e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
or
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the transition period from
to
Commission file number 001-16189
NiSource Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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35-2108964 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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801 East 86th Avenue |
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Merrillville, Indiana
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46410 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(877) 647-5990
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting
company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of
the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value:
274,207,282 shares outstanding at April
30, 2008.
NISOURCE INC.
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
Table of Contents
2
DEFINED TERMS
The following is a list of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found in this report:
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NiSource Subsidiaries and Affiliates |
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Bay State
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Bay State Gas Company |
Capital Markets
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NiSource Capital Markets, Inc. |
CER
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Columbia Energy Resources, Inc. |
CNR
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Columbia Natural Resources, Inc. |
Columbia
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Columbia Energy Group |
Columbia Deep Water
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Columbia Deep Water Service Company |
Columbia Energy Services
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Columbia Energy Services Corporation |
Columbia Gulf
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Columbia Gulf Transmission Company |
Columbia of Kentucky
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Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. |
Columbia of Maryland
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Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc. |
Columbia of Ohio
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Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. |
Columbia of Pennsylvania
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Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. |
Columbia of Virginia
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Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. |
Columbia Transmission
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Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation |
CORC
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Columbia of Ohio Receivables Corporation |
Crossroads Pipeline
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Crossroads Pipeline Company |
Granite State Gas
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Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. |
Hardy Storage
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Hardy Storage Company, L.L.C. |
Kokomo Gas
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Kokomo Gas and Fuel Company |
Lake Erie Land
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Lake Erie Land Company |
Millennium
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Millennium Pipeline Company, L.P. |
NDC Douglas Properties
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NDC Douglas Properties, Inc. |
NiSource
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NiSource Inc. |
NiSource Corporate Services
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NiSource Corporate Services Company |
NiSource Development Company
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NiSource Development Company, Inc. |
NiSource Finance
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NiSource Finance Corp. |
Northern Indiana
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Northern Indiana Public Service Company |
Northern Indiana Fuel and Light
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Northern Indiana Fuel and Light Company |
Northern Utilities
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Northern Utilities, Inc. |
NRC
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NIPSCO Receivables Corporation |
PEI
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PEI Holdings, Inc. |
TPC
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EnergyUSA-TPC Corp. |
Whiting Clean Energy
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Whiting Clean Energy, Inc. |
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Abbreviations |
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AFUDC
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Allowance for funds used during construction |
Algonquin
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Algonquin Gas Transmission Co. |
ASM
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Ancillary Services Market |
BBA
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British Banker Association |
Bcf
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Billion cubic feet |
BP
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BP Amoco p.l.c. |
BPAE
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BP Alternative Energy North America Inc |
CAIR
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Clean Air Interstate Rule |
CAMR
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Clean Air Mercury Rule |
CCGT
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Combined Cycle Gas Turbine |
CPCN
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Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity |
Day 2
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Began April 1, 2005 and refers to the operational control of the energy markets by MISO,
including the dispatching of wholesale electricity and generation, managing transmission
constraints, and managing the day-ahead, real-time and financial transmission rights
markets |
Dth
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dekatherms |
ECR
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Environmental Cost Recovery |
3
DEFINED TERMS (continued)
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ECRM
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Environmental Cost Recovery Mechanism |
ECT
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Environmental cost tracker |
EERM
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Environmental Expense Recovery Mechanism |
EITF Issue No. 02-3
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EITF Issue No. 02-3, Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes |
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and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities |
Empire
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Empire State Pipeline |
EPA
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United States Environmental Protection Agency |
EPS
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Earnings per share |
FAC
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Fuel adjustment clause |
FASB
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Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FIN 47
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FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations |
FIN 48
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FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No.
109 |
FIP
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Federal Implementation Plan |
FSP
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FASB Staff Position |
FSP FAS 157-2
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FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2: Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 |
FSP FIN 39-1
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FASB Staff Position FIN 39-1: Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39 |
FTRs
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Financial Transmission Rights |
GAAP
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
gwh
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Gigawatt hours |
IBM
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International Business Machines Corp. |
IBM Agreement
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The Agreement for Business Process & Support Services |
IDEM
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Indiana Department of Environmental Management |
Iroquois
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Iroquois Gas Transmission System LP |
IRP
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Integrated Resource Plan |
IURC
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Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission |
LDCs
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Local distribution companies |
LIBOR
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London InterBank Offered Rate |
LIFO
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Last-in, first out |
MISO
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Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator |
MMDth
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Million dekatherms |
mw
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Megawatts |
NAAQS
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards |
NOV
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Notice of Violation |
NOx
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Nitrogen oxide |
NPDES
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System |
NYMEX
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New York Mercantile Exchange |
OUCC
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Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor |
Piedmont
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Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. |
PPS
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Price Protection Service |
PUCO
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Public Utilities Commission of Ohio |
SEC
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Securities and Exchange Commission |
SFAS No. 71
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation |
SFAS No. 123R
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment |
SFAS No. 133
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, as amended |
SFAS No. 140
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of
Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities a replacement of FASB Statement 125 |
4
DEFINED TERMS (continued)
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SFAS No. 141R
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, Business Combinations |
SFAS No. 143
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations |
SFAS No. 157
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements |
SFAS No. 158
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension
and Other Postretirement Plans |
SFAS No. 159
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 |
SFAS No. 160
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51 |
SFAS No. 161
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative
Instruments and Hedging an amendment of SFAS No. 133 |
SIP
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State Implementation Plan |
SO2
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Sulfur dioxide |
VaR
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Value-at-risk and instrument sensitivity to market factors |
VADEQ
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Virginia Department of Environmental Quality |
5
PART I
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions, except per share amounts) |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Net Revenues |
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Gas Distribution |
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$ |
2,229.7 |
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$ |
1,844.3 |
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Gas Transportation and Storage |
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357.2 |
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344.3 |
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Electric |
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331.8 |
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326.0 |
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Other |
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371.0 |
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330.1 |
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Gross Revenues |
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3,289.7 |
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2,844.7 |
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Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) |
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2,248.5 |
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1,802.1 |
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Total Net Revenues |
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1,041.2 |
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1,042.6 |
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Operating Expenses |
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Operation and maintenance |
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410.7 |
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376.1 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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135.6 |
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134.3 |
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Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of assets |
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(1.5 |
) |
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2.9 |
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Other taxes |
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103.6 |
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100.4 |
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Total Operating Expenses |
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648.4 |
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613.7 |
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Equity Earnings in Unconsolidated Affiliates |
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2.0 |
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1.5 |
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Operating Income |
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394.8 |
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430.4 |
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Other Income (Deductions) |
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Interest expense, net |
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(91.8 |
) |
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(99.1 |
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Other, net |
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(1.5 |
) |
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(2.9 |
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Total Other Income (Deductions) |
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(93.3 |
) |
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(102.0 |
) |
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Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes |
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301.5 |
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328.4 |
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Income Taxes |
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112.1 |
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121.9 |
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Income from Continuing Operations |
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189.4 |
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206.5 |
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Income from Discontinued Operations net of taxes |
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6.0 |
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3.6 |
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Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Discontinued Operations net of taxes |
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(96.1 |
) |
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6.6 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
99.3 |
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$ |
216.7 |
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Basic Earnings Per Share ($) |
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Continuing operations |
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$ |
0.69 |
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$ |
0.75 |
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Discontinued operations |
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(0.33 |
) |
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|
0.04 |
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Basic Earnings Per Share |
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$ |
0.36 |
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|
$ |
0.79 |
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Diluted Earnings Per Share ($) |
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|
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|
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Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.69 |
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$ |
0.75 |
|
Discontinued operations |
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(0.33 |
) |
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|
0.04 |
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Diluted Earnings Per Share |
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.79 |
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Dividends Declared Per Common Share |
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$ |
0.46 |
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$ |
0.46 |
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Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding (millions) |
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273.9 |
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273.6 |
|
Diluted Average Common Shares (millions) |
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275.4 |
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|
274.8 |
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|
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these unaudited statements.
6
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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(in millions) |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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ASSETS |
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Property, Plant and Equipment |
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Utility Plant |
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$ |
17,428.0 |
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$ |
17,295.6 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
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(7,819.1 |
) |
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(7,787.0 |
) |
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Net utility plant |
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9,608.9 |
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|
9,508.6 |
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Other property, at cost, less accumulated depreciation |
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67.1 |
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67.3 |
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Net Property, Plant and Equipment |
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9,676.0 |
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9,575.9 |
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Investments and Other Assets |
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Assets of discontinued operations and assets held for sale |
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536.3 |
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593.2 |
|
Unconsolidated affiliates |
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|
74.4 |
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72.7 |
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Other investments |
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113.4 |
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117.2 |
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Total Investments and Other Assets |
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724.1 |
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783.1 |
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Current Assets |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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77.4 |
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34.6 |
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Restricted cash |
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3.8 |
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57.7 |
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Accounts receivable (less reserve of $62.0 and $37.0, respectively) |
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1,086.2 |
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|
900.6 |
|
Gas inventory |
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|
74.0 |
|
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|
452.2 |
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Underrecovered gas and fuel costs |
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245.3 |
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|
158.3 |
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Materials and supplies, at average cost |
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79.4 |
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78.1 |
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Electric production fuel, at average cost |
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|
59.9 |
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58.1 |
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Price risk management assets |
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150.1 |
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102.2 |
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Exchange gas receivable |
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389.1 |
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210.5 |
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Regulatory assets |
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176.2 |
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|
215.4 |
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Assets of discontinued operations and assets held for sale |
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76.6 |
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85.0 |
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Prepayments and other |
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103.5 |
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|
107.3 |
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Total Current Assets |
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2,521.5 |
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|
2,460.0 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Other Assets |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Price risk management assets |
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|
86.3 |
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|
25.2 |
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
874.4 |
|
|
|
867.5 |
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Goodwill |
|
|
3,677.3 |
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|
3,677.3 |
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Intangible assets |
|
|
338.8 |
|
|
|
341.6 |
|
Postretirement and postemployment benefits assets |
|
|
167.5 |
|
|
|
157.8 |
|
Deferred charges and other |
|
|
120.8 |
|
|
|
121.5 |
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Total Other Assets |
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5,265.1 |
|
|
|
5,190.9 |
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Total Assets |
|
$ |
18,186.7 |
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|
$ |
18,009.9 |
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|
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these unaudited statements.
7
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (continued)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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(in millions, except share amounts) |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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|
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES |
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Capitalization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Common Stockholders Equity |
|
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|
|
|
|
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Common stock $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized; 274,167,301
and 274,176,752 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
4,013.2 |
|
|
|
4,011.0 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
1,047.5 |
|
|
|
1,074.5 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
24.1 |
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
Treasury stock |
|
|
(23.3 |
) |
|
|
(23.3 |
) |
|
Total Common Stockholders Equity |
|
|
5,064.2 |
|
|
|
5,076.6 |
|
Long-term debt, excluding amounts due within one year |
|
|
5,383.0 |
|
|
|
5,594.4 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
|
10,447.2 |
|
|
|
10,671.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
89.3 |
|
|
|
33.9 |
|
Short-term borrowings |
|
|
624.7 |
|
|
|
1,061.0 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
755.9 |
|
|
|
713.0 |
|
Dividends declared |
|
|
63.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
114.4 |
|
|
|
112.8 |
|
Taxes accrued |
|
|
327.1 |
|
|
|
188.4 |
|
Interest accrued |
|
|
90.3 |
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
Overrecovered gas and fuel costs |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
Price risk management liabilities |
|
|
67.5 |
|
|
|
79.9 |
|
Exchange gas payable |
|
|
571.3 |
|
|
|
441.6 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
22.4 |
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
70.4 |
|
|
|
87.8 |
|
Accrued liability for postretirement and postemployment benefits |
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
Liabilities of discontinued operations and liabilities held for sale |
|
|
45.6 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
|
Temporary LIFO liquidation credit |
|
|
472.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other accruals |
|
|
429.7 |
|
|
|
505.9 |
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
|
3,753.3 |
|
|
|
3,397.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price risk management liabilities |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
1,494.5 |
|
|
|
1,466.2 |
|
Deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
51.6 |
|
|
|
53.4 |
|
Deferred credits |
|
|
78.5 |
|
|
|
81.3 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Accrued liability for postretirement and postemployment benefits |
|
|
566.2 |
|
|
|
547.8 |
|
Liabilities of discontinued operations and liabilities held for sale |
|
|
141.2 |
|
|
|
141.3 |
|
Regulatory liabilities and other removal costs |
|
|
1,344.6 |
|
|
|
1,337.7 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
129.6 |
|
|
|
128.2 |
|
Other noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
169.8 |
|
|
|
183.5 |
|
|
Total Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits |
|
|
3,986.2 |
|
|
|
3,941.3 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Refer to Note 15) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capitalization and Liabilities |
|
$ |
18,186.7 |
|
|
$ |
18,009.9 |
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these unaudited
statements.
8
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
99.3 |
|
|
$ |
216.7 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from continuing operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
135.6 |
|
|
|
134.3 |
|
Net changes in price risk management assets and liabilities |
|
|
(9.6 |
) |
|
|
3.6 |
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits |
|
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(16.3 |
) |
|
|
(16.5 |
) |
Stock compensation expense |
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Gain on sale of assets |
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Loss on impairment of assets |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
Income from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
(Gain) loss on disposition of discontinued operations net of taxes |
|
|
96.1 |
|
|
|
(6.6 |
) |
Income from discontinued operations net of taxes |
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
Amortization of discount/premium on debt |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
AFUDC Equity |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(152.9 |
) |
|
|
(83.3 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
847.3 |
|
|
|
705.1 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
(19.0 |
) |
Customer deposits |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
Taxes accrued |
|
|
128.4 |
|
|
|
128.5 |
|
Interest accrued |
|
|
(9.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
(Under) Overrecovered gas and fuel costs |
|
|
(93.1 |
) |
|
|
(101.9 |
) |
Exchange gas receivable/payable |
|
|
(44.0 |
) |
|
|
(75.6 |
) |
Other accruals |
|
|
(120.9 |
) |
|
|
(98.1 |
) |
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
25.1 |
|
Regulatory assets/liabilities |
|
|
(36.4 |
) |
|
|
15.4 |
|
Postretirement and postemployment benefits |
|
|
18.8 |
|
|
|
(57.7 |
) |
Deferred credits |
|
|
(5.6 |
) |
|
|
(3.0 |
) |
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets |
|
|
(7.5 |
) |
|
|
2.0 |
|
Other noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
(29.0 |
) |
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
Net Operating Activities from Continuing Operations |
|
|
848.1 |
|
|
|
775.8 |
|
Net Operating Activities from or (used for) Discontinued Operations |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
846.0 |
|
|
|
778.4 |
|
|
Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(190.7 |
) |
|
|
(147.8 |
) |
Proceeds from disposition of assets |
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
72.1 |
|
|
|
79.7 |
|
Other investing activities |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(2.9 |
) |
|
Net Investing Activities used for Continuing Operations |
|
|
(107.5 |
) |
|
|
(69.5 |
) |
Net Investing Activities from or (used for) Discontinued Operations |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
Net Cash Flows used for Investing Activities |
|
|
(104.6 |
) |
|
|
(70.6 |
) |
|
Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of long-term debt |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement of long-term debt |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
Repurchase of long-term debt |
|
|
(199.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Change in short-term debt |
|
|
(436.3 |
) |
|
|
(572.2 |
) |
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
Acquisition of treasury stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
Dividends paid common stock |
|
|
(63.1 |
) |
|
|
(63.0 |
) |
|
Net Cash Flows used for Financing Activities |
|
|
(697.9 |
) |
|
|
(638.7 |
) |
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
43.5 |
|
|
|
69.1 |
|
Cash contributions to discontinued operations |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
34.6 |
|
|
|
32.9 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
77.4 |
|
|
$ |
100.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
104.5 |
|
|
$ |
101.1 |
|
Interest capitalized |
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these unaudited
statements.
9
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
1. Basis of Accounting Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for NiSource reflect all
normal recurring adjustments that are necessary, in the opinion of management, to present fairly
the results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America.
The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included in NiSources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007. Income for interim periods may not be indicative of results for the
calendar year due to weather variations and other factors.
The
following unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the SEC. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although NiSource believes that the
disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 to define
fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value and to expand disclosures about fair
value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not change the
requirements to apply fair value in existing accounting standards.
Under SFAS No. 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in
which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on
the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 establishes a
fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value
into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy disclosed is based on the lowest level of
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy defined by SFAS No. 157 are as follows:
|
|
|
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical asset or
liabilities that the company has the ability to access as of the reporting date. |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through corroboration
with observable market data. |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, such as internally developed pricing models for
the asset or liability due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability. |
SFAS No. 157 became effective for NiSource as of January 1, 2008. The provisions of SFAS No. 157
are to be applied prospectively, except for the initial impact on the following three items, which
are required to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the
year of adoption: (1) changes in fair value measurements of existing derivative financial
instruments measured initially using the transaction price under EITF Issue No. 02-3, (2) existing
hybrid financial instruments measured initially at fair value using the transaction price
and (3) blockage factor discounts. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on
NiSources January 1, 2008 balance of retained earnings and is not anticipated to have a material
impact prospectively.
10
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157
for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities until fiscal
years beginning after November 15, 2008. NiSource has elected to defer the adoption of the
nonrecurring fair value measurement disclosures of non-financial assets and liabilities.
See Note 10, Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, in the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the adoption of SFAS No.
157.
SFAS No. 158 Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158 to improve existing reporting for defined benefit
postretirement plans by requiring employers to recognize in the statement of financial position the
overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan, among other changes.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, NiSource adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158. Based on the
measurement of the various defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans assets and
benefit obligations at September 30, 2006, the pretax impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 decreased
intangible assets by $46.5 million, decreased deferred charges and other assets by $1.1 million,
increased regulatory assets by $538.8 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive income by
$239.8 million and increased accrued liabilities for postretirement and postemployment benefits by
$251.4 million. In addition, NiSource recorded a reduction in deferred income taxes of
approximately $96 million. With the adoption of SFAS No. 158 NiSource determined that for certain
rate-regulated subsidiaries the future recovery of pension and other postretirement plans costs is
probable in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 71. These rate-regulated subsidiaries
recorded regulatory assets and liabilities that would otherwise have been recorded to accumulated
other comprehensive income.
On January 1, 2007, NiSource adopted the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions requiring
employers to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end. The pre-tax
impact of adopting the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions increased deferred charges and
other assets by $9.4 million, decreased regulatory assets by $89.6 million, decreased retained
earnings by $11.3 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive income by $5.3 million and
decreased accrued liabilities for postretirement and postemployment benefits by $74.2 million.
NiSource also recorded a reduction in deferred income taxes of approximately $2.6 million. In
addition, 2007 expense for pension and postretirement benefits reflects the updated measurement
date valuations. Refer to Note 12, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, in the Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
SFAS No. 159 The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 which
permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments at fair value that are not
currently required to be measured at fair value. Upon adoption, a cumulative adjustment would be
made to beginning retained earnings for the initial fair value option remeasurement. Subsequent
unrealized gains and losses for fair value option items will be reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159
is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and should not be applied
retrospectively, except as permitted for certain conditions for early adoption. NiSource has
chosen not to elect to measure any applicable financial assets or liabilities at fair value
pursuant to this standard when SFAS No. 159 was adopted on January 1, 2008.
FSP FIN 39-1 FASB Staff Position Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39. In April 2007, the
FASB posted FSP FIN 39-1 to amend paragraph 3 of FIN 39 to replace the terms conditional contracts
and exchange contracts with the term derivative instruments as defined in SFAS No. 133. This FSP
also amends paragraph 10 of FIN 39 to permit a reporting entity to offset fair value amounts
recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral
against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same
counterparty under a master netting arrangement. This FSP became effective for NiSource as of
January 1, 2008. NiSource has not elected to net fair value amounts for its derivative instruments
or the fair value
amounts recognized for its right to receive cash collateral or obligation to pay cash collateral
arising from those derivative instruments recognized at fair value, which are executed with the
same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. This is consistent with NiSources current
accounting policy prior to the adoption of this amended standard. NiSource discloses amounts
recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral within Restricted
11
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
cash and amounts recognized for the right to return cash collateral within current liabilities on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FIN 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 to
reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement
requirements related to accounting for income taxes. Specifically, this interpretation requires
that a tax position meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for the benefit of an
uncertain tax position to be recognized in the financial statements and requires that benefit to be
measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon
ultimate settlement. The determination of whether a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not
recognition threshold is based on whether it is probable of being sustained on audit by the
appropriate taxing authorities, based solely on the technical merits of the position. Additionally,
FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in
interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2006.
On January 1, 2007, NiSource adopted the provisions of FIN 48. As a result of the implementation
of FIN 48, NiSource recognized a charge of $0.8 million to the opening balance of retained
earnings. Refer to Note 11, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 161 Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging an amendment of SFAS No.
133. In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 to amend and expand the disclosure requirements
of SFAS No. 133 with the intent to provide users of the financial statement with an enhanced
understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how these derivatives are
accounted for and how the respective reporting entitys financial statements are affected. This
Statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, and
earlier application is encouraged. NiSource is currently reviewing the provisions of SFAS No. 161
to determine the impact it may have on its disclosures within the Notes to Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements.
SFAS No. 160 Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB
No. 51. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 to improve the relevance, comparability,
and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated
financial statements regarding non-controlling ownership interests in a business and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods
within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and earlier adoption is
prohibited. NiSource is currently reviewing the provisions of SFAS No. 160 to determine the impact
it may have on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements.
SFAS No. 141R Business Combinations. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R to improve
the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information that a reporting
entity provides in its financial reports regarding business combinations and its effects, including
recognition of assets and liabilities, the measurement of goodwill and required disclosures. This
Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning
on or after December 15, 2008 and earlier adoption is prohibited. NiSource is currently reviewing
the provisions of SFAS No. 141R to determine the impact on future business combinations.
12
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
3. Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average
number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The weighted average shares
outstanding for diluted EPS include the incremental effects of the various long-term incentive
compensation plans. The numerator in calculating both basic and diluted EPS for each period is
reported net income. The computation of diluted average common shares follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic average common shares outstanding |
|
|
273,922 |
|
|
|
273,594 |
|
Dilutive potential common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
376 |
|
Shares contingently issuable under employee stock plans |
|
|
1,271 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
Shares restricted under employee stock plans |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
Diluted Average Common Shares |
|
|
275,367 |
|
|
|
274,769 |
|
|
4. Restructuring Activities
In the fourth quarter of 2005, NiSource announced a plan to reduce its executive ranks by
approximately 15% to 20% of the top-level executive group. As of March 31, 2008, 14 employees were
terminated as a result of the executive initiative. In part, this reduction has come through
anticipated attrition and consolidation of certain positions.
In previous years, NiSource implemented restructuring initiatives to streamline its operations and
realize efficiencies as a result of the acquisition of Columbia. As of March 31, 2008, 1,567
employees were terminated. Of the $1.9 million remaining restructuring liability from the Columbia
merger and related initiatives, $0.9 million is related to facility exit costs.
Restructuring reserve by restructuring initiative:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
(in millions) |
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
Benefits Paid |
|
Adjustments |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
Executive initiative |
|
$ |
0.6 |
|
|
$ |
(0.6 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Columbia merger and related initiatives |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2.8 |
|
|
$ |
(0.9 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1.9 |
|
|
5. Gas in Storage
Gas Distribution Operations price storage injections at the average of the costs of natural gas
supply purchased during the year. For interim periods, the difference between current projected
replacement cost and the LIFO cost for quantities of gas temporarily withdrawn from storage is
recorded as a temporary LIFO liquidation credit within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Due to seasonality requirements, NiSource expects interim reductions in LIFO layers to be
replenished by year-end. Changes between the temporary LIFO liquidation credit and gas inventory
in the amounts of $472.3 million and $252.4 million during the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, are
considered non-cash activity for the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flow.
13
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
6. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and held for sale on the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2008 were:
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant |
|
|
|
|
|
Materials and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets of discontinued |
|
and equipment, |
|
Accounts |
|
supplies, at |
|
Regulatory |
|
Intangible |
|
Other |
|
|
operations and held for sale: |
|
net |
|
receivable, net |
|
average cost |
|
assets |
|
assets |
|
assets |
|
Total |
|
NDC Douglas Properties |
|
$ |
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
6.1 |
|
NiSource Corporate Services |
|
|
7.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.9 |
|
Lake Erie Land |
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
Columbia Transmission |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
Columbia Gulf Transmission |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
Northern Indiana |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Granite State Gas |
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
Northern Utilities |
|
|
144.5 |
|
|
|
42.6 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
14.7 |
|
|
|
72.2 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
280.5 |
|
Whiting Clean Energy |
|
|
253.5 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
272.7 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
439.3 |
|
|
$ |
51.7 |
|
|
$ |
10.5 |
|
|
$ |
14.7 |
|
|
$ |
80.3 |
|
|
$ |
16.4 |
|
|
$ |
612.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities of discontinued |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts |
|
Deferred |
|
Deferred |
|
Regulatory |
|
Other |
|
|
operations and held for sale: |
|
Debt |
|
payable |
|
income taxes |
|
credits |
|
liabilities |
|
liabilities |
|
Total |
|
NDC Douglas Properties |
|
$ |
5.6 |
|
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
$ |
6.3 |
|
Granite State Gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
Northern Utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
55.8 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
19.9 |
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
|
110.6 |
|
Whiting Clean Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
35.9 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
55.4 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
5.6 |
|
|
$ |
13.1 |
|
|
$ |
96.8 |
|
|
$ |
17.1 |
|
|
$ |
19.9 |
|
|
$ |
34.3 |
|
|
$ |
186.8 |
|
|
14
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and held for sale on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2007 including reclassifications of balances for entities discontinued during
2008, were:
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant |
|
|
|
|
|
Materials and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets of discontinued |
|
and equipment, |
|
Accounts |
|
supplies, at |
|
Regulatory |
|
Intangible |
|
Other |
|
|
operations and held for sale: |
|
net |
|
receivable, net |
|
average cost |
|
assets |
|
assets |
|
assets |
|
Total |
|
NDC Douglas Properties |
|
$ |
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
6.1 |
|
NiSource Corporate Services |
|
|
9.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.5 |
|
Lake Erie Land |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.6 |
|
Columbia Transmission |
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
Columbia Gulf Transmission |
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
Northern Indiana |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Granite State Gas |
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
25.8 |
|
Northern Utilities |
|
|
168.8 |
|
|
|
27.2 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
16.1 |
|
|
|
72.4 |
|
|
|
22.0 |
|
|
|
307.9 |
|
Whiting Clean Energy |
|
|
269.9 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
|
|
303.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
496.2 |
|
|
$ |
40.1 |
|
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
|
$ |
16.2 |
|
|
$ |
80.5 |
|
|
$ |
34.9 |
|
|
$ |
678.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities of discontinued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operations and held for |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts |
|
Deferred |
|
Deferred |
|
Regulatory |
|
Other |
|
|
sale: |
|
Debt |
|
payable |
|
income taxes |
|
credits |
|
liabilities |
|
liabilities |
|
Total |
|
NDC Douglas Properties |
|
$ |
4.6 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1.7 |
|
|
$ |
6.3 |
|
Granite State Gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
Northern Utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
56.0 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
93.5 |
|
Whiting Clean Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
36.0 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
56.0 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
4.6 |
|
|
$ |
11.4 |
|
|
$ |
97.1 |
|
|
$ |
17.1 |
|
|
$ |
17.3 |
|
|
$ |
13.9 |
|
|
$ |
161.4 |
|
|
Assets classified as discontinued operations and held for sale are no longer depreciated.
NiSource
reached an agreement on April 18, 2008 for BPAE to purchase
Whiting Clean Energy for $210 million. Net
assets for Whiting Clean Energy of $217.3 million and $247.3 million have been reclassified to
assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and held for sale on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. During the quarter ended March 31,
2008, NiSource accounted for Whiting Clean Energy as discontinued operations.
On February 15, 2008, NiSource reached a definitive agreement under which Unitil Corporation will
acquire NiSource subsidiaries Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas for $160 million plus net
working capital at the time of closing. Historically, net working capital has averaged
approximately $25 million. Under the terms of the transaction, Unitil Corporation will acquire
Northern Utilities, a local gas distribution company serving 52 thousand customers in 44
communities in Maine and New Hampshire and Granite State Gas, an 86-mile FERC regulated gas
transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. The transaction, expected to
be completed by the end of 2008, is subject to federal and state regulatory approvals. Net assets
for Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas combined of $180.1 million and $234.6 million have
been reclassified to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and held for sale on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. During the
quarter ended March 31, 2008, NiSource accounted for Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas as
discontinued operations. NiSource acquired Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas in 1999 as
part of the companys larger acquisition of Bay State.
Columbia Gulf is in the process of selling a majority of its offshore facilities. On October 30,
2007, Columbia Gulf and Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company executed a definitive purchase and sale
agreement to sell a portion of Columbia Gulfs offshore assets. Closing of the transaction is
dependent upon the receipt of required regulatory approvals which NiSource anticipates receiving in
the first half of 2008. Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company currently co-owns and utilizes the offshore
assets being sold. In the third quarter of 2007, these assets were classified as assets of
discontinued operations and held for sale.
15
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
NDC Douglas Properties, a subsidiary of NiSource Development Company, is in the process of exiting
some of its low income housing investments. One of these investments was disposed of during 2007
and two other investments are expected to be sold or disposed of during 2008. NiSource has
accounted for the investments to be sold as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and
held for sale.
NiSource Corporate Services is in the process of selling its Marble Cliff facility. In late
February 2008 an offer was accepted. NiSource Corporate Services has begun work on a definitive
Purchase and Sale Agreement which is contingent on certain items being met. As a result of the
offer, an impairment loss of $1.6 million was recognized during the first quarter of 2008. During
the first quarter of 2007 an impairment loss of $3.2 million was recognized due to the current book
value exceeding the estimated fair value of the facility. NiSource has accounted for this facility
as assets held for sale.
Lake Erie Land, which is wholly-owned by NiSource, is in the process of selling real estate over a
10-year period as a part of an agreement reached in June, 2006 with a private real estate
development group. Part of the sale transaction included the assets of the Sand Creek Golf Club,
and NiSource began accounting for the operations of the Sand Creek Golf Club as discontinued
operations at that time. NiSource estimates the property to be sold to the private developer
during the next twelve months and classifies these assets as assets of discontinued operations and
held for sale.
Columbia Transmission is in the process of selling certain facilities that are non-core to the
operation of the pipeline system. In the first quarter of 2008, certain assets in Ohio were sold,
which resulted in a $3.8 million decrease to the balance of assets held for sale. Northern Indiana
is also in the process of selling a non-core facility. NiSource has accounted for these facilities
as assets held for sale.
Results from discontinued operations from Whiting Clean Energy, Granite State Gas, Northern
Utilities, NDC Douglas Properties low income housing investments, the golf course assets of Lake
Erie Land and reserve changes for NiSources former exploration and production subsidiary, CER, are
provided in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Revenues from Discontinued Operations |
|
$ |
100.9 |
|
|
$ |
88.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
Income from Discontinued Operations net of taxes |
|
$ |
6.0 |
|
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain
(Loss) on Disposition of Discontinued Operations
net of taxes |
|
$ |
(96.1 |
) |
|
$ |
6.6 |
|
|
Results from Discontinued Operations for the first three months of 2008 includes the after tax
losses related to the pending sales of Whiting Clean Energy, Northern Utilities and Granite State
Gas of $32.5 million, $48.8 million and $14.8 million, respectively.
7. Asset Retirement Obligations
NiSource accounts for its asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS No. 143 and FIN 47.
Certain costs of removal that have been, and continue to be, included in depreciation rates and
collected in the service rates of the
rate-regulated subsidiaries are classified as regulatory liabilities and other removal costs on the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
16
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
NiSource activity for asset retirement obligations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Accretion expense |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
Accretion recorded as a regulatory asset |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
Increase in Asset Retirement Obligation Liability |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
|
$ |
1.7 |
|
|
8. Regulatory Matters
Gas Distribution Operations Regulatory Matters
Significant Rate Developments. Columbia of Ohio filed a base rate case with PUCO on March 3, 2008,
requesting an increase in base rates in excess of $80 million annually. Columbia of Ohio is
seeking recovery of increased infrastructure rehabilitation costs, as well as the stabilization of
revenues and cost recovery through rate design. The case is currently pending, and is expected to
be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2008.
On January 28, 2008, Columbia of Pennsylvania filed a base rate case with the Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission, seeking an increase of approximately $60 million annually,
effective October 28, 2008. Through this filing, Columbia of Pennsylvania is seeking to
recover costs associated with its significant infrastructure rehabilitation program, as well
as stabilize revenues and cost recovery through modifications to rate design. The case is
currently pending, and is expected to be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2008.
On October 17, 2007, Bay State petitioned the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to allow
the company to collect an additional $7.5 million in annual revenue related to usage reductions
occurring since its last rate case. Bay State also requested approval of a steel infrastructure
tracker that would allow for recovery of ongoing infrastructure replacement program investments.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities held hearings on this matter in the first quarter
of 2008 and issued an order denying Bay States petition on April 30, 2008. NiSource is in the process of
reviewing the order and assessing its rehearing or appeal options.
Cost Recovery and Trackers. A significant portion of the distribution companies revenue is
related to the recovery of gas costs, the review and recovery of which occurs via standard
regulatory proceedings. All states require periodic review of actual gas procurement activity to
determine prudence and to permit the recovery of prudently incurred costs related to the supply of
gas for customers. NiSource distribution companies have historically been found prudent in the
procurement of gas supplies to serve customers.
Certain operating costs of the NiSource distribution companies are significant, recurring in
nature, and generally outside the control of the distribution companies. Some states allow the
recovery of such costs via cost tracking mechanisms. Such tracking mechanisms allow for
abbreviated regulatory proceedings in order for the distribution companies to implement charges and
recover appropriate costs. Tracking mechanisms allow for more timely recovery of such costs as
compared with more traditional cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms include gas
cost recovery adjustment mechanisms, tax riders, and bad debt recovery mechanisms.
Comparability of Gas Distribution Operations line item operating results is impacted by these
regulatory trackers that allow for the recovery in rates of certain costs such as bad debt
expenses. Increases in the expenses that are the subject of trackers result in a corresponding
increase in net revenues and therefore have essentially no impact on total operating income
results.
17
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Certain types of natural gas risers, which are owned by customers, on Columbia of Ohios
distribution system have been evaluated under a study required by the PUCO and have been found
prone to leak natural gas under certain conditions. On February 1, 2007, Columbia of Ohio
announced plans to identify and replace these risers on its distribution system. As of March 31,
2008, Columbia of Ohio deferred $7.5 million of costs associated with the study and identification
of these natural gas risers as a regulatory asset and currently has estimated approximately $120
million for the cost to identify and replace the risers. On October 26, 2007, Columbia of Ohio and
the PUCO Staff filed a Joint Stipulation and Recommendation that provided for Columbia of Ohios
assumption of financial responsibility for the repair or replacement of customer-owned service
lines and the replacement of risers prone to leak. In addition, the Stipulation provides for
Columbia of Ohio to capitalize its investment in the service lines and risers, as well as the
establishment of a tracking mechanism that would provide for the recovery of operating and
maintenance costs related to Columbia of Ohios capitalized investment and its expenses incurred in
identifying risers prone to leak. On December 28, 2007, Columbia of Ohio entered into a
Stipulation with the Ohio Consumers Counsel and Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, addressing
the issues of Columbia of Ohios authority to assume responsibility for repair or replacement of
hazardous customer owned service lines, the establishment of accounting authority for costs related
to such activities, and the establishment of a mechanism to recover such costs. The parties
recommended approval of the Stipulation to the PUCO, and on April 9, 2008, the PUCO issued an order
in this matter approving the Stipulation in all material respects. On April 23, 2008, Utility
Service Partners, Inc. requested that the PUCO stay its order, pending the resolution of any
applications on rehearing. Columbia of Ohio filed its response to the motion on April 28, 2008.
On December 28, 2007, Columbia of Ohio entered into a Stipulation with the Ohio Consumers Counsel
and PUCO Staff and other stakeholders resolving litigation concerning a pending Gas Cost Recovery
audit of Columbia of Ohio. The Stipulation calls for an accelerated pass back to customers of
$36.6 million that will occur from January 31, 2008 through January 31, 2009, generated through
off-system sales and capacity release programs, the development of new energy efficiency programs
for introduction in 2009, and the development of a wholesale auction process for customer supply to
take effect in 2010. Approximately $12.7 million was passed back through March 2008. The
Stipulation also resolves issues related to pending and future Gas Cost Recovery Management
Performance audits through 2008. The PUCO approved this agreement on January 23, 2008.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations Regulatory Matters
Significant FERC Developments. Columbia Gulf and Columbia Transmission are cooperating with the
FERC on an informal, non-public investigation of certain operating practices regarding tariff
services offered by those companies. Although the companies are continuing to cooperate with the
FERC in an effort to reach a consensual settlement, it is likely that any settlement will require
the payment of fines or refunds.
Eastern Market Expansion Project. On May 3, 2007, Columbia Transmission filed a certificate
application before the FERC for approval to expand its facilities to provide additional storage and
transportation services and to replace certain existing facilities. This Eastern Market Expansion
project is projected to add 97,000 Dth per day of storage and transportation capacity and is fully
subscribed on a 15-year contracted firm basis. On January 14, 2008, the FERC issued a favorable
order which granted a certificate to construct the project and the project is expected to be in
service by spring 2009.
Appalachian Expansion Project. On February 29, 2008, Columbia Transmission filed an application
before the FERC for approval to build a new 9,470 horsepower compressor station in West Virginia.
This Appalachian Expansion Project will add 100,000 Dth per day of transportation capacity and is
fully subscribed on a 15-year contracted firm basis. The project is expected to be in service in
the fourth quarter of 2009.
Electric Operations Regulatory Matters
Significant Rate Developments. To settle a proceeding regarding Northern Indianas request to
recover intermediate dispatchable power costs, Northern Indiana has agreed to file an electric base
rate case on or before July 1, 2008.
18
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
During 2002, Northern Indiana settled certain regulatory matters related to an electric rate
review. On September 23, 2002, the IURC issued an order adopting most aspects of the settlement.
The order approving the settlement provides that electric customers of Northern Indiana will
receive bill credits of approximately $55.1 million each year. The credits will continue at
approximately the same annual level and per the same methodology, until the IURC enters a base rate
order that approves revised Northern Indiana electric rates. The order included a rate moratorium
that expired on July 31, 2006. The order also provides that 60% of any future earnings beyond a
specified earnings level will be retained by Northern Indiana. The revenue credit is calculated
based on electric usage; therefore, in times of high usage the credit may be more than $55.1
million. Credits amounting to $12.5 million and $13.7 million were recognized for electric
customers for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
MISO. As part of Northern Indianas participation in the MISO transmission service and wholesale
energy market, certain administrative fees and non-fuel costs have been incurred. IURC Orders have
been issued authorizing the deferral for consideration in a future rate case proceeding of the
administrative fees and certain non-fuel related costs incurred after Northern Indianas rate
moratorium, which expired on July 31, 2006. During the first quarter of 2008 non-fuel cost credits
of $0.9 million were deferred in accordance with the aforementioned orders. In addition,
administrative, FERC and other fees of $1.8 million were deferred. In the first quarter of 2008
and 2007, MISO costs of $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, were deferred.
On April 25, 2006, the FERC issued an order on the MISOs Transmission and Energy Markets Tariff,
stating that MISO had violated the tariff on several issues including not assessing revenue
sufficiency guarantee charges on virtual bids and offers and for charging revenue sufficiency
guarantee charges on imports. The FERC ordered MISO to perform a resettlement of these charges
back to the start of the Day 2 Market. The resettlement began on June 9, 2007 and ended in January
2008. Certain charge types included in the resettlement were originally considered to be non-fuel
and were recorded as regulatory assets, in accordance with previous IURC orders allowing deferral
of certain non-fuel MISO costs. During the fourth quarter 2007, based on precedent set by an IURC
ruling for another Indiana utility, Northern Indiana reclassified these charges, totaling $16.7
million, as fuel and included them in the fuel cost recovery mechanism in its latest FAC filing.
Prior to the hearing for FAC-78 on April 17, 2008, several intervenors objected to a portion of the
$16.7 million and Northern Indiana agreed to remove $7.6 million from the FAC filing. This amount
represents the portion of the resettlement costs related to periods prior to December 9, 2005. The
$7.6 million was recorded as a reduction to net revenues in the first quarter of 2008.
On September 14, 2007, MISO filed a tariff with the FERC outlining the development of an ASM. The
ASM will allow participants to buy and sell operating reserves and regulation services that are
essential to reliability. The pricing of these markets will be simultaneously co-optimized with
the current energy markets with the intent to lower the overall cost of providing electric service.
MISO is currently targeting the start of the ASM for September 2008. Northern Indiana is an
active stakeholder in the process used in designing, testing and implementing the ASM and in
developing the surrounding business practices. On January 18, 2008, Northern Indiana as part of a
Joint Petition among several other Indiana utilities, filed a request to the IURC to participate in
ASM and seek approval of timely cost recovery for the associated costs of participating. At this
time, Northern Indiana is unable to determine what impact the ASM will have on its operations or
cash flows.
Cost Recovery and Trackers. A significant portion of the Northern Indianas revenue is related to
the recovery of fuel costs to generate power and the fuel costs related to purchased power. These
costs are recovered through a FAC, a standard, quarterly, summary regulatory proceeding in
Indiana.
On January 30, 2008, the IURC approved a settlement agreement which was reached in October 2007
with the OUCC, LaPorte County and a group of Northern Indiana industrial customers to resolve
questions relating to the costs paid by customers for power purchased by Northern Indiana versus
the amount of these costs absorbed by Northern Indiana. The terms of the settlement call for
Northern Indiana to make a one-time payment to resolve this question as it relates to power
purchased from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. The amount of the refund is set at
$33.5 million and will be refunded February 2008 through July 2008. A reserve for the entire amount
was recorded in the third quarter of 2007. Northern Indiana implemented a new benchmarking
standard that will govern the allocation of costs for purchased power between customers and
Northern Indiana. The benchmark defines the price below which customers will pay for power
purchases and above which Northern Indiana must absorb a portion of the costs. The benchmark is
based upon the costs of power generated by a hypothetical natural gas fired CCGT using gas
purchased and delivered to Northern Indiana. Purchased power costs exceeding the
19
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
benchmark amounted to $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. These costs were not passed
through to customers, but were absorbed by Northern Indiana. This benchmark will likely result in
Northern Indiana absorbing some purchased power costs that will reduce net revenues during future
periods. The agreement also contemplates Northern Indiana adding generating capacity to its
existing portfolio. The benchmark will be adjusted as new capacity is added. The added generating
capacity will substantially reduce the amount of purchased power and mitigate the impact of the
adjusted benchmark. Further, the settling parties agreed to support Northern Indianas deferral
and future recovery of carrying costs and depreciation associated with the acquisition of new
generating facilities. In the approving order, the IURC dictated that, while the parties agreed to
support the deferral of costs mentioned above, the IURC would rule on such deferral in CPCN
proceedings.
On November 1, 2007, Northern Indiana filed its bi-annual IRP with the IURC. The plan showed the
need to add approximately 1,000 mw of new capacity. Additionally, during November 2007, Northern
Indiana filed a CPCN as well as contracts to purchase power generated with renewable energy,
specifically with wind. The CPCN requested approval to purchase two CCGT power plants the
Whiting Clean Energy facility owned by PEI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource, and the Sugar
Creek facility located in west central Indiana and owned by LS Power Group. On December 22, 2007,
BPAE indicated it would exercise a contractual right of first refusal to purchase the Whiting Clean
Energy facility and subsequently signed a purchase agreement on April 18, 2008. As a result, on
January 25, 2008, Northern Indiana filed an amended CPCN to address just the Sugar Creek CCGT
facility. The estimated cost of the facility is $329 million. The CPCN hearing before the IURC
took place on March 25, 2008. Northern Indiana anticipates an order in May 2008. The FERC
approved the purchase on February 27, 2008.
On November 26, 2002, Northern Indiana received approval from the IURC for an ECT. Under the ECT,
Northern Indiana is permitted to recover (1) AFUDC and a return on the capital investment expended
by Northern Indiana to implement IDEMs NOx State Implementation Plan through an ECRM and (2)
related operation and maintenance and depreciation expenses once the environmental facilities
become operational through an EERM. Under the IURCs November 26, 2002 order, Northern Indiana is
permitted to submit filings on a semi-annual basis for the ECRM and on an annual basis for the
EERM. In December 2006, Northern Indiana filed a petition with the IURC for appropriate cost
treatment and recovery of emission control construction needed to address the Phase I CAIR
requirements of the Indiana Air Pollution Control Boards CAIR rules that became effective on
February 25, 2007. On July 3, 2007, Northern Indiana received an IURC order issuing a CPCN for the
CAIR and CAMR Phase I Compliance Plan Projects, estimated to cost approximately $23 million.
Northern Indiana will include the CAIR and CAMR Phase I Compliance Plan costs to be recovered in
the semi-annual and annual ECRM and EERM filing six months after construction costs begin. On
December 19, 2007, the IURC approved Northern Indianas latest compliance plan with the estimate of
$338.5 million. On April 2, 2008, the IURC approved ECR-11 for $252.6 million in capital
expenditures (net of accumulated depreciation) and EER-5 for $14.1 million in expenses.
On January 9, 2008, the IURC established a procedural schedule to review the October 27, 2006 Joint
Petition of Indiana Gasification, LLC, Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana and Northern Indiana.
The petition seeks IURC approval for a coal gasification facility, the transportation of
electricity and SNG produced at the facility and the recovery of the cost incurred by the Joint
Petitioners. On March 27, 2008, Joint Petitioners filed a motion seeking to extend the March 31,
2008 deadline for direct testimony. The Joint Petitioners indicated that positive settlement talks
were underway regarding a purchase contract between Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana, Northern
Indiana and Indiana Gasification, LLC. Northern Indiana currently anticipates that the hearing
will occur in the fourth quarter of 2008.
9. Risk Management and Energy Marketing Activities
NiSource uses commodity-based derivative financial instruments primarily to manage commodity price
risk and interest rate risk exposure in its business as well as for commercial and industrial
sales. NiSource is not involved in speculative energy trading activity. NiSource accounts for its
derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133. Under SFAS No. 133, if certain conditions are met, a
derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the
exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm
commitment, or (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction.
Additionally, certain NiSource subsidiaries enter into forward physical contracts with various
third parties to procure natural gas or power for its operational
20
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
needs. These forward physical contracts are derivatives which qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception under SFAS No. 133 and do not require mark-to-market accounting.
NiSources derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2008 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Hedge |
|
|
Non-Hedge |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Price risk management assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
120.1 |
|
|
$ |
30.0 |
|
|
$ |
150.1 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
82.6 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
86.3 |
|
|
Total price risk management assets |
|
$ |
202.7 |
|
|
$ |
33.7 |
|
|
$ |
236.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price risk management liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
63.8 |
|
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
|
$ |
67.5 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
Total price risk management liabilities |
|
$ |
73.8 |
|
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
|
$ |
77.5 |
|
|
NiSources derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Hedge |
|
|
Non-Hedge |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Price risk management assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
88.5 |
|
|
$ |
13.7 |
|
|
$ |
102.2 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
25.0 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
25.2 |
|
|
Total price risk management assets |
|
$ |
113.5 |
|
|
$ |
13.9 |
|
|
$ |
127.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price risk management liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
53.8 |
|
|
$ |
26.1 |
|
|
$ |
79.9 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
Total price risk management liabilities |
|
$ |
55.3 |
|
|
$ |
26.3 |
|
|
$ |
81.6 |
|
|
The hedging activity for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 affecting accumulated other
comprehensive income, with respect to cash flow hedges included the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions, net of taxes) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains on derivatives qualifying as cash flow
hedges at the beginning of the period |
|
$ |
7.6 |
|
|
$ |
31.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized hedging gains arising during the period on
derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges |
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustment for net loss (gain) included in net income |
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains on derivatives qualifying as cash flow
hedges at the end of the period |
|
$ |
24.9 |
|
|
$ |
59.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, a loss of $0.1 million and zero, net of taxes
respectively, were recognized in earnings due to the ineffectiveness of derivative instruments
being accounted for as hedges. All derivatives classified as a hedge are assessed for hedge
effectiveness, with any components determined to be ineffective charged to earnings or classified
as a regulatory asset or liability per SFAS No. 71 as appropriate. During the first quarter of
2008 and 2007, NiSource did not reclassify any amounts related to its cash flow hedges from
accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings due to the probability that the underlying
forecasted transactions would not occur. It is anticipated that during the next twelve months the
expiration and settlement of cash flow hedge contracts will result in income statement recognition
of amounts currently classified in accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $18.5
million of income, net of taxes.
21
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Commodity Price Risk Programs. Northern Indiana, Northern Indiana Fuel and Light, Kokomo Gas,
Columbia of Pennsylvania, Columbia of Kentucky, Columbia of Maryland and Columbia of Virginia use
NYMEX derivative contracts to minimize risk associated with gas price volatility. These derivative
hedging programs must be marked to fair value, but because these derivatives are used within the
framework of the companies gas cost recovery mechanism, regulatory assets or liabilities are
recorded to offset the change in the fair value of these derivatives.
Northern Indiana offers a PPS as an alternative to the standard gas cost recovery mechanism. This
service provides Northern Indiana customers with the opportunity to either lock in the companies
gas cost or place a cap on the total cost that could be charged for any future month specified. In
order to hedge the anticipated physical purchases associated with these obligations, Northern
Indiana has purchased NYMEX futures, NYMEX options and basis contracts that correspond to a fixed
or capped price in the associated delivery month and currently enters into forward physical
contracts to secure forward gas prices. Columbia of Virginia started a program in April 2005
similar to the Northern Indiana PPS, which allows non-jurisdictional customers the opportunity to
lock in the companies gas cost. The NYMEX futures and option contracts associated with these
programs are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges.
Northern Indiana also offers a DependaBill program to its customers as an alternative to the
standard tariff rate that is charged to residential customers. The program allows Northern Indiana
customers to fix their total monthly bill at a flat rate regardless of gas usage or commodity cost.
In order to hedge the anticipated physical purchases associated with these obligations, Northern
Indiana has purchased NYMEX futures, NYMEX options and basis contracts that match the anticipated
delivery needs of the program and currently enters into forward physical contracts to secure
forward gas prices. The NYMEX futures and options contracts associated with this program are
generally designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges.
As part of the MISO Day 2 initiative, Northern Indiana was allocated and has purchased FTRs. These
rights help Northern Indiana offset congestion costs due to the MISO Day 2 activity. The FTRs do
not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, but since congestion costs are recoverable through the
fuel cost recovery mechanism, the related gains and losses associated with these transactions are
recorded as a regulatory asset or liability, in accordance with SFAS No. 71. Additionally,
Northern Indiana also uses derivative contracts to minimize risk associated with power price
volatility. These derivative programs must be marked to fair value, but because these derivatives
are used within the framework of their cost recovery mechanism, regulatory assets or liabilities
are recorded to offset the change in the fair value of these derivatives.
For regulatory incentive purposes, Northern Indiana enters into gas purchase contracts at first of
the month prices that give counterparties the daily option to either sell an additional package of
gas at first of the month prices or recall the original volume to be delivered. Northern Indiana
charges a fee for this option. The changes in the fair value of these options are primarily due to
the changing expectations of the future intra-month volatility of gas prices. These written
options are derivative instruments, must be marked to fair value and do not meet the requirement
for hedge accounting treatment. However, in accordance with SFAS No. 71, Northern Indiana records
the related gains and losses associated with these transactions as a regulatory asset or liability.
For regulatory incentive purposes, Columbia of Kentucky, Columbia of Ohio, Columbia of
Pennsylvania, and Columbia of Maryland (collectively, the Columbia LDCs) enter into contracts
that allow counterparties the option to sell gas to Columbia LDCs at first of the month prices for
a particular month of delivery. Columbia LDCs charge the counterparties a fee for this option.
The changes in the fair value of the options are primarily due to the changing expectations of the
future intra-month volatility of gas prices. These Columbia LDCs defer a portion of the change in
the fair value of the options as either a regulatory asset or liability in accordance with SFAS No.
71 based on the regulatory customer sharing mechanisms in place, with the remaining changes in fair
value recognized currently in earnings.
Columbia Energy Services has fixed price gas delivery commitments to two municipalities in the
United States which expire in July 2008 and December 2008. Columbia Energy Services entered into a
forward purchase agreement with a gas supplier, wherein the supplier will fulfill the delivery
obligation requirements at a slight premium to index. In order to hedge this anticipated future
purchase of gas from the gas supplier, Columbia Energy
22
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Services entered into commodity swaps priced
at the locations designated for physical delivery. These commodity swap derivatives are accounted
for as cash flow hedges.
Commodity price risk programs included in price risk assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
(in millions) |
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Gas price volatility program derivatives |
|
$ |
33.0 |
|
|
$ |
(1.8 |
) |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
$ |
(22.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PPS program derivatives |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DependaBill program derivatives |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric energy program derivatives |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
13.7 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory incentive program derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward purchase agreements derivatives |
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commodity price risk programs included |
|
$ |
75.2 |
|
|
$ |
(3.7 |
) |
|
$ |
55.2 |
|
|
$ |
(29.2 |
) |
|
Interest Rate Risk Activities. Contemporaneously with the pricing of the 5.25% and 5.45% notes
issued September 16, 2005, NiSource Finance settled $900 million of forward starting interest rate
swap agreements with six counterparties. NiSource paid an aggregate settlement payment of $35.5
million which is being amortized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the underlying
debt, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.67% and 5.88%, respectively.
NiSource has entered into interest rate swap agreements to modify the interest rate characteristics
of its outstanding long-term debt from fixed to variable. On May 12, 2004, NiSource Finance
entered into fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements in a notional amount of $660 million
with six counterparties having a 6 1/2-year term. NiSource Finance will receive payments based
upon a fixed 7.875% interest rate and pay a floating interest amount based on U.S. 6-month BBA
LIBOR plus an average of 3.08% per annum. There was no exchange of premium at the initial date of
the swaps. In addition, each party has the right to cancel the swaps on May 15, 2009.
On July 22, 2003, NiSource Finance entered into fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements in
a notional amount of $500 million with four counterparties with an 11-year term. NiSource Finance
will receive payments based upon a fixed 5.40% interest rate and pay a floating interest amount
based on U.S. 6-month BBA LIBOR plus an average of 0.78% per annum. There was no exchange of
premium at the initial date of the swaps. In addition, each party has the right to cancel the
swaps on either July 15, 2008 or July 15, 2013.
As a result of the fixed-to-variable interest rate swap transactions referenced above, $1,160
million of NiSource Finances existing long-term debt is now subject to fluctuations in interest
rates. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges. The effectiveness of the
interest rate swaps in offsetting the exposure to changes in the debts fair value is measured
pursuant to SFAS No. 133. NiSource had no net gain or loss recognized in earnings due to hedging
ineffectiveness from prior years.
Interest rate risk activities programs included in price risk management assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
(in millions) |
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Interest rate swap derivatives |
|
$ |
60.8 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
18.8 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Marketing and Other Activities. The operations of TPC primarily involve commercial and industrial
gas sales, whereby TPC utilizes gas derivatives to hedge its expected future gas purchases. These
derivatives associated with commercial and industrial gas sales are accounted for as cash flow
hedges. In addition, TPC, on behalf of Whiting
23
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Clean Energy, has also entered into power and gas derivative contracts to manage commodity price
risk associated with operating Whiting Clean Energy.
Marketing and power programs included in price risk management assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
(in millions) |
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Gas marketing derivatives |
|
$ |
100.4 |
|
|
$ |
(73.8 |
) |
|
$ |
53.2 |
|
|
$ |
(52.4 |
) |
Power forward derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total marketing and power programs |
|
$ |
100.4 |
|
|
$ |
(73.8 |
) |
|
$ |
53.4 |
|
|
$ |
(52.4 |
) |
|
10. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
NiSource adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008. There was no impact on
retained earnings as a result of the adoption.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following table presents assets and liabilities measured
and recorded at fair value on NiSources Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis
and their level within the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active Markets |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Identical |
|
|
Observable |
|
|
Unobservable |
|
|
|
|
Recurring Fair Value Measurements |
|
Assets |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Balance as of |
|
(in millions) |
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price risk management assets |
|
$ |
169.8 |
|
|
$ |
65.8 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
236.4 |
|
Available-for-sale securities |
|
|
35.9 |
|
|
|
23.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
205.7 |
|
|
$ |
89.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
295.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price risk management liabilities |
|
$ |
71.5 |
|
|
$ |
3.1 |
|
|
$ |
2.9 |
|
|
$ |
77.5 |
|
Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
71.5 |
|
|
$ |
15.4 |
|
|
$ |
2.9 |
|
|
$ |
89.8 |
|
|
Price risk management assets and liabilities include commodity exchange-traded and
non-exchange-based derivative contracts. Exchange-traded derivative contracts are generally based
on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Certain
non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In
such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based
derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, and options. In certain instances, these
instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. The company uses a similar model to value
similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar
assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or
liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability, and
market-corroborated inputs, i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable
market data by correlation or other means. Where observable inputs are available for substantially
the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2. Certain
derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and
models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the
measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized in Level 3.
Price risk management assets also include fixed-to-floating interest-rate swaps, which are
designated as fair-value hedges, as a means to achieve its targeted level of variable-rate debt as
a percent of total debt. NiSource uses a
24
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
calculation of future cash inflows and estimated future
outflows related to the swap agreements, which are discounted and netted to determine the current
fair value. Additional inputs to the present value calculation include the contract terms, as well
as market parameters such as current and projected interest rates and volatility. As they are
based on observable data and valuations of similar instruments, the interest-rate swaps are
categorized in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Available-for-sale securities include assets in NiSources deferred compensation trust and
investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to NiSources wholly-owned insurance
company. Available-for-sale securities are included within Investments and other in the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Securities classified within Level 1 include U.S. Treasury debt
securities which are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets. NiSource
values corporate and mortgage-backed debt securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates
market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level
2. Unrealized gains and losses from our available-for-sale securities are included in OCI.
NiSources deferred compensation plan allows participants to defer certain cash compensation into a
notional investment account. NiSource includes the plan in other noncurrent liabilities in the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The value of the deferred compensation obligation is based
on the market value of the participants notional investment accounts. The notional investments
include balances which are credited based upon published interest and bond yield indices and
investments in mutual funds. NiSource uses the lowest level of input significant to the valuation
to determine the fair value hierarchy classification, and therefore the liability is categorized in
Level 2.
The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities
measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Transmission Rights |
|
|
Other Derivatives |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
$ |
12.6 |
|
|
$ |
(3.5 |
) |
|
$ |
9.1 |
|
|
Total gains or losses (unrealized/realized)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
Purchases, issuances and settlements (net) |
|
|
(11.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(11.8 |
) |
|
Balance as of March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
(2.9 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.1 |
) |
Change in unrealized gains/(losses)
relating to instruments still held as of
March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
Realized gains and losses for level 3 recurring items are included in income within Cost of Sales
on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Unrealized gains and losses from Level 3
recurring items are included within regulatory assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
As part of the MISO Day 2 initiative, Northern Indiana was allocated and has purchased FTRs. These
rights help Northern Indiana offset congestion costs due to the MISO Day 2 activity. These
instruments are considered derivatives and are valued utilizing forecasted congestion source and
sink prices in the Day Ahead market. They are classified as Level 3 and reflected in the table
above. The FTRs do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, but since congestion costs are
recoverable through the fuel cost recovery mechanism, the related gains and losses associated with
these transactions are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability, in accordance with SFAS No. 71.
11. Income Taxes
NiSources interim effective tax rates reflect the estimated annual effective tax rate for 2008 and
2007, respectively, adjusted for tax expense associated with certain discrete items. The effective
tax rates for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 were 37.2% and 37.1%,
respectively. The effective tax rates differ from the federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the
effects of tax credits, state income taxes, utility rate-making, and other
25
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
permanent book-to-tax
differences such as the electric production tax deduction provided under Internal Revenue Code
Section 199.
Both the first quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2007 include increases to tax expense for
discrete items. On March 31, 2008, the governor of West Virginia signed legislation that phases in
a reduction in income tax rates from the current rate of 8.75% to 6.5% over the years 2009 through
2014, provided certain state budgetary targets are met. NiSource has West Virginia deferred income
tax benefits recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheets that, because of the rate decrease, were
required to be written down in the first quarter of 2008. The impact of the write-down on first
quarter of 2008 net income is a reduction of $2.7 million. This reduced benefit was offset by a
$0.5 million decrease in income tax expense due primarily to the discontinuance of filing
consolidated Kentucky state income tax returns in 2008. The first quarter of 2007 includes an
increase in income tax expense of $1.5 million, due mostly to state income tax issues.
NiSource adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, recognizing a charge of $0.8 million
to the opening balance of retained earnings. As of December 31, 2007, the total liability for
unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in Other noncurrent liabilities on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $3.7 million ($4.0 million including interest). There have been
no material changes in NiSources FIN 48 liabilities from the December 31, 2007 amounts.
Effective January 1, 2007, NiSource records interest and penalties (if any) on prior year tax
liabilities as a component of income tax expense.
12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
NiSource provides defined contribution plans and noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans
that cover its employees. Benefits under the defined benefit retirement plans reflect the
employees compensation, years of service and age at retirement. Additionally, NiSource provides
health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. The majority of employees
may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while working for NiSource.
The expected cost of such benefits is accrued during the employees years of service. Current
rates of rate-regulated companies include postretirement benefit costs, including amortization of
the regulatory assets that arose prior to inclusion of these costs in rates. For most plans, cash
contributions are remitted to grantor trusts.
On January 1, 2007, NiSource adopted the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions requiring
employers to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end. The pre-tax
impact of adopting the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions increased deferred charges and
other assets by $9.4 million, decreased regulatory assets by $89.6 million, decreased retained
earnings by $11.3 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive income by $5.3 million and
decreased accrued liabilities for postretirement and postemployment benefits by $74.2 million.
NiSource also recorded a reduction in deferred income taxes of approximately $2.6 million. In
addition, 2007 expense for pension and postretirement benefits reflects the updated measurement
date valuations. In the fourth quarter of 2006, NiSource adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158
requiring employers to recognize in the statement of financial position the overfunded or
underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan, measured as the difference between the
fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation.
The key assumptions used to measure NiSources various postretirement benefits plans funded status
at December 31, 2007 were the same as those used for the previous January 1, 2007 measurement date.
NiSource expects to make contributions of $17.1 million to its pension plans and $38.3 million to
its other postretirement benefit plans during 2008. Through March 31, 2008, NiSource has
contributed $0.9 million to its pension plans and $9.5 million to its other postretirement benefit
plans.
26
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The following tables provide the components of the plans net periodic benefits cost for the first
quarter of 2008 and 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
9.3 |
|
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
|
$ |
2.4 |
|
|
$ |
2.4 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
33.1 |
|
|
|
31.9 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
Expected return on assets |
|
|
(48.5 |
) |
|
|
(46.7 |
) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
Amortization of transitional obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Recognized actuarial loss |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
Total Net Periodic Benefits Cost |
|
$ |
(4.7 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.1 |
) |
|
$ |
11.2 |
|
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
|
13. Long-Term Debt
Whiting Clean Energy. On December 31, 2007, Whiting Clean Energy redeemed $292.1 of its notes due
June 20, 2011, having an average interest rate of 8.30%. The associated redemption premium of
$40.6 million was charged to loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt. The redemption was
financed with NiSource borrowings.
Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds. Northern Indiana has seven series of Jasper County
Pollution Control Bonds with a total principal value of $254 million currently outstanding. Prior
to March 25, 2008, each of the series bore interest at rates established through auctions that took
place at either 7, 28, or 35 day intervals. Between February 13, 2008 and March 5, 2008, Northern
Indiana received notice that six separate market auctions of four of the series of the Jasper
County Pollution Control Bonds had failed. As a result, those series representing an aggregate
principal amount of $112 million of the Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds bore interest at
default rates equal to 15% or 18% per annum. Subsequent auctions were successful, but resulted in
interest rates between 5.13% and 11.0%, which are in excess of historical rates. Northern Indiana
does not believe that these increases in interest rates will have a material impact on its
financial results. These auction failures were attributable to the recent lack of liquidity in the
auction rate securities market, largely driven by the recent turmoil in the bond insurance market.
The Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds are insured by either Ambac Assurance Corporation or MBIA
Insurance Corporation.
Northern Indiana converted all seven series of Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds from the
auction rate mode to a variable rate demand bond mode between March 25, 2008 and April 11, 2008 and
repurchased the bonds as part of the conversion process. As of April 11, 2008, all of the Jasper
County Pollution Control Bonds were so purchased and are held in Northern Indianas treasury.
Northern Indiana is currently evaluating its options for converting the debt from variable rate
mode into fixed rate mode and subsequently reoffering the debt to the public.
As of March 31, 2008, $199.0 million of this outstanding debt had been converted to the variable
rate demand bond format and repurchased by Northern Indiana for its own account. The remaining
$55.0 million is classified as current portion of long-term debt in the March 31, 2008 Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet. Northern Indiana has recorded the repurchased bonds as an offset to
long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as the debt is considered extinguished
per SFAS No. 140. Unamortized debt expense previously recorded under deferred charges and other
qualifies for regulatory treatment and has been reclassified as a regulatory asset. The repurchase
of the bonds is included in the financing activities section in the Statement of Consolidated
Cash Flow.
27
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
14. Share-Based Compensation
NiSource currently issues long-term incentive grants to key management employees under a long-term
incentive plan approved by stockholders on April 13, 1994 (1994 Plan). The 1994 Plan, as amended
and restated, permits the following types of grants, separately or in combination: nonqualified
stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock units, contingent stock units and dividend equivalents payable on grants of
options, performance units and contingent stock awards. At March 31, 2008, there were 25,858,317
shares reserved for future awards under the amended and restated 1994 Plan.
NiSource recognized stock-based employee compensation expense of $1.6 million and $1.1 million
during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, as well as related tax benefits of $0.6
million and $0.4 million, respectively. There were no modifications to awards as a result of the
adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
As of March 31, 2008, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested
awards amounted to $17.3 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining
requisite service period of 2.3 years.
Stock Options. As of March 31, 2008, approximately 7.3 million options were outstanding and
exercisable with a weighted average option price of $22.67.
Restricted and Contingent Stock Unit Awards. In March 2008, 197,311 restricted stock units subject
to service conditions were granted. The grant date fair-value of the restricted units was $3.5
million, based on the average market price of NiSources common stock at the date of grant of
$17.49, which will be expensed net of forfeitures over the vesting period of approximately 3 years.
The service conditions lapse on January 31, 2011. If before January 31, 2011, the employee
terminates employment (1) due to retirement, having attained age 55 and completed ten years of
service, or (2) due to death or disability, the employment conditions will lapse with respect to a
pro rata portion of the restricted units on the date of termination. Termination due to any other
reason will result in all restricted units awarded being forfeited effective the employees date of
termination. Employees will be entitled to receive dividends upon vesting.
In March 2008, 394,604 contingent stock units subject to performance conditions were granted. The
grant date fair-value of the award was $6.9 million, which will be expensed net of forfeitures over
the vesting period of approximately 3 years. The average market price of NiSources common stock
at the date of grant was $17.49. The performance conditions are based on achievement of a non-GAAP
financial measure, cumulative net operating earnings, that NiSource defines as income from
continuing operations adjusted for certain items and cumulative funds from operations that NiSource
defines as net operating cash flows provided by continuing operations. Per the agreement, to the
extent base performance conditions are exceeded during the 3 year performance period, the award
will be increased in increments of 10 percent up to 50 percent. If prior to the lapse of the
performance conditions, the employee terminates employment (1) due to retirement, having attained
age 55 and completed ten years of service, (2) due to disability, or (3) due to death with less
than or equal to 12 months remaining in the performance period, the employee will receive a pro
rata portion of the contingent shares if the performance conditions have been met. If prior to the
lapse of the performance conditions, the employee terminates employment due to death with more than
12 months remaining in the performance period, the employee will receive a pro rata portion of the
contingent shares as if the performance conditions had been met. Termination due to any other
reason will result in all contingent shares awarded being forfeited effective the employees date
of termination. Employees will be entitled to receive dividends upon vesting.
In March 2007, 320,330 contingent stock units were granted. The grant date fair-value of the award
was $7.5 million, based on the average market price of NiSources common stock at the date of grant
of $23.46, which will be expensed net of forfeitures over the vesting period of approximately 3
years. The shares are subject to both performance and service conditions. The performance
conditions were based on achievement of a non-GAAP financial measure (net operating earnings) as
described above. Per the agreement, to the extent base performance conditions were exceeded, the
award would be increased in increments of 10 percent up to 50 percent. If the performance
conditions were not met, the grants would be cancelled and the shares would be forfeited.
Subsequent to meeting the performance conditions, an additional two year service period will then
be required before the shares vest on December 31, 2009. If after completing the performance
conditions but prior to completing the service conditions the employee terminates employment (1)
due to retirement, having attained age 55 and completed ten
28
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
years of service, or (2) due to death
or disability, the employment conditions will lapse with respect to a pro rata portion of the
contingent shares on the date of termination. Termination due to any other reason will result in
all contingent shares awarded being forfeited effective the employees date of termination. During
2007, base performance conditions were exceeded, resulting in an increase of the number of shares
to be issued upon vesting by 20 percent. Accordingly, 62,319 additional shares were granted in
January 2008. As of March 31, 2008 373,911 nonvested contingent shares were remaining. Employees
will be entitled to receive dividends upon vesting.
Time-accelerated Awards. NiSource awarded restricted shares and restricted stock units that
contain provisions for time-accelerated vesting to key executives under the 1994 Plan. Most of
these awards were issued in January 2003 and January 2004. The total shareholder return measures
established were not met; therefore these grants do not have an accelerated vesting period. At
March 31, 2008, NiSource had 538,456 awards outstanding which contained the time-accelerated
provisions.
Non-employee Director Awards. The Amended and Restated Non-employee Director Stock Incentive Plan
provides for awards of restricted stock, stock options and restricted stock units, which vest in
20% increments per year, with full vesting after five years. Effective March 25, 2008, the board
approved to amend the vesting provisions of the plan such that all outstanding grants and future
grants of restricted stock units will vest immediately. As of March 31, 2008, 62,600 restricted
shares and 147,577 restricted stock units had been issued under the Plan.
15. Other Commitments and Contingencies
A. Guarantees and Indemnities. As a part of normal business, NiSource and certain subsidiaries
enter into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on
behalf of certain subsidiaries. Such agreements include guarantees and stand-by letters of credit.
These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise
attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the extension of sufficient
credit to accomplish the subsidiaries intended commercial purposes. The total commercial
commitments in existence at March 31, 2008 and the years in which they expire were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Total |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
After |
|
|
Guarantees of subsidiaries debt |
|
$ |
5,119.0 |
|
|
$ |
5.0 |
|
|
$ |
460.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,000.0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
315.0 |
|
|
$ |
3,339.0 |
|
Guarantees supporting commodity
transactions of subsidiaries |
|
|
526.0 |
|
|
|
339.7 |
|
|
|
181.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
Lines of credit |
|
|
624.7 |
|
|
|
624.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
|
102.1 |
|
|
|
27.9 |
|
|
|
58.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
Other guarantees |
|
|
343.7 |
|
|
|
65.4 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
257.1 |
|
|
Total commercial commitments |
|
$ |
6,715.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,062.7 |
|
|
$ |
704.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,000.0 |
|
|
$ |
14.3 |
|
|
$ |
332.1 |
|
|
$ |
3,601.7 |
|
|
Guarantees of Subsidiaries Debt. NiSource has guaranteed the payment of $5.1 billion of debt for
various wholly-owned subsidiaries including NiSource Finance, and through a support agreement,
Capital Markets, which is reflected on NiSources Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March
31, 2008. The subsidiaries are required to comply with certain financial covenants under the debt
instruments and in the event of default, NiSource would be obligated to pay the debts principal
and related interest. NiSource does not anticipate its subsidiaries will have any difficulty
maintaining compliance.
Guarantees Supporting Commodity Transactions of Subsidiaries. NiSource has issued guarantees,
which support up to approximately $526.0 million of commodity-related payments for its current
subsidiaries involved in energy marketing to satisfy requirements under forward gas sales. These
guarantees were provided to counterparties in order to facilitate physical and financial
transactions involving natural gas and electricity. To the extent liabilities exist under the
commodity-related contracts subject to these guarantees, such liabilities are included in the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lines and Letters of Credit. NiSource Finance maintains a five-year revolving line of credit with
a syndicate of financial institutions which can be used either for borrowings or the issuance of
letters of credit. On July 7, 2006, NiSource Finance amended the $1.25 billion five-year revolving
credit facility, increasing the aggregate
29
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
commitment level to $1.5 billion and extending the
termination date by one year to July 2011. At March 31, 2008, NiSource had $624.7 million in
short-term borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Through the five-year revolver and
through other letter of credit facilities, NiSource has issued stand-by letters of credit of
approximately $102.1 million for the benefit of third parties.
Other Guarantees or Obligations.
On April 18, 2008, PEI reached an agreement with BPAE to sell all of
the outstanding stock of Whiting Clean Energy to BPAE for $210 million. The agreement with BPAE contains customary
representations, warranties, covenants and closing conditions. NiSource anticipates the
closing of the transaction to occur in the second or third quarter of 2008. NiSource has
executed purchase and sales agreement guarantees totaling $220 million which guarantee
performance of PEIs covenants, agreements, obligations,
liabilities, representations and warranties under the agreement with BPAE. No amounts related to the purchase and
sales agreement guarantees are reflected in the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008. NiSource continues
to review the terms of the guarantees.
On August 29, 2007, Millennium entered into a bank credit
agreement to finance the construction of the Millennium Pipeline project. As a condition precedent
to the credit agreement, NiSource issued a guarantee securing payment for 47.5%, its indirect
ownership interest percentage, of amounts borrowed under the credit agreement up until such time as
the amounts payable under the agreement are paid in full. The permanent financing is expected to
be completed in the first quarter of 2009. As of March 31, 2008, Millennium borrowed $193.0
million under the financing agreements, of which NiSource guaranteed $91.7 million. NiSource
recorded an accrued liability of approximately $3.7 million related to the fair value of this
guarantee.
On June 29, 2006, Columbia Transmission, Piedmont, and Hardy Storage entered into multiple
agreements to finance the construction of the Hardy Storage project, which is accounted for by
NiSource as an equity investment. Under the financing agreement, Columbia Transmission issued
guarantees securing payment for 50% of any amounts issued in connection with Hardy Storage up until
such time as the project is placed in service and operated within certain specified parameters. As
of March 31, 2008, Hardy Storage borrowed $123.4 million under the financing agreement, for which
Columbia Transmission recorded an accrued liability of approximately $1.2 million related to the
fair value of its guarantee securing payment for $61.7 million, which is 50% of the amount
borrowed.
NiSource has purchase and sales agreement guarantees totaling $80.0 million, which guarantee
performance of the sellers covenants, agreements, obligations, liabilities, representations and
warranties under the agreements. No amounts related to the purchase and sales agreement guarantees
are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management believes that the
likelihood NiSource would be required to perform or otherwise incur any significant losses
associated with any of the aforementioned guarantees is remote.
NiSource has issued other guarantees supporting derivative related payments associated with
interest rate swap agreements issued by NiSource Finance, operating leases for many of its
subsidiaries and for other agreements entered into by its current and former subsidiaries.
B. Other Legal Proceedings. In the normal course of its business, NiSource and its subsidiaries
have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, the
ultimate disposition of these currently asserted claims will not have a material adverse impact on
NiSources consolidated financial position.
In the case of Tawney, et al. v. Columbia Natural Resources, Inc., the Plaintiffs, who are West
Virginia landowners, filed a lawsuit in early 2003 against CNR alleging that CNR underpaid
royalties on gas produced on their land by improperly deducting post-production costs and not
paying a fair value for the gas. In December 2004, the court granted plaintiffs motion to
add NiSource and Columbia as defendants. Plaintiffs also claimed that the defendants
fraudulently concealed the deduction of post-production charges. The court certified the case
as a class action that includes any person who, after July 31, 1990, received or is due
royalties from CNR (and its predecessors or successors) on lands lying within the boundary of
the state of West Virginia. All claims by the government of the United States are excluded
from the class. Although NiSource sold CNR in 2003, NiSource remains obligated to manage this
litigation and for the majority of any damages ultimately awarded to the plaintiffs. On
January 27, 2007, the jury hearing the case returned a verdict against all defendants in the
amount of $404.3 million; this is comprised of $134.3 million in compensatory damages and $270
million in punitive damages. In January 2008, the Defendants filed their petition for appeal,
and on March 24, 2008, the Defendants filed their amended petition for appeal with the West
Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which may or may not accept the appeal. NiSource has not
established a reserve for the punitive damages portion of the verdict.
C. Environmental Matters.
General. The operations of NiSource are subject to extensive and evolving federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations intended to protect the public health and the environment. Such
environmental laws and regulations affect operations as they relate to impacts on air, water and
land.
30
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
A reserve of $76.0 million and $77.2 million has been recorded as of March 31, 2008 and December
31, 2007, respectively, to cover probable corrective actions at sites where NiSource has
environmental remediation liability. Regulatory assets have been recorded to the extent
environmental expenditures are expected to be recovered in rates. NiSource accrues for costs
associated with environmental remediation obligations when the incurrence of such costs is probable
and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, regardless of when the expenditures are actually made.
The undiscounted estimated future expenditures are based on many factors including currently
enacted laws and regulations, existing technology and estimated site-specific costs whereby
assumptions may be made about the nature and extent of site contamination, the extent of cleanup
efforts, costs of alternative cleanup methods and other variables. NiSources estimated
environmental remediation liability will be refined as events in the remediation process occur.
Actual remediation costs may differ materially from NiSources estimates due to the dependence on
the factors listed above.
Proposals for voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls are being discussed both in the United
States and worldwide to reduce so-called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of
burning fossil fuels, and methane, a component of natural gas. Certain NiSource affiliates engage
in efforts to voluntarily report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. NiSource is currently
a participant in the EPAs Climate Leaders program. On April 2, 2007, in Massachusetts v. EPA, the
Supreme Court ruled that the EPA does have authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions
of greenhouse gases if it is determined that greenhouse gases have a negative impact on human
health or the environment. NiSource will continue to monitor and participate in developments
related to efforts to register and potentially regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
On March 12, 2008, the EPA announced the tightening of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS from 0.08 parts per
million to 0.075 parts per million. The number of areas that do not meet the new standards could
significantly increase across the country. Over the next several years, states will be required to
develop ozone attainment plans to implement the standards and improve air quality in these areas.
This could lead to additional emission reductions of NOx, an ozone precursor, from facilities owned
by NiSource. NiSource will closely monitor developments in these matters and cannot at this time
accurately estimate the timing or cost of emission controls that may eventually be required.
Gas Distribution Operations. Several Gas Distribution Operations subsidiaries are potentially
responsible parties at waste disposal sites under the CERCLA (commonly known as Superfund) and
similar state laws, as well as at MGP sites, which such subsidiaries, or their corporate
predecessors, own or previously owned or operated. Gas Distribution Operations subsidiaries may be
required to share in the cost of cleanup of such sites. In addition, some Gas Distribution
Operations subsidiaries have responsibility for corrective action under the RCRA for closure and
cleanup costs associated with underground storage tanks and under the Toxic Substances Control Act
for cleanup of PCBs. The final costs of cleanup have not yet been determined. As site
investigations and cleanup proceed and as additional information becomes available reserves are
adjusted.
A program has been instituted to identify and investigate former MGP sites where Gas Distribution
Operations subsidiaries or predecessors are the current or former owner. The program has
identified up to 86 such sites and initial investigations have been conducted at 54 sites.
Additional investigation activities have been completed or are in progress at 50 sites and remedial
measures have been implemented or completed at 37 sites. This effort includes the sites contained
in the January 2004 agreement entered into with the IDEM, Northern Indiana, Kokomo Gas, and other
Indiana utilities under the Indiana Voluntary Remediation Program. Only those site investigation,
characterization and remediation costs currently known and determinable can be considered probable
and reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5. As costs become probable and reasonably estimable,
reserves will be adjusted. As reserves are recorded, regulatory assets are recorded to the extent
environmental expenditures are expected to be recovered through rates. NiSource is unable, at this
time, to accurately estimate the time frame and potential costs of the entire program. Management
expects that, as characterization is completed, additional remediation work is performed and more
facts become available, NiSource will be able to develop a probable and reasonable estimate for the
entire program or a major portion thereof consistent with the SECs SAB No. 92, SFAS No. 5 and SOP
No. 96-1.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations. Columbia Transmission continues to conduct
characterization and remediation activities at specific sites under a 1995 EPA Administrative Order
by Consent. The program pursuant to the Administrative Order by Consent covers approximately 245
facilities, approximately 13,000 liquid removal points, approximately 2,200 mercury measurement
stations and about 3,700 storage well locations. Field
31
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
characterization has been performed at all
sites. Site characterization reports and remediation plans, which must be submitted to the EPA for
approval, are in various stages of development and completion. Remediation has been completed at
the mercury measurement stations, liquid removal point sites and storage well locations and at all
but 7 of the 245 facilities. The AOC was amended in 2007 to facilitate payment of EPA oversight
costs and to remove remediated sites from the AOC.
Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf are potentially responsible parties at several waste
disposal sites under CERCLA and similar state laws. The potential liability is believed to be de
minimis. However, the final allocation of cleanup costs has yet to be determined. As site
investigations and cleanups proceed and as additional information becomes available reserves will
be adjusted.
On February 21, 2007, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provided representatives
of Columbia Transmission with a proposed Consent Order and Agreement covering an unmanned equipment
storage site located in rural southwest Pennsylvania. The proposed order alleges that Columbia
Transmission has violated the states Clean Streams Act and Solid Waste Management Act by
discharging petroleum products onto the property and into the waters of the state. In addition to
requiring remediation and monitoring activities at the site, the state has proposed penalties for
these violations. Columbia Transmission plans to engage in further discussions with the agency
regarding the proposed order, including the rationale for the proposed penalty. The site in
question is subject to an existing EPA Administrative Consent Order.
On September 26, 2007, Columbia Transmission received an NOV related to bentonite discharge
associated with a horizontal directional drill operation for the Hardy Storage project. On
November 29, 2007, Columbia Transmission received an NOV related to the collapse of Swift Run
stream bed associated with the same horizontal directional drill operation. Columbia Transmission
received the Draft Consent Special Order from the VADEQ on March 3, 2008. NiSource has provided
comments to the VADEQ on the Draft Consent Special Order and continues to work with the VADEQ on
the content of the Draft Consent Special Order. Stream restoration activities are continuing.
Continued monitoring of the stream will occur for the next six months to two years.
Electric Operations.
Air. In December 2001, the EPA approved regulations developed by the State of Indiana to comply
with the EPAs NOx SIP call. The NOx SIP call requires certain states, including Indiana, to
reduce NOx levels from several sources, including industrial and utility boilers, to lower regional
transport of ozone. Compliance with the NOx limits contained in these rules was required by May
31, 2004. To comply with the rule, Northern Indiana developed a NOx compliance plan, which
included the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction NOx reduction technology at each of its
active generating stations and is currently in compliance with the NOx limits. In implementing the
NOx compliance plan, Northern Indiana has expended approximately $290 million as of December 31,
2007. Actual costs may vary depending on a number of factors including market demand and resource
constraints, uncertainty of future equipment and construction costs, and the potential need for
additional control technology.
On March 10, 2005, the EPA issued the CAIR final regulations. The rule establishes phased
reductions of NOx and SO2 from 28 Eastern states, including electric utilities in Indiana, by
establishing an annual emissions cap for NOx and SO2 and an additional cap on NOx emissions during
the ozone control season. On March 15, 2006, the EPA signed three related rulemakings providing
final regulatory decisions on implementing the CAIR. The EPA, in one of the rulings, denied
several petitions for reconsideration of various aspects of the CAIR, including requests by
Northern Indiana to reconsider SO2 and NOx allocations. On March 25, 2008, the U. S. Court of
Appeals for the D. C. Circuit held oral arguments in litigation challenging the CAIR. Northern
Indiana, along with other utilities, directly participated in one of the arguments addressing the
legality of using the allowance allocations of the Acid Rain program for the purpose of complying
with the CAIR SO2 reduction requirements. A decision on these arguments is expected later this
year and such decision could potentially alter CAIR requirements.
On October 3, 2007, the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board adopted, with minor changes from the
EPA Clean Air Mercury Rule, the state rule to implement EPAs CAMR. The rule became effective on
February 3, 2008, with compliance required in 2010. The EPA FIP rule, published December 22, 2006,
has not been finalized and is intended only as a backstop for states such as Indiana that missed
the November 17, 2006 submittal deadline but is working diligently to finalize its state rule. The
IDEM has indicated it is planning on utilizing an option in the FIP that allows the state to submit
a request for partial approval to use the IDEMs allowance allocation methodology
32
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
until the EPA is
able to approve the full state plan. The states request for partial approval will be due to the
EPA upon the effective date of the final FIP, estimated to be in the first half of 2008. The EPA
would not record allowance allocations for 2010 until September 2008. The FIP would be rescinded
upon EPA acceptance of the Indiana rule. On February 8, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated two EPA rules addressing utility mercury emissions
that are the stimulus for the Indiana Air Pollution Control Boards CAMR. The first is the EPAs
rule delisting coal and oil-fired electric generating units from the list of sources whose
emissions are regulated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7412. Revision of
December 2000 Regulatory Finding (Delisting Rule), 70 Fed. Reg. 15,994 (March 29, 2005). The
second is the EPAs rule that set performance standards for new coal-fired electric generating
units and established total mercury emission limits for States along with a cap-and-trade program
for new and existing coal-fired electric generating units. Standards of Performance for New and
Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (CAMR), 70 Fed. Reg. 28,606
(May 18, 2005). On March 24, 2008, the EPA and industry filed petitions with the court for
rehearing of these decisions. The resolution of this legal action and the EPAs response will
affect the implementation and timing of the installation of controls to address potential mercury
reduction obligations. Northern Indiana will closely monitor developments regarding any further
action by the EPA and subsequent regulatory developments from the EPA and/or the Indiana Air
Pollution Control Board in this matter.
Local air quality has improved in three counties in which Northern Indiana generating assets are
located. In recognition of this improvement the IDEM submitted petitions to the EPA seeking
redesignation of the Indiana counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte to attainment of the eight-hour
ozone NAAQS. Final EPA rulemaking approving the LaPorte County redesignation became effective on
July 19, 2007. The EPA approval for Lake and Porter counties is undergoing further evaluation and
may be delayed until after the 2008 ozone season due to monitored values in 2007 at one site that
put the design value just above the NAAQS. On October 3, 2007, the Air Pollution Control Board
adopted the redesignation of LaPorte County to attainment as part of a reformatting of the state
attainment designation rule. The rule became effective January 28, 2008. Upon promulgation of the
EPA and subsequent IDEM regulations to implement the redesignations to attainment, new source
review rules are expected to change from nonattainment new source review rules to prevention of
significant deterioration while measures responsible for existing emission reductions would
continue. The March 12, 2008 EPA tightening of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS may preclude the approval of
the redesignation requests and may result in these counties remaining and/or again being designated
as nonattainment of the ozone NAAQS. As discussed above under General, the EPA ozone NAAQS
revision could lead to additional emission reductions of NOx, an ozone precursor, from facilities
owned by Northern Indiana. Northern Indiana will closely monitor developments in these matters and
cannot at this time accurately estimate the timing or cost of emission controls that may eventually
be required.
In a related matter, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit, in late 2006, ruled a
requirement to impose CAA §185 fees on emissions sources located in counties that failed to attain
the previous (1-hr) ozone standard, which had been rescinded by the EPA in May 2005, remained
applicable retroactive to November 2005. The court remanded the issue to the EPA for
reconsideration. In January 2008, the U. S. Supreme Court denied a petition to hear an appeal on
this matter. The EPA has announced that it intends to propose regulations in fall 2008 to specify
how §185 fees will be imposed and calculated. One of Northern Indianas operating generating assets
is located in a county where this fee could potentially be applied. Northern Indiana will closely
monitor developments in this matter and cannot estimate the financial impact at this time.
In late 1999, the EPA initiated a New Source Review enforcement action against several industries,
including the electric utility industry, concerning rule interpretations that have been the subject
of recent (prospective) reform regulations. Northern Indiana has received and responded to the EPA
information requests on this subject, most recently in June 2002. The EPA issued an NOV to
Northern Indiana on September 29, 2004, for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the SIP.
Specifically, the NOV alleges that modifications were made to certain boiler units at the Michigan
City, Schahfer, and Bailly Generating Stations between the years of 1985 and 1995 without obtaining
appropriate air permits for the modifications. An adverse outcome in this matter could require
capital expenditures beyond the EPA requirements that cannot be determined at this time and could
require payment of substantial penalties. Northern Indiana is unable, at this time, to predict the
timing or outcome of this EPA action.
Water. The Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative program is expected to add new water quality
standards for facilities that discharge into the Great Lakes watershed, including Northern
Indianas three electric generating
33
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
stations located on Lake Michigan. The State of Indiana has
promulgated its regulations for this water discharge permit program and has received final EPA
approval.
The NPDES water discharge permit for Michigan City Generating Station has been issued and became
effective on April 1, 2006. The permit requires that the facility meet the Great Lakes Initiative
discharge limits for copper. The Michigan City Generating Station has a four year compliance
schedule to meet these limits, which ends April 1, 2010. Northern Indiana is evaluating
alternatives for treating copper in wastewater at the Michigan City Generating Station.
Great Lakes Initiative-based discharge limits for mercury have also been set for both the Michigan
City and Bailly Generating Stations. Northern Indiana will collect data, develop and implement
pollution reduction program plans, to demonstrate progress in reducing mercury discharge.
The permit for the Bailly Generating Station was issued on June 26, 2006, and became effective on
August 1, 2006. Northern Indiana appealed the Bailly Generating Station NPDES permit, due to an
unacceptable internal outfall monitoring permit condition. On February 18, 2008, the Bailly NPDES
permit was modified to resolve the monitoring issue and to address the 316(b) rule status due to
the remand mentioned below. Due to additional pending studies, the cost of complying with the
permit requirements cannot be estimated at this time.
On February 16, 2004, the EPA Administrator signed the Phase II Rule of the Clean Water Act Section
316(b) which requires all large existing steam electric generating stations meet certain
performance standards to reduce the effects on aquatic organisms at their cooling water intake
structures. The rule became effective on September 7, 2004. Under this rule, stations will either
have to demonstrate that the performance of their existing fish protection systems meet the new
standards or develop new systems, such as a closed-cycle cooling tower. On January 25, 2007, the
Second Circuit in a court decision on the Phase II 316(b) rule, remanded for EPA reconsideration
the options providing flexibility for meeting the requirements of the rule. On March 20, 2007, the
EPA issued a guidance memo advising its Regional Administrators that the Agency considers the
316(b), Phase II Rule governing cooling water withdrawals suspended and will be issuing a Federal
Register notice to that effect. On July 9, 2007, the EPA published a notice in the Federal
Register suspending the Phase II rule. The notice explained that the EPA is not accepting comments
on the suspension and notes that best professional judgment is to be used in making 316(b)
decisions. The EPA will need to propose a revised 316(b) rule and/or provide guidance to address
the impact of the court decision. Northern Indiana will closely monitor the EPA rule developments.
On July 5, 2007, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied the petitions for rehearing asking the
court to reconsider its remand of the Phase II 316(b) ruling. Various parties submitted petitions
for a writ of certiorari to the U. S. Supreme Court in early November seeking to reverse the Second
Circuit Courts decision. Northern Indiana will continue to closely monitor this activity.
34
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
16. Changes in Common Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income
The following table displays the changes in Common Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income
for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Other Comp |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comp |
|
(in millions) |
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Income/(Loss) |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Balance January 1, 2008 |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
(23.3 |
) |
|
$ |
4,011.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,074.5 |
|
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
|
$ |
5,076.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain/loss on available for sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
Net unrealized losses on derivatives
qualifying as cash flow hedges (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
Unrecognized Pension Benefit
and OPEB cost (c ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111.7 |
|
Dividends: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term incentive plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of Long-term
incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
(23.3 |
) |
|
$ |
4,013.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,047.5 |
|
|
$ |
24.1 |
|
|
$ |
5,064.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Other Comp |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comp |
|
(in millions) |
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Income/(Loss) |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Balance January 1, 2007 |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
(21.2 |
) |
|
$ |
3,998.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,012.9 |
|
|
$ |
20.9 |
|
|
$ |
5,013.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to initially apply new measurement
date pursuant to SFAS No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to initially apply
FIN 48, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance, as adjusted |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
(21.2 |
) |
|
$ |
3,998.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,005.3 |
|
|
$ |
20.9 |
|
|
$ |
5,006.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216.7 |
|
|
|
216.7 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain/loss on available for sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
Net unrealized gains on derivatives
qualifying as cash flow hedges (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
Unrecognized Pension Benefit
and OPEB cost (c ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
Dividends: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term incentive plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of Long-term
incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance March 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
$ |
(22.7 |
) |
|
$ |
4,001.1 |
|
|
$ |
1,096.0 |
|
|
$ |
50.2 |
|
|
$ |
5,127.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities, net of $1.3 million and $2.0
million tax expense in the first three months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
|
(b) |
|
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of
$17.3 million and $28.1 million tax benefit in the first three months of 2008 and 2007,
respectively. |
|
(c) |
|
Unrecognized pension benefit and OPEB costs, net of $3.6 million tax expense and $3.2 million
tax benefit in the first three months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
35
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table displays the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which is
included in Common Stockholders Equity, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
(in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Other
comprehensive income (loss), before taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on securities |
|
$ |
5.1 |
|
|
$ |
7.2 |
|
Tax (expense) on unrealized gains on securities |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges |
|
|
39.4 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
Tax (expense) on unrealized gains on cash flow hedges |
|
|
(14.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
Unrecognized pension benefit and OPEB costs |
|
|
(6.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
Tax benefit on unrecognized pension benefit and OPEB costs |
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes |
|
$ |
24.1 |
|
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
|
18. Business Segment Information
Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is
available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to
allocate resources and in assessing performance. The NiSource Chief Executive Officer is the chief
operating decision maker.
NiSources operations are divided into four primary business segments. The Gas Distribution
Operations segment provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial and
industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana and
Massachusetts. The Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment offers gas transportation and
storage services for LDCs, marketers and industrial and commercial customers located in
northeastern, mid-Atlantic, midwestern and southern states and the District of Columbia. The
Electric Operations segment provides electric service in 20 counties in the northern part of
Indiana. The Other Operations segment primarily includes gas and power marketing, and ventures
focused on distributed power generation technologies, including cogeneration facilities, fuel cells
and storage systems.
36
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The following table provides information about business segments. NiSource uses operating income
as its primary measurement for each of the reported segments and makes decisions on finance,
dividends and taxes at the corporate level on a consolidated basis. Segment revenues include
intersegment sales to affiliated subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation. Affiliated
sales are recognized on the basis of prevailing market, regulated prices or at levels provided for
under contractual agreements. Operating income is derived from revenues and expenses directly
associated with each segment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
REVENUES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas Distribution Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaffiliated |
|
$ |
2,440.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,048.3 |
|
Intersegment |
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,447.5 |
|
|
|
2,055.1 |
|
|
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaffiliated |
|
|
168.3 |
|
|
|
163.5 |
|
Intersegment |
|
|
63.0 |
|
|
|
65.5 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
231.3 |
|
|
|
229.0 |
|
|
Electric Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaffiliated |
|
|
332.8 |
|
|
|
326.9 |
|
Intersegment |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
333.0 |
|
|
|
327.1 |
|
|
Other Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaffiliated |
|
|
346.1 |
|
|
|
304.6 |
|
Intersegment |
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
359.3 |
|
|
|
321.7 |
|
|
Adjustments and eliminations |
|
|
(81.4 |
) |
|
|
(88.2 |
) |
|
Consolidated Revenues |
|
$ |
3,289.7 |
|
|
$ |
2,844.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas Distribution Operations |
|
$ |
254.9 |
|
|
$ |
254.1 |
|
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations |
|
|
104.8 |
|
|
|
106.6 |
|
Electric Operations |
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
73.0 |
|
Other Operations |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
0.2 |
|
Corporate |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
Consolidated Operating Income |
|
$ |
394.8 |
|
|
$ |
430.4 |
|
|
19. Hartsville and Delhi Compressor Stations
On February 5, 2008, tornados struck Columbia Gulfs Hartsville Compressor Station in Macon County,
Tennessee. The damage to the facility forced Columbia Gulf to declare force majeure because no gas
was flowing through this portion of the pipeline system while a facility assessment was being
performed and the current contractual transportation agreements of 2.156 Bcf per day could not be
met. Since that time Columbia Gulf restored gas flow to 1.65 Bcf per day; however, full
contractual agreements still cannot be met. Although temporary solutions are being investigated to
restore system capabilities as soon as possible, a permanent solution for rebuilding the compressor
station may take 18 to 24 months. The temporary solutions will begin adding system capacity in the
second quarter and will be completed by July 2008. This capacity would remain in
place while the permanent solution is implemented. NiSource expects the majority of the reconstruction costs during the 18 to 24 month period for the
compressor station and ancillary facilities plus business interruption losses during the twelve
month period from the event will be recoverable through insurance.
37
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
On December 14, 2007, Columbia Gulfs Line 100 ruptured approximately two miles north of its Delhi
Compressor Station in Louisiana. The damage to the pipeline forced Columbia Gulf to declare force
majeure because no gas was flowing through this portion of the pipeline system on Lines 100, 200
and 300 while a facility assessment was performed. As a result the current contractual
transportation agreements of 2.156 Bcf per day could not be met. By December 15, 2007 Lines 200
and 300 were returned to service and gas flow was restored to 2.0 Bcf per day on December 16, 2007.
On December 19, 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Corrective Action Order which
was applicable to Line 100 from the Rayne, LA Compressor Station to Leach, KY. The Order required
Columbia Gulf to develop a remedial work plan, which included assessments on Line 100 using in-line
inspection tools. The Order also required a 20% reduction in pressure on Line 100 from the Rayne
Compressor Station to the Corinth Compressor Station which resulted in a reduction in gas flow on
December 21, 2007 to 1.6 Bcf per day. The next day the capacity was increased to 1.75 Bcf per day.
Between December 22, 2007 and February 5, 2008 the capacity varied between 1.6 and 1.75 Bcf per day
as a result of remediation work on Line 100. Columbia Gulf is
continuing its remediation efforts with the goal of lifting the
Corrective Action Order. NiSource expects to recover a portion of the pipeline replacement costs plus business interruption
losses through insurance.
Over the course of the next 24 months, firm
transportation contracts of approximately 1.2 Bcf per day will expire and there is a risk some of
those may not be renewed due to the reduced system capabilities.
38
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NiSource Inc.
Note regarding forward-looking statements
The Managements Discussion and Analysis, including statements regarding market risk sensitive
instruments, contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Investors and prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether
any forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. Any one of those
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning NiSources plans,
objectives, expected performance, expenditures and recovery of expenditures through rates, stated
on either a consolidated or segment basis, and any and all underlying assumptions and other
statements that are other than statements of historical fact. From time to time, NiSource may
publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such subsequent
forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of NiSource,
are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements are
based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance
that actual results will not differ materially.
Realization of NiSources objectives and expected performance is subject to a wide range of risks
and can be adversely affected by, among other things, weather, fluctuations in supply and demand
for energy commodities, growth opportunities for NiSources businesses, increased competition in
deregulated energy markets, the success of regulatory and commercial initiatives, dealings with
third parties over whom NiSource has no control, the effectiveness of NiSources outsourcing
initiative, actual operating experience of NiSources assets, the regulatory process, regulatory
and legislative changes, changes in general economic, capital and commodity market conditions, and
counterparty credit risk, many of which risks are beyond the control of NiSource. In addition, the
relative contributions to profitability by each segment, and the assumptions underlying the
forward-looking statements relating thereto, may change over time.
The following Managements Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with NiSources
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
CONSOLIDATED REVIEW
Executive Summary
NiSource is an energy holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in the transmission, storage
and distribution of natural gas in the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast
through the Midwest to New England and the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity
in Indiana. NiSource generates virtually 100% of its operating income through these rate-regulated
businesses. A significant portion of NiSources operations is subject to seasonal fluctuations in
sales. During the heating season, which is primarily from November through March, net revenues
from gas are more significant, and during the cooling season, which is primarily from June through
September, net revenues from electric sales and transportation services are more significant than
in other months.
NiSource is a holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, NiSource reported income from continuing operations of
$189.4 million, or $0.69 per basic share, compared to $206.5 million, or $0.75 per basic share in
2007.
Decreases in income from continuing operations were due primarily to the following items:
|
|
Electric Operations net revenues were negatively impacted by $11.4 million in the current
quarter primarily due to non-recoverable power purchased and non-recoverable MISO charges. |
39
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
|
|
Operation and maintenance expenses increased due to higher employee and administrative
expenses of $15.8 million and higher electric generation and maintenance costs of $7.4 million.
Employee and administrative costs include payroll, benefits and higher corporate services costs,
including costs associated with the amended IBM Agreement. Employee and administrative expenses
also increased due to adjustments that reduced benefit expense by $7.1 million during 2007. The
increased electric generation and maintenance costs resulted from planned turbine and boiler
maintenance and a generator overhaul. |
Increases impacting income from continuing operations that partially offset the decreases impacting
income included:
|
|
Gas Distribution Operations net revenues increased as a result of higher residential and
commercial volumes. Residential volumes increased 2.4% from the comparable period last year
while commercial volumes increased 4.8%. |
|
|
|
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations net revenues have increased due to higher net
revenues from firm capacity reservation fees related to new interconnects along the Columbia
Gulf pipeline system and deliveries from the Hardy storage field partially offset by insurance
proceeds from a business interruption claim that improved last years results. |
|
|
|
Interest expense decreased due to lower short-term interest rates and the retirement late
in 2007 of high cost debt associated with the Whiting Clean Energy facility. |
These factors and other impacts to the financial results are discussed in more detail within the
following discussions of Results of Operations and Results and Discussion of Segment
Operations.
Four-Point Platform for Growth
NiSource has established four key initiatives to build a platform for long-term, sustainable
growth: commercial and regulatory initiatives; commercial growth and expansion of the gas
transmission and storage business; financial management of the balance sheet; and process and
expense management.
Commercial and Regulatory Initiatives
Whiting Clean Energy. On April 18, 2008, PEI reached an agreement with BPAE to sell all of the
outstanding stock of Whiting Clean Energy to BPAE for $210 million. The agreement with BPAE
contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and closing conditions. NiSource
anticipates the closing of the transaction to occur in the second or third quarter of 2008,
depending upon the timing of the satisfaction of closing conditions, including required approvals
from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the termination of the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
Rate Development and Other Regulatory Matters. NiSource is moving forward on regulatory
initiatives across several distribution company markets. Whether through full rate case filings or
other approaches, NiSources goal is to develop strategies that benefit all stakeholders as it
addresses changing customer conservation patterns, develops more contemporary pricing structures,
and embarks on long-term investment programs to enhance its infrastructure. Rate case planning
activities are underway at Northern Indiana with a filing anticipated during 2008.
On January 28, 2008, Columbia of Pennsylvania filed a base rate case with the Pennsylvania Public
Utility Commission, seeking an increase of approximately $60 million annually, effective October
28, 2008. Through this filing, Columbia of Pennsylvania is seeking to recover costs associated
with its significant infrastructure rehabilitation program, as well as stabilize revenues and cost
recovery through modifications to rate design. The case is currently pending, and is expected to
be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2008.
40
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Columbia of Ohio filed a base rate case with PUCO on March 3, 2008, requesting an increase in base
rates in excess of $80 million annually. Columbia of Ohio is seeking recovery of increased
infrastructure rehabilitation costs, as well as the stabilization of revenues and cost recovery
through rate design. The case is currently pending, and is expected to be resolved by the fourth
quarter of 2008.
Columbia of Ohio and other stakeholders reached an agreement in the fourth quarter of 2007 that
establishes the framework for operations under Columbia of Ohios CHOICESM program for
the next several years and provides for a wholesale gas supply auction by early 2010. On January
23, 2008, the PUCO approved the agreement. During 2007, Columbia of Ohio also filed with the PUCO
a Joint Stipulation that clarifies the companys operational responsibilities for customer-owned
service lines and faulty risers. The stipulation establishes a recovery mechanism to collect
certain costs associated with repair or replacement of customer-owned service lines and replacement
of risers and resolves outstanding issues related to this important customer safety program. On
April 9, 2008, the PUCO issued an order in this matter approving the Stipulation in all material
respects. On April 23, 2008, Utility Service Partners, Inc. requested that the PUCO stay its
order, pending the resolution of any applications on rehearing. Columbia of Ohio filed its
response to the motion on April 28, 2008.
On October 17, 2007, Bay State petitioned the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to allow
the company to collect an additional $7.5 million in annual revenue related to usage reductions
occurring since its last rate case. Bay State also requested approval of a steel infrastructure
tracker that would allow for recovery of ongoing infrastructure replacement program investments.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities held hearings on this matter in the first quarter
of 2008 and issued an order denying Bay States petition on
April 30, 2008. NiSource is in the process of reviewing the order and
assessing its rehearing or appeal options.
On January 30, 2008, the IURC approved a settlement agreement which was reached in October 2007
with the OUCC, LaPorte County and a group of Northern Indiana industrial customers to resolve
questions relating to the costs paid by customers for power purchased by Northern Indiana versus
the amount of these costs absorbed by Northern Indiana. The terms of the settlement call for
Northern Indiana to make a one-time payment to resolve this question as it relates to power
purchased from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. The amount of the refund is set at
$33.5 million and will be refunded February 2008 through July 2008. A reserve for the entire amount
was recorded in the third quarter of 2007. Northern Indiana implemented a new benchmarking
standard that will govern the allocation of costs for purchased power between customers and
Northern Indiana. The benchmark defines the price below which customers will pay for power
purchases and above which Northern Indiana must absorb a portion of the costs. The benchmark is
based upon the costs of power generated by a hypothetical natural gas fired CCGT using gas
purchased and delivered to Northern Indiana. This has resulted in Northern Indiana absorbing some
purchased power costs that have reduce net revenues and may reduce net revenues during future
periods. The agreement also contemplates Northern Indiana adding generating capacity to its
existing portfolio. The benchmark will be adjusted as new capacity is added. The added generating
capacity will substantially reduce the amount of purchased power and mitigate the impact of the
adjusted benchmark. Further, the settling parties agreed to support Northern Indianas deferral
and future recovery of carrying costs and depreciation associated with the acquisition of new
generating facilities. In the approving order, the IURC dictated that, while the parties agreed to
support the deferral of costs mentioned above, the IURC would rule on such deferral in CPCN
proceedings.
On November 1, 2007, Northern Indiana filed its bi-annual IRP with the IURC. The plan showed the
need to add approximately 1,000 mw of new capacity. Additionally, during November 2007, Northern
Indiana filed a CPCN as well as contracts to purchase power generated with renewable energy,
specifically with wind. The CPCN requested approval to purchase two CCGT power plants the
Whiting Clean Energy facility owned by PEI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource, and the Sugar
Creek facility located in west central Indiana and owned by LS Power Group. On December 22, 2007,
BPAE indicated it would exercise a contractual right of first refusal to purchase the Whiting Clean
Energy facility and subsequently signed a purchase agreement on April 18, 2008. As a result, on
January 25, 2008, Northern Indiana filed an amended CPCN to address just the Sugar Creek CCGT
facility. The estimated cost of the facility is $329 million. The CPCN hearing before the IURC
took place on March 25, 2008. Northern Indiana anticipates an order in May 2008. The FERC
approved the purchase on February 27, 2008.
41
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Refer to the Results and Discussion of Segment Operations for a complete discussion of regulatory
matters.
Sale of Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas. On February 15, 2008, NiSource reached a
definitive agreement under which Unitil Corporation will acquire NiSource subsidiaries Northern
Utilities and Granite State Gas for $160 million plus net working capital at the time of closing.
Historically, net working capital has averaged approximately $25 million. Under the terms of the
transaction, Unitil Corporation will acquire Northern Utilities, a local gas distribution company
serving 52 thousand customers in 44 communities in Maine and New Hampshire and Granite State Gas,
an 86-mile FERC regulated gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire.
The transaction, expected to be completed by the end of 2008, is subject to federal and state
regulatory approvals. During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, NiSource recognized an after tax
loss of $63.6 million related to the pending sale and accounted for Northern Utilities and Granite
State Gas as discontinued operations.
NiSource acquired Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas in 1999 as part of the companys larger
acquisition of Bay State. NiSource is retaining its ownership of Bay State as a core component of
the companys long-term, investment-driven growth strategy.
Commercial Growth and Expansion of the Gas Transmission and Storage Business
Master Limited Partnership. On December 21, 2007, NiSource Energy Partners, L.P., an MLP and
subsidiary of NiSource, filed an S-1 registration statement with the SEC in which it proposed
making an initial public offering of common units in the MLP and NiSource proposed contributing its
interest in Columbia Gulf to the MLP. NiSource management believes the formation of an MLP is a
natural complement to NiSources gas transmission and storage growth strategy, and should provide
NiSource access to competitively priced capital to support future growth investment. Due to the
damage sustained at Columbia Gulfs Hartsville, Tennessee, compressor station, following the
tornados at the facility as described previously, the expected timing of initial public offering is
expected to be delayed until later in 2008.
Millennium Pipeline Project. In June 2007, construction began on the Millennium Pipeline, a
182-mile-long, 30-inch-diameter pipeline across New Yorks Southern Tier and lower Hudson Valley.
The project is expected to be completed in November 2008 and will transport up to 525,400 Dth per
day of natural gas to markets along its route, as well as to the New York City markets through its
pipeline interconnections. Millennium is jointly owned by affiliates of NiSource, KeySpan
Corporation, and DTE Energy.
Hardy Storage Project. Hardy Storage completed its first full year of operations, receiving
customer injections and withdrawing natural gas from its new underground natural gas storage
facility in West Virginia. Injections this year will allow the field to deliver up to 150,000 Dth
of natural gas per day during the 2008-2009 winter heating season. Customers withdrew over 5.44 BCF
from the storage field during the 2007-2008 winter heating season. When fully operational in 2009,
the field will have a working storage capacity of 12 billion cubic feet, delivering more than
176,000 Dth of natural gas per day. Hardy Storage is a joint venture of subsidiaries of Columbia
Transmission and Piedmont.
Columbia Transmission, the operator of Hardy Storage, is expanding its natural gas transmission
system by 176,000 Dth per day to provide the capacity needed to deliver Hardy Storage supplies to
customer markets. Construction of these transmission facilities is substantially complete and
partially in service. The remainder will be placed in-service in the first half of 2008.
Florida Gas Transmission Expansion Project. An open season to solicit interest and contracts for
expanded capacity on Columbia Gulfs system for delivery to Florida Gas Transmission was held in
late 2007 and contracts for 100,000 Dth per day of capacity were executed. The remaining 80,000
Dth per day of capacity is expected to be sold under firm contracts. This project is expected to
be in service during the second quarter of 2008.
Eastern Market Expansion Project. On May 3, 2007, Columbia Transmission filed a certificate
application before the FERC for approval to expand its facilities to provide additional storage and
transportation services and to replace certain existing facilities. This Eastern Market Expansion
project is projected to add 97,000 Dth per day of storage and transportation deliverability and is
fully subscribed on a 15-year contracted firm basis. On January 14, 2008, the
42
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
FERC issued a favorable order which granted a certificate to construct the project and the project
is expected to be in service by spring 2009.
Ohio Storage Project. Columbia Transmission concluded successful open seasons to gauge customer
interest in an expansion of its storage in Ohio. The final scope of the project will be determined
based on the outcome of the ongoing customer discussions.
Appalachian Expansion Project. On February 29, 2008, Columbia Transmission filed an application
before the FERC for approval to build a new 9,470 horsepower compressor station in West Virginia.
The Appalachian Expansion Project will add 100,000 Dth per day of transportation capacity and is
fully subscribed on a 15-year contracted firm basis. The project is expected to be in service in
the fourth quarter of 2009.
New
Penn Transmission Project. NiSource Gas Transmission and
Storage Operations concluded a successful open
season to gauge customer interest in a new pipeline system to provide 500,000 Dth per day of firm
service from storage facilities near Leidy to a new interconnection with Millennium Pipeline in
Steuben County, New York in 2010.
Centerville Expansion Project. Columbia Gulf concluded a successful open season to gauge customer
interest in an expansion of firm service made available by the addition of compression to the East
Lateral. This proposed expansion would add 235,000 Dth per day of additional delivery capability
on the East Lateral in late 2009.
Other Growth Projects. Columbia Gulf recently expanded interconnection points to provide
incremental delivery capacity of 30,000 Dth per day to Henry Hub and 85,000 Dth per day to Southern
Natural Gas near Lafayette, Louisiana. Columbia Gulf entered into firm contracts for this
capacity and the facilities were placed into service during the third quarter of 2007. A
successful open season was held in the first quarter of 2007 to sell capacity of 380,000 Dth per
day to two interconnection points with Transcontinental Gas Pipeline. This capacity provides
increased access to downstream pipelines and their customers that access mid-Atlantic and Northeast
markets. These interconnection points were placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Financial Management of the Balance Sheet
NiSources interest expense decreased $7.3 million from the comparable quarter last year as a
result of lower interest rates. On December 31, 2007, Whiting Clean Energy redeemed $292.1 million
of its notes due June 20, 2011, having an average interest rate of 8.30%, which was financed with
NiSource borrowings at a lower rate. NiSources short-term borrowings at March 31, 2008 were
$624.7 million. On August 31, 2007, NiSource Finance issued $800 million of 6.40%, 10.5-year
senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2018. Additionally, NiSource has $450 million of
floating rate notes and $ 1,160 million of fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps on its existing
long-term debt that contributed to the reduction in interest expense.
NiSource plans to issue additional long-term debt in excess of $500 million during the second
quarter of 2008 to fund future capital expenditures. While the
current capital markets have been adversely impacted by a variety of
negative economic indicators, NiSource believes that it will not
impact its continued access to traditional capital markets.
Process and Expense Management
IBM Agreement. In early 2007, a high-level team of NiSource and IBM resources began an overall
reassessment of the 2005 outsourcing initiative primarily to focus on operational and
transformational improvements and remediation and to develop an integrated plan that enables
NiSource to achieve its business objectives going forward. In the first quarter of 2007, NiSource
decided to bring certain finance and accounting functions back within the company. These functions
included general accounting, fixed asset accounting, and budgeting. In December 2007, NiSource and
IBM finalized a restructuring of their business services agreement. Under the restructured
agreement, IBM will primarily provide information technology services, with a number of other
business service functions to be transitioned back to the NiSource organization. During the first
quarter of 2008, certain Meter to Cash support services transitioned back to the company including
some Billing & Cash Operation functions. Transition of the remaining business support services
returning to NiSource will continue through the third quarter of 2008. In January 2008, NiSource
and IBM also agreed to move forward with the Indiana Deployment of a Work Management System and its
associated transformation initiatives. The Work Management
43
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
System project will provide technologies that standardize, integrate and support transformation of
processes and eliminate costly and inefficient manual work processes while meeting
regulatory/compliance standards. Implementation is planned for late 2008.
Results of Operations
Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
Net Income
NiSource reported net income of $99.3 million, or $0.36 per basic share, for the three months ended
March 31, 2008, compared to net income of $216.7 million, or $0.79 per basic share, for the first
quarter 2007. Income from continuing operations was $189.4 million, or $0.69 per basic share, for
the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $206.5 million, or $0.75 per basic share, for
the first quarter 2007. Operating income was $394.8 million, a decrease of $35.6 million from the
same period in 2007. All per share amounts are basic earnings per share. Basic average shares of
common stock outstanding at March 31, 2008 were 273.9 million compared to 273.6 million at March
31, 2007.
Comparability of line item operating results was impacted by regulatory trackers that allow for the
recovery in rates of certain costs such as bad debt expenses. Therefore, increases in these
tracked operating expenses are offset by increases in net revenues, subject to timing, and have
essentially no impact on total operating income results. An increase in operating expenses of $3.8
million was primarily offset by a corresponding increase to net revenues reflecting recovery of
these costs.
Net Revenues
Total consolidated net revenues (gross revenues less cost of sales) for the three months ended
March 31, 2008, were $1,041.2 million, a $1.4 million decrease from the same period last year.
Excluding the impact of $3.8 million of trackers discussed above, net revenues decreased by $5.2
million. This decrease in net revenues was primarily due to lower residential and commercial
margins and $11.4 million of non-recoverable purchased power costs and non-recoverable MISO charges
within Electric Operations resulting from the settlement reached in 2007 by Northern Indiana with
regulatory stakeholders and large customers as noted previously. The non-recoverable purchased
power costs are due to the settlement, but not the MISO costs. These decreases in net revenues
were partially offset by increased Gas Distribution Operations net revenues of $12.6 million primarily
attributable to higher residential and commercial volumes sold. Within Gas Transmission and
Storage Operations, higher net revenues of $5.1 million from increased subscriptions for firm
transportations services were partially offset by the impact of business interruption proceeds that
improved last years results by $2.6 million. Electric Operations net revenues were also impacted
by increases associated with higher industrial volumes and margins, and higher bulk power sales.
Expenses
Operating expenses for the first quarter 2008 were $648.4 million, an increase of $34.7 million
from the 2007 period. Excluding expenses that are recovered through regulatory trackers, that
increase both operating expenses and net revenues (see discussion above), operating expenses
increased $30.9 million. This increase was primarily due to higher employee and administrative
expenses of $15.8 million across NiSources business segments due in part to adjustments that
reduced benefit expense by $7.1 million during 2007 and increased electric generation and
maintenance costs of $7.4 million that resulted from planned turbine and boiler maintenance and a
generator overhaul. Employee and administrative costs include payroll, benefits and higher
corporate services costs, including costs associated with the amended IBM Agreement. Other
increases in operating expenses included modest increases in environmental costs associated with
former manufactured gas plant sites within Gas Distribution Operations and higher pipeline
integrity management costs within the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations.
Other Income (Deductions)
Interest expense, net was $91.8 million for the quarter, a decrease of $7.3 million compared to the
first quarter 2007. This decrease was due primarily to lower short-term interest rates and the
retirement late in 2007 of high cost debt associated with the Whiting Clean Energy facility.
Other, net was a loss of $1.5 million for the current quarter compared to a loss of $2.9 million
for the comparable 2007 period due to lower costs associated with the sale of accounts receivable.
44
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Income Taxes
Income tax for the first quarter of 2008 was $112.1 million, a decrease of $9.8 million compared to
the first quarter of 2007 due primarily to lower pretax income. The effective tax rate for the
quarter ended March 31, 2008 was 37.2% compared to 37.1% for the comparable period last year.
Discontinued Operations
In the first quarter of 2008, NiSource began accounting for the operations of Northern Utilities,
Granite State Gas and Whiting Clean Energy as discontinued operations. As such, net income of $6.0
million from continuing operations was classified to net income from discontinued operations for
the three months ended March 31, 2008, and $2.7 million was reclassified for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, NiSource recorded an estimated after-tax loss of
$96.1 million for the disposition of these operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Generally, cash flow from operations has provided sufficient liquidity to meet operating
requirements. A significant portion of NiSources operations, most notably in the gas
distribution, gas transportation and electric businesses, is subject to seasonal fluctuations in
cash flow. During the heating season, which is primarily from November through March, cash
receipts from gas sales and transportation services typically exceed cash requirements. During the
summer months, cash on hand, together with the seasonal increase in cash flows from the electric
business during the summer cooling season and external short-term and long-term financing, is used
to purchase gas to place in storage for heating season deliveries, perform necessary maintenance of
facilities, make capital improvements in plant and expand service into new areas.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $846.0
million, an increase of $67.6 million from the first three months of 2007. The weather and gas
prices significantly impact working capital. There were significant sources of cash generated from
favorable weather in certain jurisdictions and pricing impacts on inventory and accounts payable.
However, these sources of cash were partially offset by uses of cash from changes in accounts
receivable. In addition, a pension contribution of $45.8 million was made in the first quarter of
2007 improving cash flows in 2008 compared to 2007.
Investing Activities
Cash capital expenditures of $190.7 million during the first three months of 2008 were $42.9
million higher than the comparable 2007 period. The spending for the first three months primarily
reflected on-going system improvements and upgrades to maintain service and reliability. Capital
spending is expected to increase in 2008 compared to last year, mainly for increased
integrity-management improvements in the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment and
expenditures to replace key components within the Electric Operations segment in addition to new
business projects.
Capital spending, including ongoing infrastructure investments, is projected to be more than $1
billion annually, beginning in 2008 and for the foreseeable future.
Restricted cash was $3.8 million and $57.7 million for the periods ended March 31, 2008 and
December 31, 2007, respectively. The decrease in restricted cash was due primarily to volatility
in forward gas contracts, which resulted in decreased margin deposits on open derivative contracts
at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007.
Financing Activities
Long-Term Debt. NiSource plans to issue additional long-term debt in excess of $500 million during
the second quarter of 2008 to fund future capital expenditures. While
the current capital markets have been adversely impacted by a variety
of negative economic indicators, NiSource believes that it will not
impact it's continued access to traditional capital markets.
Whiting Clean Energy. On December 31, 2007, Whiting Clean Energy redeemed $292.1 of its notes due
June 20, 2011, having an average interest rate of 8.30%. The associated redemption premium of
$40.6 million was charged to loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt. The redemption was
financed with NiSource borrowings.
45
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds. Northern Indiana has seven series of Jasper County
Pollution Control Bonds with a total principal value of $254 million currently outstanding.
Prior
to March 25, 2008, each of the series bore interest at rates established through auctions that took
place at either 7, 28, or 35 day intervals. Between February 13, 2008 and March 5, 2008, Northern
Indiana received notice that six separate market auctions of four of the series of the Jasper
County Pollution Control Bonds had failed. As a result, those series representing an aggregate
principal amount of $112 million of the Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds bore interest at
default rates equal to 15% or 18% per annum. Subsequent auctions were successful, but resulted in
interest rates between 5.13% and 11.0%, which are in excess of historical rates. Northern Indiana
does not believe that these increases in interest rates will have a material impact on its
financial results. These auction failures were attributable to the recent lack of liquidity in the
auction rate securities market, largely driven by the recent turmoil in the bond insurance market.
The Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds are insured by either Ambac Assurance Corporation or MBIA
Insurance Corporation.
Northern Indiana converted all seven series of Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds from the
auction rate mode to a variable rate demand bond mode between March 25, 2008 and April 11, 2008 and
repurchased the bonds as part of the conversion process. As of April 11, 2008, all of the Jasper
County Pollution Control Bonds were so purchased and are held in Northern Indianas treasury.
Northern Indiana is currently evaluating its options for converting the debt from variable rate
mode into fixed rate mode and subsequently reoffering the debt to the public.
As of March 31, 2008, $199.0 million of this outstanding debt had been converted to the variable
rate demand bond format and repurchased by Northern Indiana for its own account. The remaining
$55.0 million is classified as current portion of long-term debt in the March 31, 2008 Consolidated
Balance Sheet. Northern Indiana has recorded the repurchased bonds as an offset to long-term debt
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as the debt is considered extinguished per SFAS No. 140.
Unamortized debt expense previously recorded under deferred charges and other qualifies for
regulatory treatment and has been reclassified as a regulatory asset. The repurchase of the bonds
will be included in the financing activities section in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated
Cash Flow.
Credit Facilities. During July 2006, NiSource Finance amended its $1.25 billion five-year
revolving credit facility increasing the aggregate commitment level to $1.5 billion, extending the
termination date by one year to July 2011, and reduced the cost of borrowing. The amended facility
will help maintain a reasonable cushion of short-term liquidity in anticipation of continuing
volatile natural gas prices.
NiSource Finance had outstanding credit facility borrowings of $624.7 million at March 31, 2008, at
a weighted average interest rate of 3.10%, and borrowings of $1,061.0 million at December 31, 2007,
at a weighted average interest rate of 5.43%.
As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, NiSource Finance had $102.1 million and $110.4 million
of stand-by letters of credit outstanding, respectively. At March 31, 2008, $15.8 million of the
$102.1 million total outstanding letters of credit resided within a separate bi-lateral letter of
credit arrangement with Barclays Bank that NiSource Finance obtained during February 2004. Of the
remaining $86.3 million of stand-by letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2008, $83.0 million
resided under NiSource Finances five-year credit facility and $3.3 million resided under an
uncommitted arrangement with another financial institution.
As of March 31, 2008, $792.3 million of credit was available under the credit facility.
Sale of Trade Accounts Receivables. On May 14, 2004, Columbia of Ohio entered into an agreement to
sell, without recourse, substantially all of its trade receivables, as they originate, to CORC, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia of Ohio. CORC, in turn, is party to an agreement with Dresdner
Bank AG, also dated May 14, 2004, under the terms of which it sells an undivided percentage
ownership interest in the accounts receivable to a commercial paper conduit. On July 1, 2006, the
agreement was amended to increase the program limit from $300 million to $350 million. The
agreement currently expires on June 27, 2008. As of March 31, 2008, $350 million of accounts
receivable had been sold by CORC.
46
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Under the agreement, Columbia of Ohio acts as administrative agent, by performing record keeping
and cash collection functions for the accounts receivable sold by CORC. Columbia of Ohio receives
a fee, which provides adequate compensation, for such services.
On December 30, 2003, Northern Indiana entered into an agreement to sell, without recourse, all of
its trade receivables, as they originate, to NRC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Indiana.
NRC, in turn, is party to an agreement with Citibank, N.A. under the terms of which it sells an
undivided percentage ownership interest in the accounts receivable to a commercial paper conduit.
The conduit can purchase up to $200 million of accounts receivable under the agreement. NRCs
agreement with the commercial paper conduit has a scheduled expiration date of December 19, 2008,
and can be renewed if mutually agreed to by both parties. As of March 31, 2008, NRC had sold $200
million of accounts receivable. Under the arrangement, Northern Indiana may not sell any new
receivables if Northern Indianas debt rating falls below BBB- or Baa3 at Standard and Poors or
Moodys, respectively.
Under the agreement, Northern Indiana acts as administrative agent, performing record keeping and
cash collection functions for the accounts receivable sold. Northern Indiana receives a fee, which
provides adequate compensation, for such services.
Contractual Obligations. As of March 31, 2008, NiSource has $4.0 million of estimated federal and
state income tax liabilities, including interest, recorded on its books in accordance with FIN 48.
If or when such amounts may be settled is uncertain and cannot be estimated at this time. NiSource
does not anticipate any significant changes to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits over the
next twelve months.
Market Risk Disclosures
Risk is an inherent part of NiSources energy businesses. The extent to which NiSource properly
and effectively identifies, assesses, monitors and manages each of the various types of risk
involved in its businesses is critical to its profitability. NiSource seeks to identify, assess,
monitor and manage, in accordance with defined policies and procedures, the following principal
risks that are involved in NiSources energy businesses: commodity market risk, interest rate risk
and credit risk. Risk management at NiSource is a multi-faceted process with oversight by the Risk
Management Committee that requires constant communication, judgment and knowledge of specialized
products and markets. NiSources senior management takes an active role in the risk management
process and has developed policies and procedures that require specific administrative and business
functions to assist in the identification, assessment and control of various risks. In recognition
of the increasingly varied and complex nature of the energy business, NiSources risk management
policies and procedures continue to evolve and are subject to ongoing review and modification.
Various analytical techniques are employed to measure and monitor NiSources market and credit
risks, including VaR. VaR represents the potential loss or gain for an instrument or portfolio from
changes in market factors, for a specified time period and at a specified confidence level.
Commodity Price Risk
NiSource is exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its subsidiaries operations involving
natural gas and power. To manage this market risk, NiSources subsidiaries use derivatives,
including commodity futures contracts, swaps and options. NiSource is not involved in speculative
energy trading activity.
Commodity price risk resulting from derivative activities at NiSources rate-regulated subsidiaries
is limited, since regulations allow recovery of prudently incurred purchased power, fuel and gas
costs through the rate-making process, including gains or losses on these derivative instruments.
If states should explore additional regulatory reform, these subsidiaries may begin providing
services without the benefit of the traditional rate-making process and may be more exposed to
commodity price risk. Some of NiSources rate-regulated utility subsidiaries offer commodity price
risk products to its customers for which derivatives are used to hedge forecasted customer usage
under such products. These subsidiaries do not have regulatory recovery orders for these products
and are subject to gains and losses recognized in earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness.
47
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
TPC, on behalf of Whiting Clean Energy, enters into power and gas derivative contracts to manage
commodity price risk associated with operating Whiting Clean Energy. These derivative contracts do
not always receive hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133 and variances in earnings could be
recognized as a result of marking these derivatives to market.
Interest Rate Risk
NiSource is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of changes in interest rates on borrowings
under revolving credit agreements, variable rate pollution control bonds and floating rate notes,
which have interest rates that are indexed to short-term market interest rates. NiSource is also
exposed to interest rate risk due to changes in interest rates on fixed-to-variable interest rate
swaps that hedge the fair value of long-term debt. Based upon average borrowings and debt
obligations subject to fluctuations in short-term market interest rates, an increase (or decrease)
in short-term interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased (or decreased) interest
expense by $6.3 million and $6.9 million for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Credit Risk
Due to the nature of the industry, credit risk is a factor in many of NiSources business
activities. NiSources extension of credit is governed by a Corporate Credit Risk Policy. Written
guidelines approved by NiSources Risk Management Committee document the management approval levels
for credit limits, evaluation of creditworthiness, and credit risk mitigation procedures.
Exposures to credit risks are monitored by the Corporate Credit Risk function which is independent
of commercial operations. Credit risk arises with the possibility that a customer, supplier or
counterparty will not be able or willing to fulfill its obligations on a transaction on or before
the settlement date. For derivative contracts such as interest rate swaps, credit risk arises when
counterparties are obligated to pay NiSource the positive fair value or receivable resulting from
the execution of contract terms. Exposure to credit risk is measured in terms of both current
obligations and the market value of forward positions. Current credit exposure is generally
measured by the notional or principal value of obligations and direct credit substitutes, such as
commitments, stand-by letters of credit and guarantees. In determining exposure, NiSource
considers collateral that it holds to reduce individual counterparty credit risk.
Market Risk Measurement
Market risk refers to the risk that a change in the level of one or more market prices, rates,
indices, volatilities, correlations or other market factors, such as liquidity, will result in
losses for a specified position or portfolio. NiSource calculates a one-day VaR at a 95%
confidence level for the gas marketing group that utilize a variance/covariance methodology. The
daily market exposure for the gas marketing portfolio on an average, high and low basis was $0.1
million, $0.2 million and zero during the first quarter of 2008, respectively. Prospectively,
management has set the VaR limit at $0.8 million for gas marketing. Exceeding this limit would
result in management actions to reduce portfolio risk. Power and gas derivative contracts entered
into to manage price risk associated with Whiting Clean Energy are limited to quantities
surrounding the physical generation capacity of Whiting Clean Energy and the gas requirements to
operate the facility.
Refer to Note 9, Risk Management and Energy Marketing Activities, in the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of NiSources risk management.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As a part of normal business, NiSource and certain subsidiaries enter into various agreements
providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries.
Such agreements include guarantees and stand-by letters of credit.
NiSource has issued guarantees that
support up to approximately $526.0 million of commodity-related
payments for its current subsidiaries involved in energy marketing to satisfy
requirements under forward gas sales. These
guarantees were provided to counterparties in order to facilitate physical and financial
transactions involving natural gas and electricity. To the extent liabilities exist under the
commodity-related contracts subject to these guarantees, such liabilities are included in the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
48
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
NiSource has purchase and sales agreement guarantees totaling $80.0 million, which guarantee
performance of the sellers covenants, agreements, obligations, liabilities, representations and
warranties under the agreements. No amounts related to the purchase and sales agreement guarantees
are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management believes that the
likelihood NiSource would be required to perform or otherwise incur any significant losses
associated with any of the aforementioned guarantees is remote.
NiSource has other guarantees outstanding. Refer to Note 14-A, Guarantees and Indemnities, in
the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about
NiSources off balance sheet arrangements.
Other Information
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 to define
fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value and to expand disclosures about fair
value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not change the
requirements to apply fair value in existing accounting standards.
Under SFAS No. 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in
which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on
the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 establishes a
fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value
into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy disclosed is based on the lowest level of
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy defined by SFAS No. 157 are as follows:
|
|
|
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical asset or
liabilities that the company has the ability to access as of the reporting date. |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through corroboration
with observable market data. |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, such as internally developed pricing models for
the asset or liability due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability. |
SFAS No. 157 became effective for NiSource as of January 1, 2008. The provisions of SFAS No. 157
are to be applied prospectively, except for the initial impact on the following three items, which
are required to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the
year of adoption: (1) changes in fair value measurements of existing derivative financial
instruments measured initially using the transaction price under EITF Issue No. 02-3, (2) existing
hybrid financial instruments measured initially at fair value using the transaction price and (3)
blockage factor discounts. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on NiSources
January 1, 2008 balance of retained earnings and is not anticipated to have a material impact
prospectively.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157
for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities until fiscal
years beginning after November 15, 2008. NiSource has elected to defer the adoption of the
nonrecurring fair value measurement disclosures of non-financial assets and liabilities.
49
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
See Note 10, Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, in the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the adoption of SFAS No.
157.
SFAS No. 158 Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158 to improve existing reporting for defined benefit
postretirement plans by requiring employers to recognize in the statement of financial position the
overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan, among other changes.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, NiSource adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158. Based on the
measurement of the various defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans assets and
benefit obligations at September 30, 2006, the pretax impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 decreased
intangible assets by $46.5 million, decreased deferred charges and other assets by $1.1 million,
increased regulatory assets by $538.8 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive income by
$239.8 million and increased accrued liabilities for postretirement and postemployment benefits by
$251.4 million. In addition, NiSource recorded a reduction in deferred income taxes of
approximately $96 million. With the adoption of SFAS No. 158 NiSource determined that for certain
rate-regulated subsidiaries the future recovery of pension and other postretirement plans costs is
probable in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 71. These rate-regulated subsidiaries
recorded regulatory assets and liabilities that would otherwise have been recorded to accumulated
other comprehensive income.
On January 1, 2007, NiSource adopted the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions requiring
employers to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end. The pre-tax
impact of adopting the SFAS No. 158 measurement date provisions increased deferred charges and
other assets by $9.4 million, decreased regulatory assets by $89.6 million, decreased retained
earnings by $11.3 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive income by $5.3 million and
decreased accrued liabilities for postretirement and postemployment benefits by $74.2 million.
NiSource also recorded a reduction in deferred income taxes of approximately $2.6 million. In
addition, 2007 expense for pension and postretirement benefits reflects the updated measurement
date valuations. Refer to Note 12, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, in the Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
SFAS No. 159 The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an
amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 which permits
entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments at fair value that are not currently
required to be measured at fair value. Upon adoption, a cumulative adjustment would be made to
beginning retained earnings for the initial fair value option remeasurement. Subsequent unrealized
gains and losses for fair value option items will be reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and should not be applied
retrospectively, except as permitted for certain conditions for early adoption. NiSource has
chosen not to elect to measure any applicable financial assets or liabilities at fair value
pursuant to this standard when SFAS No. 159 was adopted on January 1, 2008.
FSP
FIN 39-1 FASB Staff Position Amendment of FASB Interpretation
No. 39. In April 2007, the
FASB posted FSP FIN 39-1 to amend paragraph 3 of FIN 39 to replace the terms conditional contracts
and exchange contracts with the term derivative instruments as defined in SFAS No. 133. This FSP
also amends paragraph 10 of FIN 39 to permit a reporting entity to offset fair value amounts
recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral
against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same
counterparty under a master netting arrangement. This FSP became effective for NiSource as of
January 1, 2008. NiSource has not elected to net fair value amounts for its derivative instruments
or the fair value amounts recognized for its right to receive cash collateral or obligation to pay
cash collateral arising from those derivative instruments recognized at fair value, which are
executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. This is consistent with
NiSources current accounting policy prior to the adoption of this amended standard. NiSource
discloses amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral within Restricted cash and
amounts recognized for the right to return cash collateral within current liabilities on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FIN 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 to
reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement
requirements related to
50
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
accounting for income taxes. Specifically, this interpretation requires that a tax position meet a
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for the benefit of an uncertain tax position to be
recognized in the financial statements and requires that benefit to be measured at the largest
amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The
determination of whether a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is
based on whether it is probable of being sustained on audit by the appropriate taxing authorities,
based solely on the technical merits of the position. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on
derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure
and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
On January 1, 2007, NiSource adopted the provisions of FIN 48. As a result of the implementation
of FIN 48, NiSource recognized a charge of $0.8 million to the opening balance of retained
earnings. Refer to Note 11, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 161 Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging an amendment of SFAS No. 133.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 to amend and expand the disclosure requirements of
SFAS No. 133 with the intent to provide users of the financial statement with an enhanced
understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how these derivatives are
accounted for and how the respective reporting entitys financial statements are affected. This
Statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, and
earlier application is encouraged. NiSource is currently reviewing the provisions of SFAS No. 161
to determine the impact it may have on its disclosures within the Notes to Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements.
SFAS No. 160 Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB
No. 51. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 to improve the relevance, comparability,
and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated
financial statements regarding non-controlling ownership interests in a business and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods
within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and earlier adoption is
prohibited. NiSource is currently reviewing the provisions of SFAS No. 160 to determine the impact
it may have on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
SFAS No. 141R Business Combinations. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R to improve
the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information that a reporting
entity provides in its financial reports regarding business combinations and its effects, including
recognition of assets and liabilities, the measurement of goodwill and required disclosures. This
Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning
on or after December 15, 2008 and earlier adoption is prohibited. NiSource is currently reviewing
the provisions of SFAS No. 141R to determine the impact on future business combinations.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
Presentation of Segment Information
NiSources operations are divided into four primary business segments; Gas Distribution Operations,
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations, Electric Operations, and Other Operations.
51
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Revenues |
|
$ |
2,447.5 |
|
|
$ |
2,055.1 |
|
Less: Cost of gas sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) |
|
|
1,828.6 |
|
|
|
1,448.8 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
618.9 |
|
|
|
606.3 |
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
239.8 |
|
|
|
230.4 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
56.7 |
|
|
|
56.0 |
|
Impairment and gain on sale of assets |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Other taxes |
|
|
69.6 |
|
|
|
66.1 |
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
364.0 |
|
|
|
352.2 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
254.9 |
|
|
$ |
254.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues ($ in Millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
1,428.8 |
|
|
|
1,283.0 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
496.6 |
|
|
|
439.3 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
102.3 |
|
|
|
95.5 |
|
Off System |
|
|
334.0 |
|
|
|
128.0 |
|
Other |
|
|
85.8 |
|
|
|
109.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,447.5 |
|
|
|
2,055.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and Transportation (MMDth) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
137.4 |
|
|
|
134.2 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
78.0 |
|
|
|
74.4 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
103.2 |
|
|
|
105.2 |
|
Off System |
|
|
37.4 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
|
Other |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
356.5 |
|
|
|
332.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heating Degree Days |
|
|
2,679 |
|
|
|
2,623 |
|
Normal Heating Degree Days |
|
|
2,665 |
|
|
|
2,636 |
|
% Colder (Warmer) than Normal |
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
(0 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
3,050,085 |
|
|
|
3,051,512 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
280,729 |
|
|
|
281,306 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
8,039 |
|
|
|
8,152 |
|
Other |
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,338,930 |
|
|
|
3,341,045 |
|
|
NiSources natural gas distribution operations serve approximately 3.3 million customers in seven
states: Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland. The
regulated subsidiaries offer both traditional bundled services as well as transportation only for
customers that purchase gas from alternative suppliers. The operating results reflect the
temperature-sensitive nature of customer demand with over 73% of annual residential and commercial
throughput affected by seasonality. As a result, segment operating income is higher in the first
and fourth quarters reflecting the heating demand during the winter season.
52
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations (continued)
Regulatory Matters
Significant Rate Developments. Columbia of Ohio filed a base rate case with PUCO on March 3, 2008,
requesting an increase in base rates in excess of $80 million annually. Columbia of Ohio is
seeking recovery of increased infrastructure rehabilitation costs, as well as the stabilization of
revenues and cost recovery through rate design. The case is currently pending, and is expected to
be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2008.
On January 28, 2008, Columbia of Pennsylvania filed a base rate case with the Pennsylvania Public
Utility Commission, seeking an increase of approximately $60 million annually, effective October
28, 2008. Through this filing, Columbia of Pennsylvania is seeking to recover costs associated
with its significant infrastructure rehabilitation program, as well as stabilize revenues and cost
recovery through modifications to rate design. The case is currently pending, and is expected to
be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2008.
On October 17, 2007, Bay State petitioned the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to allow
the company to collect an additional $7.5 million in annual revenue related to usage reductions
occurring since its last rate case. Bay State also requested approval of a steel infrastructure
tracker that would allow for recovery of ongoing infrastructure replacement program investments.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities held hearings on this matter in the first quarter
of 2008 and issued an order denying Bay States petition on April 30, 2008.
NiSource is in the process of reviewing the order and assessing its rehearing or appeal options.
Cost Recovery and Trackers. A significant portion of the distribution companies revenue is
related to the recovery of gas costs, the review and recovery of which occurs via standard
regulatory proceedings. All states require periodic review of actual gas procurement activity to
determine prudence and to permit the recovery of prudently incurred costs related to the supply of
gas for customers. NiSource distribution companies have historically been found prudent in the
procurement of gas supplies to serve customers.
Certain operating costs of the NiSource distribution companies are significant, recurring in
nature, and generally outside the control of the distribution companies. Some states allow the
recovery of such costs via cost tracking mechanisms. Such tracking mechanisms allow for
abbreviated regulatory proceedings in order for the distribution companies to implement charges and
recover appropriate costs. Tracking mechanisms allow for more timely recovery of such costs as
compared with more traditional cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms include gas
cost recovery adjustment mechanisms, tax riders, and bad debt recovery mechanisms.
Comparability of Gas Distribution Operations line item operating results is impacted by these
regulatory trackers that allow for the recovery in rates of certain costs such as bad debt
expenses. Increases in the expenses that are the subject of trackers result in a corresponding
increase in net revenues and therefore have essentially no impact on total operating income
results.
Certain of the NiSource distribution companies are embarking upon plans to replace significant
portions of their operating systems that are nearing the end of their useful lives. Those
companies are currently evaluating requests for increases in rates in order to allow recovery of
the additional capital expenditures required for such plans. Each LDCs approach to cost recovery
may be unique, given the different laws, regulations and precedent that exist in each jurisdiction.
Certain types of natural gas risers, which are owned by customers, on Columbia of Ohios
distribution system have been evaluated under a study required by the PUCO and have been found
prone to leak natural gas under certain conditions. On February 1, 2007, Columbia of Ohio
announced plans to identify and replace these risers on its distribution system. As of March 31,
2008, Columbia of Ohio deferred $7.5 million of costs associated with the study and identification
of these natural gas risers as a regulatory asset and currently has estimated approximately $120
million for the cost to identify and replace the risers. On October 26, 2007, Columbia of Ohio and
the PUCO Staff filed a Joint Stipulation and Recommendation that provided for Columbia of Ohios
assumption of financial responsibility for the repair or replacement of customer-owned service
lines and the replacement of risers prone to leak. In addition, the Stipulation provides for
Columbia of Ohio to capitalize its investment in the service lines and risers, as well as the
establishment of a tracking mechanism that would provide for the recovery of operating and
maintenance costs related to Columbia of Ohios capitalized investment and its expenses incurred in
identifying
53
ITEM
2 . MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations (continued)
risers prone to leak. On December 28, 2007, Columbia of Ohio entered into a Stipulation with the
Ohio Consumers Counsel and Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, addressing the issues of Columbia
of Ohios authority to assume responsibility for repair or replacement of hazardous customer owned
service lines, the establishment of accounting authority for costs related to such activities, and
the establishment of a mechanism to recover such costs. The parties recommended approval of the
Stipulation to the PUCO, and on April 9, 2008, the PUCO issued an order in this matter approving
the Stipulation in all material respects. On April 23, 2008, Utility Service Partners, Inc.
requested that the PUCO stay its order, pending the resolution of any applications on rehearing.
Columbia of Ohio filed its response to the motion on April 28, 2008.
On December 28, 2007, Columbia of Ohio entered into a Stipulation with the Ohio Consumers Counsel
and PUCO Staff and other stakeholders resolving litigation concerning a pending Gas Cost Recovery
audit of Columbia of Ohio. The Stipulation calls for an accelerated pass back to customers of
$36.6 million that will occur from January 31, 2008 through January 31, 2009, generated through
off-system sales and capacity release programs, the development of new energy efficiency programs
for introduction in 2009, and the development of a wholesale auction process for customer supply to
take effect in 2010. Approximately $12.7 million was passed back through March 2008. The
Stipulation also resolves issues related to pending and future Gas Cost Recovery Management
Performance audits through 2008. The PUCO approved this agreement on January 23, 2008.
Customer Usage. The NiSource distribution companies have experienced declining usage by customers,
due in large part to the sensitivity of sales to increases in commodity prices. A significant
portion of the LDCs operating costs are fixed in nature. Historically, rate design at the
distribution level has been structured such that a large portion of cost recovery is based upon
throughput, rather than in a fixed charge. Many of NiSources LDCs are evaluating mechanisms that
would de-couple the recovery of fixed costs from throughput, and implement recovery mechanisms
that more closely link the recovery of fixed costs with fixed charges. Each of the states in which
the NiSource LDCs operate has different requirements regarding the procedure for establishing such
changes.
Environmental Matters
Currently, various environmental matters impact the Gas Distribution Operations segment. As of
March 31, 2008, a reserve has been recorded to cover probable environmental response actions.
Refer to Note 15-C, Environmental Matters, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information regarding environmental matters for the Gas Distribution
Operations segment.
Restructuring
Payments made for all restructuring initiatives within Gas Distribution Operations amounted to
effectively zero for the first quarter of 2008 and the restructuring liability remaining at March
31, 2008 was $0.9 million. Refer to Note 4, Restructuring Activities, in the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding restructuring initiatives.
Sale of Northern Utilities
On February 15, 2008, NiSource reached a definitive agreement under which Unitil Corporation will
acquire NiSource subsidiaries Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas for $160 million plus net
working capital at the time of closing. Northern Utilities is a local gas distribution company
serving 52 thousand customers in 44 communities in Maine and New Hampshire. In the first quarter
of 2008, NiSource began accounting for the operations of Northern Utilities as discontinued
operations. As such, net income of $5.7 million from continuing operations for Northern Utilities,
which affected the Gas Distribution Operations segment, was classified to net income from
discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and $4.6 million was
reclassified for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Refer to Note 6, Discontinued Operations
and Assets Held for Sale, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information.
Weather
In general, NiSource calculates the weather related revenue variance based on changing customer
demand driven by weather variance from normal heating degree-days. Normal is evaluated using
heating degree days across the NiSource distribution region. While the temperature base for
measuring heating degree-days (i.e. the estimated
54
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations (continued)
average daily temperature at which heating load begins) varies slightly across the region, the
NiSource composite measurement is based on 62 degrees.
Weather in the Gas Distribution Operations territories for the first quarter of 2008 was 1% colder
than normal and 2% colder than the comparable quarter in 2007.
Throughput
Total volumes sold and transported of 356.5 MMDth for the first quarter of 2008 increased 23.8
MMDth from the same period last year. This increase in volume was primarily due to higher
residential and commercial usage and off-system sales in the current period compared to the same
period last year.
Net Revenues
Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $618.9 million, an increase of $12.6
million from the same period in 2007, due primarily to increased net revenues from regulatory and
service programs of $8.5 million and increased residential and commercial usage.
Operating Income
For the first quarter of 2008,
Gas Distribution Operations reported operating income of $254.9
million compared to operating income of $254.1 million for the same period in 2007. The increase
in operating income was primarily attributable to increased net revenues described above.
Operating expenses, after adjusting for increased expenses of $3.0 million that are recovered
through regulatory and tax trackers and corresponding increases in net revenues, increased by $8.8
million compared to the same period last year. Operating expense increases were primarily due to
higher employee and administrative expenses of $3.0 million, increased property and other taxes of
$1.6 million, higher environmental expenses of $1.1 million pertaining mostly to former
manufactured gas plant sites and higher depreciation. Employee and administrative costs include
payroll, benefits and higher corporate services costs, including costs associated with the amended
IBM Agreement.
55
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Operating Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation revenues |
|
$ |
184.8 |
|
|
$ |
182.1 |
|
Storage revenues |
|
|
45.6 |
|
|
|
45.9 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
Total Operating Revenues |
|
|
231.3 |
|
|
|
229.0 |
|
Less: Cost of gas sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
231.3 |
|
|
|
229.3 |
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
84.8 |
|
|
|
80.4 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
29.3 |
|
|
|
28.8 |
|
Gain on sale of assets |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other taxes |
|
|
15.4 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
128.5 |
|
|
|
124.2 |
|
|
Equity Earnings in Unconsolidated Affiliates |
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
104.8 |
|
|
$ |
106.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput (MMDth) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Transmission |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Area |
|
|
386.4 |
|
|
|
385.2 |
|
Columbia Gulf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mainline |
|
|
159.7 |
|
|
|
147.1 |
|
Short-haul |
|
|
75.0 |
|
|
|
40.5 |
|
Columbia Pipeline Deep Water |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Crossroads Gas Pipeline |
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
Intrasegment eliminations |
|
|
(132.0 |
) |
|
|
(128.2 |
) |
|
Total |
|
|
499.4 |
|
|
|
455.6 |
|
|
NiSources Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment consists of the operations of Columbia
Transmission, Columbia Gulf, Columbia Deep Water, Crossroads Pipeline, and Central Kentucky
Transmission. In total NiSource owns a pipeline network of approximately 16 thousand miles
extending from offshore in the Gulf of Mexico to New York and the eastern seaboard. The pipeline
network serves customers in 16 northeastern, mid-Atlantic, midwestern and southern states, as well
as the District of Columbia. In addition, the NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage Operations
segment operates one of the nations largest underground natural gas storage systems.
NiSource Energy Partners, L.P.
On December 21, 2007, NiSource Energy Partners, L.P., an MLP and subsidiary of NiSource, filed an
S-1 registration statement with the SEC in which it proposed making an initial public offering of
common units in the MLP and NiSource proposed contributing its interest in Columbia Gulf to the
MLP. NiSource management believes the formation of an MLP is a natural complement to NiSources
gas transmission and storage growth strategy, and should provide NiSource access to competitively
priced capital to support future growth investment. Due to the damage sustained at Columbia Gulfs
Hartsville, Tennessee, compressor station, following the tornados at the facility as described
previously, the expected timing of initial public offering is expected to be delayed until later in
2008.
Millennium Pipeline Project
Millennium received FERC approval for a pipeline project, in which Columbia Transmission is
participating, which will provide access to a number of supply and storage basins and the Dawn,
Ontario trading hub. The reconfigured project, which was approved by the FERC in a certificate
order issued December 21, 2006, will begin at an interconnect with Empire, an existing pipeline
that originates at the Canadian border and extends easterly towards Syracuse, New York. Empire
will construct a lateral pipeline southward to connect with Millennium near Corning,
56
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations (continued)
New York. Millennium will extend eastward to an interconnect with Algonquin at Ramapo, New York.
The Millennium partnership is currently made up of the following companies: Columbia Transmission
(47.5%), DTE Millennium (26.25%), and KeySpan Millennium (26.25%). Columbia Transmission is the
operator.
The reconfigured Millennium project relies on completion of some or all of several other related
pipeline projects proposed by Empire, Algonquin, and Iroquois collectively referred to as the
Companion Pipelines. The December 21, 2006 certificate order also granted the necessary project
approvals to the Companion Pipelines. Construction began on June 22, 2007 with a projected
in-service date of November 1, 2008.
On August 29, 2007, Millennium entered into a bank credit agreement to finance the construction of
the Millennium Pipeline project. As a condition precedent to the credit agreement, NiSource issued
a guarantee securing payment for its indirect ownership interest percentage of amounts borrowed
under the financing agreement up until such time as the amounts payable under the agreement are
paid in full. The permanent financing is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009.
Additional information on this guarantee is provided in Note 15-A, Guarantees and Indemnities, in
the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Hardy Storage Project
Hardy Storage completed its full year of operations, receiving customer injections and withdrawing
natural gas from its new underground natural gas storage facility in West Virginia. Injections
this year will allow the field to deliver up to 150,000 Dth of natural gas per day during the
2008-2009 winter heating season. Customers withdrew over 5.44 BCF from the storage field during the
2007-2008 winter heating season. When fully operational in 2009, the field will have a working
storage capacity of 12 billion cubic feet, delivering more than 176,000 Dth of natural gas per day.
Hardy Storage is a joint venture of subsidiaries of Columbia Transmission and Piedmont.
Columbia Transmission, the operator of Hardy Storage, is expanding its natural gas transmission
system by 176,000 Dth per day to provide the capacity needed to deliver Hardy Storage supplies to
customer markets. Construction of these transmission facilities is substantially complete and
partially in service.
Florida Gas Transmission Expansion Project
An open season to solicit interest and contracts for expanded capacity on Columbia Gulfs system
for delivery to Florida Gas Transmission was held in late 2007 and contracts for 100,000 Dth per
day of capacity were executed. The remaining 80,000 Dth per day of capacity is expected to be sold
under firm contracts. This project is expected to be in service during the second quarter of 2008.
Eastern Market Expansion Project
On May 3, 2007, Columbia Transmission filed a certificate application before the FERC for approval
to expand its facilities to provide additional storage and transportation services and to replace
certain existing facilities. This Eastern Market Expansion project is projected to add 97,000 Dth
per day of storage and transportation deliverability and is fully subscribed on a 15-year
contracted firm basis. On January 14, 2008, the FERC issued a favorable order which granted a
certificate to construct the project and the project is expected to be in service by spring 2009.
Ohio Storage Project
Columbia Transmission concluded successful open seasons to gauge customer interest in an expansion
of its storage in Ohio. The final scope of the project will be determined based on the outcome of
the ongoing customer discussions.
Appalachian Expansion Project
On February 29, 2008, Columbia Transmission filed an application before the FERC for approval to
build a new 9,470 horsepower compressor station in West Virginia. The Appalachian Expansion
Project will add 100,000 Dth per day of transportation capacity and is fully subscribed on a
15-year contracted firm basis. The project is expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of
2009.
57
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations (continued)
New Penn Transmission Project
NiSource Gas Transmission and
Storage Operations concluded a successful open season to gauge customer interest
in a new pipeline system to provide 500,000 Dth per day of firm service from storage facilities
near Leidy to a new interconnection with Millennium Pipeline in Steuben County, New York in 2010.
Centerville Expansion Project
Columbia Gulf concluded a successful open season to gauge customer interest in an expansion of firm
service made available by the addition of compression to the East Lateral. This proposed expansion
would add 235,000 Dth per day of additional delivery capability on the East Lateral in late 2009.
Other Growth Projects
Columbia Gulf recently expanded interconnection points to provide incremental delivery capacity of
30,000 Dth per day to Henry Hub and 85,000 Dth per day to Southern Natural Gas near Lafayette,
Louisiana. Columbia Gulf entered into firm contracts for this capacity and the facilities were
placed into service during the third quarter of 2007. A successful open season was held in the
first quarter of 2007 to sell capacity of 380,000 Dth per day to two interconnection points with
Transcontinental Gas Pipeline. This capacity provides increased access to downstream pipelines and
their customers that access mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets. These interconnection points were
placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sales and Percentage of Physical Capacity Sold
Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf compete for transportation customers based on the type of
service a customer needs, operating flexibility, available capacity and price. Columbia Gulf and
Columbia Transmission provide a significant portion of total transportation services under firm
contracts and derive a smaller portion of revenues through interruptible contracts, with management
seeking to maximize the portion of physical capacity sold under firm contracts.
Firm service contracts require pipeline capacity to be reserved for a given customer between
certain receipt and delivery points. Firm customers generally pay a capacity reservation fee
based on the amount of capacity being reserved regardless of whether the capacity is used, plus an
incremental usage fee when the capacity is used. Annual capacity reservation revenues derived from
firm service contracts generally remain constant over the life of the contract because the revenues
are based upon capacity reserved and not whether the capacity is actually used. The high
percentage of revenue derived from capacity reservation fees mitigates the risk of revenue
fluctuations within the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment due to changes in near-term
supply and demand conditions. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 approximately 90.7% of the
transportation revenues were derived from capacity reservation fees paid under firm contracts and
4.4% of the transportation revenues were derived from usage fees under firm contracts. This is
compared to approximately 88.7% of the transportation revenues derived from capacity reservation
fees paid under firm contracts and 4.3% of transportation revenues derived from usage fees under
firm contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Interruptible transportation service is typically short term in nature and is generally used by
customers that either do not need firm service or have been unable to contract for firm service.
These customers pay a usage fee only for the volume of gas actually transported. The ability to
provide this service is limited to available capacity not otherwise used by firm customers, and
customers receiving services under interruptible contracts are not assured capacity in the pipeline
facilities. Gas Transmission and Storage Operations provides interruptible service at competitive
prices in order to capture short term market opportunities as they occur and interruptible service
is viewed by management as an important strategy to optimize revenues from the gas transmission
assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 4.9% and 7.0% of the
transportation revenues were derived from interruptible contracts, respectively.
Significant FERC Developments
Columbia Gulf and Columbia Transmission are cooperating with the FERC on an informal, non-public
investigation of certain operating practices regarding tariff services offered by those companies.
Although the companies are continuing to cooperate with the FERC in an effort to reach a
consensual settlement, it is likely that any settlement will require the payment of fines or
refunds.
58
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations (continued)
Hartsville and Delhi Compressor Stations
On February 5, 2008, tornados struck Columbia Gulfs Hartsville Compressor Station in Macon County,
Tennessee. The damage to the facility forced Columbia Gulf to declare force majeure because no gas
was flowing through this portion of the pipeline system while a facility assessment was being
performed and the current contractual transportation agreements of 2.156 Bcf per day could not be
met. Since that time Columbia Gulf restored gas flow to 1.65 Bcf per day; however, full
contractual agreements still cannot be met. Although temporary solutions are being investigated to
restore system capabilities as soon as possible, a permanent solution for rebuilding the compressor
station may take 18 to 24 months. The temporary solutions will begin adding system
capacity in the
second quarter and will be completed by July 2008. This capacity would
remain in
place while the permanent solution is implemented.
NiSource expects the majority of the reconstruction costs, during the 18 to 24 month period, for
the compressor station and ancillary facilities plus business interruption losses, during the
twelve month period from the event, will be recoverable through insurance.
On December 14, 2007, Columbia Gulfs Line 100 ruptured approximately two miles north of its Delhi
Compressor Station in Louisiana. The damage to the pipeline forced Columbia Gulf to declare force
majeure because no gas was flowing through this portion of the pipeline system on Lines 100, 200
and 300 while a facility assessment was performed. As a result the current contractual
transportation agreements of 2.156 Bcf per day could not be met. By December 15, 2007 Lines 200
and 300 were returned to service and gas flow was restored to 2.0 Bcf per day on December 16, 2007.
On December 19, 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Corrective Action Order which
was applicable to Line 100 from the Rayne, LA Compressor Station to Leach, KY. The Order required
Columbia Gulf to develop a remedial work plan, which included assessments on Line 100 using in-line
inspection tools. The Order also required a 20% reduction in pressure on Line 100 from the Rayne
Compressor Station to the Corinth Compressor Station which resulted in a reduction in gas flow on
December 21, 2007 to 1.6 Bcf per day. The next day the capacity was increased to 1.75 Bcf per day.
Between December 22, 2007 and February 5, 2008 the capacity varied between 1.6 and 1.75 Bcf per day
as a result of remediation work on Line 100.
Columbia Gulf is continuing its remediation efforts with the goal of lifting the Corrective Action Order.
NiSource expects to recover a portion of the pipeline replacement costs plus business interruption
losses through insurance.
Over the course of the next 24 months, firm
transportation contracts of approximately 1.2 Bcf per day will expire and there is a risk some of
those may not be renewed due to the reduced system capabilities.
Sale of Granite State Gas
On February 15, 2008, NiSource reached a definitive agreement under which Unitil Corporation will
acquire NiSource subsidiaries Northern Utilities and Granite State Gas for $160 million plus net
working capital at the time of closing. Granite State Gas is an 86-mile FERC regulated gas
transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. In the first quarter of 2008,
NiSource began accounting for the operations of Granite State Gas as discontinued operations. As
such, net income of $0.3 million from continuing operations for Granite State Gas, which affected
the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment, was classified to net income from discontinued
operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and $0.3 million was reclassified for the
three months ended March 31, 2007. Refer to Note 6, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for
Sale, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Environmental Matters
Currently, various environmental matters impact the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations
segment. As of March 31, 2008, a reserve has been recorded to cover probable environmental
response actions. Refer to Note 15-C, Environmental Matters, in the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding environmental matters for
the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment.
59
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Transmission and Storage Operations (continued)
Restructuring
Payments made for all restructuring initiatives within Gas Transmission and Storage Operations
amounted to $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2008 and the restructuring liability remaining at
March 31, 2008 was $1.0 million. Refer to Note 4, Restructuring Activities, in the Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding restructuring
initiatives.
Throughput
Throughput for the Gas Transmission and Storage Operations segment totaled 499.4 MMDth for the
first quarter of 2008, compared to 455.6 MMDth for the same period in 2007. The increase of 43.8
MMDth is due primarily to incremental volumes transported from new interconnects along the Columbia
Gulf pipeline system.
Net Revenues
Net revenues were $231.3 million for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of $2.0 million from
the same period in 2007, primarily due to increased subscriptions for firm transportation services
of $5.1 million related to new interconnects along the Columbia Gulf pipeline system and deliveries
from the Hardy storage field as described above, partially offset by insurance proceeds from a
business interruption claim that improved last years results by $2.6 million.
Operating Income
Operating income was $104.8 million for the first quarter of 2008 compared to $106.6 million in the
first quarter of 2007. Increases in net revenues described above were more than offset by
increased operating expenses of $4.3 million. Operation and maintenance expenses increased as a
result of higher pipeline integrity management cost of approximately $2 million and increased
employee and administrative costs of $1.9 million. Employee and administrative costs include
payroll, benefits and higher corporate services costs, including costs associated with the amended
IBM Agreement.
60
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales revenues |
|
$ |
333.0 |
|
|
$ |
327.1 |
|
Less: Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) |
|
|
149.6 |
|
|
|
128.7 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
183.4 |
|
|
|
198.4 |
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
83.0 |
|
|
|
61.8 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
47.4 |
|
|
|
48.0 |
|
Other taxes |
|
|
14.6 |
|
|
|
15.6 |
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
145.0 |
|
|
|
125.4 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
38.4 |
|
|
$ |
73.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues ($ in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
86.9 |
|
|
|
93.0 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
78.4 |
|
|
|
89.8 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
143.0 |
|
|
|
129.0 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
Other |
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
333.0 |
|
|
|
327.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales (Gigawatt Hours) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
806.8 |
|
|
|
845.2 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
944.0 |
|
|
|
928.0 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
2,514.0 |
|
|
|
2,341.8 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
144.7 |
|
|
|
137.3 |
|
Other |
|
|
34.8 |
|
|
|
26.7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,444.3 |
|
|
|
4,279.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric Customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
400,452 |
|
|
|
398,493 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
52,920 |
|
|
|
52,199 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
2,499 |
|
|
|
2,512 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Other |
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
757 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
456,631 |
|
|
|
453,965 |
|
|
NiSource generates and distributes electricity, through its subsidiary Northern Indiana, to
approximately 457 thousand customers in 20 counties in the northern part of Indiana. The operating
results reflect the temperature-sensitive nature of customer demand with annual sales affected by
temperatures in the northern part of Indiana. As a result, segment operating income is generally
higher in the second and third quarters, reflecting cooling demand during the summer season.
Electric Supply
On November 1, 2007, Northern Indiana filed its bi-annual IRP with the IURC. The plan showed the
need to add approximately 1,000 mw of new capacity. Additionally, during November 2007, Northern
Indiana filed a CPCN as well as contracts to purchase power generated with renewable energy,
specifically with wind. The CPCN requested approval to purchase two CCGT power plants the
Whiting Clean Energy facility owned by PEI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource, and the Sugar
Creek facility located in west central Indiana and owned by LS Power Group.
On December 22, 2007, BPAE indicated it would exercise a contractual right of first refusal to
purchase the Whiting Clean Energy facility and subsequently signed a purchase agreement on April
18, 2008. As a result, on January 25, 2008, Northern Indiana filed an amended CPCN to address
just the Sugar Creek CCGT facility. The estimated cost
of the facility is $329 million. Northern Indiana is requesting the IURC to approve the purchase
by the second quarter of 2008. The FERC approved the purchase on February 27, 2008.
61
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations (continued)
Regulatory Matters
Significant Rate Developments. To settle a proceeding regarding Northern Indianas request to
recover intermediate dispatchable power costs, Northern Indiana has agreed to file an electric base
rate case on or before July 1, 2008.
During 2002, Northern Indiana settled certain regulatory matters related to an electric rate
review. On September 23, 2002, the IURC issued an order adopting most aspects of the settlement.
The order approving the settlement provides that electric customers of Northern Indiana will
receive bill credits of approximately $55.1 million each year. The credits will continue at
approximately the same annual level and per the same methodology, until the IURC enters a base rate
order that approves revised Northern Indiana electric rates. The order included a rate moratorium
that expired on July 31, 2006. The order also provides that 60% of any future earnings beyond a
specified earnings level will be retained by Northern Indiana. The revenue credit is calculated
based on electric usage; therefore, in times of high usage the credit may be more than $55.1
million. Credits amounting to $12.5 million and $13.7 million were recognized for electric
customers for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
MISO. As part of Northern Indianas participation in the MISO transmission service and wholesale
energy market, certain administrative fees and non-fuel costs have been incurred. IURC Orders have
been issued authorizing the deferral for consideration in a future rate case proceeding of the
administrative fees and certain non-fuel related costs incurred after Northern Indianas rate
moratorium, which expired on July 31, 2006. During the first quarter of 2008 non-fuel cost credits
of $0.9 million were deferred in accordance with the aforementioned orders. In addition,
administrative, FERC and other fees of $1.8 million were deferred. In the first quarter of 2008
and 2007, MISO costs of $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, were deferred.
On April 25, 2006, the FERC issued an order on the MISOs Transmission and Energy Markets Tariff,
stating that MISO had violated the tariff on several issues including not assessing revenue
sufficiency guarantee charges on virtual bids and offers and for charging revenue sufficiency
guarantee charges on imports. The FERC ordered MISO to perform a resettlement of these charges
back to the start of the Day 2 Market. The resettlement began on June 9, 2007 and ended in January
2008. Certain charge types included in the resettlement were originally considered to be non-fuel
and were recorded as regulatory assets, in accordance with previous IURC orders allowing deferral
of certain non-fuel MISO costs. During the fourth quarter 2007, based on precedent set by an IURC
ruling for another Indiana utility, Northern Indiana reclassified these charges, totaling $16.7
million, as fuel and included them in the fuel cost recovery mechanism in its latest FAC filing.
Prior to the hearing for FAC-78 on April 17, 2008, several intervenors objected to a portion of the
$16.7 million and Northern Indiana agreed to remove $7.6 million from the FAC filing. This amount
represents the portion of the resettlement costs related to periods prior to
December 9, 2005. The
$7.6 million was recorded as a reduction to net revenues in the first quarter of 2008.
On September 14, 2007, MISO filed a tariff with the FERC outlining the development of an ASM. The
ASM will allow participants to buy and sell operating reserves and regulation services that are
essential to reliability. The pricing of these markets will be optimized with the current energy
markets and MISO is targeting the start of the ASM for 2008. Northern Indiana is an active
stakeholder in the process used in designing, testing and implementing the ASM and in developing
the surrounding business practices. On January 18, 2008, Northern Indiana as part of a joint
petition to the IURC, filed a request to participate in ASM and seek approval of cost recovery
methodologies for associated costs. At this time, Northern Indiana is unable to determine what
impact the ASM will have on its operations or cash flows.
Cost Recovery and Trackers. A significant portion of the Northern Indianas revenue is related to
the recovery of fuel costs to generate power and the fuel costs related to purchased power. These
costs are recovered through a FAC, a standard, quarterly, summary regulatory proceeding in
Indiana.
On January 30, 2008, the IURC approved a settlement agreement which was reached in October 2007
with the OUCC, LaPorte County and a group of Northern Indiana industrial customers to resolve
questions relating to the costs paid by customers for power purchased by Northern Indiana versus
the amount of these costs absorbed by Northern Indiana. The terms of the settlement call for
Northern Indiana to make a one-time payment to resolve this question as it relates to power
purchased from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. The amount of the
62
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations (continued)
refund is set at $33.5 million and will be refunded February 2008 through July 2008. A reserve for
the entire amount was recorded in the third quarter of 2007. Northern Indiana implemented a new
benchmarking standard that will govern the allocation of costs for purchased power between
customers and Northern Indiana. The benchmark defines the price below which customers will pay for
power purchases and above which Northern Indiana must absorb a portion of the costs. The benchmark
is based upon the costs of power generated by a hypothetical natural gas fired CCGT using gas
purchased and delivered to Northern Indiana. Purchased power costs exceeding the benchmark
amounted to $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. These costs were not passed through to
customers, but were absorbed by Northern Indiana. This benchmark will likely result in Northern
Indiana absorbing some purchased power costs that will reduce net revenues during future periods.
The agreement also contemplates Northern Indiana adding generating capacity to its existing
portfolio. The benchmark will be adjusted as new capacity is added. The added generating capacity
will substantially reduce the amount of purchased power and mitigate the impact of the adjusted
benchmark. Further, the settling parties agreed to support Northern Indianas deferral and future
recovery of carrying costs and depreciation associated with the acquisition of new generating
facilities. In the approving order, the IURC dictated that, while the parties agreed to support
the deferral of costs mentioned above, the IURC would rule on such deferral in CPCN proceedings.
On November 1, 2007, Northern Indiana filed its bi-annual IRP with the IURC. The plan showed the
need to add approximately 1,000 mw of new capacity. Additionally, during November 2007, Northern
Indiana filed a CPCN as well as contracts to purchase power generated with renewable energy,
specifically with wind. The CPCN requested approval to purchase two CCGT power plants the
Whiting Clean Energy facility owned by PEI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource, and the Sugar
Creek facility located in west central Indiana and owned by LS Power Group. On December 22, 2007,
BPAE indicated it would exercise a contractual right of first refusal to purchase the Whiting Clean
Energy facility and subsequently signed a purchase agreement on April 18, 2008. As a result, on
January 25, 2008, Northern Indiana filed an amended CPCN to address just the Sugar Creek CCGT
facility. The estimated cost of the facility is $329 million. The CPCN hearing before the IURC
took place on March 25, 2008. Northern Indiana anticipates an order in May 2008. The FERC
approved the purchase on February 27, 2008.
On November 26, 2002, Northern Indiana received approval from the IURC for an ECT. Under the ECT,
Northern Indiana is permitted to recover (1) AFUDC and a return on the capital investment expended
by Northern Indiana to implement IDEMs NOx State Implementation Plan through an ECRM and (2)
related operation and maintenance and depreciation expenses once the environmental facilities
become operational through an EERM. Under the IURCs November 26, 2002 order, Northern Indiana is
permitted to submit filings on a semi-annual basis for the ECRM and on an annual basis for the
EERM. In December 2006, Northern Indiana filed a petition with the IURC for appropriate cost
treatment and recovery of emission control construction needed to address the Phase I CAIR
requirements of the Indiana Air Pollution Control Boards CAIR rules that became effective on
February 25, 2007. On July 3, 2007, Northern Indiana received an IURC order issuing a CPCN for the
CAIR and CAMR Phase I Compliance Plan Projects, estimated to cost approximately $23 million.
Northern Indiana will include the CAIR and CAMR Phase I Compliance Plan costs to be recovered in
the semi-annual and annual ECRM and EERM filing six months after construction costs begin. On
December 19, 2007, the IURC approved Northern Indianas latest compliance plan with the estimate of
$338.5 million. On April 2, 2008, IURC approved ECR-11 for $252.6 million in capital expenditures
(net of accumulated depreciation) and EER-5 for $14.1 million in expenses.
On January 9, 2008, the IURC established a procedural schedule to review the October 27, 2006 Joint
Petition of Indiana Gasification, LLC, Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana and Northern Indiana.
The petition seeks IURC approval for a coal gasification facility, the transportation of
electricity and SNG produced at the facility and the recovery of the cost incurred by the Joint
Petitioners. On March 27, 2008, Joint Petitioners filed a motion seeking to extend the March 31,
2008 deadline for direct testimony. The Joint Petitioners indicated that positive settlement talks
were underway regarding a purchase contract between Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana, Northern
Indiana and Indiana Gasification, LLC. Northern Indiana currently anticipates that the hearing
will occur in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Environmental Matters
Currently, various environmental matters impact the Electric Operations segment. As of March 31,
2008, a reserve has been recorded to cover probable environmental response actions. Refer to Note
15-C, Environmental Matters,
63
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations (continued)
in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding
environmental matters for the Electric Operations segment.
Sales
Electric Operations sales quantities for the first quarter of 2008 were 4,444.3 gwh, compared to
4,279.0 gwh in the first quarter of 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher industrial
volumes for the first three months of 2008 compared to the same period last year.
Net Revenues
In the first quarter of 2008, electric net revenues of $183.4 million decreased by $15.0 million
from the comparable 2007 period. This decrease was due to $11.4 million of non-recoverable
purchased power and non-recoverable MISO charges. Lower residential and commercial margins were
partially offset by higher industrial volumes and margins and increased wholesale margins.
Operating Income
Operating income for the first quarter of 2008 was $38.4 million, a decrease of $34.6 million from
the same period in 2007. The decrease in operating income was due to lower net revenues described
above and increased operating expenses of $19.6 million. Operating expenses increased primarily
due to higher employee and administrative costs of $13.3 million and higher electric generation and
maintenance expenses of $7.4 million. Part of the increase in employee and administrative costs
were due to adjustments that reduced benefit expenses by $5.7 million during 2007. Employee and
administrative costs include payroll, benefits and higher corporate services costs, including costs
associated with the amended IBM Agreement. The higher generation and maintenance expenses were
primarily attributable to a planned turbine and boiler maintenance and a generator overhaul.
64
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Other Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Products and services revenue |
|
$ |
359.3 |
|
|
$ |
321.7 |
|
Less: Cost of products purchased (excluding depreciation and amortization) |
|
|
352.1 |
|
|
|
313.5 |
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
Other taxes |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
Operating Income (Loss) |
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
The Other Operations segment participates in energy-related services including gas marketing, power
and gas risk management and ventures focused on distributed power generation technologies,
including a cogeneration facility, fuel cells and storage systems. PEI operates the Whiting Clean
Energy project at BPs Whiting, Indiana refinery, which is a 525 mw cogeneration facility that uses
natural gas to produce electricity for sale in the wholesale markets and also provides steam for
industrial use. Additionally, the Other Operations segment is involved in real estate and other
businesses.
PEI Holdings, Inc.
Whiting Clean Energy. On July 27, 2007, Whiting Clean Energy submitted a proposal in response to
the Northern Indiana-issued RFP 2008 Combined Cycle Request for Proposals. Whiting Clean Energy
was notified during October 2007 that its proposal to sell its facility was selected by Northern
Indiana based on a purchase price of $210 million. On December 22, 2007, BPAE offered to purchase
the facility under an exercised contractual right of first refusal triggered by Northern Indianas
offer to purchase the facility. The carrying amount of the Whiting Clean Energy facility was
approximately $270 million at December 31, 2007. On April 18, 2008, PEI reached an agreement with
BPAE to sell all of the outstanding stock of Whiting Clean Energy to BPAE for $210 million. The
agreement with BPAE contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and closing
conditions. NiSource anticipates the closing of the transaction to occur in the second or third
quarter of 2008, depending upon the timing of the satisfaction of closing conditions, including
required approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the termination of the waiting
period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
In the first quarter of 2008, NiSource began accounting for the operations of Whiting Clean Energy
as discontinued operations. As such, net income of $0.1 million from continuing operations was
classified to net income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008,
and a loss of $2.2 million was reclassified for the three months ended March 31, 2007. In the
first quarter of 2008, NiSource recorded an estimated after-tax loss of $32.5 million for the
disposition of these operations.
Lake Erie Land Company, Inc.
Lake Erie Land, which is wholly-owned by NiSource, is in the process of selling real estate over a
10-year period as a part of an agreement reached in June, 2006 with a private real estate
development group. Part of the sale transaction included the assets of the Sand Creek Golf Club,
and NiSource began accounting for the operations of the Sand Creek Golf Club as discontinued
operations at that time. NiSource estimates the property to be sold to the private developer
during the next twelve months and classifies these assets as assets of discontinued operations and
held for sale.
65
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Other Operations (continued)
NDC Douglas Properties
NDC Douglas Properties, a subsidiary of NiSource Development Company, is in the process of exiting
some of its low income housing investments. One of these investments was disposed of during 2007
and two other investments are expected to be sold or disposed of during 2008. NiSource has
accounted for the investments to be sold as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations and
held for sale.
Net Revenues
Net revenues of $7.2 million for the first quarter of 2008 decreased by $1.0 million from the first
quarter of 2007, as a result of decreased commercial and industrial gas marketing revenues.
Operating Loss
Other Operations reported an operating loss of $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, versus
operating income of $0.2 million for the comparable 2007 period. The operating loss resulted
primarily from decreased net revenues described above.
66
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
NiSource Inc.
For a discussion regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Market
Risk Disclosures.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
NiSources chief executive officer and its principal financial officer, after evaluating the
effectiveness of NiSources disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), have concluded based on the evaluation required by paragraph (b) of
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 that, as of the end of the period covered by this report,
NiSources disclosure controls and procedures are considered ineffective due to the ongoing
remediation of the material weakness described below.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, Northern Indiana detected an error in its unbilled revenue
calculation and revised its estimate for unbilled electric and gas revenues. Over a period of
several years, Northern Indiana used incorrect customer usage data to calculate its unbilled
revenue and effective controls from both a design and operating effectiveness perspective were not
in place to ensure the adequate calculation and recording of unbilled revenues. As a result, this
correction reduced net revenues by $25.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The unbilled
revenue estimates were never billed to customers. This error resulted in a material weakness and
internal controls were determined to be ineffective for the fourth quarter of 2007.
Changes in Internal Controls
During the first quarter of 2008, management has designed and implemented internal controls to
ensure the adequate calculation and recording of Northern Indianas unbilled revenues. Management
is still in the process of performing operating effectiveness testing which will be completed in
the second quarter of 2008, at which time management is confident that the material weakness will
be remediated and internal controls will be effective.
Other than the internal control changes referenced above, there have been no other changes in
NiSources internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal period covered by this
report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, NiSources internal control
over financial reporting.
67
PART II
ITEM
1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
NiSource Inc.
1. |
|
Stand Energy Corporation, et al. v. Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, et al., Kanawha
County Court, West Virginia |
On July 14, 2004, Stand Energy Corporation filed a complaint in Kanawha County Court in West
Virginia. The complaint contains allegations against various NiSource companies, including
Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf, and asserts that those companies and certain select
shippers engaged in an illegal gas scheme that constituted a breach of contract and
violated state law. The illegal gas scheme complained of by the plaintiffs relates to the
Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf gas imbalance transactions that were the subject of
the FERC enforcement staff investigation and subsequent settlement approved in October 2000.
Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf filed a Motion to Dismiss on September 10, 2004. In
October 2004, however, the plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Complaint, which clarified
the identity of some of the select shipper defendants and added a federal antitrust cause of
action. To address the issues raised in the Second Amended Complaint, the Columbia companies
revised their briefs in support of the previously filed motions to dismiss. In June 2005, the
Court granted in part and denied in part the Columbia companies motion to dismiss the Second
Amended Complaint. The Columbia companies have filed an answer to the Second Amended
Complaint. On December 1, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a motion to certify this case as a class
action. The Columbia companies filed their opposition to this motion in March 2008; this
issue has now been fully briefed, and is awaiting a decision by the Court. Discovery
continues on the merits.
2. |
|
United States of America ex rel. Jack J. Grynberg v. Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation,
et al., U.S. District Court, E.D. Louisiana |
The plaintiff filed a complaint in 1995, under the False Claims Act, on behalf of the United
States of America, against approximately seventy pipelines, including Columbia Gulf and
Columbia Transmission. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants had submitted false royalty
reports to the government by mismeasuring natural gas produced on Federal land and Indian
lands. The Plaintiffs original complaint was dismissed without prejudice for misjoinder of
parties and for failing to plead fraud with specificity. In 1997, the plaintiff filed over
sixty-five new False Claims Act complaints against over 330 defendants in numerous Federal
courts. One of those complaints was filed in the Federal District Court for the Eastern
District of Louisiana against Columbia and thirteen affiliated entities (collectively, the
Columbia defendants). This complaint repeats the mismeasurement claims previously made and
adds valuation claims alleging that the defendants undervalued natural gas for royalty
purposes in various ways, including sales to affiliated entities at artificially low prices.
This case was transferred, along with most of the other new Grynberg cases, to Federal court
in Wyoming in 1999.
On October 20, 2006, the Federal District Court issued an Order granting the Columbia
defendants motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The Plaintiff has
appealed the dismissal of the Columbia defendants.
3. |
|
Tawney, et al. v. Columbia Natural Resources, Inc., Roane County, WV Circuit Court |
The Plaintiffs, who are West Virginia landowners, filed a lawsuit in early 2003 against CNR
alleging that CNR underpaid royalties on gas produced on their land by improperly deducting
post-production costs and not paying a fair value for the gas. In December 2004, the court
granted plaintiffs motion to add NiSource and Columbia as defendants. Plaintiffs also
claimed that the defendants fraudulently concealed the deduction of post-production charges.
The court certified the case as a class action that includes any person who, after July 31,
1990, received or
is due royalties from CNR (and its predecessors or successors) on lands lying within the
boundary of the state of West Virginia. All claims by the government of the United States are
excluded from the class. Although NiSource sold CNR in 2003, NiSource remains obligated to
manage this litigation and for the majority of any damages ultimately awarded to the
plaintiffs. On January 27, 2007, the jury hearing the case returned a verdict against all
defendants in the amount of $404.3 million; this is comprised of $134.3 million in
compensatory damages and $270
68
ITEM
1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
million in punitive damages. In January 2008, the Defendants filed their petition for appeal, and
on March 24, 2008, the Defendants filed their amended petition for appeal with the West
Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which may or may not accept the appeal. NiSource has not
established a reserve for the punitive damages portion of the verdict.
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John Thacker, et al. v. Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C., U.S. District Court, E.D. Kentucky |
On February 8, 2007, Plaintiff filed this purported class action, alleging that Chesapeake
Appalachia, L.L.C. (Chesapeake) has failed to pay royalty owners the correct amounts
pursuant to the provisions of their oil and gas leases covering real property located within
the state of Kentucky. Columbia has assumed the defense of Chesapeake in this matter pursuant
to the provisions of the Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 3, 2003, among Columbia,
NiSource, and Triana Energy Holding, Inc., Chesapeakes predecessor in interest. Plaintiffs
filed an amended complaint on March 19, 2007, which, among other things, added NiSource and
Columbia as defendants. On March 31, 2008, the Court denied the Defendants Motions to
Dismiss; the Defendants filed their answers to the complaint on April 25, 2008.
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Environmental Protection Agency Notice of Violation |
On September 29, 2004, the EPA issued an NOV to Northern Indiana for alleged violations of the
Clean Air Act and the Indiana SIP. The NOV alleges that modifications were made to certain
boiler units at three of Northern Indianas generating stations between the years of 1985 and
1995 without obtaining appropriate air permits for the modifications. Northern Indiana is
currently in discussions with the EPA regarding possible resolutions to this NOV.
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Proposed Consent Order and Agreement |
On February 21, 2007, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provided
representatives of Columbia Transmission with a proposed Consent Order and Agreement covering
an unmanned equipment storage site located in rural southwest Pennsylvania. The site in
question is also subject to the EPAs Administrative Order by Consent (Refer to Note 18-E,
Environmental Matters, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information regarding the Administrative Order by Consent). Pursuant to that
order, Columbia Transmission has submitted a remediation plan to the EPA and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection. The EPA has approved the remediation plan and
discussions are ongoing with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regarding
the proposed remediation. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections proposed
order alleges that Columbia Transmission has violated the states Clean Streams Act and Solid
Waste Management Act by discharging petroleum products onto the property and into the waters
of the state. In addition to requiring remediation and monitoring activities at the site, the
state has proposed penalties for these violations. Columbia Transmission plans to engage in
further discussions with the agency regarding the proposed order, including the rationale for
the proposed penalty.
69
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
NiSource Inc.
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in NiSources 2007 Form 10-K filed
on March 5, 2008.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
70
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
NiSource Inc.
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Certification of Robert C. Skaggs, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. * |
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(31.2) |
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Certification of Michael W. ODonnell, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. * |
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(32.1) |
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Certification of Robert C. Skaggs, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). * |
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(32.2) |
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Certification of Michael W. ODonnell, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). * |
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Exhibit filed herewith. |
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, NiSource hereby agrees to furnish the SEC, upon
request, any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of NiSource not filed as
an exhibit herein. No such instrument authorizes long-term debt securities in excess of 10% of the
total assets of NiSource and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
71
SIGNATURE
NiSource Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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NiSource Inc.
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(Registrant) |
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Date: May 2, 2008
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By:
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/s/ Jeffrey W. Grossman |
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Jeffrey W. Grossman |
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Vice President and Controller |
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(Principal Accounting Officer |
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and Duly Authorized Officer) |
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72