UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
X |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF |
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THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 |
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF |
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THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period
from ................... to .................................................................
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Exact name of registrants as specified in |
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Commission |
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their charters, address of principal executive |
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IRS Employer |
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File Number |
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offices, zip code and telephone number |
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Identification Number |
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1-14465 |
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IDACORP, Inc. |
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82-0505802 |
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1-3198 |
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Idaho Power Company |
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82-0130980 |
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1221 W. Idaho Street |
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Boise, ID 83702-5627 |
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(208) 388-2200 |
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State of incorporation: Idaho |
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Websites: www.idacorpinc.com and www.idahopower.com |
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Name of exchange on |
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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: |
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which registered |
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IDACORP, Inc.: |
Common Stock, without par value |
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New York |
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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: |
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Idaho Power Company: |
Preferred Stock |
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Indicate by check mark
whether the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405
of the Securities Act.
IDACORP, Inc. |
Yes |
( X ) |
No |
( ) |
Idaho Power Company |
Yes |
( ) |
No |
( X ) |
Indicate by check mark if the
registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d) of the Act.
IDACORP, Inc. |
Yes |
( ) |
No |
( X ) |
Idaho Power Company |
Yes |
( ) |
No |
( X ) |
Indicate by check mark
whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file
such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the
past 90 days.
Yes ( X ) No ( )
Indicate by check mark if
disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants
knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (X
)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large
accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or smaller
reporting companies.
IDACORP, Inc.: |
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Large accelerated |
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Accelerated |
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Non-accelerated |
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Smaller reporting |
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filer |
( X ) |
filer |
( ) |
filer |
( ) |
company |
( ) |
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Idaho Power Company: |
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Large accelerated |
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Accelerated |
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Non-accelerated |
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Smaller reporting |
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filer |
( ) |
filer |
( ) |
filer |
( X ) |
company |
( ) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell
companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
IDACORP, Inc. |
Yes |
( ) |
No |
( X ) |
Idaho Power Company |
Yes |
( ) |
No |
( X ) |
Aggregate market value of voting
and non-voting common stock held by nonaffiliates (June 30, 2008):
IDACORP, Inc.: |
$1,299,654,720 |
Idaho Power Company: |
None |
Number of shares of common
stock outstanding at January 31, 2009:
IDACORP, Inc.: |
46,909,973 |
Idaho Power Company: |
39,150,812 all held by IDACORP, Inc. |
Documents Incorporated by Reference: |
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Part III, Items 10 - 14 |
Portions of IDACORP, Inc.s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to |
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Regulation 14A for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on |
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May 21, 2009. |
This combined Form 10-K
represents separate filings by IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company.
Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by
that registrant on its own behalf. Idaho Power Company makes no representation
as to the information relating to IDACORP, Inc.s other operations.
Idaho Power Company meets the
conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and
is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.
COMMONLY USED TERMS |
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AFUDC |
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Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
APCU |
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Annual Power Cost Update |
Cal ISO |
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California Independent System Operator |
CalPX |
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California Power Exchange |
CAMP |
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Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan |
CO2 |
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Carbon Dioxide |
cfs |
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Cubic feet per second |
EIS |
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Environmental impact statement |
EPS |
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Earnings per share |
ESA |
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Endangered Species Act |
ESPA |
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Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer |
FASB |
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Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC |
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FIN |
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Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation |
Fitch |
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Fitch, Inc. |
FPA |
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Federal Power Act |
GAAP |
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
HCC |
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Hells Canyon Complex |
Ida-West |
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Ida-West Energy, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IDWR |
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Idaho Department of Water Resources |
IE |
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IDACORP Energy, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IERCo |
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Idaho Energy Resources Co., a subsidiary of Idaho Power Company |
IFS |
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IDACORP Financial Services, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IPC |
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Idaho Power Company, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IPUC |
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission |
IRP |
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Integrated Resource Plan |
IWRB |
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Idaho Water Resource Board |
kW |
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Kilowatt |
LGAR |
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Load Growth Adjustment Rate |
maf |
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Million acre feet |
MD&A |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Moodys |
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Moodys Investors Service |
MW |
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Megawatt |
MWh |
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Megawatt-hour |
NOx |
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Nitrogen Oxide |
NWRFC |
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National Weather Service Northwest River Forecast Center |
O&M |
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Operations and Maintenance |
OATT |
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Open Access Transmission Tariff |
OPUC |
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Oregon Public Utility Commission |
PCA |
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Power Cost Adjustment |
PCAM |
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Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism |
PURPA |
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Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 |
RH BART |
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Regional Haze - Best Available Retrofit Technology |
RFP |
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Request for Proposal |
S&P |
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Standard & Poors Ratings Services |
SFAS |
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Statement of Financial Accounting Standards |
SO2 |
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Sulfur Dioxide |
SRBA |
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Snake River Basin Adjudication |
Valmy |
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North Valmy Steam Electric Generating Plant |
VIEs |
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Variable Interest Entities |
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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Page |
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Part I |
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Business |
1-10 |
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Risk Factors |
10-14 |
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Unresolved Staff Comments |
14 |
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Properties |
14-15 |
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Legal Proceedings |
15 |
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Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
16 |
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Executive Officers of the Registrants |
16-17 |
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Part II |
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Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder |
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Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
17-19 |
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Selected Financial Data |
19 |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and |
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Results of Operations |
20-66 |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
66-67 |
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
68-123 |
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Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and |
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Financial Disclosure |
123 |
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Controls and Procedures |
123-128 |
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Other Information |
128 |
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Part III |
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Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance* |
128 |
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Executive Compensation* |
128 |
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related |
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Stockholder Matters* |
128-129 |
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence* |
129 |
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services* |
129-130 |
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Part IV |
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Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
130-142 |
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143-144 |
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*Except as indicated in Item 12, IDACORP, Inc. information is incorporated by reference to IDACORP, |
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Inc.s definitive proxy statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. |
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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established
by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements should be read with the cautionary statements and important factors
included in this Form 10-K at Part II, Item 7- Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than
statements of historical fact, including without limitation those that are
identified by the use of the words anticipates, believes, estimates, expects,
intends, plans, predicts, projects, may result, may continue, or
similar expressions.
PART I - IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW:
IDACORP, Inc. (IDACORP) is a
holding company formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is Idaho
Power Company (IPC). IDACORP is subject to the provisions of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, which provides certain access to books and
records to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state utility
regulatory commissions and imposes certain record retention and reporting
requirements on IDACORP.
IPC is an electric utility
engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale and purchase of
electric energy and is regulated by the FERC and the state regulatory
commissions of Idaho and Oregon. IPC is the parent of Idaho Energy Resources
Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company (Bridger Coal), which
supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by IPC.
IDACORPs other subsidiaries
include:
IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments;
Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West), an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA); and
IDACORP Energy (IE), a marketer of
energy commodities, which wound down operations in 2003.
IDACORPs strategy emphasizes
IPC as IDACORPs core business. Although growth in number of customers slowed
in 2008, IPC is experiencing customer growth in its service area and must be
prepared to meet customers electricity needs in the future. IPC must make
investments in infrastructure to ensure adequate electricity supply and
reliable service. IPCs regulatory efforts have resulted in finalizing the
2007 general rate case and receiving an order in the 2008 general rate case.
IPC continues to make efforts to speed recovery of the financial and operating
costs of new facilities and system improvements. IFS and Ida-West remain
components of the corporate strategy.
On July 20, 2006, IDACORP
completed the sale of all of the outstanding common stock of IDACORP
Technologies, Inc. to IdaTech UK Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investec
Group Investments (UK) Limited, and on February 23, 2007, IDACORP completed the
sale of all of the outstanding common stock of IDACOMM, Inc. to American Fiber
Systems, Inc. IDACORPs consolidated financial statements reflect the
reclassification of the results of these businesses as discontinued operations
for all periods presented. Discontinued operations are discussed in more
detail in Note 16 to IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2008, IDACORP
had 2,073 full-time employees, 2,057 of which were employed by IPC.
IDACORPs only reportable
business segment is IPC, which contributed $94 million to income from
continuing operations in 2008.
1
IDACORP and IPC make
available free of charge their Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports
filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are
electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission, through IDACORPs website at www.idacorpinc.com and through a link
to the IDACORP website from the IPC website at www.idahopower.com.
UTILITY OPERATIONS:
IPC was incorporated under
the laws of the state of Idaho in 1989 as successor to a Maine corporation
organized in 1915. IPCs service territory covers approximately 24,000 square
miles in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, with an estimated population of
approximately one million. IPC holds franchises in 71 cities in Idaho and nine
cities in Oregon and holds certificates from the respective public utility
regulatory authorities to serve all or a portion of 25 counties in Idaho and
three counties in Oregon. As of December 31, 2008, IPC supplied electric
energy to approximately 487,000 general business customers.
IPC is one of the nations
few investor-owned utilities with a predominantly hydroelectric generating
base. IPC owns and operates 17 hydroelectric generation developments, two
natural gas-fired plants and one diesel-powered generator and shares ownership
in three coal-fired generating plants. These generating plants and their
capacities are listed in Item 2 - Properties. IPCs coal-fired plants are in
Wyoming, Oregon and Nevada, and use low-sulfur coal from Wyoming and Utah.
The primary influences on
electricity sales are weather, customer growth and economic conditions.
Extreme temperatures increase sales to customers who use electricity for
cooling and heating, and moderate temperatures decrease sales. Increased
precipitation levels during the agricultural growing season reduce electricity
sales to customers who use electricity to operate irrigation pumps.
Variations in weather,
customer growth and economic conditions also impact power supply costs.
Drought conditions and customer growth cause a greater reliance on more
expensive thermal generation and purchased power to meet load requirements.
Favorable hydroelectric generation conditions increase production at IPCs
hydroelectric generating facilities, and reduce the need for more expensive
thermal generation and purchased power. Changes in economic conditions can
also affect the price of commodities, including fuel costs, which may impact
power supply costs.
IPCs principal commercial
and industrial customers are involved in food processing, electronics and
general manufacturing, forest products, beet sugar refining and winter
recreation. On January 26, 2009, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC)
granted authority to temporarily amend IPCs electric service agreement with
one of its largest customers for the period January 1, 2009, through June 30,
2009, to provide the customer flexibility in restructuring its operations.
This amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on IPCs earnings.
On September 17, 2008, IPC
entered into an electric service agreement with a new customer, Hoku Materials,
Inc. (Hoku), to provide electric service to Hokus polysilicon production
facility under construction in Pocatello, Idaho. The initial term of the agreement
is four years beginning June 1, 2009, with automatic annual renewal after June
1, 2013 unless either party gives 12 months prior written notice of termination.
The agreement provides for a maximum demand obligation during the initial term
of 82 megawatts (MW). After June 1, 2013, Hoku may increase or decrease its
total demand to between 25 MW and 175 MW. The agreement was submitted to the
IPUC for approval in October 2008.
Regulation
IPC is under the regulatory jurisdiction (as to rates, service, accounting and
other general matters of utility operation) of the FERC, the IPUC and the
Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). IPC is also under the regulatory
jurisdiction of the IPUC, the OPUC and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming
as to the issuance of debt and equity securities. IPCs retail rates are
established under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory commissions (see Rates
below). Pursuant to the requirements of Section 210 of PURPA, the state
regulatory commissions have each issued orders and rules regulating IPCs
purchase of power from cogeneration and small power production (CSPP)
facilities.
2
IPC is subject to
the provisions of the Federal Power Act as a public utility and as a licensee
as therein defined and is subject to regulation by the FERC. The Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (Energy Act) granted the FERC increased statutory authority to
implement mandatory transmission and reliability standards, as well as enhanced
oversight of power and transmission markets, including protection against
market manipulation. As a licensee under Part I of the FPA, IPC and its
licensed hydroelectric projects are subject to conditions set forth in the FPA
and related FERC regulations. These conditions and regulations include
provisions relating to condemnation of a project upon payment of just
compensation, amortization of project investment from excess project earnings,
possible takeover of a project after expiration of its license upon payment of
net investment, severance damages and other matters.
As a public utility under Part II of the FPA, IPC has
authority to charge market-based rates for wholesale energy sales under its
FERC tariff and to provide transmission services under its Open Access
Transmission Tariff (OATT).
The state of
Oregon has a Hydroelectric Act providing for licensing of hydroelectric
projects in that state. IPCs Brownlee, Oxbow and Hells Canyon facilities are
on the Snake River where it forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon and
occupy lands in both states. With respect to project property located in
Oregon, these facilities are subject to the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. IPC has
obtained Oregon licenses for these facilities and these licenses are not in
conflict with the FPA or IPCs FERC licenses (see Part II, Item 7 - MD&A -
REGULATORY MATTERS - Relicensing of Hydroelectric Projects).
Rates
The rates IPC charges to its general
business customers are determined by the IPUC and the OPUC. Approximately 95
percent of IPCs general business revenue comes from customers in Idaho. IPC
has a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) mechanism that provides for annual
adjustments to the rates charged to its Idaho retail customers. The PCA tracks
IPCs actual net power supply costs (fuel and purchased power less off-system
sales) and compares these amounts to net power supply costs currently being
recovered in retail rates. Prior to February 1, 2009, approximately 90 percent
of the difference between the actual and forecasted costs was deferred with
interest. Beginning on February 1, 2009, this percentage was increased to 95
percent.
IPC also has a power cost
recovery mechanism in Oregon with two components that became effective June 1,
2008. The annual power cost update (APCU) allows IPC to recover excess net
power supply costs in a more timely fashion than through the previous deferral
process because it reestablishes base net power supply costs annually. The
power cost adjustment mechanism (PCAM) provides for 90 percent customer sharing
of deviations in actual net power supply costs from those included in the APCU
if the deviations are outside of prescribed ranges and IPC meets a return-on-equity
test.
The rates IPC charges to its
transmission customers are determined by the FERC. IPCs OATT is a formula
rate, which allows for transmission rates to be revised each year based on financial
and operational data IPC is required to file annually with the FERC in its Form
1.
Significant rate cases and
proceedings are discussed in more detail in Part II, Item 7 - MD&A -
REGULATORY MATTERS.
Power Supply
IPC meets its system load
requirements using a combination of its own generation, mandated purchases from
private developers (see CSPP Purchases below) and purchases from other
utilities and power wholesalers. IPCs generating plants and capacities are
listed in Item 2 - Properties.
IPCs system is dual peaking,
with the larger peak demand occurring in the summer. The all-time system peak
demand is 3,214 MW, set on June 30, 2008. The previous hourly system peak of
3,193 MW was set July 13, 2007. The all-time winter peak demand is 2,464 MW
set on January 24, 2008. The previous hourly system winter peak of 2,459 MW
was set in 1998. Including the expected impact of the Hoku electric service
agreement, IPC expects total system average load to grow 2.6 percent annually
over the next three years.
3
Because
of its reliance on hydroelectric generation, IPCs generation operations can be
significantly affected by water conditions. The availability of hydroelectric
power depends on the amount of snow pack in the mountains upstream of IPCs
hydroelectric facilities, reservoir storage, springtime snow pack run-off,
river base flows, spring flows, rainfall and other weather and stream flow
management considerations. During low water years, when stream flows into IPCs
hydroelectric projects are reduced, IPCs hydroelectric generation is reduced.
This results in less generation from IPCs resource portfolio (hydroelectric,
coal-fired and gas-fired) available for off-system sales and, most likely, an
increased use of purchased power to meet load requirements. Both of these
situations - a reduction in off-system sales and an increased use of more
expensive purchased power - result in increased power supply costs.
The
following table presents IPCs system generation for the last three years:
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MWh |
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Percent of total generation |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(thousands of MWhs) |
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Hydroelectric |
6,908 |
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6,181 |
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9,207 |
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48% |
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46% |
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57% |
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Thermal |
7,496 |
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7,367 |
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7,021 |
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52% |
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54% |
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43% |
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Total system generation |
14,404 |
|
13,548 |
|
16,228 |
|
100% |
|
100% |
|
100% |
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Under
normal stream flow conditions, IPCs system generation mix is approximately 55
percent hydroelectric and 45 percent thermal.
Stream flow conditions improved slightly in 2008
resulting in an increase of 0.7 million MWh generated from IPCs hydroelectric
facilities as compared to 2007. The observed stream flow data released in
August 2008 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwest Division indicated
that Brownlee reservoir inflow for April through July 2008 was 4.4 million acre-feet
(maf), or 70 percent of the National Weather Service Northwest River Forecast
Center (NWRFC) average, compared to 2.8 maf, or 44 percent of the NWRFC average,
in 2007.
Storage in selected federal
reservoirs upstream of Brownlee as of February 11, 2009, was 110 percent of
average. The stream flow forecast released on February 20, 2009, by the NWRFC
predicts that Brownlee reservoir inflow for April through July 2009 will be 3.3
maf, or 53 percent of the NWRFC average.
IPCs generating facilities
are interconnected through its integrated transmission system and are operated
on a coordinated basis to achieve maximum load-carrying capability and
reliability. IPCs transmission system is directly interconnected with the
transmission systems of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Avista
Corporation, PacifiCorp, NorthWestern Energy and NV Energy (formerly Sierra
Pacific Power Company). Such interconnections, coupled with transmission line
capacity made available under agreements with some of the above entities,
permit the interchange, purchase and sale of power among all major electric
systems in the west. IPC is a member of the Western Electricity Coordinating
Council, the Western Systems Power Pool, the Northwest Power Pool, the Northern
Tier Transmission Group, and the North American Energy Standards Board. These
groups have been formed to more efficiently coordinate transmission reliability
and planning throughout the western grid. See Competition - Wholesale below.
Fuel: IPC, through its subsidiary IERCo, owns a one-third
interest in Bridger Coal, which owns the Jim Bridger mine that supplies coal to
the Jim Bridger generating plant (one-third owned by IPC) in Wyoming. The
mine, located near the Jim Bridger plant, operates under a long-term sales
agreement that provides for delivery of coal over a 51-year period ending in
2024 from surface, high-wall, and underground sources. The Jim Bridger mine
has sufficient reserves to provide coal deliveries for the term of the sales
agreement. IPC also has a coal supply contract providing for annual deliveries
of coal through 2014 from the Black Butte Coal Companys Black Butte and
Leucite Hills mines located near the Jim Bridger plant. This contract
supplements the Bridger Coal deliveries and provides another coal supply to
operate the Jim Bridger plant. The Jim Bridger plants rail load-in facility
and unit coal train allow the plant to take advantage of potentially lower-cost
coal from other mines for tonnage requirements above established contract
minimums.
4
The
Bridger Coal mine experienced difficulties in meeting its production volume and
operating cost goals during early 2008. The problems stemmed from soft floor
and roof stability issues that began in late December 2007 in the underground
longwall mining operation (longwall). The impact on December 2007 production
was relatively minor; however the problems persisted and January 2008
production volume was approximately 20 percent of forecast. Bridger Coals
overall 2008 production and cost objectives were achieved by modifying the
surface mine operation plan to offset the underground mining difficulties and
by purchasing additional Black Butte coal. As of year-end 2008, the longwall
was operating at normal production levels. IPC anticipates that budgeted
production from both the underground and surface operations will be achieved in
2009.
NV Energy, as operator of the North Valmy generating plant, has an agreement
with Arch Coal Sales Company, Inc. to supply coal to the plant through 2011.
As a 50 percent owner of the plant, IPC is obligated to purchase one-half of
the coal, ranging from 515,000 tons to 762,500 tons annually. NV Energy also
has a coal supply contract with Black Butte Coal Companys Black Butte Mine for
deliveries through 2009. IPC is obligated to purchase one-half of the coal
purchased under this agreement, ranging from 450,000 to 600,000 tons annually.
The Boardman generating plant
receives coal from the Powder River Basin through annual contracts. Portland
General Electric, as operator of the Boardman plant, had an agreement with
Buckskin Mining Company to supply all of Boardmans coal requirements through
2008 and has entered into a contract with Foundation Energy Sales, Inc. to
supply coal from 2009 through 2011. As a ten percent owner of the plant, IPC
is obligated to purchase ten percent of the coal purchased under these
agreements, which ranged from 230,000 to 270,000 tons annually under the
Buckskin agreement and ranges from 87,500 to 211,000 tons annually under the
Foundation Energy Sales contract. The Boardman partners are in the process of
securing contracts for additional coal tonnage that will be needed in 2010 and
2011.
IPC owns and operates the
Danskin and Bennett Mountain combustion turbines, which are supplied gas
through Northwest Pipeline GPs pipeline. Gas is purchased as needs are identified
for summer peaks or to meet system requirements. The gas is transported under
a long-term agreement with Northwest Pipeline GP for 24,523 million British
thermal units (MMBtu) per day. This agreement runs through February 28, 2022,
with annual extensions at IPCs sole discretion. IPC also has the ability to
flow a total of 73,569 MMBtu on an alternate firm basis without incurring a
reservation charge on the additional amount. IPC also has entered into an
agreement with Northwest Pipeline GP for 22,000 MMBtu per day of gas
transport. Gas transmission will begin November 1, 2012 and run through
November 30, 2027. In addition to this agreement, IPC has entered into a long-term
agreement with Northwest Pipeline GP for 131,453 MMBtu of total storage capacity
at the Jackson Prairie Storage Project located in Lewis County, Washington. As
the project is developed, storage capacity will be phased into service and
allocated to IPC on a monthly basis. IPCs current storage allotment is
approximately 33 percent of its total, and its full allotment is expected to be
reached by January 2011. The firm storage contract extends through November 1,
2043, with bilateral termination rights at the end of the contract. Storage
gas will be purchased and stored with the intent of fulfilling needs as
identified for summer peaks or to meet system requirements.
Water Rights: Except as discussed below, IPC has acquired water
rights under applicable state law for all waters used in its hydroelectric
generating facilities. In addition, IPC holds water rights for domestic,
irrigation, commercial and other necessary purposes related to other land and
facility holdings within the state. The exercise and use of all of these water
rights are subject to prior rights, and with respect to certain hydroelectric
generating facilities, IPCs water rights for power generation are subordinated
to certain future upstream diversions of water for irrigation and other
recognized consumptive uses.
Over time, increased
irrigation development and other consumptive diversions have resulted in a
reduction in the stream flows available to fulfill IPCs water rights at
certain hydroelectric generating facilities. In reaction to these reductions,
IPC initiated and continues to pursue a course of action to determine and
protect its water rights. As part of this process, IPC and the state of Idaho
signed the Swan Falls agreement on October 25, 1984, which provided a level of
protection for IPCs hydropower water rights at specified plants by setting
minimum stream flows and establishing an administrative process governing the
future development of water rights that may affect IPCs hydroelectric
generation. In 1987, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, House
Bill 519. This legislation permitted implementation of the Swan Falls
agreement and further provided that during the remaining term of certain of IPCs
project licenses the relationship established by the agreement would not be
considered by the FERC as being inconsistent with the terms of IPCs project
licenses or imprudent for the purposes of determining rates under Section 205
of the FPA. The FERC entered an order implementing the legislation on March
25, 1988.
5
In addition to providing for
the protection of IPCs hydroelectric water rights, the Swan Falls agreement
contemplated the initiation of a general adjudication of all water uses within
the Snake River basin. In 1987, the director of the Idaho Department of Water
Resources filed a petition in state district court asking that the court
adjudicate all claims to water rights, whether based on state or federal law,
within the Snake River basin. The court signed a commencement order initiating
the Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA) on November 19, 1987. This legal
proceeding was authorized by state statute based upon a determination by the
Idaho Legislature that the effective management of the waters of the Snake
River basin required a comprehensive determination of the nature, extent and
priority of all water uses within the basin. The adjudication is proceeding
and is expected to continue for at least the next several years. IPC has filed
claims to its water rights within the basin and is actively participating in
the adjudication in an effort to ensure that its water rights and the operation
of its hydroelectric facilities are not adversely impacted. In certain
instances, the adjudication of water rights in the SRBA results in the
initiation of litigation, called subcases, to determine the scope and nature of
a particular water right. IPC is involved in subcases involving not only its
water rights but also the water rights of other claimants. One such subcase
involves IPCs water rights at the Swan Falls project on the Snake River and
several other upstream hydroelectric projects that are the subject of the Swan
Falls Agreement. IPC also has initiated legal action against the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation (USBR) over the interpretation and effect of a 1923 contract
with the USBR on the operation of the American Falls Reservoir and the release
of water from that reservoir to be used at IPCs downstream hydroelectric
projects.
Please see further discussion
in Part II, Item 7 - MD&A - LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - Environmental
Issues - Idaho Water Management Issues and MD&A - REGULATORY MATTERS -
Relicensing of Hydroelectric Projects.
Integrated Resource Plan
(IRP): IPC filed its 2006 Integrated
Resource Plan (IRP) with the IPUC in September 2006 and with the OPUC in
October 2006. The 2006 IRP previewed IPCs load and resource situation for the
next twenty years, analyzed potential supply-side and demand-side options and
identified near-term and long-term actions.
The two primary goals of the
2006 IRP were to (1) identify sufficient resources to reliably serve the
growing demand for electric service within IPCs service area throughout the 20-year
planning period and (2) ensure that the portfolio of resources selected
balances cost, risk and environmental concerns.
The IPUC accepted the 2006
IRP in March 2007 and the OPUC acknowledged the 2006 IRP in September 2007.
With its acceptance of the 2006 IRP, the IPUC requested that IPC align the
submittal of its next IRP with those submitted by other Idaho utilities. To
comply with this request, IPC provided an update on the status of the 2006 IRP
to both the IPUC and OPUC in June 2008. An IRP Addendum was also filed with
the OPUC in February 2009 to address the need for the Boardman to Hemingway
Transmission Project. IPC is currently preparing the 2009 IRP, which is
scheduled to be completed in June 2009. Please see further discussion in Part
II - Item 7 - MD&A - REGULATORY MATTERS - Integrated Resource Plan.
CSPP Purchases: As
mandated by PURPA and the adoption of avoided cost rates by the IPUC and the
OPUC, IPC has entered into contracts for the purchase of energy from a number
of private developers. Under these contracts, IPC is required to purchase all
of the output from the facilities located inside its service territory. For
projects located outside its service territory, IPC is required to purchase the
output that it has the ability to receive at the facilitys requested point of
delivery on the IPC system. The IPUC jurisdictional portion of the costs
associated with CSPP contracts are fully recovered through base rates and the
PCA. For IPUC jurisdictional contracts, projects that generate up to ten
average MW of energy monthly are eligible for IPUC Published Avoided Costs for
up to a 20-year contract term. The OPUC jurisdictional portion of the costs
associated with CSPP contracts is recovered through general rate case filings.
For OPUC jurisdictional contracts, projects with a nameplate rating of up to
ten MW of capacity are eligible for OPUC Published Avoided Costs for up to a 20-year
contract term. The Published Avoided Cost is a price established by the IPUC
and OPUC to estimate IPCs cost of developing additional generation resources.
If a PURPA project does not qualify for Published Avoided Costs, then IPC is
required to negotiate the terms, prices and conditions with the developer of
that project. These negotiations reflect the characteristics of the individual
projects (i.e., operational flexibility, location and size) and the benefits to
the IPC system and must be consistent with other similar energy alternatives.
During 2008, at the IPUCs
direction, IPC conducted workshops to review the Published Avoided Cost model
input components. A settlement stipulation was filed with the IPUC for its
consideration that, if accepted, will result in an increase in the non-fuel
component of the Published Avoided Costs.
6
As
of December 31, 2008, IPC had signed agreements to purchase energy from 92 CSPP
facilities with contracts ranging from one to 30 years. Seventy-nine of these
facilities, with a combined nameplate capacity of 267 MW, were on-line at the
end of 2008; the other 13 facilities under contract, with a combined nameplate
capacity of 190 MW, are projected to come on-line during 2009 and 2010. The
majority of the new facilities will be wind resources which will generate on an
intermittent basis. During 2008, IPC purchased 756,014 megawatt-hours (MWh)
from these projects at a cost of $45.9 million, resulting in a blended price of
6.1 cents per kilowatt hour.
Wholesale Energy Market
Activities: Guided by a risk
management policy and frequently updated operating plans, IPC participates in
the wholesale energy market by buying power to help meet load demands and
selling power that is in excess of load demands. IPCs market activities are
influenced by its customer loads, market prices, and cost and availability of
generating resources. Some of IPCs hydroelectric generation facilities are
operated to optimize the water that is available by choosing when to run
generation units and when to store water in reservoirs. These decisions affect
the timing and volumes of market purchases and market sales. Even in below
normal water years, there are opportunities to vary water usage to maximize
generation unit efficiency, capture marketplace economic benefits and meet load
demand. Compliance factors, such as allowable river stage elevation changes
and flood control requirements, and wholesale energy market prices influence
these dispatch decisions.
IPC
has one firm wholesale power sales contract. The sales contract is with the
Raft River Electric Cooperative for up to 15 MW. This contract expires in
September 2009; however, Raft River Electric Cooperative has provided notice
that it intends to renew the contract, as allowed in the original agreement,
through September 2011.
IPC has one wholesale reserve
sales contract, with United Materials of Great Falls, Inc. (United Materials).
This agreement requires IPC to carry up to 0.45 MW of reserves associated with
an energy sales agreement dated January 2004 between IPC and United Materials
from the Horseshoe Bend Wind Farm. The term of this agreement began in January
2008, and runs seasonally through May 2013.
IPC
has four firm wholesale purchased power contracts. One contract is with PPL
Montana, LLC, now known as PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, for 83 MW per hour during heavy
load hours, to address increased demand during June, July and August. The term
of this contract began in June 2004 and runs through August 2009. IPC entered
into a second seasonal contract for 83 MW with PPL EnergyPlus, LLC that runs
from June 2010 through August 2011. In January 2008, the IPUC approved a power
purchase agreement for 13 MW (nameplate generation) from the Raft River
Geothermal Power Plant Unit #1 located in southern Idaho that converted a CSPP
contract to a purchased power contract. The contract term is through April
2033. The fourth contract is with Telocaset Wind Power Partners, LLC, a
subsidiary of Horizon Wind Energy, for 101 MW (nameplate generation) from its
Elkhorn Valley wind project located in eastern Oregon. The contract term is
through December 2027.
Transmission Services
IPC provides wholesale transmission
service and provides firm and non-firm wheeling services for eligible
transmission customers. IPCs system lies between and is interconnected with
the winter-peaking northern and summer-peaking southern regions of the western
power system. This geographic position allows IPC to provide transmission
services and to reach a broad power market.
IPC and PacifiCorp are
jointly exploring the Gateway West project to build transmission lines between
Windstar, a substation located near Douglas, Wyoming and Hemingway, a
substation located in the vicinity of Melba and Murphy, Idaho near Boise.
Initial phases of the project could be completed by 2014. Remaining phases of
the project could be constructed as demand requires.
Construction of a new 500-kV
station named Hemingway is expected to address growth, capacity and operating
constraints. The station was originally part of the Gateway West Project but
the timing of this addition was
accelerated to 2010 to help meet forecast deficits and improve reliability. As
part of the Hemingway Station Project, the Hemingway-Hubbard transmission line
is expected to provide power to the Treasure Valley area of southwest Idaho by
2010. The Hemingway-Hubbard line will consist of a new 230-kV double circuit
transmission line and convert an existing 138-kV transmission line to 230-kV.
The Boardman-Hemingway
transmission line is expected to relieve existing congestion by increasing
transmission capacity and improving reliability. It will allow for the
transfer of up to 1,500 MW of additional energy between Idaho and the
Northwest. IPC expects to seek partners for up to 50 percent of the project
when construction commences. The line has a target in-service date of June
2013.
7
These projects are discussed in
more detail in Part II - Item 7 - MD&A LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital Requirements and MD&A - REGULATORY MATTERS - Transmission
Projects.
On March 28, 2008, Great Basin Transmission, LLC (Great Basin) exercised its
option to purchase the southern portion of the Southwest Intertie Project
(SWIP), which consists principally of a federal permit for a specific
transmission corridor in Nevada and Idaho and private rights-of-way in Idaho.
This sale closed during the second quarter of 2008, and resulted in a net pre-tax
gain of approximately $3 million. On December 30, 2008, IPC and Great Basin
reached an agreement on the sale of the northern portion of the SWIP, which is
expected to close in the first quarter of 2009 and result in a pre-tax gain of
$0.2 million.
Environmental Regulation
IPCs activities are subject to a
broad range of federal, state, regional and local laws and regulations designed
to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment. Environmental
regulation continues to impact IPCs operations due to the cost of installation
and operation of equipment and facilities required for compliance with such
regulations, and the modification of system operations to accommodate such
regulations. IPCs environmental compliance costs will continue to be
significant for the foreseeable future.
Based upon present
environmental laws and regulations, IPC estimates its 2009 capital expenditures
for environmental matters, excluding Allowance for Funds Used During
Construction (AFUDC), will total $17 million. Studies and measures related to
environmental concerns at IPCs hydroelectric facilities account for $6 million
and investments in environmental equipment and facilities at the thermal plants
account for $11 million. For 2010 and 2011, environmental-related capital
expenditures, excluding AFUDC, are estimated to be $74 million. Anticipated
expenses related to IPCs hydroelectric facilities account for $44 million, and
thermal plant expenses are expected to total $30 million.
IPC
anticipates approximately $20 million in annual operating costs for
environmental facilities during 2009. Hydroelectric facility expenses and
thermal plant expenses account for the majority of the costs at approximately
$14 million and $6 million, respectively. For 2010 and 2011, total
environmental related operating costs are estimated to be approximately $57 million.
Expenses related to the hydroelectric facilities are expected to be $43
million, and thermal plant expenses are expected to be $14 million during this
period.
Water: As required under the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972, IPC has received necessary environmental
permits and authorizations and has prepared necessary plans relating to
operations and water quality, such as effluent discharge, spill prevention and
countermeasures, and storm water pollution prevention.
The FERC licenses issued for
IPCs American Falls and Cascade hydroelectric generating plants require
aeration of turbine water to meet dissolved oxygen standards in the tail waters
downstream from the plants. In order to comply with the licenses, IPC
installed and operates aeration equipment at both plants and submits compliance
reports to the appropriate regulatory agencies.
The FERC licenses issued for
IPCs Milner, Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Upper Salmon, Lower Salmon, Bliss and
CJ Strike hydroelectric projects require dissolved oxygen and temperature
monitoring and reporting. IPC submits compliance reports to the appropriate
regulatory agencies.
The FERC license for the CJ
Strike project also requires monitoring of total dissolved gas during spill
periods. IPC installs monitors during periods of spill that record gas levels
in spilled water and reports the results to the appropriate regulatory
agencies.
Hazardous/Toxic Wastes and
Substances: Under the Toxic
Substances Control Act, the EPA has adopted regulations governing the use,
storage, inspection and disposal of electrical equipment that contains
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The regulations permit the continued use and
servicing of certain equipment (including transformers and capacitors) that contain
PCBs. IPC continues to meet federal requirements of the Toxic Substances
Control Act for the continued use of equipment containing PCBs. IPC continues
to eliminate PCBs as part of its long-term strategy. This program will reduce
costs associated with the long-term monitoring of PCB-containing equipment,
responding to spills and reporting to the EPA. In 2008, IPC spent
approximately $0.6 million identifying and eliminating PCBs.
8
Air Quality Issues: IPC owns two natural gas combustion turbine power
plants and co-owns three coal-fired power plants that are subject to air
quality regulation. The natural gas-fired plants, Danskin and Bennett
Mountain, are located in Idaho. The coal-fired plants are: Jim Bridger
located in Wyoming; Boardman located in Oregon; and Valmy located in Nevada.
For a more detailed discussion
of these and other environmental issues, including greenhouse gases, climate
change and endangered species please see Part II, Item 7 MD&A Legal
and Environmental Issues Environmental Issues.
Energy Efficiency Programs
In 2008, IPC spent approximately
$21.2 million to promote energy efficiency and summer peak reduction through
its energy efficiency programs, which have previously been referred to as
Demand Side Management programs. Approximately $18.9 million of funding for
program development, implementation and administration comes from the Idaho and
Oregon tariff riders for energy efficiency. The balance of the funding comes
from IPC base rates and a small amount was previously obtained from residual
funds from the BPAs Conservation and Renewables Discount which was
discontinued in 2007.
Approximately $2.4 million
was spent on research, analysis and development, education, technology
evaluation, and market transformation. A portion of this activity was
accomplished in conjunction with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
(NEEA). IPC contributed $0.9 million to the NEEA.
The following energy
efficiency programs target savings across the entire year for a wide range of
customer segments with an emphasis on reducing energy during the summer peak:
Approximately $4.4 million was devoted to achieving summer peak reduction through focusing on irrigation pumping and residential air conditioning equipment control measures.
The residential energy efficiency programs targeted new and existing homes, focusing on customer education and the application of energy efficiency remediation, including energy efficient building techniques, insulation augmentation, air duct sealing, and the use of efficient lighting. This programs 2008 spending was approximately $4.2 million.
Programs for new or existing industrial and commercial facilities focus on application of energy efficient techniques and technologies as well as operational and management processes to reduce energy consumption. Approximately $8.1 million was spent on these programs.
Approximately $2.1 million was devoted to irrigation efficiency programs. Irrigation customers can receive financial incentives for either improving the energy efficiency of an irrigation system or installing a new energy efficiency system.
In 2008, IPCs energy
efficiency programs reduced energy usage by approximately 134,000 MWh and the
targeted demand reduction programs resulted in a summer peak reduction of about
54 MW.
Competition
Retail: Electric utilities have
historically been recognized as natural monopolies and have operated in a
highly regulated environment in which they have an obligation to provide
electric service to their customers in return for an exclusive franchise within
their service territory with an opportunity to earn a regulated rate of return.
In the past, some state regulatory authorities explored changing utility
regulations in response to federal and state statutory changes, with the intent
of increasing retail competition. However, restructuring of the electric
industry has stalled at both the national level and in the Pacific Northwest.
Wholesale: The 1992 National Energy Policy Act and the FERCs
rulemaking activities have established the regulatory framework to open the
wholesale energy market to competition. This act permits entities to develop
independent electric generating plants for sales to wholesale customers, and
authorizes the FERC to order transmission access for third parties to
transmission facilities owned by another entity. This act does not, however,
permit the FERC to require transmission access to retail customers. Open-access
transmission for wholesale customers provides energy suppliers with
opportunities to sell and deliver electricity at market-based prices. IPC
actively monitors and participates, as appropriate, in energy industry
developments, to maintain and enhance its ability to effectively participate in
wholesale energy markets in a manner consistent with its business goals. For
more information, see Part II, Item 7 - MD&A - REGULATORY MATTERS Federal
Regulatory Matters.
9
Utility Operating
Statistics
The following table presents IPCs
revenues and energy use by customer type for the last three years. IPCs
operations are discussed further in Part II, Item 7 - MD&A - RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS - Utility Operations:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||||
Revenues (thousands of dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Residential |
$ |
353,262 |
|
$ |
308,208 |
|
$ |
299,594 |
|
|
Commercial |
|
203,035 |
|
|
170,001 |
|
|
162,391 |
|
|
Industrial |
|
122,302 |
|
|
101,409 |
|
|
102,958 |
|
|
Irrigation |
|
105,712 |
|
|
88,685 |
|
|
71,432 |
|
|
|
Total general business |
|
784,311 |
|
|
668,303 |
|
|
636,375 |
|
Off-system sales |
|
121,429 |
|
|
154,948 |
|
|
260,717 |
|
|
Other |
|
50,336 |
|
|
52,150 |
|
|
23,381 |
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
956,076 |
|
$ |
875,401 |
|
$ |
920,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy use (thousands of MWh) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Residential |
|
5,297 |
|
|
5,227 |
|
|
5,068 |
|
|
Commercial |
|
3,970 |
|
|
3,937 |
|
|
3,761 |
|
|
Industrial |
|
3,355 |
|
|
3,454 |
|
|
3,475 |
|
|
Irrigation |
|
1,922 |
|
|
1,924 |
|
|
1,635 |
|
|
|
Total general business |
|
14,544 |
|
|
14,542 |
|
|
13,939 |
|
Off-system sales |
|
2,047 |
|
|
2,744 |
|
|
5,821 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
16,591 |
|
|
17,286 |
|
|
19,760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IFS:
IFS invests primarily in
affordable housing developments, which provide a return principally by reducing
federal and state income taxes through tax credits and accelerated tax
depreciation benefits. IFS generated tax credits of $11 million, $15 million
and $19 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. IFSs portfolio also
includes historic rehabilitation projects such as, the Empire Building in
Boise, Idaho. IFS made $8 million of new investments during 2008 and will
continue to review future legislation for new opportunities for investment that
will be commensurate with the ongoing needs of IDACORP.
IFS has focused on a
diversified approach to its investment strategy in order to limit both
geographic and operational risk. Over 90 percent of IFSs investments have
been made through syndicated funds. At December 31, 2008, the gross amount of IFSs
portfolio equaled $183 million in tax credit investments. These investments
cover 49 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The underlying
investments include over 700 individual properties, of which all but three are
administered through syndicated funds.
IDA-WEST:
Ida-West operates and has a
50 percent interest in nine hydroelectric plants with a total generating
capacity of 45 MW. Four of the projects are located in Idaho and five are in
northern California. All nine projects are qualifying facilities under
PURPA. IPC purchased all of the power generated by Ida-Wests four Idaho
hydroelectric projects at a cost of $8 million each year in 2008, 2007 and
2006.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following are factors
that could have a significant impact on the operations and financial results of
IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company and could cause actual results or
outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking
statements:
10
Reduced hydroelectric generation can reduce revenues and increase costs. Idaho Power Company has a predominately hydroelectric generating base. Because of Idaho Power Companys heavy reliance on hydroelectric generation, water can significantly affect its operations. When hydroelectric generation is reduced, Idaho Power Company must increase its use of generally more expensive thermal generating resources and purchased power and opportunities for off-system sales are reduced, which reduces revenues. In addition, while Idaho Power Company can expect to recover a portion of the increase in its net power supply costs above the level included in its base rates, recovery of the amounts does not occur until the subsequent power cost adjustment year.
Continuing declines in stream flows and over-appropriation of water in Idaho may reduce hydroelectric generation and revenues and increase costs. The combination of declining Snake River base flows, over-appropriation of water and drought conditions have led to disputes among surface water and ground water irrigators, and the state of Idaho. Recharging the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, which contributes to Snake River flows, by diverting surface water to porous locations and permitting it to sink into the aquifer is one proposed solution to the dispute. Diversions from the Snake River for aquifer recharge may further reduce Snake River flows available for hydroelectric generation and reduce Idaho Power Companys revenues and increase costs. Idaho Power Company is also involved in legal actions involving the water rights it holds for hydroelectric purposes. One such action, initiated in the Snake River Basin Adjudication, involves Idaho Power Companys water rights at the Swan Falls project on the Snake River and several other upstream hydroelectric projects that are the subject of a 1984 agreement with the state of Idaho known as the Swan Falls Agreement. Idaho Power Company also has initiated legal action against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation over the interpretation and effect of a 1923 contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on the operation of the American Falls Reservoir and the release of water from that reservoir to be used at Idaho Power Companys downstream hydroelectric projects. The resolution of these matters may affect Snake River flows available for hydroelectric generation and thereby reduce Idaho Power Company revenues and increase costs.
Load growth in Idaho Power Companys service territory exposes it to greater market and operational risk and could increase costs and reduce earnings and cash flows.
o Increases in both the number of customers and the demand for energy have resulted and may continue to result in increased reliance on purchased power to meet customer load requirements. Since the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission implemented market-based wholesale power rates in 1997, the price volatility of electricity has substantially increased from what it was at the inception of the power cost adjustment. While Idaho Power Company can expect to recover a portion of the increase in its net power supply costs above the level included in its base rates, the remaining amount is absorbed by Idaho Power Company. As Idaho Power Companys reliance on purchased power continues to increase, the risks associated with the remaining amount not recovered through the power cost adjustment could increase costs and reduce earnings and cash flows.
o Idaho Power Companys load growth adjustment rate adjusts the net power supply costs Idaho Power Company includes in its annual power cost adjustment for differences between actual load and the load used in calculating base rates. If the Idaho Public Utilities Commission increases the rate or modifies the method used to calculate the load growth adjustment rate Idaho Power Companys earnings and cash flows could be reduced.
o Increased load growth can result in the need for additional investments in Idaho Power Companys infrastructure to serve the new load. If Idaho Power Company were unable to secure timely rate relief from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Oregon Public Utility Commission or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to recover the costs of these additional investments, the resulting regulatory lag would have a negative effect on earnings and cash flow.
o Increased and unexpected load growth can create planning and operating difficulties for Idaho Power Company that can impact its ability to reliably serve customers.
Idaho Power Companys reliance on coal and natural gas to fuel its power generation facilities exposes it to risk of increased costs and reduced earnings. In addition to hydroelectric generation, Idaho Power Company relies on coal and natural gas to fuel its generation facilities. Market price increases in coal and natural gas can result in reduced earnings. Increases in demand for natural gas, including increases in demand due to greater industry reliance on natural gas for power generation, may result in market price increases and/or supply availability issues. In addition, delivery of coal and natural gas depends upon gas pipelines, rail lines, rail cars and roadways. Any disruption in Idaho Power Companys fuel supply may require the company to find alternative fuel sources at higher costs, to produce power from higher cost generation facilities or to purchase power from other sources at higher costs.
Changes in temperature and precipitation can reduce power sales and revenues. Warmer than normal winters, cooler than normal summers and increased rainfall during the irrigation seasons will reduce retail revenues from power sales.
11
Climate change could affect customer demand and hydroelectric generation and disrupt transmission and distribution systems, reducing earnings and cash flows. Changes in temperature, precipitation and snow pack conditions will affect customer demand and the amount and timing of hydroelectric generation. Extreme weather events can disrupt transmission and distribution systems, and cause service interruptions and extended outages. Decreased customer demand and hydroelectric generation and increased operations and maintenance costs from disrupted transmission and distribution systems will reduce earnings and cash flows.
The cost of complying with environmental laws and regulations will increase capital expenditures and operating costs and may reduce Idaho Power Companys earnings and cash flows and ability to meet the electricity needs of its customers. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, natural resources and health and safety. Compliance with these environmental statutes, rules and regulations involves significant capital and operating expenditures. These expenditures could become even more significant in the future if legislation, regulations and enforcement policies change. For instance, considerable attention has been focused on emissions from coal-fired generating plants, including carbon dioxide, and their potential role in contributing to global warming. Proposals by Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency could lead to the adoption of a mandatory federal program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Such a program would raise uncertainty about the future viability of fossil fuels, specifically coal, as an economical energy source for new and existing electric generation facilities because technologies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal, including carbon capture and storage, are not yet proven. The effects of mercury and other pollutant emissions from coal-fired plants are also subject to extensive regulation. The adoption of new statutes, rules and regulations to implement carbon dioxide, mercury or other emission controls will result in increased capital expenditures and could increase the cost of operating coal-fired generating plants or make them uneconomical to operate and result in reduced earnings and cash flows
The costs of complying with state or federal renewable energy portfolio standards could increase capital expenditures and operating costs and reduce earnings and cash flows. Idaho Power Companys operations in Oregon will be required to comply with a ten percent renewable energy portfolio standard beginning in 2025. The new federal administration has called on Congress to adopt a federal renewable energy portfolio standard and it is possible that Idaho and other states in which Idaho Power Company operates or sells power could adopt renewable energy portfolio standards in the future. New state or federal renewable energy portfolio standards could increase capital expenditures and operating costs and reduce earnings and cash flows.
If the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Oregon Public Utility Commission or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grant less rate recovery in rate case filings than Idaho Power Company needs to cover increased costs of providing services, earnings and cash flows may be reduced and economic expansion may be limited. If the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Oregon Public Utility Commission or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grant less rate recovery in rate case filings than Idaho Power Company needs to cover increased costs of providing services, it may have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows and could result in downgrades of IDACORP, Inc.s and Idaho Power Companys credit ratings. Failure to obtain regular and timely rate relief may limit Idaho Power Companys ability to serve additional customers.
Conditions that may be imposed in connection with hydroelectric license renewals may require large capital expenditures, increase operating costs, reduce hydroelectric production and reduce earnings and cash flows. Idaho Power Company is currently involved in renewing federal licenses for several of its hydroelectric projects. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may impose conditions with respect to environmental, operating and other matters in connection with the renewal of Idaho Power Companys licenses. These conditions could have a negative effect on Idaho Power Companys operations, require large capital expenditures and increase operating costs, reduce hydroelectric production and reduce earnings and cash flows.
12
IDACORP, Inc., IDACORP Energy and Idaho Power Company are subject to costs and other effects of legal and regulatory proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims. IDACORP, Inc., IDACORP Energy and Idaho Power Company are involved in a number of proceedings, including the California refund proceeding, a portion of which remains pending before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; a refund proceeding affecting sellers of wholesale power in the spot market in the Pacific Northwest; and show cause proceedings originating at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a portion of which remains pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. It is possible that additional proceedings related to the western energy situation may be filed in the future against IDACORP, Inc., IDACORP Energy or Idaho Power Company. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company are or may also be subject to costs and other effects of additional legal claims, actions and complaints, including those related to the Jim Bridger and Boardman coal-fired plants, in which Idaho Power Company holds an ownership interest. To the extent the companies are required to make payments in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding, settlement, investigation or claim, earnings and cash flows will be negatively affected.
Idaho Power Companys business is subject to substantial governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by increased costs resulting from, or liability under, existing or future regulations or requirements. Idaho Power Company is subject to extensive federal and state laws, policies, and regulations, as well as regulatory actions and regulatory audits, including those of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and the public utility commissions in Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming. Some of these regulations are changing or subject to interpretation, and failure to comply may result in penalties or other adverse consequences. Compliance with these requirements directly influences Idaho Power Companys operating environment and may significantly increase Idaho Power Companys operating costs.
Increased capital expenditures can significantly affect liquidity. Increases in both the number of customers and the demand for energy require expansion and reinforcement of transmission and distribution systems and generating facilities. If Idaho Power Company does not receive timely regulatory recovery, Idaho Power Company will have to rely more on external financing for its future utility construction expenditures. These large planned expenditures may weaken the consolidated financial profile of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company. Additionally, a significant portion of Idaho Power Companys facilities were constructed many years ago. Aging equipment, even if maintained in accordance with industry practices, may require significant capital expenditures. Failure of equipment or facilities used in Idaho Power Companys system could potentially increase repair and maintenance expenses, purchased power expenses and capital expenditures.
As a holding company, IDACORP, Inc. does not have its own operating income and must rely on the upstream cash flows from its subsidiaries to pay dividends and make debt payments. IDACORP, Inc. is a holding company and thus its primary assets are shares or other ownership interests of its subsidiaries, primarily Idaho Power Company. Consequently, IDACORP, Inc.s ability to pay dividends and to service its debt is dependent upon dividends and other payments received from its subsidiaries. IDACORP, Inc.s subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts to IDACORP, Inc., whether through dividends, loans or other payments. The ability of IDACORP, Inc.s subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to IDACORP, Inc. depends on several factors, including their actual and projected earnings and cash flow, capital requirements and general financial condition, and the prior rights of holders of their existing and future first mortgage bonds and other debt securities.
A downgrade in IDACORP, Inc.s and Idaho Power Companys credit ratings could negatively affect the companies ability to access capital, increase their cost of borrowing, and require the companies to post collateral with transaction counterparties. Credit rating agencies periodically review the corporate credit ratings and long-term ratings of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company also have borrowing arrangements that rely on the ability of the banks to fund loans or support commercial paper. Downgrades of IDACORP, Inc.s or Idaho Power Companys credit ratings, or those affecting bond insurers or relationship banks, could limit the companies ability to access capital, including the commercial paper markets, require IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company to pay a higher interest rate on their debt and require the companies to post collateral with transaction counterparties.
Volatility and decreased lending capacity in the financial markets may negatively affect IDACORP, Inc.s and Idaho Power Companys ability to access capital and/or increase their cost of borrowing. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company require liquidity to pay operating expenses and principal of and interest on debt and to finance capital expenditures. Financial markets have recently experienced extreme volatility and disruption, causing the cost of borrowing to rise and the availability of liquidity and credit for borrowers to decrease; actions taken by the United States Government, the Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies may not be sufficient to stabilize these markets. As a result, IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company may experience higher interest costs and/or be unable to access capital, including the commercial paper markets. These conditions may adversely affect IDACORP, Inc.s and Idaho Power Companys results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
13
IDACORP and Idaho Power Company may incur losses on their investments or be unable to sell their investments when they desire to do so, which could adversely affect their liquidity and financial condition. IDACORP and Idaho Power Company invest cash in short-term interest bearing accounts, including money market funds. Volatility in the financial markets has resulted in a lack of liquidity and declines in value of some money market funds. The companies may realize additional losses on some or all of their invested funds or be unable to sell their investments when they desire to do so. This could adversely affect IDACORPs and Idaho Power Companys liquidity and financial condition.
National and regional economic conditions may cause increased late payments and uncollectible accounts, which would reduce earnings and cash flows. Recent concerns over inflation, energy costs, the availability and cost of credit, declining business and increased unemployment have contributed to a recession. These factors have resulted, and may continue to result, in an increase in late payments and uncollectible accounts and reduce IDACORP Inc.s and Idaho Power Companys earnings and cash flows.
Terrorist threats and activities could result in reduced revenues and increased costs. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company are subject to direct and indirect effects of terrorist threats and activities. Potential targets include generation and transmission facilities. The effects of terrorist threats and activities could prevent Idaho Power Company from purchasing, generating or transmitting power and result in reduced revenues and increased costs.
Adverse results of income tax audits could reduce earnings and cash flows. The outcome of ongoing and future income tax audits could differ materially from the amounts currently recorded, and the difference could reduce IDACORPs and Idaho Power Companys earnings and cash flows.
Employee workforce factors could increase costs and reduce earnings. Idaho Power Company is subject to workforce factors, including loss or retirement of key personnel, availability of qualified personnel, and an aging workforce. The costs of attracting and retaining appropriately qualified employees to replace an aging workforce could reduce earnings and cash flows.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
IPCs system is comprised of
17 hydroelectric generating plants located in southern Idaho and eastern
Oregon, two natural gas-fired plants located in southern Idaho and interests in
three coal-fired steam electric generating plants located in Wyoming, Nevada
and Oregon. The system also includes approximately 4,752 miles of high-voltage
transmission lines, 23 step-up transmission substations located at power
plants, 22 transmission substations, eight switching stations, 223 energized
distribution substations (excluding mobile substations and dispatch centers)
and approximately 65,045 miles of distribution lines.
14
IPC holds FERC licenses for
all of its hydroelectric projects that are subject to federal licensing. These
projects and the other generating stations and their nameplate capacities are
listed below:
|
Nameplate |
|
|||||||
|
Capacity |
License |
|||||||
Project |
(kW) |
Expiration |
|||||||
Hydroelectric Developments: |
|
|
|
||||||
|
Properties subject to federal licenses: |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Lower Salmon |
60,000 |
2034 |
|
|||||
|
Bliss |
75,000 |
2034 |
|
|||||
|
Upper Salmon |
34,500 |
2034 |
|
|||||
|
Shoshone Falls |
12,500 |
2034 |
|
|||||
|
CJ Strike |
82,800 |
2034 |
|
|||||
|
Upper Malad - Lower Malad |
21,770 |
2035 |
|
|||||
|
Brownlee-Oxbow-Hells Canyon |
1,166,900 |
2005 |
(1) |
|||||
|
Swan Falls |
27,170 |
2010 |
|
|||||
|
American Falls |
92,340 |
2025 |
|
|||||
|
Cascade |
12,420 |
2031 |
|
|||||
|
Milner |
59,448 |
2038 |
|
|||||
|
Twin Falls |
52,897 |
2040 |
|
|||||
|
Other Hydroelectric: |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Clear Lakes - Thousand Springs |
11,300 |
|
|
|||||
|
Total Hydroelectric |
1,709,045 |
|
|
|||||
Steam and Other Generating Plants: |
|
|
|
||||||
|
Jim Bridger (coal-fired) (2) |
770,501 |
|
|
|||||
|
Valmy (coal-fired) (2) |
283,500 |
|
|
|||||
|
Boardman (coal-fired) (2) |
64,200 |
|
|
|||||
|
Danskin (gas-fired) |
262,755 |
|
|
|||||
|
Salmon (diesel-internal combustion) |
5,000 |
|
|
|||||
|
Bennett Mountain (gas-fired) |
172,800 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
Total Steam and Other |
1,558,756 |
|
|
||||
|
|
Total Generation |
3,267,801 |
|
|
||||
|
|||||||||
(1) Licensed on an annual basis while application for new multi-year license is pending. |
|||||||||
(2) IPCs ownership interests are 33 percent for Jim Bridger, 50 percent for Valmy and 10 percent for Boardman. Amounts |
|||||||||
|
shown represent IPCs share. |
||||||||
|
|||||||||
Relicensing of IPCs
hydroelectric projects is discussed in Part II, Item 7 - MD&A - REGULATORY
MATTERS - Relicensing of Hydroelectric Projects.
At December 31, 2008, the
composite average ages of the principal parts of IPCs system, based on dollar
investment, were: production plant, 25 years; transmission lines and
substations, 25 years; and distribution lines and substations, 21 years. IPC
considers its properties to be well-maintained and in good operating condition.
IPC owns in fee all of its
principal plants and other important units of real property, except for
portions of certain projects licensed under the FPA and reservoirs and other
easements. IPCs property is also subject to the lien of its Mortgage and Deed
of Trust and the provisions of its project licenses. In addition, IPCs
property is subject to minor defects common to properties of such size and
character that do not materially impair the value to, or the use by, IPC of
such properties.
IERCo owns a one-third interest in Bridger Coal Company and coal leases near
the Jim Bridger generating plant in Wyoming from which coal is mined and supplied
to the plant.
Ida-West holds 50 percent
interests in nine operating hydroelectric plants with a total generating
capacity of 45 MW. These plants are located in Idaho and California.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
15
Please see Note 7 to IDACORPs
and IPCs Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF
MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
The names, ages and positions
of all of the executive officers of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company are
listed below along with their business experience during the past five years.
Mr. J. LaMont Keen and Mr. Steven R. Keen are brothers. There are no other
family relationships among these officers, nor is there any arrangement or
understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the
officer was elected.
J. LAMONT KEEN President and
Chief Executive Officer, appointed July 1, 2006. Mr. Keen also serves as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Idaho Power Company, appointed November
17, 2005. Mr. Keen was Executive Vice President of IDACORP, Inc., from March
1, 2002, to July 1, 2006, and President and Chief Operating Officer of Idaho
Power Company from March 1, 2002, to November 17, 2005. Mr. Keen was Senior
Vice President Administration and Chief Financial Officer of IDACORP, Inc.
and Idaho Power Company from May 5, 1999, to March 1, 2002. Mr. Keen also
serves on the Board of Directors of both IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company.
Age 56.
DARREL T. ANDERSON Senior
Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer of
IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed July 1, 2004. Mr. Anderson
was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of IDACORP, Inc. and
Idaho Power Company from March 1, 2002, to July 1, 2004 and Vice President
Finance and Treasurer of IDACORP Inc. and Idaho Power Company from May 5, 1999,
to March 1, 2002. Age 50.
THOMAS R. SALDIN Senior Vice
President and General Counsel of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company,
appointed October 1, 2004. Mr. Saldin was Executive Vice President and General
Counsel of Albertsons Inc., a supermarket chain, from January 29, 1999, to his
retirement on August 31, 2001. Age 62.
JAMES C. MILLER Senior Vice
President Power Supply of Idaho Power Company, appointed July 1, 2004. Mr.
Miller was Senior Vice President Delivery of Idaho Power Company from October
1, 1999, to July 1, 2004. Age 54.
DANIEL B. MINOR Senior Vice
President Delivery of Idaho Power Company, appointed July 1, 2004. Mr. Minor
was Vice President - Administrative Services & Human Resources of IDACORP,
Inc. and Idaho Power Company from November 20, 2003, to July 1, 2004, Vice
President Corporate Services of Idaho Power Company from May 15, 2003, to
November 20, 2003 and Director of Audit Services of Idaho Power Company from
July 2001 to May 15, 2003. Age 51.
STEVEN R. KEEN Vice President
and Treasurer of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed June 1,
2006. Mr. Keen was President of IDACORP Financial Services from September 8,
1998 to May 31, 2007. Age 48.
PATRICK A. HARRINGTON
Corporate Secretary of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed March
15, 2007. Mr. Harrington was Senior Attorney from June 7, 2003, to March 15,
2007. Age 48.
DENNIS C. GRIBBLE Vice
President and Chief Information Officer of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power
Company, appointed June 1, 2006. Mr. Gribble was Vice President and Treasurer
of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, from July 15, 2004, to June 1, 2006
and Finance Controller of Idaho Power Company from January 1, 1997, to July 15,
2004. Age 56.
LORI D. SMITH Vice President
Corporate Planning and Chief Risk Officer of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power
Company, appointed January 1, 2008. Ms. Smith was Vice President - Finance and
Chief Risk Officer of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company from July 15, 2004,
to January 1, 2008, and Director of Strategic Analysis of Idaho Power Company
from January 1, 2000 to July 15, 2004. Age 48.
16
LUCI K. MCDONALD Vice
President - Human Resources of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed
December 6, 2004. Ms. McDonald was Corporate Staff Director of Human Resources
of Boise Cascade Corporation, a forest products company, from September 16,
1999, to November 19, 2004. Age 51.
NAOMI SHANKEL Vice President,
Audit and Compliance of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed
September 21, 2006. Ms. Shankel was Director, Audit Services of IDACORP, Inc.
and Idaho Power Company from July 2003, to September 21, 2006. Age 37.
JOHN
R. GALE Vice President - Regulatory Affairs of Idaho Power Company, appointed
March 15, 2001. Age 58.
LISA A. GROW Vice President
Delivery Engineering and Operations of Idaho Power Company, appointed July 20,
2005. Ms. Grow was General Manager of Grid Operations and Planning of Idaho
Power Company from October 23, 2004, to July 20, 2005, Operations Manager (Grid
Ops) of Idaho Power Company from March 2, 2002, to October 23, 2004. Age 43.
WARREN KLINE Vice President
Customer Service and Regional Operations of Idaho Power Company, appointed July
20, 2005. Mr. Kline was General Manager of Regional Operations of Idaho Power
Company from March 2, 2002, to July 20, 2005. Age 53.
JEFFREY MALMEN Vice President
Public Affairs of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, appointed October 1,
2008. Mr. Malmen was Senior Manager Governmental Affairs of IDACORP, Inc.
and Idaho Power Company from December 2007 to October 1, 2008, Chief of Staff
of the Office of Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter from January 2007 to
November 2007, and Chief of Staff of the Office of Idaho Congressman C.L. Butch
Otter from January 2001 through December 2006. Age 41.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS
COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY
SECURITIES
IDACORPs common stock,
without par value, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. On February 23,
2009, there were 14,266 holders of record and the stock price was $25.08 per
share.
The outstanding shares of IPCs
common stock, $2.50 par value, are held by IDACORP and are not traded. IDACORP
became the holding company of IPC on October 1, 1998.
The amount and timing of
dividends payable on IDACORPs common stock are within the sole discretion of
IDACORPs Board of Directors. The Board of Directors reviews the dividend rate
quarterly to determine its appropriateness in light of IDACORPs current and
long-term financial position and results of operations, capital requirements,
rating agency requirements, legislative and regulatory developments affecting
the electric utility industry in general and IPC in particular, competitive
conditions and any other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant. The
ability of IDACORP to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon
dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries, primarily IPC.
A covenant under IDACORPs
credit facility, IPCs credit facility and IPCs term loan credit agreement
described in MD&A - LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - Financing Programs
Debt Covenants requires IDACORP and IPC to maintain leverage ratios of
consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, as defined, of
no more than 65 percent at the end of each fiscal quarter.
IPCs Revised Code of Conduct
approved by the IPUC on April 21, 2008, states that IPC will not pay any
dividends to IDACORP that will reduce IPCs common equity capital below 35
percent of its total adjusted capital without IPUC approval.
17
IPCs ability to pay
dividends on its common stock held by IDACORP and IDACORPs ability to pay
dividends on its common stock are limited to the extent payment of such
dividends would violate the covenants or IPCs Code of Conduct. At December
31, 2008, the leverage ratios for IDACORP and IPC were 52 percent and 54
percent, respectively. Based on these restrictions, IDACORPs and IPCs
dividends were limited to $536 million and $447 million, respectively, at
December 31, 2008.
IPCs articles of
incorporation contain restrictions on the payment of dividends on its common
stock if preferred stock dividends are in arrears. IPC has no preferred stock
outstanding. IPC paid dividends to IDACORP of $54 million, $53 million and $51
million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The following table shows the
reported high and low sales price of IDACORPs common stock and dividends paid
for 2008 and 2007 as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system.
|
2008 Quarters |
|||||||
Common Stock, without par value: |
1st |
|
2nd |
|
3rd |
|
4th |
|
|
High |
$35.11 |
|
$33.36 |
|
$33.89 |
|
$30.66 |
|
Low |
28.74 |
|
28.55 |
|
27.96 |
|
21.88 |
|
Dividends paid per share |
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
|
|||||||
|
2007 Quarters |
|||||||
Common Stock, without par value: |
1st |
|
2nd |
|
3rd |
|
4th |
|
|
High |
$39.19 |
|
$35.18 |
|
$36.57 |
|
$36.72 |
|
Low |
32.00 |
|
31.22 |
|
30.07 |
|
32.36 |
|
Dividends paid per share |
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
|
Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities:
None
Performance
Graph
The
following performance graph shows a comparison of the five-year cumulative
total shareholder return for IDACORP common stock, the S&P 500 Index and
the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Electric Utilities Index. The data assumes
that $100 was invested on December 31, 2003, with beginning-of-period weighting
of the peer group indices (based on market capitalization) and monthly
compounding of returns.
18
Source: Bloomberg and Edison
Electric Institute
|
|
|
|
|
|
EEI Electric |
|
IDACORP |
S & P 500 |
Utilities Index |
|||
2003 |
$ |
100.00 |
$ |
100.00 |
$ |
100.00 |
2004 |
|
106.40 |
|
110.87 |
|
122.84 |
2005 |
|
106.25 |
|
116.31 |
|
142.56 |
2006 |
|
144.89 |
|
134.67 |
|
172.18 |
2007 |
|
136.78 |
|
142.06 |
|
200.66 |
2008 |
|
118.99 |
|
89.51 |
|
148.68 |
The foregoing performance
graph and data shall not be deemed filed as part of this Form 10-K for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise
subject to the liabilities of that section and should not be deemed
incorporated by reference into any other filing of IDACORP or IPC under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the
extent IDACORP or IPC specifically incorporates it by reference into such
filing.
ITEM
6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
IDACORP, Inc. |
|||||||||||
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS |
|||||||||||
(thousands of dollars except per share amounts) |
|||||||||||
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Operating revenues |
$ |
960,414 |
$ |
879,394 |
$ |
926,291 |
$ |
842,864 |
$ |
827,856 |
|
Operating income |
|
190,667 |
|
152,078 |
|
169,704 |
|
154,653 |
|
106,233 |
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
98,414 |
|
82,272 |
|
100,075 |
|
85,716 |
|
80,781 |
|
Diluted earnings per share from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
continuing operations |
|
2.17 |
|
1.86 |
|
2.34 |
|
2.02 |
|
2.10 |
Dividends declared per share |
|
1.20 |
|
1.20 |
|
1.20 |
|
1.20 |
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Condition: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
$ |
4,022,845 |
$ |
3,653,308 |
$ |
3,445,130 |
$ |
3,364,126 |
$ |
3,234,172 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
1,269,979 |
|
1,168,336 |
|
1,023,773 |
|
1,039,852 |
|
1,058,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Times interest charges earned: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before tax (1) |
|
2.47 |
|
2.35 |
|
2.78 |
|
2.65 |
|
1.99 |
|
After tax (2) |
|
2.23 |
|
2.16 |
|
2.54 |
|
2.37 |
|
2.32 |
Market-to-book ratio (3) |
|
106% |
|
131% |
|
151% |
|
121% |
|
128% |
|
Payout ratio (4) |
|
55% |
|
65% |
|
48% |
|
79% |
|
63% |
|
Return on year-end common equity(5) |
|
7.6% |
|
6.8% |
|
9.6% |
|
6.2% |
|
7.2% |
|
Book value per share (6) |
$ |
27.76 |
$ |
26.79 |
$ |
25.65 |
$ |
24.05 |
$ |
23.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The financial statistics listed above are calculated in the following manner: |
|||||||||||
(1) The sum of interest on long-term debt, other interest expense excluding the allowance for funds used during construction credits (AFUDC), |
|||||||||||
|
and income before income taxes divided by the sum of interest on long-term debt and other interest expense excluding AFUDC credits. |
||||||||||
(2) The sum of interest on long-term debt, other interest expense excluding AFUDC credits, and income from continuing operations divided |
|||||||||||
|
by the sum of interest on long-term debt and other interest expense excluding AFUDC credits. |
||||||||||
(3) The closing price of IDACORP stock on the last day of the year divided by the book value per share, which is described in (6) below |
|||||||||||
(4) Dividends paid per common share for the year divided by earnings per diluted share. |
|||||||||||
(5) Net income divided by total shareholders equity at the end of the year. |
|||||||||||
(6) Total shareholders equity at the end of the year divided by shares outstanding at the end of the year. |
|||||||||||
|
In the second quarter of
2006, IDACORP management designated the operations of IDACORP Technologies,
Inc. and IDACOMM as assets held for sale. IDACORPs consolidated financial
statements reflect the reclassification of the results of these businesses as
discontinued operations for all periods presented. Discontinued operations are
discussed in more detail in Note 16 to IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated
Financial Statements.
19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts and Megawatt-hours
(MWh) are in thousands unless otherwise indicated).
INTRODUCTION:
In Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), the
general financial condition and results of operations for IDACORP, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (collectively, IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company and its subsidiary
(collectively, IPC) are discussed.
IDACORP is a holding company
formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is IPC. IDACORP is subject
to the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, which
provides certain access to books and records to the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) and state utility regulatory commissions and imposes certain
record retention and reporting requirements on IDACORP.
IPC is an electric utility
with a service territory covering approximately 24,000 square miles in southern
Idaho and eastern Oregon. IPC is regulated by the FERC and the state
regulatory commissions of Idaho and Oregon. IPC is the parent of Idaho Energy
Resources Co., (IERCo) a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company, which supplies
coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by IPC.
IDACORPs other subsidiaries
include:
IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments;
Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West), an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of PURPA; and
IDACORP Energy (IE), a marketer of energy commodities, which wound down operations in 2003.
On July 20, 2006, IDACORP
completed the sale of all of the outstanding common stock of ITI to IdaTech UK
Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investec Group Investments (UK) Limited.
On February 23, 2007, IDACORP completed the sale of all of the outstanding
common stock of IDACOMM to American Fiber Systems, Inc.
While reading the MD&A,
please refer to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of IDACORP
and IPC, which present the financial position at December 31, 2008 and 2007,
and the results of operations and cash flows for each company for the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION:
In connection with the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
IDACORP and IPC are hereby filing cautionary statements identifying important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected in forward-looking statements, as such term is defined in the Reform
Act, made by or on behalf of IDACORP or IPC in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that
express, or involve discussions as to expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives,
assumptions or future events or performance, often, but not always, through the
use of words or phrases such as anticipates, believes, estimates, expects,
intends, plans, predicts, projects, may result, may continue or
similar expressions, are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties and
are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the
following important factors, which are difficult to predict, contain
uncertainties, are beyond IDACORPs or IPCs control and may cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking
statements:
The effect of regulatory decisions by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission affecting our ability to recover costs and/or earn a reasonable rate
of return including, but not limited to, the disallowance of costs that have
been deferred;
20
Changes in and compliance with state and federal laws, policies and regulations, including new interpretations by oversight bodies, which include the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and the Oregon Public Utility Commission, of existing policies and regulations that affect the cost of compliance, investigations and audits, penalties and costs of remediation that may or may not be recoverable through rates;
Changes in tax laws or related regulations or new interpretations of applicable law by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing jurisdiction;
Litigation and regulatory proceedings, including those resulting from the energy situation in the western United States, and penalties and settlements that influence business and profitability;
Changes in and compliance with laws, regulations and policies including changes in law and compliance with environmental, natural resources, endangered species and safety laws, regulations and policies and the adoption of laws and regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions, global climate change, and energy policies;
Global climate change and regional weather variations affecting customer demand and hydroelectric generation;
Over-appropriation of surface and groundwater in the Snake River Basin resulting in reduced generation at hydroelectric facilities;
Construction of power generation, transmission and distribution facilities, including an inability to obtain required governmental permits and approvals, rights-of-way and siting, and risks related to contracting, construction and start-up;
Operation of power generating facilities including performance below expected levels, breakdown or failure of equipment, availability of transmission and fuel supply;
Changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures, including costs and availability of materials, fuel and commodities;
Blackouts or other disruptions of Idaho Power Companys transmission system or the western interconnected transmission system;
Population growth rates and other demographic patterns;
Market prices and demand for energy, including structural market changes;
Increases in uncollectible customer receivables;
Fluctuations in sources and uses of cash;
Results of financing efforts, including the ability to obtain financing or refinance existing debt when necessary or on favorable terms, which can be affected by factors such as credit ratings, volatility in the financial markets and other economic conditions;
Actions by credit rating agencies, including changes in rating criteria and new interpretations of existing criteria;
Changes in interest rates or rates of inflation;
Performance of the stock market, interest rates, credit spreads and other financial market conditions, as well as changes in government regulations, which affect the amount and timing of required contributions to pension plans and the reported costs of providing pension and other postretirement benefits;
Increases in health care costs and the resulting effect on medical benefits paid for employees;
Increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage terms and the ability to obtain insurance;
Homeland security, acts of war or terrorism;
Natural disasters and other natural risks, such as earthquake, flood, drought, lightning, wind and fire;
Adoption of or changes in critical accounting policies or estimates; and
New accounting or Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, or new interpretation or application of existing requirements.
Any forward-looking statement
speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge
from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such
factors, nor can it assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the
extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to
differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
21
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW:
2008 Financial Results
IDACORPs net income and earnings per
diluted share for the last three years were as follows:
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Net income |
|
$ |
98,414 |
|
$ |
82,339 |
|
$ |
107,403 |
Average outstanding shares - diluted (000s) |
|
|
45,332 |
|
|
44,291 |
|
|
42,874 |
Earnings per diluted share |
|
$ |
2.17 |
|
$ |
1.86 |
|
$ |
2.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The key factor affecting the
change in IDACORPs net income was IPCs operating income, which increased
$34.6 million over 2007 levels. Rate increases during 2007 and 2008 increased
general business revenues in 2008 as compared to 2007. These increases
combined with more favorable hydroelectric generating conditions resulted in
improved operating income. However, increases in operating and maintenance
expenses and interest expense due to higher long-term debt balances reduced the
earnings contribution at IPC. IPC earnings in the fourth quarter were also negatively
impacted by a FERC decision that resulted in an increase to IPCs Open Access
Transmission Tariff (OATT) refund to its transmission service customers and an
impairment charge for a decline in the market value of equity securities.
The following table presents
a reconciliation of IDACORP net income for 2007 to 2008 (shown net of tax):
|
|
||
IDACORP 2007 Net Income |
$82,339 |
|
|
Increased electric utility operating income |
21,070 |
(1) |
|
Gain on sale of Southwest Intertie Project (SWIP) |
1,849 |
|
|
Decreased net income at IFS |
(3,686) |
|
|
Decreased loss at holding company |
1,585 |
|
|
Increased IPC interest expense |
(6,518) |
|
|
Impairment of equity securities |
(4,159) |
|
|
Settlement of prior years tax returns |
2,753 |
|
|
Other net increases |
3,181 |
|
|
IDACORP 2008 Net Income |
$98,414 |
|
|
|
|||
(1) |
Increased electric utility operating income includes increased general business revenue of $70.6 million, |
||
|
decreased other revenue of $4.8 million due to the OATT refund, decreased net power supply |
||
|
costs (fuel and purchased power less off-system sales) of $5.9 million, a PCA expense decrease of $44.9 |
||
|
million, and increased O&M expense of $4.6 million. |
||
|
|
||
Business Strategy
IDACORP is focusing on a strategy
that emphasizes IPC as IDACORPs core business. Although growth in number of
customers slowed in 2008, IPC is experiencing customer growth in its service
area and must be prepared to meet customers electricity needs in the future.
This corporate strategy recognizes that IPC must make investments in
infrastructure to ensure adequate supply and reliable service. IPCs
regulatory efforts have resulted in finalizing the 2007 general rate case and receiving
an order in the 2008 general rate case. IPC continues to make efforts to speed
recovery of the financial and operating costs of new facilities and system
improvements. IFS and Ida-West remain components of the corporate strategy.
Regulatory Matters
Idaho 2008 General Rate Case: On
January 30, 2009, the IPUC issued its final order approving an average annual
increase in Idaho base rates, effective February 1, 2009, of 3.1 percent
(approximately $20.9 million annually), a return on equity of 10.5 percent and
an overall rate of return of 8.18 percent. On February 19, 2009, IPC filed a
request for reconsideration with the IPUC. In its filing, IPC asked the IPUC
to reconsider four principal areas of the order having a combined Idaho
jurisdictional revenue requirement impact of approximately $8 million annually.
The request for reconsideration is discussed in more detail in REGULATORY
MATTERS - Idaho Rate Cases - 2008 General Rate Case.
22
Idaho 2007 General Rate
Case: On February 28, 2008, the IPUC
approved a settlement of IPCs general rate case filed in 2007, increasing base
rates for residential customers 4.7 percent and rates for the other classes of
customers 5.65 percent. The rates became effective March 1, 2008, and increased
IPCs annual revenue by $32.1 million.
Danskin CT1 Power Plant
Rate Case: On May 30, 2008, the IPUC
authorized IPC to add to its rate base $64.2 million for the Danskin CT1 plant
and related facilities, effective June 1, 2008, resulting in a base rate
increase of 1.37 percent, or $8.9 million in annual revenues.
Power Cost Adjustment: On May 30, 2008, the IPUC approved a $73.3 million
increase to revenues, effective June 1, 2008, which resulted in an average rate
increase to IPCs customers of 10.7 percent. The increase is net of
approximately $16.5 million of gains on sales of excess emission allowances,
including interest.
In
its order, the IPUC also directed IPC to hold workshops to address PCA-related
issues not resolved in the PCA filing. As a result of the workshops, a
settlement stipulation was filed and was approved by the IPUC on January 9,
2009. The approved stipulation changes the sharing ratio between customers and
shareholders to 95/5, adjusts the Load Growth Adjustment Rate (LGAR) to $26.52
per MWh based on the 2008 general rate case order, changes the source of the
power supply cost forecast and authorizes inclusion of third party transmission
expense in the PCA formula. The changes were effective February 1, 2009. The
stipulation is discussed in more detail in REGULATORY MATTERS - Deferred Net
Power Supply Costs Idaho PCA Workshops.
Oregon Power Cost Recovery
Mechanism: On April 28, 2008, the
OPUC approved a power cost recovery mechanism with two components, the annual
power cost update (APCU) and the power cost adjustment mechanism (PCAM). The
combination of the APCU and the PCAM allows IPC to recover excess net power
supply costs in a more timely fashion than through the previously existing
deferral process. The APCU allows IPC to reestablish its Oregon base net power
supply costs annually, separate from a general rate case, and to forecast net
power supply costs for the upcoming water year. The PCAM is a true-up that
provides for 90 percent customer sharing of deviations in actual net power
supply costs from those included in the APCU if the deviations are outside of
prescribed ranges and IPC meets a return-on-equity test. These mechanisms are
discussed in more detail in REGULATORY MATTERS - Deferred Net Power Supply
Costs Oregon Oregon Power Cost Recovery Mechanism.
OATT: Effective June 1, 2006, IPCs OATT was made a
formula rate based on financial and operational data IPC is required to file
annually with the FERC in its Form 1. On January 15, 2009, the FERC issued an
unfavorable order affecting the way IPC calculates its OATT. The order
requires IPC to reduce its transmission service rates to FERC jurisdictional
customers and make refunds in the total amount of $13.3 million (including $1.1
million in interest) for the period since June 2006. IPC had previously
reserved a portion of this amount, but reserved an additional $7.9 million
(including $0.7 million in interest) in the fourth quarter of 2008 to bring the
total reserve amount to $13.3 million. IPC has filed a request for rehearing
with the FERC. The OATT is discussed in more detail in REGULATORY MATTERS -
Federal Regulatory Matters - OATT.
Record system peaks
IPCs system is dual peaking, with
the larger peak demand occurring in the summer. IPC set a new system peak of
3,214 MW on June 30, 2008. The previous hourly system peak of 3,193 MW was set
on July 13, 2007. Although IPC was able to meet all of its load requirements
during this period of increased demand, all available resources of IPCs system
were fully committed.
Integrated Resource Plan
IPC filed its 2006 Integrated
Resource Plan (IRP) with the IPUC in September 2006 and with the OPUC in
October 2006. The 2006 IRP previewed IPCs load and resource situation for the
next twenty years, analyzed potential supply-side and demand-side options and
identified near-term and long-term actions.
23
Prior to filing, the IRP
requires extensive involvement by IPC, the IPUC Staff, the OPUC Staff, and
customer and environmental representatives, as well as input on the cost of
various generation technologies. The IRP is the starting point for
demonstrating prudence in IPCs resource decisions. The two primary goals of
the 2006 IRP were to (1) identify sufficient resources to reliably serve the
growing demand for electric service within IPCs service area throughout the 20-year
planning period and (2) ensure that the portfolio of resources selected
balances cost, risk and environmental concerns.
The IPUC accepted the 2006
IRP in March 2007 and the OPUC acknowledged the 2006 IRP in September 2007.
With its acceptance of the 2006 IRP, the IPUC requested that IPC align the
submittal of its next IRP with those submitted by other Idaho utilities. To
comply with this request, IPC provided updates on the status of the 2006 IRP to
both the IPUC and OPUC in June 2008 and to the OPUC in February 2009 and is
currently preparing the 2009 IRP which is scheduled to be completed in June
2009. See further discussion in REGULATORY MATTERS - Integrated Resource
Plan.
Transmission
Projects
IPC and PacifiCorp are jointly
exploring the Gateway West Project to build transmission lines between
Windstar, a substation located near Douglas, Wyoming and Hemingway, a
substation located in the vicinity of Melba and Murphy, Idaho near Boise. The
lines would be designed to increase electrical transmission capacity across
southern Idaho in response to increasing customer demand and growth, along with
other transmission service requests. IPC and PacifiCorp have a cost sharing
agreement for expenses associated with the analysis work of the initial
phases. IPCs share of the initial phase of engineering, environmental review,
permitting and rights-of-way is approximately $40 million. Initial phases of
the project could be completed by 2014 depending on the timing of rights-of-way,
acquisition, siting and permitting, and construction sequencing. If all
initial phases are constructed, IPC estimates that its share of the project
costs could range between $500 million and $600 million. Remaining phases of
the project could be constructed as demand requires.
Consistent
with the 2006 IRP and requirements and requests of other transmission
customers, IPC is exploring alternatives for the construction of a 500-kV line
between southwestern Idaho and the Northwest. The Boardman-Hemingway Line is
expected to relieve existing congestion by increasing transmission capacity and
improving reliability. It will allow for the transfer of up to 1,500 MW of
additional energy between Idaho and the Northwest. The initial project phase
estimate of $50 million will be funded by IPC and includes the engineering,
environmental review, permitting and rights-of-way. Cost estimates for the
project (including initial phase project estimate and construction costs of the
line) are approximately $600 million. IPC expects to seek partners for up to
50 percent of the project when construction commences. The line has a target
in-service date of June 2013. Please see further discussion in REGULATORY
MATTERS Transmission Projects - Boardman-Hemingway Line.
In
order to connect the Gateway West Project and the Boardman-Hemingway Line to
IPCs primary load center and also to help meet forecast deficits and improve reliability,
IPC is constructing a new 500-kV station named Hemingway. As part of the
Hemingway Station Project, the new Hemingway-Hubbard Transmission Line will
provide power to the Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho. The project is
expected to be completed by 2010. The project will include adding a 230-kV
double circuit transmission line and converting an existing 138-kV to 230-kV.
Cost estimates for the Hemingway Station Project include $52 million for the
station and $25 million for the Hemingway-Hubbard Transmission Line.
Liquidity
In the fourth quarter of 2008, the
global credit markets suffered a significant contraction, including the failure
of some large financial institutions. As a result, the U.S. government took
control of certain financial institutions, and some institutions were bought
out or declared bankruptcy. Despite the recent turmoil in the global credit
markets, IDACORP and IPC had access to the capital markets and have been able
to generate funds internally and externally to meet our capital requirements.
Our ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is
critical to our overall strategic plan because
IDACORP and IPC rely on access to both short-term borrowings, including the
issuance of commercial paper, and long-term capital markets as sources of
liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by internally generated
funds. IDACORP and IPC have continued to issue commercial paper at times, but
have also made draws under their respective credit facilities when commercial
paper at desired maturities was not available. IDACORP and IPC expect that
operating cash flow, together with the revolving credit facilities and other
external financing, will be adequate to meet their operating and capital needs,
although there can be no assurance that continued or increased volatility and
disruption in the global capital and credit markets will not restrict either
companys ability to access these markets on commercially acceptable terms or
at all.
24
Pension
Plan
Financial market volatility and
disruption caused a significant decline in the value of qualified pension
assets. Current provisions of the Pension Protection Act require that if a
company does not maintain a 94 percent funding status for 2009, then the
company will need to make additional contributions to become fully funded over
a period of seven years. Based on the value of pension assets and interest
rates as of December 31, 2008, the estimated minimum required contributions
would be approximately $45 million in 2010 and $33 million for each of 2011,
2012, and 2013. These estimates reflect the initial relief measures as passed
by Congress; however, additional measures are being proposed, which may impact
immediate funding requirements.
Capital
Requirements and Cash Flows
IDACORP estimates that it will spend between $780 and $800 million for
construction related activities from 2009 to 2011, excluding any amounts from
our 2012 Baseload Resource RFP process.
Forecasts indicate that
internal cash generation after dividends will provide less than the full amount
of total capital requirements for 2009 through 2011. IDACORP and IPC expect to
continue financing the utility construction program and other capital requirements
with internally generated funds and continued reliance on externally financed
capital. Excluding the baseload resource decision, IPC expects financing needs
in 2009 to be less than 2008 levels.
The amount of internal cash
generation is dependent primarily upon IPCs cash flows from operations, which
are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to weather and water conditions
and IPCs ability to obtain rate relief to cover its operating costs and
provide a return on investment.
Equity Issuances
During 2008, IDACORP issued
approximately 1.9 million shares of common stock through its continuous equity
program (CEP), dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan, employee savings
plan, restricted stock plan, and long-term incentive and compensation plan. Approximately
1.5 million of these shares were issued under the CEP. In 2008, 2007 and 2006,
IDACORP contributed $37 million, $51 million and $47 million, respectively, of
additional equity to IPC. No additional shares of IPC common stock were
issued.
Idaho Water Management
Issues
Power generation at the IPC
hydroelectric power plants on the Snake River is dependent upon the state water
rights held by IPC and the long-term sustainability of the Snake River,
tributary spring flows and the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer that is connected to
the Snake River. IPC continues to participate in water management issues in
Idaho that may affect those water rights and resources with the goal to
preserve, to the fullest extent possible, the long-term availability of water
for use at IPCs hydroelectric projects on the Snake River. IPCs involvement
includes active participation in the Snake River Basin Adjudication, a judicial
action initiated in 1987 to determine the nature and extent of water use in the
Snake River basin, judicial and administrative proceedings relating to the
conjunctive management of ground and surface water rights, and management and
planning processes intended to reverse declining trends in river, spring, and
aquifer levels and address the long-term water resource needs of the state. On
occasion, resolution of these water management issues involves litigation. IPC
is involved in legal actions regarding not only its water rights but also the
water rights of others. For a further discussion of water management issues
see LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - Environmental Issues - Idaho Water
Management Issues.
2009 Operating and Financial Metrics Outlook
The outlook for key operating and financial metrics for 2009 as compared to
actual results for 2008 is:
|
2009 |
2008 |
|
Key Operating & Financial Metrics |
Estimate |
Actual |
|
IPC Operation & Maintenance Expense (Millions) |
$280-$290 |
$294 |
|
IPC Capital Expenditures (Millions) |
$220-$230 |
$244 |
|
IPC Hydroelectric Generation (Million MWh) |
6.5-8.5 |
6.9 |
|
Non-regulated subsidiary earnings and holding company expenses (Millions) |
$0.0-$3.0 |
$4.3 |
|
Effective Tax Rates: |
|
|
|
|
IPC |
31%-35% |
29% |
|
Consolidated IDACORP |
24%-28% |
16% |
|
|
|
|
25
IPC capital expenditures exclude
costs for a baseload energy resource. IPC will seek approval from the IPUC
relating to the baseload resource during the first quarter of 2009 with a
decision from the IPUC expected later in 2009. For the three-year period 2009-2011,
IPC expects to spend between $780 million and $800 million for construction-related
activities. This amount includes expenditures for the siting and permitting of
major transmission expansions for Boardman to Hemingway, Gateway West, and for
the Hemingway station and Hemingway to Hubbard line.
As discussed above, the credit
and financial markets have recently experienced volatility and disruption. IPC
has experienced a slowdown in new customer connections and one of IPCs largest
industrial customers has announced workforce reductions. As a result, IPC and
IDACORP have reduced or delayed many capital expenditures relating to customer
growth and other non-critical projects. Additionally, hiring restrictions have
been implemented and are expected to slow the growth of operation and
maintenance spending in 2009.
The projected range for annual
hydroelectric generation is based on 2008-2009 Snake River Basin snowpack at 77
percent of average on February 17, 2009, with reservoir storage levels in
selected federal reservoirs upstream of Brownlee at approximately 110 percent
of average as of February 11, 2009. The stream flow forecast released on
February 20, 2009, by the NWRFC predicts that Brownlee reservoir inflow for
April through July 2009 will be 3.3 maf, or 53 percent of the NWRFC average.
The decrease in estimated non-regulated
subsidiary earnings from prior years is a result of expected declines in
contributions from IFS because of lower tax benefits from aging investments and
no significant new contributions expected in 2009.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES:
When preparing financial
statements in accordance with GAAP, IDACORPs and IPCs management must apply
accounting policies and make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities. These estimates often involve judgment about factors that are
difficult to predict and are beyond managements control. Management adjusts
these estimates based on historical experience and on other assumptions and
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual
amounts could materially differ from the estimates.
Management believes the
following accounting policies and estimates are the most critical to the
portrayal of their financial condition and results of operations and require
managements most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result
of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently
uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.
Accounting for Rate
Regulation
In order to apply the accounting
policies and practices of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, a
regulated company must satisfy the following conditions: (1) an independent
regulator must set rates; (2) the regulator must set the rates to cover
specific costs of delivering service; and (3) the service territory must lack
competitive pressures to reduce rates below the rates set by the regulator.
SFAS 71 requires companies that meet the above conditions to reflect the impact
of regulatory decisions in their consolidated financial statements and requires
that certain costs be deferred as regulatory assets until matching revenues can
be recognized. Similarly, certain items may be deferred as regulatory
liabilities and amortized to the income statement as rates to customers are
reduced.
IPC follows SFAS 71, and its
financial statements reflect the effects of the different rate making
principles followed by the jurisdictions regulating IPC. The primary effect of
this policy is that IPC has recorded $699 million of regulatory assets and $279
million of regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2008. While IPC expects to
fully recover these regulatory assets from customers through rates and refund
these regulatory liabilities to customers through rates, such recovery or
refund is subject to final review by the regulatory entities. If future
recovery or refund of these amounts ceases to be probable, or if IPC determines
that it no longer meets the criteria for applying SFAS 71, IPC would be
required to eliminate those regulatory assets or liabilities, unless regulators
specify some other means of recovery or refund. Either circumstance could have
a material effect on IPCs results of operations and financial position.
26
Asset
Impairment
Available-for-sale securities: IPC
has investments in four mutual funds that experienced a significant decline in
fair value in 2008. SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities, requires that these and other securities be
evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in fair value is other
than temporary. If the decline in fair value is other than temporary, the cost
of the investment is written down to fair value and the loss is recorded as a
realized loss. Two significant factors that are considered when evaluating
investments for impairment are the length of time and the extent to which the
market value has been less than cost. IPCs investments had lost between 32
percent and 43 percent of their value, primarily during the stock market
downturn in September and October 2008 and had been in loss positions from six
to 12 months at December 31, 2008. Because of the severity of the declines in
value, IPC determined that the loss in value was other-than-temporary and
recorded a pre-tax loss of $6.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Equity-Method
Investments: IFS has affordable
housing investments with a net book value of $75 million at December 31, 2008,
and Ida-West has investments in four joint ventures that own electric power
generation facilities. Except for one investment now consolidated in
accordance with GAAP, these investments are accounted for under the equity
method of accounting as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
(APB) 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.
The standard for determining whether impairment must be recorded under APB 18
is whether the investment has experienced a loss in value that is considered an
other-than-temporary decline in value. Impairment analyses on these
investments were performed in 2008 and no impairment was noted. These
estimates required IDACORP to make assumptions about future stream flows,
revenues, cash flows and other items that are inherently uncertain. Actual
results could vary significantly from the assumptions used, and the impact of
such variations could be material.
Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefits
IPC maintains a qualified defined
benefit pension plan covering most employees, an unfunded nonqualified deferred
compensation plan for certain senior management employees and directors called
the Senior Management Security Plan (SMSP), and a postretirement medical
benefit plan.
The costs IDACORP and IPC
record for these plans depend on the provisions of the plans, changing employee
demographics, actual returns on plan assets and several assumptions used in the
actuarial valuations from which the expense is derived. The key actuarial
assumptions that affect expense are the expected long-term return on plan
assets and the discount rate used in determining future benefit obligations.
Management evaluates the actuarial assumptions on an annual basis, taking into
account changes in market conditions, trends and future expectations.
Estimates of future stock market performance, changes in interest rates and
other factors used to develop the actuarial assumptions are uncertain. Actual
results could vary significantly from the estimates.
The assumed discount rate is
based on reviews of market yields on high-quality corporate debt.
Specifically, IDACORP and IPC utilize data published in the Citigroup Pension
Liability Index and apply the rates therein against the projected cash outflows
of the plans. The discount rate used to calculate the 2009 pension expense
will be decreased to 6.1 percent from the 6.4 percent used in 2008.
Rate-of-return projections
for plan assets are based on historical risk/return relationships among asset
classes. The primary measure is the historical risk premium each asset class
has delivered versus the return on 10-year U.S. Treasury Notes. This
historical risk premium is then added to the current yield on 10-year U.S.
Treasury Notes, and the result provides a reasonable prediction of future
investment performance. Additional analysis is performed to measure the
expected range of returns, as well as worst-case and best-case scenarios.
Based on the current interest rate environment, current rate-of-return
expectations are lower than the nominal returns generated over the past 20
years when interest rates were generally much higher.
Gross pension and other
postretirement benefit expense for these plans totaled $16 million, $15
million, and $16 million for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively, including amounts allocated to capitalized labor and
amounts deferred as regulatory assets. For 2009, gross pension and other
postretirement benefit costs are expected to total approximately $40 million,
which takes into account the change in the discount rate noted above, as well
as a decrease in expected return on plan assets and a new amortization of net
loss both caused by a decrease in plan assets due to poor market conditions
during 2008. No changes were made to the other key assumptions used in the
actuarial calculation.
27
Had different actuarial
assumptions been used, pension expense could have varied significantly. The
following table reflects the sensitivities associated with changes in the
discount rate and rate of return on plan assets actuarial assumptions on
historical and future pension and postretirement expense:
|
Discount rate |
Rate of return |
||||||
|
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
2008 |
||||
|
(millions of dollars) |
|||||||
Effect of 0.5% increase |
$ |
(3.8) |
$ |
(1.4) |
$ |
(1.5) |
$ |
(2.2) |
Effect of 0.5% decrease |
|
4.1 |
|
1.7 |
|
1.5 |
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No cash contributions were
required or made to the qualified plan from 2006 through 2008, and a $24
million contribution is calculated for 2009 (though payment is not expected
until 2010). Under the SMSP, IPC makes payments directly to participants in
the plan. Benefit payments are expected to be $3.0 million in 2009 and
averaged $2.6 million per year from 2006 to 2008. Gross postretirement plan
contributions are expected to be $4.1 million in 2009, and averaged $4.3
million from 2006 to 2008.
On
June 1, 2007, the IPUC issued an order authorizing IPC to account for its
defined benefit pension expense on a cash basis, and to defer and account for
accrued pension expense under SFAS 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, as
a regulatory asset. The IPUC acknowledged
that it is appropriate for IPC to seek recovery in its revenue requirement of
reasonable and prudently incurred pension expense based on actual cash
contributions. IPC began deferring pension expense to a regulatory asset
account to be matched with revenue when future pension contributions are
recovered through rates. The deferral of pension expense began in 2007 with
$2.8 million being deferred to a regulatory asset beginning in the third
quarter. At December 31, 2008, $10.6 million of expense was deferred as a
regulatory asset. Approximately $30 million is expected to be deferred in
2009.
Please refer to Note 8 of
IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains
additional information about the pension and postretirement plans.
Contingent Liabilities
Contingent liabilities are accounted
for in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies. According
to SFAS 5, an estimated loss from a loss contingency is charged to income if
(a) it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been
incurred at the date of the financial statements and (b) the amount of the loss
can be reasonably estimated. If a probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated
no accrual is recorded but disclosure of the contingency in the notes to the
financial statements is required. Gain contingencies are not recorded until
realized.
IDACORP and IPC have a number
of unresolved issues related to regulatory and legal matters. If the
recognition criteria of SFAS 5 have been met, liabilities have been recorded.
Estimates of this nature are highly subjective and the final outcome of these
matters could vary significantly from the amounts that have been included in
the financial statements.
Income Taxes
IDACORP and IPC account for income
taxes in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and FIN
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. Judgment and estimation
are used in developing the provision for income taxes and the reporting of tax-related
assets and liabilities. The interpretation of tax laws can involve
uncertainty, since tax authorities may interpret such laws differently. Actual
income taxes could vary from estimated amounts and may result in favorable or
unfavorable impacts to net income, cash flows, and tax-related assets and
liabilities.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
This section of the MD&A
takes a closer look at the significant factors that affected IDACORPs and IPCs
earnings over the last three years. In this analysis, the results of 2008 are
compared to 2007 and the results of 2007 are compared to 2006.
28
The following table presents
earnings (losses) for IDACORP and its subsidiaries:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
IPC - Utility operations |
$ |
94,115 |
|
$ |
76,579 |
|
$ |
93,929 |
|
IDACORP Financial Services |
|
3,426 |
|
|
7,112 |
|
|
9,509 |
|
IDACORP Energy |
|
406 |
|
|
(171) |
|
|
5 |
|
Ida-West Energy |
|
2,353 |
|
|
2,223 |
|
|
2,564 |
|
Holding company expenses |
|
(1,886) |
|
|
(3,471) |
|
|
(5,932) |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
- |
|
|
67 |
|
|
7,328 |
|
|
Total earnings |
$ |
98,414 |
|
$ |
82,339 |
|
$ |
107,403 |
Average outstanding shares - diluted (000s) |
|
45,332 |
|
|
44,291 |
|
|
42,874 |
|
Earnings per diluted share |
$ |
2.17 |
|
$ |
1.86 |
|
$ |
2.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility Operations
Operating environment: IPC is one of
the nations few investor-owned utilities with a predominantly hydroelectric
generating base. Because of its reliance on hydroelectric generation, IPCs
generation operations can be significantly affected by water conditions. The
availability of hydroelectric power depends on the amount of snow pack in the
mountains upstream of IPCs hydroelectric facilities, springtime snow pack run-off,
river base flows, spring flows, rainfall and other weather and stream flow
management considerations. During low water years, when stream flows into IPCs
hydroelectric projects are reduced, IPCs hydroelectric generation is reduced.
This results in less generation from IPCs resource portfolio (hydroelectric,
coal-fired and gas-fired) available for off-system sales and, most likely, an
increased use of purchased power to meet load requirements. Both of these
situations - a reduction in off-system sales and an increased use of more
expensive purchased power - result in increased power supply costs. During
high water years, increased off-system sales and the decreased need for
purchased power reduce net power supply costs.
Operations plans are
developed during the year to provide guidance for generation resource
utilization and energy market activities (off-system sales and power
purchases). The plans incorporate forecasts for generation unit availability,
reservoir storage and stream flows, gas and coal prices, customer loads, energy
market prices and other pertinent inputs. Consideration is given to when to
use IPCs available resources to meet forecast loads and when to transact in
the wholesale energy market. The allocation of hydroelectric generation
between heavy load and light load hours or calendar periods is considered in
development of the operating plans. This allocation is intended to utilize the
flexibility of the hydroelectric system to shift generation to high value
periods, while operating within the constraints imposed on the system. IPCs
energy risk management policy, unit operating requirements and other
obligations provide the framework for the plans.
Stream flow conditions
improved slightly in 2008 resulting in 6.9 million MWh generated from IPCs
hydroelectric facilities, compared to 6.2 million MWh in 2007. The observed
stream flow data released in August 2008, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Northwest Division indicated that Brownlee reservoir inflow for April through
July 2008 was 4.4 million acre-feet (maf), or 70 percent of the National
Weather Service Northwest River Forecast Center (NWRFC) average. Brownlee
reservoir inflow for 2008 totaled 10.1 maf, or 66 percent of the NWRFC average
compared to 8.5 maf in 2007. Storage in selected federal reservoirs upstream
of Brownlee as of February 11, 2009, was 110 percent of average. The stream
flow forecast released on February 20, 2009, by the NWRFC predicts that
Brownlee reservoir inflow for April through July 2009 will be 3.3 maf, or 53 percent
of the NWRFC average.
In
2008, IPC leased approximately 0.1 maf of storage water from four sources in an
effort to enhance hydroelectric generation. This water was released during the
higher demand summer and winter periods.
On December 30, 2008, IPC
issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking to acquire additional water
through leases. Proposals were received in February 2009 and are currently
being evaluated. This action is in part to offset the impact of drought and
changing water use patterns in southern Idaho challenges diminishing the
companys ability to meet mid-summer electrical demands. Acquiring water through
lease also helps IPC improve water quality and temperature conditions in the
Snake River as part of ongoing relicensing efforts associated with the Hells
Canyon Complex. IPC plans to include these costs in its annual PCA filing.
29
IPCs
system is dual peaking, with the larger peak demand occurring in the summer.
The all-time system peak demand is 3,214 MW, set on June 30, 2008. The
previous hourly system peak of 3,193 MW was set on July 13, 2007. Although IPC
was able to meet all of its load requirements during these periods of increased
demand, all available resources of IPCs system were fully committed during
several heavy load periods. The all-time winter peak demand is 2,464 MW set on
January 24, 2008. The previous hourly system winter peak of 2,459 MW was
set in 1998. The following table
presents IPCs power supply for the last three years:
|
MWh |
||||
|
Hydroelectric |
Thermal |
Total System |
Purchased |
|
|
Generation |
Generation |
Generation |
Power |
Total |
2008 |
6,908 |
7,496 |
14,404 |
3,716 |
18,120 |
2007 |
6,181 |
7,367 |
13,548 |
5,196 |
18,744 |
2006 |
9,207 |
7,021 |
16,228 |
4,964 |
21,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
IPCs modeled median annual
hydroelectric generation is 8.5 million MWh, based on hydrologic conditions for
the period 1928 through 2007 and adjusted to reflect the current level of water
resource development.
General Business Revenue: The primary influences on electricity sales are
weather, customer growth and economic conditions. Extreme temperatures
increase sales to customers who use electricity for cooling and heating, and
moderate temperatures decrease sales. Precipitation levels during the
agricultural growing season affect sales to customers who use electricity to
operate irrigation pumps. Increased precipitation reduces electricity usage by
these customers.
The following table presents
IPCs general business revenues, MWh sales, average number of customers and
Boise, Idaho weather conditions for the last three years:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Residential |
$ |
353,262 |
|
$ |
308,208 |
|
$ |
299,594 |
|
|
Commercial |
|
203,035 |
|
|
170,001 |
|
|
162,391 |
|
|
Industrial |
|
122,302 |
|
|
101,409 |
|
|
102,958 |
|
|
Irrigation |
|
105,712 |
|
|
88,685 |
|
|
71,432 |
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
784,311 |
|
$ |
668,303 |
|
$ |
636,375 |
MWh |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Residential |
|
5,297 |
|
|
5,227 |
|
|
5,068 |
|
|
Commercial |
|
3,970 |
|
|
3,937 |
|
|
3,761 |
|
|
Industrial |
|
3,355 |
|
|
3,454 |
|
|
3,475 |
|
|
Irrigation |
|
1,922 |
|
|
1,924 |
|
|
1,635 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
14,544 |
|
|
14,542 |
|
|
13,939 |
Customers (average) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Residential |
|
402,520 |
|
|
397,285 |
|
|
387,707 |
|
|
Commercial |
|
63,492 |
|
|
61,640 |
|
|
59,050 |
|
|
Industrial |
|
122 |
|
|
126 |
|
|
130 |
|
|
Irrigation |
|
18,401 |
|
|
18,043 |
|
|
18,081 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
484,535 |
|
|
477,094 |
|
|
464,968 |
Heating degree-days |
|
5,586 |
|
|
5,128 |
|
|
5,195 |
||
Cooling degree-days |
|
1,068 |
|
|
1,290 |
|
|
1,209 |
||
Precipitation (inches) |
|
9.3 |
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
12.1 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heating and cooling degree-days
are common measures used in the utility industry to analyze the demand for
electricity and indicate when a customer would use electricity for heating and
air conditioning. A degree-day measures how much the average daily temperature
varies from 65 degrees. Each degree of temperature above 65 degrees is counted
as one cooling degree-day, and each degree of temperature below 65 degrees is
counted as one heating degree-day. Normal heating degree-days and cooling
degree-days are 5,727 and 807, respectively. Normal precipitation is 12.2
inches.
30
2008 vs. 2007:
Rates: Rate changes positively impacted general business revenue by $113.5 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. PCA rate increases accounted for $82.3 million of the increases and base rate changes contributed $31.2 million of the increase. The base rate changes included a general rate increase of 5.2 percent effective March 1, 2008, and a 1.37 percent increase for the Danskin plant effective June 1, 2008;
Customers: General business customer growth of 1.6 percent increased revenue $7.8 million; and
Usage: Changes in usage, primarily resulting from cooler
summer temperatures, decreased general business revenue $5.3 million.
2007 vs. 2006:
Rates: Rate increases improved general business revenue by $3.0 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. A PCA increase on June 1, 2007, increased rates by an average of 14.5 percent, but was moderated by the prior year net effect of the 19.3 percent PCA reduction, which was partially offset by a one percent net base rate increase;
Customers: Customer growth improved general business revenue $11.7 million for the year, as IPC experienced moderate customer growth in its service territory. The general business customer base (12-month average) increased 2.6 percent over prior year; and
Usage: Weather variations positively impacted general business revenue by $17.2 million. Irrigation usage was higher due to drier than normal conditions in the summer of 2007 as compared to 2006. Residential, industrial and commercial usage was positively impacted by warmer weather conditions during the summer months.
Off-system sales: Off-system sales consist primarily of long-term sales
contracts and opportunity sales of surplus system energy. The following table
presents IPCs off-system sales for the last three years:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Revenue |
$ |
121,429 |
|
$ |
154,948 |
|
$ |
260,717 |
MWh sold |
|
2,048 |
|
|
2,744 |
|
|
5,821 |
Revenue per MWh |
$ |
59.29 |
|
$ |
56.47 |
|
$ |
44.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 vs. 2007: Off-system sales revenue declined 22 percent in
2008. Sales volumes decreased due to changes to IPCs risk management policy
guidelines implemented in 2008 that have resulted in less forward sales
activity overall. Revenue per MWH increased due to the impact of higher energy
commodity prices through much of 2008.
2007 vs. 2006: In 2007, the MWh volume sold decreased 53 percent
and revenues decreased 41 percent. Deteriorated stream flow conditions
throughout Southern Idaho decreased total system generation and electricity
available for surplus sales. Revenue decreases from lower volumes were
moderated by higher prices. Prior year prices were lower due to the abundance
of energy in the region.
Other revenues: The following table presents the components of other
revenues:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
Transmission services and property rental |
$ |
41,436 |
|
$ |
39,739 |
|
$ |
34,737 |
|
Provision for rate refund |
|
(9,980) |
|
|
(1,076) |
|
|
(1,211) |
|
Energy efficiency |
|
18,880 |
|
|
13,487 |
|
|
- |
|
Rate case tax settlement |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(4,745) |
|
Irrigation lost revenues |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(5,400) |
|
|
Total |
$ |
50,336 |
|
$ |
52,150 |
|
$ |
23,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 vs. 2007: Other revenues decreased $1.8 million due mainly to the following:
31
Provision for rate refund reduced revenues $8.9 million compared to 2007. In January 2009, the FERC issued an order finalizing an OATT rate increase that had been implemented in June 2006. IPC accrued an estimated refund pending the final rate order, but the final order requires a significantly higher refund. Of the total provision recorded in 2008, $6.0 million relates to 2008 transmission services, $2.3 million relates to 2007 and $1.7 million relates to 2006. The OATT is discussed in more detail in REGULATORY MATTERS Federal Regulatory Matters Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT);
Wheeling revenues increased $1.7 million; and
Energy efficiency revenues increased $5.4 million. These revenues mirror program expenditures and result in a zero net impact on net income. Energy efficiency revenues and expenses have steadily increased as program activity has increased.
2007 vs. 2006: Other revenues increased $28.8 million due mainly to the following:
Beginning in January 2007, a new IPUC accounting order became effective for the treatment of IPCs energy efficiency expenses. The $13.5 million of energy efficiency costs are recorded in Energy efficiency programs and are offset by the same amount recorded in Other revenues resulting in no net effect on earnings. See Energy efficiency;
Other revenues increased $10.1 million from the completed amortization of tax settlement and irrigation lost revenue accruals. From June 2005 to May 2006 IPC was collecting and recording in general business revenues, with a corresponding reduction to Other revenues, amounts related to a 2003 Idaho general rate case tax settlement and amounts related to an irrigation load reduction program. Revenues for the rate case tax settlement were accrued from September 2004 to May 2005; and
Transmission revenues increased $4.1 million primarily due to the OATT rate increase that began in June 2006.
Purchased power: The following table presents IPCs purchased power
expenses and volumes:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Expense |
$ |
231,137 |
|
$ |
289,484 |
|
$ |
283,440 |
MWh purchased |
|
3,716 |
|
|
5,196 |
|
|
4,964 |
Cost per MWh purchased |
$ |
62.20 |
|
$ |
55.71 |
|
$ |
57.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 vs. 2007: Purchased power expense decreased $58.3 million due
to improved hydroelectric generation conditions and
more normal weather, which allowed IPC to better utilize its own generation
resources. Despite improved water conditions in the region, overall
market prices remained higher early in the year due to a gradual spring runoff
and a need to re-fill reservoirs. In addition, increases in energy commodity
prices impacted the electricity market.
2007 vs. 2006: Purchased power expense increased $6.0 million in
2007. Deteriorated system generation, due to poor hydroelectric
generation conditions, combined with the second year in a row of record
high temperatures and demand during July and August, led to increased
purchases. This increase in purchases was partially offset by a lower overall
cost per MWh in 2007. During 2006, IPC made forward purchases in conformance
with its risk management policy in response to early water year indications
that suggested continued drought conditions. Hydroelectric generation
conditions for 2006 turned out to be more favorable than forecasted and actual
market prices ended up being lower than the prices of the forward purchases.
These higher priced forward purchases inflated the cost per MWh that IPC
realized for 2006. IPC began utilizing financial hedge instruments in 2007 in
addition to physical forward power transactions for the purpose of mitigating
price risk related to conforming to IPCs energy risk management policy,
managing IPCs energy portfolio to meet customer load, and reacting to changes
in market conditions to minimize net power supply costs.
Fuel
expense: The following table
presents IPCs fuel expenses and generation at its thermal generating plants:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Fuel expense |
$ |
149,403 |
|
$ |
134,322 |
|
$ |
115,018 |
Thermal MWh generated |
|
7,496 |
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
7,021 |
Cost per MWh |
$ |
19.93 |
|
$ |
18.23 |
|
$ |
16.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
2008 vs. 2007: Fuel expense increased $15.1 million due to higher
coal prices at the Valmy and Jim Bridger plants. Coal prices at Valmy
increased 13 percent due to higher transportation costs. Production costs at
Bridger Coal Company were 13 percent higher due to difficulties with its
underground longwall mining operation in January and February, the continued
transition to underground mining operations, and rising prices for fuel and
other commodities. The increases were partially offset by a nine percent
reduction in fuel expense at IPCs natural gas fired plants, which had
favorable market conditions in the fourth quarter due to pipeline
transportation constraints in the region.
2007
vs. 2006: Fuel expense increased
$19.3 million in 2007. The increase is largely due to an 11 percent rise in
average prices accompanied by a five percent increase in MWh volume. Coal
costs increased $7.3 million due to higher market demand and higher rail
transportation costs. Generation from the coal fired power plants was up three
percent in 2007, attributable to fewer planned and unplanned outages at Valmy
and Boardman than the previous year. Additional generation from natural gas-fired
plants contributed $12 million to the increase in fuel expense in 2007. These
plants were readily available for dispatch in 2007 to meet peak loads and as
market conditions warranted. The Bennett Mountain plant was not available
during the summer of 2006 due to a turbine failure.
PCA: PCA expense represents the effects of the Idaho PCA
and Oregon PCAM deferrals of net power supply costs (fuel and purchased power
less off-system sales). These mechanisms are discussed in more detail below in
REGULATORY MATTERS Deferred Net Power Supply Costs.
The following table presents
the components of the PCA:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
Current year net power supply cost deferral |
$ |
(113,884) |
|
$ |
(120,844) |
|
$ |
(27,094) |
|
Amortization of prior year authorized balances |
|
66,471 |
|
|
(287) |
|
|
(2,432) |
|
|
Total power cost adjustment |
$ |
(47,413) |
|
$ |
(121,131) |
|
$ |
(29,526) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 vs. 2007: The $73.7 million decrease in 2008 PCA expense is
due primarily to higher amortization from prior year excess net power supply
costs to match increased revenues. In each year presented, net power supply
costs were higher than the amounts estimated in the annual PCA forecast,
resulting in the deferral of costs for recovery in subsequent rate years. As
the deferred costs are being recovered in rates, the deferred balances are
amortized.
2007 vs. 2006: In 2007, net power supply costs were significantly
higher than the amounts reflected in the annual PCA forecast, while in 2006 the
deferred costs were much lower due to good hydroelectric generation.
Other operations and
maintenance (O&M) expenses:
2008 vs. 2007: Other O&M expenses increased $7.5 million due
mainly to the following:
An increase in labor-related expenses of $10.6 million due to higher incentive-based compensation, salaries and employee count;
New water leases of $2.2 million to optimize our hydroelectric generation;
Uncollectible accounts increased $1.8 million, primarily due to deteriorating economic conditions in IPCs service area;
An increase of $2.4 million in outside services;
An increase of $2.1 million for reserves for workers compensation and legal matters;
Transmission costs decreased $3.1 million due to lower purchased power volumes;
Thermal O&M expenses decreased $3.6 million due to lower annual outages; and
FCA charges decreased $5.9 million due to a $4.6 million change in the amount deferred and a $1.3 million increase in amortization of the prior year amounts.
2007 vs. 2006: Other O&M expenses increased $22 million due mainly to the following:
Regulatory commission expenses increased $5.1 million primarily due to the September 2006 reversal of FERC fee accruals of $3.3 million and an increase in legal fees of $1.6 million related to the OATT filing and the FERC investigation;
Transmission O&M expenses increased $3.1 million due to higher third-party transmission costs;
Outside services increased $3.1 million primarily due to an increase in intercompany allocations as well as legal fees;
Distribution O&M expense increased $2.6 million due to an increase in overhead line maintenance;
33
Thermal O&M expenses increased $2.5 million. While much of this increase was due to a planned increase in maintenance activity, the increase also occurred due to unanticipated overhaul costs during the annual outages in the first half of the year;
Hydroelectric O&M expenses increased $1.7 million due to the resumption of American Falls bond principal amortization, additional FERC hydroelectric license compliance costs, FERC required inspection costs, and general labor cost increases; and
Expense for the fixed cost adjustment mechanism, which began in 2007, was $2.6 million.
Energy efficiency: Beginning in January 2007, a new IPUC accounting
order became effective for the treatment of IPCs energy efficiency expenses
under the energy efficiency rider. Energy efficiency costs were recorded in
Other operations and maintenance expenses and were offset by the same amount
recorded in Other revenues, resulting in no effect on earnings. Energy efficiency
expenses were $18.9 million and $13.5 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Gain on the sale of
emission allowances: Gain on sale of
emission allowances was $0.5 million, $2.8 million and $8.3 million in 2008,
2007 and 2006, respectively. The bulk of IPCs accumulated excess emission
allowances was sold from 2005 to 2007.
Non-utility Operations
IFS: IFS contributed $3 million, $7 million and $10 million
to net income in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, principally from the
generation of federal income tax credits and accelerated tax depreciation
benefits related to its investments in affordable housing and historic rehabilitation
developments.
During 2008, IFS recorded
$8.3 million in new investments. IFS generated tax credits of $11 million, $15
million and $19 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. IFS will
continue to review new legislation for opportunities for investment that will
be commensurate with the ongoing needs of IDACORP.
Ida-West: Ida-West recorded net income of $2 million, $2 million
and $3 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Ida-West continues to
hold joint venture investments in independent power projects.
Energy Marketing: In 2003, IE wound down its power marketing
operations, closed its business locations and sold its forward book of
electricity trading contracts to Sempra Energy Trading. In 2007, all trading
contracts expired. IE has not recorded any material net income for the years
presented. Currently, IE has no operations but has been working to settle
outstanding legal matters surrounding transactions in the California energy
markets in 2000 and 2001. These matters are discussed in LEGAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Legal and Other Proceedings.
Discontinued Operations: In 2006 and 2007 IDACORP sold its investment in
two subsidiaries, IDACORP Technologies, Inc. and IDACOMM, Inc. The operations
of these entities are presented as discontinued operations in IDACORPs
financial statements. Discontinued operations had no impact on earnings in
2008.
Income
Taxes
Status of audit proceedings: Since
2006, IPC has been disputing the Internal
Revenue Services (IRS) disallowance of IPCs use of the simplified service
cost method (SSCM) of uniform capitalization for tax years 2001-2004. The
dispute has been under review with the IRS Appeals Office. In December 2008,
the Appeals Office informed IDACORP that the SSCM settlement computations were
complete. IDACORP reviewed the final computations and agreed to the result.
In January 2009 the settlement was submitted to the U.S. Congress Joint
Committee on Taxation (JCT) for review.
In
November 2006, IDACORP made a $44.9 million refundable tax deposit with the IRS
related to the disputed income tax assessment for SSCM. In May 2008, IDACORP
withdrew $20 million from the deposit. Approximately $21 million from the
deposit was applied to the settled income tax deficiency and interest charges
with the remaining balance refunded to IDACORP.
34
The
IRS completed its examination of IDACORPs 2004 tax year in August 2008 and its
2005 tax year in October 2008. The 2004 examination report was submitted for
JCT review as part of the SSCM settlement and the 2005 report was submitted in
November 2008. IDACORP expects the JCT review process for 2001-2005 to be
completed in 2009. The settlement of these years resulted in a net income tax
benefit of $2.8 million for 2008 at both IDACORP and IPC.
In
December 2008 the IRS began its examination of IDACORPs and IPCs 2006 tax
year. IDACORP and IPC are unable to predict the outcome of this examination.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:
Operating Cash Flows
IDACORPs and IPCs operating cash flows for
the year ended December 31, 2008 were $137 million and $120 million,
respectively. These amounts were an increase of $56 million and $38 million,
respectively, compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. The following are
significant items that affected operating cash flows in 2008:
The increases in IDACORPs and IPCs operating cash inflows were primarily the result of a $66 million increase in the collection of previously deferred net power supply costs as compared to 2007.
Income tax payments increased $17
million and $33 million for IDACORP and IPC, respectively, due to the timing of
and increases in taxable income.
IDACORPs and IPCs operating
cash flows for 2007 were both $81 million. These amounts were a decrease of
$89 million and $50 million, respectively, compared to 2006. The following are
significant items that affected operating cash flows in 2007:
The decreases in IDACORPs and IPCs operating cash inflows were primarily the result of a $111 million increase in the amount of net power supply costs deferred in 2007 as compared to 2006.
Income tax payments decreased $52
million and $83 million for IDACORP and IPC, respectively, due to the timing of
and decreases in taxable income.
IDACORPs operating cash
flows are driven principally by IPC. General business revenues and the costs
to supply power to general business customers have the greatest impact on IPCs
operating cash flows, and are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to
weather and water conditions and IPCs ability to obtain rate relief to cover
its operating costs and provide a return on investment.
Investing Cash Flows
IPCs construction expenditures were
$244 million, $287 million and $222 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. IPC is experiencing a cycle of heavy infrastructure investment
needed to address customer growth, peak demand growth, and aging plant and
equipment.
Net proceeds from the sales
of emission allowances provided investing cash of approximately $3 million, $20
million and $11 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The changes were
primarily caused by changes in the number of allowances sold each year as well
as changes in market prices. Sales of emission allowances are discussed
further in REGULATORY MATTERS Emission Allowances.
In
November 2006, IDACORP made a refundable deposit of $45 million with the IRS
related to a disputed income tax assessment. In August 2007, IPC reimbursed
IDACORP for the refundable tax deposit IDACORP made on IPCs behalf. In May
2008, IPC withdrew $20 million from the deposit and in December 2008 the
remainder of the deposit was applied to accrued taxes and interest. Income tax
matters are discussed further in Note 2 to IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Additionally
in 2008, IPC had a cash inflow of $5.7 million from the sale of SWIP rights-of-way
and IDACORP made an $8.3 million investment in affordable housing through its
subsidiary, IFS.
Financing
Cash Flows
Debt issuances: On April 1, 2008,
IPC entered into a $170 million Term Loan Credit Agreement, of which $166.1
million was used to purchase pollution control revenue refunding bonds. On
February 4, 2009, IPC entered into a new $170 million Term Loan Credit
Agreement to replace this term loan credit agreement. See Term Loan Credit
Agreement below for further discussion of these agreements.
35
On
July 10, 2008, IPC issued $120 million of its 6.025% First Mortgage Bonds,
Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series H, due July 15, 2018. On October 18, 2007, IPC
issued $100 million of 6.25% First Mortgage Bonds, Secured Medium-Term Notes,
Series G, due October 15, 2037. On June 22, 2007, IPC issued $140 million of
6.30% First Mortgage Bonds, Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series F, due June 15,
2037. These issuances were used to retire short-term debt and long-term debt
and finance capital expenditures:
Equity
issuances: On December 15, 2005,
IDACORP entered into a Sales Agency Agreement (2005 Agency Agreement) with BNY
Capital Markets, Inc. (BNYCM), as IDACORPs agent, for the offer and sale by
IDACORP of up to 2,500,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in at-the-market
offerings. IDACORP issued 881,337 shares under the 2005 Agency Agreement in
2007 at an average price of $28.72. In 2008, IDACORP sold the remaining
1,082,145 shares of common stock under the 2005 Agency Agreement at an average
price of $28.56, including 879,145 shares in the fourth quarter 2008 at an
average price of $28.11 per share.
On
December 5, 2008, IDACORP entered into a new Sales Agency Agreement (2008
Agency Agreement) with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (BNYMCM), as IDACORPs
agent, for the offer and sale of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock
from time to time in at-the-market offerings. In December 2008, IDACORP sold
371,822 shares under the 2008 Agency Agreement at an average price of $29.18
per share.
Under
these programs IDACORP received $41.7 million from the issuance of 1,453,967
shares in 2008 and $28.5 million from the issuance of 881,337 shares in 2007. As
of December 31, 2008, 2,628,178 shares were available to be issued under the
2008 Agency Agreement.
IDACORP uses original issue
common stock for its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and 401(k)
plan for the purpose of adding additional common equity to its capital
structure. Under these plans, IDACORP issued 280,250 shares in 2008 and
250,020 shares in 2007, for proceeds of $8.4 million in both years.
IDACORP issued 30,700 shares
in 2008 and 10,070 shares in 2007 in connection with the exercise of stock
options, for proceeds of $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
IDACORP made capital
contributions of $37 million and $51 million to IPC in 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
Discontinued operations
Cash flows from discontinued
operations are included with the cash flows from continuing operations in
IDACORPs Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The cash flows of IDACORPs
discontinued operations have reduced net cash provided by operating activities
and increased net cash used in investing activities, except for the cash
received from the sales of ITI and IDACOMM. The absence of cash flows from
these discontinued operations has positively impacted liquidity and capital
resources.
Financing Programs
IDACORPs consolidated capital structure
consisted of common equity of 48 percent and debt of 52 percent at December 31,
2008. IPCs consolidated capital structure consisted of common equity of 46
percent and debt of 54 percent at December 31, 2008.
Shelf Registrations: IDACORP currently has approximately $588 million
remaining on its shelf registration statement that can be used for the issuance
of debt securities and common stock. IPC currently has $230 million remaining
on its shelf registration statement that can be used for the issuance of first
mortgage bonds and unsecured debt. Please see Note 4 to IDACORPs and IPCs
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding long-term
financing arrangements.
Credit Facilities: The following table outlines available liquidity as
of December 31, 2008 and 2007.
36
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
||||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
||||
|
|
|||||||
Revolving credit facility |
$ |
100,000 |
$ |
100,000 |
$ |
300,000 |
$ |
300,000 |
Commercial paper outstanding |
|
(13,400) |
|
(49,860) |
|
(108,950) |
|
(136,585) |
Floating rate draw |
|
(25,000) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Identified for other use (1) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(24,245) |
|
(24,245) |
Net balance available |
$ |
61,600 |
$ |
50,140 |
$ |
166,805 |
$ |
139,170 |
(1) Port of Morrow and American Falls bonds that holders may put to IPC. |
On April 25, 2007, IDACORP entered
into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (IDACORP Facility) with Wachovia
Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and LC
issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, Keybank National
Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as documentation
agents, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint
lead arrangers and joint book runners, and the other financial institutions
party thereto, as lenders.
The Amended and Restated
IDACORP Facility is a $100 million five-year credit agreement that terminates
on April 25, 2012. The IDACORP Facility, which is used for general corporate
purposes and commercial paper back-up, provides for the issuance of loans and
standby letters of credit not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $100
million, including swingline loans in an aggregate principal amount at any time
outstanding not to exceed $10 million. IDACORP has the right to request an
increase in the aggregate principal amount of the IDACORP Facility to $150
million and to request one-year extensions of the then existing termination
date. At December 31, 2008, $25 million in loans were outstanding on IDACORPs
Facility and $13 million of commercial paper was outstanding. At February 23,
2009, no loans and $35 million of commercial paper was outstanding.
On April 25, 2007, IPC
entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (IPC Facility) with
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender
and LC issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, Keybank
National Association, US Bank National Association and Bank of America, N.A.,
as documentation agents, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners, and the other
financial institutions party thereto, as lenders.
The Amended and Restated IPC
Facility is a $300 million five-year credit agreement that terminates on April
25, 2012. The IPC Facility, which will be used for general corporate purposes
and commercial paper back-up, provides for the issuance of loans and standby
letters of credit not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $300 million,
including swingline loans in an aggregate principal amount at any time
outstanding not to exceed $30 million. IPC has the right to request an
increase in the aggregate principal amount of the IPC Facility to $450 million
and to request one-year extensions of the then existing termination date. At
December 31, 2008, no loans were outstanding on IPCs Facility and $109 million
of commercial paper was outstanding. At February 23, 2009, no loans and $119
million of commercial paper was outstanding.
Both the IDACORP Facility and
the IPC Facility have similar terms and conditions. Under the terms of the
facilities IDACORP and IPC may borrow floating rate advances and Eurodollar
rate advances. The floating rate is equal to the higher of (i) the prime rate
announced by Wachovia Bank or its parent and (ii) the sum of the federal funds
effective rate for such day plus 0.50 percent per annum, plus, in each case, an
applicable margin. The Eurodollar rate is based upon the British Bankers
Association interest settlement rate for deposits in U.S. dollars published on
the REUTERS 01 (Telerate Page 3750 successor) as adjusted by the applicable
reserve requirement for Eurocurrency liabilities imposed under Regulation D of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, for periods of one, two,
three or six months plus the applicable margin. The margin is based on the
applicable companys rating for senior unsecured long-term debt securities
without third-party credit enhancement as provided by Moodys Investors Service
(Moodys) and Standard & Poors Ratings Services (S&P), based on the
higher of the two ratings. If the ratings are split between Moodys and
S&P and the differential is two levels or more, the intermediate rating at
the midpoint will apply. If there is no midpoint, the higher of the two
intermediate ratings will apply. The margin for the floating rate advances is
zero percent unless the applicable companys rating falls below Baa3 from Moodys
or BBB- from S&P, at which time it would equal 0.50 percent. The margin
for Eurodollar rate advances ranges from 0.15 percent to 0.575 percent
depending upon the credit rating. In addition to the margin, if the
outstanding aggregate credit exposure exceeds 50 percent of the facility
amount, IDACORP or IPC, as applicable, would pay a utilization fee ranging from
0.05 percent to 0.10 percent on outstanding loans depending on the credit
rating. At December 31, 2008, the applicable margin under the IDACORP Facility
and the IPC Facility was zero percent for floating rate advances and 0.28
percent for IPC and 0.36 percent for IDACORP for Eurodollar rate advances. The
utilization fee was 0.05 percent for both companies. A facility fee, payable
quarterly, is calculated on the average daily aggregate commitment of the
lenders under the relevant credit facility and is also based on the applicable
companys rating from Moodys or S&P as indicated above. At December 31,
2008, the facility fee under the IDACORP and IPC Facilities was 0.09 percent
and 0.07 percent, respectively.
37
In
connection with the issuance of letters of credit, IDACORP and IPC, as
applicable, must pay (i) a fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar
rate advances on the average daily undrawn stated amount under such letters of
credit, payable quarterly in arrears, (ii) a fronting fee at a per annum rate
of 0.125 percent on the average daily undrawn stated amount under each letter
of credit, payable quarterly in arrears and (iii) documentary and processing
charges in accordance with the letter of credit issuers standard schedule for
such charges.
A ratings downgrade would
result in an increase in the cost of borrowing and of maintaining letters of
credit, but would not result in any default or acceleration of the debt under
either the IDACORP Facility or the IPC Facility.
The events of default under
both the IDACORP Facility and the IPC Facility include:
(i) nonpayment of principal when due and nonpayment of reimbursement obligations under letters of credit within one business day after becoming due and nonpayment of interest or other fees within five days after becoming due;
(ii) materially false representations or warranties made on behalf of the applicable company or any of its subsidiaries on the date as of which made;
(iii) breach of covenants, subject in some instances to grace periods;
(iv) voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy of the applicable company or any material subsidiary;
(v) the non-consensual appointment of a receiver or similar official for the applicable company or any of its material subsidiaries or any substantial portion (as defined in the applicable facility) of its property;
(vi) condemnation of all or any substantial portion of the property of the applicable company and its subsidiaries;
(vii) default in the payment of indebtedness in excess of $25 million or a default by the applicable company or any of its subsidiaries under any agreement under which such debt was created or governed which will cause or permit the acceleration of such debt or if any of such debt is declared to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity;
(viii) the applicable company or any of its subsidiaries not paying, or admitting in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due;
(ix) the applicable company or any of its subsidiaries failing to pay certain judgments;
(x) the acquisition by any person or two or more persons acting in concert of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 20 percent or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of the applicable company;
(xi) the failure of IDACORP to own free and clear of all liens, all of the outstanding shares of voting stock of IPC;
(xii) unfunded liabilities of all single employer plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 exceeding $75 million; and
(xiii)
the applicable company or any subsidiary
being subject to any proceeding or investigation pertaining to the release of
any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment or any violation
of any environmental law (as defined in the applicable facility) which could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect (as defined in the
applicable facility).
A
default or an acceleration of indebtedness of IDACORP or IPC in excess of $25
million, including indebtedness under the applicable facility, will result in a
cross default under the other Facility.
Upon any event of default
relating to the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy of IDACORP or IPC or the
appointment of a receiver, the obligations of the lenders to make loans under
the facility and of the letter of credit issuer to issue letters of credit will
automatically terminate and all unpaid obligations will become due and
payable. Upon any other event of default, the lenders holding 51 percent of
the outstanding loans or 51 percent of the aggregate commitments (required
lenders) or the administrative agent with the consent of the required lenders
may terminate or suspend the obligations of the lenders to make loans under the
facility and of the letter of credit issuer to issue letters of credit under
the facility or declare the obligations to be due and payable. IDACORP and IPC
will also be required to deposit into a collateral account an amount equal to
the aggregate undrawn stated amount under all outstanding letters of credit and
the aggregate unpaid reimbursement obligations thereunder.
38
If there is a ratings
downgrade below investment grade (BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher
by Moodys), then IPCs authority for continuing borrowings under its
regulatory approvals issued by the IPUC and the OPUC must be extended or
renewed during the occurrence of the ratings downgrade. The Oregon statutes,
however, permit the issuance or renewal of indebtedness maturing not more than
one year after the date of such issue or renewal without approval of the OPUC.
The IPUC order provides that IPCs authority will not terminate but will
continue for a period of 364 days from any downgrade below investment grade provided
that IPC notifies the IPUC promptly and files a supplemental application with
the IPUC within 7 days requesting a supplemental order to continue its original
authority to borrow under the order.
During 2008, bankruptcies and
other significant financial difficulties impacted the ability of some banks to
continue fulfilling their commitments under established credit facilities.
These issues did not impact either the IDACORP or IPC credit facilities. While
some consolidation occurred within the credit facility bank group, no banks
limited or reduced their commitments under our Facilities.
Term
Loan Credit Agreement: IPC entered
into a $170 million Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2008, with
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender, and Bank of
America, N.A., Union Bank of California, N.A., and Wachovia Bank, National
Association, as lenders. The Term Loan Credit Agreement provided for the
issuance of term loans by the lenders to IPC on April 1, 2008, in an aggregate
principal amount of $170 million. The loans were due on March 31, 2009 and
could be prepaid but not reborrowed. IPC used the proceeds to effect a
mandatory purchase on April 3, 2008, of the pollution control bonds (as
discussed below in Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds), and to pay
interest, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Pollution Control
Bonds and the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
On February 4, 2009, IPC entered into a new $170
million Term Loan Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent and lender, Bank of America, N.A., Union Bank, N.A. and
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as lenders. IPC used the proceeds to repay
the above mentioned Term Loan Credit Agreement. The loans are due on February
3, 2010, but are subject to earlier payment if IPC remarkets the pollution control
revenue refunding bonds discussed below. The loans may be prepaid but may not
be reborrowed.
The loans bear interest at either a floating rate or a
Eurodollar rate. The floating rate is equal to (i) the highest of (a) the prime
rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank on such day, (b) the sum of (1) the
federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus (2) 0.5 percent per
annum and (c) an amount equal to (1) the LIBO Reference Rate on such day plus
(2) 1 percent plus (ii) the applicable margin. The Eurodollar rate is (i) the
rate published on the Reuters BBA Libor Rates Page 3750 (or on any successor or
substitute page) for dollar deposits with a comparable maturity plus (ii) the
applicable margin. The LIBO Reference Rate is the rate appearing on the Reuters
BBA Libor Rates Page 3750 (or on any successor or substitute page) as the rate
for United States dollar deposits for a one month interest period. The
applicable margin is currently 2 percent for Eurodollar advances and 1 percent
for floating rate advances, but may be increased or decreased based upon the
ratings assigned to IPCs senior unsecured debt by Moodys and S&P.
The
events of default under the Term Loan Credit Agreement are the same as those
under the IPC Facility discussed above.
Without
additional approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Public
Utility Commission of Oregon and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming, the
aggregate amount of borrowings by IPC under the Term Loan Credit Agreement
together with any other short-term borrowings at any one time outstanding may
not exceed $450 million.
Pollution Control Revenue
Refunding Bonds: Two series of bonds
have been issued for the benefit of IPC and are each supported by a financial
guaranty insurance policy issued by Ambac Assurance Corporation (Ambac). The
two series are the $116.3 million aggregate principal amount of Pollution
Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Idaho Power Company Project) Series 2006
issued by Sweetwater County, Wyoming due 2026 (Sweetwater bonds) and the $49.8
million aggregate principal amount of Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Idaho Power Company Project) Series 2003 issued by Humboldt County, Nevada due
2024 (Humboldt bonds).
39
On
April 3, 2008, IPC made a mandatory purchase of the pollution control bonds.
IPC initiated this transaction in order to adjust the interest rate period of
the pollution control bonds from an auction interest rate period to a weekly
interest rate period, effective April 3, 2008. This change was made to
mitigate the higher-than-anticipated interest costs in the auction mode, which
was a result of Ambacs credit ratings deterioration. IPC is the current
holder of the bonds, but ultimately expects to remarket the bonds to investors.
Debt Covenants: The IDACORP Facility, the IPC Facility and the Term Loan Credit Agreement each contain a covenant requiring the company to maintain a leverage ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization of no more than 65 percent as of the end of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2008, the leverage ratio for IDACORP and IPC was 52 and 54 percent, respectively. At December 31, 2008, IDACORP was in compliance with all other covenants of the IDACORP Facility and IPC was in compliance with all other covenants of the IPC Facility and the Term Loan Credit Agreement. The IDACORP Facility, the IPC Facility and the Term Loan Credit Agreement each contain additional covenants including:
(i) prohibitions against: investments and acquisitions by the applicable company or any subsidiary without the consent of the required lenders subject to exclusions for investments in cash equivalents or securities of the applicable company; investments by the applicable company and its subsidiaries in any business trust controlled, directly or indirectly, by the applicable company to the extent such business trust purchases securities of the applicable company; investments and acquisitions related to the energy business or other business of the applicable company and its subsidiaries not exceeding $750 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding (provided that investments in non-energy related businesses do not exceed $150 million); and investments by the applicable company or a subsidiary in connection with a permitted receivables securitization (as defined in the facility);
(ii) prohibitions against the applicable company or any material subsidiary merging or consolidating with any other person or selling or disposing of all or substantially all of its property to another person without the consent of the required lenders, subject to exclusions for mergers into or dispositions to the applicable company or a wholly owned subsidiary and dispositions in connection with a permitted receivables securitization;
(iii) restrictions on the creation of certain liens by the applicable company or any material subsidiary subject to exceptions, including the lien of IPCs first mortgage indebtedness; and
(iv)
prohibitions on any material
subsidiary of the applicable company entering into any agreement restricting
its ability to declare or pay dividends to the applicable company except
pursuant to a permitted receivables securitization.
Credit
Ratings
Access to capital markets at a
reasonable cost is determined in large part by credit quality. The following
table outlines the current S&P, Moodys and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch)
ratings of IDACORPs and IPCs securities:
|
S&P |
Moodys |
Fitch |
|||
|
IPC |
IDACORP |
IPC |
IDACORP |
IPC |
IDACORP |
Corporate Credit Rating |
BBB |
BBB |
Baa 1 |
Baa 2 |
None |
None |
Senior Secured Debt |
A- |
None |
A3 |
None |
A- |
None |
Senior Unsecured Debt |
BBB |
BBB- |
Baa 1 |
Baa 2 |
BBB+ |
BBB |
Short-Term Tax-Exempt Debt |
BBB-/A-2 |
None |
Baa 1/ |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
|
VMIG-2 |
|
|
|
Commercial Paper |
A-2 |
A-2 |
P-2 |
P-2 |
F-2 |
F-2 |
Credit Facility |
None |
None |
Baa 1 |
Baa 2 |
None |
None |
Rating Outlook |
Stable |
Stable |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These security ratings
reflect the views of the rating agencies. An explanation of the significance
of these ratings may be obtained from each rating agency. Such ratings are not
a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Any rating can be revised
upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides
that the circumstances warrant the change. Each rating should be evaluated
independently of any other rating.
40
Capital Requirements
IPC is experiencing a cycle of
heavy infrastructure investment needed to address continued customer growth,
peak demand growth, and aging plant and equipment. IPCs aging hydroelectric
and thermal facilities require continuing upgrades and component replacement.
In addition, costs related to relicensing hydroelectric facilities and
complying with the new licenses are substantial. IPC must also add to its
transmission system and distribution facilities to provide new service and to
maintain reliability. As a result, IPC expects to spend between $780 and $800
million for construction related activities from 2009 to 2011, excluding any
amounts from our 2012 Baseload Resource RFP process.
The following table presents
IPCs estimated cash requirements for construction, excluding AFUDC, for 2009
through 2011:
|
2009 |
|
2010 2011 |
|
Ongoing Capital Expenditures |
$ |
150-155 |
$ |
400-410 |
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) |
|
20-22 |
|
40-50 |
Major Projects (detailed below) |
|
50-53 |
|
95-105 |
Minimum Transmission for Baseload Resource |
|
- |
|
20-25 |
Total |
$ |
220-230 |
$ |
555-590 |
|
|
Major Projects:
Hemingway Station: Construction of a
new 500-kV station named Hemingway is expected to address growth, capacity and
operating constraints. The station was originally part of the Gateway West
Project but the timing of this addition
was accelerated to 2010 to help meet forecast deficits and improve reliability.
Cost estimates for the project, including rights-of-way, permitting and
substation interconnections, are included in the above table and total approximately
$52 million.
Hemingway-Hubbard Transmission
Line: As part of the Hemingway
Station Project, the Hemingway-Hubbard transmission line is expected to provide
power to the Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho by 2010. The Hemingway-Hubbard
line will consist of a new 230-kV double circuit transmission line and convert
an existing 138-kV transmission line to 230-kV. Cost estimates for the project
are included in the above table and total approximately $25 million.
Boardman-Hemingway Line: The Boardman-Hemingway Line is expected to relieve existing
congestion by increasing transmission capacity and improving reliability. It
will allow for the transfer of up to 1,500 MW of additional energy between
Idaho and the Northwest. The initial project phase estimate of $50 million will
be funded by IPC and includes the engineering, environmental review, permitting
and rights of way. Cost estimates for the 2009-2011 timeframe of the initial
phase are included in the above table. Cost estimates for the project
(including initial phase project estimate and construction costs of the line)
are approximately $600 million. IPC expects to seek partners for up to 50
percent of the project when construction commences. The line has a target in-service
date of June 2013. Construction costs are currently not included in IPCs 2009
to 2011 forecast. Please see further discussion in REGULATORY MATTERS
Boardman-Hemingway Line.
Gateway West Project: IPC and PacifiCorp are jointly exploring the Gateway
West project to build transmission lines between Windstar, a substation located
near Douglas, Wyoming and Hemingway, a substation located in the vicinity of
Melba and Murphy, Idaho near Boise. IPC and PacifiCorp have a cost sharing
agreement for expenses associated with the analysis work of the initial
phases. IPCs share of the initial phase of engineering, environmental review,
permitting and rights of way is approximately $40 million and cost estimates
for the 2009-2011 timeframe of the initial phase are included in the above
table.. Construction costs are currently not included in our 2009 to 2011
forecast. Initial phases of the project could be completed by 2014 depending
on the timing of rights-of-way acquisition, siting and permitting, and
construction sequencing. If all initial phases are constructed, IPC estimates
that its share of project costs could range between $500 million and $600
million. Remaining phases of the project could be constructed as demand
requires.
41
2012 Baseload Resource: IPC issued an RFP in 2008 for a resource to meet
energy needs identified during its IRP process. IPC prepared a self-build proposal for a combined-cycle combustion
turbine, which serves as a benchmark resource and is competing in the RFP
evaluation process. Proposals were received in October 2008 and are currently
being evaluated. This addition is expected to come online in 2012 to meet
forecast deficits as described in the 2006 IRP and the 2008 IRP update. Transmission
interconnection and network upgrade costs of approximately $22 million will be
incurred by IPC under any scenario. IPC expects to request approval from the
IPUC relating to the base load resource during the first quarter of 2009, with
an IPUC decision expected later this year.
Other capital requirements: IDACORPs non-regulated capital
expenditures are expected to be $15 million in 2009 and $5 million for 2010.
These expenditures primarily relate to IFSs tax advantaged investments.
Internal cash generation after dividends is expected to provide less than the
full amount of total capital requirements for 2009 through 2010. IDACORP and
IPC expect to continue financing capital requirements with internally generated
funds and externally financed capital.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents IDACORPs
and IPCs contractual cash obligations for the respective periods in which they
are due:
|
Payment Due by Period |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Total |
2009 |
2010-2011 |
2012-2013 |
Thereafter |
|
|||||||||
|
(millions of dollars) |
|
|||||||||||||
IPC: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term debt (a) |
$ |
1,261 |
$ |
81 |
$ |
122 |
$ |
172 |
$ |
886 |
|
||||
Future interest payments (b) |
|
1,137 |
|
70 |
|
121 |
|
105 |
|
841 |
|
||||
Operating leases (c) |
|
35 |
|
3 |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
23 |
|
||||
Uncertain tax positions |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
||||
Purchase obligations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Cogeneration and small power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
production |
|
1,772 |
|
74 |
|
172 |
|
192 |
|
1,334 |
|
||
|
Fuel supply agreements |
|
227 |
|
66 |
|
54 |
|
17 |
|
90 |
|
|||
|
Purchased power & transmission (d) |
|
133 |
|
84 |
|
34 |
|
5 |
|
10 |
|
|||
|
Other (e) |
|
173 |
|
83 |
|
53 |
|
11 |
|
26 |
|
|||
|
|
Total purchase obligations |
|
4,742 |
|
465 |
|
561 |
|
506 |
|
3,210 |
|
||
Pension and postretirement plans (g) |
|
220 |
|
7 |
|
92 |
|
80 |
|
41 |
|
||||
Other long-term liabilities - IPC |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
||||
Total IPC |
|
4,965 |
|
475 |
|
653 |
|
586 |
|
3,251 |
|
||||
Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term debt (a)(f) |
|
33 |
|
30 |
|
3 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
||||
Operating leases (f) |
|
1 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1 |
|
||||
Total IDACORP |
$ |
4,999 |
$ |
505 |
$ |
656 |
$ |
586 |
$ |
3,252 |
|
||||
(a) |
For additional information, see Note 4 to IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated Financial Statements. |
|
|||||||||||||
(b) |
Future interest payments are calculated based on the assumption that all debt is outstanding until maturity. For debt instruments with variable rates, interest is calculated for all future periods using the rates in effect at December 31, 2008. |
|
|||||||||||||
(c) |
Approximately $23 million of the obligations included in operating leases have contracts that do not specify terms |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
related to expiration. As these contracts are presumed to continue indefinitely, 10 years of information, estimated based on |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
current contract terms, have been included in the table for presentation purposes. |
|
||||||||||||
(d) |
Approximately $11 million of the obligations included in purchased power and transmission have contracts that do |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
not specify terms related to expiration. As these contracts are presumed to continue indefinitely, 10 years of information, |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
estimated based on current contract terms, have been included in the table for presentation purposes. |
|
||||||||||||
(e) |
Approximately $48 million of the amounts in other purchase obligations are contracts that do not specify terms related to |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
expiration. As these contracts are presumed to continue indefinitely, 10 years of information, estimated based on current |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
contract terms, have been included in the table for presentation purposes. |
|
||||||||||||
(f) |
Amounts include the obligations of IDACORPs subsidiaries other than IPC, which is shown separately. |
|
|||||||||||||
(g) |
IPC estimates pension contributions based on actuarial data. IPC cannot estimate contributions beyond 2013 at this time. |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
In
accordance with the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), companies are
required to be 94 percent funded for their outstanding qualified pension
obligations as of January 1, 2009, in order to avoid a scheduled series of
required annual contributions. As of December 31, 2007, qualified pension
liabilities were nearly fully funded; however, recent stock market performance
has reduced the value of pension assets during 2008. IPC will need to make
additional contributions to become fully funded over a period of seven years.
Based on the value of pension assets and interest rates as of December 31,
2008, the estimated minimum required contributions would be approximately $45
million in 2010 and $33 million in each of 2011, 2012, and 2013. These
estimates reflect the initial PPA relief measures as passed by Congress,
however, additional measures are being proposed that may impact immediate
funding requirements.
42
Environmental Regulation
Costs: IPC anticipates approximately
$20 million in annual operating costs for environmental facilities during
2009. Hydroelectric facility expenses and thermal plant expenses account for
the majority of the costs at approximately $14 million and $6 million, respectively.
From 2010 through 2011, total environmental related operating costs are
estimated to be approximately $57 million. Expenses related to the
hydroelectric facilities are expected to be $43 million and thermal plant
expenses are expected to total $14 million during this period. These amounts
do not include costs related to possible changes in the environmental
legislation and enforcement policies that may be enacted in response to issues
such as climate change and other pollutant emissions from coal-fired generation
plants.
Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangements
The federal Surface Mining Control
and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state statutes establish operational,
reclamation and closure standards that must be met during and upon completion
of mining activities. These obligations mandate that mine property be restored
consistent with specific standards and the approved reclamation plan. The
mining operations at the Bridger Coal Company are subject to these reclamation
and closure requirements. IPC has agreed to guarantee the performance of
reclamation activities at Bridger Coal, of which IERCo owns a one-third
interest. This guarantee, which is renewed each December, was $60 million at
December 31, 2008. Bridger Coal has a reclamation trust fund set aside
specifically for the purpose of paying the reclamation costs and expects that
the fund will be sufficient to cover all such costs. Because of the existence
of the fund, the estimated fair value of this guarantee is minimal.
REGULATORY MATTERS:
Idaho Rate Cases
2008 General Rate Case: On June 27,
2008, IPC filed an application with the IPUC requesting an average rate
increase of approximately 9.9 percent. IPCs proposal would have increased its
revenues $67 million annually. The application included a requested return on
equity of 11.25 percent and an overall rate of return of 8.55 percent. IPC
filed its case based upon a 2008 forecast test year.
On January 30, 2009, the IPUC
issued an order approving an average annual increase in Idaho base rates,
effective February 1, 2009, of 3.1 percent (approximately $20.9 million
annually), a return on equity of 10.5 percent and an overall rate of return of
8.18 percent. The order authorized IPC to include in rates approximately $6.8
million of 2009 AFUDC relating to the Hells Canyon Complex relicensing
project. Typically AFUDC is not included in rates until a project is in use
and benefitting customers, but the IPUC determined that including this amount
in current rates is in the public interest.
On February 19, 2009, IPC
filed a request for reconsideration with the IPUC. In its filing, IPC asked
the IPUC to reconsider four principal areas of the order. Together, the four
areas have a combined Idaho jurisdictional revenue requirement impact of approximately
$8 million annually.
Two of the four areas involve
reconciling the calculation of IPCs revenue requirement with the order. These
items (approximately $7.2 million in annual revenues) relate to the annual
amount of labor expense to be included in rates. IPC believes that some
aspects of calculation of the revenue requirement with respect to these items
were inconsistent with the language of the order.
The third area relates to a
$3.3 million expense credit received in 2006 as a result of successful
litigation with the FERC and other federal agencies (FERC Credit). In the
order, the IPUC directed IPC to refund the FERC Credit to customers over a five
year period, thereby reducing IPCs annual revenue requirement by approximately
$0.7 million during such period. IPC believes that this was contrary to Idaho
law. If IPC is unsuccessful in its challenge of the IPUCs ruling on the FERC Credit,
it will recognize a loss for some or all of this amount.
The fourth area involves the
use of purchasing cards (P-Cards), which IPC issues to a number of its
employees to efficiently process high volume, low value purchases. In its
order, the IPUC accepted the IPUC Staffs recommendation to remove
approximately $0.9 million of P-Card expenses from IPCs revenue requirement
because the IPUC Staff believed this amount was excessive. IPC believes that
the IPUCs decision to deny recovery of $0.9 million of P-Card purchases was
not supported by evidence in the record.
The IPUC has 28 days in which
to decide whether to grant IPCs petition. If the petition is granted, then
the matter must be reheard, or written briefs filed, within 13 weeks after the
petition filing date, and the IPUC will then have 28 days to issue its order.
Other parties may also file petitions or cross-petitions for reconsideration.
43
2007 General Rate Case: On June 8, 2007, IPC filed an application with the
IPUC requesting an average rate increase of 10.35 percent ($63.9 million
annually). On February 28, 2008, the IPUC approved a settlement stipulation
that included an average increase in base rates of 5.2 percent (approximately
$32.1 million annually), effective March 1, 2008. The settlement did not
specify an overall rate of return or a return on equity.
Forecast Test-Year Workshop:
On March 12, 2008, IPC, the IPUC
Staff, and other parties to the 2007 general rate case conducted a workshop to
discuss the appropriate approach to the development of a forecast test year.
IPC described a method that would start with historical, regulatory-adjusted
financial information that could be audited by the IPUC Staff and others. That
information would be escalated under commonly accepted methods into the
forecast test year for revenues, expenses and rate base. IPC would support the
historical information, the adjustments, and the escalation methods as part of
its general rate case filing. The parties to the workshop expressed general
agreement to this approach and also agreed that no further workshops would be
necessary. IPC developed the 2008 test year using this method in its 2008
general rate case filing made on June 27, 2008 and approved on January 30,
2009, as discussed above.
Danskin CT1 Power Plant
Rate Case: On March 7, 2008, IPC
filed an application with the IPUC requesting recovery of construction costs
associated with the gas-fired Danskin CT1 plant located near Mountain Home,
Idaho. Danskin CT1 began commercial operations on March 11, 2008. IPC
requested adding to rate base approximately $65 million attributable to the cost
of constructing the generating facility and the related transmission and
interconnection facilities, which would have resulted in a base rate increase
of 1.39 percent, or approximately $9 million in annual revenues.
On May 30, 2008, the IPUC
authorized IPC to add to its rate base $64.2 million for the Danskin CT1 plant
and related facilities, effective June 1, 2008, resulting in a base rate
increase of 1.37 percent, or $8.9 million in annual revenues. Costs not
approved in this order will be included in future filings.
Deferred Net Power Supply
Costs
IPCs deferred net power supply costs
consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|||
Idaho PCA current year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferral for the 2008-2009 rate year (1) |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
85,732 |
|
Deferral for the 2009-2010 rate year |
|
93,657 |
|
|
- |
Idaho PCA true-up awaiting recovery: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized May 2007 |
|
- |
|
|
6,591 |
|
Authorized May 2008 |
|
47,164 |
|
|
- |
Oregon deferral: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 costs |
|
1,663 |
|
|
2,993 |
|
2006 costs |
|
1,215 |
|
|
2,107 |
|
2008 PCAM |
|
5,400 |
|
|
- |
|
Total deferral |
$ |
149,099 |
|
$ |
97,423 |
|
||||||
(1) The 2008-2009 PCA deferral balance is reduced by $16.5 million of emission allowance sales in 2007. |
Idaho: IPC has a PCA mechanism that provides for annual
adjustments to the rates charged to its Idaho retail customers. The PCA tracks
IPCs actual net power supply costs (fuel and purchased power less off-system
sales) and compares these amounts to net power supply costs currently being
recovered in retail rates.
The annual adjustments are
based on two components:
A forecast component, based on a forecast of net power supply costs in the coming year as compared to net power supply costs in base rates; and
A true-up component, based on the
difference between the previous years actual net power supply costs and the
previous years forecast. This component also includes a balancing mechanism
so that, over time, the actual collection or refund of authorized true-up
dollars matches the amounts authorized. The true-up component is calculated
monthly, and interest is applied to the balance.
44
Prior to February 1, 2009,
the PCA mechanism provided that 90 percent of deviations in power supply costs
were to be reflected in IPCs rates for both the forecast and the true-up
components.
2008-2009 PCA: On May 30, 2008, the IPUC approved IPCs 2008-2009
PCA and an increase to existing revenues of $73.3 million, effective June 1,
2008, which resulted in an average rate increase to IPCs customers of 10.7
percent. The IPUCs order adopted an IPUC Staff proposal to use a normal
forecast for power supply costs. The revenue increase is net of $16.5 million
of gains from the 2007 sale of excess SO2 emission allowances,
including interest, which the IPUC ordered be applied against the PCA.
PCA Workshops: In its May 30, 2008 order approving IPCs 2008-2009
PCA, the IPUC also directed IPC to set up workshops with the IPUC Staff and
several of IPCs largest customers (together, the Parties) to address PCA-related
issues not resolved in the PCA filing. Consensus was reached on all items
except allocation of the PCA among customer classes, which will be re-examined
following the conclusion of the 2008 general rate case. A settlement
stipulation was filed with the IPUC and approved on January 9, 2009.
The following changes were
effective as of February 1, 2009:
PCA Sharing Methodology of 95/5 - the PCA sharing methodology allocates the costs and benefits of net power supply expenses between customers (95 percent) and shareholders (5 percent). The previous sharing ratio was 90/10.
Load Growth Adjustment Rate (LGAR) of $26.52 per MWh - the LGAR is an element of the PCA formula that is intended to eliminate recovery of power supply expenses associated with load growth resulting from changing weather conditions, a growing customer base, or changing customer use patterns. The 2007 general rate case reset the LGAR from $29.41 to $62.79 per MWh, but applied that rate to only 50 percent of the load growth beginning in March 2008. In the stipulation, the Parties agreed on a formula that, based on filed data from the 2008 general rate case, would have produced an LGAR of $28.14 per MWh. While not quantified in the 2008 general rate case order, IPC believes that the LGAR methodology approved in the stipulation results in a LGAR of $26.52 per MWh. In its request for reconsideration of the IPUCs general rate case order, IPC also requested that the IPUC confirm this amount is correct.
Use of IPCs Operation Plan Power Supply Cost Forecast - the operation plan forecast may better match current collections with actual net power supply costs in the year they are incurred and result in smaller amounts being included in the following years true-up rate. This new methodology will be used to prepare IPCs next PCA filing in April 2009.
Inclusion of Third-Party Transmission Expense - transmission expenses paid to third parties to facilitate wholesale purchases and sales of energy, including losses, are a necessary component of net power supply costs. Deviation in these types of costs from levels included in base rates is now reflected in PCA computations.
Adjusted Distribution of Base Net Power Supply Costs - base net power supply costs are distributed throughout the year based upon the monthly shape of normalized revenues for purposes of the PCA deferral calculation.
2007-2008
PCA: On May 31, 2007, the IPUC
approved IPCs 2007-2008 PCA filing. The filing increased the PCA component of
customers rates from the then-existing level, which was $46.8 million below
base rates, to a level that was $30.7 million above those base rates. This
$77.5 million increase was net of $69.1 million of proceeds from sales of
excess SO2 emission allowances. The new rates became effective June
1, 2007.
Emission Allowances: During 2007, IPC sold 35,000 SO2 emission
allowances for a total of $19.6 million. The sales proceeds allocated to the
Idaho jurisdiction were approximately $18.5 million. On April 14, 2008, the
IPUC ordered that $16.4 million of these proceeds, including interest, be used
to help offset the PCA true-up balances from the 2007-2008 PCA. The order also
provided that $0.5 million may be used to fund an energy education program.
45
In 2005 and early 2006, IPC
sold 78,000 SO2 emission allowances for a total of $81.6 million.
The sales proceeds allocated to the Idaho jurisdiction were approximately $76.8
million. On May 12, 2006, the IPUC approved a stipulation that allowed IPC to
retain ten percent as a shareholder benefit with the remaining 90 percent plus
a carrying charge recorded as a customer benefit. This customer benefit was
used to partially offset the PCA true-up balance and was reflected in PCA rates
in effect from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008.
The bulk of IPCs accumulated excess emission allowances were sold during the
2005-2007 period. IPC anticipates realizing approximately 14,500 excess SO2
emission allowances annually for the near future. Tighter emission
restrictions are expected in the long term which may cause IPC to use more
emission allowances for its own requirements and reduce the annual amount of
excess emission allowances.
Oregon: On April 30, 2007, IPC filed for an accounting order
with the OPUC to defer net power supply costs for the period from May 1, 2007,
through April 30, 2008, in anticipation of higher than normal (higher than
base) power supply expenses. In the filing, IPC included a forecast of Oregons
jurisdictional share of excess power supply costs of $5.7 million. A hearing
is set for April 16, 2009.
On
April 28, 2006, IPC filed for an accounting order with the OPUC to defer net
power supply costs for the period of May 1, 2006, through April 30, 2007. A
settlement agreement was reached with the OPUC Staff and the Citizens Utility
Board in the amount of $2 million, which was approved by the OPUC on December
13, 2007.
The
timing of future recovery of Oregon power supply cost deferrals is subject to
an Oregon statute that specifically limits rate amortizations of deferred costs
to six percent of gross Oregon revenue per year. IPC is currently amortizing
through rates power supply costs associated with the western energy situation
of 2000 and 2001, which is discussed further under LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES - Western Energy Proceeding at the FERC. Full recovery of the 2001
deferral is not expected until 2009. The 2006-2007 and the 2007-2008 deferrals
would have to be amortized sequentially following the full recovery of the 2001
deferral.
Oregon Power Cost Recovery
Mechanism: On August 17, 2007, IPC
filed an application with the OPUC requesting the approval of a power cost
recovery mechanism similar to the Idaho PCA. A joint stipulation was filed
with the OPUC on March 14, 2008, and the OPUC approved the stipulation on April
28, 2008.
The stipulation and OPUC
order established a power cost recovery mechanism with two components: the
annual power cost update (APCU) and the power cost adjustment mechanism
(PCAM). The combination of the APCU and the PCAM allows IPC to recover excess
net power supply costs in a more timely fashion than through the previously
existing deferral process.
APCU: The APCU allows IPC to
reestablish its Oregon base net power supply costs annually, separate from a
general rate case, and to forecast net power supply costs for the upcoming
water year. The APCU has two components: the October Update, where each
October IPC calculates its estimated normalized net power supply expenses for
the following April through March test period, and the March Forecast, where
each March IPC files a forecast of its expected net power supply expenses for
the same test period, updated for a number of variables including the most
recent stream flow data and future wholesale electric prices. On June 1 of
each year, rates are adjusted to reflect costs calculated in the APCU.
On October 29, 2007, IPC
filed the October Update portion of its 2008 APCU with the OPUC reflecting the
estimated net power supply expenses for the April 2008 through March 2009 test
period. On March 24, 2008, IPC submitted testimony to the OPUC revising its
calculation of the October Update to conform to the methodology agreed to by
the parties in the stipulation. IPC also submitted the March Forecast,
reflecting expected hydroelectric generating conditions and forward prices for
the April 2008 through March 2009 test period. The expected power supply costs
of $150 million represented an increase of approximately $23 million over the
October Update.
On May 20, 2008, the OPUC
approved IPCs 2008 APCU (comprising both the October Update and the March
Forecast) with the new rates effective June 1, 2008. The approved APCU resulted
in a $4.8 million, or 15.69 percent, increase in Oregon revenues.
On October 23, 2008, IPC
filed the October Update portion of its 2009 APCU with the OPUC. The filing,
combined with supplemental testimony filed on December 1, 2008, reflects that
revenues associated with IPCs base net power supply costs would be increased
by $1.6 million over the previous October Update, an average 4.55 percent
increase. The October Update will be combined with the March Forecast portion
of the 2009 APCU, with final rates expected to become effective on June 1,
2009.
46
PCAM: The PCAM is a true-up
to be filed annually in February. The filing calculates the deviation between
actual net power supply expenses incurred for the preceding calendar year and
the net power supply expenses recovered through the APCU for the same period.
Under the PCAM, IPC is subject to a portion of the business risk or benefit
associated with this deviation through application of an asymmetrical deadband (or
range of deviations) within which IPC absorbs cost increases or decreases. For
deviations in actual power supply costs outside of the deadband, the PCAM
provides for 90/10 sharing of costs and benefits between customers and IPC.
However, a collection will occur only to the extent that it results in IPCs
actual return on equity (ROE) for the year being no greater than 100 basis
points below IPCs last authorized ROE. A refund will occur only to the extent
that it results in IPCs actual ROE for that year being no less than 100 basis
points above IPCs last authorized ROE. The PCAM rate is then added to or
subtracted from the APCU rate, with new combined rates effective each June 1.
On
October 6, 2008, the OPUC provided an order clarifying that the PCAM is a
deferral under the Oregon statute. IPC expects that deferrals under the PCAM
component will be subject to the six percent limitation on annual amortization
discussed above. IPC had $5.4 million deferred under the PCAM as of December
31, 2008.
IPC
expects to make its first PCAM filing on February 27, 2009. Fixed Cost Adjustment Mechanism (FCA)
On March 12, 2007, the IPUC approved the
implementation of a FCA mechanism pilot program for IPCs residential and small
general service customers. The FCA is a rate mechanism designed to remove IPCs
disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by separating (or
decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the variable kilowatt-hour charge
and linking it instead to a set amount per customer. In the FCA, for each
customer class, the number of customers is multiplied by a fixed cost per
customer. The cost per customer is based on IPCs revenue requirement as
established in a general rate case. This authorized fixed cost recovery amount
is compared to the amount of fixed costs actually recovered by IPC. The amount
of over- or under-recovery is then returned to or collected from customers in a
subsequent rate adjustment. The pilot program began on January 1, 2007, and
runs through 2009, with the first rate adjustment occurring on June 1, 2008,
and subsequent rate adjustments occurring on June 1 of each year during its
term. On March 14, 2008, IPC filed
an application requesting a $2.4 million rate reduction under the FCA pilot
program for the net over-recovery of fixed costs during 2007. On May 30, 2008,
the IPUC approved the rate reduction of $2.4 million to be distributed to
residential and small general service customer classes equally on an energy
used basis during the June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009, FCA year. IPC
deferred $2.5 million of FCA net under-recovery of fixed costs during 2008. Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider
On March 14, 2008, IPC filed an application
with the IPUC requesting an increase to its Energy Efficiency Rider (Rider),
which is the chief funding mechanism for IPCs investment in conservation,
energy efficiency and demand response programs. IPC proposed an increase from
1.5 percent to 2.5 percent of base revenues, or to approximately $17 million
annually, effective June 1, 2008. The application also sought authorization to
eliminate the current funding caps for residential and irrigation customers,
which is expected to result in more equitable cost recovery between customer
classes, and authorization to utilize Rider funding to support customer
programs aimed at the installation of small-scale renewable energy projects. On May 30, 2008, the IPUC
approved IPCs application to increase the Rider from 1.5 percent to 2.5
percent of base revenues, effective June 1, 2008, and approved IPCs request to
eliminate the caps on the Rider for residential and irrigation customers. The
IPUC denied IPCs request to utilize Rider funding to support customer programs
aimed at the installation of small-scale renewable energy projects, but
directed IPC to work with the IPUC Staff and other interested parties to
develop a renewable energy program and submit it to the IPUC for approval. Prudency Review: In the 2008 general rate case, IPC requested that
the IPUC explicitly find that IPCs expenditures between 2002 and 2007 of $29
million of funds obtained from the Rider were prudently incurred and would,
therefore, no longer be subject to potential disallowance. The IPUC Staff
recommended that the IPUC defer a prudency determination for these expenditures
until IPC was able to provide a comprehensive evaluation package of its
programs and efforts. IPC contended that sufficient information had already
been provided to the IPUC Staff for review.
47 On February 18, 2009, IPC
filed a stipulation with the IPUC reflecting an agreement with the IPUC Staff
on $14.3 million of the Rider funds. The IPUC Staff agreed that this portion
of the Rider expenditures were prudently incurred. IPC and the IPUC Staff agreed
to continue to exchange information and discuss settlement with regard to the
remaining $14.7 million, and IPC will file a pleading with the IPUC by April 1,
2009 seeking a prudency determination on the remainder. If resolution with
respect to the remaining $14.7 million cannot be reached in the proceedings
stemming from the April 1, filing, IPC and the IPUC Staff will recommend a
procedure to allow the IPUC to make such a determination. Depreciation Filings
On September 12, 2008, the IPUC approved a
revision to IPCs depreciation rates, retroactive to August 1, 2008. The new
rates are based on a settlement reached by IPC and the IPUC Staff, and result
in an annual reduction of depreciation expense of $8.5 million ($7.9 million
allocated to Idaho) based upon December 31, 2006, depreciable electric plant in
service. On October 3, 2008, IPC filed
an application with the OPUC requesting that the new depreciation rates
approved in IPCs Idaho jurisdiction be authorized for IPCs Oregon
jurisdiction as well. The result for the Oregon jurisdiction would be a
decrease in annual depreciation expense and rates of $0.4 million. This matter
is pending and no order has been issued. This request was filed in conjunction
with the October 3, 2008, application discussed below in Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI). On October 22, 2008, IPC
filed an application with the FERC requesting that IPCs revised depreciation
rates as approved by the IPUC also be accepted for use in future rate filings
made with the FERC. The FERC approved IPCs application on December 3, 2008.
The new depreciation accrual rates will be reflected in IPCs OATT rates
beginning October 1, 2009. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) The AMI project provides the means to
automatically retrieve energy consumption information, eliminating manual meter
reading expense. In the future, the system will support enhancements to allow
for time-variant rates, perform remote connects and disconnects, and collect
system operations data enhancing outage management, reliability efforts and
demand-side management options. IPC filed AMI evaluation and
deployment reports with the IPUC on May 1 and August 31, 2007, in compliance
with an IPUC order. Consistent with the implementation plan contained in those
reports, IPC has entered into a number of contracts for materials and resources
that allowed for the AMI implementation to commence in late 2008. IPC intends
to install this technology for approximately 99 percent of its customers by the
end of 2011. The executed contracts do not obligate IPC for any level of
purchases and specifically allow IPC to cancel the contracts in the event that
appropriate regulatory treatment regarding cost recovery is not granted. Idaho: On August 5, 2008, IPC filed an application with the
IPUC requesting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the
deployment of AMI technology and approval of accelerated depreciation for the
existing metering equipment. The IPUC approved IPCs application on February
12, 2009. In its application, IPC estimated the three year investment in AMI
to be $71 million. The 2009 revenue requirement impact of the AMI deployment
is estimated to be $12.2 million. The effect on rates will be addressed in
subsequent proceedings. Oregon: On October 3, 2008, IPC filed an application with
the OPUC requesting authority to accelerate the depreciation and recovery of
existing meters in the Oregon jurisdiction over an 18-month period beginning
January 2009. The OPUC approved IPCs request on December 30, 2008. IPCs AMI
deployment schedule calls for the replacement of the Oregon service-territory
meters around October 2010. The existing meters will be fully depreciated
prior to their removal from service. The estimated balance of plant in service
at December 31, 2008, attributable to the existing meters is $1.4 million. The
approval of this application results in an increase of $0.8 million for 2009 in
both rates and depreciation expense. This increase will be partially offset by
the request for revised depreciation rates filed in the same application and
discussed above in Depreciation Filings, subject to true-up if the
depreciation rates the OPUC ultimately approves differ from those that were
approved by the IPUC.
48 Idaho Pension Expense Order
In the 2003 Idaho general rate case, the IPUC
disallowed recovery of pension expense because there were no current cash
contributions being made to the pension plan. On March 20, 2007, IPC requested
that the IPUC clarify that IPC can consider future cash contributions made to
the pension plan a recoverable cost of service. On June 1, 2007, the IPUC
issued an order authorizing IPC to account for its defined benefit pension
expense on a cash basis, and to defer and account for pension expense under SFAS
87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, as a regulatory asset. The IPUC
acknowledged that it is appropriate for IPC to seek recovery in its revenue
requirement of reasonable and prudently incurred pension expense based on
actual cash contributions. The regulatory asset created by this order is
expected to be amortized to expense to match the revenues received when future
pension contributions are recovered through rates. The deferral of pension
expense did not begin until $4.1 million of past contributions still recorded
on the balance sheet at December 31, 2006, were expensed. For 2007,
approximately $2.8 million was deferred to a regulatory asset beginning in the
third quarter. In 2008, $7.9 million of pension expense was deferred. IPC did
not request a carrying charge on the deferral balance.
Federal Regulatory Matters On May 3, 2007, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the settlement agreements
entered into between the BPA and the IOUs (including IPC) are inconsistent with
the Northwest Power Act. On May 21, 2007, the BPA notified IPC and six other
IOUs that it was immediately suspending the Residential Exchange Program
payments that the utilities pass through to their residential and small farm
customers in the form of electricity bill credits. IPC took action with both
the IPUC and the OPUC to reduce the level of credit on its customers bills to
zero, effective June 1, 2007. Since that time IPC has been
working with the other northwest IOUs and consumer-owned utilities, northwest
state public utility commissions and the BPA to craft an agreement so that
residential and small farm customers of IPC can resume sharing in the benefits
of the federal Columbia River power system. However, the matter has yet to be
resolved. The BPA has initiated several public processes, which ultimately
will determine whether benefits will be restored to IPC customers. The most
significant of these processes are the establishment of new residential
purchase and sales agreements (RPSAs) and the WP-07 supplemental rate case. The
RPSAs are intended to replace the settlement agreements invalidated by the
court and to provide the structure through which benefits will be shared with
the residential and small farm customers of IOUs. The WP-07 case addresses the
calculation of overpayment (if any) of benefits to customers of the IOUs under
the settlement agreements and whether those overpayments must be repaid by a
reduction to future benefits. The BPA issued a Final Record
of Decision (ROD) on September 4, 2008 to establish new RPSAs and another ROD on
September 22, 2008 in the WP-07 case. Together the RODs continue to reflect no
residential exchange benefits for IPCs residential and small farm customers in
the foreseeable future. IPC has filed petitions for review in the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit challenging both RODs - the RPSAs on November
26, 2008 and the WP-07 case on December 16, 2008. A mediation process within
the Ninth Circuit Court has been initiated in an attempt to settle Residential
Exchange Program issues. The appeals proceedings are being held in abeyance
during the mediation process. A meeting was held on February 12, 2009 between
the BPA, IOUs and consumer-owned utilities to determine if there is common
ground for an overall settlement of the Residential Exchange Program. Two
additional meetings are scheduled for March 2009. If mediation is
unsuccessful, briefing schedules will be set. IPC will continue its efforts
to secure future benefits for its customers. Since these benefits were passed
through to IPCs customers, the outcome of this matter is not expected to have
an effect on IPCs financial condition or results of operations.
49 OATT: On March 24, 2006, IPC submitted a revised OATT
filing with the FERC requesting an increase in transmission rates. In the
filing, IPC proposed to move from a fixed rate to a formula rate, which allows
for transmission rates to be updated each year based on financial and
operational data IPC is required to file annually with the FERC in its Form 1.
The formula rate request included a rate of return on equity of 11.25 percent.
IPCs filing was opposed by several affected parties. Effective June 1, 2006,
the FERC accepted IPCs proposed new rates, subject to refund pending the
outcome of the hearing and settlement process. On August 8, 2007, the FERC
approved a settlement agreement by the parties on all issues except the
treatment of contracts for transmission service that contain their own terms,
conditions and rates that were in existence before the implementation of OATT
in 1996 (Legacy Agreements). This settlement reduced IPCs proposed new rates
and, as a result, approximately $1.7 million collected in excess of the
settlement rates between June 1, 2006, and July 31, 2007, was refunded with
interest in August 2007. As part of the settlement agreement, the FERC
established an authorized rate of return on equity of 10.7 percent. On August 31, 2007, the FERC
Presiding Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued an initial decision (Initial
Decision) with respect to the treatment of the Legacy Agreements, which would
have further reduced the new transmission rates. IPC, as well as the opposing
parties, appealed the Initial Decision to the FERC. If implemented, the
Initial Decision would have required IPC to make additional refunds, including
interest, of approximately $5.4 million (including $0.4 million of interest)
for the June 1, 2006, through December 31, 2008, period. IPC previously
reserved this entire amount. On January 15, 2009, the FERC
issued an Order on Initial Decision (FERC Order), which upheld the Initial
Decision of the ALJ in most respects, but modified the Initial Decision in one
respect that is unfavorable to IPC. The decision requires IPC to reduce its
transmission service rates to FERC jurisdictional customers. Furthermore, IPC
is required to make refunds to FERC jurisdictional transmission customers in
the total amount of $13.3 million (including $1.1 million in interest) for the
period since the new rates went into effect in June 2006. Based on the FERC
Order IPC reserved an additional $7.9 million (including $0.7 million in
interest) in the fourth quarter of 2008, bringing the total reserve amount to
$13.3 million. Prior to the FERC Order, the FERC jurisdictional transmission
revenues (net of the $5 million reserve) recorded in the last seven months of
2006, all of 2007 and 2008 were $8.1 million, $13.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively.
Under the FERC Order, the transmission revenues would have been $6.4 million in
the last seven months of 2006, $11 million in 2007 and $12.6 million in 2008.
Refunds were made on February 25, 2009. IPC filed a request for
rehearing with the FERC on February 17, 2009. IPC believes that the treatment
of the Legacy Agreements conflicts with precedent. The rehearing request
asserts that the FERC order is in error by: (1) requiring IPC to include the
contract demands associated with the Legacy Agreements in the OATT formula rate
divisor rather than crediting the revenue from the Legacy Agreements against
IPCs transmission revenue requirement; (2) concluding that IPC must include
the contract demands associated with the Legacy Agreements rather than the
customers coincident peak demands; (3) concluding that the transmission rate
contained in one or more of the Legacy Agreements was not a discounted rate;
(4) failing to consider the non-monetary benefits received by IPC from the
Legacy Agreements; (5) concluding that the services provided under the Legacy
Agreements are firm services and therefore should be handled for rate purposes
in the same manner as firm services under the OATT; and (6) failing to affirm
the rate treatment that has been used for the Legacy Agreements for
approximately 30 years. IPC cannot predict when the FERC will rule on the
request for rehearing or the outcome of this matter. On August 28, 2008, IPC filed
its informational filing with the FERC that contains the annual update of the
formula rate based on the 2007 test year. The new rate included in the filing
is $18.88 per kW-year, a decrease of $0.85 per kW-year, or 4.3 percent. The
impact of this rate decrease on IPCs revenues will depend on transmission
volume sold, which can be highly variable. New rates were effective October 1,
2008. IPC has adjusted its rates to $13.81 per kW-year in compliance with the
January 15, 2009 order.
Transmission Projects
50 Gateway West Project: IPC and PacifiCorp are jointly exploring the Gateway
West Project to build transmission lines between Windstar, a substation located
near Douglas, Wyoming and Hemingway, a substation located in the vicinity of
Melba and Murphy, Idaho near Boise. The lines would be designed to increase
electrical transmission capacity across southern Idaho in response to
increasing customer demand and growth, along with other transmission service
requests. IPC and PacifiCorp have a cost sharing agreement for expenses
associated with the analysis work of the initial phases. IPCs share of the
initial phase of engineering, environmental review, permitting and rights-of-way
is approximately $40 million. Initial phases of the project could be completed
by 2014 depending on the timing of rights-of-way, acquisition, siting and
permitting, and construction sequencing. If all initial phases are
constructed, IPC estimates that its share of the project costs could range
between $500 million and $600 million. Remaining phases of the project could
be constructed as demand requires. Boardman-Hemingway Line: Consistent with the 2006 IRP and requirements and
requests of other transmission customers, IPC is exploring alternatives for the
construction of a 500-kV line between southwestern Idaho and the Northwest.
The Boardman-Hemingway Line is expected to relieve existing congestion by
increasing transmission capacity and improving reliability. It will allow for
the transfer of up to 1,500 MW of additional energy between Idaho and the
Northwest. The initial project phase estimate of $50 million will be funded by
IPC and includes the engineering, environmental review, permitting and rights-of-way.
Cost estimates for the project (including initial phase project estimate and
construction costs of the line) are approximately $600 million. IPC expects to
seek partners for up to 50 percent of the project when construction commences.
The line has a target in-service date of June 2013. The existing transmission
station at the Boardman power plant in Oregon will serve as the northwest
terminal of the project. The Idaho terminal is the Hemingway substation. IPC
and a number of other utilities with proposed regional transmission projects in
the Northwest have signed a letter agreeing to coordinate technical studies,
which have begun. The Comprehensive Progress Report has been submitted to the
WECC for review as part of the ratings process. On August 28, 2008, IPC filed
a notice of intent (NOI) with the Oregon Department of Energy to apply for a
site certificate for the proposed line. On October 3, 2008, IPC filed a
project proposal with the Northern Tier Transmission Group Cost Allocation
Committee requesting approval of the allocation of costs and benefits for the
project. IPC does not expect any recommendation or approval by the NTTG until
the second half of 2009. Other planning and project management activities are
underway. On
October 22, 2008, IPC and Portland General Electric (PGE) signed a memorandum
of understanding (MOU) as the basis for cooperation on the Boardman-Hemingway
Line and PGEs proposed Southern Crossing 500kV project. The MOU provides the
two utilities an opportunity to integrate a portion of the proposed
transmission lines if both projects move forward. Hemingway Station: Construction of a new 500-kV station named Hemingway
is expected to address growth, capacity and operating constraints. The station
was originally part of the Gateway West Project but the timing of this addition was accelerated to 2010 to
help meet forecast deficits and improve reliability. Cost estimates for the
project, including rights-of-way, permitting and substation interconnections,
are approximately $52 million. Hemingway-Hubbard
Transmission Line: As part of the
Hemingway Station Project, the Hemingway-Hubbard transmission line is expected
to provide power to the Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho by 2010. The
Hemingway-Hubbard line will consist of a new 230-kV double circuit transmission
line and convert an existing 138-kV transmission line to 230-kV. Cost
estimates for the project are approximately $25 million. Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978
51 Ongoing social and political
pressure to increase the use of renewable energy is continuing to fuel
expansion of renewable energy incentive programs at both the state and federal
level. In addition, it is expected that in early 2009, the Published Avoided
Costs will be increased by both the IPUC and the OPUC, which will result in the
continuation of a favorable climate for PURPA project development and may
require IPC to enter into additional PURPA agreements. The requirement to
enter into additional PURPA agreements may result in IPC acquiring energy at
above wholesale market prices, thus increasing costs to its customers. It is
highly likely that the requirement to enter into additional PURPA agreements
will add to IPCs surplus during certain times of the year, which could also
increase costs to IPCs customers. As of December 31, 2008, IPC
had signed agreements to purchase energy from 92 CSPP facilities with contracts
ranging from one to 30 years. Seventy-nine of these facilities, with a combined
nameplate capacity of 267 MW, were on-line at the end of 2008; the other 13
facilities, with a combined nameplate capacity of 190 MW, are projected to come
on-line in 2009 and 2010. The majority of the new facilities will be wind
resources which will generate on an intermittent basis. During 2008, IPC
purchased 756,014 MWh from these projects at a cost of $45.9 million, resulting
in a blended price of 6.1 cents per kilowatt hour. Integrated Resource Plan During the time between
resource plan filings, the public and regulatory oversight of the activities
identified in the IRP allows for discussion and adjustment of the IRP as
warranted. IPC continues to analyze and evaluate the resource plan and make
periodic adjustments and corrections to reflect changes in technology, economic
conditions, anticipated resource development and regulatory requirements. Each
of the sections below provides an update of items identified in the resource
planning process. Peaking Resource: The construction of a new simple cycle combustion
turbine resource at the Danskin plant near Mountain Home, Idaho was completed
in the first quarter of 2008 and the new generating unit was available during
IPCs 2008 summer peak load period. The combustion turbine provides approximately 166 MW of capacity during the
summer and up to 200 MW in the winter. Geothermal RFPs: An RFP for geothermal-powered generation was
released in June 2006. IPC identified U.S. Geothermal, Inc. as the successful
bidder in March 2007 based on a proposal to supply 45.5 MW of geothermal
energy. In January 2008, the IPUC approved a power purchase agreement for 13
MW (nameplate generation) from the Raft River Geothermal Power Plant Unit #1
located in southern Idaho. This project began operating in October 2007.
Contract negotiations for the remaining 32.5 MW continued throughout 2008,
however uncertainty in the development schedule and final cost made it
impossible for the parties to agree on contract terms and conditions and the
negotiation process came to a close in late 2008. In January 2008, IPC released
an RFP for 50 to 100 MW of geothermal energy. Proposals were due in March 2008
and as the evaluation process proceeded, all but one of the respondents
withdrew their proposals. IPC completed the RFP evaluation process on the
remaining response, however it was not selected due to the economics and timing
of the presented project. While the results of the
geothermal RFP processes have been disappointing, IPC is continuing to work
with project developers capable of delivering energy to its service area. IPC
also continues to monitor developments in geothermal technology and is hopeful
geothermal energy will become an economic and readily available resource for
its customers.
52 2012 Baseload Resource
RFP: In light of a decision to no
longer pursue a conventional coal resource in 2013 as identified in the 2006
IRP, IPC issued an RFP in 2008 for 300 MW of dispatchable, physically delivered
firm or unit contingent energy to be acquired under power purchase or tolling
agreements. A tolling agreement is an arrangement where one party owns,
operates and maintains the generating facility and the other party provides
fuel, pays capacity charges and receives the contracted output from the project
including energy, capacity and ancillary services. IPC prepared a self-build
proposal for a combined-cycle combustion turbine, which serves as a benchmark
resource and is competing in the RFP evaluation process. Proposals were
received in October 2008 and are currently being evaluated. This addition is
expected to come online in 2012 to meet forecast deficits as described in the
2006 IRP and the 2008 IRP update. IPC expects to request approval from the
IPUC relating to the base load resource during the first quarter of 2009, with
an IPUC decision expected later this year. Combined Heat and Power
(CHP) RFP: The 2006 IRP included 50
MW of CHP coming on-line in 2010. In April 2008, IPC solicited its large
industrial customers to determine the level of interest in CHP development.
While the level of interest in CHP development has been less than anticipated
in the 2006 IRP, IPC continues to work with parties to explore CHP development
opportunities. Relicensing
of Hydroelectric Projects The
relicensing costs are recorded and held in construction work in progress until
new multi-year licenses are issued by the FERC, at which time the charges will
be transferred to electric plant in service. Relicensing costs and costs
related to new licenses will be submitted to regulators for recovery through
the ratemaking process. Relicensing costs of $105 million and $4 million for
HCC and Swan Falls, respectively, were included in construction work in
progress at December 31, 2008. Hells Canyon Complex: The most significant ongoing relicensing effort is
the HCC, which provides approximately two-thirds of IPCs hydroelectric
generating capacity and 40 percent of its total generating capacity. In July
2003, IPC filed an application for a new license in anticipation of the July
2005 expiration of the then-existing license. IPC is currently operating under
an annual license issued by the FERC and expects to continue operating under
annual licenses until the new license is issued. Consistent with the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended
(NEPA), the FERC Staff issued on August 31, 2007, a final environmental impact
statement (EIS) for the HCC, which the FERC will use to determine whether, and
under what conditions, to issue a new license for the project. The purpose of
the final EIS is to inform the FERC, federal and state agencies, Native
American tribes and the public about the environmental effects of IPCs
proposed operation of the HCC. IPC is reviewing the final EIS and expects to
file comments with the FERC in 2009. In conjunction with the
issuance of the final EIS, on September 13, 2007, the FERC requested formal
consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
regarding the effect of HCC relicensing on several aquatic and terrestrial
species listed as threatened under the ESA. However, formal consultation has
not yet been initiated and NMFS and USFWS continue to gather and consider
information relative to the effect of relicensing on relevant species. IPC
continues to cooperate with the USFWS, the NMFS and the FERC in an effort to
address ESA concerns. Because the HCC is located on
the Snake River where it forms the border between Idaho and Oregon, IPC has
filed Water Quality Certification Applications, required under section 401 of
the Clean Water Act, with the States of Idaho and Oregon requesting that each
state certify that any discharges from the project comply with applicable state
water quality standards. IPC continues to work with Idaho and Oregon to ensure
that any discharges from the HCC will comply with the necessary state water
quality standards so that appropriate water quality certifications can be
issued for the project.
The FERC is expected to issue a license order for the HCC
once the ESA consultation and the section 401 certification processes are
completed.
53 Swan
Falls Project: The license for the
Swan Falls hydroelectric project expires in June 2010. On September 21, 2007,
IPC submitted its draft license application to the FERC for public review and
comment. The draft contained project-specific information and the results of
environmental studies designed to determine project effects. Comments were
received from the agencies and one Native American tribe and on February 19,
2008, a joint meeting was held to address the comments and attempt to resolve
areas of disagreement over study results and proposed mitigation measures. On
June 26, 2008, IPC filed a final license application with the FERC. On July 9,
2008, in conformance with applicable regulations, the FERC issued a Notice of
Application Tendered for Filing with the Commission, Soliciting Additional
Study Requests, and Establishing Procedural Schedule for Relicensing and a
Deadline for Submission of Final Amendments. Pursuant to that notice, state
and federal resource agencies, Native American tribes or other interested
parties were to file additional study requests with the FERC by August 26,
2008. Additional study requests were filed by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and
the USFWS. IPC filed responses to these requests on September 26 and 29, 2008,
respectively. The FERC is still considering the requests from the Shoshone-Bannock
Tribes and the USFWS. On October 7, 2008, IPC received a request from the FERC
to provide clarification and additional information on the Swan Falls license
application. IPC will submit responses to this request by April 7, 2009. The
FERC notified IPC on December 4, 2008, that the final license application had
been officially accepted for filing. Shoshone
Falls Expansion: On August 17, 2006,
IPC filed a license amendment application with the FERC, which would allow IPC
to upgrade the Shoshone Falls project from 12.5 MW to 62.5 MW. The license
amendment is expected to be issued in 2009. In conjunction with the license
amendment application, IPC has filed a water rights application which is
currently being reviewed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR). FERC Market-Based Rate
Authority LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Western Energy Proceedings at the FERC:
Throughout this report, the term western
energy situation is used to refer to the California energy crisis that
occurred during 2000 and 2001, and the energy shortages, high prices and
blackouts in the western United States. High prices for electricity in
California and in western wholesale markets during 2000 and 2001 caused
numerous purchasers of electricity in those markets to initiate proceedings
seeking refunds. Some of these proceedings (the western energy proceedings)
remain pending before the FERC or on appeal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit).
There are pending in the Ninth Circuit approximately 200 petitions
for review of numerous FERC orders regarding the western energy situation,
including the California refund proceeding, show cause orders with respect to
contentions of market manipulation, and the Pacific Northwest proceedings.
Decisions in these appeals may have implications with respect to other pending
cases, including those to which IDACORP, IPC or IE are parties. IDACORP, IPC
and IE intend to vigorously defend their positions in these proceedings, but
are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, except as otherwise stated
below, or estimate the impact they may have on their consolidated financial
positions, results of operations or cash flows.
California Refund: This proceeding originated with an effort by agencies of the
State of California and investor owned utilities in California to obtain
refunds for a portion of the spot market sales from sellers of electricity into
California markets from October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001. In April 2001,
the FERC issued an order stating that it was establishing a price mitigation
plan for sales in the California wholesale electricity market. The FERCs
order also included the potential for directing electricity sellers into
California from October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001, to refund portions of
their spot market sales prices if the FERC determined that those prices were
not just and reasonable. In July 2001, the FERC initiated the California
refund proceeding including evidentiary hearings to determine the scope and
methodology for determining refunds. After evidentiary hearings, the FERC
issued an order on refund liability on March 26, 2003, and later denied the
numerous requests for rehearing. The FERC also required the California
Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) to make a compliance filing calculating
refund amounts. That compliance filing has been delayed on a number of
occasions and has not yet been filed with the FERC.
54
IE and other parties petitioned the Ninth
Circuit for review of the FERCs orders on California refunds. As additional
FERC orders have been issued, further petitions for review have been filed by
potential refund payors, including IE, potential refund recipients and
governmental agencies. These cases have been consolidated before the Ninth
Circuit. Since the initiation of these cases, the Ninth Circuit has convened a
series of case management proceedings to organize these complex cases, while
identifying and severing discrete cases that can proceed to briefing and
decision and staying action on all of the other consolidated cases. In
its October 2005 decision in the first of the severed cases, the Ninth Circuit
concluded that the FERC lacked refund authority over wholesale electrical
energy sales made by governmental entities and non-public utilities. In its
August 2006 decision in the second severed case, the Ninth Circuit ruled that
all transactions that occurred within the California Power Exchange (CalPX) and
the Cal ISO markets were proper subjects of the refund proceeding, refused to
expand the proceedings into the bilateral market, approved the refund effective
date as October 2, 2000, and required the FERC to consider claims that some
market participants had violated governing tariff obligations at an earlier
date than the refund effective date and expanded the scope of the refund
proceeding to include transactions within the CalPX and Cal ISO markets outside
the limited 24-hour spot market and energy exchange transactions. These latter
aspects of the decision exposed sellers to increased claims for potential
refunds. In
2005, the FERC established a framework for sellers wanting to demonstrate that
the generally applicable FERC refund methodology interfered with the recovery
of costs. IE and IPC made such a cost filing but it was rejected by the FERC
in March 2006. IE and IPC requested rehearing of that rejection and that
request remains pending before the FERC. IE and IPC are unable to predict how
or when the FERC might rule on the request for rehearing, but its effect is
confined to the minority of market participants that opted not to join the
settlement described below. Accordingly, IE and IPC believe
this matter will not have a material adverse effect on their consolidated
financial positions, results of operations or cash flows. On
February 17, 2006, IE and IPC jointly filed with the California Parties
(Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company,
Southern California Edison Company, the California Public Utilities Commission,
the California Electricity Oversight Board, the California Department of Water
Resources and the California Attorney General) an Offer of Settlement at the
FERC settling matters encompassed by the
California refund proceeding, as well as other FERC proceedings and
investigations relating to the western energy matters, including IEs and IPCs
cost filing and refund obligation. A number of other parties, representing a
small minority of potential refund claims, chose to opt out of the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, IE and IPC assigned $24.25 million of the
rights to accounts receivable from the Cal ISO and CalPX to the California
Parties to pay into an escrow account for refunds to settling parties. Amounts
from that escrow not used for settling parties and $1.5 million of the
remaining IE and IPC receivables that are to be retained by the CalPX are
available to fund, at least partially, payment of the claims of any non-settling
parties if they prevail in the remaining litigation of this matter. Any excess
funds remaining at the end of the case are to be returned to IPC and IE.
Approximately $10.25 million of the remaining IE and IPC receivables was paid
to IE and IPC under the settlement. In addition, the California Parties released
IE and IPC from other claims stemming from the western energy market
dysfunctions. The FERC approved the Offer of
Settlement on May 22, 2006.
On October 24, 2006, the Port of Seattle petitioned the Ninth
Circuit for review of the FERC orders approving the settlement. On October 25,
2007, the Ninth Circuit lifted the stay as to the Port of Seattles appeal
along with two other cases and severed the three cases from the remainder of
the consolidated cases. On December 2, 2008, the Ninth Circuit filed an order
dismissing the Port of Seattle petitions for review. That dismissal order is
now final.
55
Market Manipulation: As part of the California refund proceeding discussed above and
the Pacific Northwest refund proceeding discussed below, the FERC issued an
order permitting discovery and the submission of evidence regarding market
manipulation by sellers during the western energy situation. On June 25, 2003, the FERC ordered more than 50
entities that participated in the western wholesale power markets between
January 1, 2000, and June 20, 2001, including IPC, to show cause why certain
trading practices did not constitute gaming (gaming) or other forms of
proscribed market behavior in concert with another party (partnership) in
violation of the Cal ISO and CalPX Tariffs. In 2004, the FERC dismissed the partnership
show cause proceeding against IPC. The order dismissing IPC from the partnership
proceedings was not the subject of rehearing requests and is now final. Later
in 2004, the FERC approved a settlement of the gaming proceeding without
finding of wrongdoing by IPC. The Port of Seattle was the only party to appeal
the FERC orders approving the gaming settlement. On December
8, 2008, the Ninth Circuit issued an order dismissing that appeal. The
dismissal order is now final. The
orders establishing the scope of the show cause proceedings are presently the
subject of review petitions in the Ninth Circuit. In addition to the two show
cause orders, on June 25, 2003, the FERC also issued an order instituting an
investigation of anomalous bidding behavior and practices in the western
wholesale markets for the time period May 1, 2000, through October 1, 2000, to
enable it to review evidence of economic withholding of generation. IPC, along
with more than 60 other market participants, responded to the FERC data
requests. The FERC terminated its investigations as to IPC on May 12, 2004.
Although California government agencies and California investor-owned utilities
have appealed the FERCs termination of this investigation as to IPC and more
than 30 other market participants, the claims regarding the conduct encompassed
by these investigations were released by these parties in the California refund
settlement discussed above. IE and IPC are unable to predict the outcome of
these matters, but believe that the releases govern any potential claims that
might arise and that this matter will not have a
material adverse effect on their consolidated financial positions, results of
operations or cash flows.
Pacific Northwest Refund: On July 25, 2001, the FERC issued an order establishing a
proceeding separate from the California refund proceeding to determine whether
there may have been unjust and unreasonable charges for spot market sales in
the Pacific Northwest during the period December 25, 2000, through June 20,
2001, because the spot market in the
Pacific Northwest was affected by the dysfunction in the California market. In late 2001, a FERC Administrative Law Judge concluded
that the contracts at issue were governed by the substantially more strict Mobile-Sierra
standard of review rather than the just and reasonable standard, that the
Pacific Northwest spot markets were competitive and that refunds should not be
allowed. After the Judges recommendation was issued, the FERC reopened the
proceeding to allow the submission of additional evidence directly to the FERC
related to alleged manipulation of the power market by market participants. In
2003, the FERC terminated the proceeding and declined to order refunds.
Multiple parties filed petitions for review in the Ninth Circuit and in 2007
the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion, remanding to the FERC the orders that
declined to require refunds. The Ninth Circuits opinion instructed the FERC
to consider whether evidence of market manipulation would have altered the
agencys conclusions about refunds and directed the FERC to include sales to
the California Department of Water Resources proceeding. A number of parties
have sought rehearing of the Ninth Circuits decision. IE and IPC intend to
vigorously defend their positions in this proceeding, but are unable to predict
the outcome of this matter or estimate the impact it may have on their
consolidated financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.
In separate western energy proceedings, the Ninth Circuit issued
two decisions on December 19, 2006, regarding the FERCs decision not to
require repricing of certain long-term contracts. Those cases originated with
individual complaints against specified sellers that did not include IE or
IPC. The Ninth Circuit remanded to the FERC for additional consideration the
agencys use of restrictive standards of contract review. In its decisions,
the Ninth Circuit also questioned the validity of the FERCs administration of
its market-based rate regime. On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court issued
a decision in one of these cases, Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. v. Public
Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County (No. 06-1457) (Snohomish), and
revisited and clarified the Mobile-Sierra doctrine in the context of
fixed-rate, forward power contracts. At issue was whether, and under what
circumstances, the FERC could modify the rates in such contracts on the grounds
that there was a dysfunctional market at the time the contracts were executed.
In its decision, the Supreme Court disagreed with many of the conclusions
reached by the Ninth Circuit and upheld the application of the Mobile-Sierra
doctrine even in cases in which it is alleged that the markets were
dysfunctional. The Supreme Court nonetheless directed the return of the case
to the FERC to (i) consider whether the challenged rates in the case
constituted an excessive burden on consumers either at the time the contracts
were formed or during the term of the contracts relative to the rates that
could have been obtained after elimination of the dysfunctional market and (ii)
clarify whether it found the evidence inadequate to support a claim that one of
the parties to a contract under consideration engaged in unlawful market
manipulation that altered the playing field for the particular contract
negotiations - that is, whether there was a causal connection between allegedly
unlawful activity and the contract rate. On November 3, 2008, the Ninth
Circuit vacated its earlier decision and remanded the case to the FERC for
further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Courts decision. On December
18, 2008, the FERC issued its order on remand, establishing settlement
proceedings and paper hearing procedures to supplement the record and permit it
to respond to the questions specified by the Supreme Court.
56
This decision is expected to have general implications for
contracts in the wholesale electric markets regulated by the FERC, and particular
implications for forward power contracts in such markets. The Snohomish
decision upholds the application of the Mobile-Sierra doctrine to fixed-rate,
forward power contracts even in allegedly dysfunctional markets.
IPC and IE have
asserted the Mobile-Sierra doctrine in the Pacific Northwest proceeding,
involving spot market contracts in an allegedly dysfunctional market. IDACORP,
IPC and IE are unable to predict how the FERC will rule on Snohomish on remand
or how this decision will affect the outcome of the Pacific Northwest
proceeding. Sierra Club Lawsuit-Bridger:
In February 2007, the Sierra Club and
the Wyoming Outdoor Council filed a complaint against PacifiCorp in federal
district court in Cheyenne, Wyoming alleging violations of air quality opacity
standards at the Jim Bridger coal-fired plant in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
Opacity is an indication of the amount of light obscured by the flue gas of a
power plant. A formal answer to the complaint was filed by PacifiCorp on April
2, 2007, in which PacifiCorp denied almost all of the allegations and asserted
a number of affirmative defenses. IPC is not a party to this proceeding but
has a one-third ownership interest in the plant. PacifiCorp owns a two-thirds
interest in and is the operator of the plant. The complaint alleges thousands
of opacity permit limit violations by PacifiCorp and seeks a declaration that
PacifiCorp has violated opacity limits, a permanent injunction ordering
PacifiCorp to comply with such limits, civil penalties of up to $32,500 per day
per violation, and reimbursement of the plaintiffs costs of litigation,
including reasonable attorney fees. Discovery
in the matter was completed on October 15, 2007. Also in October 2007, the
plaintiffs and defendant filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the
alleged opacity compliance status of the plant. The court has not yet ruled on
these motions. On July 7, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a motion requesting the
court to schedule a date for oral argument on the pending motions for summary
judgment. On July 17, 2008, PacifiCorp filed an opposition to plaintiffs
motion based on the courts order on Initial Pretrial Conference, which stated
that dispositive motions will be decided on the briefs without oral argument.
On November 19, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a motion to refer the pending
motions for summary judgment to magistrate judge for recommendation decision.
On December 2, 2008, PacifiCorp filed an opposition to plaintiffs motion. The
court has yet to rule on either motion filed by the plaintiffs. IPC continues
to monitor the status of this matter but is unable to predict the outcome of
this matter or estimate the impact it may have on its consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Sierra Club Lawsuit Boardman:
On September 30, 2008, Sierra Club and
four other non-profit corporations filed a complaint against Portland General
Electric Company (PGE) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
alleging opacity permit limit violations at the Boardman coal-fired power plant
located in Morrow County, Oregon. The complaint also alleges violations of the
Clean Air Act, related federal regulations and the Oregon State Implementation
Plan relating to PGEs construction and operation of the plant. The complaint
seeks a declaration that PGE has violated opacity limits, a permanent
injunction ordering PGE to comply with such limits, injunctive relief requiring
PGE to remediate alleged environmental damage and ongoing impacts, civil penalties
of up to $32,500 per day per violation and the plaintiffs cost of litigation,
including reasonable attorney fees. IPC is not a party to this proceeding but
has a 10 percent ownership interest in the Boardman plant. PGE owns 65 percent
and is the operator of the plant.
On December 5, 2008, PGE filed a motion to
dismiss nine of the twelve claims asserted by plaintiffs in their complaint,
alleging among other arguments that certain claims are barred by the statute of
limitations or fail to state a claim upon which the court can grant relief.
Plaintiffs response to the motion is due March 6, 2009, and PGEs reply is due
April 3, 2009. IPC intends to monitor the status of this matter but is unable
to predict its outcome or what effect this matter may have on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Oregon Trail Heights Fire: On August 25, 2008, a fire ignited beneath an IPC
distribution line in Boise, Idaho. It was fanned by high winds and spread
rapidly, resulting in one death, the destruction of 10 homes and damage or
alleged fire related losses to approximately 30 others. Following the
investigation, the Boise Fire Department determined that the fire was linked to
a piece of line hardware on one of IPCs distribution poles and that high winds
contributed to the fire and its resultant damage.
57
IPC has received notice of claims from a number of the homeowners
and their insurers and is continuing its investigation of these claims. IPC is
insured up to policy limits against liability for claims in excess of its self-insured
retention. IPC has accrued a reserve for any loss that is probable and
reasonably estimable, including insurance deductibles, and believes this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows. Other
Legal Proceedings: From time to time
IDACORP and IPC are parties to legal claims, actions and complaints in addition
to those discussed above and in Note 7 to IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated
Financial Statements. Although they will vigorously defend against them, they
are unable to predict with certainty whether or not they will ultimately be
successful. However, based on the companies evaluation, they believe that the
resolution of these matters, taking into account existing reserves, will not
have a material adverse effect on IDACORPs or IPCs consolidated financial
positions, results of operations or cash flows. Environmental Issues Idaho Water Management
Issues: Since 2000 Idaho has
experienced below normal precipitation and stream flows which have exacerbated
a developing water shortage in Idaho, manifested by a number of water issues
including declining Snake River base flows and declining levels in the Eastern
Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), a large underground aquifer that has been estimated
to hold between 200 - 300 million acre feet (maf) of water. These issues are
of interest to IPC because of their potential impacts on generation at IPCs
hydroelectric projects. As
a result of declines in river flows, in 2003 several surface water users filed
delivery calls with the IDWR, demanding that it manage ground water withdrawals
pursuant to the prior appropriation doctrine of first in time is first in
right and curtail junior ground water rights that are depleting the aquifer
and affecting flows to senior surface water rights. These delivery calls have
resulted in several administrative actions before the IDWR to enforce senior
water rights as well as judicial actions before the state court challenging the
constitutionality of state regulations used by the IDWR to conjunctively
administer ground and surface water rights. Because IPC holds water rights
that are dependent on the Snake River, spring flows and the overall condition
of the ESPA, IPC continues to monitor and participate in these actions, as
necessary, to protect its water rights. One such action relates to
the Milner hydroelectric project which is owned by the North Side Canal Company
(NSCC) and the Twin Falls Canal Company (TFCC). In 1990, IPC entered into a
contract with the owners relating to the construction and operation of a power
plant at Milner Dam. To facilitate the rehabilitation of the Milner dam, IPC
and NSCC/TFCC jointly filed for, and were issued, a FERC license for a
hydroelectric project at the dam. IPC constructed and operates the project,
and participated in the financing of the dam rehabilitation. NSCC and TFCC
filed an application for a water right for the project and were issued an
approved water right permit by the IDWR in 1993. The permit contained a
condition subordinating the water right to all consumptive beneficial uses of
water, other than hydropower and groundwater recharge. Since the issuance of
the permit, the NSCC and TFCC have delivered water to and IPC has operated the
Milner project under the FERC license. On October 20, 2008, the IDWR issued a
water right license for the project that changed the subordination condition in
the permit by deleting the reference to groundwater recharge, thereby
subordinating the water right to groundwater recharge. On November 4, 2008,
NSCC and TFCC filed a petition for hearing with IDWR contesting the change in
the subordination condition. The IDWR has appointed a hearing officer and
several parties have petitioned to intervene in the case. A hearing date has
not been set on the petition. IPC is monitoring but is unable to predict the
outcome of the administrative action.
58 IPC, together with other
interested water users and state interests, also continues to explore and
encourage the development of a long-term management plan that will protect the
ESPA and the Snake River from further depletion. On February 14, 2007, the
Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) presented the framework for an ESPA management
plan to the Idaho Legislature recommending the development of a Comprehensive
Aquifer Management Plan (CAMP). The proposed goal of the CAMP is to sustain
the economic viability and social and environmental health of the ESPA by
adaptively managing a balance between water use and supplies. Through House
Concurrent Resolution 28 and House Bill 320, the 2007 Idaho Legislature
appropriated funds and directed the IWRB to proceed with the development of the
CAMP. Pursuant to the IWRB recommendation in the CAMP Framework, an advisory
committee has been established to make recommendations to the IWRB on the
development of the CAMP. IPC sits on the CAMP advisory committee. In December
2008, the CAMP Advisory Committee submitted a draft CAMP to the IWRB for
consideration. The IWRB took public comments on the draft CAMP and by
resolution dated January 29, 2009 adopted the CAMP and submitted it to the
Idaho Legislature for approval. IPC submitted comments to the IWRB supporting
the CAMP. If the Legislature approves and funds implementation of the CAMP,
IPC will serve on the CAMP Implementation Committee and assist with the
development and implementation of CAMP projects that provide benefits to Snake
River water quality and flows through the maintenance and enhancement of
aquifer and spring levels. IPC is also engaged in the
Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA), a general stream adjudication, commenced
in 1987, to define the nature and extent of water rights in the Snake River
basin in Idaho, including the water rights of IPC. The initiation of the SRBA
resulted from the Swan Falls Agreement, an agreement entered into by IPC and
the Governor and Attorney General of Idaho in October 1984 to resolve
litigation relating to IPCs water rights at its Swan Falls project. IPC has
filed claims to its water rights for hydropower and other uses in the SRBA.
Other water users in the basin have also filed claims to water rights. Parties
to the SRBA may file objections to water right claims that adversely affect or
injure their claimed water rights and the Idaho District Court for the Fifth
Judicial District, which has jurisdiction over SRBA matters, then adjudicates
the claims and objections and enters a decree defining a partys water rights.
IPC has filed claims for all of its hydropower water rights in the SRBA, is
actively protecting those water rights, and is objecting to claims that may
potentially injure or affect those water rights. One such claim involves a
notice of claim of ownership filed on December 22, 2006, by the State of Idaho,
for a portion of the water rights held by IPC that are subject to the Swan
Falls Agreement. On May 10, 2007, in order to
protect its claims and the availability of water for power purposes at its
facilities, and in response to the claim of ownership filed by the State of
Idaho, IPC filed a complaint and petition for declaratory and injunctive relief
regarding the status and nature of IPCs water rights and the respective rights
and responsibilities of the parties under the Swan Falls Agreement. The
complaint was filed in the Idaho District Court for the Fifth Judicial
District, the court with jurisdiction over the SRBA, against the State of
Idaho, the Governor, the Attorney General, the IDWR and the Director of the
IDWR. In conjunction with the
filing of the complaint and petition, IPC filed motions with the court to stay
all pending proceedings involving the water rights of IPC and to consolidate
those proceedings into a single action where all issues relating to the Swan Falls
Agreement can be determined. IPC alleged in the complaint,
among other things, that contrary to the parties belief at the time the Swan
Falls Agreement was entered into in 1984, the Snake River basin above Swan
Falls was over-appropriated and as a consequence there was not in 1984, and
there currently is not, water available for new upstream uses over and above
the minimum flows established by the Swan Falls Agreement; that because of this
mutual mistake of fact relating to the over-appropriation of the basin, the
Swan Falls Agreement should be reformed; that the states December 22, 2006,
claim of ownership to IPCs water rights should be denied; and that the Swan
Falls Agreement did not subordinate IPCs water rights to aquifer recharge. On April 18, 2008, the court
issued a Memorandum Decision and Order on Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment
upholding the Swan Falls Agreement. Under the Swan Falls Agreement, water
rights in excess of the minimum flows established by the agreement are held in
trust by the State of Idaho for the use and benefit of IPC and the people of
the State of Idaho. Water above these minimum flows is available for
subsequent consumptive beneficial uses that are approved in accordance with
state law. The court further held that to the extent that the state is not
meeting the minimum flows or it is anticipated that the minimum flows will not
be met, IPCs water rights that are held in trust are not available for
subsequent appropriations and that any appropriations already in place may be
subject to curtailment in order to meet the minimum flows. The court found
that it was not necessary to address the issue of mutual mistake of fact
relating to the over-appropriation of the basin because it found that it was
water rights that were the subject of the trust arrangement and not the water
itself. The court also stated that issues relating to water availability
relate to the administration of water rights and should be addressed, as
necessary, in an administrative action before the IDWR.
59 The court did not decide the
issue of whether the Swan Falls Agreement subordinated IPCs water rights to
groundwater recharge. The State of Idaho and IPC filed summary judgment
motions on the recharge issue and completed briefing on the issue. The court
held a hearing on December 4, 2008 on the summary judgment motions. After
argument, the court took the matter under advisement. IPC is unable to predict
how the court will rule on the issue of whether the Swan Falls Agreement
subordinated IPCs water rights to groundwater recharge. Based upon recent
developments, however, resolution of that issue is not expected to have a
significant effect on the availability of water to IPCs hydropower
facilities. IPC is cooperating with the State of Idaho and other water users
through an advisory committee in the development of the CAMP to protect and
enhance water levels in the ESPA and the connected Snake River. While many
CAMP committee members had early expectations that groundwater recharge would
be a significant component of the plan and believe that groundwater recharge is
a very high-priority issue, further study and review has revealed that
significant groundwater recharge is not feasible due to the complex
hydrogeology of the ESPA, the lack of infrastructure, and the requirement of
compliance with water quality and other environmental standards. IPC is
currently engaged in a three to five year pilot study, in cooperation with IDWR
and various water users, to determine the temporal and spatial impacts and/or
benefits of recharging a maximum of 30,000 acre-feet of water downstream of
American Falls Reservoir on the ESPA and the Snake River. IPC
has also filed an action in federal court against the United States Bureau of
Reclamation to enforce a contract right for delivery of water to its hydropower
projects on the Snake River. In 1923, IPC and the United States entered into a
contract that facilitated the development of the American Falls Reservoir by
the United States on the Snake River in southeast Idaho. This 1923 contract
entitles IPC to 45,000 acre-feet of primary storage capacity in the reservoir
and 255,000 acre-feet of secondary storage that was to be available to IPC
between October 1 of any year and June 10 of the following year as necessary to
maintain specified flows at IPCs Twin Falls power plant below Milner Dam. IPC
believes that the United States has failed to deliver this secondary storage,
at the specified flows, since 2001. As a result, IPC filed an action in the
U.S. District Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. on October 15, 2007
to recover damages from the United States for the lost generation resulting
from the reduced flows. On September 30, 2008, IPC filed an amended complaint
in which IPC seeks, in addition to damages for breach of the 1923 contract, a
prospective declaration of contractual rights so as to prevent the United
States from continued failure to fulfill its contractual and fiduciary duties
to IPC. On October 2, 2008, the court set a discovery schedule requiring that
discovery be completed and pre-trial motions filed by October 1, 2009. The
court will then set the matter for trial. IPC is unable to predict the outcome
of this action.
Air Quality Issues National Ambient Air Quality Standards: In July 1997, the EPA adopted new NAAQS for ozone
(8-hour ozone standard) and fine particulate matter of less than 2.5
micrometers in diameter (PM2.5 standard). Regulations promulgated by the EPA
to implement these NAAQS have been challenged and portions have been remanded
back to the EPA for reconsideration. The EPA and state efforts to implement
the NAAQS adopted in 1997 are ongoing. For example, on May 8, 2008, the EPA
issued a final rule implementing the NSR program for emissions of PM2.5. This
rule establishes the framework for requiring preconstruction permit review of
PM2.5 emissions from new or modified major stationary sources such as the power
plants owned by IPC. All of the counties in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and Wyoming
where IPCs power plants operate currently are designated as meeting attainment
with 8-hour ozone and PM2.5 standards adopted by the EPA in 1997.
60 In
December 2006, the EPA revised the NAAQS for PM2.5. This new standard has been
challenged by a number of groups in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C.
Circuit. On December 22, 2008, the EPA designated areas as attainment,
nonattainment and unclassifiable for the revised PM2.5 NAAQS. All of the
counties in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming where IPCs power plants operate
were designated as meeting attainment with the revised PM2.5 NAAQS. The impact
of the new standard will not be known until the judicial appeals are completed
and the associated regulatory programs are promulgated and implemented. In
March 2008, the EPA promulgated a final regulation which revised the 8-hour
ozone NAAQS. For the primary (health-based) standard, the EPA lowered the
standard from 0.08 parts per million (ppm) to 0.075 ppm. Under the EPAs final
rule, states must make recommendations to the EPA by March 2009 for areas to be
designated attainment, nonattainment and unclassifiable. Several states,
environmental organizations and private parties have challenged the EPAs
regulation. The impact of the revised standard will not be known until data is
collected, analyzed, and released to the public, the judicial appeals are
completed and the associated regulatory programs are promulgated and
implemented. The EPA is expected to make final air quality designations by
March 2010. Clean
Air Mercury Rule: The CAMR, issued
by the EPA on March 15, 2005, limits mercury emissions from new and existing
coal-fired power plants and creates a market-based cap-and-trade program that
will permanently cap utility mercury emissions. On February 8, 2008, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the CAMR and remanded it back to
the EPA for reconsideration consistent with the courts interpretation of the
Clean Air Act. The EPA and an industry trade association subsequently filed
requests with the U.S. Supreme Court to review the D.C. Circuits decision. On
February 6, 2009, the EPA filed a motion with the Court to withdraw its request
and on February 23, 2009, the Court denied the industry trade associations
request. It is possible that the decision to remand the CAMR back to the EPA
for reconsideration could result in the EPA developing maximum achievable
control technology standards for mercury emissions from coal-fired power
plants. It also is possible that the courts decision could result in changes
to the mercury reductions required by the states in which IPC has partial
ownership interests in coal-fired power plants. In 2008, the State of Oregon
adopted a mercury rule requiring Boardman to reduce mercury emissions by 90
percent or meet an emission rate of 0.6 lbs/trillion BTU by July 2012. The
state is now considering allowing up to a two year extension. IPC continues to
monitor Wyoming and Nevada actions on mercury emissions. IPC is unable to
predict at this time what actions the EPA or the other states may take in
response to the courts decision or any resulting impacts to IPC. Clean
Air Interstate Rule (CAIR): The
CAIR, issued by the EPA on March 10, 2005, establishes a permanent cap on
emissions of NOx and SO2 primarily from power plants in 28 eastern
states and the District of Columbia. While the CAIR does not apply to any of
the power plants owned by IPC, it is an important rule for the electric utility
industry because of its broad applicability and its close relation to the
CAMR. The CAIR was subjected to legal challenges by a number of states,
industry, and environmental groups. On July 11, 2008, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the CAIR. On December 23, 2008, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order reinstating the CAIR for
a temporary period of time until the EPA can address the legal defects
identified in the courts July 11, 2008 decision. While reinstating the CAIR
will temporarily allow the CAIR to remain in effect, the full impacts of this
court ruling will not be fully understood until any future appeals are resolved
or until such time as the EPA and/or individual states respond to the courts
ruling. Regional
Haze Best Available Retrofit Technology: In accordance with federal regional haze rules, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) and
the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) are conducting an
assessment of emission sources pursuant to a RH BART process. Coal-fired
utility boilers are subject to RH BART if they were built between 1962 and 1977
and affect any Class I areas. This includes all four units at the Jim Bridger
plant and the Boardman plant. The two units at the Valmy plant were constructed
after 1977 and are not subject to the federal regional haze rule. The states
are also working on reasonable progress towards a long term strategy to reduce
regional haze in Class I areas to natural conditions by the year 2064.
61 PacifiCorp
submitted the RH BART application for the Jim Bridger plant in January 2007.
The WDEQ is still evaluating the application and will request public comment.
If there are no appeals to the application, the WDEQ will prepare a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) to present to the Wyoming Environmental Quality
Council for approval and submittal to the EPA. The plant is already in the
process of installing low NOx burners and scrubber upgrades that are proposed
in the application. Over the next four years, IPCs share of these upgrade
expenditures are currently estimated at $23.9 million, with a total upgrade
expenditures estimated at $34.3 million. IPC and Pacificorp have been meeting
with the WDEQ to discuss the potential for additional RH BART and reasonable
progress requirements for the Jim Bridger plant. It is possible that
additional capital expenditures would be required to satisfy these additional
requirements, however, IPC is not able to quantify these expenditures at this
time.
On August 20, 2008, the ODEQ issued a draft RH BART proposal
for the Boardman plant that, if adopted, would require the installation of
significant emission controls beginning in 2011. The pollution control
requirements proposed by the ODEQ for RH BART and the long term strategy are
estimated to cost approximately $59 million (IPC share). IPCs share of the
cost to comply with the proposal would be approximately $38 million by 2014
with an additional $21 million by 2017. Installation
of this pollution control equipment would require extended maintenance
outages. On December 17, 2008, PGE proposed amendments to the ODEQ proposal,
including an alternative of decommissioning the coal-fired unit at the Boardman
plant subject to RH BART by the end of 2020 in lieu of installing SO2
emissions controls by 2014. PGE also proposed including an alternative that
would allow it to decommission the same unit in 2029 in lieu of installing
additional NOx emission controls by 2017. The ODEQ is expected to finalize its
RH BART determination in April 2009. PGE has indicated that the costs required
pursuant to RH BART, together with any taxes, emission fees and other costs
that may be imposed under future laws related to climate change could require
an investment in excess of what the plant can economically support. Greenhouse
Gases: IPC continues to monitor and
evaluate national, regional, or state greenhouse gas (GHG) proposals and
programs as well as judicial decisions that would affect electric utilities.
At the federal level, numerous GHG bills were introduced in the U.S. Senate and
House of Representatives during 2008, including the Climate Security Act of
2008 (S. 3036), which was debated on the Senate floor in June 2008 but not
voted on. The new administration has requested the development of new federal
proposals by Congress and the EPA that could lead to the adoption of a
mandatory program to reduce GHG emissions through, for example, an economy-wide
cap-and-trade program, a carbon tax or a combination of both. Debate continues
on the direction, scope and timing of U.S. policy on the regulation of GHG
emissions. The
states of Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and
Washington, along with the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and
Quebec, Canada, have formed the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative
(WCI). On August 22, 2007, the WCI partners released their regional goal to
collectively reduce GHGs 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The WCI
partners have agreed to design a regional market-based multi-sector mechanism
to help achieve the goal. On September 23, 2008, the WCI issued its design
recommendations to reduce GHG emissions from the electricity generating
industry. The recommendations by the WCI include a cap-and-trade program for
the electricity generating industry which would apply to in-state electricity
generators and the first jurisdictional deliverer of electricity into a WCI
partner state. The states of Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming have not joined the
WCI. It is possible that these states in which IPC owns fossil fuel-fired
electricity generation facilities or sells electricity could join the WCI in
the future. Oregon
passed the Global Warming Integration Act in June 2007, which among other
things, established the Oregon Global Warming Commission and state-wide GHG
emission reduction goals. On May 3, 2007, Washington enacted legislation
creating GHG emission reduction and clean energy goals. Emission performance
standards affecting electric utility contracts and power plant projects are
included. On September 27, 2006, Californias governor signed into law the
Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32), which established GHG reduction
goals and a framework for achieving these goals. On December 11, 2008, the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a scoping plan that provides a
framework for implementing a cap-and-trade program for the electricity
generating sector pursuant to AB 32. The scoping plan subjects the electricity
generating sector, including electricity imports from out-of-state generation,
to an emissions cap beginning in 2012. Based on the requirements of AB32,
regulations to implement that cap-and-trade program need to be developed by
January 1, 2011. Other regional and state GHG initiatives appear likely,
although the states of Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming have not adopted GHG
legislation.
62 In
April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Massachusetts v.
Environmental Protection Agency, a case involving the EPAs authority to
regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from motor
vehicles under the Clean Air Act. The Court held that, with respect to mobile
sources, the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate CO2
as a pollutant and that the EPA has a duty to determine whether CO2
emissions contribute to climate change or provide some reasonable explanation
why it will not exercise its authority. The decision, combined with stimulus
from state, regional and federal legislative and regulatory initiatives,
judicial decisions and other factors may lead to a determination by the EPA to
regulate CO2 emissions from stationary sources, including
electricity generators. On March 27, 2008, the EPA announced that it would
issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit public input
on whether GHG emissions should be regulated from both mobile and stationary
sources under the Clean Air Act. On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the D.C. Circuit denied the request of Attorneys General from 17 states to
require the EPA to rule within 60 days on whether CO2 is a danger to
public health or welfare and, therefore, subject to regulation under the Clean
Air Act. On July 11, 2008, the EPA released its ANPR inviting public comment
on the benefits and ramifications of regulating GHGs under the Clean Air Act.
Environmental groups contend that CO2 is subject to regulation under
the Clean Air Act and that preconstruction permitting requirements must be
applied to CO2 emissions prior to the construction of new power
plants or the modification of existing power plants. Specifically, in In re
Deseret Power Electric Cooperative, PSD Appeal No. 07-03, the Sierra Club
argued to the EPAs Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) that Best Available
Control Technology (BACT) is required to reduce CO2 emissions from
coal-fired power plants prior to the issuance of a preconstruction permit under
the Clean Air Acts NSR program. On November 13, 2008 the EAB remanded the
appeal back to EPA Region 8 to reconsider whether a CO2 BACT limit
should be imposed in the permit. EPA Region 8 has not yet responded to the EABs
remand. On December 18, 2008, however, the EPA Administrator issued an
interpretive memorandum stating that CO2 is not a regulated
pollutant under the EPAs NSR program. Environmental groups filed a request
with the EPA to reconsider the conclusions reached in the December 18, 2008
interpretive memorandum, which was granted by the EPA on February 17, 2009. Information about IDACORPs CO2 emissions
is included in the report Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest
Electric Power Producers in the United States 2008. This report was
released by the Ceres Investor Coalition, the Natural Resources Defense
Council, the Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. and PG&E Corporation in
May 2008. The report lists IDACORPs 2006 CO2 emissions at 937.9
lbs/MWh, as compared to the reported average for the 100 largest power
producers of 1,343.6 lbs/MWh. IPCs CO2 emissions on an lbs/MWh
basis fluctuate with the amount of hydroelectric generation. In 2008, IPCs CO2 emissions from IPCs
electric power generation facilities were approximately 7.9 million tons, or
1,097 lbs/MWh (adjusted to reflect IPCs partial ownership in the Jim Bridger,
Boardman and Valmy facilities). The EPA is developing a mandatory GHG
reporting rule that would require reporting of GHG emissions from large
sources. The emission information collected would be used by the EPA to
develop comprehensive and accurate data relevant to future climate policy
decisions, including potential future regulation of GHG emissions. The final
reporting rule is scheduled to be finalized by June 2009. IPC will continue to monitor
and evaluate federal, regional or state GHG programs and proposals and judicial
and administrative decisions that would affect electric utilities as these
programs could increase IPCs capital expenditures and operating costs and
reduce earnings and cash flows. At this time, however, IPC is unable to
estimate the costs of compliance with potential national, regional or state GHG
emissions reduction legislation, regulations or initiatives because these
programs and proposals are in the early stages of development and any final
program or programs, if adopted, could vary from current proposals. The
majority of current national, regional and state initiatives regarding GHG
emissions contemplate market-based compliance programs. A determination by the
EPA to regulate GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act could result in GHG
emission limits on stationary sources that do not provide market-based
compliance options such as cap-and-trade programs or emission offsets. Such a
program could raise uncertainty about the future viability of fossil fuels,
specifically coal as an economical energy source for new and existing electric
generation facilities because new technologies for reducing CO2
emissions from coal, including carbon capture and storage, are still in the
development stage and are not yet proven. The actual impact of future
regulation of GHG emissions on IPCs financial performance will depend on a
number of factors, including but not limited to: (1) the geographic scope of
any legislation or regulation (e.g., federal, regional, state); (2) the
enactment date of the legislation or regulation and the compliance deadlines; (3)
the type of any legislation or regulation (e.g., cap-and-trade, carbon tax, GHG
emission limits); (4) the level of GHG reductions required and the year
selected as a baseline for determining the amount or percentage of mandated GHG
reductions; (5) the extent to which market-based compliance options are
available; (6) the extent to which a facility would be entitled to receive GHG
emissions allowances without having to purchase them in an auction or on the
open market and the price and availability of offsets in the secondary market
and (7) the availability and cost of carbon control technology.
63
As part of IPCs resource planning protocol, the IRP process
considers potential GHG emissions regulation and other environmental factors
when evaluating potential portfolios. The
2006 IRP included a risk analysis of the costs associated with the regulation
of CO2 emissions by analyzing low, expected and high cases of $0,
$14 and $50 respectively, per ton of CO2 emitted. Environmental impacts have been and will continue to be
integral components of IPCs resource decisions. Due
to escalating construction costs, potential permitting issues, and continued
uncertainty surrounding future GHG laws and regulations, IPC has determined
that coal-fired generation is not the best technology to meet its resource
needs in 2013. IPC has shifted its focus to the development of a combined-cycle
natural gas-fired resource located closer to its load center in southern
Idaho. Also, IPC added 101 MW of contracted wind generation in December 2007
bringing IPCs total to 121 MW. Another 69 MW of contracted wind generation is
under construction. IPC has added 13 MW of geothermal generation. Additional
wind and geothermal generation is anticipated through CSPP and RFP-driven
contracts. Climate
Change: IPCs substantial
hydroelectric generation resources neither burn nor consume fossil fuels to
produce electric energy to meet the needs of its customers. Given the debate
concerning climate change, consensus is growing that broad steps should be
taken in all sectors of the nations economy to carefully consider ways of
limiting and/or reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change
impacts while still providing necessary services in a cost-effective manner.
IPC intends to continue to add renewable resources to its resource portfolio
and will continue to monitor the climate change debate, current climate change
research, and recently enacted as well as proposed legislation to identify the
potential impacts of global climate change on all aspects of its business.
Long-term climate change could significantly affect IPCs business in a variety
of ways, including but not limited to, the following: (a) changes in
temperature, precipitation and snow pack conditions could affect customer
demand and the amount and timing of hydroelectric generation and extreme
weather events could increase service interruptions, outages, and maintenance
costs; and (b) legislative and/or regulatory developments related to climate
change could affect plans and operations in various ways including placing
restrictions on the construction of new generation resources, the expansion of
existing resources, or the operation of generation resources in general. IPC
cannot, however, quantify the potential impact of climate change on its
business at this time. Renewable
Portfolio Standards: IPCs
operations in Oregon will be required to comply with a ten percent renewable
energy portfolio standard beginning in 2025. The new federal administration
has called on Congress to adopt a federal renewable energy portfolio standard
and it is possible that Idaho and other states in which IPC operates or sells
power could adopt renewable energy portfolio standards in the future. New
state or federal renewable energy portfolio standards could increase capital
expenditures and operating costs and reduce earnings and cash flows. New
Source Review: EPA Region 8 began
reviewing PacifiCorp operations, including the Jim Bridger plant (of which IPC
is a one-third owner) for compliance with NSR and New Source Performance
Standards (NSPS) through a Clean Air Act Section 114 information request sent
in May 2003. PacifiCorp completed its phased response to the Section 114
request in February 2004 with the submission of documents to the EPA relating
to historical activities at Bridger and other PacifiCorp power plants. A
number of utilities that have also been the subject of EPA NSR information
requests have engaged in settlement negotiations with the EPA to resolve
allegations of NSR and NSPS noncompliance. Prior settlements reached between
the EPA and utility companies around the country to resolve these issues have
resulted in commitments by the utility companies to install additional
pollution control equipment and to pay civil penalties. Negotiations are
continuing between the EPA and PacifiCorp on this issue. IPC cannot predict
the outcome of this matter at this time. Endangered
Species
64 On
September 5, 2007, the species of snail that had been listed as the Idaho
Springsnail was delisted by the USFWS. The delisting decision was based on
recent studies that indicated the species was synonymous with another common
species. On December 21, 2006, IPC and the Governor of Idaho submitted a
petition to the USFWS to de-list the threatened Bliss Rapids snail. The
petition was supported with data collected by IPC over the past 14 years. The
snail, which lives throughout the middle Snake River, springs, and tributaries
between Niagara Springs and King Hill, was listed as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act in 1992. As of December 31, 2008, no decision on the
delisting petition had been issued by the USFWS. Pursuant to FERC License 1971, IPC owns and finances
the operation of anadromous fish hatcheries and related facilities to mitigate
the effects of its hydroelectric dams on fish populations. In connection with
its fish facilities, IPC sponsors ongoing programs for the control of fish
disease, improvement of fish production, and evaluation of hatchery
performance. IPCs anadromous fish facilities at Hells Canyon, Oxbow, Rapid
River, Pahsimeroi and Niagara Springs continue to be operated by the Idaho
Department of Fish and Game. At December 31, 2008, the investment in these
facilities was $24 million and the annual cost
of operation was $4 million. OTHER MATTERS: Southwest Intertie Project
(SWIP) Adopted Accounting
Pronouncements SFAS 159: IDACORP and IPC adopted the provisions of SFAS 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an
Amendment of FASB Statement 115 (SFAS 159) on January 1, 2008. SFAS 159
permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain
other items at fair value. Most of the provisions in SFAS 159 are elective;
however, the amendment to SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and
trading securities. IDACORP and IPC did not elect the fair value option for
any existing eligible items, thus the adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a
material effect on IDACORPs or IPCs consolidated financial statements. FSP
FIN 39-1: IDACORP and IPC adopted
FASB Staff Position FIN 39-1 (FSP FIN 39-1), Amendment of FASB
Interpretation No. 39 (FIN 39) on January 1, 2008. FSP FIN 39-1 modifies
FIN 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, and permits
reporting entities to offset receivables or payables recognized upon payment or
receipt of cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative
instruments that have been offset under a master netting arrangement. IDACORP
and IPC have elected to offset these positions, which resulted in an immaterial
net decrease to total assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008. EITF Issue No. 06-11: IDACORP and IPC adopted Emerging Issues Task Force
Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based
Payment Awards (EITF 06-11) on January 1, 2008. EITF 06-11 requires income
tax benefits from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to
retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity classified awards and
outstanding equity share options to be recognized as an increase in additional
paid-in capital and to be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available
to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. The
adoption of EITF 06-11 did not have a material impact on IDACORPs or IPCs
consolidated financial statements.
65 New Accounting
Pronouncements Inflation ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK IDACORP and IPC are exposed
to market risks, including changes in interest rates, changes in commodity
prices, credit risk and equity price risk. The following discussion summarizes
these risks and the financial instruments, derivative instruments and
derivative commodity instruments sensitive to changes in interest rates,
commodity prices and equity prices that were held at December 31, 2008. Interest Rate Risk Variable Rate Debt: As of December 31, 2008, IDACORP and IPC had $337
million and $302 million, respectively, in net floating rate debt. Assuming no
change in financial structure for either company, if variable interest rates
were one percentage point higher than the rates in effect on December 31, 2008,
interest rate expense would increase and pre-tax earnings would decrease by
approximately $3.4 million for IDACORP and $3.0 million for IPC. Fixed Rate Debt: As of December 31, 2008, IDACORP and IPC had
outstanding fixed rate debt of $1,083 million and $1,075 million, respectively,
and the fair market value of this debt was $1,005 million and $997 million,
respectively. These instruments are fixed rate and, therefore, do not expose
the companies to a loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates.
However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately
$82 million for IDACORP and IPC if interest rates were to decline by one
percentage point from their December 31, 2008 levels. Commodity Price Risk IPCs
exposure to commodity price risk is largely offset by the previously discussed
PCA mechanism. IPC has adopted a risk management program designed to reduce
exposure to power supply cost-related uncertainty, further mitigating commodity
price risk. This program has been reviewed and accepted by the IPUC. IPCs
Energy Risk Management Policy (the Policy) describes a collaborative process
with customers and regulators via a committee called the Customer Advisory
Group (CAG). The Risk Management Committee (RMC), comprised of selected IPC
officers and other senior staff, oversees the risk management program. The RMC
is responsible for communicating the status of risk management activities to
the IPC Board of Directors, and to the CAG.
66 The Policy requires
monitoring monthly volumetric electricity position and total monthly dollar
(net power supply cost) exposure on a rolling 18-month forward view. The Power
Supply business unit produces and evaluates projections of the operating plan
and orders risk mitigating actions dictated by the limits stated in the
Policy. The RMC evaluates the actions initiated by Power Supply for
consistency and compliance with the Policy. IPC representatives meet with the
CAG at least annually to assess effectiveness of the limits. Changes to the
limits can be endorsed by the CAG and referred to the Board of Directors for
approval. The primary tools for risk mitigation are physical and financial
forward power transactions and fueling alternatives for utility-owned
generation resources. Credit Risk The use of performance
assurance collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit, or guarantees is
common industry practice. IPC maintains margin agreements that allow
performance assurance collateral to be requested and/or posted with certain
counterparties. As of December 31, 2008, IPC had posted approximately $0.9
million of assurance collateral. Should IPC experience a reduction in its credit
rating on IPCs unsecured debt to below investment grade, IPC could be subject
to additional requests by its wholesale counterparties to post additional
performance assurance collateral. Based upon IPCs current energy and fuel
portfolio and current market conditions as of December 31, 2008, the
approximate amount of additional collateral that could be requested upon a
downgrade is approximately $28 million. IPC actively monitors the portfolio
exposure and the potential exposure to additional requests for performance
assurance collateral calls, through sensitivity analysis, to minimize capital
requirements. Credit risk for IPCs retail
customers is managed by credit and collection policies that are governed by
rules issued by the IPUC. IPC is obligated to provide service to all electric
customers within its service area. IPC records a provision for uncollectible
accounts, based upon historical experience, to provide for the potential loss
from nonpayment by these customers. IPC will continue to monitor the impact of
the current economic conditions on nonpayment from customers and will make any
necessary adjustments to its provision for uncollectible accounts. Idaho
administrative code for utility customer relations rules prohibits IPC from
terminating electric service during the months of December through February to
any residential customer who declares that he or she is unable to pay in full
for utility service and whose household includes children, elderly or infirm
persons. IPCs provision for uncollectible accounts could be affected by
changes in future prices as well as changes in IPUC regulations. Equity Price Risk A hypothetical ten percent
decrease in equity prices would result in an approximate $1.4 million decrease
in the fair value of financial instruments that are classified as available-for-sale
securities.
67 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PAGE Consolidated Financial Statements: IDACORP, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years
Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 69 Consolidated Balance
Sheets as of December 31,
2008 and 2007 70-71 Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 72 Consolidated Statements
of Shareholders Equity for
the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 73 Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007
and 2006 74 Idaho Power Company Consolidated
Statements of Income for the
Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 75 Consolidated Balance
Sheets as of December 31,
2008 and 2007 76-77 Consolidated
Statements of Capitalization
as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 78 Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 79 Consolidated
Statements of Retained Earnings
for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 80 Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007
and 2006 80 81-120 121-122 Supplemental
Financial Information and Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules 123 Financial
Statement Schedules for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006: Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant-IDACORP,
Inc. 138-140 Schedule II-Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts-IDACORP,
Inc. 141 Schedule II-Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts-Idaho
Power Company 142
68 IDACORP, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 (thousands of dollars except for per share amounts) Operating Revenues: Electric utility: General
business $ 784,311 $ 668,303 $ 636,375 Off-system
sales 121,429 154,948 260,717 Other
revenues 50,336 52,150 23,381 Total
electric utility revenues 956,076 875,401 920,473 Other 4,338 3,993 5,818 Total
operating revenues 960,414 879,394 926,291 Operating Expenses: Electric utility: Purchased
power 231,137 289,484 283,440 Fuel
expense 149,403 134,322 115,018 Power
cost adjustment (47,413) (121,131) (29,526) Other
operations and maintenance 294,029 286,510 264,810 Energy
efficiency programs 18,880 13,487 - Gain
on sale of emission allowances (504) (2,754) (8,257) Depreciation 102,086 103,072 99,824 Taxes
other than income taxes 19,083 17,634 18,661 Total
electric utility expenses 766,701 720,624 743,970 Other expense 3,046 6,692 12,617 Total
operating expenses 769,747 727,316 756,587 Operating Income (Loss): Electric utility 189,375 154,777 176,503 Other 1,292 (2,699) (6,799) Total
operating income 190,667 152,078 169,704 Other Income 11,861 20,524 18,195 Losses of Unconsolidated
Equity-Method Investments (3,997) (4,824) (2,913) Other Expense 7,861 8,434 8,559 Interest Expense: Interest on long-term debt 67,251 59,961 56,402 Other interest 5,805 3,380 4,573 Total
interest expense 73,056 63,341 60,975 Income Before Income
Taxes 117,614 96,003 115,452 Income Tax Expense 19,200 13,731 15,377 Income from Continuing
Operations 98,414 82,272 100,075 Income from Discontinued
Operations, net of tax - 67 7,328 Net Income $ 98,414 $ 82,339 $ 107,403 Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding - Basic (000s) 45,147 44,151 42,713 Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding - Diluted (000s) 45,332 44,291 42,874 Earnings Per Share of
Common Stock: Earnings per share from
Continuing Operations-Basic $ 2.18 $ 1.86 $ 2.34 Earnings per share from Discontinued
Operations-Basic - - 0.17 Earnings
Per Share of Common Stock-Basic $ 2.18 $ 1.86 $ 2.51 Earnings per share from
Continuing Operations-Diluted $ 2.17 $ 1.86 $ 2.34 Earnings per share from
Discontinued Operations-Diluted - - 0.17 Earnings
Per Share of Common Stock-Diluted $ 2.17 $ 1.86 $ 2.51 Dividends Paid Per Share
of Common Stock $ 1.20 $ 1.20 $ 1.20 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
69
IDACORP, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2008 2007 Assets (thousands of dollars) Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,828 $ 7,966 Receivables: Customer 64,733 69,160 Allowance
for uncollectible accounts (1,724) (7,505) Employee
notes 179 2,128 Other 10,260 10,957 Taxes receivable 18,111 - Accrued unbilled revenues 43,934 36,314 Materials and supplies (at
average cost) 50,121 43,270 Fuel stock (at average
cost) 16,852 17,268 Prepayments 10,059 9,371 Deferred income taxes 37,550 25,672 Refundable income tax
deposit - 46,083 Other 7,381 6,023 Total
current assets 266,284 266,707 Investments 198,552 201,085 Property, Plant and Equipment: Utility plant in service 4,030,134 3,796,339 Accumulated provision for
depreciation (1,505,120) (1,468,832) Utility
plant in service - net 2,525,014 2,327,507 Construction work in
progress 207,662 257,590 Utility plant held for
future use 6,318 3,366 Other property, net of
accumulated depreciation 19,171 28,089 Property,
plant and equipment - net 2,758,165 2,616,552 Other Assets: American Falls and Milner
water rights 26,332 29,501 Company-owned life
insurance 29,482 30,842 Regulatory assets 696,332 449,668 Long-term receivables (net
of allowance of $2,478 and $1,878, respectively) 4,012 3,583 Employee notes 54 2,325 Other 43,632 53,045 Total
other assets 799,844 568,964 Total $ 4,022,845 $ 3,653,308 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
70 IDACORP, Inc. Consolidated Balance
Sheets December 31, 2008 2007 Liabilities and
Shareholders Equity (thousands of dollars) Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term
debt $ 86,528 $ 11,456 Notes payable 151,250 186,445 Accounts payable 96,785 85,116 Taxes accrued - 8,492 Interest accrued 16,727 18,913 Uncertain tax positions 4,119 26,764 Other 40,259 38,129 Total
current liabilities 395,668 375,315 Other Liabilities: Deferred income taxes 515,719 466,182 Regulatory liabilities 276,266 274,204 Other 349,304 173,412 Total
other liabilities 1,141,289 913,798 Long-Term Debt 1,183,451 1,156,880 Commitments and
Contingencies (Note 7) Shareholders Equity: Common stock, no par value
(shares authorized 120,000,000; 46,929,203
and 45,063,107 shares issued, respectively) 729,576 675,774 Retained earnings 581,605 537,699 Accumulated other
comprehensive loss (8,707) (6,156) Treasury stock (9,022 and
380 shares at cost, respectively) (37) (2) Total
shareholders equity 1,302,437 1,207,315 Total $ 4,022,845 $ 3,653,308 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
71 IDACORP,
Inc. Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31,
2008
2007
2006
Operating Activities:
(thousands of dollars)
Net income
$
98,414
$
82,339
$
107,403
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by
operating
activities:
Depreciation
and amortization
122,440
120,368
122,641
Deferred
income taxes and investment tax credits
4,661
11,026
(17,332)
Changes
in regulatory assets and liabilities
(64,068)
(128,089)
(17,133)
Non-cash
pension expense
3,513
6,868
-
Undistributed
earnings of subsidiaries
(7,423)
(6,273)
(9,553)
Gain
on sale of assets
(3,446)
(4,758)
(25,658)
Impairment
of long-lived asset
-
-
2,047
Other
non-cash adjustments to net income
9,008
(2,915)
(3,395)
Excess
tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
(149)
(68)
(1,411)
Change
in:
Accounts
receivable and prepayments
(1,725)
(10,284)
24,304
Accounts
payable and other accrued liabilities
16,248
2,206
6,725
Taxes
accrued
(26,454)
(9,466)
(24,099)
Other
current assets
(14,056)
(11,159)
(4,829)
Other
current liabilities
(6,130)
15,551
(3,465)
Other
assets
1,498
2,157
3,334
Other
liabilities
4,182
13,098
10,199
Net
cash provided by operating activities
136,513
80,601
169,778
Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant
and equipment
(243,544)
(287,219)
(221,840)
Proceeds from the sale of
ITI
-
-
21,469
Proceeds from the sale of
IDACOMM
-
7,283
-
Proceeds from the sale of
non-utility assets
5,847
-
146
Investments in affordable
housing
(8,314)
348
(5,059)
Proceeds from the sale of
emission allowances
2,959
19,846
11,323
Investments in
unconsolidated affiliates
(3,038)
(8,535)
(16,030)
Purchase of available-for-sale
securities
-
(24,349)
(17,979)
Proceeds from the sale of
available-for-sale securities
-
26,110
20,778
Purchase of held-to-maturity
securities
(4,248)
(3,116)
(2,730)
Maturity of held-to-maturity
securities
6,060
3,317
4,647
Withdrawal (refundable
deposit) for tax related liabilities
44,903
-
(44,903)
Other
(3,449)
(795)
(2,862)
Net
cash used in investing activities
(202,824)
(267,110)
(253,040)
Financing Activities:
Increase in term loans
170,000
-
-
Issuance of long-term debt
120,000
240,000
116,300
Retirement of long-term debt
(11,349)
(95,033)
(132,642)
Purchase of pollution
control bonds
(166,100)
-
-
Dividends on common stock
(54,239)
(53,012)
(51,272)
Net change in short-term
borrowings
(39,095)
57,445
68,900
Issuance of common stock
50,863
37,181
41,465
Acquisition of treasury
stock
(304)
(346)
(213)
Excess tax benefit from
share-based payment arrangements
149
68
1,411
Other
(2,752)
(1,720)
(3,151)
Net
cash provided by financing activities
67,173
184,583
40,798
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
862
(1,926)
(42,464)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of the year
7,966
9,892
52,356
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of the year
$
8,828
$
7,966
$
9,892
Supplemental Disclosure
of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the year
for:
Income
taxes
$
20,407
$
3,021
$
54,522
Interest
(net of amount capitalized)
$
67,027
$
62,031
$
60,353
Non-cash investing
activities
Additions
to property, plant and equipment in accounts payable
$
14,194
$
13,210
$
8,299
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
72 IDACORP,
Inc. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Common Stock Retained Income Treasury Stock Total Shares Amount Earnings (Loss) Shares Amount Amount (thousands) Balance at January 1, 2006 42,656 $ 598,706 $ 437,284 $ (3,425) 239 $ (7,314) $ 1,025,251 Net Income - - 107,403 - - - 107,403 Common stock dividends
($1.20 per share) - - (51,323) - - - (51,323) Issued 1,188 41,465 - - (11) 348 41,813 Acquired - - - - 6 (213) (213) Other 61 (1,372) (1) - (162) 4,937 3,564 Unrealized loss on
securities (net of tax) - - - (1,414) - - (1,414) Minimum pension liability
adjustment (net of tax) - - - 2,118 - - 2,118 Adjustment upon adoption of
SFAS 158 (net of tax) - - - (3,016) - - (3,016) Balance at December 31,
2006 43,905 638,799 493,363 (5,737) 72 (2,242) 1,124,183 Net Income - - 82,339 - - - 82,339 Common stock dividends
($1.20 per share) - - (53,138) - - - (53,138) Issued 1,142 37,181 - - (12) 330 37,511 Acquired - - - - 10 (346) (346) Other 16 (206) (1) - (70) 2,256 2,049 Unrealized loss on
securities (net of tax) - - - (743) - - (743) Unfunded pension liability
adjustment (net of tax) - - - 324 - - 324 Adjustment upon adoption of
FIN 48 - - 15,136 - - - 15,136 Balance at December 31,
2007 45,063 675,774 537,699 (6,156) - (2) 1,207,315 Net Income - - 98,414 - - - 98,414 Common stock dividends
($1.20 per share) - - (54,508) - - - (54,508) Issued 1,765 50,863 - - (15) 99 50,962 Acquired - - - - 10 (304) (304) Other 101 2,939 - - 14 170 3,109 Unrealized loss on
securities (net of tax) - - - (568) - - (568) Unfunded pension liability
adjustment (net of tax) - - - (1,983) - - (1,983) Balance at December 31,
2008 46,929 $ 729,576 $ 581,605 $ (8,707) 9 $ (37) $ 1,302,437 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
73 IDACORP,
Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 (thousands of dollars) Net Income $ 98,414 $ 82,339 $ 107,403 Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss): Unrealized gains (losses)
on securities: Unrealized
holding (losses) gains arising during the year, net
of tax of ($3,034), $114 and $1,471 (4,727) 179 2,355 Reclassification
adjustment for losses (gains) included in
net income, net of tax of $2,670, ($592) and ($2,250) 4,159 (922) (3,769) Net
unrealized losses (568) (743) (1,414) Unfunded pension liability
adjustment, net of tax of
($1,273), $208 and $1,359 (1,983) 324 2,118 Total Comprehensive
Income $ 95,863 $ 81,920 $ 108,107 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
74 Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Statements of Income Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 (thousands of dollars) Operating Revenues: General business $ 784,311 $ 668,303 $ 636,375 Off-system sales 121,429 154,948 260,717 Other revenues 50,336 52,150 23,381 Total
operating revenues 956,076 875,401 920,473 Operating Expenses: Operation: Purchased
power 231,137 289,484 283,440 Fuel
expense 149,403 134,322 115,018 Power
cost adjustment (47,413) (121,131) (29,526) Other 225,390 218,347 200,090 Energy
efficiency programs 18,880 13,487 - Gain
on sale of emission allowances (504) (2,754) (8,257) Maintenance 68,639 68,163 64,720 Depreciation 102,086 103,072 99,824 Taxes other than income
taxes 19,083 17,634 18,661 Total
operating expenses 766,701 720,624 743,970 Income from Operations 189,375 154,777 176,503 Other Income (Expense): Allowance for equity funds
used during construction 3,141 5,995 6,092 Earnings of unconsolidated
equity-method investments 6,772 5,553 9,347 Other income 8,174 12,636 10,578 Other expense (6,262) (8,215) (8,701) Total
other income 11,825 15,969 17,316 Interest Charges: Interest on long-term debt 66,145 58,097 53,744 Other interest 10,420 8,281 6,211 Allowance for borrowed
funds used during construction (7,080) (7,597) (4,026) Total
interest charges 69,485 58,781 55,929 Income Before Income
Taxes 131,715 111,965 137,890 Income Tax Expense 37,600 35,386 43,961 Net Income $ 94,115 $ 76,579 $ 93,929 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
75 Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2008 2007 Assets (thousands of dollars) Electric Plant: In service (at original
cost) $ 4,030,134 $ 3,796,339 Accumulated provision for
depreciation (1,505,120) (1,468,832) In
service - net 2,525,014 2,327,507 Construction work in
progress 207,662 257,590 Held for future use 6,318 3,366 Electric
plant - net 2,738,994 2,588,463 Investments and Other
Property 106,057 105,074 Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents 3,141 5,347 Receivables: Customer 64,433 62,122 Allowance
for uncollectible accounts (1,724) (1,305) Employee
notes 179 2,128 Other 7,768 8,122 Taxes receivable 41,363 - Accrued unbilled revenues 43,934 36,314 Materials and supplies (at
average cost) 50,121 43,270 Fuel stock (at average
cost) 16,852 17,268 Prepayments 9,865 9,120 Deferred income taxes 3,852 4,074 Refundable income tax
deposit - 44,316 Other 4,968 1,067 Total
current assets 244,752 231,843 Deferred Debits: American Falls and Milner
water rights 26,332 29,501 Company-owned life
insurance 29,482 30,842 Regulatory assets 696,332 449,668 Employee notes 54 2,325 Other 42,853 51,800 Total
deferred debits 795,053 564,136 Total $ 3,884,856 $ 3,489,516 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
76 Idaho
Power Company Consolidated
Balance Sheets December 31, 2008 2007 Capitalization and
Liabilities (thousands of dollars) Capitalization: Common stock equity: Common
stock, $2.50 par value (50,000,000 shares authorized;
39,150,812 shares outstanding) $ 97,877 $ 97,877 Premium
on capital stock 618,758 581,758 Capital
stock expense (2,097) (2,097) Retained
earnings 482,047 442,300 Accumulated
other comprehensive loss (8,707) (6,156) Total
common stock equity 1,187,878 1,113,682 Long-term debt 1,180,691 1,141,508 Total
capitalization 2,368,569 2,255,190 Current Liabilities: Long-term debt due within
one year 81,064 1,064 Notes payable 112,850 136,585 Accounts payable 96,268 84,457 Notes and accounts payable
to related parties 768 724 Taxes accrued - 2,403 Interest accrued 16,675 18,761 Uncertain tax positions 4,119 26,764 Other 39,155 36,907 Total
current liabilities 350,899 307,665 Deferred Credits: Deferred income taxes 547,159 488,768 Regulatory liabilities 276,266 274,204 Other 341,963 163,689 Total
deferred credits 1,165,388 926,661 Commitments and
Contingencies (Note 7) Total $ 3,884,856 $ 3,489,516 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
77 Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Statements of Capitalization December 31, December 31, 2008 % 2007 % (thousands of dollars) Common Stock Equity: Common
stock $ 97,877 $ 97,877 Premium
on capital stock 618,758 581,758 Capital
stock expense (2,097) (2,097) Retained
earnings 482,047 442,300 Accumulated
other comprehensive loss (8,707) (6,156) Total
common stock equity 1,187,878 50 1,113,682 49 Long-Term Debt: First
mortgage bonds: 7.20%
Series due 2009 80,000 80,000 6.60%
Series due 2011 120,000 120,000 4.75%
Series due 2012 100,000 100,000 4.25%
Series due 2013 70,000 70,000 6.025%
Series due 2018 120,000 - 6
% Series due 2032 100,000 100,000 5.50%
Series due 2033 70,000 70,000 5.50%
Series due 2034 50,000 50,000 5.875%
Series due 2034 55,000 55,000 5.30%
Series due 2035 60,000 60,000 6.30%
Series due 2037 140,000 140,000 6.25%
Series due 2037 100,000 100,000 Total
first mortgage bonds 1,065,000 945,000 Amount
due within one year (80,000) - Net
first mortgage bonds 985,000 945,000 Pollution
control revenue bonds: Variable
Rate Series 2003 due 2024 49,800 49,800 Variable
Rate Series 2006 due 2026 116,300 116,300 Variable
Rate Series 2000 due 2027 4,360 4,360 Total
pollution control revenue bonds 170,460 170,460 American
Falls bond guarantee 19,885 19,885 Milner
Dam note guarantee 9,573 10,636 Note
guarantee due within one year (1,064) (1,064) Unamortized
premium/discount - net (3,163) (3,409) Term
Loan Credit Facility 166,100 - Purchase
of pollution control revenue bonds (166,100) - Total
long-term debt 1,180,691 50 1,141,508 51 Total Capitalization $ 2,368,569 100 $ 2,255,190 100 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
78 Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006 Operating Activities: (thousands of dollars) Net income $ 94,115 $ 76,579 $ 93,929 Adjustments to reconcile
net income to net cash provided by operating
activities: Depreciation
and amortization 109,047 107,500 105,464 Deferred
income taxes and investment tax credits 25,614 36,258 (13,473) Changes
in regulatory assets and liabilities (64,068) (128,089) (17,133) Non-cash
pension expense 3,513 6,868 - Undistributed
earnings of subsidiary (6,772) (5,553) (9,347) Gain
on sale of assets (3,460) (4,589) (11,751) Impairment
of assets - - 2,047 Other
non-cash adjustments to net income 5,102 (5,660) (5,853) Change
in: Accounts
receivables and prepayments (2,462) (13,298) 3,596 Accounts
payable 16,728 3,654 6,623 Taxes
accrued (43,608) (12,862) (30,235) Other
current assets (14,055) (11,234) (4,767) Other
current liabilities (6,130) 15,751 (2,310) Other
assets 1,492 2,147 3,332 Other
liabilities 4,487 14,000 10,997 Net
cash provided by operating activities 119,543 81,472 131,119 Investing Activities: Additions to utility plant (243,544) (287,219) (221,840) Proceeds from the sale of
non-utility assets 5,785 - 35 Purchase of available-for-sale
securities - (24,349) (17,979) Proceeds from the sale of
available-for-sale securities - 26,110 20,778 Proceeds from sale of
emission allowances 2,959 19,846 11,323 Investments in
unconsolidated affiliate (3,210) (8,675) (16,030) Withdrawal (refundable
deposit) for tax related liabilities 43,927 (43,927) - Other (3,349) (263) 462 Net
cash used in investing activities (197,432) (318,477) (223,251) Financing Activities: Increase in term loans 170,000 - - Issuance of long-term debt 120,000 240,000 116,300 Retirement of long-term
debt (1,064) (81,064) (116,300) Purchase of pollution
control bonds (166,100) - - Dividends on common stock (54,368) (53,491) (51,109) Net change in short term
borrowings (27,635) 84,385 52,200 Capital contribution from
parent 37,000 51,000 47,050 Other (2,150) (882) (2,940) Net
cash provided by financing activities 75,683 239,948 45,201 Net increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents (2,206) 2,943 (46,931) Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of the year 5,347 2,404 49,335 Cash and cash equivalents
at end of the year $ 3,141 $ 5,347 $ 2,404 Supplemental Disclosure
of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the year
for: Income
taxes paid to parent $ 36,053 $ 2,877 $ 86,311 Interest
(net of amount capitalized) $ 63,448 $ 57,355 $ 55,501 Non-cash investing
activities: Additions
to utility plant in accounts payable $ 14,194 $ 13,210 $ 8,299 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
79
Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 (thousands of dollars) Retained Earnings,
Beginning of Year $ 442,300 $ 404,076 $ 361,256 Net Income 94,115 76,579 93,929 Cumulative effect of
accounting change (adoption of FIN 48) - 15,136 - Dividends on common
stock (54,368) (53,491) (51,109) Retained Earnings, End
of Year $ 482,047 $ 442,300 $ 404,076 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements. Idaho
Power Company Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 (thousands of dollars) Net Income $ 94,115 $ 76,579 $ 93,929 Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss): Unrealized gains (losses)
on securities: Unrealized
holding (losses) gains arising during the year, net
of tax of ($3,034), $114 and $1,471 (4,727) 179 2,355 Reclassification
adjustment for losses (gains) included in
net income, net of tax of $2,670, ($592) and ($2,250) 4,159 (922) (3,769) Net
unrealized losses (568) (743) (1,414) Unfunded pension liability
adjustment, net of tax of
($1,273), $208 and $1,359 (1,983) 324 2,118 Total Comprehensive
Income $ 91,564 $ 76,160 $ 94,633 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
80 IDACORP, INC. AND IDAHO POWER COMPANY NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: This Annual Report on Form 10-K
is a combined report of IDACORP, Inc. (IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company (IPC).
Therefore, the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both
IDACORP and IPC. However, IPC makes no representation as to the information
relating to IDACORPs other operations. Nature of Business IPC is an electric utility
with a service territory covering approximately 24,000 square miles in southern
Idaho and eastern Oregon. IPC is regulated by the FERC and the state
regulatory commissions of Idaho and Oregon. IPC is the parent of Idaho Energy
Resources Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company, which supplies
coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by IPC. IDACORPs other subsidiaries
include:
IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS),
an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments;
Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West),
an operator of small hydroelectric
generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility
Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA);
and
IDACORP Energy (IE), a marketer of
energy commodities, which wound down operations in 2003. In the second quarter of
2006, IDACORP management designated the operations of IDACORP Technologies,
Inc. (ITI) and IDACOMM, Inc. as assets held for sale, as defined by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). On July 20, 2006, IDACORP
completed the sale of all of the outstanding common stock of ITI to IdaTech UK
Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investec Group Investments (UK) Limited.
On February 23, 2007, IDACORP completed the sale of all of the outstanding
common stock of IDACOMM, Inc. to American Fiber Systems, Inc. IDACORPs
consolidated financial statements reflect the reclassification of the results
of these businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Additional information about discontinued operations is presented in Note 16. Principles of
Consolidation The entities that IDACORP and
IPC consolidate consist primarily of the wholly-owned subsidiaries discussed
above. In addition, IDACORP consolidates one VIE, Marysville Hydro Partners
(Marysville), which is a joint venture owned 50 percent by Ida-West.
Marysville has approximately $21 million of assets, primarily a hydroelectric
plant, and approximately $17 million of intercompany long-term debt, which is
eliminated in consolidation. For this joint venture, Ida-West is considered
the primary beneficiary because the ownership of the intercompany note results
in it absorbing a majority of the expected losses of the entity.
81 Prior to October 2008,
IDACORP also consolidated IFS limited partnership investment in Empire
Development Company, LLC, (Empire) an entity that earned historic tax credits
through the rehabilitation of the Empire Building in Boise, Idaho. In 2008 the
partnership agreement for Empire was amended and as a result of the amendment
Empire no longer met the criteria to be a VIE. Empire was deconsolidated and
is now accounted for under the equity method of accounting, resulting in an
increase in investments of $2 million and reductions of $9 million of other
property, plant and equipment and $7 million in long-term debt. Through IFS, IDACORP also
holds variable interests in VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary.
These VIEs are historic rehabilitation and affordable housing developments in
which IFS holds limited partnership interests ranging from five to 99 percent.
IFS does not absorb a majority of the expected losses of these entities, either
because of specific provisions in the partnership agreements or due to not
owning a majority interest. These investments were acquired between 1996 and
2008. IFSs maximum exposure to loss in these developments is limited to its
net carrying value, which was $75 million at December 31, 2008. Management Estimates System of Accounts Regulation of Utility
Operations Cash and Cash Equivalents Derivative Financial
Instruments Property, Plant and
Equipment and Depreciation All utility plant in service
is depreciated using the straight-line method at rates approved by regulatory
authorities. Annual depreciation provisions as a percent of average
depreciable utility plant in service approximated 2.73 percent in 2008, 2.95
percent in 2007 and 2.75 percent in 2006.
82 Long-lived assets are
periodically reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable as
prescribed under SFAS 144. SFAS 144 requires that if the sum of the
undiscounted expected future cash flows from an asset is less than the carrying
value of the asset, impairment must be recognized in the financial statements.
There were no impairments of long-lived assets in 2008. Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction Revenues Income Taxes Consistent with orders and
directives of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), the regulatory
authority having principal jurisdiction, IPCs deferred income taxes (commonly
referred to as normalized accounting) are provided for the difference between
income tax depreciation and straight-line depreciation computed using book
lives on coal-fired generation facilities and properties acquired after 1980.
On other facilities, deferred income taxes are provided for the difference
between accelerated income tax depreciation and straight-line depreciation
using tax guideline lives on assets acquired prior to 1981. Deferred income
taxes are not provided for those income tax timing differences where the
prescribed regulatory accounting methods do not provide for current recovery in
rates. Regulated enterprises are required to recognize such adjustments as
regulatory assets or liabilities if it is probable that such amounts will be
recovered from or returned to customers in future rates. The state of Idaho allows a
three-percent investment tax credit on qualifying plant additions. Investment
tax credits earned on regulated assets are deferred and amortized to income
over the estimated service lives of the related properties. Credits earned on
non-regulated assets or investments are recognized in the year earned. Income taxes are discussed in
more detail in Note 2.
83 Earnings Per Share Year ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 Numerator: Income from continuing
operations $ 98,414 $ 82,272 $ 100,075 Denominator: Weighted-average shares
outstanding - basic* 45,147 44,151 42,713 Effect of dilutive
securities: Options 37 45 93 Restricted Stock 148 95 68 Weighted-average shares
outstanding diluted 45,332 44,291 42,874 Basic earnings per share
from continuing operations $ 2.18 $ 1.86 $ 2.34 Diluted earnings per share
from continuing operations $ 2.17 $ 1.86 $ 2.34
*Weighted average shares
outstanding-basic excludes non-vested shares issued under stock compensation
plans. The diluted EPS computation
excluded 556,518 options in 2008, 487,100 options in 2007 and 538,950 options
in 2006, because the options exercise prices were greater than the average
market price of the common stock during those years. In total, 783,985 options
were outstanding at December 31, 2008, with expiration dates between 2010 and
2015. Comprehensive Income 2008 2007 (thousands of dollars) Unrealized holding gains on
available-for-sale securities $ - $ 568 SMSP (8,707) (6,724) Total $ (8,707) $ (6,156) Other
Accounting Policies Reclassifications and
Revision
84 New Accounting
Pronouncements SFAS 160: In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. Among other things, SFAS
160 establishes a standard for the way noncontrolling interests (also called
minority interests) are presented in consolidated financial statements and
standards for accounting for changes in ownership interests. SFAS 160 is
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity
may not apply it before that date. The adoption of SFAS 160 did not have a
material impact on the consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and IPC. SFAS 161: In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, Disclosures
about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB
Statement No. 133. SFAS 161 encourages, but does not require, comparative
disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. SFAS 161 changes the
disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.
Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (1) how and why an
entity uses derivative instruments, (2) how derivative instruments and related
hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related
interpretations, and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items
affect an entitys financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.
SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and
interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application
encouraged. The adoption of SFAS 161 did not have a material impact on the
consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and IPC. SFAS 163: In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 163, Accounting
for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contractsan interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 60. SFAS 163 is generally effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS 163 did not impact
the consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and IPC. FSP EITF 03-6-1: In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, Determining
Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are
Participating Securities. Under the guidance in FSP EITF 03-6-1, unvested
share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or
dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and
shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class
method described in SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share. FSP EITF 03-6-1
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008. All prior-period earnings per share data presented must be
adjusted retrospectively, and early application is not permitted. The adoption
of EITF 03-6-1 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial
statements of IDACORP and IPC. FSP FAS 142-3:
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful
Life of Intangible Assets. FSP FAS 142-3 removes the requirement of SFAS
142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for an entity to consider,
when determining the useful life of an acquired intangible asset, whether the
intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material
modifications to the existing terms and conditions associated with the
intangible asset. FSP FAS 142-3 replaces the previous useful-life assessment
criteria with a requirement that an entity consider its own experience in
renewing similar arrangements. If the entity has no relevant experience, it
would consider market participant assumptions regarding renewal. FSP FAS 142-3
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 did not have a material
impact on the consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and IPC.
The Bonneville Power Administration Residential Exchange Program: The Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and
Conservation Act of 1980, through the Residential Exchange Program, has
provided access to the benefits of low-cost federal hydroelectric power to
residential and small farm customers of the regions investor-owned utilities
(IOUs). The program is administered by the Bonneville Power Administration
(BPA). Pursuant to agreements between the BPA and IPC, benefits from the BPA
were passed through to IPCs Idaho and Oregon residential and small farm
customers in the form of electricity bill credits.
The transmission projects discussed below will be used both by wholesale
transmission customers and to serve native load consistent with IPCs OATT.
These facilities will be subject to both the FERC and state public utility
commission regulation and ratemaking policies.
As mandated by the enactment of PURPA
and the adoption of avoided cost rates by the IPUC and the OPUC, IPC has
entered into contracts for the purchase of energy from a number of private
developers. Under these contracts, IPC is required to purchase all of the
output from the facilities located inside the IPC service territory. For
projects located outside the IPC service territory, IPC is required to purchase
the output that IPC has the ability to receive at the facilitys requested
point of delivery on the IPC system. The IPUC jurisdictional portion of the
costs associated with CSPP contracts are fully recovered through base rates and
the PCA. For IPUC jurisdictional contracts, projects that generate up to ten
average MW of energy on a monthly basis are eligible for IPUC Published Avoided
Costs for up to a 20-year contract term. The OPUC jurisdictional portion of
the costs associated with CSPP contracts is recovered through general rate case
filings. For OPUC jurisdictional contracts, projects with a nameplate rating
of up to ten MW of capacity are eligible for OPUC Published Avoided Costs for
up to a 20-year contract term. The Published Avoided Cost is a price
established by the IPUC and the OPUC to estimate IPCs cost of developing
additional generation resources. If a PURPA project does not qualify for
Published Avoided Costs, then IPC is required to negotiate the terms, prices
and conditions with the developer of that project. These negotiations reflect
the characteristics of the individual projects (i.e., operational flexibility,
location and size) and the benefits to the IPC system and must be consistent
with other similar energy alternatives.
IPCs integrated resource planning
process forecasts IPCs load and resource situation for the next twenty years,
analyzes potential supply-side and demand-side options and identifies near-term
and long-term actions. The IRP is typically updated every two years, however
with its acceptance of the 2006 IRP, the IPUC requested that IPC align the
submittal of its next IRP with those submitted by other Idaho utilities. To
comply with this request IPC provided an update on the status of the IRP to
both the IPUC and OPUC in June 2008. An IRP Addendum was also filed with the
OPUC in February 2009, which specifically addressed the need for the Boardman
to Hemingway Transmission Project. IPC is currently preparing the 2009 IRP,
which is expected to be completed in June 2009.
IPC, like other utilities that
operate nonfederal hydroelectric projects on qualified waterways, obtains
licenses for its hydroelectric projects from the FERC. These licenses last for
30 to 50 years depending on the size, complexity, and cost of the project. IPC
is actively pursuing the relicensing of the Hells Canyon Complex (HCC) and Swan
Falls projects.
IPC has FERC-approved market-based
rate authority, which permits IPC to sell electric energy at market-based rates
rather than being limited to cost-based rates. Every three years, the FERC
requires IPC to submit a triennial filing providing for a review of the
conditions under which this market-based rate authority was granted to ensure
that the rates charged thereunder are just and reasonable. On March 21, 2008,
IPC submitted a filing to FERC showing that IPC continued to meet FERCs market-based
rate tests. On June 24, 2008, FERC accepted IPCs filing, which allowed IPC to
continue to maintain market-based rate authority. IPCs next market-based
rates triennial filing is due on June 30, 2010.
IPC owns two natural
gas combustion turbine power plants and co-owns three coal-fired power plants
that are subject to air quality regulation. The natural gas-fired plants,
Danskin and Bennett Mountain, are located in Idaho. The coal-fired plants
are: Jim Bridger (33 percent interest) located in Wyoming; Boardman (ten
percent interest) located in Oregon; and Valmy (50 percent interest) located in
Nevada. The Clean Air Act establishes controls on the emissions from
stationary sources like those owned by IPC. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) adopts many of the standards and regulations under the Clean Air
Act, while states have the primary responsibility for implementation and
administration of these air quality programs. IPC continues to actively
monitor, evaluate and work on air quality issues pertaining to the Clean Air
Mercury Rule (CAMR), possible legislative amendment of the Clean Air Act,
emerging greenhouse gas and climate change programs at the federal, regional
and state levels, New Source Review (NSR) permitting, National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS), and Regional Haze Best Available Retrofit Technology (RH
BART). Installation of low nitrogen oxide (NOx) burner technology and over-fired
upgrades has been completed at the Valmy plant. Installation of low NOx
burners on all four coal-fired units at the Jim Bridger plant is in progress.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) scrubber upgrade projects also have started on
unit four at the Jim Bridger plant and scrubber upgrade projects on the other
three units at the plant will occur over the next three years. Mercury
continuous emission monitoring systems (mercury CEMS) have been installed on
all of the coal-fired units at the Jim Bridger, Boardman and Valmy plants and
tests to confirm the accuracy of the data being collected are currently underway.
In December 1992, the USFWS listed
several species of fish and five species of snails living within IPCs operating area as threatened or
endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. IPC continues to review
and analyze the effect such designation has on its operations and is
cooperating with governmental agencies to resolve issues related to these
species.
On March 28, 2008, Great Basin
Transmission, LLC (Great Basin) exercised its option to purchase the southern
portion of the Southwest Intertie Project (SWIP), which consists principally of
a federal permit for a specific transmission corridor in Nevada and Idaho and
private rights-of-way in Idaho. This sale closed during the second quarter of
2008, and resulted in a net pre-tax gain of approximately $3 million. On
December 30, 2008, IPC and Great Basin reached an agreement on the sale of the
northern portion of the SWIP, which is expected to close in the first quarter
of 2009 and result in a pre-tax gain of $0.2 million.
SFAS 157: IDACORP and IPC partially
adopted the provisions of SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157)
on January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality
of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for
fair value measurements. FASB Staff Position 157-2 (FSP FAS 157-2) delayed the
implementation of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in
the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay
is intended to allow the FASB and constituents additional time to consider the
effect of various implementation issues that have arisen, or that may arise,
from the application of SFAS 157. In accordance with FSP FAS 157-2, IPC did
not apply the provisions of SFAS 157 to asset retirement obligations. On
October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value
of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active, which
clarifies the application of SFAS 157, in a market that is not active and
provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair
value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not
active. This FSP was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for
which financial statements had not been issued. The adoption of SFAS 157 and
its related pronouncements did not have a material effect on IDACORPs or IPCs
consolidated financial statements.
See Note 1 to IDACORPs and IPCs
Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued
accounting pronouncements.
IDACORP and IPC believe that
inflation has caused and may continue to cause increases in certain operating
expenses and the replacement of assets at higher costs. Inflation affects the
cost of labor, products and services required for operations and maintenance
and capital expenditures. While inflation has not had a significant impact on
IDACORPs or IPCs operations, increases in utility expenses due to inflation
could have an adverse effect on earnings because of the need to obtain
regulatory approval to recover such increased expenses.
IDACORP and IPC manage interest
expense and short- and long-term liquidity through a combination of fixed rate
and variable rate debt. Generally, the amount of each type of debt is managed
through market issuance, but interest rate swap and cap agreements with highly
rated financial institutions may be used to achieve the desired
combination.
Utility: IPCs exposure to changes
in commodity price is related to its ongoing utility operations producing
electricity to meet the demand of its retail electric customers. The weather
is a major uncontrollable factor affecting the local and regional demand for
electricity and the availability and price of production. The objective of IPCs
energy purchase and sale activity is to meet the demand of retail electric
customers, maintain appropriate physical reserves to ensure reliability, and
make economic use of temporary surpluses that may develop.
Utility: IPC is subject to credit
risk based on its activity with market counterparties. IPC is exposed to this
risk to the extent that a counterparty may fail to fulfill a contractual
obligation to provide energy, purchase energy or complete financial settlement
for market activities. IPC mitigates this exposure by actively establishing
credit limits, measuring, monitoring, reporting, using appropriate contractual
arrangements and transferring of credit risk through the use of financial guarantees,
cash or letters of credit. A current list of acceptable counterparties and
credit limits is maintained.
IDACORP and IPC are exposed to price
fluctuations in equity markets, primarily through their pension plan assets, a
mine reclamation trust fund owned by an equity-method investment of IPC and
other equity investments at IPC. As a result of recent market declines, the
fair value of the pension plans assets has decreased resulting in an increase
in future amounts required to be contributed to the plan. Based on current
laws, IPC estimates that the minimum contribution to IPCs pension plan for
2009, which may be made as late as 2010, will be $24 million.
IDACORP is a holding company formed
in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is IPC. IDACORP is subject to the
provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, which provides
certain access to books and records to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) and state utility regulatory commissions and imposes certain record
retention and reporting requirements on IDACORP.
IDACORPs and IPCs consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of each company, the subsidiaries
that the companies control, and any variable interest entities (VIEs) for which
the companies are the primary beneficiaries. All intercompany balances have
been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in subsidiaries that the
companies do not control and investments in VIEs for which the companies are
not the primary beneficiaries, but have the ability to exercise significant
influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the
equity method of accounting.
Management makes estimates and
assumptions when preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates
and assumptions include those related to rate regulation, retirement benefits,
contingencies, litigation, asset impairment, income taxes, unbilled revenues
and bad debt. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates involve judgments
with respect to, among other things, future economic factors that are difficult
to predict and are beyond managements control. As a result, actual results
could differ from those estimates.
The accounting records of IPC conform
to the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the
public utility commissions of Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.
IPC follows SFAS 71, Accounting
for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, and its financial
statements reflect the effects of the different ratemaking principles followed
by the jurisdictions regulating IPC. The application of SFAS 71 sometimes
results in IPC recording expenses in a different period than when an
unregulated enterprise would record the expenses. In these circumstances, the
expenses are deferred as regulatory assets on the balance sheet and recorded on
the income statement when recovered in rates. Additionally, regulators can
impose regulatory liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected
from customers and for amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers.
The effects of applying SFAS 71 are discussed in more detail in Note 6.
Cash and cash equivalents include
cash on hand and highly liquid temporary investments with maturity dates at
date of acquisition of three months or less.
Financial instruments such as
commodity futures, forwards, options and swaps are used to manage exposure to
commodity price risk in the electricity market. The objective of the risk
management program is to mitigate the risk associated with the purchase and
sale of electricity and natural gas. The accounting for derivative financial
instruments that are used to manage risk is in accordance with the concepts
established by SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, as amended.
The cost of utility plant in service
represents the original cost of contracted services, direct labor and material,
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and indirect charges for
engineering, supervision and similar overhead items. Repair and maintenance
costs associated with planned major maintenance are expensed as the costs are
incurred, as are maintenance and repairs of property and replacements and
renewals of items determined to be less than units of property. For utility
property replaced or renewed, the original cost plus removal cost less salvage
is charged to accumulated provision for depreciation, while the cost of related
replacements and renewals is added to property, plant and equipment.
AFUDC represents the cost of
financing construction projects with borrowed funds and equity funds. While
cash is not realized currently from such allowance, it is realized under the
rate-making process over the service life of the related property through
increased revenues resulting from a higher rate base and higher depreciation
expense. The component of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds is included as
a reduction to interest expense, while the equity component is included in
other income. IPCs weighted-average monthly AFUDC rates for 2008, 2007 and
2006 were 5.2 percent, 6.8 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively. IPCs
reductions to interest expense for AFUDC were $7 million for 2008, $8 million
for 2007 and $4 million for 2006. Other income included $3 million, $6 million
and $6 million of AFUDC for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Operating revenues for IPC related to
the sale of energy are generally recorded when service is rendered or energy is
delivered to customers. IPC accrues
unbilled revenues for electric services delivered to customers but not yet
billed at period-end. IPC collects franchise fees and similar taxes related to
energy consumption. These amounts are recorded as liabilities until paid to
the taxing authority. None of these collections are reported on the income
statement as revenue or expense.
IDACORP and IPC account for income
taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of
events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences
between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected
to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and
liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment
date.
The following table presents the
computation of IDACORPs basic and diluted earnings per common share (in
thousands, except for per share amounts):
Comprehensive income includes net
income, unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable
securities and amounts related to a deferred compensation plan for certain
senior management employees and directors called the Senior Management Security
Plan (SMSP). The following table presents IDACORPs and IPCs accumulated
other comprehensive loss balance at December 31 (net of tax):
Debt discount, expense and premium
are deferred and being amortized over the terms of the respective debt issues.
Certain items previously reported for
years prior to 2008 have been reclassified to conform to the current years
presentation. The reclassifications that were made to prior year amounts are
as follows: Non-utility additions were reclassified to other from additions to
property, plant and equipment, and proceeds from the sale of non-utility assets
were moved from other to their own line in the investing section of IDACORPs
consolidated statements of cash flows; other assets was combined with other in
the financing section of IDACORPs and IPCs consolidated statements of cash
flows; and notes receivable was combined with other receivables in the current
assets section of IPCs consolidated balance sheets. The Demand-side
management line title was changed to Energy efficiency programs to reflect
the terminology commonly used for these programs. Net income and shareholders
equity were not affected by these reclassifications and revision.
SFAS 141(R): In December 2007, the
FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations (Revised December 2007).
SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a
business combination: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements
the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any
noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the
goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain
purchase; and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of
the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the
business combination. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the
first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An
entity may not apply it before that date. The adoption of SFAS 141(R) did not
have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and
IPC.
85
2. INCOME TAXES:
The
components of the net deferred tax liability are as follows:
|
IDACORP |
|
IPC |
||||||||||
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Regulatory liabilities |
$ |
44,341 |
|
$ |
42,968 |
|
$ |
44,341 |
|
$ |
42,968 |
|
|
Advances for construction |
|
9,305 |
|
|
10,172 |
|
|
9,305 |
|
|
10,172 |
|
|
Deferred compensation |
|
17,811 |
|
|
17,800 |
|
|
17,052 |
|
|
16,423 |
|
|
Emission allowances |
|
- |
|
|
6,921 |
|
|
- |
|
|
6,921 |
|
|
Partnership investments |
|
1,255 |
|
|
572 |
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
572 |
|
|
Tax credits |
|
76,597 |
|
|
53,770 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
Retirement benefits |
|
85,034 |
|
|
20,753 |
|
|
85,034 |
|
|
20,753 |
|
|
Other |
|
15,871 |
|
|
10,853 |
|
|
15,029 |
|
|
8,810 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
250,214 |
|
|
163,809 |
|
|
172,016 |
|
|
106,619 |
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
246,424 |
|
|
227,337 |
|
|
246,424 |
|
|
227,337 |
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
333,882 |
|
|
308,290 |
|
|
333,882 |
|
|
308,290 |
|
|
Conservation programs |
|
1,902 |
|
|
3,169 |
|
|
1,902 |
|
|
3,169 |
|
|
PCA |
|
62,820 |
|
|
45,008 |
|
|
62,820 |
|
|
45,008 |
|
|
Partnership investments |
|
13,060 |
|
|
13,006 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
Retirement benefits |
|
69,334 |
|
|
6,945 |
|
|
69,334 |
|
|
6,945 |
|
|
Other |
|
961 |
|
|
564 |
|
|
961 |
|
|
564 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
728,383 |
|
|
604,319 |
|
|
715,323 |
|
|
591,313 |
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ |
478,169 |
|
$ |
440,510 |
|
$ |
543,307 |
|
$ |
484,694 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A
reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective
tax rate is as follows:
87
|
|
IDACORP |
|
IPC |
|||||||||||
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
|
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||||||||
Federal income tax expense at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
35% statutory rate |
$ |
41,165 |
$ |
33,601 |
$ |
40,408 |
$ |
46,100 |
$ |
39,188 |
$ |
48,262 |
||
Change in taxes resulting from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
AFUDC |
|
(3,577) |
|
(4,757) |
|
(3,542) |
|
(3,577) |
|
(4,757) |
|
(3,542) |
||
|
Capitalized interest |
|
1,729 |
|
2,289 |
|
1,394 |
|
1,729 |
|
2,289 |
|
1,394 |
||
|
Investment tax credits |
|
(3,490) |
|
(3,578) |
|
(3,513) |
|
(3,490) |
|
(3,578) |
|
(3,513) |
||
|
Repair allowance |
|
(2,450) |
|
(2,450) |
|
(2,450) |
|
(2,450) |
|
(2,450) |
|
(2,450) |
||
|
Removal costs |
|
(2,954) |
|
(3,787) |
|
(1,912) |
|
(2,954) |
|
(3,787) |
|
(1,912) |
||
|
Pension accrual |
|
- |
|
1,022 |
|
1,902 |
|
- |
|
1,022 |
|
1,902 |
||
|
Capitalized overhead costs |
|
(4,200) |
|
(4,200) |
|
(2,940) |
|
(4,200) |
|
(4,200) |
|
(2,940) |
||
|
Tax accounting method change |
|
- |
|
- |
|
6,122 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
6,122 |
||
|
Uncertain tax positions |
|
1,280 |
|
(3,586) |
|
- |
|
1,280 |
|
(3,586) |
|
- |
||
|
Settlement of prior years tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
returns |
|
(2,753) |
|
- |
|
(7,465) |
|
(2,761) |
|
- |
|
(8,144) |
|
|
State income taxes, net of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
federal benefit |
|
3,842 |
|
5,810 |
|
6,606 |
|
4,601 |
|
6,618 |
|
7,820 |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
5,562 |
|
7,576 |
|
5,757 |
|
5,562 |
|
7,576 |
|
5,757 |
||
|
Affordable housing tax credits |
|
(11,437) |
|
(14,541) |
|
(19,218) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
||
|
Other, net |
|
(3,517) |
|
332 |
|
(5,772) |
|
(2,240) |
|
1,051 |
|
(4,795) |
||
Total income tax expense |
$ |
19,200 |
$ |
13,731 |
$ |
15,377 |
$ |
37,600 |
$ |
35,386 |
$ |
43,961 |
|||
|
Effective tax rate |
|
16.3% |
|
14.3% |
|
13.3% |
|
28.5% |
|
31.6% |
|
31.9% |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
The
items comprising income tax expense are as follows:
|
|
IDACORP |
|
IPC |
||||||||||
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||
|
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||||
Income taxes currently payable: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Federal |
$ |
13,801 |
$ |
9,573 |
$ |
28,712 |
$ |
16,390 |
$ |
8,916 |
$ |
52,142 |
|
|
State |
|
1,541 |
|
(3,105) |
|
4,254 |
|
(3,602) |
|
(6,202) |
|
5,293 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
15,342 |
|
6,468 |
|
32,966 |
|
12,788 |
|
2,714 |
|
57,435 |
Income taxes deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Federal |
|
18,709 |
|
8,035 |
|
(17,379) |
|
33,224 |
|
28,148 |
|
(14,161) |
|
|
State |
|
(3,645) |
|
926 |
|
(537) |
|
2,794 |
|
6,223 |
|
360 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
15,064 |
|
8,961 |
|
(17,916) |
|
36,018 |
|
34,371 |
|
(13,801) |
Uncertain tax positions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Federal |
|
(12,763) |
|
(3,345) |
|
- |
|
(12,763) |
|
(3,345) |
|
- |
|
|
State |
|
(712) |
|
(241) |
|
- |
|
(712) |
|
(241) |
|
- |
|
|
|
Total |
|
(13,475) |
|
(3,586) |
|
- |
|
(13,475) |
|
(3,586) |
|
- |
Investment tax credits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Deferred |
|
5,759 |
|
5,466 |
|
3,840 |
|
5,759 |
|
5,465 |
|
3,840 |
|
|
Restored |
|
(3,490) |
|
(3,578) |
|
(3,513) |
|
(3,490) |
|
(3,578) |
|
(3,513) |
|
|
|
Total |
|
2,269 |
|
1,888 |
|
327 |
|
2,269 |
|
1,887 |
|
327 |
Total income tax expense |
$ |
19,200 |
$ |
13,731 |
$ |
15,377 |
$ |
37,600 |
$ |
35,386 |
$ |
43,961 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IDACORPs tax allocation
agreement provides that each member of its consolidated group compute its
income taxes on a separate company basis. Amounts payable or refundable are
settled through IDACORP.
Tax
Credits Carryforwards
As of December 31, 2008, IDACORP had $57.9
million of general business credit carryforward for federal income tax
purposes, and $18.7 million of Idaho investment tax credit carryforward. The
general business credit carryforward period expires from 2025 to 2028, and the
Idaho investment tax credit expires from 2019 to 2022.
FIN
48
IDACORP and IPC adopted FASB
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007, as
required. IPC recorded an increase of $15.1 million to 2007 opening retained
earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48. A reconciliation of the
beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in
thousands of dollars):
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Balance at January 1, |
$ |
17,594 |
$ |
21,180 |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
|
1,280 |
|
848 |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years |
|
(10,426) |
|
(4,434) |
Settlements with taxing authorities |
|
(4,329) |
|
- |
Balance at December 31, |
$ |
4,119 |
$ |
17,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
If
recognized, the $4.1 million balance of unrecognized tax benefits would affect IDACORPs
and IPCs effective tax rates.
Since
2006, IPC has been disputing the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) disallowance
of IPCs use of the simplified service cost method (SSCM) of uniform
capitalization for tax years 2001-2004. The dispute has been under review with
the IRS Appeals Office. In December 2008, the Appeals Office informed IDACORP
that the SSCM settlement computations were complete. IDACORP reviewed the final
computations and agreed to the result. The settlement was submitted to the
U.S. Congress Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) for review in January 2009.
88
In
November 2006, IDACORP made a $44.9 million refundable tax deposit with the IRS
related to the disputed income tax assessment for SSCM. In May 2008, IDACORP
withdrew $20 million from the deposit. Approximately $21 million from the
deposit was applied to the settled income tax deficiency and interest charges
with the remaining balance refunded to IDACORP.
The
IRS completed its examination of IDACORPs 2004 tax year in August 2008 and its
2005 tax year in October 2008. The 2004 examination report was submitted for
JCT review as part of the SSCM settlement and the 2005 report was submitted in
November 2008. IDACORP expects the JCT review process for 2001-2005 to be
completed in 2009. As of December 31, 2008, all uncertain tax positions
related to tax years 2001-2005 were considered effectively settled.
The IRS began examining IPCs
current method of uniform capitalization in December 2008. IDACORP expects
that the examination will be completed during 2009. Resolution would result in
a decrease to IPCs unrecognized tax benefits of $4.1 million.
IDACORP and IPC recognize
interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and
penalties as other expense. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007,
IPC recognized a net reduction in interest expense of $0.1 million and $1
million, respectively. IPC had accrued interest of $0.2 million and $5.5
million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No penalties are
accrued.
IDACORP and IPC are subject
to examination by their major tax jurisdictions U.S. federal and state of
Idaho. The open tax years for federal and Idaho are 2006-2008 and 2005-2008,
respectively. The IRS began its examination of 2006 in December 2008. IDACORP
and IPC are unable to predict the outcome of this examination.
3. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
IDACORP Common Stock
The following table summarizes common
stock issued and reserved:
|
Shares issued |
Shares reserved at |
|||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
December 31, 2008 |
|
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan |
169,229 |
150,458 |
145,508 |
3,113,319 |
|
Employee savings plan |
111,021 |
99,562 |
99,248 |
1,970,716 |
|
Restricted stock plan |
16,149 |
- |
- |
297,965 |
|
Long-term incentive and compensation plan |
115,730 |
26,292 |
467,791 |
2,403,404 |
|
Continuous equity program |
1,453,967 |
881,337 |
536,518 |
2,628,178 |
|
|
Total |
1,866,096 |
1,157,649 |
1,249,065 |
10,413,582 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 15, 2005, IDACORP
entered into a Sales Agency Agreement (2005 Agency Agreement) with BNY Capital
Markets, Inc. (BNYCM), as IDACORPs agent, for the offer and sale by IDACORP of
up to 2,500,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in at-the-market
offerings. IDACORP issued 881,337 shares under the 2005 Agency Agreement in
2007 for proceeds of $28.5 million. In 2008, IDACORP sold the remaining
1,082,145 shares of common stock under the 2005 Agency Agreement at an average
price of $28.56, including 879,145 shares in the fourth quarter 2008 at an
average price of $28.11 per share.
On December 5, 2008, IDACORP
entered into a new Sales Agency Agreement (2008 Agency Agreement) with BNY
Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (BNYMCM), as IDACORPs agent, for the offer and
sale of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in at-the-market
offerings. In December 2008, IDACORP sold 371,822 shares under the 2008 Agency
Agreement at an average price of $29.18 per share.
Dividend Restrictions: IPCs articles of incorporation contain restrictions
on the payment of dividends on its common stock if preferred stock dividends
are in arrears. IPC has no outstanding preferred stock. Also, certain
provisions of credit facilities contain restrictions on the ratio of debt to
total capitalization.
IPC must obtain the approval
of the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) before it could directly or
indirectly loan funds or issue notes or give credit on its books to IDACORP.
89
IPC Common Stock
In 2008, 2007 and 2006, IDACORP
contributed $37 million, $51 million and $47 million respectively, of
additional equity to IPC. No additional shares of IPC common stock were
issued.
Rights Agreement
On September 10, 2008, the Rights
Agreement between IDACORP and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., as successor to The Bank
of New York, as rights agent, dated as of September 10, 1998, as amended
(Rights Agreement), and the preferred share purchase rights (rights) issued
thereunder expired in accordance with their terms. As a result, shares of
IDACORP common stock are no longer accompanied by a right to purchase, under
certain circumstances, one one-hundredth of a share of IDACORPs A Series
Preferred Stock. IDACORP common shareholders were not entitled to any payment
as a result of the expiration of the Rights Agreement and the rights issued
thereunder.
Stock-Based Compensation
IDACORP has three share-based
compensation plans. IDACORPs employee plans are the 2000 Long-Term Incentive
and Compensation Plan (LTICP) and the 1994 Restricted Stock Plan (RSP). These
plans are intended to align employee and shareholder objectives related to
IDACORPs long-term growth. IDACORP also has one non-employee plan, the
Director Stock Plan (DSP). The purpose of the DSP is to increase directors
stock ownership through stock-based compensation.
The LTICP for officers, key
employees and directors permits the grant of nonqualified stock options,
incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other
awards. The RSP permits only the grant of restricted stock or performance-based
restricted stock. At December 31, 2008, the maximum number of shares available
under the LTICP and RSP were 1,568,551 and 68,027, respectively.
The following table shows the
compensation cost recognized in income and the tax benefits resulting from
these plans, as well as the amounts allocated to IPC for those costs associated
with IPCs employees (in thousands of dollars):
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
||||||||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
||||||
Compensation cost |
$ |
3,897 |
$ |
2,745 |
$ |
2,692 |
$ |
3,683 |
$ |
2,473 |
$ |
1,458 |
Income tax benefit |
$ |
1,524 |
$ |
1,073 |
$ |
1,053 |
$ |
1,440 |
$ |
967 |
$ |
570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No equity compensation costs
have been capitalized.
Stock awards: Restricted stock awards have vesting periods of up to
four years. Restricted stock awards entitle the recipients to dividends and
voting rights, and unvested shares are restricted to disposition and subject to
forfeiture under certain circumstances. The fair value of restricted stock
awards is measured based on the market price of the underlying common stock on
the date of grant and charged to compensation expense over the vesting period
based on the number of shares expected to vest.
Performance-based restricted
stock awards have vesting periods of three years. Performance awards entitle
the recipients to voting rights, and unvested shares are restricted to
disposition, subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances, and subject to
meeting specific performance conditions. Based on the attainment of the
performance conditions, the ultimate award can range from zero to 150 percent
of the target award. For awards granted prior to 2006, dividends were paid to
recipients at the time they were paid on the common stock. Beginning with the
2006 awards, dividends are accumulated and will be paid out only on shares that
eventually vest.
The performance goals for the
2008 awards are independent of each other and equally weighted, and are based on
two metrics, cumulative earnings per share (CEPS) and total shareholder return
(TSR) relative to a peer group. The fair value of the CEPS portion is based on
the market value at the date of grant, reduced by the loss in time-value of the
estimated future dividend payments, using an expected quarterly dividend of
$0.30. The fair value of the TSR portion is estimated using a statistical
model that incorporates the probability of meeting performance targets based on
historical returns relative to the peer group. Both performance goals are
measured over the three-year vesting period and are charged to compensation
expense over the vesting period based on the number of shares expected to vest.
90
A summary of restricted stock
and performance share activity is presented below. IPC share amounts represent
the portion of IDACORP amounts related to IPC employees:
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
||||
|
|
Weighted- |
|
Weighted- |
||
|
|
average |
|
Average |
||
|
Number of |
Grant Date |
Number of |
Grant Date |
||
|
Shares |
Fair Value |
Shares |
Fair Value |
||
Nonvested shares at January 1, 2008 |
263,642 |
$ |
28.17 |
243,496 |
$ |
28.20 |
Shares granted |
127,538 |
|
25.35 |
124,031 |
|
25.35 |
Shares forfeited |
(40,619) |
|
29.12 |
(40,024) |
|
29.11 |
Shares vested |
(24,768) |
|
31.21 |
(24,246) |
|
31.21 |
Nonvested shares at December 31, 2008 |
325,793 |
$ |
26.72 |
303,257 |
$ |
26.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total fair value of
shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $0.8
million, $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008,
IDACORP had $2.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
nonvested share-based compensation that was expected to vest. IPCs share of
this amount was $2.5 million. These costs are expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of 1.70 years. IDACORP uses original issue and/or
treasury shares for these awards.
Stock options: Stock option awards are granted with exercise prices
equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. The options have
a term of 10 years from the grant date and vest over a five-year period. The
fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense using graded-vesting.
Beginning in 2006, stock options are not a significant component of share-based
compensation awards under the LTICP.
The fair values of all stock
option awards have been estimated as of the date of the grant by applying a
binomial option pricing model. The application of this model involves
assumptions that are judgmental and sensitive in the determination of
compensation expense. The following key assumptions were used in determining
the fair value of options granted:
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
Dividend yield, based on current dividend and stock price on grant date |
- |
- |
3.7% |
Expected stock price volatility, based on IDACORP historical volatility |
- |
- |
18% |
Risk-free interest rate based on U.S. Treasury composite rate |
- |
- |
4.92% |
Expected term based on the SEC simplified method |
- |
- |
6.50 years |
The following table presents
information about options granted and exercised (in thousands of dollars,
except for weighted-average amounts):
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
||||||||||||||||
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|||||||
Weighted-average grant-date fair value |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
9.96 |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Fair value of options vested |
|
435 |
|
|
737 |
|
|
2,191 |
|
353 |
|
|
579 |
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
Intrinsic value of options exercised |
|
182 |
|
|
79 |
|
|
3,771 |
|
182 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
2,883 |
|
|
Cash received from exercises |
|
707 |
|
|
281 |
|
|
11,937 |
|
707 |
|
|
40 |
|
|
9,614 |
|
|
Tax benefits realized from exercises |
|
71 |
|
|
31 |
|
|
1,474 |
|
71 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
1,127 |
|
|
As of December 31, 2008,
there was less than $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost
related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a
weighted average period of 0.6 years. IDACORP uses original issue and/or
treasury shares to satisfy exercised options.
91
IDACORPs and IPCs stock
option transactions are summarized below. IPC share amounts represent the
portion of IDACORP amounts related to IPC employees:
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|||
|
|
Weighted- |
Average |
Aggregate |
|||
|
Number |
Average |
Remaining |
Intrinsic |
|||
|
of |
Exercise |
Contractual |
Value |
|||
|
Shares |
Price |
Term |
(000s) |
|||
IDACORP |
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
818,232 |
$ |
34.37 |
4.61 |
$ |
2,690 |
|
|
Exercised |
(30,700) |
|
23.04 |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
(3,547) |
|
30.14 |
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
783,985 |
$ |
34.84 |
3.57 |
$ |
641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2008 |
782,207 |
$ |
34.85 |
3.57 |
$ |
641 |
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 |
722,487 |
$ |
35.24 |
3.39 |
$ |
638 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IPC |
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
611,243 |
$ |
33.75 |
4.71 |
$ |
2,310 |
|
|
Exercised |
(30,700) |
|
23.04 |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
(3,547) |
|
30.14 |
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
576,996 |
$ |
34.34 |
3.67 |
$ |
611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2008 |
575,420 |
$ |
34.35 |
3.66 |
$ |
611 |
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 |
526,105 |
$ |
34.75 |
3.46 |
$ |
611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
The following table
summarizes long-term debt at December 31:
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||
First mortgage bonds: |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
|
7.20% Series due 2009 |
|
80,000 |
|
|
80,000 |
|||
|
6.60% Series due 2011 |
|
120,000 |
|
|
120,000 |
|||
|
4.75% Series due 2012 |
|
100,000 |
|
|
100,000 |
|||
|
4.25% Series due 2013 |
|
70,000 |
|
|
70,000 |
|||
|
6.025% Series due 2018 |
|
120,000 |
|
|
- |
|||
|
6% Series due 2032 |
|
100,000 |
|
|
100,000 |
|||
|
5.50% Series due 2033 |
|
70,000 |
|
|
70,000 |
|||
|
5.50% Series due 2034 |
|
50,000 |
|
|
50,000 |
|||
|
5.875% Series due 2034 |
|
55,000 |
|
|
55,000 |
|||
|
5.30% Series due 2035 |
|
60,000 |
|
|
60,000 |
|||
|
6.30% Series due 2037 |
|
140,000 |
|
|
140,000 |
|||
|
6.25% Series due 2037 |
|
100,000 |
|
|
100,000 |
|||
|
|
Total first mortgage bonds |
|
1,065,000 |
|
|
945,000 |
||
Pollution control revenue bonds: |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Variable Rate Series 2003 due 2024(1) |
|
49,800 |
|
|
49,800 |
|||
|
Variable Rate Series 2006 due 2026(1) |
|
116,300 |
|
|
116,300 |
|||
|
Variable Rate Series 2000 due 2027 |
|
4,360 |
|
|
4,360 |
|||
|
|
Total pollution control revenue bonds |
|
170,460 |
|
|
170,460 |
||
American Falls bond guarantee |
|
19,885 |
|
|
19,885 |
||||
Milner Dam note guarantee |
|
9,573 |
|
|
10,636 |
||||
Unamortized discount - net |
|
(3,163) |
|
|
(3,409) |
||||
Debt related to investments in affordable housing |
|
8,224 |
|
|
18,438 |
||||
Other subsidiary debt |
|
- |
|
|
7,326 |
||||
Term Loan Credit Facility |
|
166,100 |
|
|
- |
||||
Purchase of pollution control revenue bonds |
|
(166,100) |
|
|
- |
||||
|
Total |
|
1,269,979 |
|
|
1,168,336 |
|||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
(86,528) |
|
|
(11,456) |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Total long-term debt |
$ |
1,183,451 |
|
$ |
1,156,880 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
(1) |
Humboldt County and Sweetwater County Pollution Control Revenue bonds are secured by first mortgage bonds, bringing the |
||||||||
|
|
total first mortgage bonds outstanding at December 31, 2008, to $1.231 billion. |
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
At December 31, 2008, the
maturities for the aggregate amount of long-term debt outstanding were (in
thousands of dollars):
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
Thereafter |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IPC |
$ |
81,064 |
$ |
1,064 |
$ |
121,064 |
$ |
101,064 |
$ |
71,064 |
$ |
886,435 |
|
Other subsidiary debt |
|
5,464 |
|
2,760 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
Total |
$ |
86,528 |
$ |
3,824 |
$ |
121,064 |
$ |
101,064 |
$ |
71,064 |
$ |
886,435 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2008 and
2007, the overall effective cost of IPCs outstanding debt was 5.59 percent and
5.72 percent, respectively.
93
Long-Term
Financing
On November 20, 2008, IDACORP filed a
registration statement for debt securities and common stock. In this filing,
the Company was not registering additional securities, but rather was replacing
two prior shelf registration statements that had been effective for more than
three years. IDACORP has approximately $588 million remaining on the new shelf
registration statement that can be used for the issuance of debt securities or
common stock.
On
April 3, 2008, IPC entered into a Selling Agency Agreement with each of Banc of
America Securities LLC, BNY Capital Markets, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Lazard Capital Markets LLC, Piper Jaffray &
Co., RBC Capital Markets Corporation, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Wachovia
Capital Markets, LLC, Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. and Wells Fargo
Securities, LLC in connection with the issuance and sale by IPC from time to
time of up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds,
Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series H. On July 10, 2008, IPC issued $120 million
of its 6.025% First Mortgage Bonds, Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series H, due
July 15, 2018. IPC used the net proceeds to pay down short-term debt. As of
December 31, 2008, IPC has $230 million remaining on a shelf registration
statement that can be used for the issuance of first mortgage bonds and
unsecured debt.
In January 2007, the IPC
Board of Directors approved an increase of the maximum amount of first mortgage
bonds issuable by IPC to $1.5 billion. The amount issuable is also restricted
by property, earnings and other provisions of the mortgage and supplemental
indentures to the mortgage. IPC may amend the indenture and increase this
amount without consent of the holders of the first mortgage bonds. The
indenture requires that IPCs net earnings must be at least twice the annual
interest requirements on all outstanding debt of equal or prior rank, including
the bonds that IPC may propose to issue. Under certain circumstances, the net
earnings test does not apply, including the issuance of refunding bonds to
retire outstanding bonds that mature in less than two years or that are of an
equal or higher interest rate, or prior lien bonds.
As of December 31, 2008, IPC
could issue under the mortgage approximately $528 million of additional first
mortgage bonds based on unfunded property additions and $532 million of
additional first mortgage bonds based on retired first mortgage bonds. These
amounts are further limited by the $1.5 billion restriction discussed above. At
December 31, 2008, unfunded property additions were approximately $880 million.
The mortgage requires IPC to
spend or appropriate 15 percent of its annual gross operating revenues for
maintenance, retirement or amortization of its properties. IPC may, however,
anticipate or make up these expenditures or appropriations within the five
years that immediately follow or precede a particular year.
The
mortgage secures all bonds issued under the indenture equally and ratably,
without preference, priority or distinction. IPC may issue additional first
mortgage bonds in the future, and those first mortgage bonds will also be
secured by the mortgage. The lien of the indenture constitutes a first
mortgage on all the properties of IPC, subject only to certain limited
exceptions including liens for taxes and assessments that are not delinquent
and minor excepted encumbrances. Certain of the properties of IPC are subject
to easements, leases, contracts, covenants, workmens compensation awards and
similar encumbrances and minor defects and clouds common to properties. The
mortgage does not create a lien on revenues or profits, or notes or accounts
receivable, contracts or choses in action, except as permitted by law during a
completed default, securities or cash, except when pledged, or merchandise or
equipment manufactured or acquired for resale. The mortgage creates a lien on
the interest of IPC in property subsequently acquired, other than excepted
property, subject to limitations in the case of consolidation, merger or sale
of all or substantially all of the assets of IPC.
At
December 31, 2008, IFS had $8 million of debt related to investments in
affordable housing. This debt had interest rates ranging from 3.65 percent to
8.17 percent and is due between 2009 and 2010. This debt is collateralized by
investments in affordable housing developments with a net book value of $36
million at December 31, 2008. Of this $8 million in debt, $5 million is non-recourse
to both IFS and IDACORP and the remainder is recourse only to IFS.
94
Pollution
Control Revenue Refunding Bonds
On April 3, 2008, IPC made a
mandatory purchase of the $49.8 million Humboldt County, Nevada Pollution
Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Idaho Power Company Project) Series 2003 and
the $116.3 million Sweetwater County, Wyoming Pollution Control Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Idaho Power Company Project) Series 2006 (together, the
Pollution Control Bonds). IPC initiated this transaction in order to adjust
the interest rate period of the pollution control bonds from an auction
interest rate period to a weekly interest rate period, effective April 3,
2008. The pollution control bonds remain outstanding and have not been retired
or cancelled. The maximum interest rate is 14 percent for the Sweetwater bonds
and at specified rates capped at 12 percent for the Humboldt bonds.
The
regularly scheduled principal and interest payments on the Series 2006 bonds
and principal and interest payments on the bonds upon mandatory redemption on
determination of taxability are insured by a financial guaranty insurance
policy issued by Ambac Assurance Corporation.
Term
Loan Credit Agreement
IPC entered into a $170 million Term
Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2008, with JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as administrative agent and lender, and Bank of America, N.A., Union Bank
of California, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as lenders. The
Term Loan Credit Agreement provided for the issuance of term loans by the
lenders to IPC on April 1, 2008, in an aggregate principal amount of $170
million. The loans were due on March 31, 2009 and could be prepaid but not
reborrowed. IPC used $166.1 million of the proceeds from the loans to effect
the mandatory purchase on April 3, 2008, of the Pollution Control Bonds (as
discussed above under Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds) and $3.9
million to pay interest, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
Pollution Control Bonds and the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
On
February 4, 2009, IPC entered into a new $170 million Term Loan Credit
Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender,
Bank of America, N.A., Union Bank, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National
Association, as lenders. IPC used the proceeds to repay the above mentioned
Term Loan Credit Agreement. The loans are due on February 3, 2010, but are
subject to earlier payment if IPC remarkets the pollution control revenue
refunding bonds discussed below. The loans may be prepaid but may not be
reborrowed.
The loans bear interest at
either a floating rate or a Eurodollar rate. The floating rate is equal to (i)
the highest of (a) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank on such day,
(b) the sum of (1) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus
(2) 0.5 percent per annum and (c) an amount equal to (1) the LIBO Reference
Rate on such day plus (2) 1 percent plus (ii) the applicable margin. The
Eurodollar rate is (i) the rate published on the Reuters BBA Libor Rates Page
3750 (or on any successor or substitute page) for dollar deposits with a
comparable maturity plus (ii) the applicable margin. The LIBO Reference Rate is
the rate appearing on the Reuters BBA Libor Rates Page 3750 (or on any
successor or substitute page) as the rate for United States dollar deposits for
a one month interest period. The applicable margin is currently 2 percent for
Eurodollar advances and 1 percent for floating rate advances, but may be
increased or decreased based upon the ratings assigned to IPCs senior
unsecured debt by Moodys and S&P.
The new Term Loan Credit
Agreement is a short-term arrangement; however, $166.1 million was classified
as long-term debt as allowed by SFAS No. 6 Classification of Short-Term
Obligations Expected to Be Refinanced. IPC has the ability to refinance
the loans on a long-term basis by utilizing its credit facility, provided that
the aggregate of the commitments utilizing the credit facility and commercial
paper outstanding does not exceed $300 million. The remaining $3.9 million of
the loans is classified as short-term debt.
5. NOTES PAYABLE:
IDACORP has a $100 million
credit facility and IPC has a $300 million credit facility each of which
expires on April 25, 2012. Commercial paper may be issued up to the amounts
supported by the bank credit facilities. Under these facilities the companies
pay a facility fee on the commitment, quarterly in arrears, based on its rating
for senior unsecured long-term debt securities without third-party credit
enhancement as provided by Moodys and S&P.
At December 31, 2008, $25
million in loans were outstanding on IDACORPs facility and no loans were
outstanding on IPCs facility.
95
At December 31, 2008, IPC had
regulatory authority to incur up to $450 million of short-term indebtedness.
Balances and interest rates of IDACORPs short-term borrowings were as follows
at December 31 (in thousands of dollars):
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
Total |
|
||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||
Balances: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At the end of year |
$38,400 |
$49,860 |
$112,850 |
$136,585 |
$151,250 |
$186,445 |
||
Average during the year |
$57,734 |
$44,773 |
$151,192 |
$96,890 |
$208,927 |
$141,663 |
||
Weighted-average interest rate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At the end of year |
4.29% |
5.45% |
4.89% |
5.56% |
4.74% |
5.53% |
||
Average during the year |
3.70% |
5.44% |
3.97% |
5.54% |
3.90% |
5.51% |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
6. REGULATORY MATTERS:
Regulatory Assets and
Liabilities
The following is a breakdown of IPCs
regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
Total |
Total |
||||||
|
Remaining |
|
Not |
as of |
as of |
||||||
|
Amortization |
Earning |
Earning |
December |
December |
||||||
Description |
Period |
a Return |
a Return |
31, 2008 |
31, 2007 |
||||||
Regulatory Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Income Taxes |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
335,644 |
$ |
335,644 |
$ |
309,902 |
|
|
Benefit Plans(1) |
|
|
- |
|
177,348 |
|
177,348 |
|
17,765 |
|
|
Deferred Pension Costs(1) |
|
|
- |
|
10,583 |
|
10,583 |
|
2,797 |
|
|
Conservation |
2010 |
|
3,942 |
|
4,864 |
|
8,806 |
|
8,107 |
|
|
PCA Deferral |
2009 |
|
140,821 |
|
- |
|
140,821 |
|
92,323 |
|
|
FCA Deferral |
|
|
2,721 |
|
- |
|
2,721 |
|
- |
|
|
Oregon Deferral(2) |
|
|
2,878 |
|
- |
|
2,878 |
|
5,100 |
|
|
Oregon PCAM Deferral(3) |
|
|
5,400 |
|
- |
|
5,400 |
|
- |
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligations(4) |
|
|
- |
|
10,907 |
|
10,907 |
|
12,188 |
|
|
Grid West Loans |
2013 |
|
65 |
|
922 |
|
987 |
|
1,108 |
|
|
Mark-to-Market Liabilities |
|
|
- |
|
3,074 |
|
3,074 |
|
171 |
|
|
Other |
2010 |
|
77 |
|
160 |
|
237 |
|
379 |
|
|
|
Total(5) |
|
$ |
155,904 |
$ |
543,502 |
$ |
699,406 |
$ |
449,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Income Taxes |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
46,102 |
$ |
46,102 |
$ |
44,580 |
|
|
Conservation |
|
|
197 |
|
2 |
|
199 |
|
1,893 |
|
|
FCA Accrual (prior year) |
2009 |
|
- |
|
1,105 |
|
1,105 |
|
2,145 |
|
|
Removal Costs(4) |
|
|
- |
|
156,837 |
|
156,837 |
|
155,314 |
|
|
Deferred ITC |
|
|
- |
|
73,270 |
|
73,270 |
|
71,001 |
|
|
Mark-to-Market Assets |
|
|
- |
|
652 |
|
652 |
|
586 |
|
|
Other |
|
|
- |
|
514 |
|
514 |
|
851 |
|
|
|
Total(6) |
|
$ |
197 |
$ |
278,482 |
$ |
278,679 |
$ |
276,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
(1) See Note 8. |
|||||||||||
(2) Amortization capped at 10 percent of gross Oregon revenue per year. |
|||||||||||
(3) Amortization capped at 6 percent of gross Oregon revenue per year beginning after the Oregon Deferral amortization is completed. |
|||||||||||
(4) See Note 12. |
|||||||||||
(5) Includes $3,074 and $172 for 2008 and 2007, respectively, reported in other current assets on the balance sheets. |
|||||||||||
(6) Includes $2,413 and $2,166 for 2008 and 2007, respectively, reported in other current liabilities on the balance sheets. |
96
In the event that recovery of
costs through rates becomes unlikely or uncertain, SFAS 71 would no longer
apply. If IPC were to discontinue application of SFAS 71 for some or all of
its operations, then these items may represent stranded investments. If IPC is
not allowed recovery of these investments, it would be required to write off
the applicable portion of regulatory assets and the financial effects could be
significant.
Idaho
Rate Cases
2008 General Rate Case: On January
30, 2009, the IPUC issued an order approving an average annual increase in
Idaho base rates, effective February 1, 2009, of 3.1 percent (approximately
$20.9 million annually), a return on equity of 10.5 percent and an overall rate
of return of 8.18 percent. On February 19, 2009, IPC filed a request for
reconsideration with the IPUC. In its filing, IPC asked the IPUC to reconsider
four areas having a Idaho jurisdictional combined revenue requirement impact of
approximately $8 million annually. Included in these areas is an item that
relates to a $3.3 million expense credit received in 2006 as a result of
successful litigation with the FERC and other federal agencies (FERC Credit).
In the order, the IPUC directed IPC to refund the FERC Credit to customers over
a five year period, thereby reducing IPCs annual revenue requirement by
approximately $0.7 million during such period. IPC believes that this was
contrary to Idaho law. If IPC is unsuccessful in its challenge of the IPUCs
ruling on FERC fees, it will recognize a loss for some or all of this amount.
2007
General Rate Case: On June 8, 2007,
IPC filed an application with the IPUC requesting an average rate increase of
10.35 percent ($63.9 million annually). On February 28, 2008, the IPUC
approved a settlement stipulation that included an average increase in base
rates of 5.2 percent (approximately $32.1 million annually), effective March 1,
2008. The settlement did not specify an overall rate of return or a return on
equity.
Danskin
CT1 Power Plant Rate Case: On March
7, 2008, IPC filed an application with the IPUC requesting recovery of construction
costs associated with the gas-fired Danskin CT1 plant located near Mountain
Home, Idaho. Danskin CT1 began commercial operations on March 11, 2008. IPC
requested adding to rate base approximately $65 million attributable to the
cost of constructing the generating facility and the related transmission and
interconnection facilities, which would have resulted in a base rate increase
of 1.39 percent, or approximately $9 million in annual revenues.
On May 30, 2008, the IPUC
authorized IPC to add to its rate base $64.2 million for the Danskin CT1 plant
and related facilities, effective June 1, 2008, resulting in a base rate
increase of 1.37 percent, or $8.9 million in annual revenues. Costs not
approved in this order will be included in future filings.
Deferred Net Power Supply
Costs
IPCs deferred net power supply costs
consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|||
Idaho PCA current year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferral for the 2008-2009 rate year(1) |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
85,732 |
|
Deferral for the 2009-2010 rate year |
|
93,657 |
|
|
- |
Idaho PCA true-up awaiting recovery: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized May 2007 |
|
- |
|
|
6,591 |
|
Authorized May 2008 |
|
47,164 |
|
|
- |
Oregon deferral: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 costs |
|
1,663 |
|
|
2,993 |
|
2006 costs |
|
1,215 |
|
|
2,107 |
|
2008 PCAM |
|
5,400 |
|
|
- |
|
Total deferral |
$ |
149,099 |
|
$ |
97,423 |
|
||||||
(1) The 2008-2009 PCA deferral balance is reduced by $16.5 million of emission allowance sales in 2007. |
Idaho: IPC has a PCA mechanism that provides for annual
adjustments to the rates charged to its Idaho retail customers. The PCA tracks
IPCs actual net power supply costs (fuel and purchased power less off-system
sales) and compares these amounts to net power supply costs currently being
recovered in retail rates.
97
The annual adjustments are
based on two components:
A forecast component, based on a forecast of net power supply costs in the coming year as compared to net power supply costs in base rates; and
A true-up component, based on the difference between the previous years actual net power supply costs and the previous years forecast. This component also includes a balancing mechanism so that, over time, the actual collection or refund of authorized true-up dollars matches the amounts authorized. The true-up component is calculated monthly, and interest is applied to the balance.
Prior to February 1, 2009,
the PCA mechanism provided that 90 percent of deviations in power supply costs
were to be reflected in IPCs rates for both the forecast and the true-up
components.
2008-2009 PCA: On May 30, 2008, the IPUC approved IPCs 2008-2009
PCA and an increase to existing revenues of $73.3 million, effective June 1,
2008, which resulted in an average rate increase to IPCs customers of 10.7
percent. The IPUCs order adopted an IPUC Staff proposal to use a normal
forecast for power supply costs. The revenue increase is net of $16.5 million
of gains from the 2007 sale of excess SO2 emission allowances,
including interest, which the IPUC ordered be applied against the PCA.
2007-2008 PCA:
On May 31, 2007, the IPUC approved IPCs 2007-2008 PCA filing. The filing
increased the PCA component of customers rates from the then-existing level,
which was $46.8 million below base rates, to a level that is $30.7 million
above those base rates. This $77.5 million increase was net of $69.1 million
of proceeds from sales of excess SO2 emission allowances. The new
rates became effective June 1, 2007.
Emission
Allowances: During 2007, IPC sold
35,000 SO2 emission allowances for a total of $19.6 million. The
sales proceeds allocated to the Idaho jurisdiction were approximately $18.5
million. On April 14, 2008, the IPUC ordered that $16.4 million of these
proceeds, including interest, be used to help offset the PCA true-up balances
from the 2007-2008 PCA. The order also provided that $0.5 million may be used
to fund an energy education program.
In 2005 and early 2006, IPC
sold 78,000 SO2 emission allowances for a total of $81.6 million.
The sales proceeds allocated to the Idaho jurisdiction were approximately $76.8
million. On May 12, 2006, the IPUC approved a stipulation that allowed IPC to
retain ten percent as a shareholder benefit with the remaining 90 percent plus
a carrying charge recorded as a customer benefit. This customer benefit was used
to partially offset the PCA true-up balance and was reflected in PCA rates in
effect from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008.
Oregon: On April 30, 2007, IPC filed for an accounting order
with the OPUC to defer net power supply costs for the period from May 1, 2007,
through April 30, 2008, in anticipation of higher than normal (higher than
base) power supply expenses. In the filing, IPC included a forecast of Oregons
jurisdictional share of excess power supply costs of $5.7 million. A hearing
is set for April 16, 2009.
On April 28, 2006, IPC filed
for an accounting order with the OPUC to defer net power supply costs for the
period of May 1, 2006, through April 30, 2007. A settlement agreement was
reached with the OPUC Staff and the Citizens Utility Board in the amount of $2
million, which was approved by the OPUC on December 13, 2007.
The timing of future recovery
of Oregon power supply cost deferrals is subject to an Oregon statute that
specifically limits rate amortizations of deferred costs to six percent of
gross Oregon revenue per year. IPC is currently amortizing through rates power
supply costs associated with the western energy situation of 2000 and 2001,
which is discussed further under Note 7 - LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES -
Western Energy Proceeding at the FERC. Full recovery of the 2001 deferral is
not expected until 2009. The 2006-2007 and the 2007-2008 deferrals would have
to be amortized sequentially following the full recovery of the 2001 deferral.
Oregon Power Cost Recovery
Mechanism: On August 17, 2007, IPC
filed an application with the OPUC requesting the approval of a power cost
recovery mechanism similar to the Idaho PCA. A joint stipulation was filed
with the OPUC on March 14, 2008, and the OPUC approved the stipulation on April
28, 2008.
98
The stipulation and OPUC
order established a power cost recovery mechanism with two components: the annual
power cost update (APCU) and the power cost adjustment mechanism (PCAM). The
combination of the APCU and the PCAM allows IPC to recover excess net power
supply costs in a more timely fashion than through the previously existing
deferral process.
APCU: The APCU allows IPC to
reestablish its Oregon base net power supply costs annually, separate from a
general rate case, and to forecast net power supply costs for the upcoming
water year. The APCU has two components: the October Update, where each
October IPC calculates its estimated normalized net power supply expenses for
the following April through March test period, and the March Forecast, where
each March IPC files a forecast of its expected net power supply expenses for
the same test period, updated for a number of variables including the most
recent stream flow data and future wholesale electric prices. On June 1 of each
year, rates are adjusted to reflect costs calculated in the APCU.
On October 29, 2007, IPC
filed the October Update portion of its 2008 APCU with the OPUC reflecting the
estimated net power supply expenses for the April 2008 through March 2009 test
period. On March 24, 2008, IPC submitted testimony to the OPUC revising its
calculation of the October Update to conform to the methodology agreed to by
the parties in the stipulation. IPC also submitted the March Forecast,
reflecting expected hydroelectric generating conditions and forward prices for
the April 2008 through March 2009 test period. The expected power supply costs
of $150 million represented an increase of approximately $23 million over the
October Update.
On May 20, 2008, the OPUC
approved IPCs 2008 APCU (comprising both the October Update and the March
Forecast) with the new rates effective June 1, 2008. The approved APCU
resulted in a $4.8 million, or 15.69 percent, increase in Oregon revenues.
On October 23, 2008, IPC
filed the October Update portion of its 2009 APCU with the OPUC. The filing,
combined with supplemental testimony filed on December 1, 2008, reflects that
revenues associated with IPCs base net power supply costs would be increased
by $1.6 million over the previous October Update, an average 4.55 percent
increase. The October Update will be combined with the March Forecast portion
of the 2009 APCU, with final rates expected to become effective on June 1,
2009.
PCAM: The PCAM is a true-up
to be filed annually in February. The filing calculates the deviation between
actual net power supply expenses incurred for the preceding calendar year and
the net power supply expenses recovered through the APCU for the same period.
Under the PCAM, IPC is subject to a portion of the business risk or benefit
associated with this deviation through application of an asymmetrical deadband (or
range of deviations) within which IPC absorbs cost increases or decreases. For
deviations in actual power supply costs outside of the deadband, the PCAM
provides for 90/10 sharing of costs and benefits between customers and IPC.
However, a collection will occur only to the extent that it results in IPCs
actual return on equity (ROE) for the year being no greater than 100 basis
points below IPCs last authorized ROE. A refund will occur only to the extent
that it results in IPCs actual ROE for that year being no less than 100 basis
points above IPCs last authorized ROE. The PCAM rate is then added to or
subtracted from the APCU rate, with new combined rates effective each June 1.
On October 6, 2008, the OPUC
provided an order clarifying that the PCAM is a deferral under the Oregon
statute. IPC expects that deferrals under the PCAM component will be subject
to the six percent limitation on annual amortization discussed above. IPC had
$5.4 million deferred under the PCAM as of December 31, 2008.
Fixed Cost Adjustment
Mechanism (FCA)
On March 12, 2007, the IPUC approved
the implementation of a FCA mechanism pilot program for IPCs residential and small
general service customers. The FCA is a rate mechanism designed to remove IPCs
disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by separating (or
decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the variable kilowatt-hour charge
and linking it instead to a set amount per customer. In the FCA, for each
customer class, the number of customers is multiplied by a fixed cost per
customer. The cost per customer is based on IPCs revenue requirement as
established in a general rate case. This authorized fixed cost recovery amount
is compared to the amount of fixed costs actually recovered by IPC. The amount
of over- or under-recovery is then returned to or collected from customers in a
subsequent rate adjustment. The pilot program began on January 1, 2007, and
runs through 2009, with the first rate adjustment occurring on June 1, 2008,
and subsequent rate adjustments occurring on June 1 of each year during its
term.
99
On March 14, 2008, IPC filed
an application requesting a $2.4 million rate reduction under the FCA pilot
program for the net over-recovery of fixed costs during 2007. On May 30, 2008,
the IPUC approved the rate reduction of $2.4 million to be distributed to
residential and small general service customer classes equally on an energy
used basis during the June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009, FCA year. IPC
deferred $2.5 million of FCA net under-recovery of fixed costs during 2008.
Idaho Energy Efficiency
Rider (Rider) Prudency Review
IPCs Rider is the chief funding mechanism for IPCs investment in
conservation, energy efficiency and demand response programs. Effective June
1, 2008, IPC collects 2.5 percent of base revenues, or approximately $17
million annually, under the Rider. Prior to that date, IPC collected 1.5
percent of base revenues, with funding caps for residential and irrigation
customers.
In the 2008 general rate
case, IPC requested that the IPUC explicitly find that IPCs expenditures
between 2002 and 2007 of $29 million of funds obtained from the Rider were
prudently incurred and would, therefore, no longer be subject to potential disallowance.
The IPUC Staff recommended that the IPUC defer a prudency determination for
these expenditures until IPC was able to provide a comprehensive evaluation
package of its programs and efforts. IPC contended that sufficient information
had already been provided to the IPUC Staff for review.
On February 18, 2009, IPC
filed a stipulation with the IPUC reflecting an agreement with the IPUC Staff
on $14.3 million of the Rider funds. The IPUC Staff agreed that this portion
of the Rider expenditures were prudently incurred. IPC and the IPUC Staff agreed
to continue to exchange information and discuss settlement with regard to the
remaining $14.7 million, and IPC will file a pleading with the IPUC by April 1,
2009 seeking a prudency determination on the remainder. If resolution with
respect to the remaining $14.7 million cannot be reached in the proceedings
stemming from the April 1 filing, IPC and the IPUC Staff will recommend a
procedure to allow the IPUC to make such a determination.
Open Access Transmission
Tariff (OATT)
On March 24, 2006, IPC submitted a
revised OATT filing with the FERC requesting an increase in transmission
rates. In the filing, IPC proposed to move from a fixed rate to a formula
rate, which allows for transmission rates to be updated each year based on financial
and operational data IPC files annually with the FERC in its Form 1. The
formula rate request included a rate of return on equity of 11.25 percent. IPCs
filing was opposed by several affected parties. Effective June 1, 2006, the
FERC accepted IPCs proposed new rates, subject to refund pending the outcome
of the hearing and settlement process.
On August 8, 2007, the FERC
approved a settlement agreement by the parties on all issues except the
treatment of contracts for transmission service that contain their own terms,
conditions and rates that were in existence before the implementation of OATT
in 1996 (Legacy Agreements). This settlement reduced IPCs proposed new rates
and, as a result, approximately $1.7 million collected in excess of the
settlement rates between June 1, 2006, and July 31, 2007, was refunded with
interest in August 2007. As part of the settlement agreement, the FERC
established an authorized rate of return on equity of 10.7 percent.
On August 31, 2007, the FERC
Presiding Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued an initial decision (Initial
Decision) with respect to the treatment of the Legacy Agreements, which would
have further reduced the new transmission rates. IPC, as well as the opposing
parties, appealed the Initial Decision to the FERC. If implemented, the
Initial Decision would have required IPC to make additional refunds, including
interest, of approximately $5.4 million (including $0.4 million of interest)
for the June 1, 2006, through December 31, 2008, period. IPC previously
reserved this entire amount.
100
On January 15, 2009, the FERC
issued an Order on Initial Decision (FERC Order), which upheld the Initial
Decision of the ALJ in most respects, but modified the Initial Decision in one
respect that is unfavorable to IPC. The decision requires IPC to reduce its
transmission service rates to FERC jurisdictional customers. Furthermore, IPC
is required to make refunds to FERC jurisdictional transmission customers in
the total amount of $13.3 million (including $1.1 million in interest) for the
period since the new rates went into effect in June 2006. Based on the FERC
Order IPC has reserved an additional $7.9 million (including $0.7 million in
interest) in the fourth quarter of 2008, bringing the total reserve amount to
$13.3 million. Prior to the FERC Order, the FERC jurisdictional transmission
revenues (net of the $5 million reserve) recorded in the last seven months of
2006, all of 2007 and 2008 were $8.1 million, $13.3 million and $15.8 million,
respectively. Under the FERC Order, the transmission revenues would have been
$6.4 million in the last seven month of 2006, $11 million in 2007 and $12.6
million in 2008. Refunds were made on February 25, 2009.
IPC filed a request for
rehearing with the FERC on February 17, 2009. IPC believes that the treatment
of the Legacy Agreements conflicts with precedent. The rehearing request
asserts that the FERC order is in error by: (1) requiring IPC to include the
contract demands associated with the Legacy Agreements in the OATT formula rate
divisor rather than crediting the revenue from the Legacy Agreements against
IPCs transmission revenue requirement; (2) concluding that IPC must include
the contract demands associated with the Legacy Agreements rather than the
customers coincident peak demands; (3) concluding that the transmission rate
contained in one or more of the Legacy Agreements was not a discounted rate;
(4) failing to consider the non-monetary benefits received by IPC from the
Legacy Agreements; (5) concluding that the services provided under the Legacy
Agreements are firm services and therefore should be handled for rate purposes
in the same manner as firm services under the OATT; and (6) failing to affirm
the rate treatment that has been used for the Legacy Agreements for
approximately 30 years.
Pension Expense
In the 2003 Idaho general rate case,
the IPUC disallowed recovery of pension expense because there were no current
cash contributions being made to the pension plan. On March 20, 2007, IPC
requested that the IPUC clarify that IPC can consider future cash contributions
made to the pension plan a recoverable cost of service. On June 1, 2007, the
IPUC issued an order authorizing IPC to account for its defined benefit pension
expense on a cash basis, and to defer and account for pension expense under
SFAS 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, as a regulatory asset. The
IPUC acknowledged that it is appropriate for IPC to seek recovery in its
revenue requirement of reasonable and prudently incurred pension expense based
on actual cash contributions. The regulatory asset created by this order is
expected to be amortized to expense to match the revenues received when future
pension contributions are recovered through rates. The deferral of pension
expense did not begin until $4.1 million of past contributions still recorded
on the balance sheet at December 31, 2006, were expensed. For 2007,
approximately $2.8 million was deferred to a regulatory asset beginning in the
third quarter. In 2008, $7.9 million of pension expense was deferred. IPC did
not request a carrying charge on the deferral balance.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Purchase Obligations:
As of December 31, 2008, IPC had
signed agreements to purchase energy from 92 CSPP facilities with contracts ranging
from one to 30 years. Seventy-nine of these facilities, with a combined
nameplate capacity of 267 megawatts (MW), were on-line at the end of 2008; the
other 13 facilities under contract, with a combined nameplate capacity of 190
MW, are projected to come on-line during 2009 and 2010. The majority of the
new facilities will be wind resources which will generate on an intermittent
basis. During 2008, IPC purchased 756,014 megawatt-hours (MWh) from these
projects at a cost of $45.9 million, resulting in a blended price of 6.1 cents
per kilowatt hour. IPC purchased 777,147 megawatt-hours at a cost of $45
million in 2007 and 911,132 MWh at a cost of $54 million in 2006.
At December 31, 2008, IPC had
the following long-term commitments relating to purchases of energy, capacity,
transmission rights and fuel:
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
Thereafter |
||||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||||||||
Cogeneration and small |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
power production |
$ |
73,684 |
$ |
76,150 |
$ |
95,579 |
$ |
97,234 |
$ |
94,888 |
$ |
1,334,434 |
|
Power and transmission |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
rights |
|
84,040 |
|
19,013 |
|
15,035 |
|
2,655 |
|
2,655 |
|
10,455 |
|
Fuel |
|
65,808 |
|
27,179 |
|
26,891 |
|
6,895 |
|
9,664 |
|
90,320 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
101
In addition, IDACORP has the
following long-term commitments for lease guarantees, equipment, maintenance
and services, and industry related fees.
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
Thereafter |
|||||||||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating leases |
$ |
3,132 |
$ |
2,785 |
$ |
2,327 |
$ |
1,799 |
$ |
1,795 |
$ |
24,054 |
|
||||||
Equipment, maintenance, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
and service agreements |
|
82,075 |
|
23,284 |
|
21,820 |
|
1,783 |
|
1,724 |
|
6,896 |
|
|||||
FERC and other industry |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
related fees |
|
3,922 |
|
3,922 |
|
3,922 |
|
3,922 |
|
3,922 |
|
19,612 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
IDACORPs expense for
operating leases was approximately $3 million in 2008, $3 million in 2007 and
$4 million in 2006.
Guarantees
IPC has agreed to guarantee the
performance of reclamation activities at Bridger Coal Company of which Idaho
Energy Resources Co., a subsidiary of IPC, owns a one-third interest. This
guarantee, which is renewed each December, was $60 million at December 31,
2008. Bridger Coal Company has a reclamation trust fund set aside specifically
for the purpose of paying these reclamation costs. Bridger Coal Company and
IPC expect that the fund will be sufficient to cover all such costs. Because
of the existence of the fund, the estimated fair value of this guarantee is
minimal.
Legal
Proceedings
Western Energy Proceedings at the FERC: Throughout this report, the term western energy situation
is used to refer to the California energy crisis that occurred during 2000 and
2001, and the energy shortages, high prices and blackouts in the western United
States. High prices for electricity in California and in western wholesale
markets during 2000 and 2001 caused numerous purchasers of electricity in those
markets to initiate proceedings seeking refunds. Some of these proceedings
(the western energy proceedings) remain pending before the FERC or on appeal to
the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit).
There are pending in the Ninth Circuit approximately 200 petitions
for review of numerous FERC orders regarding the western energy situation,
including the California refund proceeding, show cause orders with respect to
contentions of market manipulation, and the Pacific Northwest proceedings.
Decisions in these appeals may have implications with respect to other pending
cases, including those to which IDACORP, IPC or IE are parties. IDACORP, IPC
and IE intend to vigorously defend their positions in these proceedings, but
are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, except as otherwise stated
below, or estimate the impact they may have on their consolidated financial
positions, results of operations or cash flows.
California Refund: This proceeding originated with an effort by agencies of the
State of California and investor owned utilities in California to obtain
refunds for a portion of the spot market sales from sellers of electricity into
California markets from October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001. In April 2001,
the FERC issued an order stating that it was establishing a price mitigation
plan for sales in the California wholesale electricity market. The FERCs
order also included the potential for directing electricity sellers into
California from October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001, to refund portions of
their spot market sales prices if the FERC determined that those prices were
not just and reasonable. In July 2001, the FERC initiated the California
refund proceeding including evidentiary hearings to determine the scope and
methodology for determining refunds. After evidentiary hearings, the FERC
issued an order on refund liability on March 26, 2003, and later denied the
numerous requests for rehearing. The FERC also required the California
Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) to make a compliance filing calculating
refund amounts. That compliance filing has been delayed on a number of
occasions and has not yet been filed with the FERC.
102
IE and other parties petitioned the Ninth
Circuit for review of the FERCs orders on California refunds. As additional
FERC orders have been issued, further petitions for review have been filed by
potential refund payors, including IE, potential refund recipients and
governmental agencies. These cases have been consolidated before the Ninth
Circuit. Since the initiation of these cases, the Ninth Circuit has convened a
series of case management proceedings to organize these complex cases, while
identifying and severing discrete cases that can proceed to briefing and
decision and staying action on all of the other consolidated cases.
In
its October 2005 decision in the first of the severed cases, the Ninth Circuit
concluded that the FERC lacked refund authority over wholesale electrical
energy sales made by governmental entities and non-public utilities. In its
August 2006 decision in the second severed case, the Ninth Circuit ruled that
all transactions that occurred within the California Power Exchange (CalPX) and
the Cal ISO markets were proper subjects of the refund proceeding, refused to
expand the proceedings into the bilateral market, approved the refund effective
date as October 2, 2000, and required the FERC to consider claims that some
market participants had violated governing tariff obligations at an earlier
date than the refund effective date and expanded the scope of the refund
proceeding to include transactions within the CalPX and Cal ISO markets outside
the limited 24-hour spot market and energy exchange transactions. These latter
aspects of the decision exposed sellers to increased claims for potential
refunds.
In
2005, the FERC established a framework for sellers wanting to demonstrate that
the generally applicable FERC refund methodology interfered with the recovery
of costs. IE and IPC made such a cost filing but it was rejected by the FERC
in March 2006. IE and IPC requested rehearing of that rejection and that
request remains pending before the FERC. IE and IPC are unable to predict how
or when the FERC might rule on the request for rehearing, but its effect is
confined to the minority of market participants that opted not to join the
settlement described below. Accordingly, IE and IPC believe
this matter will not have a material adverse effect on their consolidated
financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.
On
February 17, 2006, IE and IPC jointly filed with the California Parties
(Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company,
Southern California Edison Company, the California Public Utilities Commission,
the California Electricity Oversight Board, the California Department of Water
Resources and the California Attorney General) an Offer of Settlement at the
FERC settling matters encompassed by the
California refund proceeding, as well as other FERC proceedings and
investigations relating to the western energy matters, including IEs and IPCs
cost filing and refund obligation. A number of other parties, representing a
small minority of potential refund claims, chose to opt out of the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, IE and IPC assigned $24.25 million of the
rights to accounts receivable from the Cal ISO and CalPX to the California
Parties to pay into an escrow account for refunds to settling parties. Amounts
from that escrow not used for settling parties and $1.5 million of the
remaining IE and IPC receivables that are to be retained by the CalPX are
available to fund, at least partially, payment of the claims of any non-settling
parties if they prevail in the remaining litigation of this matter. Any excess
funds remaining at the end of the case are to be returned to IPC and IE.
Approximately $10.25 million of the remaining IE and IPC receivables was paid
to IE and IPC under the settlement. In addition, the California Parties
released IE and IPC from other claims stemming from the western energy market
dysfunctions. The FERC approved the Offer of
Settlement on May 22, 2006.
On October 24, 2006, the Port of Seattle petitioned the Ninth
Circuit for review of the FERC orders approving the settlement. On October 25,
2007, the Ninth Circuit lifted the stay as to the Port of Seattles appeal
along with two other cases and severed the three cases from the remainder of
the consolidated cases. On December 2, 2008, the Ninth Circuit filed an order
dismissing the Port of Seattle petitions for review. That dismissal order is
now final.
Market
Manipulation: As part of
the California refund proceeding discussed above and the Pacific Northwest
refund proceeding discussed below, the FERC issued an order permitting
discovery and the submission of evidence regarding market manipulation by
sellers during the western energy situation. On June 25, 2003, the FERC ordered more than 50 entities that
participated in the western wholesale power markets between January 1, 2000,
and June 20, 2001, including IPC, to show cause why certain trading practices
did not constitute gaming (gaming) or other forms of proscribed market
behavior in concert with another party (partnership) in violation of the Cal
ISO and CalPX Tariffs. In 2004, the FERC dismissed the partnership show
cause proceeding against IPC. The order dismissing IPC from the partnership
proceedings was not the subject of rehearing requests and is now final. Later
in 2004, the FERC approved a settlement of the gaming proceeding without
finding of wrongdoing by IPC. The Port of Seattle was the only party to appeal
the FERC orders approving the gaming settlement. On December
8, 2008, the Ninth Circuit issued an order dismissing that appeal. The
dismissal order is now final.
103
The
orders establishing the scope of the show cause proceedings are presently the
subject of review petitions in the Ninth Circuit. In addition to the two show
cause orders, on June 25, 2003, the FERC also issued an order instituting an
investigation of anomalous bidding behavior and practices in the western
wholesale markets for the time period May 1, 2000, through October 1, 2000, to
enable it to review evidence of economic withholding of generation. IPC, along
with more than 60 other market participants, responded to the FERC data
requests. The FERC terminated its investigations as to IPC on May 12, 2004.
Although California government agencies and California investor-owned utilities
have appealed the FERCs termination of this investigation as to IPC and more
than 30 other market participants, the claims regarding the conduct encompassed
by these investigations were released by these parties in the California refund
settlement discussed above. IE and IPC are unable to predict the outcome of
these matters, but believe that the releases govern any potential claims that
might arise and that this matter will not have a
material adverse effect on their consolidated financial positions, results of
operations or cash flows.
Pacific Northwest Refund: On July 25, 2001, the FERC issued an order establishing a
proceeding separate from the California refund proceeding to determine whether
there may have been unjust and unreasonable charges for spot market sales in
the Pacific Northwest during the period December 25, 2000, through June 20,
2001, because the spot market in the
Pacific Northwest was affected by the dysfunction in the California market. In late 2001, a FERC Administrative Law Judge concluded
that the contracts at issue were governed by the substantially more strict Mobile-Sierra
standard of review rather than the just and reasonable standard, that the
Pacific Northwest spot markets were competitive and that refunds should not be
allowed. After the Judges recommendation was issued, the FERC reopened the
proceeding to allow the submission of additional evidence directly to the FERC
related to alleged manipulation of the power market by market participants. In
2003, the FERC terminated the proceeding and declined to order refunds.
Multiple parties filed petitions for review in the Ninth Circuit and in 2007
the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion, remanding to the FERC the orders that
declined to require refunds. The Ninth Circuits opinion instructed the FERC
to consider whether evidence of market manipulation would have altered the agencys
conclusions about refunds and directed the FERC to include sales to the
California Department of Water Resources proceeding. A number of parties have
sought rehearing of the Ninth Circuits decision. IE and IPC intend to
vigorously defend their positions in this proceeding, but are unable to predict
the outcome of this matter or estimate the impact it may have on their
consolidated financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.
In separate western energy proceedings,
the Ninth Circuit issued two decisions on December 19, 2006, regarding the FERCs
decision not to require repricing of certain long-term contracts. Those cases
originated with individual complaints against specified sellers which did not
include IE or IPC. The Ninth Circuit remanded to the FERC for additional
consideration the agencys use of restrictive standards of contract review. In
its decisions, the Ninth Circuit also questioned the validity of the FERCs
administration of its market-based rate regime. On June 26, 2008, the U.S.
Supreme Court issued a decision in one of these cases, Morgan Stanley Capital
Group Inc. v. Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County (No. 06-1457)
(Snohomish), and revisited and clarified the Mobile-Sierra doctrine in
the context of fixed-rate, forward power contracts. At issue was whether, and
under what circumstances, the FERC could modify the rates in such contracts on
the grounds that there was a dysfunctional market at the time the contracts
were executed. In its decision, the Supreme Court disagreed with many of the
conclusions reached by the Ninth Circuit and upheld the application of the Mobile-Sierra
doctrine even in cases in which it is alleged that the markets were
dysfunctional. The Supreme Court nonetheless directed the return of the case
to the FERC to (i) consider whether the challenged rates in the case
constituted an excessive burden on consumers either at the time the contracts
were formed or during the term of the contracts relative to the rates that
could have been obtained after elimination of the dysfunctional market and (ii)
clarify whether it found the evidence inadequate to support a claim that one of
the parties to a contract under consideration engaged in unlawful market
manipulation that altered the playing field for the particular contract
negotiations-that is, whether there was a causal connection between allegedly
unlawful activity and the contract rate. On November 3, 2008, the Ninth
Circuit vacated its earlier decision and remanded the case to the FERC for
further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Courts decision. On December
18, 2008, the FERC issued its order on remand, establishing settlement
proceedings and paper hearing procedures to supplement the record and permit it
to respond to the questions specified by the Supreme Court.
104
This decision is expected to have general implications for
contracts in the wholesale electric markets regulated by the FERC, and
particular implications for forward power contracts in such markets. The
Snohomish decision upholds the application of the Mobile-Sierra doctrine
to fixed-rate, forward power contracts even in allegedly dysfunctional markets.
IPC and IE have asserted the Mobile-Sierra doctrine in the
Pacific Northwest proceeding, involving spot market contracts in an allegedly
dysfunctional market. IDACORP, IPC and IE are unable to predict how the FERC
will rule on Snohomish on remand or how this decision will affect the outcome
of the Pacific Northwest proceeding.
Western Shoshone National
Council: On April 10, 2006, the
Western Shoshone National Council (which purports to be the governing body of
the Western Shoshone Nation) and certain of its individual tribal members filed
a First Amended Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial in the U.S. District Court
for the District of Nevada, naming IPC and other unrelated entities as
defendants. Plaintiffs allege that IPCs ownership interest in certain land,
minerals, water or other resources was converted and fraudulently conveyed from
lands in which the plaintiffs had historical ownership rights and Indian title
dating back to the 1860s or before.
On May 31, 2007, the U.S. District Court granted the defendants motion to
dismiss stating that the plaintiffs claims are barred by the finality
provision of the Indian Claims Commission Act. Plaintiffs filed a motion for
reconsideration which the District Court denied. On January 25, 2008, the
District Court entered judgment in favor of IPC. Plaintiffs filed a Notice of
Appeal to the Ninth Circuit. The parties have filed briefs on appeal. Oral
argument on the appeal has not yet been scheduled. IPC intends to vigorously
defend its position in this proceeding, but is unable to predict the outcome of
this matter or estimate the impact it may have on IPCs consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Sierra Club Lawsuit-Bridger: In February 2007, the Sierra Club and the Wyoming
Outdoor Council filed a complaint against PacifiCorp in federal district court
in Cheyenne, Wyoming alleging violations of air quality opacity standards at
the Jim Bridger coal fired plant in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Opacity is an
indication of the amount of light obscured in the flue gas of a power plant. A
formal answer to the complaint was filed by PacifiCorp on April 2, 2007, in
which PacifiCorp denied almost all of the allegations and asserted a number of
affirmative defenses. IPC is not a party to this proceeding but has a one-third
ownership interest in the Plant. PacifiCorp owns a two-thirds interest and is
the operator of the Plant. The complaint alleges thousands of opacity permit
limit violations by PacifiCorp and seeks a declaration that PacifiCorp has
violated opacity limits, a permanent injunction ordering PacifiCorp to comply
with such limits, civil penalties of up to $32,500 per day per violation, and
reimbursement of the plaintiffs costs of litigation, including reasonable
attorney fees.
Discovery
in the matter was completed on October 15, 2007. Also in October 2007, the
plaintiffs and defendant filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the
alleged opacity compliance status of the Plant. The court has not yet ruled on
these motions. On July 7, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a motion requesting the
court to schedule a date for oral argument on the pending motions for summary
judgment. On July 17, 2008, PacifiCorp filed an opposition to plaintiffs
motion based on the courts order on Initial Pretrial Conference, which stated
that dispositive motions will be decided on the briefs without oral argument.
On November 19, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a motion to refer the pending
motions for summary judgment to magistrate judge for recommendation decision.
On December 2, 2008, PacifiCorp filed an opposition to plaintiffs motion. The
court has yet to rule on either motion filed by plaintiffs. IPC continues to
monitor the status of this matter but is unable to predict the outcome of this
matter or estimate the impact it may have on its consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Sierra Club Lawsuit Boardman:
On September 30, 2008, Sierra Club and
four other non-profit corporations filed a complaint against Portland General
Electric Company (PGE) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
alleging opacity permit limit violations at the Boardman coal-fired power plant
located in Morrow County, Oregon. The complaint also alleges violations of the
Clean Air Act, related federal regulations and the Oregon State Implementation
Plan relating to PGEs construction and operation of the plant. The complaint
seeks a declaration that PGE has violated opacity limits, a permanent
injunction ordering PGE to comply with such limits, injunctive relief requiring
PGE to remediate alleged environmental damage and ongoing impacts, civil
penalties of up to $32,500 per day per violation and the plaintiffs cost of
litigation, including reasonable attorney fees. IPC is not a party to this
proceeding but has a 10 percent ownership interest in the Boardman plant. PGE
owns 65 percent and is the operator of the plant.
105
On December 5, 2008, PGE filed a motion to
dismiss nine of the twelve claims asserted by plaintiffs in their complaint,
alleging among other arguments that certain claims are barred by the statute of
limitations or fail to state a claim upon which the court can grant relief.
Plaintiffs response to the motion is due March 6, 2009, and PGEs reply is due
April 3, 2009. IPC intends to monitor the status of this matter but is unable
to predict its outcome or what effect this matter may have on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Snake River Basin Adjudication: IPC is engaged in the Snake River Basin
Adjudication (SRBA), a general stream adjudication, commenced in 1987, to
define the nature and extent of water rights in the Snake River basin in Idaho,
including the water rights of IPC. The initiation of the SRBA resulted from
the Swan Falls Agreement, an agreement entered into by IPC and the Governor and
Attorney General of Idaho in October 1984 to resolve litigation relating to IPCs
water rights at its Swan Falls project. IPC has filed claims to its water
rights for hydropower and other uses in the SRBA. Other water users in the
basin have also filed claims to water rights. Parties to the SRBA may file
objections to water right claims that adversely affect or injure their claimed
water rights and the Idaho District Court for the Fifth Judicial District,
which has jurisdiction over SRBA matters, then adjudicates the claims and objections
and enters a decree defining a partys water rights. IPC has filed claims for
all of its hydropower water rights in the SRBA, is actively protecting those
water rights, and is objecting to claims that may potentially injure or affect
those water rights. One such claim involves a notice of claim of ownership
filed on December 22, 2006, by the State of Idaho, for a portion of the water
rights held by IPC that are subject to the Swan Falls Agreement.
On May 10, 2007, in order to protect its claims and the
availability of water for power purposes at its facilities, and in response to
the claim of ownership filed by the State of Idaho, IPC filed a complaint and
petition for declaratory and injunctive relief regarding the status and nature
of IPCs water rights and the respective rights and responsibilities of the
parties under the Swan Falls Agreement. The complaint was filed in the Idaho
District Court for the Fifth Judicial District, the court with jurisdiction
over the SRBA, against the State of Idaho, the Governor, the Attorney General,
the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and the Director of the IDWR.
In conjunction with the filing of the complaint and petition, IPC
filed motions with the court to stay all pending proceedings involving the
water rights of IPC and to consolidate those proceedings into a single action
where all issues relating to the Swan Falls Agreement can be determined.
IPC alleged in the complaint, among other things, that contrary to
the parties belief at the time the Swan Falls Agreement was entered into in
1984, the Snake River basin above Swan Falls was over-appropriated and as a
consequence there was not in 1984, and there currently is not, water available
for new upstream uses over and above the minimum flows established by the Swan
Falls Agreement; that because of this mutual mistake of fact relating to the
over-appropriation of the basin, the Swan Falls Agreement should be reformed;
that the states December 22, 2006, claim of ownership to IPCs water rights
should be denied; and that the Swan Falls Agreement did not subordinate IPCs
water rights to aquifer recharge.
On April 18, 2008, the court issued a Memorandum Decision and
Order on Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment upholding the Swan Falls Agreement.
Under the Swan Falls Agreement, water rights in excess of the minimum flows
established by the agreement are held in trust by the State of Idaho for the
use and benefit of IPC and the people of the State of Idaho. Water above these
minimum flows is available for subsequent consumptive beneficial uses that are
approved in accordance with state law. The court further held that to the
extent that the state is not meeting the minimum flows or it is anticipated
that the minimum flows will not be met, IPCs water rights that are held in
trust are not available for subsequent appropriations and that any
appropriations already in place may be subject to curtailment in order to meet
the minimum flows. The court found that it was not necessary to address the
issue of mutual mistake of fact relating to the over-appropriation of the basin
because it found that it was water rights that were the subject of the trust
arrangement and not the water itself. The court also stated that issues
relating to water availability relate to the administration of water rights and
should be addressed, as necessary, in an administrative action before the IDWR.
106
The court did not decide the
issue of whether the Swan Falls Agreement subordinated IPCs water rights to
groundwater recharge. The State of Idaho and IPC filed summary judgment
motions on the recharge issue and completed briefing on the issue. The court
held a hearing on December 4, 2008 on the summary judgment motions. After
argument, the court took the matter under advisement. IPC is unable to predict
how the court will rule on the issue of whether the Swan Falls Agreement
subordinated IPCs water rights to groundwater recharge. Based upon recent
developments, however, resolution of that issue is not expected to have a
significant effect on the availability of water to IPCs hydropower
facilities. IPC is cooperating with the State of Idaho and other water users
through an advisory committee in the development of the CAMP to protect and
enhance water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) and the
connected Snake River. Many CAMP committee members had early expectations that
groundwater recharge would be a significant component of the plan and while
many believe that groundwater recharge is a very high-priority issue, further
study and review has revealed that significant groundwater recharge is not
feasible due to the complex hydrogeology of the ESPA, the lack of
infrastructure, and the requirement of compliance with water quality and other
environmental standards. IPC is currently engaged in a 3 to 5 year pilot
study, in cooperation with IDWR and water users, to determine the temporal and
spatial impacts and/or benefits of recharging, a maximum of 30,000 acre-feet of
water downstream of American Falls Reservoir on the ESPA Aquifer and the Snake
River.
IPC has also filed an action in federal court against the United
States Bureau of Reclamation to enforce a contract right for delivery of water
to its hydropower projects on the Snake River. In 1923, IPC and the United States
entered into a contract that facilitated the development of the American Falls
Reservoir by the United States on the Snake River in southeast Idaho. This
1923 contract entitles IPC to 45,000 acrefeet of primary storage capacity in
the reservoir and 255,000 acre-feet of secondary storage that was to be
available to IPC between October 1 of any year and June 10 of the following
year as necessary to maintain specified flows at IPCs Twin Falls power plant
below Milner Dam. IPC believes that the United States has failed to deliver
this secondary storage, at the specified flows, since 2001. As a result, IPC
filed an action in the U.S. District Court of Federal Claims in Washington,
D.C. on October 15, 2007 to recover damages from the United States for the lost
generation resulting from the reduced flows. On September 30, 2008, IPC filed
an amended complaint in which IPC seeks, in addition to damages for breach of
the 1923 contract, a prospective declaration of contractual rights so as to
prevent the United States from continued failure to fulfill its contractual and
fiduciary duties to IPC. On October 2, 2008, the court set a discovery
schedule requiring that discovery be completed and pre-trial motions filed by
October 1, 2009. The court will then set the matter for trial. IPC is unable
to predict the outcome of this action or what effect this matter may have on
its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Renfro Dairy: On September 28, 2007, the principals of Renfro Dairy
in Canyon County, Idaho filed a lawsuit in the District Court of the Third
Judicial District of the State of Idaho against IDACORP and IPC. The
plaintiffs complaint asserts claims for negligence, negligence per se,
gross negligence, nuisance, and fraud. The claims are based on allegations
that from 1972 until at least March 2005, IPC discharged stray voltage from
its electrical facilities that caused physical harm and injury to the
plaintiffs dairy herd. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages of not less than
$1 million.
On
June 9, 2008, IDACORP and IPC filed a motion to dismiss the complaint,
contending that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter because plaintiffs
have failed to exhaust administrative remedies before the IPUC. The motion to
dismiss was argued and submitted on September 25, 2008. On October 30, 2008,
the court issued a decision granting the motion to dismiss. On November 13,
2008, plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider the courts decision. On
December 22, 2008, the court denied the plaintiffs motion to reconsider. On
February 20, 2009, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the courts dismissal
of the action. The companies intend to vigorously defend their position in
this proceeding and believe this matter will not have a material adverse effect
on their consolidated financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.
Oregon Trail Heights Fire: On August 25, 2008, a fire ignited beneath an IPC
distribution line in Boise, Idaho. It was fanned by high winds and spread
rapidly, resulting in one death, the destruction of 10 homes and damage or
alleged fire related losses to approximately 30 others. Following the
investigation, the Boise Fire Department determined that the fire was linked to
a piece of line hardware on one of IPCs distribution poles and that high winds
contributed to the fire and its resultant damage.
IPC has received claims from a number of the homeowners and their
insurers and is continuing its investigation of these claims. IPC is insured
up to policy limits against liability for claims in excess of its self-insured
retention. IPC has accrued a reserve for any loss that is probable and
reasonably estimable, including insurance deductibles, and believes this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
107
Other
Legal Proceedings: From time to time
IDACORP and IPC are parties to legal claims, actions and complaints in addition
to those discussed above. Although they will vigorously defend against them,
they are unable to predict with certainty whether or not they will ultimately
be successful. However, based on the companies evaluation, they believe that
the resolution of these matters, taking into account existing reserves, will
not have a material adverse effect on IDACORPs or IPCs consolidated financial
positions, results of operations or cash flows.
8. BENEFIT PLANS:
SFAS 158
In
December 2006, IDACORP and IPC adopted the recognition provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined
Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB
Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).
The
measurement provisions of SFAS 158 were adopted as of January 1, 2008 and
require that IPC measure its plan assets and benefit obligations as of its
balance sheet date. IPC already used a December 31 measurement date for its
plans, so adoption of the measurement provisions of SFAS 158 did not have any
effect on IDACORPs or IPCs results of operations or cash flows.
Pension
Plans
IPC has a noncontributory defined
benefit pension plan covering most employees. The benefits under the plan are
based on years of service and the employees final average earnings. IPCs
policy is to fund, with an independent corporate trustee, at least the minimum
required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) but
not more than the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes. IPC was
not required to contribute to the plan in 2008, 2007 or 2006. The market-related
value of assets for the plan is equal to the fair value of the assets. Fair value
is determined by utilizing publicly quoted market values and independent
pricing services depending on the nature of the asset, as reported by the
trustee/custodian of the plan.
In
addition, IPC has a nonqualified, deferred compensation plan for certain senior
management employees and directors called the Senior Management Security Plan
(SMSP). At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately $39.9 million and $48.2
million, respectively, of life insurance policies and investments in marketable
securities, all of which are held by a trustee, were designated to satisfy the
projected benefit obligation of the plan but do not qualify as plan assets in
the actuarial computation of the funded status.
108
The following table
summarizes the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of these plans:
|
Pension Plan |
SMSP |
||||||||||
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
2007 |
||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||||||
Change in benefit obligation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Benefit obligation at January 1 |
$ |
420,526 |
|
$ |
425,599 |
$ |
43,153 |
|
$ |
41,866 |
|
|
Service cost |
|
14,920 |
|
|
15,213 |
|
1,278 |
|
|
1,409 |
|
|
Interest cost |
|
26,393 |
|
|
24,457 |
|
2,669 |
|
|
2,372 |
|
|
Actuarial loss (gain) |
|
19,547 |
|
|
(29,585) |
|
3,376 |
|
|
(87) |
|
|
Benefits paid |
|
(16,970) |
|
|
(15,158) |
|
(2,644) |
|
|
(2,700) |
|
|
Plan amendments |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
561 |
|
|
293 |
|
|
Benefit obligation at December 31 |
|
464,416 |
|
|
420,526 |
|
48,393 |
|
|
43,153 |
|
Change in plan assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fair value at January 1 |
|
407,970 |
|
|
400,924 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
(95,676) |
|
|
22,204 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
Benefits paid |
|
(16,970) |
|
|
(15,158) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
Fair value at December 31 |
|
295,324 |
|
|
407,970 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
Funded status at end of year |
$ |
(169,092) |
|
$ |
(12,556) |
$ |
(48,393) |
|
$ |
(43,153) |
||
Amounts recognized in the statement of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
financial position consist of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
(2,883) |
|
$ |
(2,596) |
||
Noncurrent liabilities (1) |
|
(169,092) |
|
|
(12,556) |
|
(45,510) |
|
|
(40,557) |
||
Net amount recognized |
$ |
(169,092) |
|
$ |
(12,556) |
$ |
(48,393) |
|
$ |
(43,153) |
||
Amounts recognized in accumulated other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
comprehensive income consist of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
$ |
155,289 |
|
$ |
5,954 |
$ |
12,088 |
|
$ |
9,200 |
||
Prior service cost |
|
3,155 |
|
|
3,805 |
|
2,209 |
|
|
1,841 |
||
Subtotal |
|
158,444 |
|
|
9,759 |
|
14,297 |
|
|
11,041 |
||
Less amount recorded as regulatory asset |
|
(158,444) |
|
|
(9,759) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
||
Net amount recognized in accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
other comprehensive income |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
14,297 |
|
$ |
11,041 |
|
Accumulated benefit obligation |
$ |
385,002 |
|
$ |
346,477 |
$ |
44,275 |
|
$ |
39,851 |
||
(1) Noncurrent liabilities are contained in IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated Balance Sheets under Other liabilities and Other deferred |
||||||||||||
|
credits, respectively. |
|||||||||||
The
following table shows the components of net periodic benefit cost for these
plans:
|
Pension Plan |
SMSP |
|||||||||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost |
$ |
14,920 |
$ |
15,213 |
$ |
14,476 |
$ |
1,278 |
$ |
1,409 |
$ |
1,473 |
|
Interest cost |
|
26,393 |
|
24,457 |
|
22,340 |
|
2,669 |
|
2,372 |
|
2,327 |
|
Expected return on assets |
|
(34,112) |
|
(33,387) |
|
(30,817) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Amortization of net loss |
|
- |
|
- |
|
129 |
|
489 |
|
566 |
|
844 |
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
650 |
|
650 |
|
664 |
|
192 |
|
173 |
|
245 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost |
$ |
7,851 |
$ |
6,933 |
$ |
6,792 |
$ |
4,628 |
$ |
4,520 |
$ |
4,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to the adoption of SFAS
158, changes in the SMSP minimum liability increased other comprehensive income
by $2 million in 2006.
In 2009, IDACORP and IPC
expect to recognize as components of net periodic benefit cost $10 million from
amortizing amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (or as a
regulatory asset for the pension plan) as of December 31, 2008, relating to the
pension and SMSP plans. This amount consists of $8.5 million of net loss and
$0.6 million of prior service cost for the pension plan and $0.7 million of net
loss and $0.2 million of prior service cost for the SMSP.
109
The following table
summarizes the expected future benefit payments of these plans:
|
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014-2017 |
|
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||
Pension Plan |
$ |
17,616 |
$ |
18,968 |
$ |
20,525 |
$ |
22,464 |
$ |
24,655 |
$ |
157,832 |
SMSP |
$ |
2,963 |
$ |
3,122 |
$ |
3,165 |
$ |
3,276 |
$ |
3,473 |
$ |
19,863 |
Postretirement Benefits
IPC maintains a defined benefit
postretirement plan (consisting of health care and death benefits) that covers
all employees who were enrolled in the active group plan at the time of
retirement as well as their spouses and qualifying dependents. Benefits for
employees who retire after December 31, 2002, are limited to a fixed amount,
which will limit the growth of IPCs future obligations under this plan.
The
net periodic postretirement benefit cost was as follows (in thousands of
dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Service cost |
$ |
1,154 |
|
$ |
1,368 |
|
$ |
1,463 |
Interest cost |
|
3,498 |
|
|
3,512 |
|
|
3,426 |
Expected return on plan assets |
|
(2,899) |
|
|
(2,777) |
|
|
(2,523) |
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation |
|
2,040 |
|
|
2,040 |
|
|
2,040 |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
(535) |
|
|
(535) |
|
|
(535) |
Amortization of net loss |
|
- |
|
|
403 |
|
|
812 |
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost |
$ |
3,258 |
|
$ |
4,011 |
|
$ |
4,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following table summarizes the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets
(in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
||||
Change in accumulated benefit obligation: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Benefit obligation at January 1 |
$ |
56,826 |
|
$ |
62,913 |
|
|
Service cost |
|
1,154 |
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
Interest cost |
|
3,498 |
|
|
3,512 |
|
|
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
1,656 |
|
|
(7,431) |
|
|
Benefits paid(1) |
|
(3,486) |
|
|
(3,536) |
|
|
Benefit obligation at December 31 |
|
59,648 |
|
|
56,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Change in plan assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 |
|
35,096 |
|
|
32,627 |
|
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
(7,834) |
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
Employer contributions |
|
1,507 |
|
|
2,876 |
|
|
Benefits paid(1) |
|
(3,486) |
|
|
(3,536) |
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 |
|
25,283 |
|
|
35,096 |
|
Funded status at end of year (included in noncurrent liabilities)(2) |
$ |
(34,365) |
|
$ |
(21,730) |
||
(1) |
Benefits paid are net of $1,927 and $1,646 of plan participant contributions, and $421 and $405 of |
|
|
|
|||
|
Medicare Part D subsidy receipts for 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
|
|
|
|||
(2) |
Noncurrent liabilities are contained in Other liabilities for IDACORP, and Other deferred credits for IPC. |
||||||
|
|||||||
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
$ |
16,289 |
|
$ |
3,900 |
||
Prior service cost (credit) |
|
(2,072) |
|
|
(2,607) |
||
Transition obligation |
|
8,160 |
|
|
10,200 |
||
Subtotal |
|
22,377 |
|
|
11,493 |
||
Less amount recognized in regulatory assets |
|
(18,904) |
|
|
(8,006) |
||
Less amount included in deferred tax assets |
|
(3,473) |
|
|
(3,487) |
||
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110
In
2009, IDACORP and IPC expect to recognize as components of net periodic benefit
cost $2.3 million from amortizing amounts recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income as of December 31, 2008 relating to the postretirement
plan. This amount consists of ($0.5) million of prior service cost, $0.8
million of net loss and $2.0 million of transition obligation.
Medicare
Act: The Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) was signed into law in
December 2003 and established a prescription drug benefit, as well as a federal
subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a
prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicares
prescription drug coverage.
The
following table summarizes the expected future benefit payments of the
postretirement benefit plan and expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts (in
thousands of dollars):
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014-2018 |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected benefit payments(1) |
$ |
4,100 |
|
$ |
4,300 |
|
$ |
4,400 |
|
$ |
4,500 |
|
$ |
4,700 |
|
$ |
24,800 |
|
Expected Medicare Part D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subsidy receipts |
$ |
500 |
|
$ |
600 |
|
$ |
600 |
|
$ |
700 |
|
$ |
800 |
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)Expected benefit payments are net of expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts. |
The
assumed health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost of health
benefits covered by the plan was 10 percent and 6.75 percent in 2008 and 2007,
respectively. The assumed health care cost trend rate for 2008 is assumed to
decrease gradually to 5 percent over ten years, and remain at that level. The
assumed dental cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost of dental
benefits covered by the plan was 5 percent and 6.75 percent in 2008 and 2007,
respectively. A 1-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost
trend rate would have the following effect (in thousands of dollars):
|
1-Percentage-Point |
||||
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect on total of cost components |
$ |
245 |
|
$ |
(187) |
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation |
$ |
2,136 |
|
$ |
(1,700) |
The
following table sets forth the weighted-average assumptions used at the end of
each year to determine benefit obligations for all IPC-sponsored pension and postretirement
benefits plans:
|
|
Pension |
Postretirement |
||
|
|
Benefits |
Benefits |
||
|
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
Discount rate |
|
6.1% |
6.4% |
6.1% |
6.4% |
Rate of compensation increase |
|
4.5% |
4.5% |
- |
- |
Medical trend rate |
|
- |
- |
10.0% |
6.75% |
Dental trend rate |
|
- |
- |
5.0% |
6.75% |
Measurement date |
|
12/31/08 |
12/31/07 |
12/31/08 |
12/31/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following table sets forth the weighted-average assumptions used to determine
net periodic benefit cost for all IPC-sponsored pension and postretirement
benefit plans:
111
|
|
Pension |
Postretirement |
||
|
|
Benefits |
Benefits |
||
|
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
Discount rate |
|
6.4% |
5.85% |
6.4% |
5.85% |
Expected long-term rate of return on assets |
|
8.5% |
8.5% |
8.5% |
8.5% |
Rate of compensation increase |
|
4.5% |
4.5% |
- |
- |
Medical trend rate |
|
- |
- |
10.0% |
6.75% |
Dental trend rate |
|
- |
- |
5.0% |
6.75% |
Plan Asset Allocations: IPCs pension plan and postretirement benefit plan
weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by asset
category are as follows:
|
|
Pension |
Postretirement |
|||
|
|
Plan |
Benefits |
|||
Asset Category |
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
|
Equity securities |
|
58% |
65% |
-% |
-% |
|
Debt securities |
|
28 |
22 |
- |
- |
|
Real estate |
|
12 |
10 |
- |
- |
|
Other(1) |
|
2 |
3 |
100 |
100 |
|
|
Total |
|
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
(1) The postretirement benefit plan assets are primarily life insurance contracts. |
||||||
Pension Asset Allocation
Policy: The target allocations for
the portfolio by asset class are as follows:
Large-Cap Growth Stocks |
10% |
International Growth Stocks |
7% |
Large-Cap Core Stocks |
11% |
International Value Stocks |
7% |
Large-Cap Value Stocks |
10% |
Intermediate-Term Bonds |
13% |
Small-Cap Growth Stocks |
5% |
Short-Term Bonds |
10% |
Small-Cap Value Stocks |
5% |
Core Real Estate |
9% |
Micro-Cap Stocks |
3% |
Absolute Return |
4% |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
3% |
Private Equity |
3% |
Assets
are rebalanced as necessary to keep the portfolio close to target allocations.
The
plans principal investment objective is to maximize total return (defined as
the sum of realized interest and dividend income and realized and unrealized
gain or loss in market price) consistent with prudent parameters of risk and
the liability profile of the portfolio. Emphasis is placed on preservation and
growth of capital along with adequacy of cash flow sufficient to fund current
and future payments to pensioners.
There are three major goals
in IPCs asset allocation process:
Determine if the investments have the potential to earn the rate of return assumed in the actuarial liability calculations.
Match the cash flow needs of the plan. IPC sets cash allocations sufficient to cover the current year benefit payments and bond allocations sufficient to cover at least five years of benefit payments. IPC then utilizes growth instruments (equities, real estate, venture capital) to fund the longer-term liabilities of the plan.
Maintain a prudent risk profile consistent with ERISA fiduciary standards.
Allowable
plan investments include stocks and stock funds, investment-grade bonds and
bond funds, core real estate funds, private equity funds, and cash and cash
equivalents. With the exception of real estate holdings and private equity,
investments must be readily marketable so that an entire holding can be
disposed of quickly with only a minor effect upon market price.
Rate-of-return projections for
plan assets are based on historical risk/return relationships among asset
classes. The primary measure is the historical risk premium each asset class
has delivered versus the return on 10-year U.S. Treasury Notes. This
historical risk premium is then added to the current yield on 10-year U.S.
Treasury Notes, and the result provides a reasonable prediction of future
investment performance. Additional analysis is performed to measure the
expected range of returns, as well as worstcase and best-case scenarios.
Based on the current low interest rate environment, current rate-of-return
expectations are lower than the nominal returns generated over the past 20
years when interest rates were generally much higher.
112
IPCs asset modeling process
also utilizes historical market returns to measure the portfolios exposure to
a worst-case market scenario, to determine how much performance could vary
from the expected average performance over various time periods. This worst-case
modeling, in addition to cash flow matching and diversification by asset class
and investment style, provides the basis for managing the risk associated with
investing portfolio assets.
Employee
Savings Plan
IPC has an Employee Savings Plan that
complies with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covers
substantially all employees. IPC matches specified percentages of employee
contributions to the plan. Matching contributions amounted to $5 million, $5
million, and $4 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Postemployment Benefits
IPC provides certain benefits to
former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents after
employment but before retirement. These benefits include salary continuation,
health care and life insurance for those employees found to be disabled under
IPCs disability plans and health care for surviving spouses and dependents.
IPC accrues a liability for such benefits. The post employment benefit amounts
included in other deferred credits on IDACORPs and IPCs consolidated balance
sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are $3.7 million and $3.5 million,
respectively.
Pension Protection Act
In 2006, the Pension Protection Act
of 2006 (the Act), which affects the manner in which many companies, including
IDACORP and IPC, administer their pension plans was signed into law. The Act
made changes to a variety of rules that apply to employee benefit plans,
including those dealing with minimum funding requirements of defined benefit
pension plans and plan investments of defined contribution pension plans. The
Act also permanently extended the pension law changes made by the Economic
Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which had been scheduled to
sunset on December 31, 2010. This legislation became effective on January 1,
2008.
In accordance with the Act,
companies are required to be 94 percent funded for their outstanding qualified
pension obligations as of January 1, 2009, in order to avoid a scheduled series
of required annual contributions. As of December 31, 2007, qualified pension
liabilities were nearly fully funded; however, recent stock market performance
has reduced the value of pension assets during 2008. Therefore, under current
provisions of the Act, IPC will need to make additional contributions to become
fully funded over a period of seven years. Based on the value of pension
assets and interest rates as of December 31, 2008, the estimated contributions
would be approximately $45 million in 2010 and $33 million for each of 2011,
2012, and 2013. These estimates reflect the initial relief measures as passed
by Congress; however, additional measures are being proposed, which may impact
immediate funding requirements.
9. PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND JOINTLY-OWNED PROJECTS:
The following table presents
the major classifications of IPCs utility plant in service, annual
depreciation provisions as a percent of average depreciable balance and
accumulated provision for depreciation for the years 2008 and 2007 (in
thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|||||||
|
Balance |
|
Avg Rate |
|
Balance |
|
Avg Rate |
|||
Production |
$ |
1,736,670 |
|
2.34% |
|
$ |
1,639,710 |
|
2.52% |
|
Transmission |
|
742,871 |
|
2.11 |
|
|
684,399 |
|
2.13 |
|
Distribution |
|
1,254,048 |
|
2.50 |
|
|
1,175,429 |
|
2.58 |
|
General and Other |
|
296,545 |
|
7.53 |
|
|
296,801 |
|
8.29 |
|
|
Total in service |
|
4,030,134 |
|
2.73% |
|
|
3,796,339 |
|
2.95% |
Accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
(1,505,120) |
|
|
|
|
(1,468,832) |
|
|
|
|
In service - net |
$ |
2,525,014 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,327,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IPC has interests in three
jointly-owned generating facilities. Under the joint operating agreements,
each participating utility is responsible for financing its share of
construction, operating and leasing costs. IPCs proportionate share of direct
operation and maintenance expenses applicable to the projects is included in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
113
These
facilities, and the extent of IPCs participation, were as follows at December
31, 2008 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
Utility |
|
Construction |
|
Accumulated |
|
Owner |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
Plant In |
|
Work in |
|
Provision for |
|
ship |
|
|
|||
Name of Plant |
|
Location |
|
Service |
|
Progress |
|
Depreciation |
|
% |
|
MW(1) |
|||
Jim Bridger Units 1-4 |
|
Rock Springs, WY |
|
$ |
495,321 |
|
$ |
16,403 |
|
$ |
279,296 |
|
33 |
|
771 |
Boardman |
|
Boardman, OR |
|
|
70,924 |
|
|
477 |
|
|
50,914 |
|
10 |
|
64 |
Valmy Units 1 and 2 |
|
Winnemucca, NV |
|
|
336,783 |
|
|
8,041 |
|
|
212,791 |
|
50 |
|
284 |
(1)IPC share of nameplate capacity |
IPCs wholly-owned subsidiary
IERCo, is a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company, which operates the mine
supplying coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant. IPCs coal purchases from
the joint venture were $63 million, $51 million and $52 million in 2008, 2007
and 2006, respectively.
IPC has contracts to purchase
the energy from four PURPA qualified facilities that are 50 percent owned by
Ida-West. IPCs power purchases from these facilities were $8 million in 2008,
2007 and 2006.
See Note 1 for a discussion
of the property of IDACORPs consolidated VIE.
10. INVESTMENTS:
The
following table summarizes IDACORPs and IPCs investments as of December 31
(in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|||||
IPC Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Equity method investment |
$ |
86,433 |
|
$ |
76,451 |
||
|
Available-for-sale equity securities |
|
14,451 |
|
|
21,445 |
||
|
Executive deferred compensation |
|
4,679 |
|
|
6,627 |
||
|
Other investments |
|
948 |
|
|
5 |
||
|
|
Total IPC investments |
|
106,511 |
|
|
104,528 |
|
Investments in affordable housing |
|
74,951 |
|
|
77,608 |
|||
Equity method investments |
|
10,030 |
|
|
9,550 |
|||
Held-to-maturity debt securities |
|
9,424 |
|
|
11,248 |
|||
Executive deferred compensation |
|
1,225 |
|
|
3,431 |
|||
Other investments |
|
66 |
|
|
- |
|||
|
Total IDACORP investments |
$ |
202,207 |
|
$ |
206,365 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Equity Method Investments
IPC, through its subsidiary IERCo, is
a 33 percent owner of Bridger Coal Company, which supplies coal to the Jim
Bridger generating plant owned in part by IPC. Ida-West, through separate
subsidiaries, owns 50 percent of each of the following electric generation
projects: South Forks Joint Venture; Hazelton/Wilson Joint Venture and Snow
Mountain Hydro LLC.
IFS invests in affordable
housing developments that are accounted for in accordance with APB 18, The
Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, and Emerging
Issues Task Force Issue 94-1, Accounting for Tax Benefits Resulting from
Investments in Affordable Housing Projects, and are presented as Investments
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All projects are reviewed periodically for
impairment.
The following table presents
IDACORPs and IPCs earnings (loss) of unconsolidated equity-method investments
(in thousands of dollars):
114
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
Bridger Coal Company (IPC) |
$ |
6,772 |
|
$ |
5,553 |
|
$ |
9,347 |
|
Ida-West projects |
|
1,830 |
|
|
1,820 |
|
|
2,341 |
|
IFS affordable housing projects |
|
(12,599) |
|
|
(12,197) |
|
|
(14,601) |
|
|
Total |
$ |
(3,997) |
|
$ |
(4,824) |
|
$ |
(2,913) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table presents summarized
income statement information for Bridger Coal Company (in thousands of
dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
Operating revenues |
$ |
187,560 |
|
$ |
153,126 |
|
$ |
154,910 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
167,245 |
|
|
136,468 |
|
|
126,869 |
|
|
Net Income |
$ |
20,315 |
|
$ |
16,658 |
|
$ |
28,041 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table presents
summarized balance sheet information for Bridger Coal Company (in thousands of
dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current assets |
$ |
64,569 |
|
$ |
58,672 |
|
|
Noncurrent assets |
|
318,266 |
|
|
330,583 |
|
|
|
Total Assets |
$ |
382,835 |
|
$ |
389,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current liabilities |
$ |
25,182 |
|
$ |
25,372 |
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
98,355 |
|
|
134,529 |
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
123,537 |
|
|
159,901 |
|
Joint venture capital |
|
259,298 |
|
|
229,353 |
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Joint Venture Capital |
$ |
382,835 |
|
$ |
389,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities
Investments in debt and equity
securities are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Those investments
classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, using
either specific identification or average cost to determine the cost for
computing gains or losses. Any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale
securities are included in other comprehensive income.
Investments
classified as held-to-maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Held-to-maturity
securities are investments in debt securities for which the company has the
positive intent and ability to hold the securities until maturity. These debt
securities have maturities ranging from 2009 through 2025.
The
following table summarizes investments in debt and equity securities (in
thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
2007 |
|||||||||||
|
Gross |
Gross |
|
Gross |
Gross |
|
|||||||
|
Unrealized |
Unrealized |
Fair |
Unrealized |
Unrealized |
Fair |
|||||||
|
Gain |
Loss |
Value |
Gain |
Loss |
Value |
|||||||
Available-for-sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities (IPC) |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
14,451 |
$ |
1,059 |
$ |
128 |
$ |
21,445 |
Held-to-maturity debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities (IFS) |
|
3 |
|
25 |
|
9,448 |
|
15 |
|
5 |
|
11,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table
summarizes sales of available-for-sale securities (in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sales |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
26,110 |
|
$ |
20,778 |
Gross realized gains from sales |
|
- |
|
|
2,093 |
|
|
3,774 |
Gross realized losses from sales |
|
- |
|
|
762 |
|
|
280 |
115
Additionally,
these investments are evaluated to determine whether they have experienced a
decline in market value that is considered other-than-temporary. IDACORP and
IPC analyze securities in loss positions as of the end of each reporting
period. Due to recent market conditions IDACORP and IPC reviewed securities in
a loss position and determined that due to the severity of the losses and the
volatility of the market an other-than-temporary impairment should be
recorded. At December 31, 2008, four available-for-sale and six held-to-maturity
securities were in an unrealized loss position. The available-for-sale equity
securities in unrealized loss positions are in broadly diversified index funds
used to fund IPCs SMSP. The held-to-maturity debt securities in unrealized
loss positions are bonds, whose market values fluctuate based on the interest
rate environment. The available-for-sale securities were in unrealized loss
positions of at least 32 percent and were deemed other-than-temporarily
impaired and written down $6.8 million to fair market value at December 31,
2008. IDACORP and IPC did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments
in 2007 or 2006.
The
following table summarizes information regarding securities that were in an
unrealized loss position at the end of each year, but for which no other-than-temporary
impairment was recognized (in thousands of dollars).
|
Less than 12 months |
12 months or longer |
||||||||
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
||||
|
Unrealized |
|
Related Fair |
Unrealized |
|
Related Fair |
||||
|
Loss |
|
Value |
Loss |
|
Value |
||||
2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Held to maturity debt securities (IFS) |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
25 |
|
$ |
3,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale equity securities (IPC) |
$ |
128 |
|
$ |
1,059 |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
Held to maturity debt securities (IFS) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
5 |
|
|
642 |
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
IDACORP and IPC partially
adopted the provisions of SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157)
on January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value
hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and
enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
FASB Staff Position
157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (FSP 157-2) delayed the
implementation of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in
the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay
is intended to allow the Board of Directors and constituents additional time to
consider the effect of various implementation issues that have arisen, or that
may arise, from the application of SFAS 157. In accordance with FSP 157-2, IPC
did not apply the provisions of SFAS 157 to asset retirement obligations.
116
The following tables present
information about IDACORPs and IPCs assets and liabilities measured at fair
value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands of dollars).
IDACORPs and IPCs assessment of the significance of a particular input to the
fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair
value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value
hierarchy.
|
Quoted Prices in |
Significant |
Significant |
|
|||||||
|
Active Markets |
Other |
Unobservable |
|
|||||||
|
for Identical |
Observable |
Inputs |
|
|||||||
|
Assets (Level 1) |
Inputs (Level 2) |
(Level 3) |
Total |
|||||||
IDACORP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Derivatives |
$ |
652 |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
652 |
||
|
Money market funds |
|
4,610 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4,610 |
||
|
Trading securities |
|
5,904 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
5,904 |
||
|
Available-for-sale securities |
|
14,451 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
14,451 |
||
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Derivatives |
$ |
- |
$ |
(2,653) |
$ |
- |
$ |
(2,653) |
||
IPC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Derivatives |
$ |
652 |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
652 |
||
|
Money market funds |
|
1,224 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,224 |
||
|
Trading securities |
|
4,679 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4,679 |
||
|
Available-for-sale securities |
|
14,451 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
14,451 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Derivatives |
$ |
- |
$ |
(2,653) |
$ |
- |
$ |
(2,653) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
In
accordance with SFAS 157, IDACORP and IPC have categorized their financial
instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique,
into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the
highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level
3). If the inputs used to measure the financial
instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization
is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as
follows:
Level 1: Financial assets
and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for
identical assets or liabilities in an active market that IDACORP and IPC has
the ability to access.
Level 2: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
d)
Pricing models whose inputs are
derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through
correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or
liability.
IDACORP and IPC Level 2
inputs are based on quoted market prices adjusted for location using
corroborated, observable market data.
Level
3: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or
valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and
significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect
managements own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would
use in pricing the asset or liability.
117
IPCs derivatives are
contracts entered into as part of our management of loads and resources.
Electricity swaps are valued on the Intercontinental Exchange with quoted
prices in an active market. Natural gas derivative valuations are performed
using New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) pricing, adjusted for basis
location, which are also quoted under NYMEX. Trading securities consists of
employee-directed investments held in a Rabbi Trust and are related to an
executive deferred compensation plan. Available-for-sale securities are related
to the SMSP and are held in a Rabbi Trust and are actively traded money market
and equity funds with quoted prices in active markets.
The
following tables present the carrying value and estimated fair value of other
financial instruments that are not reported at fair value, using available
market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The use of
different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material
effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Cash and cash equivalents,
deposits, customer and other receivables, notes payable, accounts payable,
interest accrued and taxes accrued are reported at their carrying value as
these are a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The estimated fair values
for notes receivable and long-term debt are based upon quoted market prices of
the same or similar issues or discounted cash flow analyses as appropriate.
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
December 31, 2007 |
||||||||
|
Carrying |
|
Estimated |
|
Carrying |
|
Estimated |
||||
|
Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
Amount |
|
Fair Value |
||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||||||||
IDACORP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes receivable |
$ |
5,703 |
|
$ |
5,726 |
|
$ |
8,073 |
|
$ |
8,121 |
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
$ |
1,277,042 |
|
$ |
1,199,699 |
|
$ |
1,171,745 |
|
$ |
1,348,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IPC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes receivable |
$ |
259 |
|
$ |
282 |
|
$ |
4,859 |
|
$ |
4,907 |
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
$ |
1,268,818 |
|
$ |
1,191,476 |
|
$ |
1,145,981 |
|
$ |
1,272,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IDACORP
and IPC adopted the provisions of SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB
Statement 115 (SFAS 159) on January 1, 2008. SFAS 159 permits an
entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items
at fair value. Most of the provisions in SFAS 159 are elective; however, the
amendment to SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading
securities. The fair value option established by SFAS 159 permits all entities
to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates.
A business entity reports unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair
value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.
The fair value option: (a) may be applied instrument by instrument, with a few
exceptions, such as investments otherwise accounted for by the equity method;
(b) is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and (c) is applied only
to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. IDACORP and IPC did
not elect the fair value option for any existing eligible items, but may
consider the fair value option on a case-by-case basis in the future.
12. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (ARO):
SFAS 143, Accounting for
Asset Retirement Obligations, as amended and interpreted, requires that
legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and
equipment be recognized as a liability at fair value when incurred and when a
reasonable estimate of the fair value of the liability can be made. Under SFAS
143, when a liability is initially recorded, the entity increases the carrying
amount of the related long-lived asset to reflect the future retirement cost.
Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value and paid, and the
capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If,
at the end of the assets life, the recorded liability differs from the actual
obligations paid, a gain or loss would be recognized. As a rate-regulated
entity, IPC records regulatory assets or liabilities instead of accretion,
depreciation and gains or losses, as approved by Order No. 29414 from the
IPUC. The regulatory assets recorded under this order do not earn a return on
investment.
118
IPCs recorded AROs relate to
the removal of Polychlorinated biphenyls-contaminated equipment at its
distribution facilities and the reclamation and removal costs at its jointly
owned coal-fired generation facilities. In 2008, changes in estimates for both
of these facilities resulted in a net decrease of $2.6 million in the recorded
ARO.
IPC also has AROs associated
with its transmission system and hydroelectric facilities; however, due to the
indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities
currently cannot be estimated and no amounts are recognized in the consolidated
financial statements.
The regulated operations of
IPC also collect removal costs in rates for certain assets that do not have
associated AROs. The adoption of SFAS 143 required IPC to redesignate these removal
costs as regulatory liabilities. Costs recorded as regulatory liabilities on
IDACORPs and IPCs Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and
2007, were $157 million and $155 million, respectively.
The following table presents
the changes in the carrying amount of AROs (in thousands of dollars):
|
IDACORP |
IPC |
|||||||||
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
2007 |
|||||
Balance at beginning of year |
$ |
14,515 |
|
$ |
13,388 |
$ |
14,515 |
|
$ |
12,911 |
|
Accretion expense |
|
701 |
|
|
695 |
|
701 |
|
|
692 |
|
Revisions in estimated cash flows |
|
(2,627) |
|
|
920 |
|
(2,627) |
|
|
920 |
|
Liability settled |
|
(174) |
|
|
(488) |
|
(174) |
|
|
(8) |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
$ |
12,415 |
|
$ |
14,515 |
$ |
12,415 |
|
$ |
14,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION:
IDACORPs
only reportable segment is utility operations. The utility operations segments
primary source of revenue is the regulated operations of IPC. IPCs regulated
operations include the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase and
sale of electricity. This segment also includes income from IERCo, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of IPC that is also subject to regulation and is a one-third owner
of Bridger Coal Company, an unconsolidated joint venture.
IDACORPs other operating segments are below the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and are included in the All Other category. This category is comprised of IFSs investments in affordable housing developments and historic rehabilitation projects, Ida-Wests joint venture investments in small hydroelectric generation projects, the remaining activities of energy marketer IE, which wound down its operations in 2003, and IDACORPs holding company expenses.
119
The
following table summarizes the segment information for IDACORPs utility
operations and the total of all other segments, and reconciles this information
to total enterprise amounts (in thousands of dollars):
|
Utility |
All |
|
Consolidated |
||||
|
Operations |
Other |
Eliminations (1) |
Total (1) |
||||
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
$ |
956,076 |
$ |
4,338 |
$ |
- |
$ |
960,414 |
Operating income |
|
189,375 |
|
1,292 |
|
- |
|
190,667 |
Other income (loss) |
|
2,124 |
|
(1,743) |
|
- |
|
381 |
Interest income |
|
2,929 |
|
1,582 |
|
(892) |
|
3,619 |
Equity method income (loss) |
|
6,772 |
|
(10,769) |
|
- |
|
(3,997) |
Interest expense |
|
69,485 |
|
4,463 |
|
(892) |
|
73,056 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
131,715 |
|
(14,101) |
|
- |
|
117,614 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
37,600 |
|
(18,400) |
|
- |
|
19,200 |
Income from continuing operations |
|
94,115 |
|
4,299 |
|
- |
|
98,414 |
Total assets |
|
3,884,856 |
|
164,339 |
|
(26,350) |
|
4,022,845 |
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
|
243,544 |
|
273 |
|
- |
|
243,817 |
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
$ |
875,401 |
$ |
3,993 |
$ |
- |
$ |
879,394 |
Operating income (loss) |
|
154,777 |
|
(2,699) |
|
- |
|
152,078 |
Other income |
|
7,436 |
|
101 |
|
- |
|
7,537 |
Interest income |
|
2,980 |
|
3,126 |
|
(1,553) |
|
4,553 |
Equity method income (loss) |
|
5,553 |
|
(10,377) |
|
- |
|
(4,824) |
Interest expense |
|
58,781 |
|
6,113 |
|
(1,553) |
|
63,341 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
111,965 |
|
(15,962) |
|
- |
|
96,003 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
35,386 |
|
(21,655) |
|
- |
|
13,731 |
Income from continuing operations |
|
76,579 |
|
5,693 |
|
- |
|
82,272 |
Total assets |
|
3,489,516 |
|
235,636 |
|
(71,844) |
|
3,653,308 |
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
|
287,219 |
|
46 |
|
- |
|
287,265 |
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
$ |
920,473 |
$ |
5,818 |
$ |
- |
$ |
926,291 |
Operating income (loss) |
|
176,503 |
|
(6,799) |
|
- |
|
169,704 |
Other income |
|
5,060 |
|
1,176 |
|
(490) |
|
5,746 |
Interest income |
|
2,909 |
|
2,694 |
|
(1,713) |
|
3,890 |
Equity method income (loss) |
|
9,347 |
|
(12,260) |
|
- |
|
(2,913) |
Interest expense |
|
55,929 |
|
7,250 |
|
(2,204) |
|
60,975 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
137,890 |
|
(22,438) |
|
- |
|
115,452 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
43,961 |
|
(28,584) |
|
- |
|
15,377 |
Income from continuing operations |
|
93,929 |
|
6,146 |
|
- |
|
100,075 |
Total assets |
|
3,177,725 |
|
273,742 |
|
(6,337) |
|
3,445,130 |
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
|
221,930 |
|
5,093 |
|
- |
|
227,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) 2006 includes the assets of IDACOMM which are presented as assets held for sale. |
14. RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS (IPC):
IDACORP
IPC performs corporate functions such
as financial, legal and management services for IDACORP and its subsidiaries.
IPC charges IDACORP for the costs of these services based on service agreements
and other specifically identified costs. For these services IPC billed IDACORP
$1 million, $2 million and $4 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Ida-West
IPC purchases all of the power
generated by four of Ida-Wests hydroelectric projects located in Idaho. IPC
paid $8 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006.
120
15. OTHER INCOME AND
EXPENSE:
The following table presents
the components of Other income and Other expense (in thousands of dollars):
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
||||
Other income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for funds used during construction-equity |
$ |
3,141 |
|
$ |
5,995 |
|
$ |
6,092 |
|
Investment income, net |
|
(5,273) |
|
|
6,855 |
|
|
8,489 |
|
Carrying charges |
|
6,709 |
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
1,040 |
|
Other |
|
7,284 |
|
|
4,237 |
|
|
2,574 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
11,861 |
|
$ |
20,524 |
|
$ |
18,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMSP expense |
$ |
4,628 |
|
$ |
4,520 |
|
$ |
4,889 |
|
Other |
|
3,233 |
|
|
3,914 |
|
|
3,670 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
7,861 |
|
$ |
8,434 |
|
$ |
8,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
On July 20, 2006, IDACORP
completed the sale of all of the outstanding common stock of ITI to IdaTech UK
Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investec Group Investments (UK) Limited.
IDACORP recorded a gain of $11.5 million net-of-tax from this transaction in
2006.
On February 23, 2007, IDACORP
completed the sale of all of the outstanding common stock of IDACOMM to
American Fiber Systems, Inc.
The operating results of
these businesses have been separately classified and reported as discontinued
operations on IDACORPs consolidated statements of income. A summary of
discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|||
Revenues |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
1,278 |
|
$ |
12,882 |
Operating expenses |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,309) |
|
|
(21,369) |
Other (expense) income |
|
|
- |
|
|
(25) |
|
|
354 |
(Loss) gain on disposal |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2,877) |
|
|
14,476 |
Pre-tax (losses) income |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2,933) |
|
|
6,343 |
Income tax benefit |
|
|
- |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
985 |
Income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
67 |
|
$ |
7,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The results of operations for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 do not include depreciation expense
of approximately $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, that would be
recorded if the related assets were classified as held and used.
121
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and Shareholders of IDACORP, Inc.
Boise, Idaho
We have audited the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated
statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our
audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules listed in
the Index at Item 8. These financial statements and financial statement
schedules are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and
financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In
our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries at
December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement
schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.
As
discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,
on January 1, 2007 and as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R), as of December 31, 2006.
We
have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated
February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys internal
control over financial reporting.
/s/
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boise, Idaho
February 25, 2009
122
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Idaho Power Company
Boise, Idaho
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of
capitalization of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary (the Company) as of
December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, retained earnings, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the
consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8. These
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of
the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In
our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary
at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008,
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.
As
discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,
on January 1, 2007 and as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R), as of December 31, 2006.
We
have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated
February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys internal
control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE
LLP
Boise, Idaho
February 25, 2009
123
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION, UNAUDITED
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA:
The
following unaudited information is presented for each quarter of 2008 and 2007
(in thousands of dollars except for per share amounts). In the opinion of each
company, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such amounts for
such periods have been included. The results of operations for the interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year. Accordingly, earnings information for any three-month period should
not be considered as a basis for estimating operating results for a full fiscal
year. Amounts are based upon quarterly statements and the sum of the quarters
may not equal the annual amount reported.
|
Quarter Ended |
|||||||
|
March 31 |
June 30 |
September 30 |
December 31 |
||||
IDACORP, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
||||
2008 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenues |
$ |
213,440 |
$ |
230,226 |
$ |
299,716 |
$ |
217,032 |
Operating income |
44,756 |
40,529 |
81,577 |
23,805 |
||||
Net income |
21,716 |
17,515 |
51,739 |
7,444 |
||||
Basic earnings per share |
0.48 |
0.39 |
1.15 |
0.16 |
||||
Diluted earnings per share |
0.48 |
0.39 |
1.14 |
0.16 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
2007 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenues |
$ |
206,711 |
$ |
213,772 |
$ |
261,463 |
$ |
197,446 |
Operating income |
43,779 |
36,572 |
47,930 |
23,795 |
||||
Income from continuing operations |
24,580 |
18,465 |
28,931 |
10,295 |
||||
Income from discontinued operations, net |
67 |
- |
- |
- |
||||
Net income |
24,647 |
18,465 |
28,931 |
10,295 |
||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share |
0.56 |
0.42 |
0.65 |
0.23 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Idaho Power Company |
|
|
|
|
||||
2008 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenues |
$ |
212,796 |
$ |
228,945 |
$ |
298,107 |
$ |
216,228 |
Income from operations |
45,160 |
40,388 |
81,112 |
22,715 |
||||
Net income |
21,271 |
17,728 |
47,405 |
7,711 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
2007 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenues |
$ |
205,928 |
$ |
212,526 |
$ |
260,516 |
$ |
196,431 |
Income from operations |
45,584 |
35,908 |
48,596 |
24,689 |
||||
Net income |
23,331 |
16,164 |
24,108 |
12,976 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income and Net
income were decreased in the fourth quarter of 2008 by $7.4 million following a
decision received from the FERC increasing the OATT refund, and $6.8 million
other-than-temporary impairment of diversified index funds used to fund IPCs
Senior Management Security Plan due to the decline in market value.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND
DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and
procedures:
124
IDACORP:
The Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer of IDACORP, based on their evaluation of IDACORPs
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e))
as of December 31, 2008, have concluded that IDACORPs disclosure controls and
procedures are effective.
IPC:
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer of IPC, based on their evaluation of IPCs disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of
December 31, 2008, have concluded that IPCs disclosure controls and procedures
are effective.
Internal control over
financial reporting:
IDACORP:
Managements Annual Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of IDACORP is
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting for IDACORP. Internal control over financial reporting is
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal
executive and principal financial officers and effected by the companys board
of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes
those policies and procedures that:
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with the authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
IDACORPs management assessed
the effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, the companys management used
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on its assessment,
management believes that, as of December 31, 2008 IDACORPs internal control
over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
IDACORPs independent
registered public accounting firm has audited the financial statements included
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and
issued a report, which appears on the next page and expresses an unqualified
opinion on the effectiveness of IDACORPs internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008.
February 25, 2009
125
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of IDACORP, Inc.
Boise, Idaho
We have audited the internal
control over financial reporting of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company)
as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of,
the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors,
management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent
limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the
possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material
misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the
internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the
risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our
report dated February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
financial statements and financial statement schedules and included an
explanatory paragraph regarding the Companys adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 158 and Financial Accounting Standards Board
Interpretation No. 48.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE
LLP
Boise, Idaho
February 25, 2009
126
Idaho Power Company:
Managements Annual Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Idaho Power Company
(IPC) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting of IPC. Internal control over financial reporting is
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal
executive and principal financial officers and effected by the companys board
of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes
those policies and procedures that:
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with the authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
IPCs management assessed the
effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, the companys management used
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on its assessment,
management believes that, as of December 31, 2008, IPCs internal control over
financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
IPCs independent registered
public accounting firm has audited the financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and issued a
report, which appears on the next page and expresses an unqualified opinion on
the effectiveness of IPCs internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2008.
February 25, 2009
127
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholder of Idaho Power Company
Boise, Idaho
We have audited the internal
control over financial reporting of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary (the Company)
as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
A companys internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of,
the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors,
management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent
limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the
possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material
misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the
internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the
risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our
report dated February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an
explanatory paragraph regarding the Companys adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 158 and Financial Accounting Standards Board
Interpretation No. 48.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE
LLP
Boise, Idaho
February 25, 2009
128
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in IDACORPs or IPCs internal control over
financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, requiring
disclosure that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, IDACORPs or IPCs internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
PART III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The portion of IDACORPs
definitive proxy statement appearing under the captions Proposal No. 1:
Election of Directors - Nominees for Election - Terms Expire 2012, Nominee
for Election - Term Expires 2011, Continuing Directors Terms Expire 2011, Continuing
Directors - Terms Expire 2010, Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance, Corporate Governance - Corporate Governance Committee Report -
Process for Shareholders to Recommend Candidates for Director paragraph 1, Corporate
Governance - Audit Committee, paragraph 1 and Corporate Governance - Code of
Ethics, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2009 is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The portion of IDACORPs
definitive proxy statement appearing under the caption Executive Compensation
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2009 is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The portion of IDACORPs
definitive proxy statement appearing under the caption Security Ownership of
Directors, Executive Officers and Five Percent Shareholders to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held on May 21, 2009 is hereby incorporated by reference.
The following table includes
information as of December 31, 2008, with respect to equity compensation plans
where equity securities of IDACORP may be issued. These plans are the 1994
Restricted Stock Plan (RSP), the IDACORP 2000 Long-Term Incentive and
Compensation Plan (LTICP) and the Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan
(DSP).
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|||
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted-average |
|
future issuance under |
|||
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
equity compensation |
|||
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
plans (excluding securities |
|||
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
|||
Equity compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
plans approved by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shareholders (1) |
|
783,985 |
|
$ |
34.84 |
|
1,636,578 (2)(3) |
|
Equity compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
plans not approved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by shareholders(4) |
|
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
26,863 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
783,985 |
|
$ |
34.84 |
|
1,663,441 |
(1) |
Consists of the RSP and the LTICP. |
||||||||
(2) |
In addition to being available for future issuance upon exercise of options, 1,568,551 shares under the LTICP may instead be issued in |
||||||||
|
|
connection with stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares or other equity- |
|||||||
|
|
based awards. |
|||||||
(3) |
68,027 shares remain available for future issuance under the RSP. |
||||||||
(4) |
Consists of shares available for future issuance under the DSP. |
||||||||
129
Equity Compensation Plans
Not Approved by IDACORP Shareholders:
The DSP was adopted by the Board of
Directors effective May 17, 1999. The purpose of the DSP is to increase
directors stock ownership through stock-based compensation. The DSP provides
for an annual stock grant valued at $45,000.
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The portion of IDACORPs
definitive proxy statement appearing under the captions Related Person
Transaction Disclosure and Corporate Governance Director Independence paragraphs
1 and 2 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2009 is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
IDACORP:
The portion of IDACORPs definitive
proxy statement appearing under the caption Independent Accountant Billings
in the proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2009
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2009 is hereby
incorporated by reference.
IPC:
The following table presents fees
billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the
member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates
(collectively, Deloitte Entities), for IPC for the fiscal years ended December
31, 2008 and 2007.
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|||
Audit fees |
$ |
1,037,923 |
|
$ |
1,148,354 |
|
|
Audit-related fees (1) |
|
59,800 |
|
|
62,520 |
|
|
Tax fees (2) |
|
138,606 |
|
|
114,486 |
|
|
All other fees (3) |
|
2,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
Total |
$ |
1,238,329 |
|
$ |
1,325,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes fees for audits of IPCs benefit plans and agreed upon procedures at a subsidiary. |
||||||
(2) |
Includes fees for tax consulting in connection with 263A settlement guidelines, uniform capitalization issues and benefit plan filings. |
||||||
(3) |
Accounting research tool subscription. |
||||||
Policy on Audit Committee
Pre-Approval
IPC and the Audit Committee are
committed to ensuring the independence of the independent registered public
accounting firm, both in fact and in appearance. In this regard, on February
4, 2004, the Audit Committee established a pre-approval policy in accordance
with applicable securities rules. All fees were pre-approved by the Audit
Committee in 2007 and 2008.
In addition to the audits of
IPCs consolidated financial statements, the independent public accounting firm
may be engaged to provide certain audit-related, tax and other services. The
Audit Committee must pre-approve all services performed by the independent
public accounting firm to assure that the provision of those services does not
impair the public accounting firms independence. The services that the Audit
Committee will consider include audit services such as attest services, changes
in the scope of the audit of the financial statements, and the issuance of
comfort letters and consents in connection with financings; audit-related
services such as internal control reviews and assistance with internal control
reporting requirements; attest services related to financial reporting that are
not required by statute or regulation, and accounting consultations and audits
related to proposed transactions and new or proposed accounting rules,
standards and interpretations; and tax compliance and planning services.
Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent public accounting
firm has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval
by the Audit Committee. In addition, any proposed services exceeding pre-approved
cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Under
the pre-approval policy, the Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of
the Audit Committee pre-approval authority for proposed audit and audit-related
services. The Chairman must report any pre-approval decisions to the Audit
Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
130
Any request to engage the
independent public accounting firm to provide a service which has not received
general pre-approval must be submitted as a written proposal to IPCs Chief
Financial Officer with a copy to the General Counsel. The request must include
a detailed description of the service to be provided, the proposed fee and the
business reasons for engaging the independent public accounting firm to provide
the service. Upon approval by the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel
and the independent public accounting firm that the proposed engagement
complies with the terms of the pre-approval policy and the applicable rules and
regulations, the request will be presented to the Audit Committee or the
Committee Chairman, as the case may be, for pre-approval.
In determining whether to pre-approve
the engagement of the independent public accounting firm, the Audit Committee
or the Committee Chairman, as the case may be, must consider, among other
things, the pre-approval policy, applicable rules and regulations and whether
the nature of the engagement and the related fees are consistent with the
following principles, as stated in the SECs adopting release for the rules on
auditor independence:
the independent public accounting firm cannot function in the role of management of IPC;
the independent public accounting firm cannot audit its own work; and
the independent public accounting
firm cannot serve in any advocacy role on behalf of IPC.
The appendices to the pre-approval
policy describe the specific audit, audit related, tax and other services that
have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The term of any pre-approval
is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee
specifically provides for a different period. The Audit Committee will
periodically revise the list of pre-approved services, based on subsequent
determinations.
PART IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) and (2) Please refer to
Part II, Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a complete
listing of all consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules.
(3) Exhibits.
*Previously Filed and
Incorporated Herein by Reference
131
*2 |
Agreement and Plan of Exchange between IDACORP, Inc., and IPC dated as of February 2, 1998. File number 333-48031, Form S-4, filed on 3/16/98, as Exhibit 2. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.1 |
Restated Articles of Incorporation of IPC as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on June 30, 1989. File number 33-00440, Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-3, filed on 6/30/89, as Exhibit 4(a)(xiii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.2 |
Statement of Resolution Establishing Terms of Flexible Auction Series A, Serial Preferred Stock, Without Par Value (cumulative stated value of $100,000 per share) of IPC, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on November 5, 1991. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 4(a)(ii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.3 |
Statement of Resolution Establishing Terms of 7.07% Serial Preferred Stock, Without Par Value (cumulative stated value of $100 per share) of IPC, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on June 30, 1993. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 4(a)(iii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.4 |
Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of IPC, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on June 15, 2000. File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, filed on 8/4/00, as Exhibit 3(a)(iii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.5 |
Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of Idaho Power Company as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on January 21, 2005. File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 1/26/05, as Exhibit 4.5. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.6 |
Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of IPC, as amended, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on November 19, 2007. File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 11/19/07, as Exhibit 3.3. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.7 |
Articles of Share Exchange, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on September 29, 1998. File number 33-56071-99, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8, filed on 10/1/98, as Exhibit 3(d). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.8 |
Amended Bylaws of IPC, amended on November 15, 2007, and presently in effect. File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 11/19/07, as Exhibit 3.2. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.9 |
Articles of Incorporation of IDACORP, Inc. File number 333-64737, Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, filed on 11/4/98, as Exhibit 3.1. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.10 |
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of IDACORP, Inc. as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on March 9, 1998. File number 333-64737, Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, filed on 11/4/98, as Exhibit 3.2. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.11 |
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of IDACORP, Inc. creating A Series Preferred Stock, without par value, as filed with the Secretary of State of Idaho on September 17, 1998. File number 333-00139-99, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, filed on 9/22/98, as Exhibit 3(b). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*3.12 |
Amended Bylaws of IDACORP, Inc., amended on November 15, 2007 and presently in effect. File number 1-14456, Form 8-K, filed on 11/19/07, as Exhibit 3.1. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.1 |
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1937, between IPC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company) and R. G. Page, as Trustees. File number 2-3413, as Exhibit B-2. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.2 |
IPC Supplemental Indentures to Mortgage and Deed of Trust: |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-MD, as Exhibit B-2-a, First, July 1, 1939 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-5395, as Exhibit 7-a-3, Second, November 15, 1943 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-7237, as Exhibit 7-a-4, Third, February 1, 1947 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-7502, as Exhibit 7-a-5, Fourth, May 1, 1948 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-8398, as Exhibit 7-a-6, Fifth, November 1, 1949 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-8973, as Exhibit 7-a-7, Sixth, October 1, 1951 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-12941, as Exhibit 2-C-8, Seventh, January 1, 1957 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-13688, as Exhibit 4-J, Eighth, July 15, 1957 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-13689, as Exhibit 4-K, Ninth, November 15, 1957 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-14245, as Exhibit 4-L, Tenth, April 1, 1958 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-14366, as Exhibit 2-L, Eleventh, October 15, 1958 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-14935, as Exhibit 4-N, Twelfth, May 15, 1959 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-18976, as Exhibit 4-O, Thirteenth, November 15, 1960 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-18977, as Exhibit 4-Q, Fourteenth, November 1, 1961 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-22988, as Exhibit 4-B-16, Fifteenth, September 15, 1964 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-24578, as Exhibit 4-B-17, Sixteenth, April 1, 1966 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-25479, as Exhibit 4-B-18, Seventeenth, October 1, 1966 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-45260, as Exhibit 2(c), Eighteenth, September 1, 1972 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-49854, as Exhibit 2(c), Nineteenth, January 15, 1974 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-51722, as Exhibit 2(c)(i), Twentieth, August 1, 1974 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-51722, as Exhibit 2(c)(ii), Twenty-first, October 15, 1974 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-57374, as Exhibit 2(c), Twenty-second, November 15, 1976 |
|
|||||
|
File number 2-62035, as Exhibit 2(c), Twenty-third, August 15, 1978 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-34222, as Exhibit 4(d)(iii), Twenty-fourth, September 1, 1979 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-34222, as Exhibit 4(d)(iv), Twenty-fifth, November 1, 1981 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-34222, as Exhibit 4(d)(v), Twenty-sixth, May 1, 1982 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-34222, as Exhibit 4(d)(vi), Twenty-seventh, May 1, 1986 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-00440, as Exhibit 4(c)(iv), Twenty-eighth, June 30, 1989 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-34222, as Exhibit 4(d)(vii), Twenty-ninth, January 1, 1990 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-65720, as Exhibit 4(d)(iii), Thirtieth, January 1, 1991 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-65720, as Exhibit 4(d)(iv), Thirty-first, August 15, 1991 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-65720, as Exhibit 4(d)(v), Thirty-second, March 15, 1992 |
|
|||||
|
File number 33-65720, as Exhibit 4(d)(vi), Thirty-third, April 1, 1993 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 12/20/93, as Exhibit 4, Thirty-fourth, December 1, 1993 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 11/21/00, as Exhibit 4, Thirty-fifth, November 1, 2000 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 10/1/01, as Exhibit 4, Thirty-sixth, October 1, 2001 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 4/16/03, as Exhibit 4, Thirty-seventh, April 1, 2003 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on 8/7/03, as Exhibit 4(a)(iii), Thirty-eighth, May 15, 2003 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed on 11/6/03, as Exhibit 4(a)(iii), Thirty-ninth, October 1, 2003 |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K filed 5/10/05, as Exhibit 4, Fortieth, May 1, 2005. |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K filed 10/10/06, as Exhibit 4, Forty-first, October 1, 2006. |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K filed 6/4/07, as Exhibit 4, Forty-second, May 1, 2007. |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K filed 9/26/07, as Exhibit 4, Forty-third, September 1, 2007. |
|
|||||
|
File number 1-3198, Form 8-K filed on 4/3/08, as Exhibit 4, Forty-fourth, April 1, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.3 |
Instruments relating to IPC American Falls bond guarantee (see Exhibit 10.4). File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, filed on 8/4/00, as Exhibit 4(b). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.4 |
Agreement of IPC to furnish certain debt instruments. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 4(f). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.5 |
Agreement of IDACORP, Inc. to furnish certain debt instruments. File number 1-14465, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed on 11/6/03, as Exhibit 4(c)(ii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.6 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 10, 1989, between Idaho Power Company, a Maine Corporation, and Idaho Power Migrating Corporation. File number 33-00440, Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-3, filed on 6/30/89, as Exhibit 2(a)(iii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.7 |
Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of February 1, 2001, between IDACORP, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as trustee. File number 1-14465, Form 8-K, filed on 2/28/01, as Exhibit 4.1. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.8 |
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 2001 to Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of February 1, 2001 between IDACORP, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as trustee. File number 1-14465, Form 8-K, filed on 2/28/01, as Exhibit 4.2. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*4.9 |
Indenture for Debt Securities dated as of August 1, 2001 between Idaho Power Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as trustee. File number 333-67748, Form S-3, filed on 8/16/01, as Exhibit 4.13. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.1 |
Agreements, dated September 22, 1969, between IPC and Pacific Power & Light Company relating to the operation, construction and ownership of the Jim Bridger Project. File number 2-49584, as Exhibit 5(b). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.2 |
Amendment, dated February 1, 1974, relating to operation agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1. File number 2-51762, as Exhibit 5(c). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.3 |
Agreement, dated as of October 11, 1973, between IPC and Pacific Power & Light Company. File number 2-49584, as Exhibit 5(c). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.4 |
Guaranty Agreement, dated April 11, 2000, between IPC and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to $19,885,000 American Falls Replacement Dam Refinancing Bonds of the American Falls Reservoir District, Idaho. File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, filed on 8/4/00, as Exhibit 10(c). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.5 |
Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 30, 1974, between IPC and Pacific Power & Light Company. File number 2-62034, Form S-7, filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(r). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.6 |
Letter Agreement, dated January 23, 1976, between IPC and Portland General Electric Company. File number 2-56513, as Exhibit 5(i). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.7 |
Agreement for Construction, Ownership and Operation of the Number One Boardman Station on Carty Reservoir, dated as of October 15, 1976, between Portland General Electric Company and IPC. File number 2-62034, Form S-7, filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(s). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.8 |
Amendment, dated September 30, 1977, relating to agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6. File number 2-62034, Form S-7, filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(t). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.9 |
Amendment, dated October 31, 1977, relating to agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6. File number 2-62034, Form S-7, filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(u). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.10 |
Amendment, dated January 23, 1978, relating to agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6. File number 2-62034, Form S-7 filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(v). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.11 |
Amendment, dated February 15, 1978, relating to agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6. File number 2-62034, Form S-7, filed on 6/30/78, as Exhibit 5(w). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.12 |
Amendment, dated September 1, 1979, relating to agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6. File number 2-68574, Form S-7, filed on 7/23/80, as Exhibit 5(x). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.13 |
Participation Agreement, dated September 1, 1979, relating to the sale and leaseback of coal handling facilities at the Number One Boardman Station on Carty Reservoir. File number 2-68574, Form S-7, filed on 7/23/80, as Exhibit 5(z). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.14 |
Agreements for the Operation, Construction and Ownership of the North Valmy Power Plant Project, dated December 12, 1978, between Sierra Pacific Power Company and IPC. File number 2-64910, Form S-7, filed on 6/29/79, as Exhibit 5(y). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.151 |
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Senior Management Employees I, amended and restated effective December 31, 2004, and as further amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.161 |
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Senior Management Employees II, effective January 1, 2005, as amended and restated November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.17 1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated September 20, 2007. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed on 10/31/07, as Exhibit 10(h)(iii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.18 1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan - Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (time-vesting) (July 20, 2006). File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(vi). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.19 1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan - Form of Performance Stock Agreement (performance vesting) (July 20, 2006). File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(vii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.20 1 |
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Board of Directors - a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, as amended and restated effective July 20, 2006. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(viii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.21 1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Compensation Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.221 |
Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Officers of IDACORP, Inc. and IPC, as amended July 20, 2006. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(xix). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.231 |
Form of Director Indemnification Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Directors of IDACORP, Inc., as amended July 20, 2006. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(xx). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.241 |
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Officers of IDACORP and IPC (senior vice president and higher), approved November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.25 1 |
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Officers of IDACORP and IPC (below senior vice president), approved November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.261 |
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.271 |
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Stock Option Award Agreement (July 20, 2006). File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(xvi). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.281 |
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (time vesting) (July 20, 2006). File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(xvii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.291 |
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (performance vesting) (July 20, 2006). File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on 11/2/06, as Exhibit 10(h)(xviii). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.301 |
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (performance with two goals) (November 20, 2008). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.311 |
IDACORP, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.321 |
Idaho Power Company Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective November 15, 2000, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
10.331 |
IDACORP, Inc. and IPC 2008 Compensation for Non-Employee Directors of the Board of Directors, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.34 |
Framework Agreement, dated October 1, 1984, between the State of Idaho and IPC relating to IPCs Swan Falls and Snake River water rights. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 10(h). |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
*10.35 |
Agreement, dated October 25, 1984, between the State of Idaho and IPC relating to the agreement filed as Exhibit 10.34. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 10(h)(i). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.36 |
Contract to Implement, dated October 25, 1984, between the State of Idaho and IPC relating to the agreement filed as Exhibit 10.34. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 10(h)(ii). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.37 |
Agreement Regarding the Ownership, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of the Milner Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2899), dated January 22, 1990, between IPC and the Twin Falls Canal Company and the Northside Canal Company Limited. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 10(m). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.38 |
Guaranty Agreement, dated February 10, 1992, between IPC and New York Life Insurance Company, as Note Purchaser, relating to $11,700,000 Guaranteed Notes due 2017 of Milner Dam Inc. File number 33-65720, Form S-3, filed on 7/7/93, as Exhibit 10(m)(i). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.39 |
Power Purchase Agreement between IPC and PPL Montana, LLC, dated March 1, 2003 and Revised Confirmation Agreement dated May 9, 2003. File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on 8/7/03, as Exhibit 10(k). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.40 |
$100 Million Five-Year Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2007, among IDACORP, Inc., various lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and LC issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and KeyBank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agents, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners. File number 1-14465, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on 5/9/07, as Exhibit 10(l). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.41 |
$300 Million Five-Year Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2007, among Idaho Power Company, various lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and LC issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and KeyBank National Association, US Bank National Association and Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agents, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners. File number 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on 5/9/07, as Exhibit 10(m). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.42 |
$170 Million Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Idaho Power Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender, and Bank of America, N.A., Union Bank, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as lenders. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.43 |
Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 2006, between Sweetwater County, Wyoming and IPC. File number 1-3198, Form 8-K, filed on 10/10/06, as Exhibit 10.1. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.44 |
Power Purchase Agreement between IPC and PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, dated June 2, 2008. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed on 8/7/08, as Exhibit 10.46. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*10.45 |
Electric Service Agreement, dated September 17, 2008, between IPC and Hoku Materials, Inc. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, filed on 11/6/08, as Exhibit 10.47. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.461 |
Form of IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.471 |
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.481 |
Form of Amendment to IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.491 |
Form of Termination of IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.501 |
Form of Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.511 |
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.521 |
Form of Amendment to Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.531 |
Form of Termination of Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.541 |
Form of IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.551 |
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.561 |
Form of Amendment to IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
10.571 |
Form of Termination of IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
12.1 |
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IDACORP, Inc.) |
||||||
|
|
||||||
12.2 |
Statement Re: Computation of Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IDACORP, Inc.) |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
12.3 |
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IPC) |
||||||
|
|
||||||
12.4 |
Statement Re: Computation of Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IPC) |
||||||
|
|
||||||
*21 |
Subsidiaries of IDACORP, Inc. File number 1-14465, 1-3198, Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on 2/28/08, as Exhibit 21. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
23 |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
31.1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
31.2 |
IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
31.3 |
IPC Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
31.4 |
IPC Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
32.1 |
IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CEO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
32.2 |
IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CFO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
32.3 |
IPC Section 1350 CEO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
32.4 |
IPC Section 1350 CFO certification. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
1 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
|||||||
135
IDACORP, Inc.
SCHEDULE
I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
INCOME
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||
Income: |
|
|
|
|||
Equity in income from continuing operations of subsidiaries |
$ |
100,303 |
$ |
85,742 |
$ |
106,006 |
Investment income (losses) |
(131) |
1,363 |
854 |
|||
Total income |
100,172 |
87,105 |
106,860 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|||
Operating expenses |
1,088 |
3,253 |
7,080 |
|||
Interest expense |
3,250 |
4,143 |
4,225 |
|||
Other expense |
126 |
70 |
120 |
|||
Total expenses |
4,464 |
7,466 |
11,425 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes |
95,708 |
79,639 |
95,435 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Income Tax Benefit |
(2,706) |
(2,633) |
(4,640) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Income from Continuing Operations |
98,414 |
82,272 |
100,075 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax |
- |
67 |
7,328 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Net income |
$ |
98,414 |
$ |
82,339 |
$ |
107,403 |
|
|
|
|
|||
The accompanying note is an integral part of these statements. |
136
IDACORP, Inc.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
|
December 31, |
||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
|||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
||||
Assets |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
Current Assets: |
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
3,541 |
$ |
1,300 |
|
Receivables |
3,211 |
2,741 |
|||
Refundable income tax deposit |
- |
45,695 |
|||
Deferred income taxes |
33,693 |
53,770 |
|||
Other |
755 |
773 |
|||
Total current assets |
41,200 |
104,279 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Investment in subsidiaries |
1,305,873 |
1,227,981 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Other Assets |
|
|
|||
Deferred income taxes |
44,500 |
1,828 |
|||
Other |
1,094 |
2,541 |
|||
Total other assets |
45,594 |
4,369 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Total |
$ |
1,392,667 |
$ |
1,336,629 |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|||
Notes payable |
$ |
38,400 |
$ |
49,860 |
|
Accounts payable |
5,701 |
4,478 |
|||
Taxes accrued |
22,485 |
47,733 |
|||
Other |
541 |
177 |
|||
Total current liabilities |
67,127 |
102,248 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|||
Intercompany notes payable |
19,855 |
22,652 |
|||
Other |
3,247 |
4,414 |
|||
Total other liabilities |
23,102 |
27,066 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Shareholders Equity |
1,302,438 |
1,207,315 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
Total |
$ |
1,392,667 |
$ |
1,336,629 |
|
|
|
|
|||
The accompanying note is an integral part of these statements. |
|||||
137
IDACORP, Inc.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
CASH FLOWS
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ |
56,912 |
$ |
39,332 |
$ |
41,196 |
|
|
|
|
|||
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|||
Contributions to subsidiaries |
(37,000) |
(51,000) |
(64,533) |
|||
Change in intercompany notes receivable |
- |
880 |
4,196 |
|||
Purchase of investments |
(364) |
- |
- |
|||
Sale of investments |
287 |
- |
- |
|||
Sale of ITI |
- |
- |
21,548 |
|||
Sale of IDACOMM |
- |
7,858 |
- |
|||
Reimbursement by subsidiary of refundable tax deposit |
- |
43,927 |
- |
|||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(37,077) |
1,665 |
(38,789) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|||
Issuance of common stock |
50,863 |
37,181 |
41,465 |
|||
Dividends on common stock |
(54,240) |
(53,012) |
(51,272) |
|||
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings |
(11,460) |
(26,940) |
16,700 |
|||
Change in intercompany notes payable |
(2,092) |
(626) |
(6,814) |
|||
Other |
(665) |
(1,024) |
1,004 |
|||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(17,594) |
(44,421) |
1,083 |
|||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
2,241 |
(3,424) |
3,490 |
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
1,300 |
4,724 |
1,234 |
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ |
3,541 |
$ |
1,300 |
$ |
4,724 |
|
|
|
|
|||
The accompanying note is an integral part of these statements. |
IDACORP, Inc.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
NOTES TO CONDENSED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
|
Pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the unconsolidated condensed financial statements of IDACORP, Inc. do not reflect all of the information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the 2008 Form 10-K, Part II, Item 8. |
|
Accounting for subsidiaries |
IDACORP has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in the unconsolidated condensed financial statements. Included in net cash provided by operating activities in the condensed statements of cash flows are dividends of $56,868, $58,990, and $74,609 that IDACORP subsidiaries paid to IDACORP in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. |
138
IDACORP, Inc.
SCHEDULE II - CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Column A |
Column B |
Column C |
Column D |
Column E |
||||||||
|
|
Additions |
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
Charged |
|
|
|||||||
|
Balance at |
Charged |
(Credited) |
|
Balance at |
|||||||
|
Beginning |
to |
to Other |
Deductions |
End |
|||||||
Classification |
of Period |
Income |
Accounts |
(1) |
of Period |
|||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
7,505 |
$ |
3,661 |
$ |
(5,947) |
$ |
3,495 |
$ |
1,724 |
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible notes |
|
1,879 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,879 |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
2,397 |
|
10,948 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
13,345 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
661 |
|
1,437 |
|
- |
|
133 |
|
1,965 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
4 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4 |
|
- |
|
2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
7,168 |
$ |
2,093 |
$ |
- |
$ |
1,756 |
$ |
7,505 |
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible notes |
|
1,879 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,879 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
1,565 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,565 |
|
- |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
1,227 |
|
2,893 |
|
- |
|
1,723 |
|
2,397 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
666 |
|
2,457 |
|
- |
|
2,462 |
|
661 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
6 |
|
3 |
|
- |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
33,078 |
$ |
3,079 |
$ |
- |
$ |
28,989 |
$ |
7,168 |
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible notes |
|
1,879 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,879 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
1,565 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,565 |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
- |
|
1,227 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,227 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
1,638 |
|
1,914 |
|
- |
|
2,886 |
|
666 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
36 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
30 |
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: (1) Represents deductions from the reserves for purposes for which the reserves were created. In the case of uncollectible accounts |
||||||||||||
|
and notes reserves, includes reversals of amounts previously written off. |
139
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
SCHEDULE II - CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006
Column A |
Column B |
Column C |
Column D |
Column E |
||||||||
|
|
Additions |
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
Charged |
|
|
|||||||
|
Balance at |
Charged |
(Credited) |
|
Balance at |
|||||||
|
Beginning |
to |
to Other |
Deductions |
End |
|||||||
Classification |
of Period |
Income |
Accounts |
(1) |
of Period |
|||||||
|
(thousands of dollars) |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
1,305 |
$ |
3,661 |
$ |
253 |
$ |
3,495 |
$ |
1,724 |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
2,397 |
|
10,948 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
13,345 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
661 |
|
1,437 |
|
- |
|
133 |
|
1,965 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
4 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4 |
|
- |
|
2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
968 |
$ |
2,093 |
$ |
- |
$ |
1,756 |
$ |
1,305 |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
1,227 |
|
2,893 |
|
- |
|
1,723 |
|
2,397 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
665 |
|
1,210 |
|
- |
|
1,214 |
|
661 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
6 |
|
3 |
|
- |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Reserves Deducted From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Applicable Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts |
$ |
833 |
$ |
3,079 |
$ |
- |
$ |
2,944 |
$ |
968 |
Other Reserves: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rate refunds |
|
- |
|
1,227 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,227 |
|
|
Injuries and damages reserve |
|
1,191 |
|
1,445 |
|
- |
|
1,971 |
|
665 |
|
|
Miscellaneous operating reserves |
|
36 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
30 |
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: (1) Represents deductions from the reserves for purposes for which the reserves were created. In the case of uncollectible accounts |
||||||||||||
|
includes reversals of amounts previously written off. |
140
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
IDACORP,
Inc.
(Registrant)
February 26, 2009
By: /s/J.
LaMont Keen
J. LaMont Keen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
By: |
|
/s/Jon H. Miller |
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
Jon H. Miller |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/J. LaMont Keen |
|
|
President and Chief Executive |
|
|
|
J. LaMont Keen |
|
|
Officer and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Darrel T. Anderson |
|
|
Senior Vice President - Administrative |
|
|
|
Darrel T. Anderson |
|
|
Services and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Richard J. Dahl |
By: |
|
/s/Jan B. Packwood |
|
|
|
Richard J. Dahl |
|
|
Jan B. Packwood |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Judith A. Johansen |
By: |
|
/s/Richard G. Reiten |
|
|
|
Judith A. Johansen |
|
|
Richard G. Reiten |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Christine King |
By: |
|
/s/Joan H. Smith |
|
|
|
Christine King |
|
|
Joan H. Smith |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Gary G. Michael |
By: |
|
/s/Robert A. Tinstman |
|
|
|
Gary G. Michael |
|
|
Robert A. Tinstman |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Peter S. ONeill |
By: |
|
/s/Thomas J. Wilford |
|
|
|
Peter S. ONeill |
|
|
Thomas J. Wilford |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
IDAHO
POWER COMPANY
(Registrant)
February 26, 2009
By:
/s/J. LaMont Keen
J. LaMont Keen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
By: |
|
/s/Jon H. Miller |
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
Jon H. Miller |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/J. LaMont Keen |
|
|
President and Chief Executive |
|
|
|
J. LaMont Keen |
|
|
Officer and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Darrel T. Anderson |
|
|
Senior Vice President - Administrative |
|
|
|
Darrel T. Anderson |
|
|
Services and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Richard J. Dahl |
By: |
|
/s/Jan B. Packwood |
|
|
|
Richard J. Dahl |
|
|
Jan B. Packwood |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Judith A. Johansen |
By: |
|
/s/Richard G. Reiten |
|
|
|
Judith A. Johansen |
|
|
Richard G. Reiten |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Christine King |
By: |
|
/s/Joan H. Smith |
|
|
|
Christine King |
|
|
Joan H. Smith |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Gary G. Michael |
By: |
|
/s/Robert A. Tinstman |
|
|
|
Gary G. Michael |
|
|
Robert A. Tinstman |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/Peter S. ONeill |
By: |
|
/s/Thomas J. Wilford |
|
|
|
Peter S. ONeill |
|
|
Thomas J. Wilford |
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
|
|
|
10.151 |
|
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Senior Management Employees I, amended and restated effective December 31, 2004, and as further amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.161 |
|
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Senior Management Employees II, effective January 1, 2005, as amended and restated November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.211 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Compensation Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.241 |
|
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Officers of IDACORP and IPC (senior vice president and higher), approved November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.251 |
|
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between IDACORP, Inc. and Officers of IDACORP and IPC (below senior vice president), approved November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.261 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.301 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (performance with two goals) (November 20, 2008). |
|
|
|
10.311 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.321 |
|
Idaho Power Company Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective November 15, 2000, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.331 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. and IPC 2008 Compensation for Non-Employee Directors of the Board of Directors, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.42 |
|
$170 Million Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Idaho Power Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender, and Bank of America, N.A., Union Bank, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as lenders. |
|
|
|
10.461 |
|
Form of IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.471 |
|
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
|
|
|
10.481 |
|
Form of Amendment to IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.491 |
|
Form of Termination of IDACORP, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.501 |
|
Form of Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.511 |
|
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
|
|
|
10.521 |
|
Form of Amendment to Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.531 |
|
Form of Termination of Idaho Power Company Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.541 |
|
Form of IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.551 |
|
Form of Letter Agreement to Amend Outstanding IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement (November 20, 2008). |
|
|
|
10.561 |
|
Form of Amendment to IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
10.571 |
|
Form of Termination of IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended November 20, 2008. |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IDACORP, Inc.) |
|
|
|
12.2 |
|
Statement Re: Computation of Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IDACORP, Inc.) |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IPC) |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
Statement Re: Computation of Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (IPC) |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification. |
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification. |
|
|
|
31.3 |
|
IPC Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification. |
|
|
|
31.4 |
|
IPC Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification. |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CEO certification. |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CFO certification. |
|
|
|
32.3 |
|
IPC Section 1350 CEO certification. |
|
|
|
32.4 |
|
IPC Section 1350 CFO certification. |
|
|
|
1 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
145