Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission File Number | | Registrant, State of Incorporation, Address and Telephone Number | | I.R.S. Employer Identification No. |
1-3526 | | The Southern Company (A Delaware Corporation) 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (404) 506-5000 | | 58-0690070 |
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1-3164 | | Alabama Power Company (An Alabama Corporation) 600 North 18th Street Birmingham, Alabama 35203 (205) 257-1000 | | 63-0004250 |
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1-6468 | | Georgia Power Company (A Georgia Corporation) 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (404) 506-6526 | | 58-0257110 |
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001-31737 | | Gulf Power Company (A Florida Corporation) One Energy Place Pensacola, Florida 32520 (850) 444-6111 | | 59-0276810 |
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001-11229 | | Mississippi Power Company (A Mississippi Corporation) 2992 West Beach Boulevard Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 (228) 864-1211 | | 64-0205820 |
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001-37803 | | Southern Power Company (A Delaware Corporation) 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (404) 506-5000 | | 58-2598670 |
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1-14174 | | Southern Company Gas (A Georgia Corporation) Ten Peachtree Place, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30309 (404) 584-4000 | | 58-2210952 |
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. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Registrant | | Large Accelerated Filer | | Accelerated Filer | | Non- accelerated Filer | | Smaller Reporting Company | | Emerging Growth Company |
The Southern Company | | X | | | | | | | | |
Alabama Power Company | | | | | | X | | | | |
Georgia Power Company | | | | | | X | | | | |
Gulf Power Company | | | | | | X | | | | |
Mississippi Power Company | | | | | | X | | | | |
Southern Power Company | | | | | | X | | | | |
Southern Company Gas | | | | | | X | | | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ (Response applicable to all registrants.)
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Registrant | | Description of Common Stock | | Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2018 |
|
The Southern Company | | Par Value $5 Per Share | | 1,011,624,620 |
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Alabama Power Company | | Par Value $40 Per Share | | 30,537,500 |
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Georgia Power Company | | Without Par Value | | 9,261,500 |
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Gulf Power Company | | Without Par Value | | 7,392,717 |
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Mississippi Power Company | | Without Par Value | | 1,121,000 |
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Southern Power Company | | Par Value $0.01 Per Share | | 1,000 |
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Southern Company Gas | | Par Value $0.01 Per Share | | 100 |
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This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by The Southern Company, Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Southern Power Company, and Southern Company Gas. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to the other registrants.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2018
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| PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) | |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
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INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2018
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| PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) | |
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Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
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| PART II—OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | Inapplicable |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | Inapplicable |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | Inapplicable |
Item 5. | Other Information | Inapplicable |
Item 6. | | |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Term | Meaning |
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2013 ARP | Alternative Rate Plan approved by the Georgia PSC in 2013 for Georgia Power for the years 2014 through 2016 and subsequently extended through 2019 |
AFUDC | Allowance for funds used during construction |
Alabama Power | Alabama Power Company |
ARO | Asset retirement obligation |
ASC | Accounting Standards Codification |
ASU | Accounting Standards Update |
Atlanta Gas Light | Atlanta Gas Light Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas |
Atlantic Coast Pipeline | Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC, a joint venture to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline in which Southern Company Gas has a 5% ownership interest |
Bechtel | Bechtel Power Corporation |
CCR | Coal combustion residuals |
CO2 | Carbon dioxide |
COD | Commercial operation date |
Contractor Settlement Agreement | The December 31, 2015 agreement between Westinghouse and the Vogtle Owners resolving disputes between the Vogtle Owners and the EPC Contractor under the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement |
CPCN | Certificate of public convenience and necessity |
Customer Refunds | Refunds to be issued to Georgia Power customers no later than the end of the third quarter 2018 as ordered by the Georgia PSC related to the Guarantee Settlement Agreement |
CWIP | Construction work in progress |
Dalton Pipeline | A 50% undivided ownership interest of Southern Company Gas in a pipeline facility in Georgia |
DOE | U.S. Department of Energy |
ECO Plan | Mississippi Power's environmental compliance overview plan |
Eligible Project Costs | Certain costs of construction relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that are eligible for financing under the loan guarantee program established under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 |
EPA | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
EPC Contractor | Westinghouse and its affiliate, WECTEC Global Project Services Inc.; the former engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FFB | Federal Financing Bank |
Fitch | Fitch Ratings, Inc. |
Form 10-K | Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas for the year ended December 31, 2017, as applicable |
GAAP | U.S. generally accepted accounting principles |
Georgia Power | Georgia Power Company |
Guarantee Settlement Agreement | The June 9, 2017 settlement agreement between the Vogtle Owners and Toshiba related to the Toshiba Guarantee |
Gulf Power | Gulf Power Company |
Heating Degree Days | A measure of weather, calculated when the average daily temperatures are less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
Horizon Pipeline | Horizon Pipeline Company, LLC |
IGCC | Integrated coal gasification combined cycle, the technology originally approved for Mississippi Power's Kemper County energy facility (Plant Ratcliffe) |
IIC | Intercompany interchange contract |
Illinois Commission | Illinois Commerce Commission |
DEFINITIONS
(continued)
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Term | Meaning |
Interim Assessment Agreement | Agreement entered into by the Vogtle Owners and the EPC Contractor to allow construction to continue after the EPC Contractor's bankruptcy filing |
IRS | Internal Revenue Service |
ITC | Investment tax credit |
KWH | Kilowatt-hour |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
LIFO | Last-in, first-out |
LNG | Liquefied natural gas |
Loan Guarantee Agreement | Loan guarantee agreement entered into by Georgia Power with the DOE in 2014, under which the proceeds of borrowings may be used to reimburse Georgia Power for Eligible Project Costs incurred in connection with its construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 |
LOCOM | Lower of weighted average cost or current market price |
LTSA | Long-term service agreement |
Merger | The merger, effective July 1, 2016, of a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of Southern Company with and into Southern Company Gas, with Southern Company Gas continuing as the surviving corporation |
Mississippi Power | Mississippi Power Company |
mmBtu | Million British thermal units |
Moody's | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
MRA | Municipal and Rural Associations |
MW | Megawatt |
natural gas distribution utilities | Southern Company Gas' seven natural gas distribution utilities (Nicor Gas, Atlanta Gas Light, Virginia Natural Gas, Elizabethtown Gas, Florida City Gas, Chattanooga Gas Company, and Elkton Gas) |
NCCR | Georgia Power's Nuclear Construction Cost Recovery |
New Jersey BPU | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities |
Nicor Gas | Northern Illinois Gas Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas |
NRC | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
NYMEX | New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. |
OCI | Other comprehensive income |
PennEast Pipeline | PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC, a joint venture to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline in which Southern Company Gas has a 20% ownership interest |
PEP | Mississippi Power's Performance Evaluation Plan |
Pivotal Home Solutions | Nicor Energy Services Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, doing business as Pivotal Home Solutions |
Pivotal Utility Holdings | Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, doing business as Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, and Florida City Gas |
PowerSecure | PowerSecure, Inc. |
power pool | The operating arrangement whereby the integrated generating resources of the traditional electric operating companies and Southern Power (excluding subsidiaries) are subject to joint commitment and dispatch in order to serve their combined load obligations |
PPA | Power purchase agreements, as well as, for Southern Power, contracts for differences that provide the owner of a renewable facility a certain fixed price for the electricity sold to the grid |
PSC | Public Service Commission |
PTC | Production tax credit |
Rate CNP | Alabama Power's Rate Certificated New Plant |
Rate CNP Compliance | Alabama Power's Rate Certificated New Plant Compliance |
DEFINITIONS
(continued)
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Term | Meaning |
Rate CNP PPA | Alabama Power's Rate Certificated New Plant Power Purchase Agreement |
Rate ECR | Alabama Power's Rate Energy Cost Recovery |
Rate NDR | Alabama Power's Rate Natural Disaster Reserve |
Rate RSE | Alabama Power's Rate Stabilization and Equalization plan |
registrants | Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power Company, and Southern Company Gas |
ROE | Return on equity |
S&P | S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc. |
SCS | Southern Company Services, Inc. (the Southern Company system service company) |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
SNG | Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. |
Southern Company | The Southern Company |
Southern Company Gas | Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries |
Southern Company Gas Capital | Southern Company Gas Capital Corporation, a 100%-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas |
Southern Company system | Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power, Southern Company Gas, Southern Electric Generating Company, Southern Nuclear, SCS, Southern Communications Services, Inc., PowerSecure, and other subsidiaries |
Southern Nuclear | Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. |
Southern Power | Southern Power Company and its subsidiaries |
Tax Reform Legislation | The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and became effective on January 1, 2018 |
Toshiba | Toshiba Corporation, parent company of Westinghouse |
Toshiba Guarantee | Certain payment obligations of the EPC Contractor guaranteed by Toshiba |
traditional electric operating companies | Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power |
Triton | Triton Container Investments, LLC |
VCM | Vogtle Construction Monitoring |
Virginia Commission | Virginia State Corporation Commission |
Virginia Natural Gas | Virginia Natural Gas, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas |
Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement | Agreement entered into with the EPC Contractor in 2008 by Georgia Power, acting for itself and as agent for the Vogtle Owners, pursuant to which the EPC Contractor agreed to design, engineer, procure, construct, and test Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 |
Vogtle Owners | Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and the City of Dalton, Georgia, an incorporated municipality in the State of Georgia acting by and through its Board of Water, Light, and Sinking Fund Commissioners |
Vogtle Services Agreement | The June 9, 2017 services agreement between the Vogtle Owners and the EPC Contractor, as amended and restated on July 20, 2017, for the EPC Contractor to transition construction management of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Southern Nuclear and to provide ongoing design, engineering, and procurement services to Southern Nuclear |
WACOG | Weighted average cost of gas |
Westinghouse | Westinghouse Electric Company LLC |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning regulated rates, the strategic goals for the wholesale business, customer and sales growth, economic conditions, fuel and environmental cost recovery and other rate actions, current and proposed environmental regulations and related compliance plans and estimated expenditures, pending or potential litigation matters, access to sources of capital, financing activities, completion dates of construction projects, completion of announced acquisitions or dispositions, filings with state and federal regulatory authorities, impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation, federal and state income tax benefits, estimated sales and purchases under power sale and purchase agreements, and estimated construction and other plans and expenditures. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar terminology. There are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include:
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• | the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory changes, including environmental laws and regulations governing air, water, land, and protection of other natural resources, and also changes in tax and other laws and regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations; |
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• | the uncertainty surrounding the Tax Reform Legislation, including implementing regulations and IRS interpretations, actions that may be taken in response by regulatory authorities, and its impact, if any, on the credit ratings of Southern Company and its subsidiaries; |
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• | current and future litigation or regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries; |
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• | the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which Southern Company's subsidiaries operate; |
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• | variations in demand for electricity and natural gas, including those relating to weather, the general economy, population and business growth (and declines), the effects of energy conservation and efficiency measures, including from the development and deployment of alternative energy sources such as self-generation and distributed generation technologies, and any potential economic impacts resulting from federal fiscal decisions; |
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• | available sources and costs of natural gas and other fuels; |
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• | limits on pipeline capacity; |
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• | transmission constraints; |
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• | the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities, which include the development and construction of generating facilities with designs that have not been previously constructed, including changes in labor costs and productivity, adverse weather conditions, shortages, increased costs or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, including any changes related to imposition of import tariffs, contractor or supplier delay, non-performance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, unforeseen engineering or design problems, start-up activities (including major equipment failure and system integration), and/or operational performance; |
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• | the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; |
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• | investment performance of the Southern Company system's employee and retiree benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust funds; |
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• | ongoing renewable energy partnerships and development agreements; |
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• | state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and other cost recovery mechanisms; |
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• | the ability to successfully operate the electric utilities' generating, transmission, and distribution facilities and Southern Company Gas' natural gas distribution and storage facilities and the successful performance of necessary corporate functions; |
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• | legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia PSC approvals and NRC actions; |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
(continued)
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• | if certain adverse events were to occur, a decision by more than 10% of the owners of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; |
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• | litigation related to the Kemper County energy facility; |
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• | the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities, including environmental, health, regulatory, natural disaster, terrorism, and financial risks; |
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• | the inherent risks involved in transporting and storing natural gas; |
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• | the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; |
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• | internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
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• | potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the proposed disposition by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas of Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas, the proposed disposition by Southern Company Gas of Pivotal Home Solutions, and the potential sale of a 33% equity interest in substantially all of Southern Power's solar assets, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its subsidiaries; |
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• | the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the Merger cannot be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected and the possibility that costs related to the integration of Southern Company and Southern Company Gas will be greater than expected; |
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• | the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; |
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• | the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with wholesale customers; |
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• | the direct or indirect effect on the Southern Company system's business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of physical attacks; |
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• | interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; |
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• | changes in Southern Company's and any of its subsidiaries' credit ratings, including impacts on interest rates, access to capital markets, and collateral requirements; |
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• | the impacts of any sovereign financial issues, including impacts on interest rates, access to capital markets, impacts on foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty performance, and the economy in general, as well as potential impacts on the benefits of the DOE loan guarantees; |
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• | the ability of Southern Company's electric utilities to obtain additional generating capacity (or sell excess generating capacity) at competitive prices; |
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• | catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events such as influenzas, or other similar occurrences; |
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• | the direct or indirect effects on the Southern Company system's business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure, or operation of generating or storage resources; |
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• | impairments of goodwill or long-lived assets; |
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• | the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and |
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• | other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed by the registrants from time to time with the SEC. |
The registrants expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
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| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Operating Revenues: | | | |
Retail electric revenues | $ | 3,568 |
| | $ | 3,394 |
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Wholesale electric revenues | 619 |
| | 531 |
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Other electric revenues | 165 |
| | 175 |
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Natural gas revenues (includes alternative revenue programs of $(24) and $9, respectively) | 1,607 |
| | 1,530 |
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Other revenues | 413 |
| | 141 |
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Total operating revenues | 6,372 |
| | 5,771 |
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Operating Expenses: | | | |
Fuel | 1,101 |
| | 996 |
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Purchased power | 267 |
| | 179 |
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Cost of natural gas | 720 |
| | 719 |
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Cost of other sales | 289 |
| | 88 |
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Other operations and maintenance | 1,451 |
| | 1,383 |
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Depreciation and amortization | 769 |
| | 716 |
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Taxes other than income taxes | 355 |
| | 330 |
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Estimated loss on Kemper IGCC | 44 |
| | 108 |
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Total operating expenses | 4,996 |
| | 4,519 |
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Operating Income | 1,376 |
| | 1,252 |
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Other Income and (Expense): | | | |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 30 |
| | 57 |
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Earnings from equity method investments | 41 |
| | 39 |
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Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (458 | ) | | (416 | ) |
Other income (expense), net | 60 |
| | 48 |
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Total other income and (expense) | (327 | ) | | (272 | ) |
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 1,049 |
| | 980 |
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Income taxes | 113 |
| | 315 |
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Consolidated Net Income | 936 |
| | 665 |
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Dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries | 4 |
| | 11 |
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Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (6 | ) | | (4 | ) |
Consolidated Net Income Attributable to Southern Company | $ | 938 |
| | $ | 658 |
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Common Stock Data: | | | |
Earnings per share — | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.93 |
| | $ | 0.66 |
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Diluted | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.66 |
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Average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in millions) | | | |
Basic | 1,011 |
| | 993 |
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Diluted | 1,016 |
| | 1,000 |
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Cash dividends paid per share of common stock | $ | 0.58 |
| | $ | 0.56 |
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The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
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| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Consolidated Net Income | $ | 936 |
| | $ | 665 |
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Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | |
Qualifying hedges: | | | |
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $16 and $(5), respectively | 47 |
| | (9 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $(6) and $(1), respectively | (19 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: | | | |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $- and $-, respectively | 2 |
| | 1 |
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Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 30 |
| | (9 | ) |
Comprehensive Income | 966 |
| | 656 |
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Dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries | 4 |
| | 11 |
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Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (6 | ) | | (4 | ) |
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Attributable to Southern Company | $ | 968 |
| | $ | 649 |
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The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Operating Activities: | | | |
Consolidated net income | $ | 936 |
| | $ | 665 |
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Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided from operating activities — | | | |
Depreciation and amortization, total | 873 |
| | 823 |
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Deferred income taxes | 34 |
| | 161 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (30 | ) | | (57 | ) |
Stock based compensation expense | 69 |
| | 61 |
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Estimated loss on Kemper IGCC | 37 |
| | 108 |
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Mark-to-market adjustments | (60 | ) | | (81 | ) |
Other, net | 6 |
| | (10 | ) |
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities — | | | |
-Receivables | 197 |
| | 310 |
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-Prepayments | (82 | ) | | (111 | ) |
-Natural gas for sale, net of temporary LIFO liquidation | 413 |
| | 411 |
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-Other current assets | 7 |
| | (31 | ) |
-Accounts payable | (425 | ) | | (533 | ) |
-Accrued taxes | (79 | ) | | (212 | ) |
-Accrued compensation | (471 | ) | | (438 | ) |
-Retail fuel cost over recovery | 3 |
| | (122 | ) |
-Other current liabilities | 81 |
| | (48 | ) |
Net cash provided from operating activities | 1,509 |
| | 896 |
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Investing Activities: | | | |
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (46 | ) | | (1,004 | ) |
Property additions | (1,781 | ) | | (1,488 | ) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases | (306 | ) | | (224 | ) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 301 |
| | 218 |
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Asset dispositions | 135 |
| | 64 |
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Cost of removal, net of salvage | (79 | ) | | (61 | ) |
Change in construction payables, net | (112 | ) | | (170 | ) |
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries | (30 | ) | | (81 | ) |
Payments pursuant to LTSAs | (73 | ) | | (55 | ) |
Other investing activities | (4 | ) | | 4 |
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Net cash used for investing activities | (1,995 | ) | | (2,797 | ) |
Financing Activities: | | | |
Increase in notes payable, net | 782 |
| | 573 |
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Proceeds — | | | |
Long-term debt | 600 |
| | 1,409 |
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Common stock | 113 |
| | 186 |
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Short-term borrowings | 1,200 |
| | 4 |
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Redemptions and repurchases — | | | |
Long-term debt | (1,283 | ) | | (608 | ) |
Short-term borrowings | (150 | ) | | — |
|
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (13 | ) | | (18 | ) |
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests | 8 |
| | 71 |
|
Payment of common stock dividends | (586 | ) | | (556 | ) |
Other financing activities | (42 | ) | | (36 | ) |
Net cash provided from financing activities | 629 |
| | 1,025 |
|
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | 143 |
| | (876 | ) |
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | 2,147 |
| | 1,992 |
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Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 2,290 |
| | $ | 1,116 |
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: | | | |
Cash paid (received) during the period for — | | | |
Interest (net of $17 and $25 capitalized for 2018 and 2017, respectively) | $ | 499 |
| | $ | 461 |
|
Income taxes, net | (1 | ) | | (6 | ) |
Noncash transactions — Accrued property additions at end of period | 894 |
| | 578 |
|
The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | | |
Assets | | At March 31, 2018 | | At December 31, 2017 |
| | (in millions) |
Current Assets: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 2,284 |
| | $ | 2,130 |
|
Receivables — | | | | |
Customer accounts receivable | | 1,683 |
| | 1,806 |
|
Energy marketing receivables | | 448 |
| | 607 |
|
Unbilled revenues | | 777 |
| | 810 |
|
Under recovered fuel clause revenues | | 156 |
| | 171 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable | | 703 |
| | 698 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts | | (54 | ) | | (44 | ) |
Materials and supplies | | 1,430 |
| | 1,438 |
|
Fossil fuel for generation | | 565 |
| | 594 |
|
Natural gas for sale | | 235 |
| | 595 |
|
Prepaid expenses | | 432 |
| | 452 |
|
Other regulatory assets, current | | 579 |
| | 604 |
|
Other current assets | | 286 |
| | 211 |
|
Total current assets | | 9,524 |
| | 10,072 |
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: | | | | |
In service | | 104,499 |
| | 103,542 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | 31,920 |
| | 31,457 |
|
Plant in service, net of depreciation | | 72,579 |
| | 72,085 |
|
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost | | 908 |
| | 883 |
|
Construction work in progress | | 7,460 |
| | 6,904 |
|
Total property, plant, and equipment | | 80,947 |
| | 79,872 |
|
Other Property and Investments: | | | | |
Goodwill | | 6,226 |
| | 6,268 |
|
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries | | 1,542 |
| | 1,513 |
|
Other intangible assets, net of amortization of $212 and $186 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively | | 848 |
| | 873 |
|
Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value | | 1,827 |
| | 1,832 |
|
Leveraged leases | | 781 |
| | 775 |
|
Miscellaneous property and investments | | 250 |
| | 249 |
|
Total other property and investments | | 11,474 |
| | 11,510 |
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: | | | | |
Deferred charges related to income taxes | | 818 |
| | 825 |
|
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt | | 203 |
| | 206 |
|
Other regulatory assets, deferred | | 6,948 |
| | 6,943 |
|
Other deferred charges and assets | | 1,653 |
| | 1,577 |
|
Total deferred charges and other assets | | 9,622 |
| | 9,551 |
|
Total Assets | | $ | 111,567 |
| | $ | 111,005 |
|
The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | At March 31, 2018 | | At December 31, 2017 |
| | (in millions) |
Current Liabilities: | | | | |
Securities due within one year | | $ | 3,235 |
| | $ | 3,892 |
|
Notes payable | | 4,271 |
| | 2,439 |
|
Energy marketing trade payables | | 437 |
| | 546 |
|
Accounts payable | | 2,089 |
| | 2,530 |
|
Customer deposits | | 530 |
| | 542 |
|
Accrued taxes | | 368 |
| | 636 |
|
Accrued interest | | 432 |
| | 488 |
|
Accrued compensation | | 493 |
| | 959 |
|
Asset retirement obligations, current | | 301 |
| | 351 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities, current | | 551 |
| | 337 |
|
Other current liabilities | | 923 |
| | 874 |
|
Total current liabilities | | 13,630 |
| | 13,594 |
|
Long-term Debt | | 44,446 |
| | 44,462 |
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: | | | | |
Accumulated deferred income taxes | | 6,930 |
| | 6,842 |
|
Deferred credits related to income taxes | | 7,179 |
| | 7,256 |
|
Accumulated deferred ITCs | | 2,362 |
| | 2,267 |
|
Employee benefit obligations | | 2,206 |
| | 2,256 |
|
Asset retirement obligations, deferred | | 4,536 |
| | 4,473 |
|
Accrued environmental remediation | | 378 |
| | 389 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations | | 2,667 |
| | 2,684 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred | | 224 |
| | 239 |
|
Other deferred credits and liabilities | | 660 |
| | 691 |
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | | 27,142 |
| | 27,097 |
|
Total Liabilities | | 85,218 |
| | 85,153 |
|
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries | | 324 |
| | 324 |
|
Stockholders' Equity: | | | | |
Common Stockholders' Equity: | | | | |
Common stock, par value $5 per share — | | | | |
Authorized — 1.5 billion shares | | | | |
Issued — 1.0 billion shares | | | | |
Treasury — March 31, 2018: 1.0 million shares | | | | |
— December 31, 2017: 0.9 million shares | | | | |
Par value | | 5,054 |
| | 5,038 |
|
Paid-in capital | | 10,603 |
| | 10,469 |
|
Treasury, at cost | | (38 | ) | | (36 | ) |
Retained earnings | | 9,257 |
| | 8,885 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | (200 | ) | | (189 | ) |
Total Common Stockholders' Equity | | 24,676 |
| | 24,167 |
|
Noncontrolling Interests | | 1,349 |
| | 1,361 |
|
Total Stockholders' Equity | | 26,025 |
| | 25,528 |
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | $ | 111,567 |
| | $ | 111,005 |
|
The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FIRST QUARTER 2018 vs. FIRST QUARTER 2017
OVERVIEW
Southern Company is a holding company that owns all of the common stock of the traditional electric operating companies and the parent entities of Southern Power and Southern Company Gas and owns other direct and indirect subsidiaries. Discussion of the results of operations is focused on the Southern Company system's primary businesses of electricity sales by the traditional electric operating companies and Southern Power and the distribution of natural gas by Southern Company Gas. The four traditional electric operating companies are vertically integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. Southern Power develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects, and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. Southern Company Gas distributes natural gas through natural gas distribution utilities in seven states and is involved in several other complementary businesses including gas marketing services, wholesale gas services, and gas midstream operations. Southern Company's other business activities include providing energy technologies and services to electric utilities and large industrial, commercial, institutional, and municipal customers. Customer solutions include distributed generation systems, utility infrastructure solutions, and energy efficiency products and services. Other business activities also include investments in telecommunications, leveraged lease projects, and gas storage facilities. For additional information, see BUSINESS – "The Southern Company System – Traditional Electric Operating Companies," " – Southern Power," " – Southern Company Gas," and " – Other Businesses" in Item 1 of the Form 10-K. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein for information regarding agreements entered into by Southern Company Gas to sell two of its natural gas distribution utilities and Pivotal Home Solutions.
Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Gulf Power recently reached agreements with their respective state PSCs relating to the regulatory impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation, which include capital structure adjustments expected to help mitigate the potential adverse impacts to certain of their credit metrics. In addition, Mississippi Power, Atlanta Gas Light, and Nicor Gas have each made filings with their respective state PSC or other regulatory agency relating to the Tax Reform Legislation and are awaiting final approval. See Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Regulatory Matters" herein for additional information regarding state PSC or other regulatory agency actions related to the Tax Reform Legislation. Also see MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Income Tax Matters" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K and FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Credit Rating Risk" and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information regarding the Tax Reform Legislation.
Southern Company continues to focus on several key performance indicators. These indicators include, but are not limited to, customer satisfaction, plant availability, electric and natural gas system reliability, execution of major construction projects, and earnings per share.
Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 Status
In 2009, the Georgia PSC certified construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. In 2012, the NRC issued the related combined construction and operating licenses, which allowed full construction of the two AP1000 nuclear units (with electric generating capacity of approximately 1,100 MWs each) and related facilities to begin. Until March 2017, construction on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 continued under the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement, which was a substantially fixed price agreement. In March 2017, the EPC Contractor filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
In connection with the EPC Contractor's bankruptcy filing, Georgia Power, acting for itself and as agent for the Vogtle Owners, entered into the Interim Assessment Agreement with the EPC Contractor to allow construction to continue. The Interim Assessment Agreement expired in July 2017 when the Vogtle Services Agreement became effective. In August 2017, following completion of comprehensive cost to complete and cancellation cost assessments, Georgia Power filed its seventeenth VCM report with the Georgia PSC, which included a
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
recommendation to continue construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, with Southern Nuclear serving as project manager and Bechtel serving as the primary construction contractor. In December 2017, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power's recommendation to continue construction.
Georgia Power expects Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to be placed in service by November 2021 and November 2022, respectively. Georgia Power's capital cost forecast for its 45.7% proportionate share of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 is $8.8 billion ($7.3 billion after reflecting $1.7 billion received from Toshiba in 2017 under the Guarantee Settlement Agreement and $188 million in Customer Refunds recognized as a regulatory liability in 2017). Georgia Power's CWIP balance for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 was $3.6 billion at March 31, 2018, which is net of the Guarantee Settlement Agreement payments less the Customer Refunds. Georgia Power estimates that its financing costs for construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 will total approximately $3.1 billion, of which $1.6 billion had been incurred through March 31, 2018.
See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Construction Program – Nuclear Construction" herein for additional information.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Income
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$280 | | 42.6 |
Consolidated net income attributable to Southern Company was $938 million ($0.93 per share) for the first quarter 2018 compared to $658 million ($0.66 per share) for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a lower federal income tax rate as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation and net state income tax benefits arising from the reorganization of Southern Power's legal entities, as well as higher retail electric revenues due to colder weather, partially offset by reductions in retail revenues related to the regulatory treatment of the Tax Reform Legislation impacts.
Retail Electric Revenues
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$174 | | 5.1 |
In the first quarter 2018, retail electric revenues were $3.6 billion compared to $3.4 billion for the corresponding period in 2017.
Details of the changes in retail electric revenues were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
| | First Quarter 2018 |
| | (in millions) | | (% change) |
Retail electric – prior year | | $ | 3,394 |
| | |
Estimated change resulting from – | | | | |
Rates and pricing | | (103 | ) | | (3.0 | ) |
Sales growth | | 26 |
| | 0.8 |
|
Weather | | 144 |
| | 4.2 |
|
Fuel and other cost recovery | | 107 |
| | 3.1 |
|
Retail electric – current year | | $ | 3,568 |
| | 5.1 | % |
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing decreased in the first quarter 2018 when compared to the corresponding period in 2017 primarily due to revenues deferred as regulatory liabilities for future adjustments to customer billings related to the Tax Reform Legislation, as well as the rate pricing effect of increased customer usage at Georgia Power. The decrease in revenues also reflects a decrease in the recovery of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 construction financing costs under the NCCR tariff at Georgia Power, also primarily related to the Tax Reform Legislation. These decreases were partially offset by higher contributions from variable demand-driven pricing from commercial and industrial customers at Georgia Power.
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Alabama Power" and " – Georgia Power – Rate Plans" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.
Revenues attributable to changes in sales increased in the first quarter 2018 when compared to the corresponding period in 2017. Weather-adjusted residential KWH sales and weather-adjusted commercial KWH sales increased 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively, in the first quarter 2018 primarily due to customer growth. Industrial KWH sales increased 2.6% in the first quarter 2018, primarily in the primary metals and chemicals sectors, partially offset by decreased sales in the paper sector.
Fuel and other cost recovery revenues increased $107 million in the first quarter 2018 when compared to the corresponding period in 2017 primarily due to higher energy sales resulting from colder weather. Electric rates for the traditional electric operating companies include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these provisions, fuel revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the energy component of PPA costs, and do not affect net income. The traditional electric operating companies each have one or more regulatory mechanisms to recover other costs such as environmental and other compliance costs, storm damage, new plants, and PPA capacity costs.
Wholesale Electric Revenues
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$88 | | 16.6 |
Wholesale electric revenues consist of PPAs primarily with investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives and short-term opportunity sales. Wholesale electric revenues from PPAs (other than solar and wind PPAs) have both capacity and energy components. Capacity revenues generally represent the greatest contribution to net income and are designed to provide recovery of fixed costs plus a return on investment. Energy revenues will vary depending on fuel prices, the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the Southern Company system's generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system's electric service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system's generation. Increases and decreases in energy revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income. Energy sales from solar and wind PPAs do not have a capacity charge and customers either purchase the energy output of a dedicated renewable facility through an energy charge or through a fixed price related to the energy. As a result, Southern Company's ability to recover fixed and variable operations and maintenance expenses is dependent upon the level of energy generated from these facilities, which can be impacted by weather conditions, equipment performance, transmission constraints, and other factors. Wholesale electric revenues at Mississippi Power include FERC-regulated municipal and rural association sales as well as market-based sales. Short-term opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a margin above the Southern Company system's variable cost to produce the energy.
In the first quarter 2018, wholesale electric revenues were $619 million compared to $531 million for the corresponding period in 2017. This increase was primarily related to a $91 million increase in energy revenues, partially offset by a $3 million decrease in capacity revenues. The increase in energy revenues primarily relates to Southern Power and includes an increase in fuel costs that are contractually recovered through PPAs and new
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
natural gas PPAs related to existing facilities. Additionally, the increase in energy revenues is due to increased demand related to colder weather in the first quarter 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017.
Natural Gas Revenues
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$77 | | 5.0 |
In the first quarter 2018, natural gas revenues were $1.6 billion compared to $1.5 billion for the corresponding period in 2017.
Details of the changes in natural gas revenues were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
| | First Quarter 2018 |
| | (in millions) | | (% change) |
Natural gas – prior year | | $ | 1,530 |
| | |
Estimated change resulting from – | | | | |
Infrastructure replacement programs and base rate increases | | 47 |
| | 3.0 | % |
Tax reform regulatory liabilities | | (37 | ) | | (2.4 | ) |
Gas costs and other cost recovery | | 1 |
| | 0.1 |
|
Weather | | 8 |
| | 0.5 |
|
Wholesale gas services | | 35 |
| | 2.3 |
|
Other | | 23 |
| | 1.5 |
|
Natural gas – current year | | $ | 1,607 |
| | 5.0 | % |
The increase in natural gas revenues is primarily due to infrastructure investments recovered through replacement programs and increases in base rate revenues at the natural gas distribution utilities, an increase in commercial activity at Southern Company Gas' wholesale gas services business, colder weather, fixed and guaranteed bill revenue at Southern Company Gas' gas marketing services business as a result of adopting a new revenue recognition standard, and an increase in revenues resulting from the Dalton Pipeline being placed in service. These increases were partially offset by revenues deferred as regulatory liabilities for expected adjustments to customer billings as a result of the regulatory treatment of the Tax Reform Legislation impacts.
Natural gas distribution rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in natural gas costs. Therefore, gas costs recovered through natural gas revenues generally equal the amount expensed in cost of natural gas and do not affect net income from gas distribution operations.
See Notes (A) and (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein under "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards – Revenue" and "Regulatory Matters – Southern Company Gas," respectively, for additional information.
Other Revenues
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$272 | | 192.9 |
In the first quarter 2018, other revenues were $413 million compared to $141 million for the corresponding period in 2017. This increase was primarily due to PowerSecure's storm restoration services in Puerto Rico.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
|
| | | | | | |
| | First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
| | (change in millions) | | (% change) |
Fuel | | $ | 105 |
| | 10.5 |
Purchased power | | 88 |
| | 49.2 |
Total fuel and purchased power expenses | | $ | 193 |
| | |
In the first quarter 2018, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily the result of a $147 million increase in the volume of KWHs generated and purchased and a $46 million increase in the average cost of fuel and purchased power.
Fuel and purchased power energy transactions at the traditional electric operating companies are generally offset by fuel revenues and do not have a significant impact on net income. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery" herein for additional information. Fuel expenses incurred under Southern Power's PPAs are generally the responsibility of the counterparties and do not significantly impact net income.
Details of the Southern Company system's generation and purchased power were as follows:
|
| | | | |
| | First Quarter 2018 | | First Quarter 2017 |
Total generation (in billions of KWHs) | | 48 | | 44 |
Total purchased power (in billions of KWHs) | | 5 | | 4 |
Sources of generation (percent) — | | | | |
Gas | | 45 | | 46 |
Coal | | 29 | | 29 |
Nuclear | | 16 | | 17 |
Hydro | | 4 | | 2 |
Other | | 6 | | 6 |
Cost of fuel, generated (in cents per net KWH) — | | | | |
Gas | | 2.85 | | 2.92 |
Coal | | 2.90 | | 2.88 |
Nuclear | | 0.78 | | 0.79 |
Average cost of fuel, generated (in cents per net KWH) | | 2.50 | | 2.50 |
Average cost of purchased power (in cents per net KWH)(*) | | 6.33 | | 5.10 |
| |
(*) | Average cost of purchased power includes fuel purchased by the Southern Company system for tolling agreements where power is generated by the provider. |
Fuel
In the first quarter 2018, fuel expense was $1.1 billion compared to $1.0 billion for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a 14.2% increase in the volume of KWHs generated by natural gas and a 10.8% increase in the volume of KWHs generated by coal, partially offset by a 2.4% decrease in the average cost of natural gas per KWH generated.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Purchased Power
In the first quarter 2018, purchased power expense was $267 million compared to $179 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a 24.1% increase in the average cost per KWH purchased and a 14.0% increase in the volume of KWHs purchased.
Energy purchases will vary depending on demand for energy within the Southern Company system's electric service territory, the market prices of wholesale energy as compared to the cost of the Southern Company system's generation, and the availability of the Southern Company system's generation.
Cost of Other Sales
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$201 | | 228.4 |
In the first quarter 2018, cost of other sales was $289 million compared to $88 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase primarily reflects costs related to PowerSecure's storm restoration services in Puerto Rico.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$68 | | 4.9 |
In the first quarter 2018, other operations and maintenance expenses were $1.45 billion compared to $1.38 billion for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a $42 million goodwill impairment charge recorded at Southern Company Gas in contemplation of the proposed sale of Pivotal Home Solutions. Additionally, the increase is related to a $28 million increase in employee compensation and benefits, including pension costs, a $19 million decrease in gains from sales of integrated transmission system assets at Georgia Power, and a $12 million increase at Southern Company Gas to align paid time off with the Southern Company system's policy. These increases were partially offset by $32.5 million resulting from the write-down of Gulf Power's ownership of Plant Scherer Unit 3 in the first quarter 2017 in accordance with a settlement agreement approved by the Florida PSC in April 2017 (2017 Gulf Power Rate Case Settlement Agreement).
See Notes (A) and (J) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and "Southern Company Gas – Proposed Sale of Pivotal Home Solutions," respectively, herein for additional information regarding the proposed sale of Pivotal Home Solutions and Note (G) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information on pension costs. Also, see Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Gulf Power – Retail Base Rate Cases" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the 2017 Gulf Power Rate Case Settlement Agreement.
Depreciation and Amortization
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$53 | | 7.4 |
In the first quarter 2018, depreciation and amortization was $769 million compared to $716 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase reflects $34 million related to additional plant in service and also reflects a $25.5 million reduction in depreciation credits recorded in the first quarter 2017 as authorized in Gulf Power's 2013 rate case settlement.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Gulf Power – Retail Base Rate Cases" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$25 | | 7.6 |
In the first quarter 2018, taxes other than income taxes were $355 million compared to $330 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to increased municipal franchise fees and property taxes at Georgia Power and increased revenue tax expenses and payroll taxes related to aligning paid time off at Southern Company Gas with the Southern Company system's policy.
Estimated Loss on Kemper IGCC
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$(64) | | (59.3) |
Estimated losses on the Kemper IGCC of $44 million were recorded in the first quarter 2018 resulting from the abandonment and related closure activities for the mine and gasifier-related assets as compared to $108 million for the corresponding period in 2017 related to revisions to the estimated construction costs prior to the June 2017 project suspension.
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Kemper County Energy Facility" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Kemper County Energy Facility" herein for additional information.
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$(27) | | (47.4) |
In the first quarter 2018, AFUDC equity was $30 million compared to $57 million in the corresponding period in 2017. This decrease primarily resulted from Mississippi Power's suspension of the Kemper IGCC construction in June 2017.
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Kemper County Energy Facility" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Kemper County Energy Facility" herein for additional information.
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$42 | | 10.1 |
In the first quarter 2018, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $458 million compared to $416 million in the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was largely due to an increase in average outstanding long-term debt, primarily at the parent company and Southern Company Gas.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (F) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.
Other Income (Expense), Net
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$12 | | 25.0 |
In the first quarter 2018, other income (expense), net was $60 million compared to $48 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a gain from the settlement of a contractor litigation claim at Southern Company Gas.
Income Taxes
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$(202) | | (64.1) |
In the first quarter 2018, income taxes were $113 million compared to $315 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a lower federal income tax rate as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation, as well as net state income tax benefits arising from the reorganization of Southern Power's legal entities holding its solar facilities.
See Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries
|
| | |
First Quarter 2018 vs. First Quarter 2017 |
(change in millions) | | (% change) |
$(7) | | (63.6) |
In the first quarter 2018, dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries was $4 million compared to $11 million for the corresponding period in 2017. The decrease was due to the 2017 redemptions of all outstanding shares of preferred and preference stock at Georgia Power and preference stock at Gulf Power.
See Note 6 the financial statements of Southern Company under "Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Southern Company's future earnings potential. The level of Southern Company's future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Southern Company system's primary businesses of selling electricity and distributing natural gas. These factors include the traditional electric operating companies' and the natural gas distribution utilities' ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that allows for the timely recovery of prudently-incurred costs during a time of increasing costs and limited projected demand growth over the next several years. Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 construction and rate recovery and the profitability of Southern Power's competitive wholesale business and successful additional investments in renewable and other energy projects are also major factors.
Future earnings for the electricity and natural gas businesses will be driven primarily by customer growth. Earnings in the electricity business will also depend upon maintaining and growing sales, considering, among other things, the adoption and/or penetration rates of increasingly energy-efficient technologies, increasing volumes of electronic
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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commerce transactions, and higher multi-family home construction, all of which could contribute to a net reduction in customer usage. Earnings for both the electricity and natural gas businesses are subject to a variety of other factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with other utilities and other wholesale customers, energy conservation practiced by customers, the use of alternative energy sources by customers, the prices of electricity and natural gas, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in the service territory. In addition, the level of future earnings for the wholesale electric business also depends on numerous factors including regulatory matters, creditworthiness of customers, total electric generating capacity available and related costs, future acquisitions and construction of electric generating facilities, the impact of tax credits from renewable energy projects, and the successful remarketing of capacity as current contracts expire. Demand for electricity and natural gas is primarily driven by the pace of economic growth that may be affected by changes in regional and global economic conditions, which may impact future earnings. In addition, the volatility of natural gas prices has a significant impact on the natural gas distribution utilities' customer rates, long-term competitive position against other energy sources, and the ability of Southern Company Gas' gas marketing services and wholesale gas services businesses to capture value from locational and seasonal spreads. Additionally, changes in commodity prices subject a significant portion of Southern Company Gas' operations to earnings variability.
As part of its ongoing effort to adapt to changing market conditions, Southern Company continues to evaluate and consider a wide array of potential business strategies. These strategies may include business combinations, partnerships, and acquisitions involving other utility or non-utility businesses or properties, disposition of certain assets or businesses, internal restructuring, or some combination thereof. Furthermore, Southern Company may engage in new business ventures that arise from competitive and regulatory changes in the utility industry. Pursuit of any of the above strategies, or any combination thereof, may significantly affect the business operations, risks, and financial condition of Southern Company.
In October 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas entered into agreements for the sale of the assets of two of its natural gas distribution utilities, Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas, to South Jersey Industries, Inc. for a total cash purchase price of $1.7 billion. As of March 31, 2018, the net book value of the assets to be disposed of in the sale was approximately $1.5 billion, which includes approximately $0.5 billion of goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and, as a result, a deferred tax liability has not yet been provided. Through the completion of the asset sales, Southern Company Gas intends to invest approximately $0.1 billion in capital additions required for ordinary business operations of these assets. The completion of each asset sale is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among other customary closing conditions, the receipt of required regulatory approvals, including the FERC, the New Jersey BPU, and, with respect to the sale of Elkton Gas, the Maryland PSC. Southern Company Gas and South Jersey Industries, Inc. made joint filings in December 2017 and on January 16, 2018 with the New Jersey BPU and the Maryland PSC, respectively, requesting regulatory approval. The asset sales are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter 2018.
On April 11, 2018, Southern Company Gas and its subsidiary Pivotal Home Solutions entered into a stock purchase agreement with American Water Enterprises LLC for the sale of Pivotal Home Solutions for a purchase price of approximately $365 million, including estimated working capital. In contemplation of the transaction, a goodwill impairment charge of $42 million was recorded as of March 31, 2018. The remaining goodwill of $242 million is not deductible for tax purposes and, as a result, a deferred tax liability has not been provided. The completion of this transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among other customary closing conditions, approval from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter 2018.
In addition, Southern Power is pursuing the sale of a 33% equity interest in a newly-formed holding company owning substantially all of Southern Power's solar facilities, including certain subsidiaries owned in partnership with various third parties. If successful, the sale is expected to close in mid-2018.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
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For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.
Environmental Matters
The Southern Company system's operations are regulated by state and federal environmental agencies through a variety of laws and regulations governing air, water, land, and protection of other natural resources. The Southern Company system maintains comprehensive environmental compliance and greenhouse gas (GHG) strategies to assess upcoming requirements and compliance costs associated with these environmental laws and regulations. The costs, including capital expenditures and operations and maintenance costs, required to comply with environmental laws and regulations and to achieve stated goals may impact future unit retirement and replacement decisions, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. Related costs may result from the installation of additional environmental controls, closure and monitoring of CCR facilities, unit retirements, and adding or changing fuel sources for certain existing units, as well as related upgrades to the transmission system. A major portion of these costs are expected to be recovered through existing ratemaking provisions. The ultimate impact of environmental laws and regulations and the GHG goals discussed below will depend on various factors, such as state adoption and implementation of requirements, the availability and cost of any deployed control technology, and the outcome of pending and/or future legal challenges.
New or revised environmental laws and regulations could affect many areas of the traditional electric operating companies', Southern Power's, and the natural gas distribution utilities' operations. The impact of any such changes cannot be determined at this time. Environmental compliance costs could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis for the traditional electric operating companies and the natural gas distribution utilities or through long-term wholesale agreements for the traditional electric operating companies and Southern Power. Further, increased costs that are recovered through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity and natural gas, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. Additionally, many commercial and industrial customers may also be affected by existing and future environmental requirements, which for some may have the potential to ultimately affect their demand for electricity and natural gas. See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Environmental Matters" of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Environmental Matters" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
Coal Combustion Residuals
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Environmental Matters – Environmental Laws and Regulations – Coal Combustion Residuals" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities rule (CCR Rule).
Consistent with the EPA's announced plans to reconsider certain portions of the CCR Rule, on March 15, 2018, the EPA published the first of two proposed coal ash rules it plans to finalize by no later than December 2019. The impact of any changes to the CCR Rule will depend on the content of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.
Global Climate Issues
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Environmental Matters – Global Climate Issues" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding domestic GHG policies.
Through 2017, the Southern Company system has achieved an estimated GHG emission reduction of 36% since 2007. In April 2018, Southern Company established an intermediate goal of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions
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from 2007 levels by 2030 and a long-term goal of low- to no-carbon operations by 2050. To achieve these goals, the Southern Company system expects to continue growing its renewable energy portfolio, optimize technology advancements to modernize its transmission and distribution systems, increase the use of natural gas for generation, complete construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, invest in energy efficiency, and continue research and development efforts focused on technologies to lower GHG emissions. The Southern Company system's ability to achieve these goals also will be dependent on many external factors, including supportive national energy policies, low natural gas prices, and the development, deployment, and advancement of relevant energy technologies. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
Regulatory Matters
Fuel Cost Recovery
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery" of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Alabama Power – Rate ECR" and "Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Fuel Cost Recovery" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding fuel cost recovery for the traditional electric operating companies.
The traditional electric operating companies each have established fuel cost recovery rates approved by their respective state PSCs. Fuel cost recovery revenues are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable fuel costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, changes in the billing factor will not have a significant effect on Southern Company's revenues or net income, but will affect cash flow. The traditional electric operating companies continuously monitor their under or over recovered fuel cost balances and make appropriate filings with their state PSCs to adjust fuel cost recovery rates as necessary.
Alabama Power
Alabama Power's revenues from regulated retail operations are collected through various rate mechanisms subject to the oversight of the Alabama PSC. Alabama Power currently recovers its costs from the regulated retail business primarily through Rate RSE, Rate CNP, Rate ECR, and Rate NDR. In addition, the Alabama PSC issues accounting orders to address current events impacting Alabama Power. See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Alabama Power" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information regarding Alabama Power's rate mechanisms, accounting orders, and the recovery balance of each regulatory clause for Alabama Power.
On May 1, 2018, the Alabama PSC approved modifications to Rate RSE and other commitments designed to position Alabama Power to address the growing pressure on its credit quality resulting from the Tax Reform Legislation, without increasing retail rates under Rate RSE in the near term. Alabama Power plans to reduce growth in total debt by increasing equity, with corresponding reductions in debt issuances, thereby de-leveraging its capital structure. Alabama Power's goal is to achieve an equity ratio of approximately 55% by the end of 2025. See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Income Tax Matters – Federal Tax Reform Legislation" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
Rate RSE
The approved modifications to Rate RSE are effective June 2018 and applicable for January 2019 billings and thereafter. The modifications include reducing the top of the allowed weighted common equity return (WCER) range from 6.21% to 6.15% and modifications to the refund mechanism applicable to prior year actual results. The modifications to the refund mechanism allow Alabama Power to retain a portion of the revenue that causes the actual WCER for a given year to exceed the allowed range.
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In conjunction with these modifications to Rate RSE, Alabama Power committed to a moratorium on any upward adjustments under Rate RSE for 2019 and 2020. Additionally, Alabama Power will return $50 million to customers through bill credits in 2019. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
In accordance with an established retail tariff that provides for an interim adjustment to customer billings to recognize the impact of a change in the statutory income tax rate, Alabama Power will also return approximately $257 million to retail customers through bill credits in the second half of 2018 as a result of the change in the federal income tax rate under the Tax Reform Legislation.
Rate ECR
On May 1, 2018, the Alabama PSC approved an increase to Rate ECR from 2.015 cents per KWH to 2.353 cents per KWH effective July 2018 which is expected to result in additional collections of approximately $100 million through December 31, 2018. The approved increase in the Rate ECR factor will have no significant effect on Southern Company's net income, but will increase operating cash flows related to fuel cost recovery in 2018. The rate will return to 5.910 cents per KWH in 2019, absent a further order from the Alabama PSC. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
Accounting Order
On May 1, 2018, the Alabama PSC approved an accounting order that authorizes Alabama Power to defer the benefits of federal excess deferred income taxes associated with the Tax Reform Legislation for the year ending December 31, 2018 as a regulatory liability. Up to $30 million of such deferrals may be used to offset under-recovered amounts under Rate ECR, with any remaining amounts to be used for the benefit of customers as determined by the Alabama PSC. Alabama Power expects the benefits deferred to total approximately $30 million to $50 million. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time. See Note 5 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Federal Tax Reform Legislation" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
Georgia Power
Georgia Power's revenues from regulated retail operations are collected through various rate mechanisms subject to the oversight of the Georgia PSC. Georgia Power currently recovers its costs from the regulated retail business through the 2013 ARP, which includes traditional base tariff rates, Demand-Side Management tariffs, Environmental Compliance Cost Recovery tariffs, and Municipal Franchise Fee tariffs. In addition, financing costs related to certified construction costs of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are being collected through the NCCR tariff and fuel costs are collected through a separate fuel cost recovery tariff. See Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Nuclear Construction" herein and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Nuclear Construction" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Georgia Power's NCCR tariff. Also see Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Fuel Cost Recovery" herein for additional information regarding Georgia Power's fuel cost recovery.
Rate Plans
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Rate Plans" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Georgia Power's 2013 ARP and the Georgia PSC's 2018 order related to the Tax Reform Legislation.
On April 3, 2018, the Georgia PSC approved a settlement agreement between Georgia Power and the staff of the Georgia PSC regarding the retail rate impact of the Tax Reform Legislation (Georgia Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement). Pursuant to the Georgia Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement, to reflect the federal income tax rate reduction impact of the Tax Reform Legislation, Georgia Power will refund to customers a total of $330 million through bill credits of $131 million in October 2018, $96 million in June 2019, and $103 million in February 2020. In addition, Georgia Power is deferring as a regulatory liability (i) the revenue equivalent of the tax expense reduction resulting from legislation lowering the Georgia state income tax rate from 6.00% to 5.75% in 2019 and
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(ii) the entire benefit of approximately $700 million in federal and state excess accumulated deferred income taxes. The amortization of these regulatory liabilities is expected to be addressed in Georgia Power's next base rate case, which is scheduled to be filed by July 1, 2019. If there is not a base rate case in 2019, customers will receive $185 million in annual bill credits beginning in 2020, with any additional federal and state income tax savings deferred as a regulatory liability, until Georgia Power's next base rate case.
To address the negative cash flow and credit metric impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation, the Georgia PSC also approved an increase in Georgia Power's retail equity ratio to the lower of (i) Georgia Power's actual common equity weight in its capital structure or (ii) 55%, until Georgia Power's next base rate case. Benefits from reduced federal income tax rates in excess of the amounts refunded to customers will be retained by Georgia Power to cover the carrying costs of the incremental equity in 2018 and 2019.
Gulf Power
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Regulatory Matters – Gulf Power" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
As a continuation of the 2017 Gulf Power Rate Case Settlement Agreement, on March 26, 2018, the Florida PSC approved a stipulation and settlement agreement among Gulf Power and three intervenors addressing the retail revenue requirement effects of the Tax Reform Legislation (Gulf Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement).
The Gulf Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement results in annual reductions to Gulf Power's revenues of $18.2 million from base rates and $15.6 million from environmental cost recovery rates, implemented April 1, 2018, and also provides for a one-time refund of $69.4 million for the retail portion of unprotected (not subject to normalization) deferred tax liabilities through Gulf Power's fuel cost recovery rate over the remainder of 2018. As a result of the Gulf Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement, the Florida PSC also approved an increase in Gulf Power's maximum equity ratio from 52.5% to 53.5% for all retail regulatory purposes.
As part of the Gulf Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement, a limited scope proceeding to address protected deferred tax liabilities consistent with IRS normalization principles was initiated on April 30, 2018. Pending resolution of this proceeding, Gulf Power is deferring the related amounts for 2018 as a regulatory liability. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties to the Gulf Power Tax Reform Settlement Agreement, amounts recorded in this regulatory liability will be refunded to retail customers in 2019 through Gulf Power's fuel cost recovery rates. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
Mississippi Power
On February 7, 2018, Mississippi Power revised its annual projected PEP filing for 2018 to reflect the impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation. The revised filing requests an increase of $26 million in annual revenues, based on a performance adjusted ROE of 9.33% and an increased equity ratio of 55%. The Mississippi PSC is expected to rule on this request in mid-2018. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
Southern Company Gas
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Regulatory Matters – Southern Company Gas" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Regulatory Matters – Southern Company Gas" herein for additional information.
In December 2017, Atlanta Gas Light filed its 2018 annual rate adjustment with the Georgia PSC, which, if approved, would have increased annual base rate revenues by $22 million, effective June 1, 2018. On February 23, 2018, Atlanta Gas Light revised its filing to reflect the impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation. The revised request replaced the $22 million rate increase with a $16 million rate reduction for customers in 2018. The revised request maintains the previously authorized earnings band based on a return on equity between 10.55% and 10.95% and proposes to increase the equity ratio by 3% to an equity ratio of 54% to address the negative cash flow and credit metric impacts of the Tax Reform Legislation. Atlanta Gas Light also notified the Georgia PSC that it intends to
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seek a further equity ratio increase of 2% to an equity ratio of 56% in its 2019 filing. The Georgia PSC is expected to rule on the revised request in the second quarter 2018.
In accordance with an Illinois Commission order and pursuant to its rehearing request, on April 13, 2018, Nicor Gas filed for revised base rates with the Illinois Commission, which would result in a decrease of approximately $44 million in annual base rate revenues effective in the second quarter 2018 to incorporate the reduction in the federal income tax rate as a result of the Tax Reform Legislation. Nicor Gas' previously-authorized capital structure and ROE of 9.8% were not addressed in the rehearing and remain unchanged. The Illinois Commission is expected to rule on the request on May 2, 2018.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
Kemper County Energy Facility
For additional information on the Kemper County energy facility, see Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Kemper County Energy Facility" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K.
As the mining permit holder for the Kemper County energy facility, Liberty Fuels Company, LLC has a legal obligation to perform mine reclamation, and Mississippi Power has a contractual obligation to fund all reclamation activities. Mine reclamation began in the first quarter 2018. See Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
During the first quarter 2018, Mississippi Power recorded charges to income of $44 million ($33 million after tax), primarily resulting from the abandonment and related closure activities for the mine and gasifier-related assets at the Kemper County energy facility. Additional closure costs for the mine and gasifier-related assets, including ash disposal, currently estimated to cost up to $50 million pre-tax (excluding salvage), are expected to be incurred during the remainder of 2018 and 2019. In addition, period costs, including, but not limited to, costs for compliance and safety, ARO accretion, and property taxes for the mine and gasifier-related assets, are estimated at $4 million for the remainder of 2018, $4 million in 2019, and $1 million annually beginning in 2020. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
The combined cycle and associated common facilities portions of the Kemper County energy facility were dedicated as Plant Ratcliffe on April 27, 2018.
Construction Program
Overview
The subsidiary companies of Southern Company are engaged in continuous construction programs to accommodate existing and estimated future loads on their respective systems. The Southern Company system intends to continue its strategy of developing and constructing new electric generating facilities, adding environmental modifications to certain existing units, expanding the electric transmission and distribution systems, and updating and expanding the natural gas distribution systems. For the traditional electric operating companies, major generation construction projects are subject to state PSC approval in order to be included in retail rates. While Southern Power generally constructs and acquires generation assets covered by long-term PPAs, any uncontracted capacity could negatively affect future earnings. Southern Company Gas is engaged in various infrastructure improvement programs designed to update or expand the natural gas distribution systems of the natural gas distribution utilities to improve reliability and meet operational flexibility and growth. The natural gas distribution utilities recover their investment and a return associated with these infrastructure programs through their regulated rates. See Notes 3 and 12 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Regulatory Matters – Southern Company Gas – Regulatory Infrastructure Programs" and "Southern Power – Construction Projects in Progress," respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (J) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Southern Power" herein for additional information.
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The largest construction project currently underway in the Southern Company system is Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (45.7% ownership interest by Georgia Power in the two units, each with approximately 1,100 MWs). See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Nuclear Construction" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and "Nuclear Construction" herein for additional information.
Also see FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations" herein for additional information regarding Southern Company's capital requirements for its subsidiaries' construction programs.
Nuclear Construction
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Nuclear Construction" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, VCM reports, and the NCCR tariff.
Vogtle 3 and 4 Contracts
Effective in July 2017, Georgia Power, acting for itself and as agent for the other Vogtle Owners, and the EPC Contractor entered into the Vogtle Services Agreement, whereby Westinghouse will provide facility design and engineering services, procurement and technical support, and staff augmentation on a time and materials cost basis. The Vogtle Services Agreement will continue until the start-up and testing of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are complete and electricity is generated and sold from both units. The Vogtle Services Agreement is terminable by the Vogtle Owners upon 30 days' written notice.
In October 2017, Georgia Power, acting for itself and as agent for the other Vogtle Owners, entered into a construction completion agreement with Bechtel, whereby Bechtel will serve as the primary contractor for the remaining construction activities for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (Bechtel Agreement). The Bechtel Agreement is a cost reimbursable plus fee arrangement, whereby Bechtel is reimbursed for actual costs plus a base fee and an at-risk fee, which is subject to adjustment based on Bechtel's performance against cost and schedule targets. Each Vogtle Owner is severally (not jointly) liable for its proportionate share, based on its ownership interest, of all amounts owed to Bechtel under the Bechtel Agreement. The Vogtle Owners may terminate the Bechtel Agreement at any time for their convenience, provided that the Vogtle Owners will be required to pay amounts related to work performed prior to the termination (including the applicable portion of the base fee), certain termination-related costs, and, at certain stages of the work, the applicable portion of the at-risk fee. Bechtel may terminate the Bechtel Agreement under certain circumstances, including certain Vogtle Owner suspensions of work, certain breaches of the Bechtel Agreement by the Vogtle Owners, Vogtle Owner insolvency, and certain other events. Pursuant to the Loan Guarantee Agreement between Georgia Power and the DOE, Georgia Power is required to obtain the DOE's approval of the Bechtel Agreement prior to obtaining any further advances under the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
In November 2017, the Vogtle Owners entered into an amendment to their joint ownership agreements for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (as amended, Vogtle Joint Ownership Agreements) to provide for, among other conditions, additional Vogtle Owner approval requirements. Pursuant to the Vogtle Joint Ownership Agreements, the holders of at least 90% of the ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 must vote to continue construction if certain adverse events occur, including (i) the bankruptcy of Toshiba; (ii) termination or rejection in bankruptcy of certain agreements, including the Vogtle Services Agreement or the Bechtel Agreement; (iii) the Georgia PSC or Georgia Power determines that any of Georgia Power's costs relating to the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 will not be recovered in retail rates because such costs are deemed unreasonable or imprudent; or (iv) an increase in the construction budget contained in the seventeenth VCM report of more than $1 billion or extension of the project schedule contained in the seventeenth VCM report of more than one year. In addition, pursuant to the Vogtle Joint Ownership Agreements, the required approval of holders of ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 is at least (i) 90% for a change of the primary construction contractor and (ii) 67% for material amendments to the Vogtle Services Agreement or agreements with Southern Nuclear or the primary construction contractor, including the Bechtel Agreement. The Vogtle Joint Ownership Agreements also confirm that the Vogtle Owners' sole recourse against Georgia Power or Southern Nuclear for any action or inaction in connection with their performance as agent
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for the Vogtle Owners is limited to removal of Georgia Power and/or Southern Nuclear as agent, except in cases of willful misconduct.
Regulatory Matters
In 2009, the Georgia PSC voted to certify construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 with a certified capital cost of $4.418 billion. In addition, in 2009 the Georgia PSC approved inclusion of the Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 related CWIP accounts in rate base, and the State of Georgia enacted the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act, which allows Georgia Power to recover financing costs for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Financing costs are recovered on all applicable certified costs through annual adjustments to the NCCR tariff up to the certified capital cost of $4.418 billion. As of March 31, 2018, Georgia Power had recovered approximately $1.6 billion of financing costs. On March 20, 2018, the Georgia PSC approved a decrease to the NCCR tariff of approximately $50 million, effective April 1, 2018.
Georgia Power is required to file semi-annual VCM reports with the Georgia PSC by February 28 and August 31 each year. In 2013, in connection with the eighth VCM report, the Georgia PSC approved a stipulation between Georgia Power and the staff of the Georgia PSC to waive the requirement to amend the Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 certificate in accordance with the 2009 certification order until the completion of Plant Vogtle Unit 3, or earlier if deemed appropriate by the Georgia PSC and Georgia Power.
In 2016, the Georgia PSC voted to approve a settlement agreement (Vogtle Cost Settlement Agreement) resolving certain prudency matters in connection with the fifteenth VCM report. In December 2017, the Georgia PSC voted to approve (and issued its related order on January 11, 2018) certain recommendations made by Georgia Power in the seventeenth VCM report and modifying the Vogtle Cost Settlement Agreement. The Vogtle Cost Settlement Agreement, as modified by the January 11, 2018 order, resolved the following regulatory matters related to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4: (i) none of the $3.3 billion of costs incurred through December 31, 2015 and reflected in the fourteenth VCM report should be disallowed from rate base on the basis of imprudence; (ii) the Contractor Settlement Agreement was reasonable and prudent and none of the amounts paid pursuant to the Contractor Settlement Agreement should be disallowed from rate base on the basis of imprudence; (iii) (a) capital costs incurred up to $5.68 billion would be presumed to be reasonable and prudent with the burden of proof on any party challenging such costs, (b) Georgia Power would have the burden to show that any capital costs above $5.68 billion were prudent, and (c) a revised capital cost forecast of $7.3 billion (after reflecting the impact of payments received under the Guarantee Settlement Agreement and Customer Refunds) was found reasonable; (iv) construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 should be completed, with Southern Nuclear serving as project manager and Bechtel as primary contractor; (v) approved and deemed reasonable Georgia Power's revised schedule placing Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in service in November 2021 and November 2022, respectively; (vi) confirmed that the revised cost forecast does not represent a cost cap and that prudence decisions on cost recovery will be made at a later date, consistent with applicable Georgia law; (vii) reduced the ROE used to calculate the NCCR tariff (a) from 10.95% (the ROE rate setting point authorized by the Georgia PSC in the 2013 ARP) to 10.00% effective January 1, 2016, (b) from 10.00% to 8.30%, effective January 1, 2020, and (c) from 8.30% to 5.30%, effective January 1, 2021 (provided that the ROE in no case will be less than Georgia Power's average cost of long-term debt); (viii) reduced the ROE used for AFUDC equity for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 from 10.00% to Georgia Power's average cost of long-term debt, effective January 1, 2018; and (ix) agreed that upon Unit 3 reaching commercial operation, retail base rates would be adjusted to include carrying costs on those capital costs deemed prudent in the Vogtle Cost Settlement Agreement. The January 11, 2018 order also stated that if Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are not commercially operational by June 1, 2021 and June 1, 2022, respectively, the ROE used to calculate the NCCR tariff will be further reduced by 10 basis points each month (but not lower than Georgia Power's average cost of long-term debt) until the respective unit is commercially operational. The ROE reductions negatively impacted earnings by approximately $25 million in 2017 and are estimated to have negative earnings impacts of approximately $100 million in 2018 and an aggregate of $585 million from 2019 to 2022. In its January 11, 2018 order, the Georgia PSC stated if other certain conditions and assumptions upon which Georgia Power's seventeenth VCM report are based do not materialize, both Georgia Power and the Georgia PSC reserve the right to reconsider the decision to continue construction.
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On February 12, 2018, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Inc. and Partnership for Southern Equity, Inc. filed a petition appealing the Georgia PSC's January 11, 2018 order with the Fulton County Superior Court. On March 8, 2018, Georgia Watch filed a similar appeal to the Fulton County Superior Court for judicial review of the Georgia PSC's final decision and denial of Georgia Watch's motion for reconsideration. Georgia Power believes the two appeals have no merit; however, an adverse outcome in either appeal could have a material impact on Southern Company's results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
The IRS has allocated PTCs to each of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. The nominal value of Georgia Power's portion of the PTCs is approximately $500 million per unit.
The Georgia PSC has approved seventeen VCM reports covering the periods through June 30, 2017, including total construction capital costs incurred through that date of $4.4 billion. Georgia Power filed its eighteenth VCM report on February 28, 2018 requesting approval of $448 million of construction capital costs (excluding the $1.7 billion received from Toshiba under the Guarantee Settlement Agreement and the $188 million in Customer Refunds recognized as a regulatory liability) incurred from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
Cost and Schedule
Georgia Power's approximate proportionate share of the remaining estimated capital cost to complete Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 with in-service dates of November 2021 and November 2022, respectively, is as follows:
|
| | | |
| (in billions) |
Project capital cost forecast | $ | 7.3 |
|
Net investment as of March 31, 2018 | (3.7 | ) |
Remaining estimate to complete | $ | 3.6 |
|
Note: Excludes financing costs capitalized through AFUDC and is net of $1.7 billion received from Toshiba in 2017 under the Guarantee Settlement Agreement and $188 million in Customer Refunds recognized as a regulatory liability in 2017.
Georgia Power estimates that its financing costs for construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 will total approximately $3.1 billion, of which $1.6 billion had been incurred through March 31, 2018.
Subsequent to the EPC Contractor bankruptcy filing, a number of subcontractors to the EPC Contractor alleged non-payment by the EPC Contractor for amounts owed for work performed on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Georgia Power, acting for itself and as agent for the Vogtle Owners, has taken actions to remove liens filed by these subcontractors through the posting of surety bonds. Related to such liens, certain subcontractors have filed, and additional subcontractors may file, lawsuits against the EPC Contractor and the Vogtle Owners to preserve their payment rights with respect to such claims. All amounts associated with the removal of subcontractor liens and other EPC Contractor pre-petition accounts payable have been paid or accrued as of March 31, 2018.
As construction continues, challenges with management of contractors, subcontractors, and vendors, labor productivity and availability, fabrication, delivery, assembly, and installation of plant systems, structures, and components (some of which are based on new technology and have not yet operated in the global nuclear industry at this scale), or other issues could arise and change the projected schedule and estimated cost.
There have been technical and procedural challenges to the construction and licensing of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 at the federal and state level and additional challenges may arise. Processes are in place that are designed to assure compliance with the requirements specified in the Westinghouse Design Control Document and the combined construction and operating licenses, including inspections by Southern Nuclear and the NRC that occur throughout construction. As a result of such compliance processes, certain license amendment requests have been filed and approved or are pending before the NRC. Various design and other licensing-based compliance matters, including the timely resolution of Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria and the related approvals by the NRC, may arise, which may result in additional license amendments or require other resolution. If any license amendment
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
requests or other licensing-based compliance issues are not resolved in a timely manner, there may be delays in the project schedule that could result in increased costs.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
See RISK FACTORS of Southern Company in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks associated with the licensing, construction, and operation of nuclear generating units, including potential impacts that could result from a major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world.
DOE Financing
As of March 31, 2018, Georgia Power had borrowed $2.6 billion related to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 costs through the Loan Guarantee Agreement and a multi-advance credit facility among Georgia Power, the DOE, and the FFB, which provides for borrowings of up to $3.46 billion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. In September 2017, the DOE issued a conditional commitment to Georgia Power for up to approximately $1.67 billion in additional guaranteed loans under the Loan Guarantee Agreement. This conditional commitment expires on June 30, 2018, subject to any further extension approved by the DOE. Final approval and issuance of these additional loan guarantees by the DOE cannot be assured and are subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence by the DOE, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions. See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information, including applicable covenants, events of default, mandatory prepayment events, and conditions to borrowing.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
Income Tax Matters
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Income Tax Matters" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K and FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Credit Rating Risk," Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Regulatory Matters," and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information regarding the Tax Reform Legislation and related regulatory actions.
Southern Power
In March 2018, Southern Power substantially completed a legal entity reorganization of various direct and indirect subsidiaries that own and operate substantially all of its solar facilities, including certain subsidiaries owned in partnership with various third parties. The reorganization resulted in net state tax benefits related to certain changes in apportionment rates totaling approximately $50 million, which were recorded in the first quarter 2018. In April 2018, Southern Power completed the final stage of the reorganization resulting in additional net state tax benefits of approximately $4 million. Southern Power is pursuing the sale of a 33% equity interest in the newly-formed holding company owning these solar facilities. If successful, the sale is expected to close in mid-2018. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
Other Matters
Southern Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The business activities of Southern Company's subsidiaries are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements, such as standards for air, water, land, and protection of other natural resources, has occurred throughout the U.S. This litigation has included claims for damages alleged to have been caused by CO2 and other emissions, CCR, and alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and/or requests for injunctive relief in connection with such matters.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation or regulatory matters cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Southern Company's financial statements. See Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.
Litigation
In 2016, a complaint against Mississippi Power was filed in Harrison County Circuit Court (Circuit Court) by Biloxi Freezing & Processing Inc., Gulfside Casino Partnership, and John Carlton Dean, which was amended and refiled to include, among other things, Southern Company as a defendant. The individual plaintiff alleges that Mississippi Power and Southern Company violated the Mississippi Unfair Trade Practices Act. All plaintiffs have alleged that Mississippi Power and Southern Company concealed, falsely represented, and failed to fully disclose important facts concerning the cost and schedule of the Kemper County energy facility and that these alleged breaches have unjustly enriched Mississippi Power and Southern Company. The plaintiffs seek unspecified actual damages and punitive damages; ask the Circuit Court to appoint a receiver to oversee, operate, manage, and otherwise control all affairs relating to the Kemper County energy facility; ask the Circuit Court to revoke any licenses or certificates authorizing Mississippi Power or Southern Company to engage in any business related to the Kemper County energy facility in Mississippi; and seek attorney's fees, costs, and interest. The plaintiffs also seek an injunction to prevent any Kemper County energy facility costs from being charged to customers through electric rates. In June 2017, the Circuit Court ruled in favor of motions by Southern Company and Mississippi Power and dismissed the case. In July 2017, the plaintiffs filed notice of an appeal.
In January 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed against Southern Company, certain of its officers, and certain former Mississippi Power officers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, by Monroe County Employees' Retirement System on behalf of all persons who purchased shares of Southern Company's common stock between April 25, 2012 and October 29, 2013. The complaint alleges that Southern Company, certain of its officers, and certain former Mississippi Power officers made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Kemper County energy facility in violation of certain provisions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The complaint seeks, among other things, compensatory damages and litigation costs and attorneys' fees. In June 2017, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that provided additional detail about their claims, increased the purported class period by one day, and added certain other former Mississippi Power officers as defendants. In July 2017, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' amended complaint with prejudice, to which the plaintiffs filed an opposition in September 2017. On March 29, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, issued an order granting, in part, the defendants' motion to dismiss. The court dismissed certain claims against certain officers of Southern Company and Mississippi Power and dismissed the allegations related to a number of the statements that plaintiffs challenged as being false or misleading. On April 26, 2018, the defendants filed a motion for reconsideration of the court's order, seeking the dismissal of the remaining claims in the lawsuit.
In February 2017, Jean Vineyard filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit and, in May 2017, Judy Mesirov filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit, each in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Each of these lawsuits names as defendants Southern Company, certain of its directors, certain of its officers, and certain former Mississippi Power officers. In August 2017, these two shareholder derivative lawsuits were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the court has deferred the consolidated case until after certain further action in the purported securities class action complaint discussed above. The complaints allege that the defendants caused Southern Company to make false or misleading statements regarding the Kemper County energy facility cost and schedule. Further, the complaints allege that the defendants were unjustly enriched and caused the waste of corporate assets and also allege that the individual defendants violated their fiduciary duties. Each plaintiff seeks to recover, on behalf of Southern Company, unspecified actual damages and, on each plaintiff's own behalf, attorneys' fees and costs in bringing the lawsuit. Each plaintiff also seeks certain changes to Southern Company's corporate governance and internal processes.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In May 2017, Helen E. Piper Survivor's Trust filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, State of Georgia that names as defendants Southern Company, certain of its directors, certain of its officers, and certain former Mississippi Power officers. The complaint alleges that the individual defendants, among other things, breached their fiduciary duties in connection with schedule delays and cost overruns associated with the construction of the Kemper County energy facility. The complaint further alleges that the individual defendants authorized or failed to correct false and misleading statements regarding the Kemper County energy facility schedule and cost and failed to implement necessary internal controls to prevent harm to Southern Company. The plaintiff seeks to recover, on behalf of Southern Company, unspecified actual damages and disgorgement of profits and, on its behalf, attorneys' fees and costs in bringing the lawsuit. The plaintiff also seeks certain unspecified changes to Southern Company's corporate governance and internal processes. The court has deferred the lawsuit until after certain further action in the purported securities class action complaint discussed above.
Southern Company believes these legal challenges have no merit; however, an adverse outcome in any of these proceedings could have an impact on Southern Company's results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Southern Company will vigorously defend itself in these matters, the ultimate outcome of which cannot be determined at this time.
Investments in Leveraged Leases
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Other Matters – Investments in Leveraged Leases" of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Leveraged Leases" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding a Southern Company Holdings Inc. (Southern Holdings) subsidiary's leveraged lease agreements and concerns about the financial and operational performance of one of the lessees and the associated generation assets.
The ability of the lessees to make required payments to the Southern Holdings subsidiary is dependent on the operational performance of the assets. As a result of operational improvements in the first quarter 2018, the June 2018 lease payment is currently expected to be paid in full. However, operational issues and resulting cash liquidity challenges persist and significant concerns continue regarding the lessee's ability to make the remaining semi-annual lease payments, including the lease payment due in December 2018. These operational challenges may also impact the expected residual value of the assets at the end of the lease term in 2047. If any future lease payment is not paid in full, the Southern Holdings subsidiary may be unable to make its corresponding payment to the holders of the underlying non-recourse debt related to the generation assets. Failure to make the required payment to the debtholders would represent an event of default that would give the debtholders the right to foreclose on, and take ownership of, the generation assets from the Southern Holdings subsidiary, in effect terminating the lease and resulting in the write-off of the related lease receivable which had a balance of approximately $86 million as of March 31, 2018. Southern Company has evaluated the recoverability of the lease receivable and the expected residual value of the generation assets at the end of the lease under various scenarios and has concluded that its investment in the leveraged lease is not impaired as of March 31, 2018. Southern Company will continue to monitor the operational performance of the underlying assets and evaluate the ability of the lessee to continue to make the required lease payments. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Southern Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Southern Company's results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – "Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Southern Company's critical accounting policies and estimates.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – "Recently Issued Accounting Standards" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). See Note (A) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information regarding Southern Company's recently adopted accounting standards.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Overview" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Southern Company's financial condition remained stable at March 31, 2018. Southern Company intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as bank credit agreements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See "Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations," "Sources of Capital," and "Financing Activities" herein for additional information.
Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $1.5 billion for the first three months of 2018, an increase of $0.6 billion from the corresponding period in 2017. The increase in net cash provided from operating activities was primarily due to the timing of vendor payments and an increase in fuel cost recovery. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $2.0 billion for the first three months of 2018 primarily due to the traditional electric operating companies' installation of equipment to comply with environmental standards and construction of electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities and capital expenditures for Southern Company Gas' infrastructure replacement programs. Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $0.6 billion for the first three months of 2018 primarily due to net issuances of long-term and short-term debt and an increase in commercial paper borrowings, partially offset by common stock dividend payments. Cash flows from financing activities vary from period to period based on capital needs and the maturity or redemption of securities.
Significant balance sheet changes for the first three months of 2018 include an increase of $1.8 billion in notes payable primarily related to increased commercial paper borrowings and issuances of short-term bank debt for general corporate purposes; an increase of $1.1 billion in total property, plant, and equipment primarily related to the traditional electric operating companies' installation of equipment to comply with environmental standards and construction of electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, Southern Company Gas' infrastructure replacement programs, and Southern Power's construction projects and acquisition of a solar facility; a decrease of $0.7 billion in securities due within one year related to the repayment of long-term debt; an increase of $0.5 billion in total common stockholders' equity primarily related to earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by common stock dividend payments; a decrease of $0.5 billion in accrued compensation due to the timing of payments; and a decrease of $0.4 billion in natural gas for sale primarily related to the use of stored natural gas.
At the end of the first quarter 2018, the market price of Southern Company's common stock was $44.66 per share (based on the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange) and the book value was $24.39 per share, representing a market-to-book ratio of 183%, compared to $48.09, $23.99, and 201%, respectively, at the end of 2017. Southern Company's common stock dividend for the first quarter 2018 was $0.58 per share compared to $0.56 per share in the first quarter 2017.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Southern Company's capital requirements and contractual obligations. Subsequent to March 31, 2018, Georgia Power redeemed all $250 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2008B 5.40% Senior Notes due June 1, 2018. An additional $3.1 billion will be required through March 31, 2019 to fund announced redemptions and maturities of long-term debt. See "Sources of Capital" herein for additional information.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Southern Company system's construction program is currently estimated to total approximately $8.6 billion for 2018, $7.8 billion for 2019, $7.2 billion for 2020, $6.8 billion for 2021, and $6.4 billion for 2022. These amounts include expenditures of approximately $1.2 billion, $1.0 billion, $0.9 billion, $0.7 billion, and $0.4 billion for the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and an average of approximately $0.5 billion per year for 2018 through 2022 for Southern Power's planned expenditures for plant acquisitions and placeholder growth, as revised post-tax reform. These amounts also include capital expenditures related to contractual purchase commitments for nuclear fuel and capital expenditures covered under LTSAs. Estimated capital expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations included in these amounts are $1.1 billion, $0.3 billion, $0.4 billion, $0.5 billion, and $0.5 billion for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. These estimated expenditures do not include any potential compliance costs associated with the regulation of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units.
The traditional electric operating companies also anticipate costs associated with closure and monitoring of ash ponds in accordance with the CCR Rule, which are reflected in Southern Company's ARO liabilities. These costs, which could change as the Southern Company system continues to refine its assumptions underlying the cost estimates and evaluate the method and timing of compliance activities, are estimated to be approximately $0.3 billion, $0.3 billion, $0.4 billion, $0.5 billion, and $0.4 billion for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. See Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
The construction programs are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; changes in environmental laws and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to environmental rules; changes in electric generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing electric generating units, to meet regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; state regulatory agency approvals; changes in the expected environmental compliance program; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; storm impacts; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered. Additionally, planned expenditures for plant acquisitions may vary due to market opportunities and Southern Power's ability to execute its growth strategy. See Note 12 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Southern Power" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (J) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Southern Power" herein for additional information regarding Southern Power's plant acquisitions.
In addition, the construction program includes the development and construction of new electric generating facilities with designs that have not been previously constructed, which may result in revised estimates during construction. The ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development, construction, and operation of new facilities is subject to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in labor costs and productivity, adverse weather conditions, shortages and inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, non-performance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, unforeseen engineering or design problems, start-up activities (including major equipment failure and system integration), and/or operational performance. See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Nuclear Construction" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Nuclear Construction" herein for information regarding Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and additional factors that may impact construction expenditures.
Sources of Capital
Southern Company intends to meet its future capital needs through operating cash flows, borrowings from financial institutions, and debt and equity issuances in the capital markets. Equity capital can be provided from any combination of Southern Company's stock plans, private placements, or public offerings. The amount and timing of additional equity and debt issuances in 2018, as well as in subsequent years, will be contingent on Southern Company's investment opportunities and the Southern Company system's capital requirements and will depend
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
upon prevailing market conditions and other factors. See "Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations" herein for additional information.
Except as described herein, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas plan to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from operating cash flows, external security issuances, borrowings from financial institutions, and equity contributions or loans from Southern Company. Southern Power also plans to utilize tax equity partnership contributions, as well as funds resulting from any potential sale of a 33% equity interest in a newly-formed holding company that owns substantially all of its solar assets, if completed. Southern Company Gas also plans to utilize the proceeds from the pending sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon prevailing market conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Sources of Capital" of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.
In addition, in 2014, Georgia Power entered into the Loan Guarantee Agreement with the DOE, under which the proceeds of borrowings may be used to reimburse Georgia Power for Eligible Project Costs incurred in connection with its construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement, the DOE agreed to guarantee borrowings of up to $3.46 billion (not to exceed 70% of Eligible Project Costs) to be made by Georgia Power under a multi-advance credit facility (FFB Credit Facility) among Georgia Power, the DOE, and the FFB. As of March 31, 2018, Georgia Power had borrowed $2.6 billion under the FFB Credit Facility. In July 2017, Georgia Power entered into an amendment to the Loan Guarantee Agreement, which provides that further advances are conditioned upon the DOE's approval of any agreements entered into in replacement of the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement and satisfaction of certain other conditions.
In September 2017, the DOE issued a conditional commitment to Georgia Power for up to approximately $1.67 billion of additional guaranteed loans under the Loan Guarantee Agreement. This conditional commitment expires on June 30, 2018, subject to any further extension approved by the DOE. Final approval and issuance of these additional loan guarantees by the DOE cannot be assured and are subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence by the DOE, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions. See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Loan Guarantee Agreement, including applicable covenants, events of default, mandatory prepayment events, and additional conditions to borrowing. Also see Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Nuclear Construction" herein for additional information regarding Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
As of March 31, 2018, Southern Company's current liabilities exceeded current assets by $4.1 billion due to long-term debt that is due within one year of $3.2 billion (comprised of approximately $1.0 billion at the parent company, $0.2 billion at Alabama Power, $0.8 billion at Georgia Power, $0.2 billion at Mississippi Power, $0.8 billion at Southern Power, and $0.2 billion at Southern Company Gas) and notes payable of $4.3 billion (comprised of approximately $2.5 billion at the parent company, $0.2 billion at Alabama Power, $0.1 billion at Gulf Power, $0.3 billion at Mississippi Power, $0.1 billion at Southern Power, and $1.0 billion at Southern Company Gas). To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Southern Company system has substantial cash flow from operating activities and access to capital markets and financial institutions. Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas intend to utilize operating cash flows, as well as commercial paper, lines of credit, bank notes, and securities issuances, as market conditions permit, as well as, under certain circumstances for the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas, equity contributions and/or loans from Southern Company to meet their short-term capital needs.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
At March 31, 2018, Southern Company and its subsidiaries had approximately $2.3 billion of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at March 31, 2018 were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Expires | | | | Executable Term Loans | | Expires Within One Year |
Company | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2022 | | Total | | Unused | | One Year | | Two Years | | Term Out | | No Term Out |
| (in millions) |
Southern Company(a) | $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 2,000 |
| | $ | 2,000 |
| | $ | 1,999 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Alabama Power | 35 |
| — |
| 500 |
| 800 |
| | 1,335 |
| | 1,335 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 35 |
|
Georgia Power | — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,750 |
| | 1,750 |
| | 1,736 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Gulf Power | 20 |
| 25 |
| 235 |
| — |
| | 280 |
| | 280 |
| | 45 |
| | — |
| | 20 |
| | — |
|
Mississippi Power | 100 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| | 100 |
| | 100 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 100 |
|
Southern Power Company(b) | — |
| — |
| — |
| 750 |
| | 750 |
| | 728 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Southern Company Gas(c) | — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,900 |
| | 1,900 |
| | 1,890 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Other | 30 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| | 30 |
| | 30 |
| | 20 |
| | — |
| | 20 |
| | 10 |
|
Southern Company Consolidated | $ | 185 |
| $ | 25 |
| $ | 735 |
| $ | 7,200 |
| | $ | 8,145 |
| | $ | 8,098 |
| | $ | 65 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 40 |
| | $ | 145 |
|
| |
(a) | Represents the Southern Company parent entity. |
| |
(b) | Does not include Southern Power's $120 million continuing letter of credit facility for standby letters of credit expiring in 2019, of which $21 million remains unused at March 31, 2018. |
| |
(c) | Southern Company Gas, as the parent entity, guarantees the obligations of Southern Company Gas Capital, which is the borrower of $1.4 billion of these arrangements. Southern Company Gas' committed credit arrangements also include $500 million for which Nicor Gas is the borrower and which is restricted for working capital needs of Nicor Gas. |
See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Bank Credit Arrangements" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (F) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Bank Credit Arrangements" herein for additional information.
Most of these bank credit arrangements, as well as the term loan arrangements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power Company, and Pivotal Utility Holdings contain covenants that limit debt levels and contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions to other indebtedness (including guarantee obligations) that are restricted only to the indebtedness of the individual company. Such cross-default provisions to other indebtedness would trigger an event of default if the applicable borrower defaulted on indebtedness or guarantee obligations over a specified threshold. Such cross-acceleration provisions to other indebtedness would trigger an event of default if the applicable borrower defaulted on indebtedness, the payment of which was then accelerated. At March 31, 2018, Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas were in compliance with all such covenants. All but $40 million of the bank credit arrangements do not contain material adverse change clauses at the time of borrowings.
Subject to applicable market conditions, Southern Company and its subsidiaries expect to renew or replace their bank credit arrangements as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, Southern Company and its subsidiaries may extend the maturity dates and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
A portion of the unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the revenue bonds of the traditional electric operating companies and the commercial paper programs of Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas. The amount of variable rate revenue bonds of the traditional electric operating companies outstanding requiring liquidity support as of March 31, 2018 was approximately $1.5 billion. In addition, at March 31, 2018, the traditional electric operating companies had approximately $437 million of revenue bonds outstanding that were required to be remarketed within the next 12 months.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies (other than Mississippi Power), Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas make short-term borrowings primarily through commercial paper programs that have the liquidity support of the committed bank credit arrangements described above. Short-term borrowings are included in notes payable in the balance sheets.
Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Short-term Debt at March 31, 2018 | | Short-term Debt During the Period(*) |
| | Amount Outstanding | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Average Amount Outstanding | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Maximum Amount Outstanding |
| | (in millions) | | | | (in millions) | | | | (in millions) |
Commercial paper | | $ | 2,618 |
| | 2.4 | % | | $ | 2,232 |
| | 2.0 | % | | $ | 2,746 |
|
Short-term bank debt | | 1,653 |
| | 3.1 | % | | 563 |
| | 2.5 | % | | 1,653 |
|
Total | | $ | 4,271 |
| | 2.6 | % | | $ | 2,795 |
| | 2.1 | % | | |
| |
(*) | Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. |
Southern Company believes the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial paper programs, lines of credit, bank term loans, and operating cash flows.
Credit Rating Risk
At March 31, 2018, Southern Company and its subsidiaries did not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade.
There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change of certain subsidiaries to BBB and/or Baa2 or below. These contracts are for physical electricity and natural gas purchases and sales, fuel purchases, fuel transportation and storage, energy price risk management, transmission, interest rate management, and construction of new generation at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
The maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at March 31, 2018 were as follows:
|
| | | |
Credit Ratings | Maximum Potential Collateral Requirements |
| (in millions) |
At BBB and/or Baa2 | $ | 38 |
|
At BBB- and/or Baa3 | $ | 601 |
|
At BB+ and/or Ba1(*) | $ | 2,201 |
|
| |
(*) | Any additional credit rating downgrades at or below BB- and/or Ba3 could increase collateral requirements up to an additional $38 million. |
Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, a credit rating downgrade could impact the ability of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to access capital markets, and would be likely to impact the cost at which they do so.
On February 26, 2018, Moody's revised its rating outlook for Mississippi Power from stable to positive.
On February 28, 2018, Fitch downgraded the senior unsecured long-term debt rating of Southern Company to BBB+ from A- with a stable outlook and of Georgia Power to A from A+ with a negative outlook.
On March 14, 2018, S&P upgraded the senior unsecured long-term debt rating of Mississippi Power to A- from BBB+ with a negative outlook.
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
While it is unclear how the credit rating agencies, the FERC, and certain of the relevant state regulatory bodies may respond to the Tax Reform Legislation, certain financial metrics, such as the funds from operations to debt percentage, used by the credit rating agencies to assess Southern Company and its subsidiaries may be negatively impacted. Absent actions by Southern Company and its subsidiaries to mitigate the resulting impacts, which, among other alternatives, could include adjusting capital structure and/or monetizing regulatory assets, the credit ratings of Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries could be negatively affected. See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information related to state PSC or other regulatory agency actions related to the Tax Reform Legislation, including recent approvals of capital structure adjustments for Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Gulf Power by their respective state PSCs, which are expected to help mitigate the potential adverse impacts to certain of their credit metrics.
Financing Activities
During the first three months of 2018, Southern Company issued approximately 4.1 million shares of common stock primarily through employee equity compensation plans and received proceeds of approximately $113 million.
The following table outlines the long-term debt financing activities for Southern Company and its subsidiaries for the first three months of 2018:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | Senior Note Issuances | | Revenue Bond Maturities, Redemptions, and Repurchases | | Other Long-Term Debt Redemptions and Maturities(*) |
| (in millions) |
Georgia Power | $ | — |
| | $ | 278 |
| | $ | 102 |
|
Mississippi Power | 600 |
| | — |
| | 900 |
|
Other | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
|
Southern Company Consolidated | $ | 600 |
| | $ | 278 |
| | $ | 1,005 |
|
| |
(*) | Includes reductions in capital lease obligations resulting from cash payments under capital leases. |
In March 2018, Southern Company entered into a $900 million short-term floating rate bank loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR. The proceeds were used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
Subsequent to March 31, 2018, Southern Company borrowed $250 million pursuant to a short-term uncommitted bank credit arrangement, which bears interest at a rate agreed upon by Southern Company and the bank from time to time and is payable on no less than 30 days' demand by the bank.
In January 2018, Georgia Power repaid its outstanding $150 million short-term floating rate bank loan due May 31, 2018.
In March 2018, Mississippi Power entered into a $300 million short-term floating rate bank loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR, of which $125 million was repaid subsequent to March 31, 2018. The proceeds of this loan, together with the proceeds of Mississippi Power's $600 million senior notes issuances, were used to repay Mississippi Power's entire $900 million unsecured floating rate term loan.
Subsequent to March 31, 2018, Georgia Power redeemed all $250 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2008B 5.40% Senior Notes due June 1, 2018.
At March 31, 2018, Pivotal Utility Holdings had $200 million of gas facility revenue bonds issued for its benefit outstanding. The Elizabethtown Gas asset sale agreement requires that bonds representing $180 million of the total that are currently eligible for redemption at par be redeemed on or prior to consummation of the sale. Subsequent to March 31, 2018, Pivotal Utility Holdings caused $20 million aggregate principal amount of gas facility revenue bonds to be redeemed and provided notice of its intent to cause, on May 23, 2018, the remaining $180 million aggregate principal amount of gas facility revenue bonds issued for its benefit to be redeemed. Subsequent to March
SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
31, 2018, Pivotal Utility Holdings, as borrower, and Southern Company Gas, as guarantor, entered into a $181 million short-term delayed draw floating rate bank term loan agreement. Pivotal Utility Holdings has the right to borrow up to $181 million on or before May 31, 2018, upon satisfaction of certain customary conditions. Pivotal Utility Holdings expects the proceeds to be used to repay the remaining $180 million of gas facility revenue bonds. See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company under "Gas Facility Revenue Bonds" in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (J) to the Condensed Financial Statements under "Southern Company Gas – Proposed Sale of Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas" herein for additional information.
In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Southern Company and its subsidiaries plan to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.
PART I
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no material changes to Southern Company's, Alabama Power's, Georgia Power's, Gulf Power's, Mississippi Power's, and Southern Power's disclosures about market risk. For additional market risk disclosures relating to Southern Company Gas, see MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Market Price Risk" of Southern Company Gas herein. For an in-depth discussion of each registrant's market risks, see MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – "Market Price Risk" of each registrant in Item 7 of the Form 10-K and Note 1 to the financial statements of each registrant under "Financial Instruments," Note 11 to the financial statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Georgia Power, Note 10 to the financial statements of Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Company Gas, and Note 9 to the financial statements of Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. Also see Note (D) and Note (I) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information relating to derivative instruments.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
| |
(a) | Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. |
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas conducted separate evaluations under the supervision and with the participation of each company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Sections 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon these evaluations, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
| |
(b) | Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. |
There have been no changes in Southern Company's, Alabama Power's, Georgia Power's, Gulf Power's, Mississippi Power's, Southern Power's, or Southern Company Gas' internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the first quarter 2018 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Southern Company's, Alabama Power's, Georgia Power's, Gulf Power's, Mississippi Power's, Southern Power's, or Southern Company Gas' internal control over financial reporting.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Operating Revenues: | | | |
Retail revenues | $ | 1,285 |
| | $ | 1,227 |
|
Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates | 74 |
| | 66 |
|
Wholesale revenues, affiliates | 51 |
| | 33 |
|
Other revenues | 63 |
| | 56 |
|
Total operating revenues | 1,473 |
| | 1,382 |
|
Operating Expenses: | | | |
Fuel | 326 |
| | 298 |
|
Purchased power, non-affiliates | 64 |
| | 34 |
|
Purchased power, affiliates | 37 |
| | 28 |
|
Other operations and maintenance | 387 |
| | 384 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | 189 |
| | 181 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes | 98 |
| | 96 |
|
Total operating expenses | 1,101 |
| | 1,021 |
|
Operating Income | 372 |
| | 361 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): | | | |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 13 |
| | 8 |
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (79 | ) | | (75 | ) |
Other income (expense), net | 5 |
| | 10 |
|
Total other income and (expense) | (61 | ) | | (57 | ) |
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 311 |
| | 304 |
|
Income taxes | 82 |
| | 126 |
|
Net Income | 229 |
| | 178 |
|
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock | 4 |
| | 4 |
|
Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock | $ | 225 |
| | $ | 174 |
|
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Net Income | $ | 229 |
| | $ | 178 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | |
Qualifying hedges: | | | |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $1 and $1, respectively | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Comprehensive Income | $ | 230 |
| | $ | 179 |
|
The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
| (in millions) |
Operating Activities: | | | |
Net income | $ | 229 |
| | $ | 178 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities — | | | |
Depreciation and amortization, total | 228 |
| | 219 |
|
Deferred income taxes | 32 |
| | 59 |
|
Other, net | (22 | ) | | (3 | ) |
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities — | | | |
-Prepayments | (82 | ) | | (76 | ) |
-Materials and supplies | (27 | ) | | (10 | ) |
-Other current assets | 19 |
| | 39 |
|
-Accounts payable | (216 | ) | | (214 | ) |
-Accrued taxes | 57 |
| | 77 |
|
-Accrued compensation | (108 | ) | | (96 | ) |
-Retail fuel cost over recovery | — |
| | (36 | ) |
-Other current liabilities | 45 |
| | (9 | ) |
Net cash provided from operating activities | 155 |
| | 128 |
|
Investing Activities: | | | |
Property additions | (490 | ) | | (306 | ) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases | (50 | ) | | (63 | ) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 51 |
| | 63 |
|
Cost of removal, net of salvage | (19 | ) | | (26 | ) |
Change in construction payables | (50 | ) | | 5 |
|
Other investing activities | (6 | ) | | (2 | ) |
Net cash used for investing activities | (564 | ) | | (329 | ) |
Financing Activities: | | | |
Increase in notes payable, net | 245 |
| | — |
|
Proceeds — | | | |
Senior notes | — |
| | 550 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company | 484 |
| | 314 |
|
Redemptions — Senior notes | — |
| | (200 | ) |
Payment of common stock dividends | (202 | ) | | (179 | ) |
Other financing activities | (9 | ) | | (8 | ) |
Net cash provided from financing activities | 518 |
| | 477 |
|
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | 109 |
| | 276 |
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | 544 |
| | 420 |
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 653 |
| | $ | 696 |
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: | | | |
Cash paid during the period for — | | | |
Interest (net of $5 and $3 capitalized for 2018 and 2017, respectively) | $ | 84 |
| | $ | 84 |
|
Income taxes, net | 9 |
| | — |
|
Noncash transactions — Accrued property additions at end of period | 195 |
| | 90 |
|
The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
|
| | | | | | | | |
Assets | | At March 31, 2018 | | At December 31, 2017 |
| | (in millions) |
Current Assets: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 653 |
| | $ | 544 |
|
Receivables — | | | | |
Customer accounts receivable | | 345 |
| | 355 |
|
Unbilled revenues | | 131 |
| | 162 |
|
Affiliated | | 57 |
| | 43 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable | | 36 |
| | 55 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts | | (10 | ) | | (9 | ) |
Fossil fuel stock | | 165 |
| | 184 |
|
Materials and supplies | | 492 |
| | 458 |
|
Prepaid expenses | | 133 |
| | 85 |
|
Other regulatory assets, current | | 131 |
| | 124 |
|
Other current assets | | 3 |
| | 5 |
|
Total current assets | | 2,136 |
| | 2,006 |
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: | | | | |
In service | | 27,520 |
| | 27,326 |
|
Less: Accumulated provision for depreciation | | 9,693 |
| | 9,563 |
|
Plant in service, net of depreciation | | 17,827 |
| | 17,763 |
|
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost | | 358 |
| | 339 |
|
Construction work in progress | | 1,126 |
| | |