27 million with 16 million British pounds
sterling (BPS) on March 31, 1999 and to purchase $0.7 million with 359 million
Chilean pesos (ChP) on January 22, 1999.
The carrying amount shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the
estimated fair value of PP&L Resources' financial instruments are as follows
(millions of dollars):
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
--------- ------ --------- ------
ASSETS
Nuclear plant decommis-
sioning trust fund (a) $ 206 $ 206 $ 163 $ 163
Financial investments (a) 1 1 58 62
Other investments 11 11 13 13
Cash and cash equivalents 195 195 50 50
Other financial instru-
ments included in
other current assets 5 5 3 3
LIABILITIES
Preferred stock with sinking
fund requirements (b) 47 50 47 49
Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred secur-
ities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely company
debentures (b) 250 259 250 256
Long-term debt (b) 2,984 3,176 2,735 2,895
Commercial paper and
bank loans 636 636 135 135
(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 PP&L Resources where quoted market prices are not available.
9. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS & FINANCING ACTIVITIES
PP&L issues commercial paper and, from time to time, borrows from banks to
provide short-term funds for PP&L's general corporate purposes. Bank borrowings
generally bear interest at rates negotiated at the time of the borrowing. At
December 31, 1998, PP&L had $80 million of commercial paper outstanding.
PP&L Capital Funding, whose purpose is to provide debt funding for PP&L
Resources and its subsidiaries other than PP&L, established a commercial paper
program in March 1998. As with all PP&L Capital Funding debt, this commercial
paper is guaranteed by PP&L Resources. As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Capital
Funding had $553 million of commercial paper outstanding. Proceeds from the
commercial paper program were primarily used to fund PP&L Resources' common
stock tender offer and provide interim financing for PP&L Global's investment
activities.
The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 6.1% and
6.6% at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, for both PP&L Resources and
PP&L.
In order to ensure liquidity, PP&L and PP&L Capital Funding share a joint
facility with a group of banks. This joint facility is comprised of a 364-day
revolving credit agreement and a five-year revolving credit agreement. In March
1998, the existing 364-day revolving credit agreement was increased from $150
million to $350 million. This increase, when added to the $300 million five-
year revolving credit agreement, brought to $650 million the total amount of
revolving credit available to PP&L and PP&L Capital Funding under the joint
agreement. In November 1998, PP&L, PP&L Capital Funding and PP&L Resources
replaced the existing 364-day facility with an amended and restated 364-day
revolving credit agreement terminating in November 1999. The five-year
revolving credit agreement expires in 2002. Separately, in July 1998, PP&L
Capital Funding entered into five separate $80 million, 364-day credit
facilities with five banks. PP&L Resources guarantees all obligations of PP&L
Capital Funding under the foregoing facilities. As of December 31, 1998, no
borrowings were outstanding under any revolving credit agreements.
In April 1998, PP&L retired $150 million principal amount of First Mortgage
Bonds, 5-1/2% Series that matured at that time.
In May 1998, PP&L issued $200 million First Mortgage Bonds, 6-1/8% Reset
Put Securities Series due 2006. In connection with this issuance, PP&L 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. If the call option is exercised, the bonds will be remarketed and
the interest rate will be reset for the remainder of their term to the maturity
date. If the call option is not exercised,
the mandatory put will be exercised and PP&L will be required to repurchase the
bonds at 100% of their principal amount on May 1, 2001. Proceeds from the sale
of the bonds were used by PP&L to retire $116 million of its unsecured term
loans and to reduce its outstanding commercial paper balances.
During 1998, PP&L Capital Funding issued a total of $295 million of medium-
term notes with maturities varying from two to seven years. The proceeds of
these notes were generally used to reduce commercial paper balances. As of
December 31, 1998, $397 million of medium-term notes were outstanding.
In September 1998, PP&L Resources purchased 17 million shares of its common
stock, or approximately 10% of the outstanding shares, from existing shareowners
at a price of $24.50 per share through a self tender process. PP&L Resources
has authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase another three million
shares on the open market or in negotiated transactions. PP&L Resources has not
repurchased any shares under this additional authorization.
In October 1998, Penn Fuel Gas retired $27 million of long-term debt. Of
this amount, $20 million of the retired notes had an interest rate of 7.51%, and
the remainder had an interest rate of 6.70%. These notes would have required
annual installment payments through 2014.
During 1998, PP&L Resources issued $56 million of common stock through the
DRIP and $6 million of common stock through the ESOP.
Effective with the dividend payable October 1, 1998 to owners of record on
September 10, 1998, PP&L Resources' quarterly Common Stock dividend was reduced
to $0.25 per share ($1.00 annualized rate) from the previous level of $0.4175
per share ($1.67 annualized rate).
Declaration of dividends on common stock is made at the discretion of the
Board of Directors of PP&L Resources and PP&L. PP&L Resources and PP&L will
continue to consider the appropriateness of these dividend levels, taking into
account the respective financial positions, results of operations, conditions in
the industry and other factors which the respective Boards deem relevant.
PP&L leases its nuclear fuel from a trust. The maximum financing capacity
of the trust under existing credit arrangements is $200 million. As of December
31, 1998, the trust had issued $188 million of commercial paper to support
nuclear fuel purchases.
PP&L Capital Funding registered $400 million of debt securities with the
SEC in early January 1999. It is expected these debt securities will be issued
from time to time as medium-term notes to provide long-term debt financing for
PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries other than PP&L.
Under the PUC restructuring order of August 27, 1998, PP&L is permitted to
issue transition bonds to securitize up to $2.85 billion of its stranded costs.
PP&L is planning to pursue such securitization later in 1999. The proceeds are
expected to be used by PP&L to retire outstanding debt and to repurchase common
stock from PP&L Resources.
10. WINDFALL PROFITS TAX - PP&L GLOBAL
In July 1997, the U.K. assessed a windfall profits tax on privatized
utilities. SWEB's windfall profits tax was approximately 90 million pounds
sterling, or about $148 million. Based on PP&L Global's 25% ownership interest
in SWEB at that time, PP&L Resources incurred a one-time charge against earnings
of $37 million, or 23 cents per share, in 1997. This charge is included in
"Other Income and Deductions." The tax was fully paid.
11. ACQUISITIONS
In 1998 PP&L Resources acquired Penn Fuel Gas. The transaction was treated
as a purchase for accounting and financial reporting purposes. PP&L Resources
issued approximately 5.6 million shares of common stock with a value of
approximately $135 million, to acquire all Penn Fuel Gas common and preferred
stock. Under the terms of the merger agreement, shareowners of Penn Fuel Gas
received 6.968 common shares of PP&L Resources for each common share of Penn
Fuel Gas that they owned and 0.682 common shares of PP&L Resources for each
preferred share of Penn Fuel Gas that they owned.
In 1998, PP&L Resources also acquired H.T. Lyons and McClure, mechanical
contractor and engineering firms, in cash transactions for amounts that were not
material. In January 1999, PP&L Resources announced that it had reached an
agreement to acquire McCarl's, another mechanical contractor and engineering
firm, in a cash transaction for an amount that is not material. The closing of
the acquisition is expected to occur in February 1999.
In September 1998, PP&L Global announced an agreement to acquire most of
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company's generating assets and certain transmission
rights. PP&L Global will purchase 100 percent of Bangor Hydro's hydroelectric
assets and certain transmission rights, as well as its interest in an oil-fired
generation facility, for $89 million. The acquisition has been approved by the
Maine Public Utilities Commission, and remains subject to the approval of the
FERC as well as certain third-party consents, which are expected in 1999.
PP&L Global has signed definitive agreements with Montana Power Company,
Portland General Electric Company and Puget Sound Energy, Inc. to acquire 13
Montana power plants, with 2,614 MW of generating capacity, for a purchase price
of $1.586 billion. The acquisition is subject to several conditions, including
the receipt of required state and federal regulatory approvals and third-party
consents. In this regard, PacifiCorp, a co-owner of Colstrip Units 3 and 4, has
a right of first refusal to purchase a portion of the assets of these units.
PP&L Global expects to complete the acquisition by the end of 1999. About 65%
of the acquisition cost is expected to be financed on a project credit basis,
non-recourse to PP&L Global and PP&L Resources. The balance of the acquisition
cost is expected to be financed through a combination of debt and equity issued
by PP&L Resources, or with funds that PP&L Resources derives from PP&L's
securitization of transition costs. The agreements also provide for PP&L
Global's acquisition of related transmission assets for $182 million, subject to
certain conditions, including federal regulatory approval.
12. PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Pension Plan
PP&L and Penn Fuel Gas have funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension
plans covering substantially all employees. Benefits are based upon a
participant's earnings and length of participation in the plans, subject to
meeting certain minimum requirements.
PP&L and Penn Fuel Gas have unfunded, supplemental retirement plans for
certain management employees. Benefit payments pursuant to these supplemental
plans are made directly by PP&L and Penn Fuel Gas, respectively. PP&L and Penn
Fuel Gas recently terminated similar nonqualified retirement plans for the
benefit of their directors. At December 31, 1998, the projected benefit
obligation of these supplemental plans was approximately $29 million for PP&L
and Penn Fuel Gas. PP&L Global has established, effective December 1, 1994, a
non-qualified retirement plan for its corporate officers. The cost of the Plan
was not material in 1998.
The components of PP&L's net periodic pension cost for the three plans were
(millions of dollars):
1998 1997 1996
Service cost-benefits earned
during the period $ 35 $ 32 $ 32
Interest cost 67 64 61
Expected return on plan assets (86) (77) (71)
Net amortization and deferral (13) (11) (7)
----- ----- -----
Net periodic pension cost $ 3 $ 8 $ 15
===== ===== =====
The net periodic pension cost charged to operating expenses was $2 million
in 1998, $5 million in 1997 and $9 million in 1996. The balance was charged to
construction and other accounts. The funded status of PP&L's Plan at December
31 was (millions of dollars):
1998 1997
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $1,396 $1,187
Actual return on plan assets 240 254
Actual expense paid (3) (3)
Net benefits paid (42) (42)
------ ------
Fair value of plan at end of year 1,591 1,396
------ ------
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year 962 887
Service cost 35 32
Interest cost 66 63
Plan amendments 66
Actuarial loss 70 25
Special termination benefits 9
Actual expense paid (3) (3)
Net benefits paid (42) (42)
------ ------
Net benefit obligation at end of year 1,163 962
------ ------
Plan assets in excess of projected
benefit obligation 428 434
Unrecognized transition assets (being
amortized over 23 years) (50) (54)
Unrecognized prior service cost 115 52
Unrecognized net gain (707) (636)
------ ------
Accrued expense $ (214) $ (204)
====== ======
The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial
present value of projected benefit obligations was 6.25% and 6.75% on December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The rate of increase in future compensation
used in determining the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations
was 5.0% on December 31, 1998 and 1997. The assumed long-term rates of return
on assets used in determining pension cost in 1998 and 1997 was 8.0%. Plan
assets consist primarily of common stocks, government and corporate bonds and
temporary cash investments.
PP&L's subsidiaries formerly engaged in coal mining have a noncontributory
defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all non-bargaining unit,
full-time employees, which is fully funded and in a separate account managed by
an insurance company. This plan was amended to freeze benefit accruals and
benefit increases effective June 1996. In addition, the companies are liable
under federal and state laws to pay black lung benefits to claimants and
dependents with respect to approved claims, and are members of a trust which was
established to facilitate payment of such liabilities. Such costs were not
material in 1998, 1997 and 1996.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
Substantially all employees of PP&L and its subsidiaries will become
eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement.
PP&L sponsors four health and welfare benefit plans
that cover substantially all management and bargaining unit employees upon
retirement. One plan provides for retiree health care benefits to certain
management employees, another plan provides retiree health care benefits to
bargaining unit employees, a third plan provides retiree life insurance benefits
to certain management employees up to a specified amount and a fourth plan
provides retiree life insurance benefits to bargaining unit employees.
Dollar limits have been established for the amount PP&L will contribute
annually toward the cost of retiree health care for employees retiring after
March 1993.
The PUC Decision in 1995 permitted recovery of the PUC-jurisdictional
amount of retiree health care costs resulting from the adoption of SFAS 106.
The PUC Decision permitted PP&L to recover, over a period of about 17 years, the
amount of SFAS 106 costs deferred. In June 1998, the generation-related portion
of these costs were written off as part of the PUC restructuring proceeding and
the FERC settlement with 16 small utilities.
In December 1993, PP&L established a separate VEBA for each of the four
health and welfare benefit plans for retirees. After making initial
contributions, additional funding of the trusts was deferred pending resolution
of PP&L's ability to recover the costs of the plans in rates. Continued funding
of these trusts was subject to the resolution of the OCA appeal of the PUC
Decision. In 1997, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Commonwealth
Court's decision to uphold the PUC Decision was final. In 1998, PP&L
contributed an additional $25 million to these VEBAs.
The following table sets forth the plans' combined funded status reconciled
with the amount shown on PP&L's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31
(millions of dollars):
1998 1997
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Net benefit obligation at beginning
of year $ 237 $ 249
Service cost 4 4
Interest cost 16 17
Plan amendments 10
Actuarial (gain) loss 42 (22)
Net benefits paid (13) (11)
----- ------
Net benefit obligation at end of year 296 237
----- ------
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year 64 31
Actual return on plan assets 13 2
Employer contributions 37 42
Net benefits paid (13) (11)
----- ------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 101 64
----- ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
in excess of plan assets 195 173
Unrecognized prior service costs (14) (4)
Unrecognized net loss (44) (11)
Unrecognized transition obligation (being
amortized over 20 years) (122) (131)
----- ------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost $ 15 $ 27
===== ======
The net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following
components (millions of dollars):
1998 1997 1996
Service cost - benefits attributed
to service during the period $ 4 $ 4 $ 4
Interest cost on accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation 16 17 15
Actual return on plan assets (4) (2) (1)
Net amortization and deferral 9 10 9
----- ----- ------
Net periodic postretirement
benefit cost $ 25 $ 29 $ 27
===== ===== ======
Retiree health and benefits costs charged to operating expenses were
approximately $19 million in 1998, $23 million in 1997, and $20 million in 1996.
Costs in excess of the amount charged to expense were charged to construction
and other accounts.
For measurement purposes, an 7.75% annual rate of increase in the per
capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 1999; the rate was
assumed to decrease gradually to 6% by 2006 and remain at that level thereafter.
Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by 1% in each year would
increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31,
1998, by about $13 million and the aggregate of the service and interest cost
components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by about $1
million.
In determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, the
weighted average discount rate used was 6.25% and 6.75% on December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The trusts that are holding the plan assets, except for
retiree health care benefits to certain management employees, are tax-exempt.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the tax-exempt trusts
was 6.35% and 6.5% on December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
PP&L and its subsidiaries formerly engaged in coal mining accrued an
additional liability for the cost of health care of retired miners previously
employed by them. The liability, based on the present value of future benefits,
was estimated at $50 million and $51 million as of December 1998 and 1997,
respectively. In December 1997, PP&L contributed $25 million to a VEBA to
partially fund these health care costs. There were no funding contributions
made in 1998.
POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
PP&L 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 material.
13. JOINTLY OWNED FACILITIES
At December 31, 1998, PP&L or its subsidiary owned undivided interests in
the following facilities (millions of dollars):
MERRILL
------GENERATING STATIONS------ CREEK
SUSQUEHANNA KEYSTONE CONEMAUGH RESERVOIR
Ownership interest 90.00% 12.34% 11.39% 8.37%
Electric utility plant in
service $4,085 $ 68 $ 103
Other property $ 22
Accumulated depreciation 3,388 39 45 10
Construction work in progress 53 1
Each participant in these facilities provides its own financing. PP&L
receives a portion of the total output of the generating stations equal to its
percentage ownership. PP&L's share of fuel and other operating costs associated
with the stations is reflected on the PP&L Consolidated Statement of Income.
The Merrill Creek Reservoir provides water during periods of low river flow to
replace water from the Delaware River used by PP&L and other utilities in the
production of electricity.
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES
PP&L's construction expenditures for the period 1999-2003 are estimated to
aggregate $1.8 billion, including AFUDC and capitalized interest. For
discussion pertaining to construction expenditures, see
Review of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption
"Financial Condition -Capital Expenditure Requirements."
NUCLEAR INSURANCE
PP&L 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. PP&L 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, PP&L could be
assessed retroactive premiums in the event of the insurers' adverse loss
experience. At December 31, 1998, the maximum amount PP&L could be assessed
under these programs was about $25 million.
PP&L's public liability for claims resulting from a nuclear incident at the
Susquehanna station is limited to about $9.7 billion under provisions of The
Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988. PP&L 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, PP&L could be assessed up to $168 million per
incident, payable at a rate of $20 million per year, plus an additional 5%
surcharge, if applicable.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Air
---
The Clean Air Act deals, in part, with acid rain, attainment of federal
ambient ozone standards and toxic air emissions. PP&L has complied with the
1995 Phase I acid rain provisions by installing continuous emission monitors on
all units, burning lower sulfur coal and installing low NOx burners on most
units. To comply with the year 2000 Phase II acid rain provisions, PP&L plans
to purchase lower sulfur coal and use banked or purchased emission allowances
instead of installing FGD on its wholly owned units.
PP&L has met the 1995 ambient ozone requirements of the Clean Air Act by
reducing NOx emissions by nearly 50% through the use of low NOx burners.
Further seasonal (i.e., 5 month) NOx reductions to 55% and 75% of 1990 levels
for 1999 and 2003, respectively, are specified under the Northeast Ozone
Transport Region's Memorandum of Understanding. The DEP has finalized
regulations which require PP&L to reduce its ozone seasonal NOx by 57% beginning
in 1999. PP&L plans to comply with this reduction with operational initiatives
that rely, to a large extent, on the existing low NOx burners.
The EPA has finalized new national standards for ambient levels of ground-
level ozone and fine particulates. Based in part on the new ozone standard, the
EPA has finalized NOx emission limits for 22 states, including Pennsylvania,
which in effect require approximately an 80% reduction from the 1990 level in
Pennsylvania by May 2003; the state is required by September 1999 to develop
plans for implementing this reduction. Pursuant to Section 126 of the Clean Air
Act, several
Northeast states have petitioned the EPA to find that major sources of NOx
emissions, including PP&L's power plants, are significantly contributing to non-
attainment in those states. The EPA has proposed to find such contribution and
require emissions reductions at those sources if the states in which those
sources are located fail to develop plans by September 1999 to implement the
proposed 2003 limits. PP&L estimates that compliance with these emissions
reduction requirements could require installation of NOx emissions removal
systems on PP&L's three largest coal-fired units, at a capital cost of
approximately $35 million per unit. The new particulates standard may require
further reductions in SO2 and may expand the planned seasonal NOx reductions to
year round in the 2010-2012 timeframe.
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 whether those emissions should be regulated. Recently, the EPA
released a technical report of its findings to date. The EPA concluded that
mercury is the power plant air toxic of greatest concern, but that more
evaluation is needed before it can determine whether regulation of air toxics
from fossil fuel plants is necessary. EPA is now seeking mercury and chlorine
sampling and other data from electric generating units including PP&L's. In
addition, the EPA has announced a new enforcement initiative against older coal-
fired plants. Several of PP&L's coal-fired plants could fall into this
category. These EPA initiatives could result in compliance costs for PP&L in
amounts which are not now determinable but which could be material.
Expenditures to meet the 2000 acid rain and 1999 NOx reduction requirements
are included in the table of projected construction expenditures in the section
entitled "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in the Review
of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations. PP&L currently estimates
that additional capital expenditures and operating costs for environmental
compliance under the Clean Air Act will be incurred beyond 2002 in amounts which
are not now determinable but which could be material.
Water and Residual Waste
------------------------
PP&L has installed dry fly ash handling systems at most of its power
stations, which reduces waste water discharge. In other cases, PP&L has
modified the existing facilities to allow continued operation of the ash basins
under a DEP permit. Any groundwater contamination caused by the basins must
also be addressed.
Groundwater degradation related to fuel oil leakage from underground
facilities and seepage from coal refuse disposal areas and coal storage piles
has been identified at several PP&L generating stations. Remedial work related
to oil leakage is substantially completed at two generating stations. At this
time, the only other remedial work being planned is to abate a localized
groundwater degradation problem associated with a waste disposal impoundment at
the Montour plant.
The final NPDES permit for the Montour plant contains stringent limits for
iron and chlorine discharges. Depending on the results of
a toxic reduction study, additional water treatment facilities or operational
changes may be needed at this plant.
Capital expenditures through the year 2003 to correct groundwater
degradation at fossil-fueled generating stations, and to address waste water
control at PP&L 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. In this regard, PP&L currently estimates that $5.5 million of
additional capital expenditures may be required in the next four years to close
some of the ash basins and address other ash basin issues at various generating
plants. Additional capital expenditures could be required beyond the year 2003
in amounts which are not now determinable but which could be material. Actions
taken to correct groundwater degradation, to comply with the DEP's 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
material.
Superfund and Other Remediation
-------------------------------
In 1995, PP&L entered into a consent order with the DEP to address a number
of sites where PP&L may be liable for remediation of contamination. This may
include potential PCB contamination at certain PP&L substations and pole sites;
potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities
formerly owned and operated by PP&L; and oil or other contamination which may
exist at some of PP&L's former generating facilities. As of December 31, 1998,
PP&L has completed work on slightly more than half of the sites included in the
consent order.
In 1996, Penn Fuel Gas entered into a similar consent order with the DEP to
address a number of its sites where Penn Fuel Gas may be liable for remediation
of contamination. The sites primarily include former coal gas manufacturing
facilities. Prior to PP&L Resources acquiring Penn Fuel Gas on August 21, 1998,
Penn Fuel Gas had obtained a "no further action" determination from the DEP for
two of the 20 sites covered by the order.
At December 31, 1998, PP&L had accrued approximately $6 million and Penn
Fuel Gas had accrued $15 million, representing the respective amounts PP&L and
Penn Fuel Gas can reasonably estimate they will have to spend to remediate sites
involving the removal of hazardous or toxic substances, including those covered
by each company's consent orders mentioned above. Future cleanup or remediation
work at sites currently under review, or at sites not currently identified, may
result in material additional operating costs for PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas, which
neither company can estimate at this time. In addition, certain federal and
state statutes, including Superfund and the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Act, 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, including PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas, held responsible for cleanup of such
sites. Such natural resource damage claims against PP&L or Penn Fuel Gas could
result in material additional liabilities.
General
-------
Due to the environmental issues discussed above or other environmental
matters, PP&L 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, PP&L also may incur capital expenditures, operating
expenses and other costs in amounts which are not now determinable but which
could be material.
LOAN GUARANTEES OF AFFILIATED COMPANIES
At December 31, 1998, PP&L provided a guarantee in the amount of $12
million in support of one of its subsidiaries.
PP&L Resources also provides certain guarantees for its subsidiaries.
Specifically, PP&L Resources guarantees all of the debt of PP&L Capital Funding.
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources guaranteed $397 million of medium-term
notes and $552 million of commercial paper issued by PP&L Capital Funding. PP&L
Resources also provided $13 million of loan guarantees to a PP&L Global
subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 1998. Also in the fourth quarter, PP&L
Resources guaranteed $19 million of notes of North Penn Gas Co., a subsidiary of
Penn Fuel Gas. Additionally, PP&L Resources has guaranteed certain obligations
of PP&L EnergyPlus for up to $31 million under power purchase and sales
agreements.
Source of Labor Supply
As of December 31, 1998, PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries had
approximately 7,600 employees, including 6,344 full-time PP&L employees.
Approximately 65 percent of PP&L's full-time employees are represented by the
IBEW. PP&L reached a new labor agreement with the IBEW in 1998. This agreement
expires in May 2002.
15. New Accounting Standards
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," which is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The adoption of this statement did not have
a material impact on the financial statements of PP&L Resources or PP&L.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. It
requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments
at fair value. SFAS 133 also expanded the definition of a derivative to include
most commodity contracts that require physical delivery. The accounting for
changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the
derivative and the resulting designation. PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries
intend to adopt this statement as of January 1, 2000. The impact of the
adoption of this statement on
the net income of PP&L Resources and PP&L is not yet determinable but may be
material.
In November 1998, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue 98-10,
"Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management
Activities." For purposes of Issue 98-10, energy trading activities refer to
energy contracts entered into with the objective of generating profits on or
from exposure to shifts or changes in market prices, and risk management
activities refer to energy contracts that are designated as, and effective as,
hedges of nontrading activities. Effective January 1, 1999, EITF Issue 98-10
requires that companies "mark to market" (that is, record the fair value of the
contracts on the balance sheet, with gains and losses reflected in earnings)
energy contracts that constitute energy trading activities. Energy contracts
that are hedges of nontrading activities should continue to be accounted for in
accordance with a company's existing hedge accounting policies. PP&L Resources
and PP&L will continue, until the adoption of SFAS 133, to use accrual
accounting for contracts that are hedges of nontrading activities. PP&L
Resources and PP&L adopted EITF 98-10 on January 1, 1999 and expect to recognize
an after-tax credit to income of approximately $6.0 million as an offset to
energy purchases.
PP&L Resources, Inc
PP&L, INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
- ---------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------
Deductions
Additions from
Balance ---------------------------------- Reserves -
at Charged Losses or Balance at
Beginning Charged to Other Expenses End of
Description of Period to Income Accounts Applicable Period
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ---------
(Millions of Dollars)
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
Year Ended December 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts.......................... 25 17 26 16
Year Ended December 31, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------
Reserves deducted from assets in
the Balance Sheet
Uncollectible accounts.......................... 35 20 30 25
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies..... 15 15
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL, COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA (UNAUDITED)
PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
For the Quarters Ended (a)
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
1998
Operating revenues............................. $ 880 $ 838 $ 1,166 $ 902
Operating income............................... 236 148 262 181
Net income before extraordinary items.......... 101 54 136 88
Net income..................................... 101 (894) 136 88
Earnings per common share (b).................. 0.60 (5.34) 0.81 0.56
Dividends declared per common share (c)........ 0.4175 0.4175 0.25 0.25
Price per common share
High......................................... 24-1/4 24-3/8 26-3/8 28-15/16
Low.......................................... 21-11/16 20-7/8 22 24-15/16
1997
Operating revenues............................. $ 795 $ 693 $ 792 $ 797
Operating income............................... 264 166 201 169
Net income before extraordinary items.......... 117 65 42 72
Net income..................................... 117 65 42 72
Earnings per common share (b).................. 0.72 0.39 0.25 0.44
Dividends declared per common share (c)........ 0.4175 0.4175 0.4175 0.4175
Price per common share
High......................................... 24 20-7/8 23-1/16 24-1/4
Low.......................................... 20 19 19-7/16 20
(a) PP&L's electric utility 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 one-time adjustments. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of
a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations. In addition, PP&L Resources' second quarter results
of 1998 include an after-tax charge of $948 million. See Note 4.
(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) PP&L Resources has paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in every year since 1946. The dividends paid per share in
1997 were $1.67 and in 1998 were $1.50. The most recent regular quarterly dividend paid by PP&L Resources was 25 cents per
share (equivalent to $1.00 per annum) paid January 1, 1999. Future dividends will be dependent upon future earnings, financial
requirements and other factors.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
PP&L, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
For the Quarters Ended (a)
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
1998
Operating revenues........................... $ 861 $ 818 $ 1,131 $ 833
Operating income............................. 231 143 259 168
Net income before extraordinary items........ 109 63 137 100
Net income................................... 109 (885) 137 100
Earnings available to PP&L Resources......... 97 (897) 125 88
1997
Operating revenues........................... $ 785 $ 686 $ 778 $ 800
Operating income............................. 258 163 191 178
Net income before extraordinary items........ 120 70 81 77
Net income................................... 120 70 81 77
Earnings available to PP&L Resources......... 113 61 69 65
(a) PP&L's electric utility business is seasonal in nature with peak sales periods generally occurring in the winter months.
Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations. In
addition, PP&L's second quarter results of 1998 include an after-tax charge of $948 million. See Note 4.
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 PP&L Resources will be
set forth in the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors" and "Directors
Continuing in Office" in PP&L Resources' 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after
December 31, 1998, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required by this item concerning the executive officers of PP&L
Resources is set forth at the end of Part I of this report.
Information for this item concerning directors of PP&L will be set forth in
the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors" and "Directors Continuing in
Office" in PP&L's 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will
be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 1998, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this
item concerning the executive officers of PP&L is set forth at the end of Part I
of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
-------------------------------
Information for this item for PP&L Resources will be set forth in the
sections entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table" and
"Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PP&L Resources' 1999 Notice of
Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later
than 120 days after December 31, 1998, and which information is incorporated
herein by reference.
Information for this item for PP&L will be set forth in the sections
entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table" and
"Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PP&L's 1999 Notice of Annual
Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120
days after December 31, 1998, and which information is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
--------------------------------
Information for this item for PP&L Resources will be set forth in the
section entitled "Stock Ownership" in PP&L
Resources' 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be
filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 1998, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information for this item for PP&L will be set forth in the section
entitled "Stock Ownership" in PP&L's 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after
December 31, 1998, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
Information for this item for PP&L Resources will be set forth in the
section entitled "Certain Transactions Involving Directors or Executive
Officers" in PP&L Resources' 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,
which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31,
1998, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information for this item for PP&L will be set forth in the section
entitled "Certain Transactions Involving Directors or Executive Officers" in
PP&L's 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed
with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 1998, and which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
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.
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the Three
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998
and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity
for each of the Three Years Ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated
Mandatorily Redeemable Securities at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Notes to Financial Statements
PP&L, INC.
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the
Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of
the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998
and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common Equity
for each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Company-Obligated
Mandatorily Redeemable Securities at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statement of Long-Term Debt at
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Notes to 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, 1998
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 107.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The following Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three months ended
December 31, 1998:
Report dated October 2, 1998
----------------------------
Item 5. Other Events
Information regarding PP&L Global's acquisition of generating assets and
transmission resources of Bangor Hydro-Electric Company.
Report dated October 19, 1998
-----------------------------
Item 5. Other Events
Information regarding PP&L Resources' projected earnings for 1998 through
2000.
Report dated November 2, 1998
-----------------------------
Item 5. Other Events
Information regarding PP&L Global's acquisition of Montana generation
assets.
SHAREOWNER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION
----------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETINGS: The annual meetings of shareowners of PP&L Resources and PP&L
are held each year on the fourth Friday of April. The 1999 annual meetings will
be held on Friday, April 23, 1999, at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena, at the
Goodman Campus Complex located in Lower Saucon Township, outside Bethlehem, PA.
PROXY MATERIAL: A proxy statement and notice of PP&L Resources' and PP&L's
annual meetings are mailed to all shareowners of record as of February 26, 1999.
DIVIDENDS: The 1999 dates for consideration of the declaration of dividends on
PP&L Resources common stock and PP&L preferred stock by the board of directors
or its finance committee are February 26, May 28, August 27 and November 19.
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 1999 record dates for dividends are expected to be the 10th day of March,
June, September and December.
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
PP&L Resources common stock or PP&L preferred stock reinvested in PP&L Resources
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 PP&L 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.
PP&L RESOURCES 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 PP&L Resources 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.
Another part of this service is an enhanced Internet home page
(www.pplresources.com). Shareowners can access PP&L Resources' Securities and
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 PP&L Resources and its subsidiaries, please call the Shareowner
Information Line, or write to:
George I. Kline
Manager-Investor Services
PP&L Resources, Inc.
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
INTERNET ACCESS: For updated information throughout the year, check out our
home page at http://www.pplresources.com. You may also contact Investor
Services via E-mail at invserv@papl.com.
LISTED SECURITIES: FISCAL AGENTS:
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE STOCK TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.: Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Common Stock (Code: PPL) Shareowner Services
161 North Concord Exchange
PP&L, INC.: South St. Paul, MN 55075
4-1/2% Preferred Stock
(Code: PPLPRB) PP&L, Inc.
4.40% Series Preferred Stock Investor Services Department
(Code: PPLPRA)
DIVIDEND DISBURSING OFFICE AND
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN AGENT
PP&L CAPITAL TRUST: PP&L, Inc.
8.20% Preferred Securities Investor Services Department
(Code: PPLPRC)
MORTGAGE BOND TRUSTEE
PP&L 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
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.: BOND INTEREST PAYING AGENT
Common Stock PP&L, Inc.
Investor Services Department
PP&L, INC.
4-1/2% Preferred Stock
3.35% Series Preferred Stock
4.40% Series Preferred Stock
4.60% Series Preferred Stock
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.
PP&L RESOURCES, INC.
--------------------
(Registrant)
PP&L, INC.
----------
(Registrant)
By /S/ William F. Hecht
- ----------------------------------------
William F. Hecht - Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer (PP&L Resources,
Inc. and PP&L, Inc.)
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 (PP&L Resources,
Inc. and PP&L, Inc.)
By /S/ John R. Biggar Principal Financial
- ---------------------------------------- Officer
John R. Biggar - Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(PP&L Resources, Inc.
and PP&L, Inc.)
By /S/ Joseph J. McCabe Principal Accounting
- ---------------------------------------- Officer
Joseph J. McCabe - Vice President and
Controller(PP&L Resources,
Inc. and PP&L, Inc.)
Frederick M. Bernthal Stuart Heydt
E. Allen Deaver Frank A. Long Directors
William J. Flood Norman Robertson
Elmer D. Gates Marilyn Ware
By /S/ William F. Hecht
- ----------------------------------------
William F. Hecht, Attorney-in-fact Date: March 3, 1999
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 PP&L Resources, Inc. (Exhibit B
to Proxy Statement of PP&L and Prospectus of Resources,
dated March 9, 1995)
3(a)-2 - Restated Articles of Incorporation of PP&L, Inc. (Exhibit A
to Proxy Statement of PP&L and Prospectus of Resources,
dated March 9, 1995)
3(a)-3 - Articles of Amendment of PP&L, Inc., dated September 12,
1997 (Exhibit 3(a)-3 to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-
905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
3(b)-1 - By-laws of PP&L Resources, Inc. (Exhibit 3(ii)(a) to PP&L
Resources' Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998)
3(b)-2 - By-laws of PP&L, Inc. (Exhibit 3(ii)(b) to PP&L's Form 10-Q
Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30,
1998)
*4(a)-1 - Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
effective January 1, 1998
*4(a)-2 - Amendment No. 1 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
effective January 1, 1998
*4(a)-3 - Amendment No. 2 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
effective December 1, 1998
4(b)-1 - Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1945,
between PP&L 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 October 1, 1989, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated November 6, 1989)
4(b)-4 - Supplement, dated as of July 1, 1991, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated July 29, 1991)
4(b)-5 - Supplement, dated as of May 1, 1992, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated June 1, 1992)
4(b)-6 - Supplement, dated as of November 1, 1992, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-29 to PP&L's Form 10-K
Report (File 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1992)
4(b)-7 - Supplement, dated as of February 1, 1993, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated February 16, 1993)
4(b)-8 - Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1993, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated April 30, 1993)
4(b)-9 - Supplement, dated as of June 1, 1993, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated July 7, 1993)
4(b)-10 - Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1993, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated October 29, 1993)
4(b)-11 - Supplement, dated as of February 15, 1994, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated March 11, 1994)
4(b)-12 - Supplement, dated as of March 1, 1994, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated March 11, 1994)
4(b)-13 - Supplement, dated as of March 15, 1994, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. 1-905) dated March 30, 1994)
4(b)-14 - Supplement, dated as of September 1, 1994, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K (File No.
1-905) dated October 3, 1994)
4(b)-15 - Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1994, to said Mortgage
and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PP&L's Form 8-K Report
(File No. 1-905) dated October 3, 1994)
4(b)-16 - Supplement, dated as of August 1, 1995, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 6(a) to PP&L's Form 10-Q Report (File
No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 1995)
4(b)-17 - Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1997 to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-17 to PP&L's Form 10-K Report
(File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
4(b)-18 - Supplement, dated as of May 5, 1998, to said Mortgage and
Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4.3 to PP&L's Form 8-K Report (File
No. I-905) dated May 1, 1998)
4(c)-1 - Indenture, dated as of November 1, 1997, among PP&L
Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc. and The Chase
Manhattan Bank as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PP&L's 8-K (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 PP&L's 8-K (File No. 1-905) dated November
12, 1997)
4(d)-1 - Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1997,
between PP&L, Inc. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
(Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-20661)
4(d)-2 - Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of April 8,
1997, among PP&L, Inc., 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
PP&L, Inc. 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 PP&L, Inc., 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
PP&L, Inc. 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 November 19, 1998, among PP&L, Inc., PP&L
Capital Funding, Inc. and PP&L Resources, Inc. and the banks
named therein
10(b) - Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November
20, 1997, among PP&L, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc. and
PP&L Resources, Inc. and the banks named therein (Exhibit
10(b) to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the
year ended December 31, 1997)
*10(c) - Credit Agreement and Guarantee, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc., and
The Chase Manhattan Bank
*10(d) - Credit Agreement and Guarantee, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc. and
Citibank, N.A.
*10(e) - Credit Agreement and Guarantee, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc. and
First Union National Bank
*10(f) - Credit Agreement and Guarantee, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding Inc. and
Mellon Bank, N.A.
*10(g) - Credit Agreement and Guarantee, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L Capital Funding, Inc. and
NationsBank, N.A.
10(h) - Pollution Control Facilities Agreement, dated as of May 1,
1973, between PP&L, Inc. and the Lehigh County Industrial
Development Authority (Exhibit 5(z) to Registration
Statement No. 2-60834)
*10(i) - Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the PJM
Interconnection, L.L.C., dated October 15, 1998
10(j)-1 - Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement, dated March 9, 1984,
between PP&L, Inc. and Jersey Central Power & Light Company
(Exhibit l0(f)-3 to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905)
for the year ended December 31, 1984)
10(j)-2 - First Supplement, effective February 28, 1986, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(e)-4 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1986)
10(j)-3 - Second Supplement, effective January 1, 1987, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(g)-3 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1989)
10(j)-4 - Amendments to Exhibit A, effective October 1, 1987, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(e)-6 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1987)
10(j)-5 - Third Supplement, effective December 1, 1988, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(g)-5 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1989)
10(j)-6 - Fourth Supplement, effective December 1, 1988, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(g)-6 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1989)
10(k)-1 - Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement, dated January 28, 1988,
between PP&L, Inc. and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
(Exhibit 10(e)-7 to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905)
for the year ended December 31, 1987)
10(k)-2 - First Supplement, effective November 1, 1988, to said
Capacity and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(i)-2 to
PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1989)
10(k)-3 - Second Supplement, effective June 1, 1989, to said Capacity
and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(i)-3 to PP&L's Form
10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1989)
10(k)-4 - Third Supplement, effective June 1, 1991, to said Capacity
and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(g)-4 to PP&L's Form
10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1991)
10(k)-5 - Fourth Supplement, effective June 1, 1992, to said Capacity
and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-5 to PP&L's Form
10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1997)
10(k)-6 - Fifth Supplement, effective July 15, 1993, to said Capacity
and Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-6 to PP&L's Form 10-
K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1997)
10(k)-7 - Sixth Supplement, effective June 1, 1993, to said Capacity and
Energy Sales Agreement (Exhibit 10(h)-7 to PP&L's Form 10-K
Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)
*10(l) Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan,
effective January 1, 1998
*10(m)-1 Amended and Restated Officers Deferred Compensation Plan,
effective January 1, 1998
*10(m)-2 Amendment No. 1 to said Officers Deferred Compensation Plan,
effective September 14, 1998
*10(n)-1 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
effective January 1, 1998
*10(n)-2 Amendment No. 1 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, effective September 1, 1998
10(o)-1 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan, effective
January 1, 1995 (Exhibit D to Proxy Statement of PP&L and
Prospectus of Resources, dated March 9, 1995)
10(o)-2 - Amendment No. 1 to said Amended and Restated Incentive
Compensation Plan, effective April 27, 1995 (Exhibit 10(m)-2
to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1995)
10(o)-3 - Amendment No. 2 to said Amended and Restated Incentive
Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 1996 (Exhibit 10(o)-3
to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended
December 31, 1996)
10(o)-4 - Amendment No. 3 to said Amended and Restated Incentive
Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 1997 (Exhibit 10(o)-4
to PP&L, Inc.'s Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year
ended December 31, 1996)
10(p) - Description of Executive Incentive Compensation Award Program
(Exhibit 10(p) to PP&L's Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for
the year ended December 31, 1996)/1/
*10(q) - Terry H. Hunt Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1,
1998, among PP&L Resources, Inc., Terry H. Hunt and Penn Fuel
Gas, Inc.
10(r) - Form of Severance Agreement entered into between PP&L
Resources and Officers (Exhibit 10 to PP&L Resources' Form 10-
Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 1998)
10(s) - Nuclear Fuel Lease, dated as of February 1, 1982, between
PP&L, as lessee, and Newton I. Waldman, not in his individual
capacity, but solely as Cotrustee of the Pennsylvania Power &
Light Energy Trust, as lessor (Exhibit 10(g) to PP&L's Form
10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31,
1981)
10(t)-1 - Asset Purchase Agreement between PP&L Global, Inc. and The
Montana Power Company (Exhibit 10(a) to PP&L Resources' Form
10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September
30, 1998)
10(t)-2 - Equity Contribution Agreement among PP&L Resources, Inc., PP&L
Global Inc. and The Montana Power Company (Exhibit 10(b) to
PP&L Resources' Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998)
10(u)-1 - Asset Purchase Agreement between PP&L Global, Inc. and
Portland General Electric Company (Exhibit 10(c) to PP&L
Resources' Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998)
- -------------------
/1/ This description is provided pursuant to 17 C.F.R.(S)229.601(b)(10)(iii)(A).
10(u)-2 - Equity Contribution Agreement among PP&L Resources, Inc.,
PP&L Global, Inc. and Portland General Electric Company
(Exhibit 10(d) to PP&L's Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905)
for the quarter ended September 30, 1998)
10(v)-1 - Asset Purchase Agreement between PP&L Global, Inc. and Puget
Sound Energy, Inc. (Exhibit 10(e) to PP&L's Form 10-Q Report
(File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 1998)
10(v)-2 - Equity contribution Agreement among PP&L Resources, Inc.,
PP&L Global, Inc. and Puget Sound Energy, Inc. (Exhibit
10(f) to PP&L's Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998)
*10(w)-1 - Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 25, 1998
among PP&L Global, Inc., Penobscot Hydro Co., Inc., and
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company
*10(w)-2 - Equity Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 25,
1998, among PP&L Global, Inc., PP&L Resources, Inc.,
Penobscot Hydro Co., Inc. and Bangor Hydro-Electric Company
*12(a) - PP&L Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio
of Earnings to Fixed Charges
*23 - Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
*24 - Power of Attorney
*27 - Financial Data Schedule