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1
FORM 10-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from to
Commission Registrant; State of Incorporation; IRS Employer
File Number Address; and Telephone Number Identification No.
1-9513 CMS ENERGY CORPORATION 38-2726431
(A Michigan Corporation)
Fairlane Plaza South, Suite 1100
330 Town Center Drive
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
(313)436-9200
1-5611 CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY 38-0442310
(A Michigan Corporation)
212 West Michigan Avenue
Jackson, Michigan 49201
(517)788-0550
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Registrant Title of Class on Which Registered
CMS Energy Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
Corporation Class G Common Stock, no par value New York Stock Exchange
Consumers Listed on inside cover
Power Company
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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. [ ]
Consumers Power Company securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of
the Act:
FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS:
5-7/8% Series due 1996
6-7/8% Series due 1998
6-5/8% Series due 1998
7-1/2% Series due 2001
7-1/2% Series due 2002
PREFERRED STOCK - Cumulative
No par:
$2.08 Series
$100 par value:
$4.16 Series $7.68 Series
$4.50 Series $7.72 Series
$7.45 Series $7.76 Series
All securities listed above are registered on the New York Stock Exchange.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of CMS Energy Corporation
held by non-affiliates, was $2,929,899,288 based on the closing sale price
of $30-3/8 per share for the 91,742,228 common shares, $.01 par value
CMS Energy Common Stock and $18-3/4 per share for the 7,638,886 common
shares, no par value Class G Common Stock, each outstanding on
February 29, 1996.
CMS Energy held all 84,108,789 outstanding common shares, $10 par value,
of Consumers Power Company, and the market value of the voting preferred
stock of Consumers, held by non-affiliates, was $141,862,876 based on the
closing sale price shown below.
Aggregate market value of Consumers' voting stock held by non-affiliates.
Number Shares Transaction
Type of Stock Outstanding Price/Share Date Market Value
(2/29/96)
Preferred:
$4.16 68,451 $56-1/2 2/09/96 $ 3,867,482
4.50 373,148 62-1/4 2/29/96 23,228,463
7.45 379,549 95 2/29/96 36,057,155
7.68 207,565 97 2/28/96 20,133,805
7.72 289,642 98 2/29/96 28,384,916
7.76 308,072 98 2/27/96 30,191,056
--------- ------------
Total 1,626,427 $141,862,877
========= ============
Documents incorporated by reference:
The Registrants' proxy statements relating to the 1996 annual meetings of
shareholders to be held May 24, 1996, are incorporated by reference in
Part III, except for the organization and compensation committee report
contained therein.
3
CMS ENERGY CORPORATION
and
CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORTS ON FORM 10-K
TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by CMS Energy Corporation and
Consumers Power Company. Information contained herein relating to each
individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf.
Accordingly, except for its subsidiaries, Consumers Power Company makes no
representation as to information relating to any other companies
affiliated with CMS Energy Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. . . 46
PART II
Item 5. Market for CMS Energy's and Consumers' Common Equity
and Related Stockholder Matters. . . . . . . . . . . 47
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . . 47
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . 48
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure. . . . . . . . . 138
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of CMS Energy and
Consumers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . 138
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
4
GLOSSARY
Certain terms used in the text and financial statements are defined below.
ABATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Association of Businesses Advocating
Tariff Equity
ALJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Law Judge
AMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternative minimum tax
Articles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Articles of Incorporation
Attorney General. . . . . . . . . . Michigan Attorney General
bcf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billion cubic feet
Big Rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Rock Point nuclear plant, owned
by Consumers
Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . Board of Directors of CMS Energy
Btu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . British thermal unit
Class G Common Stock. . . . . . . . One of two classes of common stock
of CMS Energy, no par value, which
reflects the separate performance of
the Consumers Gas Group
Clean Air Act . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Clean Air Act as amended on
November 15, 1990
CMS Electric Marketing. . . . . . . CMS Electric Marketing Company, a
subsidiary of Enterprises
CMS Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . CMS Energy Corporation
CMS Energy Common Stock . . . . . . One of two classes of common stock
of CMS Energy, par value $.01 per
share
CMS Gas Marketing . . . . . . . . . CMS Gas Marketing Company, a
subsidiary of Enterprises
CMS Gas Transmission. . . . . . . . CMS Gas Transmission and Storage
Company, a subsidiary of Enterprises
CMS Generation. . . . . . . . . . . CMS Generation Co., a subsidiary of
Enterprises
CMS Holdings. . . . . . . . . . . . CMS Midland Holdings Company, a
subsidiary of Consumers
CMS Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . CMS Midland Inc., a subsidiary of
Consumers
CMS NOMECO. . . . . . . . . . . . . CMS NOMECO Oil & Gas Co., a
subsidiary of Enterprises
Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . CMS Energy Common Stock and Class G
Common Stock
Consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumers Power Company, a
subsidiary of CMS Energy
Consumers Gas Group . . . . . . . . The gas distribution, storage and
transportation businesses currently
conducted by Consumers and Michigan
Gas Storage
Court of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . Michigan Court of Appeals
Detroit Edison. . . . . . . . . . . The Detroit Edison Company
DEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department of Environmental Quality
DNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michigan Department of Natural
Resources
DOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Department of Energy
Dow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Dow Chemical Company
DSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demand-side management
Energy Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . Energy Policy Act of 1992
Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . CMS Enterprises Company, a
subsidiary of CMS Energy
EPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental Protection Agency
FASB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FMLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Midland Limited Partnership
GCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gas cost recovery
General Motors. . . . . . . . . . . General Motors Corporation
GPSLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genesee Power Station Limited
Partnership
GTNs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 million CMS Energy General Term
Notes, Series A
Huron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Huron Hydrocarbons, Inc., a
subsidiary of Consumers
HYDRA-CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . HYDRA-CO Enterprises, Inc., a
subsidiary of CMS Generation
ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment tax credit
Karn Unit 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . D. E. Karn, Essexville, Michigan
kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kilowatt-hour
Ludington . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ludington pumped storage plant,
jointly owned by Consumers and
Detroit Edison
mcf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thousand cubic feet
MCV Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . A natural gas-fueled, combined cycle
cogeneration facility operated by
the MCV Partnership
MCV Partnership . . . . . . . . . . Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited
Partnership
MD&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management's Discussion and Analysis
MichCon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
Michigan Gas Storage. . . . . . . . Michigan Gas Storage Company, a
subsidiary of Consumers
Michigan Natural Resources
and Environmental Protection
Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michigan Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Act Part
201
MMbbls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Million barrels
MMBtu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Million British thermal unit
MMcf/d. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Million cubic feet per day
MMCG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michigan Municipal Cooperative Group
MPSC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michigan Public Service Commission
MW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megawatts
Natural Gas Act . . . . . . . . . . Federal Natural Gas Act
NEIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd.
NEPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Environmental Response Act
NML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nuclear Mutual Ltd.
NOPR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notice of proposed rulemaking
NOx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nitrogen oxide
NPDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
NRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nuclear Regulatory Commission
O&M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other operation and maintenance
expense
Order 636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orders affecting interstate gas
pipelines, including Order 636A and
636B issued by the FERC in 1992,
known also as the Restructuring Rule
Outstanding Shares. . . . . . . . . Outstanding shares of Class G Common
Stock
Palisades . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palisades nuclear plant, owned by
Consumers
Panhandle . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company
PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polychlorinated biphenyls
PCRB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pollution control revenue bond
Pension Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . The trusteed, non-contributory,
defined benefit pension plan of
Consumers and CMS Energy
PPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Power Purchase Agreement between
Consumers and the MCV Partnership
with a 35-year term commencing in
March 1990
ppm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parts per million
PSCR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power supply cost recovery
PUHCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Utility Holding Company Act
of 1935
PURPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Utility Regulatory Policies
Act of 1978
Qualifying Facility . . . . . . . . A facility that produces electricity
or steam and electricity and meets
the ownership and technical
requirements of PURPA. Electric
utilities are required to purchase
the electric capacity and energy
made available by a Qualifying
Facility at the purchasing utility's
avoided cost.
Retained Interest . . . . . . . . . The interest in the common
stockholders' equity of the
Consumers Gas Group that is retained
by CMS Energy
Retained Interest Shares. . . . . . Shares of Class G Common Stock not
held by holders of the Outstanding
Shares
Revised Settlement Proposal . . . . The request for approval of a
settlement proposal to resolve MCV
cost recovery issues, PURPA issues
and court remand as filed with the
MPSC on July 7, 1992 and amended on
September 8, 1992
SEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities and Exchange Commission
SERP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan
Settlement Order. . . . . . . . . . MPSC Order issued March 31, 1993 in
MPSC Case Nos. U-10127, U-8871 and
others, and the rehearing order
issued May 26, 1993
SFAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards
Superfund . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability
Act
Terra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terra Energy Ltd., an oil and gas
exploration and production company
located in Traverse City, Michigan
TGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportadora de Gas del Norte S.
A., a natural gas pipeline located
in Argentina
Trunkline . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trunkline Gas Company
Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Utility Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Unsecured Credit Facility . . . . . $450 million unsecured revolving
credit and letter of credit facility
dated November 21, 1995
UST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Underground storage tanks
Voluntary Employee Beneficiary
Association . . . . . . . . . . . A legal entity, established under
guidelines of the Internal Revenue
Code, through which the company can
provide certain benefits for its
employees or retirees
Walter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter International, Inc., an oil
and gas exploration and production
company located in Houston, Texas
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL
CMS Energy
CMS Energy, incorporated in Michigan in 1987, is the parent holding
company of Consumers and Enterprises. Consumers, a combination electric
and gas utility company serving all of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, is the
largest subsidiary of CMS Energy. Consumers' customer base includes a mix
of residential, commercial and diversified industrial customers, the
largest segment of which is the automotive industry. Enterprises is
engaged in several non-utility energy-related businesses including: oil
and gas exploration and production; development and operation of
independent power production facilities; marketing gas to utility,
commercial and industrial customers; and transmission, storage and
processing of natural gas. CMS Energy is exempt from registration under
PUHCA, see Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
CMS Energy had consolidated operating revenue in 1995 of $3.9 billion
which was derived approximately 59 percent from its electric utility
operations, approximately 31 percent from its gas utility operations,
approximately 5 percent from gas transmission, storage and marketing,
approximately 3 percent from oil and gas exploration and production
activities and approximately 2 percent from independent power production
and other non-utility activities. Consumers' consolidated operations in
the electric and gas utility businesses account for the major share of
CMS Energy's total assets, revenue and income. The unconsolidated share
of non-utility electric generation and gas transmission and storage
revenue for 1995 was $523 million.
Consumers
Consumers was incorporated in Michigan in 1968 and is the successor to a
corporation of the same name which was organized in Maine in 1910 and
which did business in Michigan from 1915 to 1968.
Consumers is a public utility serving gas or electricity to almost 6
million of Michigan's 9.5 million residents in all 68 counties in
Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Industries in Consumers' service area include
automotive, metal, chemical, food and wood products and a diversified
group of other industries. Consumers had consolidated operating revenue
in 1995 of $3.5 billion which was derived approximately 65 percent from
its electric business, approximately 34 percent from its gas business and
approximately 1 percent from its nonutility business. Consumers' rates
and certain other aspects of its business are subject to the jurisdiction
of the MPSC and FERC.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
CMS Energy and Consumers Financial Information
For information with respect to operating revenue, net operating income,
assets and liabilities attributable to all of CMS Energy's business
segments, refer to its Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995, in
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
For information with respect to the operating revenue, net operating
income, assets and liabilities attributable only to Consumers' business
segments, refer to its Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995, in
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
CMS Energy and Consumers Principal Operations
CMS Energy conducts its principal operations through the following five
business segments: electric utility operations; gas utility operations;
oil and gas exploration and production operations; independent power
production; and gas marketing, transmission, storage and processing.
Consumers conducts CMS Energy's regulated electric and gas utility
operations.
Consumers Electric Utility Operations
Consumers generates, purchases, transmits and distributes electricity and
renders electric service in 62 of the 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula
of Michigan. Principal cities served include Battle Creek, Flint, Grand
Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Saginaw and Wyoming. Consumers had
approximately 1.6 million electric customers at December 31, 1995. Total
electric sales in 1995 were a record 35.5 billion kWh, a 3 percent
increase from the 1994 levels which included a 4.2 percent increase in
system sales to Consumers' ultimate customers. Electric operating revenue
in 1995 was $2.3 billion, an increase of 4 percent from 1994. A peak
demand of 7,158 MW was achieved in August 1995, representing an increase
of 10.1 percent from the peak achieved in 1994, predominantly as a result
of improved industrial sales. Consumers' reserve margin was approximately
3 percent in 1995 and 14.6 percent in 1994, and 8 percent in 1995 and
15 percent in 1994, based on actual and weather adjusted peaks,
respectively.
Including Ludington, in which Consumers has a 51 percent ownership and
capacity entitlement, Consumers owns and operates 28 electric generating
plants with an aggregate net demonstrated capability available to
Consumers in 1995 under summer conditions, of 6,256 MW. In 1995,
Consumers purchased approximately 1,485 MW of net capacity from
independent power producers and cogenerators, the most significant being
the MCV Facility, which amounted to approximately 22 percent of Consumers'
total system requirements. See Item 2. PROPERTIES. CONSUMERS ELECTRIC
UTILITY PROPERTIES.
Consumers' electric generating plants are interconnected by a transmission
system which is itself interconnected at a number of locations with
transmission facilities of unaffiliated systems, including those of other
utilities in Michigan and Indiana. These interconnections permit a
sharing of the reserve capacity of the systems. This allows mutual
assistance during emergencies and substantially reduces investment in
utility plant facilities.
Consumers' customer base includes a mix of residential, commercial, and
diversified industrial customers, the largest segment of which is the
automotive industry. However, Consumers' electric operations are not
dependent upon a single customer, or a few customers, and the loss of any
one or more of such customers would not have a material adverse effect on
its financial condition. Consumers' electric operations are seasonal to
the extent the weather pattern may have an effect on revenues. Peak
demands for 1995 were 5,825 MW in the winter and 7,158 MW in the summer.
For sales by customer class, see Item 1. BUSINESS. CONSUMERS CONSOLIDATED
REVENUE AND SALES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT.
MCV Cost Recovery Issues: The MCV Partnership was formed in January 1987
by subsidiaries of Consumers and Dow to convert a portion of Consumers'
abandoned Midland nuclear plant into a natural gas-fueled, combined cycle
cogeneration facility. The MCV Facility has been certified as a
Qualifying Facility under PURPA. Consumers' current interests in the MCV
Partnership and the MCV Facility are discussed more fully in Note 3 of the
Notes to Consumers' Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 1987, Consumers signed a PPA with the MCV Partnership for the purchase
of up to 1,240 MW of capacity for a 35-year period beginning with the MCV
Facility's commercial operation in March 1990. Consumers' cost recovery
from its electric customers for the amount of capacity purchased by
Consumers from the MCV Partnership, the price paid by Consumers for that
capacity and associated energy, and the method of rate recovery for those
purchases had been at issue before the MPSC and the Michigan appellate
courts since Consumers' first attempt to recover those costs in its annual
PSCR proceedings. Because the MPSC consistently denied Consumers full
recovery of the costs it incurred for its purchases from the MCV
Partnership, Consumers incurred significant ongoing annual losses. On
March 31, 1993, the MPSC issued an Opinion and Order on a Revised
Settlement Proposal, which had been submitted by Consumers, CMS Energy,
the MPSC staff, and ten qualifying facility developers, approving it with
certain modifications. The Settlement Order allows Consumers to schedule
deliveries of energy from the MCV Facility whenever it is available up to
specified hourly availability limits. Consumers can recover an average
3.62 cents per kWh for 915 MW of capacity and the prescribed energy
charges associated with the scheduled deliveries within certain hourly
availability limits, whether or not those deliveries had been scheduled on
an economic basis. The applicable availability limits are divided into
on-peak and off-peak hours. For the period beginning January 1, 1993
through December 31, 1997, there are no limits applicable on Consumers'
recovery for its purchase of capacity made available during on-peak hours
while recovery for the purchase of capacity made available during off-peak
hours is limited in 1993 at 80 percent of the 915 MW, 82 percent in 1994
and 1995, and 84 percent in 1996 and 1997. Beginning in 1998 and
continuing thereafter both the on and off-peak recovery will be limited to
88.7 percent of the 915 MW of capacity authorized for recovery under the
Settlement Order. With Consumers' acceptance of the Settlement Order, the
uncertainties surrounding Consumers' cost recoveries related to its
purchases from the MCV Partnership were resolved to a sufficient degree
that Consumers effected a quasi-reorganization as of December 31, 1992, in
which Consumers' accumulated deficit of $574 million was eliminated
against other paid-in capital. Following this quasi-reorganization,
Consumers resumed paying dividends in 1993. This action was approved by
Consumers' Board of Directors and did not require shareholder approval.
Because the Settlement Order only permitted Consumers cost recovery for
915 MW of the capacity it is purchasing from the MCV Partnership, cost
recovery for the remainder of the capacity purchased from the MCV
Partnership has continued to be an issue in Consumers' proceedings before
the MPSC. In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a
proposed settlement agreement that would potentially resolve the recovery
of Consumers' cost of purchasing the 325 MW of contract capacity from the
MCV Facility above the level the MPSC has currently authorized for
recovery, among other issues. For further discussion of this proposed
settlement and other legal proceedings involving Consumers and the
MCV Partnership see Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Fuel: Consumers has five generating plants which utilize coal as a fuel
source and which constitute 77 percent of its baseload capacity. These
plants combined to produce a total of 15,956 million kWhs in 1995
requiring approximately 7 million tons of coal. Consumers has long-term
contracts covering 60 to 70 percent of its coal requirements for 1996.
Consumers' coal requirements not under long-term contract must be supplied
through short-term agreements or spot purchases. Consumers' coal
inventory as of December 31, 1995 amounted to approximately 47 days'
supply.
Consumers currently owns and operates two nuclear power plants, Palisades,
near South Haven, Michigan and Big Rock, near Charlevoix, Michigan. In
1995, the combined net generation of these plants was 5,353 million kWhs,
which constitutes approximately 25 percent of Consumers' baseload
generation. Consumers currently has two contracts for uranium
concentrates which have quantity flexibility sufficient to cover up to
approximately 60 percent of its requirements. The larger of these two
contracts runs through 1996. Consumers intends to purchase the balance of
its 1996 and 1997 concentrate and conversion requirements in the spot
market. Consumers has contracts for nuclear fuel services, including
enrichment of uranium hexafluoride and fabrication of nuclear fuel
assemblies. The enrichment contract covers 70 percent of the requirements
until the year 2000. The fabrication contract was renegotiated in 1995
for Palisades and remains in effect for the next six Palisades reloads
with options to extend for an additional two reloads. The Big Rock
fabrication contract remains in effect through the end of the operating
license in the year 2000. These contracts are with major private indus-
trial suppliers of nuclear fuel and related services and with the United
States Government.
As shown below, Consumers generates electricity principally from coal and
nuclear fuel.
Power Generated
(Millions of kWhs)
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Coal 15,956 17,401 16,520 17,024 16,500
Nuclear 5,353 4,904 3,938 5,093 5,340
Oil (a) 318 322 238 206 194
Gas (a) 238 91 110 12 16
Hydro 420 481 489 490 518
Net Pumped Storage (b) (373) (414) (394) (393) (406)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Net Generation 21,912 22,785 20,901 22,432 22,162
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
(a) Beginning in 1993, reflects the conversion of Karn Unit 4 to a dual
fuel capability enabling the unit to burn natural gas or oil or a
combination of both, having previously only burned oil.
(b) Represents Consumers' share of net generation from Ludington. This
facility pumps water into a storage pond using electricity generated
during off-peak hours, in order to later generate electricity during peak
demand hours.
The cost of all fuels consumed, shown below, fluctuates with the mix of
fuel burned.
Fuel Consumed
(Cost Per Million Btu)
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Coal $1.51 $1.57 $1.60 $1.62 $1.61
Oil 2.64 2.96 2.90 2.73 2.96
Gas (a) 2.18 2.81 3.13 4.73 4.58
Nuclear (b) .49 .46 .40 .38 .62
All Fuels (c) 1.27 1.34 1.39 1.33 1.36
(a) Beginning in 1993, includes combustion turbines and Karn Unit 4.
(b) An increase in operating cycles from twelve to eighteen months
beginning in 1992 resulted in a significant reduction in nuclear fuel
costs.
(c) Weighted average fuel costs.
Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the federal government is
responsible for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-
level radioactive waste beginning not later than 1998. To date, the DOE
has been unable to arrange for storage facilities to meet this obligation.
In 1995, two bills were introduced in Congress which clarify the DOE's
obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel. Both bills direct the DOE to
establish an integrated spent fuel management system that includes
designing and constructing an interim storage facility in the State of
Nevada by 1998. Big Rock has the capacity to accommodate normal spent
fuel discharge through the end of its operating license in 2000, with a
full core discharge reserve through 1996. Consumers' on-site storage pool
at Palisades is at capacity and Consumers is currently storing spent
nuclear fuel in an on-site dry cask storage facility. If the DOE fails to
accept delivery of spent nuclear fuel by the contractually established
dates, which for Big Rock and Palisades are 1999 and 2000, respectively,
Consumers expects to be able to store spent nuclear fuel in dry storage
casks at its nuclear plant sites until a long-term depository is
available. For a discussion relating to the NRC approval of dry storage
casks and Consumers' use of the casks, see Note 13 of the Notes to
Consumers' Consolidated Financial Statements. Consumers began shipping
its low-level radioactive waste to a site in South Carolina during 1995
and plans to have all its current low-level radioactive waste removed from
its nuclear plant sites by the end of 1996.
Consumers Gas Utility Operations
Consumers purchases, transports, stores and distributes gas and renders
gas service to approximately 1.5 million customers in 45 of the 68
counties in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Principal cities served include
Bay City, Flint, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Pontiac and Saginaw, as well
as the suburban Detroit area. It owns gas transmission and distribution
mains and other gas lines, compressor stations and facilities, storage
rights, wells and gathering facilities in several fields in Michigan.
Consumers and Michigan Gas Storage store gas during the warmer months of
the year for use in the colder months when demand is higher. Consumers'
gas operations are not dependent upon a single customer, or a few
customers, and the loss of any one of such customers would not have a
material adverse effect on its financial condition. See Item 2.
PROPERTIES.
Consumers' gas operations are seasonal to the extent that peak demand
occurs in winter due to colder temperatures. Consumers' consolidated gas
operating revenue was $1.2 billion in 1995, an increase of 3.8 percent
from 1994. The all-time record 24 hour send-out of natural gas for
Consumers on January 19, 1994 was 3,100,000 mcf, which Consumers considers
to be the peak-day transportation and distribution capacity of the system.
Deliveries of gas sold by Consumers, and from other sellers over
Consumers' pipeline and distribution network, to ultimate customers
including the MCV Partnership totaled 404 bcf in 1995. See Item 1.
BUSINESS. CONSUMERS CONSOLIDATED REVENUE AND SALES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT.
Consumers Gas Supply: In 1995, Consumers purchased approximately
87 percent of its required gas supply using long-term and short-term
contracts. The contract supply included 44 percent from United States
producers, 23 percent from Canadian producers and 20 percent from Michigan
producers. The remaining 13 percent of Consumers' 1995 gas supply
requirements were met by purchases on the spot market.
Consumers' firm transportation agreements are with Trunkline, Panhandle,
ANR Pipeline Company and Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company. These
agreements are utilized by Consumers to transport its required gas
supplies to market and to replenish its storage fields. In total,
Consumers' firm transportation arrangements will carry almost 90 percent
of Consumers' total gas supply requirements.
Consumers' portfolio of firm transportation from pipelines is as follows:
Volume (dekatherms/day) Expiration
------ -----------------
Trunkline 41,400 February 1997
336,375 October 2002
Panhandle 40,000 March 2000
25,000 March 2000
ANR Pipeline Company 40,000 October 1999
10,000 December 2001
6,000 December 2002
24,900 October 2003
58,765 October 2003
Great Lakes Gas
Transmission Company 84,000 March 2004
The balance of Consumers' required gas supply is transported on
interruptible contracts. The amount of interruptible capacity and the
utilization thereof is primarily a function of the price for such service
and the availability and price of the spot supplies to be purchased and
transported. Consumers' utilization of interruptible transportation is
generally in off-peak summer months and after its firm capacity has been
fully subscribed.
CMS Energy Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
CMS NOMECO is an oil and natural gas producer with activities in Michigan
and 12 other states, the Gulf of Mexico, Colombia, Congo, Ecuador,
Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Venezuela and Yemen. In 1995, it produced
approximately 4.5 MMbbls of oil, condensate and plant products and
approximately 26.3 bcf of gas compared to 2.2 MMbbls and 20.5 bcf in 1994.
During 1995, CMS NOMECO participated with a working interest in drilling
wells as follows:
Number of
Type of Well Number of Wells Successful Wells Success Ratio
- ------------ --------------- ------------------ ---------------
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
----- ---- ----- ----- ----- -----
Exploratory 8 3.67 3 1.31 38% 36%
Development 27 4.20 26 3.92 96% 93%
-- ---- -- ----
Total 35 7.87 29 5.23 83% 66%
-- ---- -- ----
-- ---- -- ----
The numbers do not include CMS NOMECO's participation in Devonian Antrim
Shale gas wells in Michigan, where CMS NOMECO drilled 120 wells (22 net)
during 1995 with a 98 percent success rate.
CMS NOMECO has a 14 percent working interest in a consortium which is
conducting oil development and production operations in Block 16 and the
adjoining Tivacuno Block of the Oriente Basin of Ecuador. Production
commenced from these Blocks in 1994. In 1995 the three fields were
producing at a pipeline-curtailed rate of 30,500 barrels per day compared
to total production capacity of 40,000 barrels per day. Further, in 1994
the Ministry of Energy and Mines in Ecuador informed the consortium
members that the Ministry will seek to renegotiate the Risk Service
Contract and other contracts governing the project. The negotiations
commenced in September 1995 and will likely continue for at least the next
several months and possibly beyond. CMS NOMECO cannot predict the outcome
of these negotiations. Ecuador currently represents approximately 13.2
percent of the total of CMS NOMECO's proved oil and gas reserves on an
equivalent barrel basis.
In February 1995, CMS NOMECO acquired Walter for approximately $49
million, consisting of approximately $27 million of CMS Energy Common
Stock and $22 million in both cash and assumed debt. CMS NOMECO's
acquisition of Walter added proved reserves of 20 MMbbls of oil.
In August 1995, CMS NOMECO acquired Terra for approximately $63 million of
CMS Energy Common Stock. By virtue of the acquisition, CMS NOMECO
acquired approximately 96 bcf of proved gas reserves. See Item 2.
PROPERTIES. CMS ENERGY OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION PROPERTIES.
CMS Energy Independent Power Production
CMS Generation invests in, develops, converts, constructs, operates and
acquires non-utility power generation projects both domestically and
internationally. As of January 1996, CMS Generation had ownership
interests in 2,812 MW (gross) operating capacity in twenty-eight operating
power projects in Michigan, California, Connecticut, New York, Maine, New
Jersey, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia, Argentina and the Philippines.
These power projects are powered by natural gas, wood waste, coal, oil,
water, tires and wind.
In April 1994, GPSLP, an unconsolidated affiliate of CMS Generation, began
construction of the Genesee Power Station, a 35 MW waste wood-fueled power
plant near Flint, Michigan, which continued during 1995. CMS Generation
has a 50 percent interest in GPSLP. Completion of this plant and
commercial operation occurred in the first quarter of 1996.
In January 1995, CMS Generation acquired HYDRA-CO for $153 million, net of
$54 million cash. CMS Generation acquired 224 MW of net generating
capacity and also assumed shared construction management responsibility
for a 60 MW diesel-fueled plant under construction in Jamaica, scheduled
to go in service in the fourth quarter of 1996.
In January 1995, the Moroccan government selected a consortium of CMS
Generation and an affiliate of Asea Brown Boveri to exclusively negotiate
a definitive agreement for the privatization and expansion of a Moroccan
power plant. The privatization of the coal-fired Jorf Lasfar plant,
southwest of Casablanca, would include a thirty year concession agreement
to operate two 330 MW generating units already in service and to construct
and operate another two 330 MW units. The output of the plants will be
sold to the Moroccan national utility. The operations of the existing
facilities acquired are expected to partially finance the construction of
the two additional units.
In April 1995, CMS Generation sold substantially all of its interest in
the Argentine thermal electric generation plant, Centrales Termicas San
Nicolas.
In August 1995, CMS Generation and Empresa de Energia y Vapor reached an
agreement with YPF S.A., Argentina's largest oil company, to supply YPF
S.A. with electricity and steam from a 150 MW natural gas-fueled plant to
be built at YPF S.A.'s La Plata oil refinery in Buenos Aires Province,
Argentina. CMS Generation holds a 39 percent ownership interest in the
project and will serve as plant operator. Financing for the project is
expected to be complete in early 1996, with a two year construction period
to begin shortly thereafter.
During 1995, CMS Generation invested approximately $11 million in GVK
Industries, the developer of a 235 MW gas/naphtha fired plant under
construction in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. CMS Generation has a
total equity commitment to the project of approximately $20 million
representing a 25 percent ownership interest. GVK Industries is
negotiating to sell all of its output to the state electric company under
a 30 year power purchase agreement and is expected to commence commercial
operations on its first unit in the second quarter of 1996, subject to
consummation of the power purchase agreement and financial closing.
CMS ENERGY GAS TRANSMISSION AND STORAGE, CMS GAS MARKETING AND CMS
ELECTRIC MARKETING
CMS Gas Marketing was formed in 1987 to arrange natural gas supplies for
large gas consumers throughout the Great Lakes, Midwest and Middle South
regions of the United States. CMS Gas Marketing currently has over 600
customers in 18 states with sales of 101 bcf in 1995. Customers include
industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, electric utilities and local
gas distribution companies.
CMS Gas Transmission, which commenced operations in 1989, owns, develops
and manages domestic and international natural gas transmission,
processing and storage projects.
In 1995, Enterprises formed CMS Electric Marketing to provide electric
supply marketing services to utilities, municipalities, and commercial and
industrial electricity users throughout North and South America.
In 1995, CMS Gas Transmission increased its ownership of the Antrim plant
carbon dioxide processing facilities, located in Otsego County, Michigan,
to 100 percent by acquiring the remaining 40 percent. Under a new
agreement with MichCon, CMS Gas Transmission will provide a gas treatment
service for up to 260 MMcf/d of Antrim gas. A 70 MMcf/d facility was
completed in January 1996.
In July 1995, CMS Gas Transmission acquired a 25 percent ownership
interest in TGN, an Argentine natural gas transporter, for $136 million.
TGN owns and operates 2,600 miles of pipelines that provide natural gas
transmission service to the northern and central parts of Argentina, with
almost one bcf per day of existing pipeline capacity.
In December 1995, CMS Gas Transmission successfully completed construction
of the $3 million, 3.1 mile Bluewater pipeline from an interconnection
with Consumers' natural gas transmission system to an interconnection with
an existing pipeline at the St. Clair River, south of Port Huron,
Michigan. The pipeline, which is capable of transporting up to 200 mcf of
natural gas per day, will provide significantly increased gas supply
flexibilities in the United States and Canada.
In January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission acquired an ownership interest in
Nitrotec Corporation which has two helium recovery plants under
construction, with the first plant scheduled to be in service the first
quarter of 1996. The total estimated capital cost of these two plants,
both located in Kansas, is $8.2 million. Additionally, one helium
recovery plant was placed in service in October 1995. Nitrotec
Corporation has also started construction on a $5.2 million nitrogen
rejection facility in Texas.
In January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission acquired Petal Gas Storage Company
and its related assets. Petal Gas Storage Company is a natural gas
storage facility located in Forrest County, Mississippi. Petal Gas
Storage Company's salt dome storage cavern provides up to 3.2 bcf per day
of ten-day storage service and has the capability of being refilled in
20 days.
CMS ENERGY CONSOLIDATED REVENUE AND SALES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
Revenue For Years Ended December 31 In Millions
1995 1994 1993
Electric Utility Operations
Residential $ 809 $ 756 $ 718
Commercial 675 646 620
Industrial 687 672 635
Other 78 80 75
------ ----- -----
Total System Sales 2,249 2,154 2,048
Intersystem Sales 28 35 29
------ ----- -----
Total 2,277 2,189 2,077
----- ----- -----
Gas Utility Operations
Residential 821 791 803
Commercial 239 230 232
Industrial 59 57 55
Other 26 19 14
Transportation 50 54 56
----- ----- -----
Total 1,195 1,151 1,160
----- ----- -----
Oil and Gas Exploration and
Production Operations 108 78 71
----- ----- -----
Independent Power Production (a) 96 46 21
----- ----- -----
Gas Transmission and Marketing
Operations (b)
Marketing 171 129 130
Transmission 25 16 12
----- ----- -----
Total 196 145 142
----- ----- -----
Other Operations 18 5 5
----- ----- -----
Total $3,890 $3,614 $3,476
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
(a) Does not include CMS Energy's share of unconsolidated independent
power production revenues of $497 in 1995, $385 in 1994 and $334 in 1993.
(b) Does not include CMS Energy's share of unconsolidated natural gas
transmission, storage and marketing revenue of $26 in 1995, $7 in 1994 and
$3 in 1993.
SALES FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
1995 1994 1993
------- ------ ------
Electric Utility Sales
(Millions of kWhs)
Residential 10,712 10,222 10,066
Commercial 9,649 9,174 8,909
Industrial 12,688 12,321 11,541
Other 1,351 1,285 1,142
------ ------ ------
Total System Sales 34,400 33,002 31,658
Intersystem Sales 1,106 1,460 1,106
------ ------ ------
Total 35,506 34,462 32,764
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Gas Utility Sales and
Deliveries (bcf)
Residential 180 171 175
Commercial 58 55 56
Industrial 15 14 14
Transportation 151 169 166
------ ------ ------
Total 404 409 411
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Oil & Gas Exploration and
Production Sales
(net equiv. MMbbls) 8.9 5.6 5.0
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
CONSUMERS CONSOLIDATED REVENUE AND SALES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
Revenue For Years Ended December 31 In Millions
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------
Electric Operations
Residential $ 809 $ 756 $ 718
Commercial 675 646 620
Industrial 687 672 635
Other 78 80 75
----- ----- -----
Total System Sales 2,249 2,154 2,048
Intersystem Sales 28 35 29
----- ----- -----
Total 2,277 2,189 2,077
----- ----- -----
Gas Operations
Residential 821 791 803
Commercial 239 230 232
Industrial 59 57 55
Other 26 19 14
Transportation 50 54 56
----- ----- -----
Total 1,195 1,151 1,160
----- ----- -----
Other Operations 39 16 6
----- ----- -----
Total $3,511 $3,356 $3,243
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Sales For Years Ended December 31
- -------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------
Electric Sales (Millions of kWhs)
Residential 10,712 10,222 10,066
Commercial 9,649 9,174 8,909
Industrial 12,688 12,321 11,541
Other 1,351 1,285 1,142
------ ------ ------
Total System Sales 34,400 33,002 31,658
Intersystem Sales 1,106 1,460 1,106
------ ------ ------
Total 35,506 34,462 32,764
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Gas Sales and Deliveries (bcf)
Residential 180 171 175
Commercial 58 55 56
Industrial 15 14 14
Transportation 151 169 166
------ ------ ------
Total 404 409 411
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
CMS ENERGY AND CONSUMERS REGULATION
CMS Energy, Consumers and their subsidiaries are subject to regulation by
various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies, including
those specifically described below.
Michigan Public Service Commission
Consumers is subject to the jurisdiction of the MPSC, which regulates
public utilities in Michigan with respect to retail utility rates,
accounting, services, certain facilities and various other matters. For
information about Consumers' significant pending MPSC matters, see Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. The MPSC also has or will have rate jurisdiction over
several limited partnerships in which CMS Gas Transmission has ownership
interests. These partnerships own or will own and operate intrastate gas
transmission pipelines. In December 1995, the State of Michigan repealed
the statutes granting MPSC jurisdiction over future public utility
securities issuances.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy
Reorganization Act of 1974, Consumers is subject to the jurisdiction of
the NRC with respect to the design, construction and operation of its
nuclear power plants. Consumers is also subject to NRC jurisdiction with
respect to certain other uses of nuclear material. In April 1995,
Consumers received a Safety Evaluation Report from the NRC concurring with
a previous evaluation that the Palisades reactor vessel can be safely
operated through late 1999 and requesting submittal of an action plan to
provide for operation of the plant beyond 1999. The Safety Evaluation
Report and other matters relating to Palisades are more fully described
in Note 13 to Consumers' Consolidated Financial Statements.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FERC has rate jurisdiction over twenty-seven independent power projects in
which CMS Generation has an ownership interest which are Qualifying
Facilities under PURPA. FERC also has jurisdiction over Michigan Gas
Storage as a natural gas company within the meaning of the Natural Gas
Act. The FERC jurisdiction relates, among other things, to the
acquisition, operation and disposal of assets and facilities and to
service provided and rates charged by Michigan Gas Storage. Under certain
circumstances, the FERC also has the power to modify gas tariffs of
interstate pipeline companies. Certain aspects of Consumers' gas business
are also subject to regulation by the FERC including a blanket
transportation tariff pursuant to which Consumers can transport gas in
interstate commerce.
Certain aspects of Consumers' electric operations are also subject to
regulation by the FERC, including compliance with the FERC's accounting
rules and other regulations applicable to "public utilities" and
"licensees", the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce
and the rates and charges for the sale of electric energy at wholesale,
certain mergers, the sale of certain facilities, the construction,
operation and maintenance of hydroelectric projects and the issuance of
securities, as provided by the Federal Power Act.
Consumers has an effective open-access interconnection service schedule on
file with the FERC for wholesale wheeling transactions and another
wheeling tariff pending before the FERC. In March 1995, the FERC issued a
NOPR and a supplemental NOPR which include a proposed requirement for
open-access transmission services by utilities under standard terms and
conditions and procedures for recovery of stranded costs, which the FERC
proposes would be the reasonably anticipated lost revenues. For further
information about the open-access transmission tariffs, see ITEM 1.
BUSINESS. CONSUMERS AND CMS ENERGY COMPETITION - Electric Competition and
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
CONSUMERS AND CMS ENERGY INSURANCE
Consumers maintains $500 million of primary property damage insurance from
NML at each of its operating nuclear plants, Big Rock and Palisades,
covering all risks of physical loss, subject to certain exclusions and
deductibles. Consumers is also insured by NEIL and obtains excess
property damage insurance in the amount of $2.0 billion for Palisades.
These nuclear property insurance policies cover decontamination, debris
removal and direct property loss. The NEIL excess property damage
policies for Palisades would also cover much of the cost arising from an
accidental premature decommissioning which was not already funded and part
of the remaining book value of the plant. For any loss over $100 million,
stabilization and decontamination expenses must be satisfied before other
claims proceeds are received from the insurers. Under all these policies,
Consumers retains the risk of loss to the extent the loss is within the
policy deductibles ($1 million for Palisades and $250,000 for Big Rock) or
policy exclusions or if the loss exceeds the combined property damage
policy limits ($2.5 billion for Palisades and $500 million for Big Rock)
at either location. Because NML and NEIL are mutual insurance companies,
Consumers would be subject to assessments under the NML and NEIL excess
property damage policies which could total approximately $27.5 million in
any one policy year in the event of covered losses at its own or any other
member's nuclear facility. Consumers has also procured NEIL I coverage
which would partially cover the cost of replacement power during certain
prolonged accidental outages of the Big Rock or Palisades units. Such
cost would not be covered by the insurance during the first 21 weeks of
any outage, but the major portion of such cost would be covered during the
next 12 months of the outage, followed by a reduced level of coverage for
a period up to two additional years. Consumers would be subject to a
maximum assessment under the replacement power insurance of approximately
$2.5 million in any one policy year in the event of covered losses at its
own or any other member's nuclear facility or facilities.
Consumers maintains nuclear liability insurance and other forms of
financial protection (including an agreement of government indemnity under
the Price-Anderson Act, applicable to the Big Rock) for injuries and off-
site property damage due to the nuclear hazard at such facilities. Such
insurance and financial protection covers Consumers up to the aggregate
limits of liability established by the Price-Anderson Act, which are
presently $544 million for Big Rock and approximately $8.9 billion for
Palisades. Part of such financial protection consists of a mandatory
industry-wide program under which owners of nuclear generating facilities
could be assessed in the event of a nuclear incident at any of such
facilities. Consumers would be subject to a maximum assessment of $79
million per occurrence in the event of a nuclear incident at certain
nuclear facilities, limited to a maximum installment payment of $10
million per occurrence in any year. Consumers also maintains insurance
under a master worker program that covers tort claims for bodily injury
caused by a nuclear hazard to workers who began their nuclear related
employment after January 1, 1988. The policies contain a $200 million
nuclear industry aggregate limit and could subject Consumers to a maximum
assessment of up to $6.4 million in the event of claims thereunder.
Property insurance is also maintained on CMS Energy's and Consumers' non-
nuclear facilities and operations. Conventional (non-nuclear) property
insurance is maintained on buildings, equipment, boilers, machinery and
gas stored underground. The applicable policies insure the full
replacement value of all major operating locations. However, the
insurance policies are subject to standard terms, conditions, exclusions
and coverage limits similar to those of other companies with similar
facilities and operations. Consumers maintains deductibles ranging from
$500,000 to $1 million on plant and facility losses. Certain CMS Energy
projects are specifically insured with lower deductibles. Consumers
insures its overhead electric transmission and distribution system for a
$25 million maximum loss limit subject to a $7.5 million deductible.
CMS Energy's and Consumers' non-nuclear public liability insurance
policies provide a $125 million policy limit, with a $500,000 deductible.
Other policies include $125 million of excess workers' compensation
insurance, subject to the $500,000 deductible; $125 million of fiduciary
and employee benefit liability insurance, subject to the $500,000
deductible; $10 million of crime insurance coverage subject to a $100,000
deductible; $50 million (offshore) and $20 million (onshore) of oil and
gas well blow-out insurance subject to a $250,000 deductible; and a
maximum of $225 million of aircraft insurance. Certain CMS Energy non-
utility projects maintain special insurance with lower deductibles.
CMS Energy and Consumers are not insured with regard to certain risks,
most notably for flood or earthquake damage to its underground gas and
electrical equipment, because it believes that these properties are not
subject to large earthquake and flood risks. Consumers has also not
obtained insurance for flood and earthquake property damage at its nuclear
plants because it believes that the protective systems built into these
plants and the low probability of an event of this type at the locations
of these plants makes such insurance unnecessary. In addition, Consumers'
current insurance coverages do not extend to certain environmental clean-
up costs, such as claims for air pollution, some past PCB contamination
and for some long-term storage or disposal of pollutants. See CONSUMERS
AND CMS ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE section below.
Insurance policy terms, limits and conditions are subject to change during
the year as policies are renewed; however, CMS Energy and Consumers
believe that they and their subsidiaries are adequately insured for the
various risk exposures incidental to their respective businesses.
CONSUMERS AND CMS ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Consumers and CMS Energy and their subsidiaries are subject to regulation
with regard to environmental quality, including air and water quality,
waste management, zoning and other matters, by various federal, state and
local authorities. Management believes that the responsible
administration of its energy resources includes reasonable programs for
the protection and enhancement of the environment.
Consumers has installed modern stack emission controls and monitoring
systems at its electric generating plants, converted electric generating
units to burn cleaner fuels, worked with others to use bottom ash as final
cover for ash disposal areas in place of topsoil and as a base for asphalt
in road shoulders, worked with local, state and national organizations on
waste minimization and pollution prevention initiatives to enhance certain
of Consumers' lands for the benefit of wildlife, provided recreational
access to its lands, worked with universities and other institutions on
projects to propagate threatened or endangered species, and made financial
contributions to a variety of environmental enhancement projects.
Capital expenditures by Consumers for environmental protection additions
were approximately $33 million in 1995 and are estimated to be
approximately $39 million in 1996.
Air use permits are required under federal and state law for certain of
Consumers' and CMS Generation's affiliates' sources of air emissions.
These laws require that certain affected facilities control their sources'
air emissions. Permits for Consumers' affected steam electric generating
facilities and other affected sources of air emissions have been issued by
the Michigan Air Pollution Control Commission, and more recently, the DEQ,
pursuant to a delegation of authority from the EPA under the Clean Air Act
and Michigan Air Pollution Act, as amended. Consumers believes that it is
in substantial compliance with all air use permits.
The Clean Air Act contains provisions that limit emissions of sulfur
dioxide and NOx and require emissions monitoring. Consumers' coal-fueled
electric generating units burn low-sulfur coal and are presently operating
at or near the sulfur dioxide emission limits which will be effective in
the year 2000. Beginning in 1995, certain coal-fueled generating units
receive emissions allowances (all of Consumers' coal units will receive
allowances beginning in the year 2000). Based on projected emissions from
these units, Consumers expects to have excess allowances which may be sold
or saved for future use.
The Clean Air Act's provisions required Consumers to make capital
expenditures totaling $25 million to install equipment at certain
generating units. Consumers estimates capital expenditures for in-process
and possible modifications at other coal-fired units to be an additional
$50 million by the year 2000. Final acid rain program NOx regulations
specifying the limits applicable to the other coal-fired units are
expected to be issued in 1996. Management believes that Consumers' annual
operating costs will not be materially affected.
Consumers is a so-called "potentially responsible party" at several sites
being administered under Superfund. Superfund liability is joint and
several, and along with Consumers, there are numerous credit-worthy,
potentially responsible parties with substantial assets cooperating with
respect to the individual sites. Based upon past negotiations, Consumers
estimates its total liability for the significant sites will average less
than 4 percent of the estimated total site remediation costs, and such
liability is expected to be less than $9 million. On December 31, 1995,
Consumers accrued a liability for its estimated losses. Consumers
believes that it is unlikely that its liability at any of the known
Superfund sites, individually or in total, will have a material adverse
effect on its financial position or results of operations.
The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (formerly
the Environmental Response Act) was substantially amended in June 1995.
The Michigan law bears similarities to the federal Superfund law. The
purpose of the 1995 amendments was generally to encourage development of
industrial sites and to remove liability from some parties who were not
responsible for activities causing contamination. Consumers expects that
it will ultimately incur investigation and remedial action costs at a
number of sites, including several of the 23 sites that formerly housed
manufactured gas plant facilities, even those in which it has a partial or
no current ownership interest. Such costs are estimated to be between $48
million and $112 million. There is limited knowledge of manufactured gas
plant contamination at these sites at this time, although Consumers
continues to investigate and study these sites. For further information
about manufactured gas plants, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consumers'
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consumers has engaged in an aggressive testing and removal program for
USTs. Since 1985, Consumers and its subsidiaries have reduced the number
of regulated UST systems from approximately 256 to 45. At 109 of the
sites from which UST systems were removed, there had been hydrocarbon
releases, either from tank system leaks or from spillage on the surface
during transfer of contents to or from the tanks. Consumers' response
activities have resulted in DNR/DEQ concurrence in closure of 75 of those
releases. The remaining releases are at various stages of cleanup
completion. It is estimated that about $5 million remains to be spent to
complete these response activities. The Michigan Underground Storage Tank
Financial Assurance Act provides a fund to help pay for the cost of
response activities associated with leaking USTs. To qualify for these
funds, an owner or operator must be in compliance with UST regulations and
had to submit requests for reimbursement before June 29, 1995. Through
December 1995, Consumers was reimbursed approximately $2.7 million by this
state fund.
Like most electric utilities, Consumers has PCB in some of its electrical
equipment. Although it has been unlawful to manufacture or sell PCB or
PCB contaminated equipment since the 1970's, its continued use in
preexisting electrical equipment is lawful. Consumers has engaged in a
number of programs to reduce the risk of exposure to the environment from
possible PCB spills. These included such actions as a contingency program
of removing PCB capacitors outside of substations and replacing them with
non-PCB capacitors, draining large transformers and refilling them with
non-PCB mineral oil, removing PCB equipment which was found to pose a risk
to food supplies or animal feed, and other such programs. Consumers still
has a limited number of PCB capacitors in substations. It has
approximately 459,000 untested distribution transformers. By regulation,
unless the PCB level is known, transformers are presumed to be PCB-
contaminated. There may also be PCB in certain other types of equipment.
Based upon results of sampling in 1981, it is thought that about 1 percent
of the pole-top transformers had over 500 ppm of PCB, and about 12 percent
had from 50 to 500 ppm. Those percentages should decline over time with
the retirement of older equipment and its replacement with non-PCB
equipment. From time to time there are accidental releases from such
equipment. Consumers typically spends less than $1 million per year for
all cleanup and disposal of debris and equipment from PCB releases.
NPDES and ground water discharge permits authorize the discharge of
certain waste waters from Consumers' facilities and pipeline construction
projects pursuant to state water quality standards and federal effluent
limitation guidelines. Authorizations for discharges from all of
Consumers' major operating steam electric generating facilities and for
certain discharges from Consumers' other facilities, including Ludington
and pipeline construction projects, have been issued by the State of
Michigan pursuant to a delegation of authority from the EPA under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended. Consumers
believes that it is in substantial compliance with the NPDES permits.
In early 1996, the FERC and MPSC approved a settlement agreement which
resolved two lawsuits filed by the Attorney General in 1986 and 1987
relating to injuries to fishery resources because of the operation of
Ludington. The MPSC also approved recovery of costs related to the
settlement agreement. The Michigan Water Resources Commission issued a
NPDES permit in early 1996, which was also a condition to the settlement
agreement. Approval of the settlement agreement requires Consumers to
transfer certain land to the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes Fishery
Trust (with an original cost of $9 million and a fair market value in
excess of $20 million), make an initial payment of approximately $3
million and incur approximately $1 million of expenditures related to
recreational improvements. Future annual payments of approximately $1
million will be made over the next 24 years to enhance the fishery
resources of the Great Lakes.
CONSUMERS AND CMS ENERGY COMPETITION
Electric Competition
The electric utility operations of Consumers are regulated at the
wholesale and retail level. The wholesale utility operations of Consumers
are regulated by the FERC while the retail utility operations are
regulated by the MPSC. Competitors in the electric utility operations of
Consumers must also be similarly regulated or specifically exempted from
such regulation. CMS Energy's non-utility electric generation businesses
are exempt from most state and many federal regulations regarding electric
generation and compete in the non-utility power market with other non-
utility energy companies that have similar exemptions.
The electric utility industry has experienced retail load competition in
recent years from cogeneration and self-generation as discussed below.
The electric utility industry is now also experiencing increased
competition in the wholesale power markets. The factors driving this
trend include the enactment of PURPA, the enactment of the Energy Act and
increased transmission access. These initiatives provide both
opportunities for Consumers in competing for new customers and potential
risks because of alternative energy supplies available to existing
customers. CMS Energy is similarly faced with expanded opportunities and
competition for customers in the non-utility electric generation market.
PURPA created a special class of independent power producers that,
providing the requirements of Qualifying Facility status are met, are
entitled by statute to have their production purchased by a utility.
Under PURPA, Qualifying Facilities are generally exempt from federal and
state rate regulation. Similar to PURPA, the Energy Act was designed,
among other things, to foster competition in the wholesale electric market
by facilitating the ownership and operation of generating facilities by
"exempt wholesale generators" (which may include independent power
producers as well as affiliates of electric utilities), by excluding them
from regulation under PUHCA and by authorizing the FERC under certain
conditions to order utilities that own transmission facilities to provide
wholesale transmission services to or for other utilities and other
entities generating electric energy for sale or resale. One effect of the
reduced regulation has been to encourage investment in wholesale power
production facilities that will compete with utilities to provide
generation to meet future system demand and provide competition for
CMS Energy in the domestic and foreign non-utility electric generation
markets.
Some of Consumers' larger industrial customers are exploring the
possibility of constructing and operating their own on-site generating
facilities. Consumers is actively working with these customers to develop
rate and service alternatives that are competitive with self-generation
options. In an effort to meet the challenge of competition, Consumers has
signed sales contracts with some of its largest industrial customers,
including its largest customer, General Motors. The sales contracts with
industrial customers are more fully described in Item 7. Consumers'
Managements' Discussion and Analysis. Under the retail rates authorized
by the MPSC, Consumers' industrial and commercial customer rates are
currently structured such that rates paid by residential customers are
kept at levels lower than they would otherwise be through subsidization by
the industrial and commercial customers. In February 1996, the MPSC
authorized Consumers to increase its retail electric rates by $46 million
and authorized a reduction in the cross-subsidization of residential rates
by the industrial and commercial customers taking service at primary
voltages in a two-step adjustment to take place during 1996.
In January 1995, the MPSC dismissed a filing made by Consumers, seeking
approval of a plan to offer competitive, special rates to certain large
qualifying customers. Consumers had proposed to offer the new rates to
customers using high amounts of electricity that have expressed an
intention to or are capable of terminating purchases of electricity from
Consumers and have the ability to acquire energy from alternative sources.
Consumers subsequently filed a new, simplified proposal with the MPSC
which, if approved, would allow Consumers a certain level of rate-pricing
flexibility and allow the use of contract capacity from the MCV Facility
above the level currently authorized for recovery by the MPSC, to
respond to customers' alternative energy options. Consumers' proposal
for rate pricing flexibility for certain customers is addressed
in a proposed settlement agreement reached between Consumers and the MPSC
staff in September 1995 and is presently being reviewed by the MPSC. For
further information about the proposed settlement agreement, see Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In addition, a number of municipalities distribute electricity within
their corporate limits and some of these generate all or a portion of
their requirements. These municipalities and various rural electric
cooperative corporations serve a growing number of retail customers in the
same or adjacent areas served by Consumers. In one case, a community
currently served by Consumers is considering the formation of a new
municipal utility which could displace retail service by Consumers.
In 1994, the MPSC approved a framework for a five-year experimental retail
wheeling program for Consumers and Detroit Edison. Under the experiment,
up to 60 MW of Consumers' additional load requirements could be met by
retail wheeling. The program becomes effective upon Consumers' next
solicitation for capacity. In June 1995, the MPSC approved the
experimental retail wheeling program at the 60 MW level and set rates and
charges for retail delivery service under the experiment. Consumers and
other parties filed claims of appeal of this order. Consumers does not
expect this short-term experimental program to have a material impact on
its financial position or results of operations.
Consumers has on file with the FERC an open-access transmission tariff
which enables any electric utility (defined in such tariff to include
independent power producers) to use Consumers' integrated transmission
system for the transmission of energy produced and sold by such electric
utility or by third parties. Other similar open-access transmission
tariffs have been made effective by the FERC for several large utility
companies or systems and more open-access transmission tariffs are
anticipated. These developments produce increased marketing opportunities
for utility systems such as Consumers' and expose Consumers' system to
loss of wholesale load or reduced revenues due to possible displacement of
Consumers' wholesale transactions by alternative suppliers with access to
Consumers' primary areas of service. Because wholesale transactions by
Consumers generated less than 2 percent of Consumers' 1995 revenue from
electric operations, Consumers does not believe that this potential loss
is significant.
In March 1995, the FERC issued a NOPR and a supplemental NOPR that propose
changes in the wholesale electric industry. Among the most significant
proposals is a requirement that utilities provide open access to the
domestic interstate transmission grid. Under the FERC's proposal, all
utilities would be required to use these tariffs for their own wholesale
sales of electric energy, and the utilities would be allowed the
opportunity to recover wholesale stranded costs. Consumers is unable to
predict what, if any, final rules may be issued by the FERC related to
this proposal; however, management believes that Consumers is well-
positioned to compete in an environment of open access as it has been
voluntarily providing this transmission service since 1992. FERC's final
rules are expected in early 1996.
The governor of the State of Michigan has proposed that the MPSC review
the existing statutory and regulatory framework governing Michigan
utilities in light of increasing competition in the utility industry and
has recommended appropriate revisions. At this time no proceedings have
been initiated at the MPSC on this matter and no new legislation has been
introduced.
Gas Competition
Competition has existed for several years for Consumers' gas operations
and comes primarily from alternate energy sources such as electricity and
alternate fuel sources. In the industrial market segment, customers have
traditionally used alternate fuels such as coal, oil and propane. In the
residential market segment, some customers use propane, fuel oil or
electricity for space heating and water heating; in Consumers' gas
territory, natural gas maintains 95.8 percent market share for residential
space heating and 88 percent for residential water heating. The Natural
Gas Policy Act of 1978 resulted in the deregulation of wellhead gas
prices, substituting supply and demand effects of the marketplace for
regulation. This effectively eliminated artificially-induced curtailments
of gas supply experienced earlier in the decade. Gas competition among
various wellhead suppliers subsequently increased. Order 636 effectively
unbundled the transportation of natural gas from the sale of natural gas
by interstate pipelines thereby requiring pipelines to become common
carriers. Consequently, pipelines must compete for shippers in search of
low priced capacity. Consumers offers unbundled services (transportation
and storage) to its larger end-use customers who choose to acquire gas
supplies from alternate sources. Since Consumers' earnings from its gas
operations are not dependent on gas purchased and resold to its customer
base, Consumers has not suffered any negative earnings impact as a result
of such competition, nor does it believe that any such impact is likely in
the future. The MPSC has initiated legislative-type hearings to
investigate the possibility of making natural gas transportation service
available to other customer segments.
CMS Energy's non-regulated gas subsidiaries face significant competition
from other gas pipeline companies, gas producers, gas storage companies,
and brokers/marketers.
EMPLOYEES
CMS Energy
As of March 1, 1996, CMS Energy and its subsidiaries had 9,898 full-time
employees and 115 part-time equivalent employees for a total of 10,013
employees.
Consumers
As of March 1, 1996, Consumers and its subsidiaries had 9,134 full-time
employees and 107 part-time equivalent employees for a total of 9,241
employees. This total includes 4,139 full-time operating, maintenance and
construction employees of Consumers who are represented by the Union. A
collective bargaining agreement was negotiated between Consumers and the
Union which became effective as of June 1, 1995 and, by its terms, will
continue in full force and effect until June 1, 2000. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of March 1, 1996
CMS Energy
Name Age Position Period
---- --- -------- ------
William T. McCormick, Jr. 51 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of CMS Energy 1987-Present
Chairman of the Board of Consumers 1992-Present
Chairman of the Board of Enterprises 1995-Present
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Enterprises 1988-1995
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Consumers 1985-1992
Victor J. Fryling 48 President and Chief Operating Officer
of CMS Energy 1996-Present
Vice Chairman of the Board of Consumers 1992-Present
President and Chief Executive Officer
of Enterprises 1995-Present
President of CMS Energy 1992-1995
President of Enterprises 1993-1995
President and Chief Financial Officer of
Enterprises 1992-1993
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of CMS Energy and Consumers 1988-1992
Michael G. Morris 49 Executive Vice President of CMS Energy 1996-Present
President and Chief Executive Officer of Consumers 1994-Present
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of Consumers 1992-1994
Executive Vice President of Consumers 1988-1992
John W. Clark 51 Senior Vice President of CMS Energy 1987-Present
Senior Vice President of Consumers 1985-Present
Alan M. Wright 50 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer of CMS Energy 1994-Present
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Consumers 1993-Present
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer of Enterprises 1994-Present
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of CMS Energy 1992-1994
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Enterprises 1993-1994
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of Consumers 1992-1993
Vice President and Treasurer of Consumers 1991-1992
Name Age Position Period
James W. Cook 55 Senior Vice President of CMS Energy 1995-Present
Senior Vice President of Enterprises 1994-Present
Executive Vice President of Enterprises 1989-1994
President and Chief Executive Officer
of CMS Generation 1989-1995
Rodger A. Kershner 47 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
of CMS Energy 1996-Present
Vice President and General Counsel of Enterprises 1989-Present
Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
of CMS Energy 1994-1995
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of CMS Energy 1989-1994
General Counsel of Enterprises 1989-1989
Preston D. Hopper 45 Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer of CMS Energy 1996-Present
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of CMS Energy 1992-1996
Vice President and Controller of Enterprises 1992-Present
Vice President and Controller of CMS Energy 1991-1992
Vice President and Controller of ANR Pipeline Co. 1983-1991
David A. Mikelonis* 47 Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
Consumers 1988-Present
* In May 1993 the Board of Directors designated the Senior Officers of
CMS Energy, its Controller, the President of Enterprises, the President of
Consumers and the General Counsel of Consumers as Executive Officers of
CMS Energy for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The present term of office of each of the officers extends to the first
meeting of CMS Energy's Board of Directors after the next annual election
of Directors (scheduled to be held May 24, 1996).
There are no family relationships among executive officers and directors
of CMS Energy.
Consumers
Name Age Position Period
---- --- -------- ------
William T. McCormick, Jr. 51 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
Victor J. Fryling 48 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
Michael G. Morris 49 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
Paul A. Elbert 46 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer - Gas of Consumers 1994-Present
Senior Vice President of Consumers 1991-1994
Vice President of Consumers 1988-1991
David W. Joos 42 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer - Electric of Consumers 1994-Present
Senior Vice President of Consumers 1994-1994
Vice President of Consumers 1990-1994
John W. Clark 51 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
David A. Mikelonis 47 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
Alan M. Wright 50 See the information under CMS Energy's Officers
Section above.
Dennis DaPra** 53 Vice President and Controller of Consumers 1991-Present
Director of Financial and Regulatory Reporting of
Consumers 1984-1991
** In May 1993, Consumers' Board of Directors designated the Senior
Officers of Consumers and its Controller as Executive Officers of
Consumers for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The present term of office of each of the officers extends to the first
meeting of Consumers' Board of Directors after the next annual election of
Directors (scheduled to be held May 24, 1996).
There are no family relationships among executive officers and directors
of Consumers.
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31
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
CHARACTER OF OWNERSHIP
The principal properties of CMS Energy and its subsidiaries are owned in
fee, except that most electric lines and gas mains are located, pursuant
to easements and other rights, in public roads or on land owned by others.
The statements under this item as to ownership of properties are made
without regard to tax and assessment liens, judgments, easements, rights
of way, contracts, reservations, exceptions, conditions, immaterial liens
and encumbrances, and other outstanding rights. None of these outstanding
rights impairs the usefulness of such properties.
Substantially all of Consumers' properties are subject to the lien of its
First Mortgage Bond Indenture. Substantially all properties of the
subsidiaries of CMS Generation that own interests in operating plants are
subject to liens of creditors of the respective subsidiaries. Properties
of certain CMS Gas Transmission subsidiaries are also subject to liens of
creditors of the respective subsidiaries.
CONSUMERS ELECTRIC UTILITY PROPERTIES
Consumers' electric generating system consists of five fossil-fueled
plants, two nuclear plants, one pumped storage hydroelectric facility,
seven gas combustion turbine plants and 13 hydroelectric plants.
32
1995 Summer Net 1995 Net
Demonstrated Generation
Name and Location Size and Year Capability (Thousands
(Michigan) Entering Service (Kilowatts) of kWhs)
Coal Generation
J H Campbell - West Olive 3 Units, 1962-1980 1,346,100 (a) 6,888,444
D E Karn - Essexville 2 Units, 1959-1961 515,000 3,100,008
B C Cobb - Muskegon 2 Units, 1956-1957 296,000 1,984,753
J R Whiting - Erie 3 Units, 1952-1953 310,000 2,004,675
J C Weadock - Essexville 2 Units, 1955-1958 310,000 1,978,526
--------- -----------
Total 2,777,100 15,956,406
--------- -----------
Oil/Gas Generation
D E Karn - Essexville 2 Units, 1975-1977 1,276,000 534,004
--------- -----------
Ludington Pumped Storage 6 Units, 1973 954,700 (b) (373,229) (c)
--------- -----------
Nuclear Generation
Palisades - South Haven 1 Unit, 1971 762,000 4,837,252
Big Rock Point -
Charlevoix 1 Unit, 1962 67,000 515,652
--------- -----------
Total 829,000 5,352,904
--------- -----------
Gas/Oil Combustion Turbine
Generation 7 Plants, 1966-1971 345,000 21,978
--------- -----------
Hydro Generation 13 Plants, 1907-1949 73,800 419,845
--------- -----------
Total Owned Generation 6,255,600 21,911,908
===========
Plus Purchased and Inter-
change Power Capacity 1,555,200 (d)
---------
Total 7,810,800
=========
(a) Represents Consumers' share of the capacity of the Campbell Plant Unit 3, net of 6.69 percent (ownership
interests of the Michigan Public Power Agency and Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc.).
(b) Represents Consumers' share of the capacity of Ludington. Consumers and Detroit Edison have 51 percent and 49
percent undivided ownership, respectively, in the plant, and the capacity of the plant is shared accordingly.
(c) Represents Consumers' share of net pumped storage generation. This facility electrically pumps water during
off-peak hours for storage to later generate electricity during peak-demand hours.
(d) Includes 1,240 MW of purchased contract capacity from the MCV Facility.
33
Consumers' electric transmission and distribution lines owned and in
service are as follows:
Structure Sub-Surface
(Miles) (Miles)
Transmission
345,000 volt 1,137 -
138,000 volt 3,265 4
120,000 volt 20 -
46,000 volt 4,095 9
23,000 volt 30 7
------ -----
Total transmission 8,547 20
Distribution
(2,400-24,900 volt) 51,341 5,276
------ -----
Total transmission and
distribution 59,888 5,296
====== =====
Consumers owns substations having an aggregate transformer capacity of
37,847,720 kilovoltamperes.
CONSUMERS GAS UTILITY PROPERTIES
Consumers' gas distribution and transmission system consists of
21,690 miles of distribution mains and 1,078 miles of transmission lines
throughout the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Consumers owns and operates
six compressor stations with a total of 130,170 installed horsepower.
Consumers' gas storage fields, listed below, have an aggregate certified
storage capacity of 242.2 bcf:
Total Certified
Field Name Location Storage Capacity (bcf)
Overisel Allegan and Ottawa Counties 64.0
Salem Allegan and Ottawa Counties 35.0
Ira St Clair County 7.5
Lenox Macomb County 3.5
Ray Macomb County 66.0
Northville Oakland, Washtenaw and
Wayne Counties 25.8
Puttygut St Clair County 16.6
Four Corners St Clair County 3.8
Swan Creek St Clair County .6
Hessen St Clair County 18.0
Lyon - 34 Oakland County 1.4
34
Michigan Gas Storage owns and operates two compressor stations with a
total of 46,600 installed horsepower. Its transmission system consists of
548 miles of pipelines within the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Michigan Gas Storage's gas storage fields, listed below, have an aggregate
certified storage capacity of 117 bcf:
Total Certified
Field Name Location Storage Capacity (bcf)
Winterfield Osceola and Clare Counties 75.0
Cranberry Lake Clare and Missaukee Counties 30.0
Riverside Missaukee County 12.0
Consumers' gas properties also include the Marysville gas reforming plant,
located in Marysville, Michigan. Huron and PanCanadian Petroleum Company
are partners in a partnership to use the expanded capacity of the
underground caverns at the Marysville plant for commercial storage of
liquid hydrocarbons. In addition, Consumers and PanCanadian Petroleum
Company are partners in a partnership to use certain hydrocarbon
fractionation facilities at the plant.
CMS ENERGY OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION PROPERTIES
Net oil and gas production by CMS NOMECO for the years 1993 through 1995
is shown in the following table.
Thousands of barrels of oil
and millions of cubic feet
of gas, except for reserves
1995 1994 1993
Oil and condensate (a) 4,267 2,025 1,716
Natural gas (a) 26,348 20,546 18,487
Plant products (a) 226 193 186
Average daily production (b)
Oil 16.1 7.1 5.6
Gas 84.9 69.3 62.3
Reserves to annual production ratio
Oil (MMbbls) 14.9 26.1 19.1
Gas (bcf) 10.8 11.3 10.9
(a) Revenue interest to CMS NOMECO
(b) CMS NOMECO working interest (includes CMS NOMECO's share of royalties)
35
The following table shows CMS NOMECO's estimated proved reserves of oil
and gas for the years 1993 through 1995.
Total Worldwide United States International
Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas
(MMbbls) (bcf) (MMbbls) (bcf) (MMbbls) (bcf)
Proved Developed and
Undeveloped Reserves
December 31, 1992 36.1 208.5 4.7 201.1 31.4 7.4
Revisions and other changes 0.4 7.2 (0.4) 7.1 0.8 0.1
Extensions and discoveries 0.1 2.9 0.1 2.9 - -
Acquisitions of reserves - 1.7 - 1.7 - -
Production (1.9) (18.5) (1.0) (18.2) (0.9) (0.3)
----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------
December 31, 1993 34.7 201.8 3.4 194.6 31.3 7.2
Revisions and other changes (1.3) (9.7) (0.3) (9.4) (1.0) (0.3)
Extensions and discoveries 0.4 50.2 0.4 50.2 - -
Acquisitions of reserves 20.2 9.4 - 9.4 20.2 -
Production (2.1) (20.5) (0.8) (20.3) (1.3) (0.2)
----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------
December 31, 1994 51.9 231.2 2.7 224.5 49.2 6.7
Revisions and other changes (4.1) (23.8) (0.1) (22.9) (4.0) (0.9)
Extensions and discoveries - 13.3 - 2.6 - 10.7
Acquisitions of reserves 20.0 96.2 - 96.2 20.0 -
Sales of reserves (2.4) (6.7) - (1.0) (2.4) (5.7)
Production (4.3) (26.3) (0.7) (26.2) (3.6) (0.1)
----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------
December 31, 1995 61.1 283.9 1.9 273.2 59.2 10.7
===== ====== ===== ====== ===== ======
Proved Developed Reserves
December 31, 1992 31.7 205.0 4.5 198.8 27.2 6.2
December 31, 1993 31.2 200.0 3.3 193.4 27.9 6.6
December 31, 1994 37.4 211.7 2.5 205.9 34.9 5.8
December 31, 1995 32.7 254.2 1.8 254.2 30.9 -
Equity Interest in Proved
Reserves of Pecten Yemen
December 31, 1993 1.5 - - - 1.5 -
December 31, 1994 2.9 - - - 2.9 -
December 31, 1995 2.8 - - - 2.8 -
The following table shows CMS NOMECO's undeveloped net acres of oil and
gas leasehold interests at December 31.
Net Acres
1995 1994
Michigan 143,243 85,372
Louisiana (a) 17,408 30,418
North Dakota 15,586 5,099
Texas (a) 11,458 7,823
Indiana 7,014 2,518
Ohio 4,494 2,201
Other states 4,335 1,908
--------- ---------
Total Domestic 203,538 135,339
--------- ---------
Yemen 401,897 401,897
Venezuela 230,175 234,002
Equatorial Guinea 113,947 47,330
Tunisia 67,891 -
Ecuador 66,430 69,160
Colombia 42,571 85,217
Congo 17,981 -
Papua New Guinea - 63,220
New Zealand - 602
--------- ---------
Total International 940,892 901,428
--------- ---------
Total 1,144,430 1,036,767
========= =========
(a) Includes offshore acreage.
CONSUMERS OTHER PROPERTIES
CMS Midland owns a 49 percent interest in the MCV Partnership which was
formed to construct and operate the MCV Facility. The MCV Facility has
been sold to five owner trusts and leased back to the MCV Partnership.
CMS Holdings is a limited partner in the FMLP, which is a beneficiary of
one of these trusts. CMS Holdings' indirect beneficial interest in the
MCV Facility is 35 percent.
Consumers owns fee title to 1,140 acres of land in the City and Township
of Midland, Midland County, Michigan, occupied by the MCV Facility. The
land is leased to the owners of the MCV Facility by five separate leases,
each leasing an undivided interest and in the aggregate totaling 100
percent, for an initial term ending December 31, 2035 with possible
renewal terms to June 15, 2090.
Consumers owns or leases three principal General Office buildings in
Jackson, Michigan and 55 field offices at various locations in Michigan's
Lower Peninsula. Of these, two General Office buildings and eleven field
offices are leased. Also owned are miscellaneous parcels of real estate
not now used in utility operations.
CMS ENERGY OTHER PROPERTIES
The following table shows CMS Generation's interests in independent power
plants at December 31, 1995.
Location Ownership Capacity
Interest (%) (MW)
Wood Fueled
Chateaugay, New York 50.0 20
Grayling Township, Michigan 50.0 39
Imperial Valley, California 48.0 15
Lyonsdale, New York 50.0 19
New Bern, North Carolina 50.0 45
Stratton, Maine 30.0 40
Susanville, California 50.0 36
Fossil Fueled
Cebu Island, Philippines (two plants) 32.5 135
Filer City, Michigan 50.0 60
Lakewood, New Jersey 45.0 236
Little Falls, New York 50.0 4
Mendoza Province, Argentina 51.0 422
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 8.8 110
Solvay, New York 37.5 80
Tire Fueled
Sterling, Connecticut 50.0 31
Hydro Generation
Benton, Maine 50.0 4
Canton, New York 50.0 8
Copenhagen, New York 50.0 3
Corinth, New York 12.5 58
Limay River, Argentina (two plants) 17.2 1,320
Little Falls, New York 1.0 13
Lyons Falls, New York 50.0 3
Petersburg, Virginia 55.5 3
Port Leyden, New York 12.5 6
Wind Generation
Altamont Pass, California 22.7 30
Montezuma, California 8.5 72
During the year, CMS Generation sold substantially all of its 18.6 percent
interest in a consortium which owns an 88 percent interest in a 650 MW
fossil-fueled plant in San Nicolas, Argentina; and its 50 percent interest
in a 5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Bath, New York.
CMS Gas Transmission owns a 75 percent interest in a general partnership
which owns and operates a 25-mile, 16-inch natural gas transmission
pipeline in Jackson and Ingham Counties, Michigan; owns a 24 percent
limited partnership interest in the Saginaw Bay Area Limited Partnership
which owns 125 miles of 10-inch and 16-inch natural gas transmission
pipeline in north-central Michigan; owns a 44 percent limited partnership
interest in a partnership that owns certain pipelines of 20 and 12 miles
interconnected to the Saginaw Bay Area Limited Partnership facilities;
owns natural gas treating plants in Otsego County, Michigan; owns 41 miles
of gas transmission pipeline in Otsego and Montmorency Counties, Michigan;
and owns a 25 percent general partnership interest in TGN, which owns and
operates 2,600 miles of pipelines that provide natural gas transmission
service to the northern and central parts of Argentina.
In late 1995, CMS Gas Transmission completed construction and commenced
operations of the Bluewater Pipeline, a 3.1 mile pipeline from an
interconnection with Consumers natural gas transmission system to an
interconnection with an existing pipeline at the St. Clair River, south of
Port Huron, Michigan.
CMS Gas Transmission is currently developing the Grands Lacs Market
Center. Located in southeastern Michigan, this site was selected as a
North American natural gas market center which will provide natural gas
storage services, peaking storage, wheeling, parking and other related
natural gas services to both buyers and sellers.
In January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission acquired Petal Gas Storage Company,
a natural gas storage facility located in Forrest County, Mississippi.
The salt dome storage cavern provides up to 3.2 bcf per day of ten day
storage service and has the capability of being refilled in 20 days.
Through an ownership interest in Nitrotec Corporation, a proprietary gas
technology company acquired in January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission
currently has two helium recovery plants under construction in Kansas.
One helium recovery plant was placed in service in October 1995.
CMS Energy, through certain subsidiaries, owns a 50 percent interest in
Bay Harbor Limited Liability Company, a resort development in Emmet
County, Michigan, owns 6,000 acres of undeveloped land in Benzie and
Manistee Counties, Michigan, and owns 53 acres of undeveloped land in
Muskegon County, Michigan.
CONSUMERS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures during 1995 for Consumers and its subsidiaries
totaled $445 million for capital additions and $9 million for DSM
programs. These capital additions include $33 million for environmental
protection additions and $31 million for capital leases of nuclear fuel
and other assets. Of the $445 million, $320 million was incurred for
electric utility additions and $125 million for gas utility additions.
The electric and gas utility additions include an attributed portion of
capital expenditures common to both businesses.
In 1996, capital expenditures are estimated to be $428 million for capital
additions and $7 million for DSM programs. These capital addition
estimates include $39 million related to environmental protection
additions and $44 million related to capital leases of nuclear fuel and
other assets. Of the $428 million, $304 million will be incurred for
electric utility additions and $124 million for gas utility additions.
The estimated electric and gas utility additions include an attributed
portion of anticipated capital expenditures common to both businesses.
CMS ENERGY CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures during 1995 for CMS Energy and its subsidiaries
totaled $1.0 billion for capital additions and $9 million for DSM
programs. These capital additions include $33 million for environmental
protection additions and $31 million for capital leases of nuclear fuel
and other assets. Of the $1.0 billion, $445 million was incurred by
Consumers as discussed above. The remaining $599 million in capital
additions include $168 million for oil and gas exploration and
development, $239 million for independent power production, $178 million
for natural gas transmission, storage and marketing and $14 million for
other capital expenditures.
In 1996, capital expenditures are estimated to be $849 million for capital
additions and $7 million for DSM programs. This capital addition estimate
includes $39 million related to environmental protection additions and $44
million related to capital leases of nuclear fuel and other assets. Of
the $849 million, $428 million will be incurred by Consumers as discussed
above. The remaining $421 million in capital additions will be incurred
as follows: $120 million for oil and gas exploration and development,
$189 million for independent power production, and $112 million for
natural gas transmission, storage and marketing.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Consumers and some of its subsidiaries and affiliates are parties to
certain routine lawsuits and administrative proceedings incidental to
their businesses involving, for example, claims for personal injury and
property damage, contractual matters, income taxes, and rates and
licensing. Reference is made to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included herein for additional information regarding various
pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving rate, operating
and environmental matters.
The Attorney General, ABATE, and the MPSC staff typically intervene in
MPSC proceedings concerning Consumers. Unless otherwise noted below,
these parties have intervened in such proceedings. For many years, almost
every significant MPSC order affecting Consumers has been appealed.
Appeals from such MPSC orders are pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals
and the Michigan Supreme Court. Consumers is vigorously pursuing these
matters. Under Michigan civil procedure, parties may file a claim of
appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals which serves as a notice of
appeal. The grounds on which the appeal is being made are not finally set
forth until a later date when the parties file their briefs.
RATE CASE PROCEEDINGS
Appeal of MPSC Orders Related to the Abandoned Midland Nuclear Plant
Investment
In November 1983, Consumers filed an electric rate case with the MPSC
which sought recovery of its investment in the abandoned portion of the
Midland nuclear plant. This case was separated into two phases in
September 1984: a financial stabilization phase, MPSC Case No. U-7830,
Step 3A, and a prudence phase, MPSC Case No. U-7830, Step 3B. Numerous
orders were issued in these cases, including one issued in 1985 in the
financial stabilization phase which contained certain conditions to
Consumers' receiving financial stabilization rate relief.
On May 7, 1991, the MPSC issued final orders in both Step 3A and Step 3B
proceedings. In Step 3B, the MPSC ruled, among other things, that
Consumers could recover approximately $760 million of its $2.1 billion of
abandoned Midland investment. In Step 3A, the MPSC reviewed Consumers'
compliance with the financial stabilization order conditions. Consumers,
as well as the Attorney General and ABATE, among others, filed
applications for rehearing with the MPSC of the May 7 Orders in Step 3A
and Step 3B which were all denied by the MPSC. Several parties, including
Consumers, appealed the MPSC determinations in these orders to the Court
of Appeals. Regarding the Step 3B order, the Attorney General and ABATE
primarily disagreed with the standard used by the MPSC to determine the
amount of investment that is recoverable by Consumers from its electric
customers, contending that recovery should not be allowed for utility
assets that have not been placed in service. Consumers disagreed with the
date the MPSC determined it would have been prudent for Consumers to
abandon construction of the Midland nuclear facility and the reduction in
recoverable investment that resulted from this determination. In the
Step 3A appeal, the Attorney General and ABATE contended that Consumers
did not fully comply with the financial stabilization orders. In separate
decisions, the Court of Appeals has affirmed the MPSC determinations in
Step 3A and Step 3B. ABATE, the Attorney General and Consumers filed
applications for leave to appeal the Court of Appeals decision in Step 3B
with the Michigan Supreme Court. In October 1995, the Michigan Supreme
Court denied all applications for leave to appeal the Court of Appeals'
decision relating to the Step 3B order. In May 1995, ABATE filed an
application with the Michigan Supreme Court for leave to appeal the Court
of Appeals' affirmation of the MPSC's determinations in Step 3A.
1993 ELECTRIC RATE CASE
On May 10, 1994, the MPSC issued a final order in this case which
increased annual electric revenues by $58 million, or about 2.8 percent,
and approved an allowed rate of return on common equity of 11.75 percent.
The rate increase is effective for service rendered on and after May 11,
1994. In August 1994, the MPSC denied petitions for rehearing filed by
Consumers and the Attorney General. The Attorney General has appealed the
MPSC order to the Court of Appeals arguing that the MPSC cannot require
Consumers to spend money on DSM programs and that a modified interruptible
rate authorized by the MPSC is unlawful because it permits Consumers to
negotiate rates, for certain customers, within a specified range.
1994 ELECTRIC RATE PROCEEDINGS
In November 1994, Consumers filed a request with the MPSC which could have
increased its retail electric rates in a range from $104 million to $140
million, depending upon the ratemaking treatment afforded sales losses to
competition and the treatment of the 325 MW of MCV Facility contract
capacity above 915 MW. The request included a proposed increase in
Consumers' authorized rate of return on equity to 13 percent from the
current 11.75 percent, recognition of increased expenditures related to
continuing construction activities and capital additions aimed at
maintaining and improving system reliability and increases in financing
costs. The filing addressed the ratemaking effect of jurisdictional sales
losses by assuming adoption of a proposed special nonjurisdictional rate
to large, qualifying industrial customers as requested by Consumers in an
earlier June 1994 filing with the MPSC. An alternative approach presented
would use the MCV Facility contract capacity above 915 MW for
jurisdictional electric customers and offer discounted jurisdictional
tariffs. Consumers had also requested that the MPSC eliminate the rate
subsidization of residential rates in a two-step adjustment. In addition,
Consumers proposed to eliminate all DSM expenditures after April 1995 and
further requested MPSC approval to recover costs associated with the
proposed settlement of the proceedings concerning the operation of
Ludington. During this case, the MPSC issued an order stating that the
remaining 325 MW of MCV Facility capacity will be considered only as part
of a competitive capacity solicitation, and not as part of the electric
rate case. In November 1995, the MPSC granted Consumers' petition for
rehearing of this order, and the issue is pending in the settlement
discussed below.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that, if approved by the MPSC, would resolve several
outstanding regulatory issues currently before the MPSC in three separate
proceedings, one of which was the 1994 electric rate case. In mid-
September, the MPSC issued an order creating a consolidated proceeding to
consider the proposed settlement agreement. Hearings on the proposed
settlement agreement are continuing. Approval of the proposed settlement
agreement could: provide for cost recovery of the remaining 325 MW of
contract capacity from the MCV Facility; result in recovery of Consumers'
regulatory assets related to power purchase agreements which have been
terminated; introduce provisions for incentive ratemaking; resolve the
pending special competitive services and depreciation rate cases;
implement a limited direct access program under which it would be possible
for Consumers to deliver power from qualified third party power suppliers
to qualified retail customers; enable Consumers to negotiate rates for
certain large industrial customers; and accelerate recovery of nuclear
plant investment. The MPSC issued a partial order in the electric rate
case, as described below, and under the current schedule, the MPSC should
decide the remaining issues by mid-1996. Consumers cannot predict whether
the entire settlement will be approved by the MPSC.
On February 5, 1996, the MPSC issued a partial final order in the electric
rate case. In that order, the MPSC authorized Consumers to increase its
electric retail rates and charges by approximately $46 million; authorized
a return on common equity of 12.25 percent; reduced the subsidization of
residential customers by industrial and large commercial customers taking
service at primary voltage in a two-step process, which will increase
residential rates by 3.9 percent for services rendered on and after
February 6, 1996 and increase residential rates by another 3.9 percent for
services rendered on and after December 1, 1996; and approved the
Ludington settlement and the recovery of costs related to the Ludington
settlement.
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A COMPETITIVE TARIFF FOR CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL
CUSTOMERS
In January 1995, the MPSC dismissed a filing made by Consumers, seeking
approval of a plan to offer competitive, special rates to certain large
qualifying customers. Consumers had proposed to offer the new rates to
customers using high amounts of electricity that have expressed an
intention to or are capable of terminating purchases of electricity from
Consumers and have the ability to acquire energy from alternative sources.
Consumers subsequently filed a new, simplified proposal with the MPSC
which would allow Consumers a certain level of rate-pricing flexibility
and allow the use of the MCV Facility contract capacity above the level
currently authorized by the MPSC to respond to customers' alternative
energy options. Some of the intervenors in this proceeding filed motions
to dismiss this case contesting the MPSC's jurisdiction to authorize the
type of rates proposed. In May 1995, the MPSC issued an order stating
that it has legal authority to approve a range of rates under which
Consumers could negotiate prices with customers that have competitive
energy alternatives. All parties have filed briefs and reply briefs in
this proceeding. See 1994 Electric Rate Proceedings, for information
concerning a proposed settlement agreement relating to this case,
including treatment of the remaining 325 MW of MCV Facility contract
capacity addressed in this case.
1994 GAS RATE CASE FILING
Consumers filed a general gas rate case in December 1994. Consumers'
final position in this case requested an increase in its gas rates of $6.7
million annually and a 12.25 percent return on equity. Consumers' request
incorporated, among other things, cost increases, including costs for
postretirement benefits and costs related to the investigation and
remediation of Consumers' former manufactured gas plant sites.
The MPSC issued a final order in this case in March 1996. In this order
the MPSC reduced Consumers' general gas rates by $11.7 million annually,
based on a return on common equity of 11.6 percent. Consumers was
authorized to recover the gas utility portion of its postretirement
benefit costs over a period of 16 years. The order also authorized
Consumers to defer environmental cleanup costs relating to its former
manufactured gas plant sites for amortization over a ten-year period
beginning with the year following incurrence. Rate recognition of
amortization expense will not begin until after a prudence review in a
general rate case. The prudence review will include consideration of
Consumers' attempts to minimize it's exposure and obtain reimbursement
from third parties. In this rate order, the MPSC authorized Consumers
current recovery of approximately $1 million a year, based upon an
historical five-year average of such environmental clean up expenses.
Carrying costs will be earned on balances included in rate base at the
authorized pre-tax rate of return.
MCV - RELATED PROCEEDINGS
In March 1993, the MPSC approved, with modifications, a contested
settlement agreement among Consumers, the MPSC staff and 10 independent
cogenerators which resolved certain regulatory issues and allowed
Consumers to recover from electric customers a substantial portion of the
cost of 915 MW of contract capacity from the MCV Facility. After their
requests for rehearing were denied by the MPSC, ABATE and the Attorney
General appealed the orders approving the settlement to the Court of
Appeals. Briefs have been filed and oral argument held before the Court
of Appeals where the appeals await decision. In the meantime, the MPSC
has been implementing the settlement in PSCR plan and reconciliation cases
for 1993, 1994 and subsequent years. However, various parties
dissatisfied with such implementation, including Consumers, have appealed
the MPSC orders in these cases. In February 1996, the Court of Appeals
affirmed the MPSC's order in the 1993 PSCR plan case which implemented the
Settlement Order based upon projected data for 1993. Consumers had not
appealed that implementation order, but ABATE had. The other appeals
remain pending before the Court of Appeals at various stages of the
appellate process.
CMS ENERGY'S EXEMPTION UNDER PUHCA
CMS Energy is exempt from registration under PUHCA. In December 1991, the
Attorney General and the MMCG filed a request with the SEC for the
revocation of CMS Energy's exemption. In January 1992, CMS Energy
responded to the revocation request affirming its position that it is
entitled to the exemption. In April 1992, the MPSC filed a statement with
the SEC that recommended that the SEC impose certain conditions on
CMS Energy's exemption. CMS Energy is vigorously contesting the
revocation request and believes it will maintain the exemption. There has
been no action taken by the SEC on this matter.
In June 1995, the SEC released a staff report that recommended legislative
options to Congress: 1) repeal PUHCA and strengthen the ability of the
FERC and state regulators to obtain books and records, conduct audits and
review affiliate transactions; 2) repeal PUHCA, without condition; or 3)
amend PUHCA to give the SEC broader exemptive authority. The SEC staff
supported option 1 because it would achieve the benefits of unconditional
repeal, while preserving the ability of states to protect consumers. In
October 1995, a bill was introduced in the U. S. Senate to transfer
oversight of public utility holding companies from the SEC to FERC.
LUDINGTON PUMPED STORAGE PLANT
In October 1994, Consumers, Detroit Edison, the Attorney General, the DNR
and certain other parties signed an agreement in principle designed to
resolve all legal issues associated with fish mortality at Ludington. The
definitive settlement documents were thereafter filed with the appropriate
Michigan Courts and State and federal agencies. On January 23, 1996, the
FERC approved the settlement agreement. On February 5, 1996, the MPSC
approved the settlement agreement and the recovery of costs associated
with the settlement agreement. The settlement allows for the continued
operation of the plant through the end of its FERC license and requires
Consumers and Detroit Edison to continue using a seasonal barrier net as
well as monitoring new technology which may further reduce fish loss at
the plant. It requires Consumers to develop and improve recreational
areas and convey undeveloped land to the State of Michigan and the Great
Lakes Fishery Trust (with an original cost of $9 million and a fair market
value in excess of $20 million), make an initial payment of approximately
$3 million and incur approximately $1 million of expenditures related to
recreational improvements. Future annual payments of approximately $1
million are also anticipated over the next 24 years and are intended to
enhance the fishery resources of the Great Lakes. The settlement resolves
two lawsuits filed by the Attorney General in 1986 and 1987 on behalf of
the State of Michigan in the Circuit Court of Ingham County which sought
damages from Consumers and Detroit Edison for injuries to fishery
resources because of the operation of the Ludington plant and the
revocation of the plant's bottom-lands lease.
STRAY VOLTAGE LAWSUITS
Consumers has a number of lawsuits relating to so-called stray voltage,
which results when small electrical currents present in grounded electric
systems are diverted from their intended path. Claimants contend that
stray voltage affects farm animal behavior, reducing the productivity of
their livestock operations. Investigation by Consumers of prior stray
voltage complaints disclosed that many factors, including improper wiring
and malfunctioning of on-farm equipment can lead to the stray voltage
phenomenon. Consumers maintains a policy of investigating all customer
calls regarding stray voltage and working with customers to address their
concerns including, when necessary, modifying the configuration of the
customer's hook-up to Consumers' system. On October 27, 1993, a complaint
seeking certification as a class action suit was filed against Consumers
in a local circuit court. The complaint alleged that in excess of a
billion dollars of damages, primarily related to lost production by
certain livestock owned by the purported class, were being incurred as a
result of stray voltage from electricity being supplied by Consumers.
Consumers believed the allegations to be without merit and vigorously
opposed the certification of the class and this suit. On March 11, 1994,
the court decided to deny class certification for this complaint and to
dismiss, subject to refiling as separate suits, the October lawsuit with
respect to all but one of the named plaintiffs. On April 4, 1994, the
plaintiffs appealed the court's denial of class certification in this
matter to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals on its own motion
issued an order which decided that since the lead case in the class action
suit had not been dismissed, the trial court's decision to deny class
certification was an interlocutory order and therefore not ripe for
appeal. The Court of Appeals order also found that the trial court's
decision that the other named plaintiffs had been misjoined was final and
ripe for appeal. This issue had not been raised in the plaintiffs' appeal
or brief. Consumers and plaintiffs have now addressed both issues in
their briefs filed with the Court of Appeals. This matter is pending
before the Court of Appeals. A number of individuals who would have been
part of the class action have refiled their claims as separate lawsuits.
On February 14, 1996, Consumers had 33 separate stray voltage cases
pending for trial, down from 83 pending at year-end 1994.
RETAIL WHEELING PROCEEDINGS
In April 1994, the MPSC issued an Opinion and Interim Order which approved
the framework for a five-year experimental retail wheeling program for
Consumers and Detroit Edison, and remanded the case to the ALJ to
determine appropriate rates and charges. The MPSC stated that the purpose
of the experiment is to gather and evaluate information regarding whether
retail wheeling is in the public interest and should occur on a permanent
basis. The experimental program will commence with each utility's next
solicitation of additional supply side resources. In June 1995, the MPSC
issued an order that set rates and charges for retail delivery service
under the experiment. In September 1995, the MPSC denied Consumers' and
ABATE's petitions for rehearing of this order. Consumers, ABATE and Dow
have filed claims of appeal of the MPSC's order with the Court of Appeals,
joining Detroit Edison and the Attorney General who had previously
appealed. The Court of Appeals subsequently consolidated the appellate
cases of these parties.
WHOLESALE WHEELING PROCEEDINGS
Consumers has an approved open-access interconnection service schedule on
file with the FERC for wholesale wheeling transactions. In 1992,
Consumers also filed a separate but complementary open-access transmission
tariff that would make both firm and non-firm transmission service
available to eligible power generators, including investor-owned
utilities, facilities that meet the ownership and technical requirements
under PURPA, independent power producers, and municipal and cooperative
utilities. The FERC accepted the filing, effective May 2, 1992, subject
to refund, and ordered a hearing before an ALJ. In September 1993, the
ALJ issued an initial decision that would compel reductions of the tariff
rates ranging from 25 percent to 65 percent. On November 1, 1993,
Consumers filed exceptions with the FERC, which are still pending, seeking
reversal of the rate reductions proposed in the ALJ's initial decision.
As of January 1, 1996, the amount of firm transmission service currently
subject to the tariff is 29 MW. For discussion of a notice of rulemaking
by the FERC relating to changes in the wholesale electric industry, see
Item 1. BUSINESS. CONSUMERS AND CMS ENERGY COMPETITION - Electric
Competition.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP FRANCHISE PROCEEDING
MichCon obtained a revocable franchise in 1956 to provide natural gas
service to Highland Township, Michigan. In 1962, Consumers secured an
irrevocable 30 year franchise to provide natural gas service to Highland
Township. Neither franchise was exclusive. Although MichCon's franchise
for service in Highland Township expired in 1986 and was not renewed,
MichCon continued service to customers in Highland Township. Consumers
secured a revocable renewal franchise for Highland Township in 1992.
Thereafter, in 1992, Consumers filed suit to enjoin MichCon from expanding
its gas service to new customers in Highland Township. The Circuit Court
of Oakland County, Michigan denied MichCon's motion for summary
disposition and granted Consumers' petition for an injunction. MichCon
subsequently transferred its remaining rights and interest in Highland
Township to Consumers, ceased doing business there and appealed the
Circuit Court decision with the Court of Appeals. In August 1995, the
Court of Appeals refused to decide the issue addressed by the Circuit
Court (namely whether MichCon, as a holdover utility without any
franchise, could continue to lawfully do business in a township) because
the Court of Appeals concluded that Consumers' 1992 revocable renewal
franchise was invalid since it was not confirmed by a vote of the Highland
Township electorate as the Court determined was required by the Public
Utility Franchise Act. Prior to this decision, the commonly held
interpretation of the Public Utility Franchise Act was that a vote of the
electorate was only required for irrevocable franchises, not revocable
franchises such as that held by Consumers in this case. The Michigan
Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court decision and remanded the case
to the Circuit Court for entry of summary disposition in MichCon's favor -
- - even though the only franchise MichCon had ever possessed was revocable,
and thus under the Court of Appeals' decision, invalid. Although the
Court of Appeals specifically stated in its opinion that continuing to
provide utility service without a valid franchise was not necessarily
unlawful, Consumers currently has over 800 revocable franchises which
could be affected should the Court of Appeals order remain in place.
Consumers' motion for reconsideration and for a stay of the Court of
Appeals' decision was denied. In December 1995, Consumers filed an
application with the Michigan Supreme Court for leave to appeal the Court
of Appeals' decision.
INTRASTATE GAS SUPPLIER CONTRACT PRICING DISPUTE
On October 25, 1995, the MPSC issued an opinion and order in a proceeding
that had been initiated by Consumers regarding a gas contract pricing
dispute under three gas supply contracts. The MPSC found that a pricing
mechanism like the one at issue, that operates within definite ceiling and
floor prices, is a definite pricing provision within the meaning of the
state statutes and was properly implemented to reduce gas prices without
the prior approval of the MPSC. The producers subsequently filed a claim
of appeal of the MPSC order with the Court of Appeals.
Prior to the issuance of the MPSC's order, the intrastate gas producers
involved in this MPSC proceeding filed a complaint against Consumers in
Kent County Circuit Court alleging breach of contract. On Consumers'
motion, the court dismissed the lawsuit. The gas suppliers subsequently
filed a petition for rehearing with the court where the matter is still
pending.
MPSC CASE NO U-10029 - INTRASTATE GAS SUPPLY
On February 8, 1993, the MPSC issued an order granting Consumers' request
to lower the price to be paid to one of its intrastate gas suppliers,
North Michigan, who then filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. In
June 1995, the Court of Appeals affirmed the MPSC's decision and North
Michigan's motion for reconsideration was denied in August 1995. In
September 1995, North Michigan filed an application with the Michigan
Supreme Court for leave to appeal the Court of Appeals' order.
Collateral suits claiming relief based on a theory of breach of contract,
among other things, were filed by the producers in the Grand Traverse
County Circuit Court and in the Clinton County Circuit Court, which was
subsequently transferred to Jackson County Circuit Court. The dismissals
of the Grand Traverse County Circuit Court suit and the Jackson County
Circuit Court suit have been appealed by the producers to the Court of
Appeals.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Consumers is subject to various federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to the environment. Consumers has been named as a
party to several actions involving environmental issues. However, based
on its present knowledge and subject to future legal and factual
developments, CMS Energy and Consumers believe that it is unlikely that
these actions, individually or in total, will have a material adverse
effect on their financial condition. See Item 1. BUSINESS. CONSUMERS AND
CMS ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF
SECURITY HOLDERS.
CMS ENERGY
None in the fourth quarter of 1995 for CMS Energy.
CONSUMERS
None in the fourth quarter of 1995 for Consumers.
47
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR CMS ENERGY'S AND CONSUMERS' COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
CMS Energy
Market prices for CMS Energy's common stock and related security holder
matters are contained herein in Item 8, CMS Energy's Quarterly Financial
and Common Stock Information, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number of common shareholders at February 29, 1996 was 89,167.
Consumers
Consumers' common stock is privately held by its parent, CMS Energy, and
does not trade in the public market. In May 1995, Consumers paid $70
million in cash dividends on its common stock.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
CMS Energy
Selected financial information is contained in Item 8, CMS Energy's
Selected Financial Information which is incorporated by reference herein.
Consumers
Selected financial information is contained in Item 8, Consumers' Selected
Financial Information which is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
CMS Energy
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations is contained in Item 8, CMS Energy's Management's Discussion
and Analysis which is incorporated by reference herein.
Consumers
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations is contained in Item 8, Consumers' Management's Discussion and
Analysis which is incorporated by reference herein.
48
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Index to Financial Statements:
CMS Energy Page
Selected Financial Information 51
Management's Discussion and Analysis 53
Consolidated Statements of Income 64
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 65
Consolidated Balance Sheets 66
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock 68
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity 69
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 70
Report of Independent Public Accountants 94
Quarterly Financial and Common Stock Information 95
Consumers Page
Selected Financial Information 98
Management's Discussion and Analysis 99
Consolidated Statements of Income 108
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 109
Consolidated Balance Sheets 110
Consolidated Statements of Long-Term Debt 112
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock 113
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity 114
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 115
Report of Independent Public Accountants 136
Quarterly Financial Information 137
49
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50
CMS Energy Corporation
1995 Financial Statements
51
Selected Financial Information CMS Energy Corporation
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Operating revenue (in millions) (a) ($) 3,890 3,614 3,476 3,142 2,994
Net income (loss) (in millions) (b) ($) 204 179 155 (297) (276)
Average common shares outstanding
(in thousands)
CMS Energy 88,810 85,888 81,251 79,877 79,988
Class G 7,511 - - - -
Earnings (loss) per average
common share (b)
CMS Energy ($) 2.27 2.09 1.90 (3.72) (3.44)
Class G ($) .38 - - - -
Cash from operations (in millions) ($) 682 612 484 456 530
Capital expenditures, excludes
capital lease additions and
DSM (in millions) ($) 535 575 550 487 353
Total assets (in millions) (a) ($) 8,143 7,378 6,958 6,842 6,194
Long-term debt, excluding current
maturities (in millions) ($) 2,906 2,709 2,405 2,725 1,941
Non-current portion of capital
leases (in millions) ($) 106 108 115 98 68
Total preferred stock (in millions) ($) 356 356 163 163 163
Cash dividends declared per
common share
CMS Energy ($) .90 .78 .60 .48 .48
Class G ($) .56 - - - -
Market price of common stock
at year-end
CMS Energy ($) 29-7/8 22-7/8 25-1/8 18-3/8 18-3/8
Class G ($) 18-7/8 - - - -
Book value per common share at
year-end
CMS Energy ($) 15.16 12.78 11.33 9.09 13.28
Class G ($) 10.56 - - - -
Return on average common equity (%) 15.9 17.3 18.3 (33.2) (22.4)
Return on assets (%) 5.1 4.7 4.5 (2.3) (0.6)
Number of common shareholders
at year-end 59,983 63,628 66,795 70,801 72,729
Number of employees at year-end
(full time equivalents) 10,072 9,972 10,013 9,971 9,212
Electric utility statistics
Sales (millions of kWh) 35,506 34,462 32,764 31,601 31,813
Customers (in thousands) 1,570 1,547 1,526 1,506 1,492
Average sales rate per kWh (cents) 6.36 6.29 6.28 5.82 5.73
52
Selected Financial Information (Continued) CMS Energy Corporation
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Gas utility statistics
Sales and transportation
deliveries (bcf) 404 409 411 384 362
Customers (in thousands) (c) 1,475 1,448 1,423 1,402 1,382
Average sales rate per mcf ($) 4.42 4.48 4.46 4.55 4.58
Electric and gas non-utility statistics
CMS Energy's share of unconsolidated
independent power production
revenue (in millions) ($) 497 385 334 284 246
Independent power production
sales (millions of kWh) 7,449 6,216 5,019 4,057 3,342
CMS Energy's share of unconsolidated
natural gas transmission, storage
and marketing revenue (in millions) ($) 26 7 3 4 4
Gas marketed for end-users (bcf) 101 66 60 45 23
Exploration and production statistics
Sales (net equiv. MMbbls) 8.9 5.6 5.0 4.6 4.0
Proved reserves (net equiv. MMbbls) 111.2 93.3 69.8 70.9 60.3
Proved reserves added (net equiv.
MMbbls) 26.8 29.0 3.9 15.0 16.0
Finding cost per net equiv. bbl ($) 5.06 5.92 4.97 4.88 6.58
(a) Certain prior year amounts were restated for comparative purposes.
(b) Amount in 1991 included an extraordinary loss of $14 million, after tax or $.18 per average
common share.
(c) Excludes off-system transportation customers.
53
CMS Energy Corporation
Management's Discussion and Analysis
CMS Energy is the parent holding company of Consumers and Enterprises.
Consumers, a combination electric and gas utility company serving the
Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy.
Consumers' customer base includes a mix of residential, commercial and
diversified industrial customers, the largest segment of which is the
automotive industry. Enterprises is engaged in several domestic and
international energy-related businesses, including oil and gas exploration
and production, development and operation of independent power production
facilities, electric and gas marketing services to utility, commercial and
industrial customers, and storage and transmission of natural gas.
Consolidated Earnings
Consolidated net income for 1995 totaled $204 million comprised of $201
million of net income attributable to CMS Energy Common Stock or $2.27 per
share compared to net income of $179 million or $2.09 per share in 1994
and net income of $155 million or $1.90 per share in 1993. Net income
attributable to Class G Common Stock totaled $3 million or $.38 per share
in 1995. The improved net income for 1995 reflects increased utility
electric sales and utility gas deliveries, increased electric utility
revenue as a result of the May 1994 rate increase, reversal of losses
previously recorded for gas utility contingencies (see Note 4), improved
operating results from Consumers' interest in the MCV Facility, and the
continuing growth of the international businesses. For further
information, see the Electric and Gas Utility Results of Operations
sections and the individual international results of operations sections.
The increased 1994 net income over the 1993 period reflects a significant
increase in utility electric sales, the impact of the 1994 electric rate
increase, recognition of incentive revenue related to DSM programs, the
favorable resolution of a previously recorded gas cost contingency, and
the growth of international businesses.
Cash Position, Financing and Investing
CMS Energy's primary ongoing source of operating cash is dividends from
its subsidiaries. In 1995, CMS Energy received a $70 million dividend
from Consumers compared to $176 million in 1994. This decrease represents
Consumers temporarily suspending its common dividends to CMS Energy in
lieu of CMS Energy making a direct equity infusion of cash into Consumers.
In 1996, Consumers plans to resume common stock dividend payments to
CMS Energy.
CMS Energy's consolidated cash from operations is derived mainly from
Consumers' sale and transportation of natural gas, its generation,
transmission, and sale of electricity and CMS NOMECO's sale of oil and
natural gas. Consolidated cash from operations during 1995 increased $70
million from the 1994 level primarily from higher sales of electricity and
gas, lower gas inventories, timing of cash payments related to its utility
operations, CMS NOMECO's increased sale of oil and natural gas and the
growth of the international businesses partially offset by Consumers'
higher power purchases from the MCV Partnership. CMS Energy primarily
uses this operating cash to expand its international businesses, maintain
its electric and gas utility systems, retire portions of its long-term
securities and pay dividends.
Financing Activities: Net cash provided by financing activities in 1995
increased $163 million from 1994, primarily reflecting the issuance of
Class G Common Stock and increased long-term debt. Net cash provided by
financing activities in 1994 increased by $214 million primarily
reflecting the issuance of Consumers preferred stock.
In January 1994, CMS Energy filed a shelf-registration statement with the
SEC for the issuance and sale of up to $250 million of GTNs. As of
December 31, 1995, CMS Energy had issued approximately $221 million of
GTNs with a weighted average interest rate of 7.7 percent.
In the third quarter 1995, CMS Energy received net proceeds of
approximately $123 million from the issuance of 7.52 million shares of
Class G Common Stock at a price to the public of $17.75 per share,
initially representing 23.50 percent of the common stockholder's equity
value attributed to the Consumers Gas Group. All of the proceeds from this
sale will fund the capital programs and be used for general corporate
purposes of CMS Energy. Initially, such proceeds were used to repay a
portion of CMS Energy's indebtedness under the Credit Facility, none of
which was attributable to the Consumers Gas Group. In 1995, CMS Energy
issued approximately $90 million of CMS Energy Common Stock in conjunction
with the acquisitions of Terra and Walter.
In January 1995, CMS Generation entered into a one-year $118 million
bridge credit facility for the acquisition of HYDRA-CO of which
approximately $109 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
In January 1996, CMS Generation refinanced the bridge credit facility into
a $110 million, five-year term loan.
During 1995, CMS Energy paid $80 million in cash dividends to holders of
CMS Energy Common Stock compared to $67 million in 1994. The $13 million
increase reflects an annual increase of $.12 per share to $.96 per share,
commencing third quarter 1995. CMS Energy also paid $4 million in cash
dividends to holders of Class G Common Stock. Dividends on preferred
stock increased to $28 million in 1995, reflecting Consumers' issuance of
additional preferred stock in 1994.
In October 1995, CMS NOMECO filed a registration statement with the SEC
for an initial public offering of not more than 20 percent of CMS NOMECO
common stock. CMS Energy will continue to evaluate market conditions for
a possible future offering of CMS NOMECO common stock.
In November 1995, CMS Energy amended the terms of its $400 million
Unsecured Credit Facility, increased the amount to $450 million and
extended the termination date to June 30, 1998. CMS Energy also entered
into a $125 million, seven-year Term Loan Agreement. As of December 31,
1995, $118 million and $125 million remains outstanding for the Unsecured
Credit Facility and Term Loan Agreement, respectively.
Investing Activities: Net cash used in investing activities in 1995
increased $307 million from 1994, primarily reflecting the acquisitions of
TGN and HYDRA-CO. Capital expenditures, including assets placed under
capital lease (see Note 17), deferred DSM costs, investment in
international subsidiaries and common stock issued for acquisitions
totaled $1,053 million in 1995 as compared to $672 million in 1994 and
$768 in 1993. Capital expenditures for 1995 include approximately $200
million for acquisitions which commenced in 1994 but did not close until
1995. CMS Energy's expenditures for its utility, independent power
production, oil and gas exploration and production, and gas transmission
and marketing business segments were $454 million, $239 million, $168
million and $178 million, respectively.
Financing and Investing Outlook: CMS Energy estimates that capital
expenditures, including new lease commitments, and investments in
partnerships and unconsolidated subsidiaries, will total approximately
$2.4 billion over the next three years.
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1996 1997 1998
- ----------------------- ---- ---- ----
Electric utility $311 $285 $295
Gas utility 124 110 105
Oil and gas exploration and production 120 135 150
Independent power production 189 175 150
Natural gas transmission, storage and marketing 112 70 50
---- ---- ----
$856 $775 $750
===== ===== =====
CMS Energy is required to redeem or retire approximately $1,266 million of
long-term debt over the three-year period ending December 1998. Cash
provided by operating activities is expected to satisfy a substantial
portion of these capital expenditures and debt retirements. In January
1996, Consumers issued and sold 4 million shares of Trust Originated
Preferred Securities with net proceeds totaling $96 million (see Note 8).
CMS Energy will continue to evaluate the capital markets in 1996 as a
source of financing its subsidiaries' investing activities and required
debt retirements.
Consumers has several available, unsecured, committed lines of credit
totaling $145 million and a $425 million working capital facility.
Consumers has FERC authorization to issue or guarantee up to $900 million
in short-term debt through December 31, 1996. Consumers uses short-term
borrowings to finance working capital and gas in storage, and to pay for
capital expenditures between long-term financings. Consumers has an
agreement permitting the sales of certain accounts receivable for up to
$500 million. At December 31, 1995 and 1994, receivables sold totaled
$295 million and $275 million, respectively.
Electric Utility Results of Operations
Pretax Operating Income
Change Compared to Prior Year
In Millions
1995/1994 1994/1993
--------- ---------
Sales $ 59 $ 33
Rate increase and other regulatory issues 9 38
O&M, general taxes and depreciation (38) (25)
---- ----
Total change $ 30 $ 46
==== ====
Electric Sales: Total electric sales in 1995 were a record 35.5 billion
kWh, a 3.0 percent increase from the 1994 level as a result of economic
growth and warmer summer temperatures. The increase in total electric
sales included a 4.2 percent increase in sales to Consumers' ultimate
customers, with fairly consistent increases in the residential,
commercial, and industrial sectors. The increase was partially offset by
a decrease in certain sales to other utilities.
Total electric sales in 1994 were 34.5 billion kWh, a 5.2 percent increase
from the 1993 level, which included a 4.2 percent increase in system sales
to Consumers' ultimate customers.
Power Costs: Power costs for 1995 totaled $970 million, a $20 million
increase from the corresponding 1994 period, primarily reflecting
increased purchased power costs due to higher sales levels. Power costs
for 1994 totaled $950 million, a $42 million increase as compared to 1993
which reflects increased kWh production at Consumers' generating plants
and greater power purchases from outside sources to meet increased sales
demand.
Operating Expenses: Electric operation and maintenance expense for 1995
compared to 1994 increased $13 million, which included $9 million of
additional postretirement benefit costs and increased expenditures to
improve electric system reliability. Electric depreciation for 1995
compared to 1994 increased $15 million, reflecting additional property and
equipment. Electric general taxes increased $11 million in 1995 compared
to 1994, reflecting millage rate increases and additional capital
investments in property and equipment.
Electric Utility Issues
Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: Consumers' annual obligation to
purchase contract capacity from the MCV Partnership increased 108 MW in
1995 to 1,240 MW. In 1993, the MPSC issued the Settlement Order that have
allowed Consumers to recover substantially all payments for 915 MW of
contract capacity purchased from the MCV Partnership. ABATE and the
Attorney General have appealed the Settlement Order to the Court of
Appeals. The market for the remaining 325 MW of contract capacity was
assessed at the end of 1992. This assessment, along with the Settlement
Order, resulted in Consumers recognizing a loss for the present value of
the estimated future underrecoveries of power purchases from the MCV
Partnership. Additional losses may occur if actual future experience
materially differs from the 1992 estimates. As anticipated in 1992,
Consumers continues to experience cash underrecoveries associated with the
Settlement Order. These after-tax cash underrecoveries totaled $90
million, $61 million and $59 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Estimated future after-tax cash underrecoveries, and possible losses for
1996 and the next four years are shown in the table below.
After-tax, In Millions
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Estimated cash underrecoveries $56 $55 $ 8 $ 9 $ 7
Possible additional under-
recoveries and losses (a) $20 $22 $72 $72 $74
(a) If unable to sell any capacity above the MPSC's 1993 authorized level.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that would potentially resolve several issues in
three pending proceedings, including cost recovery for the 325 MW of MCV
Facility capacity above the MPSC's currently authorized level. For
further information regarding the settlement, see Note 4.
In 1994 and 1995, Consumers terminated power purchase agreements with the
developers of a proposed 65 MW coal-fired cogeneration facility and a
proposed 44 MW wood and chipped-tire plant. To replace this capacity,
109 MW of less expensive contract capacity from the MCV Facility which
Consumers is currently not authorized to recover from retail customers
would be used. For further information, see Note 4.
Electric Rate Proceedings: Consumers filed a request with the MPSC in
late 1994 to increase its retail electric rates. In early 1996, the MPSC
granted Consumers authority to increase its annual electric retail rates
by $46 million. This partial final order did not address cost recovery
related to the 325 MW of MCV Facility contract capacity above 915 MW. The
MPSC stated that this matter would be addressed in connection with its
consideration of the proposed settlement agreement discussed below.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that, if approved by the MPSC, would resolve several
outstanding regulatory issues. One of these issues, Consumers' electric
rate case, was addressed, in part, by the order discussed above. If fully
adopted, the settlement agreement would resolve Consumers' depreciation
and special competitive service cases (discussed below) and cost recovery
of 325 MW of uncommitted MCV Facility capacity. Consumers expects a final
order in the spring of 1996. For more information regarding the electric
rate order and the settlement, see Note 4.
In 1995, Consumers filed a request with the MPSC, seeking approval to
increase its traditional depreciation expense by $21 million and
reallocate certain portions of its utility plant from production to
transmission, resulting in a $28 million decrease. If both aspects of the
request are approved, the net result would be a decrease in electric
depreciation expense of $7 million for ratemaking purposes. The MPSC
staff's filing in this case did not support Consumers' requested increase
in depreciation expense, but instead proposed a decrease of $24 million.
The MPSC staff also did not support the reallocation of plant investment
as proposed by Consumers but suggested several alternatives which could
partially address this issue. In September 1995, the ALJ issued a
proposal for decision that essentially supported the MPSC staff's position
regarding depreciation expense and recommended that the MPSC reject both
Consumers' and the MPSC staff's positions regarding the reallocation of
Consumers' depreciation reserve and plant investment. This case is
currently part of the proposed settlement discussed above.
Special Rates: Consumers currently has a request before the MPSC that,
if approved, would allow Consumers a certain level of rate-pricing
flexibility to respond to customers' alternative energy options. This
request has been consolidated into the settlement proceeding discussed
above.
Electric Conservation Efforts: In June 1995, the MPSC issued an order
that authorized Consumers to discontinue future DSM program expenditures
and cease all new programs. For further information, see Note 4.
Electric Environmental Matters: The 1990 amendment of the federal Clean
Air Act significantly increased the environmental constraints that
utilities will operate under in the future. While the Clean Air Act's
provisions require Consumers to make certain capital expenditures in order
to comply with the amendments for nitrogen oxide reductions, Consumers'
generating units are presently operating at or near the sulfur dioxide
emission limits which will be effective in the year 2000. Therefore,
management believes that Consumers' annual operating costs will not be
materially affected.
The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (formerly
the Michigan Environmental Response Act) was substantially amended in June
1995. The Michigan law bears similarities to the federal Superfund law.
The purpose of the 1995 amendments was generally to encourage development
of industrial sites and to remove liability from some parties who were not
responsible for activities causing contamination. Consumers expects that
it will ultimately incur costs at a number of sites. Consumers believes
costs incurred for both investigation and required remedial actions are
properly recoverable in rates.
Consumers is a so-called "potentially responsible party" at several sites
being administered under Superfund. Along with Consumers, there are
numerous credit-worthy, potentially responsible parties with substantial
assets cooperating with respect to the individual sites. Based on current
information, management believes it is unlikely that Consumers' liability
at any of the known Superfund sites, individually or in total, will have a
material adverse effect on its financial position, liquidity or results of
operations. For further information regarding electric environmental
matters, see Note 14.
Electric Outlook
Competition: Consumers currently expects approximately 2 percent average
annual growth in electric system sales over the next five years.
Consumers continues to be affected by the developing competitive market
for electricity. The primary sources of competition include: the
installation of cogeneration or other self-generation facilities by
Consumers' larger industrial customers; the formation of municipal
utilities which would displace retail service by Consumers to an entire
community; and competition from neighboring utilities which offer flexible
rate arrangements designed to encourage movement to their respective
service areas. Consumers continues to work toward retaining its current
retail service customers.
In an effort to meet the challenge of competition, Consumers has signed
long-term sales contracts with some of its largest industrial customers,
including its largest customer, General Motors Corporation. Under the
General Motors contract, Consumers will serve certain facilities at least
five years and other facilities at least 10 years in exchange for
competitively discounted electric rates. Certain facilities will have the
option of taking retail wheeling service (if available) after the first
three years of the contract. The MPSC approved this contract in 1995.
As part of an order issued in early 1996, the MPSC significantly reduced
the rate subsidization of residential customers by industrial and large
commercial customers. In addition to offering electric rates that are
competitive with other energy providers, Consumers is pursuing other
strategies to retain its "at-risk" customers. These strategies include:
minimizing outages for each customer, promptly responding to customer
inquiries, and providing consulting services to help customers use energy
efficiently.
In 1994, the MPSC approved a framework for a five-year experimental retail
wheeling program for Consumers and Detroit Edison. Under the experiment,
up to 60 MW of Consumers' additional load requirements could be met by
retail wheeling. The program becomes effective upon Consumers' next
solicitation for capacity. In June 1995, the MPSC issued an order that
set rates and charges for retail delivery service under the experiment.
Consumers, ABATE and Dow filed claims of appeal of the MPSC's retail
wheeling orders. The Court of Appeals subsequently consolidated these
appeals with those previously filed by Detroit Edison and the Attorney
General. Consumers does not expect this short-term experiment to have a
material impact on its financial position, liquidity or results of
operations.
In March 1995, the FERC issued a NOPR and a supplemental NOPR that propose
changes in the wholesale electric industry. Among the most significant
proposals is a requirement that utilities provide open access to the
domestic interstate transmission grid. The FERC's final rules are
expected to be announced in the spring of 1996. Consumers is unable to
predict the terms of these rules. However, management believes that
Consumers is well-positioned to conform to open access as it has been
voluntarily providing this transmission service since 1992.
The Governor of the State of Michigan has proposed that the MPSC review
the existing statutory and regulatory framework governing Michigan
utilities in light of increasing competition in the utility industry and
recommend appropriate revisions. At this time, no proceedings have been
initiated at the MPSC on this matter and no new legislation has been
introduced.
Changes in the competitive environment facing regulated utilities may
eventually lead to the discontinuance of SFAS 71, which allows the
deferral of certain costs and the recording of regulatory assets.
Management has evaluated Consumers' current regulatory position and
believes it continues to support the recognition of Consumers' $779
million of electric-related regulatory assets. If changes in the industry
were to lead to Consumers discontinuing the application of SFAS 71, for
all or part of its business, Consumers may be required to write-off the
portion of any regulatory asset for which no regulatory assurance of
recovery continued to exist. Consumers does not believe that there is any
current evidence that supports the write-off of any of its electric-
related regulatory assets. For further information regarding SFAS 71 and
Consumers' regulatory assets, see Notes 2 and 19.
Nuclear Matters: In July 1995, the NRC issued its Systematic Assessment
of Licensee Performance report for Palisades. The report recognized
improved performance at the plant, specifically in the areas of
Engineering and Plant Operations. In the report, the NRC noted areas
which continue to require management's attention, but also recognized the
development and implementation of plans for corrective action designed to
address previously identified weak areas. The report noted that
performance in the areas of Maintenance and Plant Support was good and
remained unchanged.
Consumers' on-site storage pool for spent nuclear fuel at Palisades is at
capacity. Consequently, Consumers is using NRC-approved dry casks, which
are steel and concrete vaults, for temporary on-site storage. In 1996,
Consumers plans to unload and replace one of the casks where a minor flaw
has been detected. For further information, see Note 15.
The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act encourages the respective
states, individually or in cooperation with each other, to be responsible
for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Currently, a low-level
waste site does not exist in Michigan and Consumers has been storing low-
level waste at its nuclear plant sites. Consumers began shipping its low-
level waste to a site in South Carolina during 1995 and plans to have all
its currently stored low-level waste removed from the plant sites by the
end of 1996.
Consumers is required to make certain calculations and report to the NRC
about the continuing ability of the Palisades reactor vessel to withstand
postulated "pressurized thermal shock" events during its remaining license
life. Analysis of recent data from testing of similar materials indicates
that the Palisades reactor vessel can be safely operated through late
1999. Consumers is developing plans to anneal the reactor vessel in 1998
at an estimated cost of $20 million to $30 million. This repair would
allow for operation of the plant to the end of its license life in the
year 2007. Consumers cannot predict whether the studies being conducted
as a part of the development plans will support a future decision to
anneal.
At the SEC staff's request, the FASB is reviewing the accounting for
closure and removal costs for long-lived assets, including
decommissioning. The current electric utility industry accounting
practices of recording the cost of removal as a component of depreciation
could be changed. The FASB's tentative decision includes recognition of
the cost of closure and removal obligation as a liability based on
discounted future cash flows with the offset recorded as part of the cost
of the plant asset.
Stray Voltage: Consumers has experienced a number of lawsuits relating to
the effect of so-called stray voltage on certain livestock. At December
31, 1995, Consumers had 30 separate stray voltage lawsuits awaiting trial
court action, down from 83 lawsuits at December 31, 1994. CMS Energy
believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material
impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Gas Utility Results of Operations
Pretax Operating Income
Change Compared to Prior Year
In Millions
1995/1994 1994/1993
--------- ---------
Sales $ 12 $ (3)
Regulatory recovery of gas cost 19 10
O&M, general taxes and depreciation (15) (19)
---- ----
Total change $ 16 $(12)
==== ====
Gas Deliveries: Gas sales in 1995 totaled 254 bcf, a 5.2 percent
increase from 1994 levels, and total system deliveries, excluding
transport to the MCV Facility, increased 6.5 percent from 1994. On a
weather-adjusted basis, total system deliveries increased 4.1 percent,
reflecting significant growth. In 1994, total system deliveries,
excluding transport to the MCV Facility, were 314 bcf, a slight decrease
from 1993 deliveries.
Cost of Gas Sold: The cost of gas sold for 1995 increased $9 million from
the 1994 level, as a result of increased deliveries. The increased costs
reflect the reversal of a $23 million gas supplier loss contingency.
Operating Expenses: Gas operation and maintenance expense increased $12
million, reflecting an $8 million gas inventory loss. Gas depreciation
for 1995 compared to 1994 increased $7 million, reflecting additional
capital investment in property and equipment.
Gas Utility Issues
Gas Rates: In December 1994, Consumers filed a request with the MPSC to
increase Consumers' annual gas rates. The requested increase totaling $7
million reflected increased expenditures, including those associated with
postretirement benefits, and a 12.25 percent return on equity. The MPSC
staff recommended a $13 million rate decrease. In November 1995, the ALJ
issued a proposal for decision that essentially adopted the MPSC staff's
position. In early 1996, the MPSC issued a final order in this case,
decreasing Consumers' annual gas rates by $11.7 million. For further
information regarding this case, see Note 4.
Consumers entered into a special natural gas transportation contract with
one of its transportation customers in response to the customer's proposal
to by-pass Consumers' system in favor of a competitive alternative. The
contract provides for discounted gas transportation rates in an effort to
induce the customer to remain on Consumers' system. In February 1995, the
MPSC approved the contract but stated that the revenue shortfall created
by the difference between the contract's discounted rate and the floor
price of one of Consumers' MPSC authorized gas transportation rates must
be borne by Consumers' shareholders. In March 1995, Consumers filed an
appeal with the Court of Appeals claiming that the MPSC decision denies
Consumers the opportunity to earn its authorized rate of return and is
therefore unconstitutional.
GCR Matters: In October 1995, the MPSC issued an order regarding a $44
million (excluding any interest) gas supply contract pricing dispute
between Consumers and certain intrastate producers. The order stated that
Consumers was not obligated to seek prior approval of market-based pricing
provisions that were implemented under the contracts in question. The
producers subsequently filed a claim of appeal of the MPSC order with the
Court of Appeals. Consumers believes the MPSC order supports its position
that the producers' theories are without merit and intends to vigorously
oppose any claims they may raise but cannot predict the outcome of this
issue.
Gas Environmental Matters: Consumers expects that it will ultimately
incur investigation and remedial action costs at a number of sites,
including some that formerly housed manufactured gas plant facilities.
Data available to Consumers and its continued internal review of these
former manufactured gas plant sites have resulted in an estimate for all
costs related to investigation and remedial action of between $48 million
and $112 million. These estimates are based on undiscounted 1995 costs.
At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a liability for $48 million
and has established a regulatory asset for approximately the same amount.
Any significant change in assumptions such as remediation technique,
nature and extent of contamination and regulatory requirements, could
impact the estimate of remedial action costs for the sites.
Consumers requested recovery and deferral of certain investigation and
remedial action costs in its gas rate case filed in December 1994.
Consumers believes that remedial action costs are recoverable in rates and
is continuing discussions with certain insurance companies regarding
coverage for some or all of the costs which may be incurred for these
sites. For further information, see Note 14.
Gas Outlook
Consumers currently anticipates gas deliveries to grow approximately 2
percent per year (excluding transportation to the MCV Facility and off-
system deliveries) over the next five years, primarily due to a steadily
growing customer base. Additionally, Consumers has several strategies
which will support increased load requirements in the future. These
strategies include increased efforts to promote natural gas to both
current and potential customers that are using other fuels for space and
water heating. The emerging use of natural gas vehicles also provides
Consumers with sales growth opportunities. In addition, as air quality
standards continue to become more stringent, management believes that
greater opportunities exist for converting industrial boiler load and
other processes to natural gas. Consumers also plans additional capital
expenditures to construct new gas mains that are expected to expand
Consumers' system.
In 1995, Consumers purchased approximately 80 percent of its required gas
supply under long-term contracts, and the balance on the spot market.
Consumers estimates that approximately 35 percent of its gas purchases
will be under long-term contracts in future years as current contracts
expire. Consumers also has transmission contracts totaling approximately
90 percent of its supply requirements. The expiration dates of the
transmission contracts range from 1997 to 2004.
In 1995, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provided
approximately $71 million in heating assistance to about 400,000 Michigan
households, with approximately 18 percent of funds going to Consumers'
customers. In late 1995, federal legislative approval provided Michigan
residents with approximately $60 million of funding for 1996. Consumers
cannot predict what level of funding will be approved for 1997.
In January 1996, the MPSC issued a Notice of legislative-type hearings to
be held in 1996, to assess whether it is appropriate to allow all natural
gas customers access to gas transportation service. The MPSC notice
designated all eight local distribution companies whose rates are
regulated by the MPSC as parties to this proceeding.
Under SFAS 71, Consumers is allowed to defer certain costs to the future
and record regulatory assets, based on the recoverability of those costs
through the MPSC's approval. Consumers has evaluated its $276 million of
regulatory assets (see Note 19) related to its gas business, and believes
that sufficient regulatory assurance exists to provide for the recovery of
these deferred costs.
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Pretax Operating Income: 1995 pretax operating income increased $22
million from 1994, primarily due to higher sales volumes and oil sales
prices, income attributable to the acquisitions of Walter and Terra and
increased gains from the assignment of gas supply contracts, partially
offset by lower average market prices for gas. 1994 pretax operating
income increased $5 million from 1993, reflecting higher gas sales
volumes, lower international write-offs, and the gain from the disposition
of a gas supply contract, partially offset by lower average market prices
for oil and gas.
Capital Expenditures: In February 1995, CMS NOMECO closed on the
acquisition of Walter for approximately $49 million, consisting of
approximately $27 million of CMS Energy Common Stock and $22 million in
both cash and assumed debt. The Walter acquisition added proved reserves
of approximately 20 million barrels of oil.
In August 1995, CMS NOMECO acquired Terra with approximately $63 million
of CMS Energy Common Stock. The Terra acquisition added approximately 96
bcf of proved gas reserves.
Other capital expenditures for 1995 approximated $84 million, primarily
for development of existing oil and gas reserves.
Independent Power Production
Pretax Operating Income: 1995 pretax operating income increased $25
million, primarily reflecting higher capacity sales by the MCV
Partnership, as well as additional equity earnings by CMS Generation
subsidiaries primarily due to the HYDRA-CO acquisition. 1994 pretax
operating income increased $16 million from 1993, primarily reflecting
additional electric generating capacity.
Capital Expenditures: In January 1995, CMS Generation completed its
acquisition of HYDRA-CO for $153 million, net of $54 million cash.
CMS Generation acquired 224 MW of net generating capacity and also assumed
shared construction management responsibility for a 60 MW diesel-fueled
plant under construction in Jamaica, scheduled to go into service in the
fourth quarter of 1996.
Other capital expenditures for 1995 totaled approximately $86 million
related to expanding ownership in existing facilities and investments in
new facilities.
Natural Gas Transmission, Storage and Marketing
Pretax Operating Income: 1995 pretax operating income increased $5
million over 1994, reflecting growth from new pipeline investments and the
continued growth of existing projects and gas marketed to end-users. 1994
pretax operating income increased $2 million over 1993, reflecting
earnings growth from gas pipeline and storage projects and gas marketed to
end-users. In 1995, 101 bcf of natural gas was marketed compared to 66
bcf and 60 bcf in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Capital Expenditures: In July 1995, CMS Gas Transmission acquired a 25
percent ownership interest in TGN for $136 million. TGN, which had 1995
revenues of approximately $150 million, owns and operates 2,600 miles of
pipelines that provide natural gas transmission service to the northern
and central parts of Argentina, with almost one bcf per day of existing
pipeline capacity.
CMS Gas Transmission, through an ownership interest in Nitrotec
Corporation, a proprietary gas technology company acquired in January
1996, currently has two helium recovery plants under construction, with
the first plant scheduled to be in service in the first quarter of 1996.
The total estimated cost for these two plants, located in Kansas, is $8.2
million. One helium recovery plant was placed in service in October 1995.
Nitrotec Corporation has also started construction on a $5.2 million
nitrogen rejection facility in Texas.
In January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission signed a letter of intent to
transfer its 50 percent ownership interest to its partner, MHP
Corporation, in the Moss Bluff Gas Storage System, a salt cavern storage
facility on the Gulf Coast of Texas and MHP Corporation will transfer its
50 percent ownership interest to CMS Gas Transmission in the Grand Lacs
Limited Partnership, a marketing center for natural gas. CMS Gas
Transmission will also receive approximately $26 million.
In January 1996, CMS Gas Transmission acquired Petal Gas Storage Company,
a natural gas storage facility located in Forrest County, Mississippi.
The salt dome storage cavern provides up to 3.2 bcf per day of 10-day
storage service and has the capability of being refilled in 20 days.
Other capital expenditures in 1995 totaled approximately $42 million for
acquisitions, expansion of existing facilities and construction of new
facilities.
Other
New Accounting Standard: In 1995, the FASB issued SFAS 121, Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of, which is effective for 1996. CMS Energy does not expect the
application of this statement to have a material impact on its financial
position, liquidity or results of operations. For further information,
see Note 2.
64
Consolidated Statements of Income CMS Energy Corporation
In Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
Operating Revenue Electric utility $2,277 $2,189 $2,077
Gas utility 1,195 1,151 1,160
Oil and gas exploration and production 108 78 71
Independent power production 96 46 21
Natural gas transmission, storage and marketing 196 145 142
Other 18 5 5
------- ------- -------
Total operating revenue 3,890 3,614 3,476
------- ------- -------
Operating Expenses Operation
Fuel for electric generation 283 306 293
Purchased power - related parties 491 482 467
Purchased and interchange power 196 162 148
Cost of gas sold 821 785 801
Other 698 621 565
------- ------- -------
Total operation 2,489 2,356 2,274
Maintenance 186 192 206
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 416 379 364
General taxes 196 184 193
------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 3,287 3,111 3,037
------- ------- -------
Pretax Operating Electric utility 362 332 286
Income (Loss) Gas utility 151 135 147
Oil and gas exploration and production 30 8 3
Independent power production 46 21 5
Natural gas transmission, storage and marketing 14 9 7
Other - (2) (9)
------- ------- -------
Total pretax operating income 603 503 439
------- ------- -------
Income Taxes 130 103 81
------- ------- -------
Net Operating Income 473 400 358
------- ------- -------
Other Income Accretion income (Note 2) 11 13 14
(Deductions) Accretion expense (Note 2) (31) (35) (36)
Other income taxes, net 12 11 6
Bond income - - 32
Other, net 10 19 15
------- ------- -------
Total other income 2 8 31
------- ------- -------
Fixed Charges Interest on long-term debt 224 193 204
Other interest 27 18 24
Capitalized interest (8) (6) (5)
Preferred dividends 28 24 11
------- ------- -------
Net fixed charges 271 229 234
------- ------- -------
Net Income $ 204 $ 179 $ 155
======= ======= =======
Net Income Attributable to Common Stocks - CMS Energy $ 201 $ 179 $ 155
Class G $ 3 - -
======= ======= =======
Average Common Shares Outstanding - CMS Energy 89 86 81
Class G 8 - -
======= ======= =======
Earnings Per Average Common Share - CMS Energy $ 2.27 $ 2.09 $ 1.90
Class G $ .38 - -
======= ======= =======
Dividends Declared Per Common Share - CMS Energy $ .90 $ .78 $ .60
Class G $ .56 - -
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
65
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows CMS Energy Corporation
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
Cash Flows From Net income $ 204 $ 179 $ 155
Operating Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (includes
nuclear decommissioning depreciation of $51,
$49 and $46, respectively) 416 379 364
Capital lease amortization 37 36 31
Debt discount amortization 24 37 36
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit 75 56 56
Accretion expense (Note 2) 31 35 36
Accretion income -
abandoned Midland project (Note 2) (11) (13) (14)
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) (137) (87) (84)
Undistributed earnings of related parties (53) (25) (9)
Other 7 3 1
Changes in other assets and liabilities (Note 17) 89 12 (88)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 682 612 484
-------- -------- --------
Cash Flows From Capital expenditures (excludes capital lease additions
Investing Activities of $31, $36 and $58, respectively and DSM) (Note 17) (535) (575) (550)
Investments in partnerships and unconsolidated
subsidiaries (242) (52) (108)
Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired (146) - -
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust funds (51) (49) (46)
Cost to retire property, net (41) (38) (32)
Other (14) (6) (5)
Deferred demand-side management costs (9) (9) (52)
Proceeds from sale of property 22 20 6
Proceeds from sale of bond investments - - 322
Sale of subsidiary - - (14)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,016) (709) (479)
-------- -------- --------
Cash Flows From Proceeds from bank loans, notes and bonds 333 701 673
Financing Activities Issuance of common stock 160 30 132
Increase in notes payable, net 2 80 44
Payment of common stock dividends (84) (67) (49)
Retirement of bonds and other long-term debt (44) (279) (645)
Payment of capital lease obligations (37) (35) (26)
Repayment of bank loans (18) (473) (192)
Retirement of common stock (1) (2) (3)
Issuance of preferred stock - 193 -
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 311 148 (66)
-------- -------- --------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments (23) 51 (61)
Cash and temporary cash investments
Beginning of year 79 28 89
-------- -------- --------
End of year $ 56 $ 79 $ 28
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
66
Consolidated Balance Sheets CMS Energy Corporation
ASSETS In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Plant and Property Electric $6,103 $5,771
(At Cost) Gas 2,218 2,102
Oil and gas properties (full-cost method) 1,074 934
Other 105 61
------ ------
9,500 8,868
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (Note 2) 4,627 4,299
------ ------
4,873 4,569
Construction work-in-progress 201 245
------ ------
5,074 4,814
------ ------
Investments Independent power production 275 152
First Midland Limited Partnership (Notes 3 and 20) 225 218
Natural gas transmission, storage and marketing 193 40
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership (Notes 3 and 20) 103 74
Other 22 16
------ ------
818 500
------ ------
Current Assets Cash and temporary cash investments at cost, which
approximates market 56 79
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue, less allowances
of $4 in 1995 and $5 in 1994 (Note 6) 296 156
Inventories at average cost
Gas in underground storage 184 235
Materials and supplies 83 75
Generating plant fuel stock 37 37
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) 24 34
Prepayments and other 230 216
------ ------
910 832
------ ------
Non-current Assets Postretirement benefits (Note 12) 462 478
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds (Note 2) 304 213
Abandoned Midland project 131 147
Other 444 394
------ ------
1,341 1,232
------ ------
Total Assets $8,143 $7,378
====== ======
67
CMS Energy Corporation
STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT AND LIABILITIES In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Capitalization Common stockholders' equity $1,469 $1,107
Preferred stock of subsidiary 356 356
Long-term debt (Note 7) 2,906 2,709
Non-current portion of capital leases (Note 13) 106 108
------ ------
4,837 4,280
------ ------
Current Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 207 64
Notes payable 341 339
Accounts payable 304 194
Accrued taxes 256 216
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 90 95
Accounts payable - related parties 53 50
Accrued interest 45 40
Accrued refunds 22 25
Other 192 198
------ ------
1,510 1,221
------ ------
Non-current Deferred income taxes (Note 5) 640 582
Liabilities Postretirement benefits (Note 12) 533 544
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 221 324
Deferred investment tax credits 171 181
Regulatory liabilities for income taxes, net (Notes 5 and 19) 44 16
Other 187 230
------ ------
1,796 1,877
------ ------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 3, 4, 13, 14 and 15)
Total Stockholders' Investment and Liabilities $8,143 $7,378
====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
68
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock CMS Energy Corporation
Optional
Redemption Number of Shares In Millions
December 31 Series Price 1995 1994 1995 1994
Consumers' Preferred Stock
Cumulative, $100 par value,
authorized 7,500,000 shares,
with no mandatory redemption $4.16 $103.25 68,451 68,451 $ 7 $ 7
4.50 110.00 373,148 373,148 37 37
7.45 101.00 379,549 379,549 38 38
7.68 101.00 207,565 207,565 21 21
7.72 101.00 289,642 289,642 29 29
7.76 102.21 308,072 308,072 31 31
Consumers' Class A Preferred Stock
Cumulative, no par value,
authorized 16,000,000 shares,
with no mandatory redemption 2.08 25.00 (a) 8,000,000 8,000,000 193 193
---- ----
Total Preferred Stock $356 $356
==== ====
(a) Redeemable beginning April 1, 1999.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
69
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity CMS Energy Corporation
In Millions,
Except Number of Shares
Other Retained
Number Common Paid-in Revaluation Earnings
of Shares Stock Capital Capital (Deficit) Total
Balance at January 1, 1993 79,965,722 $1 $1,539 $ - $(813) $ 727
Net income 155 155
Common stock:
Dividends declared (49) (49)
Reacquired (97,442) (3) (3)
Issued 5,135,726 132 132
Reissued 192,789 4 4
---------- -- ------ --- ----- ------
Balance at December 31, 1993 85,196,795 1 1,672 - (707) 966
Net income 179 179
Common stock:
Dividends declared (67) (67)
Reacquired (85,174) (2) (2)
Issued 1,389,578 30 30
Reissued 33,350 1 1
---------- -- ------ --- ----- ------
Balance at December 31, 1994 86,534,549 1 1,701 - (595) 1,107
Net income 204 204
Common stock:
Dividends declared:
CMS Energy (80) (80)
Class G (4) (4)
Reacquired (21,514) (1) (1)
Issued:
CMS Energy 5,039,019 126 126
Class G (a) 124 124
Reissued 41,447 1 1
Change in unrealized
investment-loss (8) (8)
---------- -- ------ --- ----- ------
Balance at December 31, 1995 91,593,501 $1 $1,951 $(8) $(475) $1,469
========== == ====== === ===== ======
(a) Number of Class G common shares issued during 1995 and outstanding at December 31, 1995 was 7,618,602.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
70
CMS Energy Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1: Corporate Structure
CMS Energy is the parent holding company of Consumers and Enterprises.
Consumers, a combination electric and gas utility company serving the
Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy.
Consumers' customer base includes a mix of residential, commercial and
diversified industrial customers, the largest segment of which is the
automotive industry. Enterprises is engaged in several domestic and
international energy-related businesses, including oil and gas exploration
and production, development and operation of independent power production
facilities, electric and gas marketing services to utility, commercial and
industrial customers, and storage and transmission of natural gas.
2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include
CMS Energy, Consumers and Enterprises and their wholly owned subsidiaries.
The financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and include the use of management's
estimates. CMS Energy uses the equity method of accounting for
investments in companies and partnerships where it has more than a 20
percent but less than a majority ownership interest and includes these
results in operating income. For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993, undistributed equity earnings were $53 million, $25 million and
$9 million, respectively.
Accretion Income and Expense: In 1991, the MPSC ordered that Consumers
could recover a portion of its abandoned Midland investment over a 10-year
period, but did not allow Consumers to earn a return on that amount.
Consumers reduced the recoverable investment to the present value of the
future recoveries. During the recovery period, the unrecovered asset is
adjusted to its present value. This adjustment is reflected as accretion
income. Conversely, Consumers recorded a loss in 1992 for the present
value of its estimated future underrecoveries of power costs resulting
from purchases from the MCV Partnership (see Note 3), and now recognizes
accretion expense annually to reflect the time value of money on the
recorded loss.
Gas Inventory: Consumers uses the weighted average cost method for
valuing working gas inventory. Cushion gas, which is gas stored to
maintain reservoir pressure for recovery of working gas, is recorded in
the appropriate gas utility plant account. Consumers stores gas inventory
in its underground storage facilities.
Maintenance, Depreciation and Depletion: Property repairs and minor
property replacements are charged to maintenance expense. Depreciable
property retired or sold plus cost of removal (net of salvage credits) is
charged to accumulated depreciation. Consumers bases depreciation
provisions for utility plant on straight-line and units-of-production
rates approved by the MPSC. The composite depreciation rate for electric
utility property was 3.5 percent for 1995, 3.5 percent for 1994 and 3.4
percent for 1993. The composite rate for gas utility plant was 4.3
percent for 1995, 4.2 percent for 1994 and 4.4 percent for 1993. The
composite rate for Consumers' other plant and property was 4.9 percent for
1995 and 4.7 percent for 1994 and 1993.
CMS NOMECO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enterprises, follows the
full-cost method of accounting and, accordingly, capitalizes its
exploration and development costs, including the cost of non-productive
drilling and surrendered acreage, on a country-by-country basis. The
capitalized costs in each cost center are being amortized on an overall
units-of-production method based on total estimated proved oil and gas
reserves. Other depreciable property of CMS Energy and its subsidiaries
is amortized over its estimated useful life.
New Accounting Standard: During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued SFAS 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. This statement, which is
effective for 1996 financial statements, requires that an asset be
reviewed for impairment whenever events indicate that its carrying amount
may not be recoverable. The statement also requires that a loss be
recognized whenever a portion of an asset's cost is excluded from a rate-
regulated company's rate base. CMS Energy does not expect the application
of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position or
results of operations.
Nuclear Fuel Cost: Consumers amortizes nuclear fuel cost to fuel expense
based on the quantity of heat produced for electric generation. Interest
on leased nuclear fuel is expensed as incurred. Under federal law, the DOE
is responsible for permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel at costs to be
paid by affected utilities. However, in 1994, the DOE asserted that it
does not have a legal obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel without an
operational repository. In 1995, federal legislation was introduced to
clarify the DOE's obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel and direct the
DOE to establish an integrated spent fuel management system that includes
designing and constructing an interim storage facility in Nevada. For
fuel used after April 6, 1983, Consumers charges disposal costs to nuclear
fuel expense, recovers them through electric rates and remits to the DOE
quarterly. Consumers elected to defer payment for disposal of spent
nuclear fuel burned before April 7, 1983, until the spent fuel is
delivered to the DOE, which was originally scheduled to occur in 1998. At
December 31, 1995, Consumers has recorded a liability to the DOE of $100
million, including interest. Consumers recovered through electric rates
the amount of this liability, excluding a portion of interest.
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning: Consumers collects approximately $45
million annually from its electric customers to decommission its two
nuclear plants. On March 1, 1995, Consumers filed updated decommissioning
information with the MPSC which estimated decommissioning costs for Big
Rock and Palisades to be $303 million and $524 million (in 1995 dollars),
respectively. The estimated decommissioning costs increased from previous
estimates principally due to the unavailability of low- and high-level
radioactive waste disposal facilities. Amounts collected from electric
retail customers and deposited in trusts (including trust earnings) are
credited to accumulated depreciation. To meet NRC decommissioning
requirements, Consumers prepared site-specific decommissioning cost
estimates for Big Rock and Palisades, assuming that each plant site will
eventually be restored to conform with the adjacent landscape, and that
all contaminated equipment will be disassembled and disposed of in a
licensed burial facility. After the plants are retired, Consumers plans
to maintain the facilities in protective storage until radioactive waste
disposal facilities are available. As a result, the majority of
decommissioning costs will be incurred several years after each plant's
NRC operating license expires. When Big Rock's and Palisades' NRC
licenses expire in 2000 and 2007, respectively, the trust funds are
estimated to have accumulated to $257 million and $686 million,
respectively. It is estimated that at the time the plants are fully
decommissioned (in the years 2030 for Big Rock and 2046 for Palisades),
the trust funds will have provided $1 billion for Big Rock and $2.1
billion for Palisades including trust earnings over this decommissioning
period. Based on this plan, Consumers believes that the current
decommissioning surcharge will be sufficient to provide for
decommissioning of its nuclear plants. At December 31, 1995, Consumers
had an investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds of $304 million.
Reclassifications: CMS Energy has reclassified certain prior year amounts
for comparative purposes. These reclassifications did not affect the net
income for the years presented.
Related-Party Transactions: In 1995, 1994 and 1993, Consumers purchased
$53 million, $48 million and $52 million, respectively, of electric
generating capacity and energy from affiliates of Enterprises. Affiliates
of CMS Energy sold, stored and transported natural gas and provided other
services to the MCV Partnership totaling approximately $26 million, $22
million and $27 million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. For
additional discussion of related-party transactions with the MCV
Partnership and the FMLP, see Notes 3 and 20. Other related-party
transactions are immaterial.
Revenue and Fuel Costs: Consumers accrues revenue for electricity and gas
used by its customers but not billed at the end of an accounting period.
Consumers accrues or reduces revenue for any underrecovery or overrecovery
of electric power supply costs and natural gas costs by establishing a
corresponding asset or liability until it bills or refunds these
differences to customers following an MPSC order.
Utility Regulation: Consumers accounts for the effects of regulation
under SFAS 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation.
As a result, the actions of regulators affect when revenues, expenses,
assets and liabilities are recognized.
Other: For significant accounting policies regarding income taxes, see
Note 5; for pensions and other postretirement benefits, see Note 12; and
for cash equivalents, see Note 17.
3: The Midland Cogeneration Venture
The MCV Partnership, which leases and operates the MCV Facility,
contracted to sell electricity to Consumers for a 35-year period beginning
in 1990 and to supply electricity and steam to The Dow Chemical Company.
Consumers, through its subsidiaries, holds the following assets related to
the MCV Partnership and MCV Facility: 1) CMS Midland owns a 49 percent
general partnership interest in the MCV Partnership; and 2) CMS Holdings
holds through the FMLP a 35 percent lessor interest in the MCV Facility.
Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: Consumers' annual obligation
for purchase of contract capacity from the MCV Partnership under a 35-year
PPA increased 108 MW to its maximum amount of 1,240 MW in 1995. In 1993,
the MPSC issued the Settlement Order that has allowed Consumers to recover
substantially all of the payments for its ongoing purchase of 915 MW of
contract capacity. ABATE and the Attorney General have appealed the
Settlement Order to the Court of Appeals. Under the Settlement Order,
capacity and energy purchases from the MCV Partnership above the 915 MW
level can be utilized to satisfy customers' power needs but the MPSC will
determine the levels of recovery from retail customers at a later date.
The Settlement Order also provides Consumers the right to remarket to
third parties the remaining contract capacity. The MCV Partnership did
not object to the Settlement Order.
The PPA provides that Consumers is to pay the MCV Partnership a minimum
levelized average capacity charge of 3.77 cents per kWh, a fixed energy
charge and a variable energy charge which is based primarily on Consumers'
average cost of coal consumed. The Settlement Order permits Consumers to
recover capacity charges averaging 3.62 cents per kWh for 915 MW of
capacity, the fixed energy charge and the prescribed energy charges
associated with the scheduled deliveries within certain hourly
availability limits, whether or not those deliveries are scheduled on an
economic basis. For all energy delivered on an economic basis above the
availability limits to 915 MW, Consumers has been allowed to recover 1/2
cent per kWh capacity payment in addition to the variable energy charge.
In 1992, Consumers recognized a loss for the present value of the
estimated future underrecoveries of power costs under the PPA as a result
of the Settlement Order. This loss was based, in part, on management's
assessment of the future availability of the MCV Facility, and the effect
of the future power market on the amount, timing and price at which
various increments of the capacity, above the MPSC authorized level, could
be resold. Additional losses may occur if actual future experience
materially differs from the 1992 estimates. As anticipated in 1992,
Consumers continues to experience cash underrecoveries associated with the
Settlement Order. If Consumers is unable to sell any capacity above the
1993 MPSC-authorized level, future additional after-tax losses and after-
tax cash underrecoveries would be incurred. Consumers' estimates of its
future after-tax cash underrecoveries, and possible losses for 1996 and
the next four years are shown in the table below.
After-tax, In Millions
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Estimated cash underrecoveries $56 $55 $ 8 $ 9 $ 7
Possible additional under-
recoveries and losses (a) $20 $22 $72 $72 $74
(a) If unable to sell any capacity above the MPSC's 1993 authorized level.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that would potentially resolve several issues in
three pending proceedings, including cost recovery for the 325 MW of MCV
Facility capacity above the MPSC's currently authorized level. For
further information regarding this proposed settlement, see Note 4.
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the after-tax present value of the
Settlement Order liability totaled $202 million and $272 million,
respectively. The reduction in the liability since December 31, 1994,
reflects after-tax cash underrecoveries of $90 million, partially offset
by after-tax accretion expense of $20 million. The undiscounted after-tax
amount associated with the liability totaled $607 million at December 31,
1995.
In 1994 and 1995, Consumers paid $44 million to terminate power purchase
agreements with the developers of two proposed independent power projects
totaling 109 MW. As part of the proposed settlement reached with the MPSC
staff (see Note 4), Consumers is seeking MPSC approval to utilize less-
expensive contract capacity from the MCV Facility which Consumers is
currently not authorized to recover from retail customers. Cost recovery
for this contract capacity would start in late 1996. Even if Consumers is
not allowed to substitute MCV Facility capacity for the capacity to be
provided under the terminated agreements, Consumers believes that the MPSC
would approve recovery of the buyout costs due to the significant customer
savings resulting from the terminated power purchase agreements. As a
result, Consumers has recorded a regulatory asset of $44 million.
PSCR Matters Related to Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: As part
of the 1993 and 1994 plan case orders, the MPSC confirmed the recovery of
certain costs related to power purchases from the MCV Partnership. ABATE
or the Attorney General has appealed these plan case orders to the Court
of Appeals.
As part of its decision in the 1993 PSCR reconciliation case issued
February 23, 1995, the MPSC disallowed a portion of the costs related to
purchases from the MCV Partnership, and instead assumed recovery of those
costs from wholesale customers and reduced recovery from retail customers.
Consumers believes this is contrary to the terms of the Settlement Order
and has appealed the February 23 order on this issue.
4: Rate Matters
Electric Rate Proceedings: In late 1994, Consumers filed a request with
the MPSC to increase its retail electric rates. The request included
provisions for ratemaking treatment of expected sales losses to
competition and the treatment of the 325 MW of MCV Facility contract
capacity above 915 MW. Consumers also requested that the MPSC eliminate
subsidization of residential rates in a two-step adjustment.
Early in 1996, the MPSC issued a partial final order in this case,
granting Consumers a $46 million annual increase in its electric retail
rates. This order authorized a 12.25 percent return on equity as compared
to the previously approved 11.75 percent, approved recovery of certain
costs associated with a proposed settlement related to the Ludington plant
(see Note 14), and significantly reduced (in a two-step adjustment) the
subsidization of residential customers by industrial and large commercial
customers. As a result, residential customers were allocated
approximately $31 million of the $46 million increase.
This order did not address cost recovery related to the 325 MW of MCV
Facility contract capacity above 915 MW. The MPSC stated that this matter
would be addressed in connection with its consideration of the proposed
settlement agreement discussed below.
Consumers also has a separate request before the MPSC to offer competitive
special rates to certain large qualifying customers. In addition,
Consumers filed a request with the MPSC, seeking to adjust its
depreciation rates and to reallocate certain portions of its electric
production plant to transmission accounts. If approved, this would result
in a net decrease in depreciation expense of $7 million for ratemaking
purposes. For further information regarding these requests, see the
Electric Rate Proceedings and Special Rates discussions in the
Management's Discussion and Analysis.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that, if approved by the MPSC, would resolve several
outstanding regulatory issues currently before the MPSC in separate
proceedings. Some of these issues were preliminarily addressed in early
1996 when the MPSC issued an order in Consumers' electric rate case (see
above). If fully adopted, the settlement agreement would: provide for
cost recovery of the 325 MW of uncommitted MCV Facility capacity;
implement provisions for incentive ratemaking; resolve the special
competitive services and depreciation rate cases; implement a limited
direct access program; and accelerate recovery of nuclear plant
investment. Consumers expects a final order in the spring of 1996.
Electric DSM: In June 1995, the MPSC authorized Consumers to discontinue
future DSM program expenditures and cease all new programs. Consumers is
deferring and amortizing past program costs ($68 million at December 31,
1995) over the period these costs are being recovered from customers in
accordance with an MPSC accounting order.
Gas Rates: As part of an agreement approved by the MPSC, Consumers filed
a gas rate case in December 1994. The request, among other things,
incorporated cost increases, including costs for postretirement benefits
and costs related to Consumers' former manufactured gas plant sites and
proposed a 12.25 percent rate of return on equity, instead of the current
13.25 percent. Consumers had requested a $7 million increase in its
annual gas rates. The MPSC staff recommended a $13 million rate decrease,
which included a lower rate base, a lower return on common equity, a
revised capital structure and a lower operating cost forecast than
Consumers had projected. In November 1995, the ALJ issued a proposal for
decision that essentially adopted the MPSC staff's position. In early
1996, the MPSC issued a final order in this case, decreasing Consumers'
annual gas rates by $11.7 million and authorized an 11.6 percent return on
equity.
GCR Matters: In 1993, the MPSC issued a ruling favorable to Consumers
regarding a gas pricing disagreement between Consumers and certain
intrastate producers. In 1995, management concluded that the intrastate
producers' pending appeals of the MPSC order would not be successful and
accordingly reversed $23 million (pretax) of a previously accrued loss.
The MPSC ruling was affirmed by the Court of Appeals in June 1995. The
producers have petitioned the Michigan Supreme Court for review.
In October 1995, the MPSC issued an order regarding a $44 million
(excluding any interest) gas supply contract pricing dispute between
Consumers and certain intrastate producers. The order stated that
Consumers was not obligated to seek prior approval of market-based pricing
provisions that were implemented under the contracts in question. The
producers subsequently filed a claim of appeal of the MPSC order with the
Court of Appeals. Consumers believes the MPSC order supports its position
that the producers' theories are without merit and intends to vigorously
oppose any claims they may raise but cannot predict the outcome of this
issue.
Estimated losses for certain contingencies discussed in this note have
been accrued. Resolution of these contingencies is not expected to have a
material impact on CMS Energy's or Consumers' financial position or
results of operations.
5: Income Taxes
CMS Energy and its subsidiaries (including Consumers) file a consolidated
federal income tax return. Income taxes are generally allocated based on
each subsidiary's separate taxable income. CMS Energy and Consumers
practice full deferred tax accounting for temporary differences.
CMS Energy uses ITC to reduce current income taxes payable and defers and
amortizes ITC over the life of the related property. Any AMT paid
generally becomes a tax credit that can be carried forward indefinitely to
reduce regular tax liabilities in future periods when regular taxes paid
exceed the tax calculated for AMT.
The significant components of income tax expense (benefit) consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ---- ---- ----
Current federal income taxes $ 43 $ 36 $ 19
Deferred income taxes 85 66 67
Deferred income taxes - tax rate change - - (1)
Deferred ITC, net (10) (10) (10)
---- ---- ----
$118 $ 92 $ 75
==== ==== ====
Operating $130 $103 $ 81
Other (12) (11) (6)
---- ---- ----
$118 $ 92 $ 75
==== ==== ====
The principal components of CMS Energy's deferred tax assets (liabilities)
recognized in the balance sheet are as follows:
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Property $ (603) $ (601)
Unconsolidated investments (266) (246)
Postretirement benefits (Note 12) (173) (177)
Abandoned Midland project (46) (51)
Employee benefit obligations (includes
postretirement benefits of $175 and $174) (Note 12) 204 203
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 112 146
AMT carryforward 161 154
ITC carryforward (expires 2005) 23 37
Other (28) (13)
------- -------
$ (616) $ (548)
======= =======
Gross deferred tax liabilities $(1,698) $(1,659)
Gross deferred tax assets 1,082 1,111
------- -------
$ (616) $ (548)
======= =======
The actual income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal tax rate to income before income taxes as follows:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Net income before preferred dividends $232 $203 $166
Income tax expense 118 92 75
----- ----- -----
350 295 241
Statutory federal income tax rate x 35% x 35% x 35%
----- ----- -----
Expected income tax expense 123 103 84
Increase (decrease) in taxes from:
Capitalized overheads previously
flowed through 5 5 5
Differences in book and tax depreciation
not previously deferred 6 7 5
ITC amortization (10) (10) (10)
Nonconventional Fuel Tax Credit (13) (8) (6)
Other, net 7 (5) (3)
----- ----- -----
$118 $ 92 $ 75
===== ===== =====
6: Short-Term Financings
Consumers has FERC authorization to issue or guarantee up to $900 million
of short-term debt through December 31, 1996. Consumers has an unsecured
$425 million facility and unsecured, committed lines of credit aggregating
$145 million that are used to finance seasonal working capital
requirements. At December 31, 1995, $238 million and $103 million were
outstanding under these facilities at weighted average interest rates of
6.4 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively. Consumers has an established
$500 million trade receivables purchase and sale program. At December 31,
1995 and 1994, receivables sold under the agreement totaled $295 million
and $275 million, respectively. Accounts receivable and accrued revenue
in the Consolidated Balance Sheets have been reduced to reflect
receivables sold.
7: Long-Term Debt
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, long term debt consists of the following:
In Millions
December 31
Maturing/Expiring Interest Rate 1995 1994
First Mortgage Bonds 1996 to 2023 5.875% to 8.875% $1,341 $1,341
Long-Term Bank Debt 1999 6.2% (a) 400 400
Sr. Deferred Coupon Notes 1997 and 1999 9.5% and 9.875% 347 355
General Term Notes 1997 to 2002 7.7% (a) 221 94
Bank Loans 1996 to 2006 8.01% (a) 177 21
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds 2000 to 2018 5.9% (a) 131 131
Term Loan Agreement 2002 7.7% (a) 125 -
Unsecured Credit Facility 1998 7.63% (a) 118 196
Revolving Line of Credit 1999 7.13% 112 89
Nuclear Fuel Disposal 1998 5.5% 100 95
Senior Serial Notes - - - 36
Other - - 4 6
------ ------
Principal Amount Outstanding 3,076 2,764
Current Amounts (161) (21)
Net Unamortized Discount (9) (34)
------ ------
Total Long-Term Debt $2,906 $2,709
====== =======
(a) Represents the weighted average interest rate during 1995.
The scheduled maturities of long-term debt and improvement fund
obligations are as follows: $161 million in 1996, $325 million in 1997,
$803 million in 1998, $716 million in 1999 and $10 million in 2000.
CMS Energy
In January 1994, CMS Energy filed a shelf-registration statement with the
SEC permitting the issuance and sale of up to $250 million of GTNs. The
GTNs are offered from time to time on terms determined at the time of
sale.
In 1994, CMS Energy refinanced its $220 million Secured Revolving Credit
Facility dated November 30, 1992 with the Unsecured Credit Facility and
extended the termination date to June 30, 1997. In November 1995,
CMS Energy amended the terms of its $400 million Unsecured Credit
Facility, increased the amount to $450 million and extended the
termination date to June 30, 1998. CMS Energy also entered into a $125
million, seven-year Term Loan Agreement dated November 21, 1995.
Consumers
First Mortgage Bonds: Consumers secures its first mortgage bonds by a
mortgage and lien on substantially all of its property. Consumers' ability
to issue and sell securities is restricted by certain provisions in its
First Mortgage Bond Indenture, its Articles and the need for regulatory
approvals in compliance with appropriate federal law.
Long-Term Bank Debt: During 1994, Consumers entered into a $400 million
unsecured, variable rate, five-year term loan and subsequently used the
proceeds to refinance certain long-term bank debt. In 1993, Consumers
entered into an interest rate swap agreement, exchanging variable-rate
interest for fixed-rate interest on $250 million of its long-term bank
debt. The swap agreement hedges the variable rate exposure associated
with Consumers' long-term bank debt. The swap agreement began to decrease
in February 1995 and will terminate by May 1996. At December 31, 1995,
the amount of the swap totaled $94 million at 5.4 percent. The swap
agreement had the effect of decreasing the weighted average interest rate
to 6.3 percent from 6.6 percent for the 12-month period ended December 31,
1995.
Other: Consumers' long-term PCRBs are secured by irrevocable letters of
credit or first mortgage bonds.
CMS NOMECO
CMS NOMECO's existing Revolving Line of Credit, which converts to term
loans maturing from November 1996 through November 1999, was increased
from $110 million at December 31, 1994 to $140 million at December 31,
1995.
Senior serial notes amounting to $28 million, with a weighted average
interest rate of 9.40 percent, were repaid in full on August 10, 1995. In
connection with this early extinguishment of debt, CMS NOMECO incurred a
$1.5 million prepayment premium. The notes were retired with available
proceeds from the bank credit line.
CMS Generation
In January 1995, CMS Generation, entered into a one-year $118 million
bridge credit facility for the acquisition of HYDRA-CO Enterprises, Inc.
of which approximately $109 million remained outstanding as of December
31, 1995. In January, 1996, CMS Generation refinanced this bridge
facility with a $110 million, five-year term loan.
8: Capitalization
CMS Energy
Capital Stock: During 1995, CMS Energy amended its Articles of
Incorporation and authorized a new class of common stock of CMS Energy,
designated Class G Common Stock, which reflects the separate performance
of Consumers Gas Group. The pre-existing CMS Energy Common Stock
continues to be outstanding and reflects the performance of all of the
businesses of CMS Energy and its subsidiaries, including the business of
the Consumers Gas Group, except for the interest in the Consumers Gas
Group attributable to the outstanding shares of the Class G Common Stock.
The filing of the restated Articles of Incorporation with the Michigan
Department of Commerce increased the number of authorized shares of
capital stock from 255 million shares to 320 million shares, consisting of
250 million shares of CMS Energy Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
60 million shares of Class G Common Stock, no par value, and 10 million
shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share.
CMS Energy filed a shelf-registration statement with the SEC on February
15, 1995 covering the issuance of up to $200 million of securities
encompassing Common Stock, Preferred Stock of CMS Energy or of a special
purpose affiliate of CMS Energy, and/or unsecured debt of CMS Energy.
CMS Energy continually evaluates the capital markets and may offer such
securities from time to time, at terms to be determined at or prior to the
time of the sale. In the third quarter 1995, CMS Energy received net
proceeds of approximately $123 million from the issuance of 7.52 million
shares of Class G Common Stock at a price to the public of $17.75 per
share, initially representing 23.50 percent of the common stockholder's
equity value attributed to the Consumers Gas Group. All of the proceeds
will fund the capital programs and be used for general corporate purposes
of CMS Energy. Initially, such proceeds were used to repay a portion of
CMS Energy's indebtedness under the Credit Facility, none of which is
attributable to the Consumers Gas Group. The issuance of additional
shares, during 1995, increased the common stockholder's equity value
attributable to the Consumers Gas Group represented by the outstanding
shares of Class G Common Stock, to 23.73 percent as of December 31, 1995.
Other: Under its most restrictive borrowing arrangement at December 31,
1995, none of CMS Energy's net income was restricted for payment of common
dividends.
Consumers
Capital Stock: During 1995, the MPSC issued an order authorizing
Consumers to issue and sell up to $300 million of intermediate and/or
long-term debt and $100 million of preferred stock or subordinate
debentures. In January 1996, 4 million shares of 8.36 percent Trust
Originated Preferred Securities were issued and sold through a business
trust wholly owned by Consumers. The trust was formed for the sole
purpose of issuing preferred securities and the only asset of the trust is
$103 million of 8.36 percent unsecured subordinated deferrable interest
notes issued by Consumers. The obligations of Consumers with respect to
the preferred securities under the notes that mature in 2015, the
indenture under which the notes will be issued, Consumers' guarantee of
the preferred securities and the Declaration of Trust, taken together,
constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Consumers of the trust's
obligations under the Trust Originated Preferred Securities. Net proceeds
from the sale totaled $96 million.
Other: Under the provisions of its Articles at December 31, 1995,
Consumers had $197 million of unrestricted retained earnings available to
pay common dividends.
CMS NOMECO
In February 1995, CMS Energy acquired Walter, a Houston-based independent
oil company, for approximately $49 million, consisting of approximately
$27 million of CMS Energy Common Stock and $22 million in cash and assumed
debt. Walter was merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of CMS NOMECO.
In August 1995, CMS Energy acquired 100 percent of the common stock of
Terra, a gas exploration company, located in Traverse City, Michigan for
approximately $63 million. Terra has become a wholly owned subsidiary of
CMS NOMECO.
In October 1995, CMS NOMECO filed a registration statement with the SEC
for an initial public offering of not more than 20 percent of CMS NOMECO
common stock. CMS Energy will continue to evaluate market conditions for
a possible future offering of CMS NOMECO common stock.
9: Earnings Per Share and Dividends
Earnings per share attributable to Common Stock, for the year ended
December 31, 1995 reflect the performance of the Consumers Gas Group since
initial issuance of Class G Common Stock during the third quarter of 1995.
The Class G Common Stock participates in earnings and dividends from the
issue date. The allocation of earnings (loss) attributable to each class
of common stock and the related amounts per share are computed by
considering the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Earnings (loss) attributable to outstanding Class G Common Stock are equal
to Consumers Gas Group net income (loss) multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator is the weighted average number of Outstanding Shares during the
period and the denominator represents the weighted average number of
Outstanding Shares and Retained Interest Shares during the period. The
earnings attributable to Class G Common Stock on a per share basis, for
the year ended December 31, 1995, are based on 23.45 percent of the income
of the Consumers Gas Group since the initial issuance.
Earnings per share for Class G Common Stock are omitted from the
statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, since
the Class G Common Stock was not part of the equity structure of
CMS Energy. For purpose of analysis, following are pro forma data for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 which give effect to the issuance
and sale of 7.52 million shares of Class G Common Stock (representing
23.50 percent of the equity attributable to the Consumers Gas Group) on
January 1, 1994.
In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
Pro Forma Pro Forma
Years Ended December 31, 1995 1994
- ------------------------ ----- -----
Net Income $ 204 $ 179
Net Income attributable to CMS Energy
Common Stock $ 189 $ 167
Net Income attributable to outstanding
Class G Common Stock $ 15 $ 12
Average shares outstanding:
CMS Energy Common Stock 88.810 85.888
Class G Common Stock 7.536 7.520
Earnings per share attributable to
CMS Energy Common Stock $2.14 $1.94
Earnings per share attributable to
outstanding Class G Common Stock $1.93 $1.66
Holders of Class G Common Stock have no direct rights in the equity or
assets of the Consumers Gas Group, but rather have rights in the equity
and assets of CMS Energy as a whole. In the sole discretion of the Board
of Directors, dividends may be paid exclusively to the holders of Class G
Common Stock, exclusively to the holders of CMS Energy Common Stock, or to
the holders of both classes in equal or unequal amounts. The Board of
Directors has stated its intention to declare and pay dividends on the
CMS Energy Common Stock based primarily on the earnings and financial
condition of CMS Energy. Dividends on the Class G Common Stock are paid
at the discretion of the Board of Directors based primarily upon the
earnings and financial condition of the Consumers Gas Group, and to a
lesser extent, CMS Energy as a whole. It is the Board of Directors'
current intention that the declaration or payment of dividends with
respect to the Class G Common Stock will not be reduced, suspended or
eliminated as a result of factors arising out of or relating to the
electric utility business or the international businesses of CMS Energy
unless such factors also require, in the Board of Directors' sole
discretion, the omission of the declaration or reduction in payment of
dividends on both the CMS Energy Common Stock and the Class G Common
Stock.
The Board of Directors declared a dividend on CMS Energy Common Stock of
$.21 per share for the first and second quarters and $.24 per share for
the third and fourth quarters of 1995. A dividend on Class G Common Stock
of $.28 per share was declared by the Board of Directors for the third and
fourth quarters of 1995.
10: Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, short-term investments and current
liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.
The estimated fair values of long-term investments are based on quoted
market prices or, in the absence of specific market prices, on quoted
market prices of similar investments or other valuation techniques. The
carrying amounts of all long-term investments in financial instruments
approximate fair value.
The carrying amount of long-term debt was $2.9 billion and $2.7 billion at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and the fair value was $3.0
billion and $2.6 billion on those dates. Although the current fair value
of the long-term debt may differ from the current carrying amount,
settlement of the reported debt is generally not expected until maturity.
The fair values of CMS Energy's off-balance-sheet financial instruments
are based on the amounts estimated to terminate or settle the instruments.
At December 31, 1995, the fair value of CMS Energy's interest rate swap
agreements was $16 million, representing the amount that CMS Energy would
pay to terminate the agreements. At December 31, 1994, CMS Energy would
have received $5 million to terminate the agreements. Guarantees and
letters of credit were $148 million and $123 million at December 31, 1995
and 1994, respectively.
In 1994, CMS Energy adopted SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities, which did not materially impact
CMS Energy's financial position or results of operations.
11: Executive Incentive Compensation
Under CMS Energy's Performance Incentive Stock Plan, restricted shares of
common stock of CMS Energy, stock options and stock appreciation rights
may be granted to key employees based on their contributions to the
successful management of CMS Energy and its subsidiaries. During 1995,
shareholders approved amendments to the CMS Energy Performance Incentive
Stock Plan. The amendments authorized awards under the plan consisting of
any class of common stock of CMS Energy and established performance based
business criteria for certain plan awards. The amendments also increased
the number of shares reserved for award to not more than 3 percent of each
class of CMS Energy common stock outstanding on January 1 each year, less
the number of shares of restricted common stock awarded and of common
stock subject to options granted under the plan during the immediately
preceding four calendar years. Any forfeitures are subject to award under
the plan. At December 31, 1995, awards of up to 1,174,388 shares of
CMS Energy Common Stock and 211,634 shares of Class G Common Stock may be
issued.
Restricted shares of common stock are outstanding shares with full voting
and dividend rights. Shares of restricted common stock cannot be
distributed until they are vested and the performance objectives are met.
Further, the restricted stock is subject to forfeiture if employment
terminates before vesting. If key employees exceed performance
objectives, the plan will allow additional awards. Restricted shares vest
fully if control of CMS Energy changes, as defined by the plan. At
December 31, 1995, 475,447 shares of the 517,447 restricted shares
outstanding are subject to performance objectives.
Consumers' Executive Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, an
earlier plan approved by shareholders, expired in September 1995.
Under both plans, for stock options and stock appreciation rights, the
exercise price on each grant date equaled the closing market price on the
grant date. Options are exercisable upon grant and expire up to 10 years
and one month from date of grant. The status of the restricted stock
granted under the Performance Incentive Stock Plan and options granted
under both plans follows.
Restricted
Stock Options
------------ ----------------
Number Number Price
CMS Energy Common Stock of Shares of Shares per Share
- ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Outstanding at January 1, 1993 323,266 1,435,091 $7.13 - $34.25
Granted 132,000 249,000 $25.13 - $26.25
Exercised or Issued (54,938) (152,125) $ 7.13 - $21.13
Canceled (84,141) (33,000) $20.50 - $33.88
------- ------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1993 316,187 1,498,966 $ 7.13 - $34.25
Granted 133,500 273,000 $21.25 - $22.38
Exercised or Issued (39,361) (158,300) $7.13 - $22.00
Canceled (79,970) (123,000) $26.25 - $33.88
------- ------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994 330,356 1,490,666 $ 7.13 - $34.25
Granted 253,337 304,000 $23.25 - $34.25
Exercised or Issued (43,939) (147,666) $7.13 - $22.00
Canceled (22,307) (55,000) $20.50 - $34.25
------- ------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 517,447 1,592,000 $13.00 - $34.25
======= ========== ==============
During 1995, 6,924 restricted shares and 10,000 options of Class G Common
Stock were granted at a price of $17.88.
12: Retirement Benefits
Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions: CMS Energy and its
subsidiaries adopted SFAS 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other than Pensions, effective as of the beginning of 1992 and
Consumers recorded a liability of $466 million for the accumulated
transition obligation and a corresponding regulatory asset for anticipated
recovery in utility rates (see Note 19). CMS Energy's international
subsidiaries expensed their accumulated transition obligation liability.
The amount of such transition obligation is not material to the
presentation of the consolidated financial statements or significant to
CMS Energy's total transition obligation. Both the MPSC and FERC have
generally allowed recovery of SFAS 106 costs. In May 1994, the MPSC
authorized recovery of the electric utility portion of these costs over 18
years. During 1995, the FERC granted Consumers a waiver of a three-year
filing requirement for cost recovery with respect to its wholesale
electric business, which at December 31, 1995, had recorded a regulatory
asset and liability of $7 million. In early 1996, the MPSC approved
recovery of the gas utility portion of these costs over 16 years.
CMS Energy funds the benefits using external Voluntary Employee
Beneficiary Associations, a legal entity, established under guidelines of
the Internal Revenue Code, through which the company can provide certain
benefits for its employees or retirees. Funding of the health care
benefits coincides with Consumers' recovery in rates. A portion of the
life insurance benefits have previously been funded.
Retiree health care costs at December 31, 1995, are based on the
assumption that costs would increase 9.5 percent in 1996, then decrease
gradually to 6 percent in 2004 and thereafter. The health care cost trend
rate assumption significantly affects the amounts reported. For example,
a 1 percentage point increase in each year's estimated health care cost
assumption would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation as of December 31, 1995 by $80 million and the aggregate of the
service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement
benefit costs for 1995 by $9 million.
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Weighted average discount rate 7.50% 8.00% 7.25%
Expected long-term rate of return
on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 8.50%
Net postretirement benefit costs for the health care benefits and life
insurance benefits consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ---- ---- ----
Service cost $ 11 $ 13 $ 13
Interest cost 40 41 38
Actual return on assets (4) - -
Net amortization and deferral 1 - -
---- ---- ----
Net postretirement benefit costs $ 48 $ 54 $ 51
==== ==== ====
The funded status of the postretirement benefit plans is reconciled with
the liability recorded at December 31 as follows:
In Millions
1995 1994
---- ----
Actuarial present value of estimated benefits
Retirees $ 331 $ 338
Eligible for retirement 46 44
Active (upon retirement) 200 170
------ ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 577 552
Plan assets (primarily stocks, bonds and money
market investments) at fair value 78 36
------ ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
in excess of plan assets (499) (516)
Unrecognized net loss from experience
different than assumed 1 4
------ ------
Recorded liability $ (498) $ (512)
====== ======
CMS Energy's postretirement health care plan is partially funded; the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for that plan is $562
million and $536 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
SERP: Certain management employees qualify to participate in the SERP.
SERP benefits, which are based on an employee's years of service and
earnings as defined in the SERP, are paid from a trust established and
funded in 1988. Because the SERP is not a qualified plan under the
Internal Revenue Code, earnings of the trust are taxable and trust assets
are included in consolidated assets. At December 31, 1995 and 1994, trust
assets at cost (which approximates market) were $28 million and $19
million, respectively, and were classified as other non-current assets.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: A trusteed, non-contributory, defined
benefit Pension Plan covers substantially all employees. The benefits are
based on an employee's years of accredited service and earnings, as
defined in the plan, during an employee's five highest years of earnings.
Because the plan was fully funded, no contributions were made in 1993 and
1994. A contribution of $9 million was made in 1995.
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Discount rate 7.50% 8.00% 7.25%
Rate of compensation increase 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
Expected long-term rate
of return on assets 9.25% 9.25% 8.75%
Net Pension Plan and SERP costs consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Service cost $ 23 $ 24 $ 19
Interest cost 56 51 50
Actual return on plan assets (168) 21 (92)
Net amortization and deferral 103 (85) 34
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension cost $ 14 $ 11 $ 11
====== ====== ======
The funded status of the Pension Plan and SERP reconciled to the pension
liability recorded at December 31 was:
In Millions
Pension Plan SERP
1995 1994 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actuarial present value of
estimated benefits
Vested $496 $421 $ 20 $ 17
Non-vested 74 61 1 -
---- ---- ---- ----
Accumulated benefit obligation 570 482 21 17
Provision for future
pay increases 183 154 13 11
---- ---- ---- ----
Projected benefit obligation 753 636 34 28
Plan assets (primarily stocks and bonds,
including $104 in 1995 and $79 in 1994
in common stock of CMS Energy)
at fair value 779 637 - -
---- ---- ---- ----
Projected benefit obligation less than
(in excess of) plan assets 26 1 (34) (28)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss from
experience different than assumed (69) (35) 7 5
Unrecognized prior service cost 43 40 2 2
Unrecognized net transition
(asset) obligation (32) (39) - 1
----- ----- ----- -----
Recorded liability $(32) $(33) $(25) $(20)
===== ===== ===== =====
Beginning January 1, 1986, the amortization period for the Pension Plan's
unrecognized net transition asset is 16 years and 11 years for the SERP's
unrecognized net transition obligation. Prior service costs are amortized
on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of
active employees.
13: Leases
CMS Energy, Consumers, and Enterprises lease various assets, including
vehicles, rail cars, aircraft, construction equipment, computer equipment,
nuclear fuel and buildings. Consumers' nuclear fuel capital leasing
arrangement is scheduled to expire in November 1997 and provides for
additional one-year extensions upon mutual agreement by the parties. Upon
termination of the lease, the lessor would be entitled to a cash payment
equal to its remaining investment, which was $65 million as of December
31, 1995. Consumers is responsible for payment of taxes, maintenance,
operating costs, and insurance.
Minimum rental commitments under CMS Energy's non-cancelable leases at
December 31, 1995, were:
In Millions
Capital Operating
Leases Leases
1996 $ 55 $ 7
1997 56 7
1998 17 6
1999 14 4
2000 13 3
2001 and thereafter 24 18
----- -----
Total minimum lease payments 179 $45
Less imputed interest 27 =====
-----
Present value of net minimum lease payments 152
Less current portion 46
-----
Non-current portion $106
=====
Consumers recovers these charges from customers and accordingly charges
payments for its capital and operating leases to operating expense.
Operating lease charges, including charges to clearing and other accounts
as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, were $11 million, $10 million and
$10 million, respectively.
Capital lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993 were $46 million, $43 million and $34 million, respectively.
Included in these amounts for the years ended 1995, 1994 and 1993 are
nuclear fuel lease expenses of $25 million, $21 million and $13 million,
respectively.
14: Commitments, Contingencies and Other
Ludington Pumped Storage Plant: Early in 1996, the FERC and MPSC approved
the recovery of costs associated with a settlement designed to resolve all
legal issues related to fish mortality at Ludington. Consumers, Detroit
Edison, the Attorney General, the DNR and certain other parties agreed to
the terms of the settlement in 1994. Approval of the settlement requires
Consumers to transfer certain land to the State of Michigan and the Great
Lakes Fishery Trust, make certain recreational improvements, and incur
future annual payments of approximately $1 million (over 24 years) to
improve fishery resources. The settlement resolves two lawsuits filed by
the Attorney General in 1986 and 1987 on behalf of the State of Michigan.
Environmental Matters: Consumers is a so-called "Potentially Responsible
Party" at several sites being administered under Superfund. Superfund
liability is joint and several and along with Consumers, there are
numerous credit-worthy, potentially responsible parties with substantial
assets cooperating with respect to the individual sites. Based upon past
negotiations, Consumers estimates its total liability for the significant
sites will average less than 4 percent of the estimated total site
remediation costs, and such liability is expected to be less than $9
million. At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a liability for its
estimated losses.
The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (formerly
the Michigan Environmental Response Act) was substantially amended in June
1995. The Michigan law bears similarities to the federal Superfund law.
The purpose of the 1995 amendments was generally to encourage development
of industrial sites and to remove liability from some parties who were not
responsible for activities causing contamination. Consumers expects that
it will ultimately incur investigation and remedial action costs at a
number of sites, including some of the 23 sites that formerly housed
manufactured gas plant facilities, even those in which it has a partial or
no current ownership interest.
Consumers has prepared plans for remedial investigation/feasibility
studies for several of these sites. Three of the four plans submitted by
Consumers have been approved by the DNR or the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (a new department succeeding to some of the former
jurisdiction of the DNR). The findings for the first remedial
investigation indicate that the expenditures for remedial action at this
site are likely to be minimal. However, Consumers does not believe that a
single site is representative of all of the sites. Data available to
Consumers and its continued internal review have resulted in an estimate
for all costs related to investigation and remedial action for all 23
sites of between $48 million and $112 million. These estimates are based
on undiscounted 1995 costs. At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a
liability of $48 million and has established a regulatory asset for
approximately the same amount. Any significant change in assumptions such
as remediation technique, nature and extent of contamination and legal and
regulatory requirements, could impact the estimate of remedial action
costs for the sites.
Consumers requested recovery and deferral of certain investigation and
remedial action costs in its gas rate case filed in 1994. In early 1996,
the MPSC issued an order in this case which authorized Consumers to defer
costs and amortize them over 10 years. The amount of authorized annual
recovery totaled $1 million. Consumers is continuing discussions with
certain insurance companies regarding coverage for some or all of the
costs which may be incurred for these sites.
The Clean Air Act contains provisions that limit emissions of sulfur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides and require emissions monitoring. Consumers'
coal-fueled electric generating units burn low-sulfur coal and are
presently operating at or near the sulfur dioxide emission limits which
will be effective in the year 2000. The Clean Air Act's provisions
required Consumers to make capital expenditures totaling $25 million to
install equipment at certain generating units. Consumers estimates
capital expenditures for in-process and possible modifications at other
coal-fired units to be an additional $50 million by the year 2000. Final
acid rain program nitrogen oxide regulations specifying the limits
applicable to the other coal-fired units are expected to be issued in
1996. Management believes that Consumers' annual operating costs will not
be materially affected.
Capital Expenditures: CMS Energy estimates capital expenditures,
including investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and new lease
commitments, of $856 million for 1996, $775 million for 1997 and $750
million for 1998.
Commitments for Coal and Gas Supplies: Consumers has entered into coal
supply contracts with various suppliers for its coal-fired generating
stations. These contracts have expiration dates that range from 1997 to
2004. Consumers contracts for approximately 60 - 70 percent of its annual
coal requirements which in 1995 totaled $233 million (72 percent was under
long-term contracts). Consumers supplements its long-term contracts with
spot-market purchases to fulfill its coal needs.
Consumers has entered into gas supply contracts with various suppliers for
its natural gas business. These contracts have expiration dates that
range from 1996 to 2003. In 1995, Consumers' gas requirements totaled
$694 million (80 percent was under long-term contracts). In the future,
Consumers expects that approximately 35 percent of its annual gas
requirements will be under long-term contracts. Consumers supplements its
long-term contracts with spot-market purchases to fulfill its gas needs.
Other: As of December 31, 1995, CMS Energy and Enterprises have
guaranteed up to $62 million in contingent obligations of unconsolidated
affiliates of Enterprises' subsidiaries.
CMS NOMECO periodically enters into oil and gas price hedging arrangements
to mitigate its exposure to price fluctuations on the sale of crude oil
and natural gas. These arrangements limit potential gains/losses from any
future decrease/increase in the spot prices. As of December 31, 1994,
CMS NOMECO was party to gas price collar contracts on 7.3 bcf of gas for
the delivery months of January through December 1995 at prices ranging
from $2.05 to $2.35 per MMBtu. As of December 31, 1995, CMS NOMECO also
has contracts on 7.4 bcf of gas for the delivery months of January through
May 1996 at prices ranging from $1.89 to $2.18 per MMBtu. These hedging
arrangements are accounted for as hedges; accordingly, any changes in
market value and gains or losses from settlements are deferred and
recognized at such time as the hedged transaction is completed. As of
December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1995, the fair values of these hedge
arrangements were not materially different than the book value.
CMS NOMECO also has one arrangement which is used to fix the prices that
CMS NOMECO will pay to supply gas for the years 2001 - 2006 by purchasing
the economic equivalent of 10,000 MMBtu per day at a fixed, escalated
price starting at $2.82 per MMBtu in 2001. The settlement periods are
each a one-year period ending December 31, 2001 through 2006 on 3.65
MMBtu. If the "floating price," essentially the then current Gulf Coast
spot price, for a period is higher than the "fixed price," the seller pays
CMS NOMECO the difference, and vice versa. If a party's exposure at any
time exceeds $2 million, that party is required to obtain a letter of
credit in favor of the other party for the excess over $2 million and up
to $10 million. At December 31, 1995, a letter of credit was not
required.
Consumers has experienced a number of lawsuits filed against it relating
to so-called stray voltage. Claimants contend that stray voltage results
when small electrical currents present in grounded electrical systems are
diverted from their intended path. Consumers maintains a policy of
investigating all customer calls regarding stray voltage and working with
customers to address their concerns including, when necessary, modifying
the grounding of the customer's service. At December 31, 1995, Consumers
had 30 separate stray voltage lawsuits awaiting trial court action, down
from 83 lawsuits at December 31, 1994.
In addition to the matters disclosed in these notes, Consumers and certain
other subsidiaries of CMS Energy are parties to certain lawsuits and
administrative proceedings before various courts and governmental
agencies, arising from the ordinary course of business involving personal
injury and property damage, contractual matters, environmental issues,
federal and state taxes, rates, licensing and other matters.
Estimated losses for certain contingencies discussed in this note have
been accrued. Resolution of these contingencies is not expected to have a
material impact on CMS Energy's financial position or results of
operations.
15: Nuclear Matters
In 1993, the NRC approved the design of the spent fuel dry storage casks
now being used by Consumers at Palisades. In order to address concerns
raised subsequent to the initial cask loading, Consumers and the NRC each
analyzed the effects of seismic and other natural hazards on the support
pad on which the casks are placed, and confirmed that the pad location is
acceptable to support the casks. As of December 31, 1995, Consumers had
loaded 13 dry storage casks with spent nuclear fuel at Palisades.
In 1996, Consumers plans to unload and replace one of the loaded casks.
In a review of the cask manufacturer's quality assurance program,
Consumers detected indications of minor flaws in welds in the steel liner
of one of the loaded casks. Although the cask continues to safely store
spent fuel and there is no requirement for its replacement, Consumers has
nevertheless decided to remove the spent fuel and insert it in another
cask. Consumers has examined radiographs for all of its casks and has
found all other welds acceptable. Certain parties, including the Attorney
General, have petitioned the NRC to suspend Consumers' general license to
store spent fuel, claiming that Consumers' cask unloading procedure does
not satisfy NRC regulations. The NRC staff is reviewing the petitions.
The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act encourages the respective
states, individually or in cooperation with each other, to be responsible
for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Currently, a low-level
waste site does not exist in Michigan and Consumers has been storing low-
level waste at its nuclear plant sites. Consumers began shipping its low-
level waste to a site in South Carolina during 1995 and plans to have all
its currently stored low-level waste removed from the plant sites by the
end of 1996.
Consumers maintains insurance coverage against property damage, debris
removal, personal injury liability and other risks that are present at its
nuclear generating facilities. This insurance includes coverage for
replacement power costs for the major portion of prolonged accidental
outages for 12 months after a 21 week exclusion with reduced coverage to
approximately 80 percent for two additional years. If certain loss events
occur at its own or other nuclear plants similarly insured, Consumers
could be required to pay maximum assessments of: $30 million in any one
year to NML and NEIL; $79 million per event under the nuclear liability
secondary financial protection program, limited to $10 million per event
in any one year; and $6 million in the event of nuclear workers claiming
bodily injury from radiation exposure. Consumers considers the
possibility of these assessments to be remote.
Under its NML and NEIL policies, Consumers may be entitled to cash
distributions following the discontinued operation of its nuclear
facilities. The amount of any distribution would be determined by NML and
NEIL and would be based, in part, on their overall underwriting
experience.
As an NRC licensee, Consumers is required to make certain calculations and
report to the NRC about the continuing ability of the Palisades reactor
vessel to withstand postulated "pressurized thermal shock" events during
its remaining license life, in light of the embrittlement of reactor
vessel materials over time due to operation in a radioactive environment.
Analysis of recent data from testing of similar materials indicates that
the Palisades reactor vessel can be safely operated through late 1999. In
April 1995, Consumers received a Safety Evaluation Report from the NRC
concurring with this evaluation and requesting submittal of an action plan
to provide for operation of the plant beyond 1999. Consumers is
developing plans to anneal the reactor vessel in 1998 at an estimated cost
of $20 million to $30 million. This repair would allow for operation of
the plant to the end of its license life in the year 2007. Consumers
cannot predict whether the studies being conducted as part of the
development plans will support a future decision to anneal.
16: Jointly Owned Utility Facilities
Consumers is responsible for providing its share of financing for the
jointly owned facilities. The following table indicates the extent of
Consumers' investment in jointly owned utility facilities:
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
- ----------- ----- -----
Net investment
Ludington - 51% $116 $119
Campbell Unit 3 - 93.3% 332 337
Transmission lines - various 33 31
Accumulated depreciation
Ludington $ 81 $ 76
Campbell Unit 3 238 224
Transmission lines 14 11
17: Supplemental Cash Flow Information
For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments
with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash
equivalents. Other cash flow activities and non-cash investing and
financing activities for the years ended December 31 were:
In Millions
1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Cash transactions
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized) $207 $162 $193
Income taxes paid (net of refunds) 34 36 32
Non-cash transactions
Nuclear fuel placed under capital lease $ 26 $ 21 $ 28
Other assets placed under capital leases 5 15 30
Common Stock issued to acquire companies 90 - -
Assumption of debt 20 - -
Capital leases refinanced 21 - 42
Changes in other assets and liabilities as shown on the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows at December 31 are described below:
In Millions
1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Sale of receivables, net $ 20 $(10) $ 60
Accounts receivable (80) (15) 22
Accrued revenue (24) 20 (48)
Inventories 43 (4) (32)
Accounts payable 112 26 (31)
Accrued refunds (3) (3) (49)
Other current assets and liabilities, net 30 4 (4)
Non-current deferred amounts, net (9) (6) (6)
----- ----- -----
$ 89 $ 12 $(88)
===== ===== =====
18: Reportable Segments
CMS Energy operates principally in the following five business segments:
electric utility, gas utility, oil and gas exploration and production,
independent power production, and natural gas transmission, storage and
marketing.
The Consolidated Statements of Income show operating revenue and pretax
operating income by business segment. Other segment information follows:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Electric utility $ 272 $ 257 $ 241
Gas utility 83 76 73
Oil and gas exploration and production 52 41 45
Independent power production 4 2 2
Natural gas transmission, storage
and marketing 3 2 1
Other 2 1 2
------- ------- -------
$ 416 $ 379 $ 364
======= ======= =======
Identifiable assets
Electric utility (a) $4,522 $4,364 $4,100
Gas utility (a) 1,690 1,673 1,628
Oil and gas exploration and production 660 469 398
Independent power production 840 536 488
Natural gas transmission, storage
and marketing 303 109 75
Other 128 227 275
------- ------- -------
$8,143 $7,378 $6,964
======= ======= =======
Capital expenditures (b)
Electric utility $ 328 $ 358 $ 403
Gas utility 126 134 158
Oil and gas exploration and production (c) 168 115 83
Independent power production 239 29 110
Natural gas transmission, storage
and marketing 178 31 14
Other 14 5 -
------ ------ ------
$1,053 $ 672 $ 768
====== ====== ======
(a) Amounts include an attributed portion of Consumers' other common
assets to both the electric and gas utility businesses.
(b) Includes capital leases for nuclear fuel and other assets and electric
DSM costs (see Statement of Cash Flows). Amounts also include an
attributed portion of Consumers' capital expenditures for plant and
equipment common to both the electric and gas utility businesses.
(c) Includes common stock issued for acquisitions.
19: Effects of the Ratemaking Process
The following regulatory assets (liabilities) which include both current
and non-current amounts, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
These assets represent probable future revenue to Consumers associated
with certain incurred costs as these costs are recovered through the
ratemaking process.
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
- ------------ ----- -----
Postretirement benefits (Note 12) $ 487 $ 503
Income taxes (Note 5) 176 189
Abandoned Midland project 131 147
DSM - deferred costs (Note 4) 68 71
Trunkline settlement 55 85
Manufactured gas plant sites (Note 14) 47 47
Power purchase contracts (Note 3) 44 30
Uranium enrichment facility 25 25
Other 22 31
------ ------
Total regulatory assets $1,055 $1,128
====== ======
Income taxes (Note 5) $ (220) $ (205)
DSM - deferred revenue (25) (21)
Other (1) -
------ ------
Total regulatory liabilities $ (246) $ (226)
====== ======
At December 31, 1995, approximately $778 million of Consumers' regulatory
assets are being recovered through rates being charged to customers over
periods of up to 17 years. Consumers anticipates MPSC approval for
recovery of the remaining amounts.
20: Summarized Financial Information of Significant Related Energy
Supplier
Under the PPA with the MCV Partnership discussed in Note 3, Consumers'
1995 obligation to purchase electric capacity from the MCV Partnership was
approximately 16 percent of Consumers' owned and contracted capacity.
Summarized financial information of the MCV Partnership follows:
Statements of Income
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Operating revenue (a) $ 618 $ 579 $ 548
Operating expenses 386 378 362
------ ------ ------
Operating income 232 201 186
Other expense, net 171 183 189
------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) $ 61 $ 18 $ (3)
====== ====== ======
Balance Sheets
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
- ------------ ---- ----
Assets
Current assets (b) $ 263 $ 206
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,948 2,012
Other assets 156 154
------ ------
$2,367 $2,372
====== ======
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Current liabilities $ 225 $ 218
Long-term debt and other non-current
liabilities (c) 2,008 2,081
Partners' equity (d) 134 73
------ ------
$2,367 $2,372
====== ======
(a) Revenue from Consumers totaled $571 million, $534 million and $505
million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
(b) At December 31, 1995 and 1994, $48 million was receivable from
Consumers.
(c) FMLP is the sole beneficiary of an owner trust that is the lessor in a
long-term direct finance lease with the lessee, MCV Partnership.
CMS Holdings holds a 46.4 percent ownership interest in FMLP. At December
31, 1995 and 1994, lease obligations of $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion,
respectively, were owed to the owner trust. CMS Holdings' share of the
interest and principal portion for the 1995 lease payments was $66 million
and $23 million, respectively, and for the 1994 lease payments was $68
million and $14 million, respectively. The lease payments service $1.1
billion and $1.2 billion in non-recourse debt outstanding as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, of the owner-trust. FMLP's debt is
secured by the MCV Partnership's lease obligations, assets, and operating
revenues. For 1995 and 1994, the owner-trust made debt payments
(including interest) of $192 million and $175 million, respectively.
(d) CMS Midland's recorded investment in the MCV Partnership includes
capitalized interest, which is being amortized to expense over the life of
its investment in the MCV Partnership.
94
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To CMS Energy Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of preferred stock of CMS ENERGY CORPORATION (a
Michigan corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of income, common stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CMS
Energy Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Detroit, Michigan,
January 26, 1996.
95
Quarterly Financial and Common Stock Information CMS Energy Corporation
In Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts
1995 (Unaudited) 1994 (Unaudited)
Quarters Ended March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Operating revenue $1,117 $835 $869 $1,069 $1,140 $795 $766 $913
Pretax operating income $206 $124 $149 $124 $175 $108 $125 $95
Net income $86 $33 $47 $38 $78 $30 $40 $31
Earnings (loss) per average
common share:
CMS Energy $.99 $.37 $.54 $.37 $.92 $.35 $.46 $.36
Class G - - $(.17) $.55 - - - -
Dividends declared per
common share:
CMS Energy $.21 $.21 $.24 $.24 $.18 $.18 $.21 $.21
Class G - - $.28 $.28 - - - -
Common stock prices (a)
CMS Energy:
High $24-3/4 $25-3/8 $26-3/8 $30 $25 $22-7/8 $23-3/8 $23-1/4
Low $22-5/8 $22-1/2 $23-3/8 $26 $21-1/8 $19-5/8 $20-5/8 $20-7/8
Class G:
High - - $18-3/4 $18-7/8 - - - -
Low - - $16-1/8 $17-5/8 - - - -
(a) Based on New York Stock Exchange - Composite transactions.
96
Consumers Power Company
1995 Financial Statements
(This page intentionally left blank)
98
Selected Financial Information Consumers Power Company
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Operating revenue (in millions) ($) 3,511 3,356 3,243 2,978 2,908
Net income (loss) (in millions) (a) ($) 255 226 198 (244) (249)
Net income (loss) after dividends
on preferred stock (in millions) ($) 227 202 187 (255) (260)
Cash from operations (in millions) ($) 642 598 403 470 347
Capital expenditures, excluding capital
lease additions and DSM (in millions) ($) 414 447 451 411 279
Total assets (in millions) ($) 6,954 6,809 6,551 6,596 5,986
Long-term debt, excluding current
maturities (in millions) ($) 1,922 1,953 1,839 2,079 1,846
Non-current portion of capital
leases (in millions) ($) 104 108 106 88 57
Total preferred stock (in millions) ($) 356 356 163 163 163
Number of preferred shareholders
at year-end 10,084 10,599 7,037 7,376 7,616
Book value per common share at
year-end ($) 19.00 16.96 15.28 14.64 17.67
Return on average common equity (%) 15.0 14.9 14.8 (18.8) (16.2)
Return on assets (%) 5.3 4.9 4.7 (0.2) (0.6)
Number of full-time equivalent
employees at year-end
Consumers 9,262 9,409 9,495 9,459 8,861
Michigan Gas Storage 70 73 72 72 72
Electric statistics
Sales (millions of kWh) 35,506 34,462 32,764 31,601 31,813
Customers (in thousands) 1,570 1,547 1,526 1,506 1,492
Average sales rate per kWh cents 6.36 6.29 6.28 5.82 5.73
Gas statistics
Sales and transportation
deliveries (bcf) 404 409 411 384 362
Customers (in thousands) (b) 1,475 1,448 1,423 1,402 1,382
Average sales rate per mcf ($) 4.42 4.48 4.46 4.55 4.58
(a) Amount in 1991 included an extraordinary loss of $14 million, after tax.
(b) Excludes off-system transportation customers.
99
Consumers Power Company
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Consumers is a combination electric and gas utility company serving the
Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and is the principal subsidiary of
CMS Energy, an energy holding company. Consumers' customer base includes
a mix of residential, commercial and diversified industrial customers, the
largest segment of which is the automotive industry.
Consolidated Earnings
Consolidated net income after dividends on preferred stock totaled $227
million in 1995, compared to net income of $202 million and $187 million
in 1994 and 1993, respectively. The improved net income for 1995 reflects
increased electric sales and gas deliveries, increased electric revenue as
a result of the May 1994 rate increase, reversal of losses previously
recorded for gas contingencies (see Note 4), and improved operating
results from Consumers' interest in the MCV Facility. For further
information, see the Electric and Gas Utility Results of Operations
sections. The increased 1994 net income over the 1993 period reflects a
significant increase in electric sales, the impact of the 1994 electric
rate increase, recognition of incentive revenue related to DSM programs,
and the favorable resolution of a previously recorded gas cost
contingency.
Cash Position, Financing and Investing
Cash from operations is derived from the sale and transportation of
natural gas and the generation, transmission, and sale of electricity.
Cash from operations during 1995 increased $44 million from the 1994 level
primarily from higher sales of electricity and gas, lower gas inventories
and timing of cash payments related to its operations partially offset by
higher power purchases from the MCV Partnership. Consumers primarily uses
this operating cash to maintain its electric and gas systems and retire
portions of its long-term debt and pay dividends.
Financing Activities: Net cash used in financing activities in 1995
increased $76 million from 1994, reflecting no new stock or debt issuances
during 1995. This change also reflects a $100 million equity investment
from CMS Energy during 1994. During 1995, Consumers declared $70 million
in common stock dividends. This represents a decrease from 1994 as
Consumers temporarily suspended its common dividends in lieu of CMS Energy
making a direct equity infusion of cash into Consumers. In 1996,
Consumers plans to resume common stock dividend payments to CMS Energy.
Dividends on preferred stock increased to $28 million in 1995, reflecting
the issuance of additional preferred stock in 1994.
Investing Activities: Net cash used in investing activities in 1995
decreased $9 million from 1994, primarily reflecting decreased capital
expenditures. Capital expenditures, including assets placed under capital
lease (see Note 15) and deferred DSM costs, totaled $454 million in 1995
as compared to $492 million in 1994 and $561 million in 1993. These
amounts primarily represent capital investments in Consumers' electric and
gas utility business units.
Financing and Investing Outlook: Consumers estimates that capital
expenditures, including new lease commitments, related to its electric and
gas utility operations will total approximately $1.2 billion over the next
three years.
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1996 1997 1998
----- ----- -----
Consumers
Construction $389 $368 $340
Nuclear fuel lease 34 5 41
Capital leases other than nuclear fuel 10 19 16
Michigan Gas Storage 2 3 3
----- ----- -----
$435 $395 $400
===== ===== =====
Consumers is required to redeem or retire $726 million of long-term debt
over the three-year period ending December 1998. Cash provided by
operating activities is expected to satisfy a substantial portion of these
capital expenditures and debt retirements. Additionally, Consumers will
continue to evaluate the capital markets as a source of financing its
investing activities and required debt retirements.
Consumers has several available, unsecured, committed lines of credit
totaling $145 million and a $425 million working capital facility.
Consumers has FERC authorization to issue or guarantee up to $900 million
in short-term debt through December 31, 1996. Consumers uses short-term
borrowings to finance working capital and gas in storage, and to pay for
capital expenditures between long-term financings. Consumers has an
agreement permitting the sales of certain accounts receivable for up to
$500 million. At December 31, 1995 and 1994, receivables sold totaled
$295 million and $275 million, respectively.
At December 31, 1995, Consumers' capital structure consisted of
approximately 36 percent common equity, 8 percent preferred stock, and 56
percent long- and short-term debt (including capital leases and notes
payable). Consumers is continuing its efforts to improve the percentages
of common and preferred equity on its balance sheet. In January 1996,
Consumers issued and sold, through a business trust, 4 million shares of
Trust Originated Preferred Securities with net proceeds totaling $96
million (see Note 7). Consumers also expects to improve the equity
portion of its capital structure through accumulated earnings and
controlled capital expenditures.
Electric Utility Results of Operations
Electric Pretax Operating Income: During 1995, electric pretax operating
income increased $30 million compared to 1994, reflecting significantly
higher electric kWh sales (see Electric Sales section) and the impact of
the May 1994 electric rate increase, which included the recovery of higher
postretirement benefit costs. The increase was partially offset by higher
depreciation, general taxes, and electric operation expenses during 1995,
which included $9 million of additional postretirement benefit costs,
along with the impact of $11 million of DSM incentive revenue during 1994.
The 1994 increase of $46 million over the 1993 level reflects increased
electric sales, partially offset by higher depreciation and electric
operation expenses. Other factors contributing to the 1994 increase were
the impact of the May 1994 electric rate increase and the recognition of
1994 DSM incentive revenue.
In Millions
Impact on Pretax Operating Income
Change Compared to Prior Year
1995/1994 1994/1993
--------- ---------
Sales $59 $ 33
Rate increase and other regulatory issues 9 38
O&M, general taxes and depreciation (38) (25)
----- -----
Total change $30 $46
===== =====
Electric Sales: Total electric sales in 1995 were a record 35.5 billion
kWh, a 3.0 percent increase from the 1994 level as a result of economic
growth and warmer summer temperatures. The increase in total electric
sales included a 4.2 percent increase in sales to Consumers' ultimate
customers, with fairly consistent increases in the residential,
commercial, and industrial sectors. The increase was partially offset by
a decrease in certain sales to other utilities.
Total electric sales in 1994 were 34.5 billion kWh, a 5.2 percent increase
from the 1993 level, which included a 4.2 percent increase in system sales
to Consumers' ultimate customers.
Power Costs: Power costs for 1995 totaled $970 million, a $20 million
increase from the corresponding 1994 period, primarily reflecting
increased purchased power costs due to higher sales levels. Power costs
for 1994 totaled $950 million, a $42 million increase as compared to 1993
which reflects increased kWh production at Consumers' generating plants
and greater power purchases from outside sources to meet increased sales
demand.
Operating Expenses: Electric operation and maintenance expense for 1995
compared to 1994 increased $13 million, which included $9 million of
additional postretirement benefit costs and increased expenditures to
improve electric system reliability. Electric depreciation for 1995
compared to 1994 increased $15 million, reflecting additional property and
equipment. Electric general taxes increased $11 million in 1995 compared
to 1994, reflecting millage rate increases and additional capital
investments in property and equipment.
Electric Utility Issues
Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: Consumers' annual obligation to
purchase contract capacity from the MCV Partnership increased 108 MW in
1995 to 1,240 MW. In 1993, the MPSC issued the Settlement Order that has
allowed Consumers to recover substantially all payments for 915 MW of
contract capacity purchased from the MCV Partnership. ABATE and the
Attorney General have appealed the Settlement Order to the Court of
Appeals. The market for the remaining 325 MW of contract capacity was
assessed at the end of 1992. This assessment, along with the Settlement
Order, resulted in Consumers recognizing a loss for the present value of
the estimated future underrecoveries of power purchases from the MCV
Partnership. Additional losses may occur if actual future experience
materially differs from the 1992 estimates. As anticipated in 1992,
Consumers continues to experience cash underrecoveries associated with the
Settlement Order. These after-tax cash underrecoveries totaled $90
million, $61 million and $59 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Estimated future after-tax cash underrecoveries, and possible losses for
1996 and the next four years are shown in the table below.
After-tax, In Millions
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Estimated cash underrecoveries $56 $55 $ 8 $ 9 $ 7
Possible additional underrecoveries
and losses (a) 20 22 72 72 74
(a) If unable to sell any capacity above the MPSC's 1993 authorized level.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that would potentially resolve several issues in
three pending proceedings, including cost recovery for the 325 MW of MCV
Facility capacity above the MPSC's currently authorized level. For
further information regarding the settlement, see Note 4.
In 1994 and 1995, Consumers terminated power purchase agreements with the
developers of a proposed 65 MW coal-fired cogeneration facility and a
proposed 44 MW wood and chipped-tire plant. To replace this capacity,
109 MW of less expensive contract capacity from the MCV Facility which
Consumers is currently not authorized to recover from retail customers
would be used. For further information, see Note 3.
Electric Rate Proceedings: Consumers filed a request with the MPSC in
late 1994 to increase its retail electric rates. In early 1996, the MPSC
granted Consumers authority to increase its annual electric retail rates
by $46 million. This partial final order did not address cost recovery
related to the 325 MW of MCV Facility contract capacity above 915 MW. The
MPSC stated that this matter would be addressed in connection with its
consideration of the proposed settlement agreement discussed below.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that, if approved by the MPSC, would resolve several
outstanding regulatory issues. One of these issues, Consumers' electric
rate case, was addressed, in part, by the order discussed above. If fully
adopted, the settlement agreement would resolve Consumers' depreciation
and special competitive service cases (discussed below) and cost recovery
of 325 MW of uncommitted MCV Facility capacity. Consumers expects a final
order in the spring of 1996. For more information regarding the electric
rate order and the settlement, see Note 4.
In 1995, Consumers filed a request with the MPSC, seeking approval to
increase its traditional depreciation expense by $21 million and
reallocate certain portions of its utility plant from production to
transmission, resulting in a $28 million decrease. If both aspects of the
request are approved, the net result would be a decrease in electric
depreciation expense of $7 million for ratemaking purposes. The MPSC
staff's filing in this case did not support Consumers' requested increase
in depreciation expense, but instead proposed a decrease of $24 million.
The MPSC staff also did not support the reallocation of plant investment
as proposed by Consumers but suggested several alternatives which could
partially address this issue. In September 1995, the ALJ issued a
proposal for decision that essentially supported the MPSC staff's position
regarding depreciation expense and recommended that the MPSC reject both
Consumers' and the MPSC staff's positions regarding the reallocation of
Consumers' depreciation reserve and plant investment. This case is
currently part of the proposed settlement discussed above.
Special Rates: Consumers currently has a request before the MPSC that,
if approved, would allow Consumers a certain level of rate-pricing
flexibility to respond to customers' alternative energy options. This
request has been consolidated into the settlement proceeding discussed
above.
Electric Conservation Efforts: In June 1995, the MPSC issued an order
that authorized Consumers to discontinue future DSM program expenditures
and cease all new programs. For further information, see Note 4.
Electric Capital Expenditures: Consumers estimates capital expenditures,
including new lease commitments, related to its electric utility
operations of $311 million for 1996, $285 million for 1997 and $295
million for 1998. These amounts include an attributed portion of
Consumers' anticipated capital expenditures for plant and equipment common
to both the electric and gas utility businesses.
Electric Environmental Matters: The 1990 amendment of the federal Clean
Air Act significantly increased the environmental constraints that
utilities will operate under in the future. While the Clean Air Act's
provisions require Consumers to make certain capital expenditures in order
to comply with the amendments for nitrogen oxide reductions, Consumers'
generating units are presently operating at or near the sulfur dioxide
emission limits which will be effective in the year 2000. Therefore,
management believes that Consumers' annual operating costs will not be
materially affected.
The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (formerly
the Michigan Environmental Response Act) was substantially amended in June
1995. The Michigan law bears similarities to the federal Superfund law.
The purpose of the 1995 amendments was generally to encourage development
of industrial sites and to remove liability from some parties who were not
responsible for activities causing contamination. Consumers expects that
it will ultimately incur costs at a number of sites. Consumers believes
costs incurred for both investigation and required remedial actions are
properly recoverable in rates.
Consumers is a so-called "potentially responsible party" at several sites
being administered under Superfund. Along with Consumers, there are
numerous credit-worthy, potentially responsible parties with substantial
assets cooperating with respect to the individual sites. Based on current
information, management believes it is unlikely that Consumers' liability
at any of the known Superfund sites, individually or in total, will have a
material adverse effect on its financial position, liquidity or results of
operations. For further information regarding electric environmental
matters, see Note 12.
Electric Outlook
Competition: Consumers currently expects approximately 2 percent average
annual growth in electric system sales over the next five years.
Consumers continues to be affected by the developing competitive market
for electricity. The primary sources of competition include: the
installation of cogeneration or other self-generation facilities by
Consumers' larger industrial customers; the formation of municipal
utilities which would displace retail service by Consumers to an entire
community; and competition from neighboring utilities which offer flexible
rate arrangements designed to encourage movement to their respective
service areas. Consumers continues to work toward retaining its current
retail service customers.
In an effort to meet the challenge of competition, Consumers has signed
long-term sales contracts with some of its largest industrial customers,
including its largest customer, General Motors Corporation. Under the
General Motors contract, Consumers will serve certain facilities at least
five years and other facilities at least 10 years in exchange for
competitively discounted electric rates. Certain facilities will have the
option of taking retail wheeling service (if available) after the first
three years of the contract. The MPSC approved this contract in 1995.
As part of an order issued in early 1996, the MPSC significantly reduced
the rate subsidization of residential customers by industrial and large
commercial customers. In addition to offering electric rates that are
competitive with other energy providers, Consumers is pursuing other
strategies to retain its "at-risk" customers. These strategies include:
minimizing outages for each customer, promptly responding to customer
inquiries, and providing consulting services to help customers use energy
efficiently.
In 1994, the MPSC approved a framework for a five-year experimental retail
wheeling program for Consumers and Detroit Edison. Under the experiment,
up to 60 MW of Consumers' additional load requirements could be met by
retail wheeling. The program becomes effective upon Consumers' next
solicitation for capacity. In June 1995, the MPSC issued an order that
set rates and charges for retail delivery service under the experiment.
Consumers, ABATE and The Dow Chemical Company filed claims of appeal of
the MPSC's retail wheeling orders. The Court of Appeals subsequently
consolidated these appeals with those previously filed by Detroit Edison
and the Attorney General. Consumers does not expect this short-term
experiment to have a material impact on its financial position, liquidity
or results of operations.
In March 1995, the FERC issued a NOPR and a supplemental NOPR that propose
changes in the wholesale electric industry. Among the most significant
proposals is a requirement that utilities provide open access to the
domestic interstate transmission grid. The FERC's final rules are
expected to be announced in the spring of 1996. Consumers is unable to
predict the terms of these rules. However, management believes that
Consumers is well-positioned to conform to open access as it has been
voluntarily providing this transmission service since 1992.
The Governor of the State of Michigan has proposed that the MPSC review
the existing statutory and regulatory framework governing Michigan
utilities in light of increasing competition in the utility industry and
recommend appropriate revisions. At this time, no proceedings have been
initiated at the MPSC on this matter and no new legislation has been
introduced.
Changes in the competitive environment facing regulated utilities may
eventually lead to the discontinuance of SFAS 71, which allows the
deferral of certain costs and the recording of regulatory assets.
Management has evaluated Consumers' current regulatory position and
believes it continues to support the recognition of Consumers' $779
million of electric-related regulatory assets. If changes in the industry
were to lead to Consumers discontinuing the application of SFAS 71, for
all or part of its business, Consumers may be required to write-off the
portion of any regulatory asset for which no regulatory assurance of
recovery continued to exist. Consumers does not believe that there is any
current evidence that supports the write-off of any of its electric-
related regulatory assets. For further information regarding SFAS 71 and
Consumers' regulatory assets, see Notes 2 and 18.
Nuclear Matters: In July 1995, the NRC issued its Systematic Assessment
of Licensee Performance report for Palisades. The report recognized
improved performance at the plant, specifically in the areas of
Engineering and Plant Operations. In the report, the NRC noted areas
which continue to require management's attention, but also recognized the
development and implementation of plans for corrective action designed to
address previously identified weak areas. The report noted that
performance in the areas of Maintenance and Plant Support was good and
remained unchanged.
Consumers' on-site storage pool for spent nuclear fuel at Palisades is at
capacity. Consequently, Consumers is using NRC-approved dry casks, which
are steel and concrete vaults, for temporary on-site storage. In 1996,
Consumers plans to unload and replace one of the casks where a minor flaw
has been detected. For further information, see Note 13.
The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act encourages the respective
states, individually or in cooperation with each other, to be responsible
for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Currently, a low-level
waste site does not exist in Michigan and Consumers has been storing low-
level waste at its nuclear plant sites. Consumers began shipping its low-
level waste to a site in South Carolina during 1995 and plans to have all
its currently stored low-level waste removed from the plant sites by the
end of 1996.
Consumers is required to make certain calculations and report to the NRC
about the continuing ability of the Palisades reactor vessel to withstand
postulated "pressurized thermal shock" events during its remaining license
life. Analysis of recent data from testing of similar materials indicates
that the Palisades reactor vessel can be safely operated through late
1999. Consumers is developing plans to anneal the reactor vessel in 1998
at an estimated cost of $20 million to $30 million. This repair would
allow for operation of the plant to the end of its license life in the
year 2007. Consumers cannot predict whether the studies being conducted
as a part of the development plans will support a future decision to
anneal.
At the SEC staff's request, the FASB is reviewing the accounting for
closure and removal costs for long-lived assets, including
decommissioning. The current electric utility industry accounting
practices of recording the cost of removal as a component of depreciation
could be changed. The FASB's tentative decision includes recognition of
the cost of closure and removal obligation as a liability based on
discounted future cash flows with the offset recorded as part of the cost
of the plant asset.
Stray Voltage: Consumers has experienced a number of lawsuits relating to
the effect of so-called stray voltage on certain livestock. At December
31, 1995, Consumers had 30 separate stray voltage lawsuits awaiting trial
court action, down from 83 lawsuits at December 31, 1994. Consumers
believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material
impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Gas Utility Results of Operations
Gas Pretax Operating Income: For 1995, gas pretax operating income
increased $16 million compared to 1994, reflecting higher gas deliveries
(see Gas Deliveries section), and the reversal of losses previously
recorded for gas contingencies (see Note 4). Partially offsetting this
increase were higher depreciation and gas operation expenses. For 1994,
gas pretax operating income decreased $11 million compared to 1993,
reflecting slightly lower gas sales and higher depreciation and gas
operation and maintenance expenses, partially offset by the favorable
resolution of a previously recorded gas cost contingency.
In Millions
Impact on Pretax Operating Income
Change Compared to Prior Year
1995/1994 1994/1993
--------- ---------
Sales $12 $(3)
Regulatory recovery of gas cost 19 10
O&M, general taxes and depreciation (15) (18)
----- -----
Total change $16 $(11)
===== =====
Gas Deliveries: Gas sales in 1995 totaled 254 bcf, a 5.2 percent increase
from 1994 levels, and total system deliveries, excluding transport to the
MCV Facility, increased 6.5 percent from 1994. On a weather-adjusted
basis, total system deliveries increased 4.1 percent, reflecting
significant growth. In 1994, total system deliveries, excluding transport
to the MCV Facility, were 314 bcf, a slight decrease from 1993 deliveries.
Cost of Gas Sold: The cost of gas sold for 1995 increased $9 million from
the 1994 level, as a result of increased deliveries. The increased costs
reflect the reversal of a $23 million gas supplier loss contingency.
Operating Expenses: Gas operation and maintenance expense increased $12
million, reflecting an $8 million gas inventory loss. Gas depreciation
for 1995 compared to 1994 increased $7 million, reflecting additional
capital investment in property and equipment.
Gas Utility Issues
Gas Rates: In December 1994, Consumers filed a request with the MPSC to
increase Consumers' annual gas rates. The requested increase totaling $7
million reflected increased expenditures, including those associated with
postretirement benefits, and a 12.25 percent return on equity. The MPSC
staff recommended a $13 million rate decrease. In November 1995, the ALJ
issued a proposal for decision that essentially adopted the MPSC staff's
position. In early 1996, the MPSC issued a final order in this case,
decreasing Consumers' annual gas rates by $11.7 million. For further
information regarding this case, see Note 4.
Consumers entered into a special natural gas transportation contract with
one of its transportation customers in response to the customer's proposal
to by-pass Consumers' system in favor of a competitive alternative. The
contract provides for discounted gas transportation rates in an effort to
induce the customer to remain on Consumers' system. In February 1995, the
MPSC approved the contract but stated that the revenue shortfall created
by the difference between the contract's discounted rate and the floor
price of one of Consumers' MPSC authorized gas transportation rates must
be borne by Consumers' shareholders. In March 1995, Consumers filed an
appeal with the Court of Appeals claiming that the MPSC decision denies
Consumers the opportunity to earn its authorized rate of return and is
therefore unconstitutional.
GCR Matters: In October 1995, the MPSC issued an order regarding a $44
million (excluding any interest) gas supply contract pricing dispute
between Consumers and certain intrastate producers. The order stated that
Consumers was not obligated to seek prior approval of market-based pricing
provisions that were implemented under the contracts in question. The
producers subsequently filed a claim of appeal of the MPSC order with the
Court of Appeals. Consumers believes the MPSC order supports its position
that the producers' theories are without merit and intends to vigorously
oppose any claims they may raise but cannot predict the outcome of this
issue.
Gas Capital Expenditures: Consumers estimates capital expenditures,
including new lease commitments, related to its gas utility operations of
$124 million for 1996, $110 million for 1997 and $105 million for 1998.
These amounts include an attributed portion of Consumers' anticipated
capital expenditures for plant and equipment common to both the electric
and gas utility businesses.
Gas Environmental Matters: Consumers expects that it will ultimately
incur investigation and remedial action costs at a number of sites,
including some that formerly housed manufactured gas plant facilities.
Data available to Consumers and its continued internal review of these
former manufactured gas plant sites have resulted in an estimate for all
costs related to investigation and remedial action of between $48 million
and $112 million. These estimates are based on undiscounted 1995 costs.
At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a liability for $48 million
and has established a regulatory asset for approximately the same amount.
Any significant change in assumptions such as remediation technique,
nature and extent of contamination and regulatory requirements, could
impact the estimate of remedial action costs for the sites.
Consumers requested recovery and deferral of certain investigation and
remedial action costs in its gas rate case filed in December 1994.
Consumers believes that remedial action costs are recoverable in rates and
is continuing discussions with certain insurance companies regarding
coverage for some or all of the costs which may be incurred for these
sites. For further information, see Note 12.
Gas Outlook
Consumers currently anticipates gas deliveries to grow approximately 2
percent per year (excluding transportation to the MCV Facility and off-
system deliveries) over the next five years, primarily due to a steadily
growing customer base. Additionally, Consumers has several strategies
which will support increased load requirements in the future. These
strategies include increased efforts to promote natural gas to both
current and potential customers that are using other fuels for space and
water heating. The emerging use of natural gas vehicles also provides
Consumers with sales growth opportunities. In addition, as air quality
standards continue to become more stringent, management believes that
greater opportunities exist for converting industrial boiler load and
other processes to natural gas. Consumers also plans additional capital
expenditures to construct new gas mains that are expected to expand
Consumers' system.
In 1995, Consumers purchased approximately 80 percent of its required gas
supply under long-term contracts, and the balance on the spot market.
Consumers estimates that approximately 35 percent of its gas purchases
will be under long-term contracts in future years as current contracts
expire. Consumers also has transmission contracts totaling approximately
90 percent of its supply requirements. The expiration dates of the
transmission contracts range from 1997 to 2004.
In 1995, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provided
approximately $71 million in heating assistance to about 400,000 Michigan
households, with approximately 18 percent of funds going to Consumers'
customers. In late 1995, federal legislative approval provided Michigan
residents with approximately $60 million of funding for 1996. Consumers
cannot predict what level of funding will be approved for 1997.
In January 1996, the MPSC issued a Notice of legislative-type hearings to
be held in 1996, to assess whether it is appropriate to allow all natural
gas customers access to gas transportation service. The MPSC notice
designated all eight local distribution companies whose rates are
regulated by the MPSC as parties to this proceeding.
Under SFAS 71, Consumers is allowed to defer certain costs to the future
and record regulatory assets, based on the recoverability of those costs
through the MPSC's approval. Consumers has evaluated its $276 million of
regulatory assets (see Note 18) related to its gas business, and believes
that sufficient regulatory assurance exists to provide for the recovery of
these deferred costs.
Other
New Accounting Standard: In 1995, the FASB issued SFAS 121, Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of, which is effective for 1996. Consumers does not expect the
application of this statement to have a material impact on its financial
position, liquidity or results of operations. For further information,
see Note 2.
108
Consolidated Statements of Income Consumers Power Company
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
Operating Revenue Electric $2,277 $2,189 $2,077
Gas 1,195 1,151 1,160
Other 39 16 6
---------------------------------
Total operating revenue 3,511 3,356 3,243
---------------------------------
Operating Expenses Operation
Fuel for electric generation 283 306 293
Purchased power - related parties 491 482 467
Purchased and interchange power 196 162 148
Cost of gas sold 671 662 678
Other 592 562 516
---------------------------------
Total operation 2,233 2,174 2,102
Maintenance 183 188 203
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 357 335 316
General taxes 189 178 187
---------------------------------
Total operating expenses 2,962 2,875 2,808
---------------------------------
Pretax Operating Electric 362 332 286
Income Gas 151 135 146
Other 36 14 3
---------------------------------
Total pretax operating income 549 481 435
Income Taxes 145 120 105
---------------------------------
Net Operating Income 404 361 330
---------------------------------
Other Income Dividends from affiliates 17 17 16
(Deductions) Other income taxes, net 12 12 14
Accretion income (Note 2) 11 13 14
Accretion expense (Note 2) (31) (35) (36)
Bond income - - 32
Other, net 5 9 1
---------------------------------
Total other income 14 16 41
---------------------------------
Interest Charges Interest on long-term debt 141 135 152
Other interest 24 17 22
Capitalized interest (2) (1) (1)
---------------------------------
Net interest charges 163 151 173
---------------------------------
Net Income 255 226 198
Preferred Stock Dividends 28 24 11
---------------------------------
Net Income after Dividends on Preferred Stock $ 227 $ 202 $ 187
=================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
109
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consumers Power Company
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
Cash Flows From Net income $ 255 $ 226 $ 198
Operating Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (includes
nuclear decommissioning of $51, $49 and
$46, respectively) 357 335 316
Capital lease and other amortization 38 35 30
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit 57 57 50
Accretion expense (Note 2) 31 35 36
Accretion income - abandoned Midland project (Note 2) (11) (13) (14)
Undistributed earnings of related parties (36) (16) (5)
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) (137) (87) (84)
Other 4 2 2
Changes in other assets and liabilities (Note 15) 84 24 (126)
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by operating activities 642 598 403
------ ------ ------
Cash Flows From Capital expenditures (excludes capital lease additions
Investing Activities of $31, $36 and $58, respectively and DSM) (Note 15) (414) (447) (451)
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust funds (51) (49) (46)
Cost to retire property, net (41) (38) (32)
Deferred demand-side management costs (9) (9) (52)
Proceeds from sale of property 1 14 1
Other (5) 1 (2)
Proceeds from sale of bond investments - - 322
Sale of subsidiary - - (14)
------ ------ ------
Net cash used in investing activities (519) (528) (274)
------ ------ ------
Cash Flows From Payment of common stock dividends (70) (176) (133)
Financing Activities Payment of capital lease obligations (37) (34) (24)
Payment of preferred stock dividends (28) (19) (11)
Retirement of bonds and other long-term debt (1) (133) (641)
Increase in notes payable, net 2 80 44
Repayment of bank loans - (469) (31)
Proceeds from bank loans - 400 -
Proceeds from preferred stock - 193 -
Contribution from stockholder - 100 -
Proceeds from bonds - - 644
------ ------ ------
Net cash used in financing activities (134) (58) (152)
------ ------ ------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments (11) 12 (23)
Cash and temporary cash investments
Beginning of year 25 13 36
------ ------ ------
End of year $ 14 $ 25 $ 13
====== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
110
Consolidated Balance Sheets Consumers Power Company
ASSETS In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Plant (At original cost) Electric $6,103 $5,771
Gas 2,169 2,064
Other 30 30
---------------------
8,302 7,865
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion
and amortization (Note 2) 4,090 3,794
---------------------
4,212 4,071
Construction work-in-progress 190 241
---------------------
4,402 4,312
---------------------
Investments Stock of affiliates (Note 17) 337 317
First Midland Limited Partnership (Notes 3 and 19) 225 218
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited
Partnership (Notes 3 and 19) 103 74
Other 7 8
---------------------
672 617
---------------------
Current Assets Cash and temporary cash investments at cost, which
approximates market 14 25
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue, less allowances
of $3 in 1995 and $4 in 1994 (Note 6) 137 100
Accounts receivable - related parties 10 12
Inventories at average cost
Gas in underground storage 184 235
Materials and supplies 72 75
Generating plant fuel stock 37 37
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) 26 35
Postretirement benefits (Note 10) 25 25
Prepayments and other 181 173
---------------------
686 717
---------------------
Non-current Assets Postretirement benefits (Note 10) 462 478
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds (Note 2) 304 213
Abandoned Midland project 131 147
Other 297 325
---------------------
1,194 1,163
---------------------
Total Assets $6,954 $6,809
=====================
111
Consumers Power Company
STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT AND LIABILITIES In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Capitalization (Note 7) Common stockholder's equity
Common stock $ 841 $ 841
Paid-in-capital 491 491
Revaluation capital 29 15
Retained earnings since December 31, 1992 237 80
---------------------
1,598 1,427
Preferred stock 356 356
Long-term debt 1,922 1,953
Non-current portion of capital leases 104 108
---------------------
3,980 3,844
---------------------
Current Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 90 45
Notes payable 341 339
Accrued taxes 225 173
Accounts payable 207 165
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 90 95
Accounts payable - related parties 56 51
Accrued interest 32 37
Accrued refunds 22 25
Other 178 187
---------------------
1,241 1,117
---------------------
Non-current Liabilities Deferred income taxes (Note 5) 605 568
Postretirement benefits (Note 10) 517 532
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 221 324
Deferred investment tax credit 169 179
Regulatory liabilities for income taxes, net (Notes 5 and 18) 44 16
Other 177 229
---------------------
1,733 1,848
---------------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 and 13)
Total Stockholders' Investment and Liabilities $6,954 $6,809
=====================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
112
Consolidated Statements of Long-Term Debt Consumers Power Company
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
First Mortgage Bonds Series (%) Due
5-7/8 1996 $ 36 $ 36
6 1997 50 50
8-3/4 1998 248 248
6-5/8 1998 45 45
6-7/8 1998 43 43
8-7/8 1999 200 200
7-1/2 2001 57 57
7-1/2 2002 62 62
6-3/8 2003 300 300
7-3/8 2023 300 300
------- -------
1,341 1,341
Long-Term Bank Debt 400 400
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds 131 131
Nuclear Fuel Disposal 100 95
Other 4 5
------- -------
Principal Amount Outstanding 1,976 1,972
Current Amounts (45) (9)
Net Unamortized Discount (9) (10)
------- -------
Total Long-Term Debt $1,922 $1,953
======= =======
LONG-TERM DEBT MATURITIES AND IMPROVEMENT FUND OBLIGATIONS In Millions
First Mortgage Improvement Long-Term
Bonds Fund Bank Debt Other Total
1996 $ 36 $8 $ - $ 1 $ 45
1997 50 8 - 1 59
1998 336 7 200 102 645
1999 200 3 200 - 403
2000 - 1 - - 1
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
113
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock Consumers Power Company
Optional
Redemption Number of Shares In Millions
December 31 Series Price 1995 1994 1995 1994
Preferred Stock
Cumulative, $100 par value,
authorized 7,500,000 shares,
with no mandatory redemption $4.16 $103.25 68,451 68,451 $ 7 $ 7
4.50 110.00 373,148 373,148 37 37
7.45 101.00 379,549 379,549 38 38
7.68 101.00 207,565 207,565 21 21
7.72 101.00 289,642 289,642 29 29
7.76 102.21 308,072 308,072 31 31
Class A Preferred Stock
Cumulative, no par value,
authorized 16,000,000 shares,
with no mandatory redemption 2.08 25.00 (a) 8,000,000 8,000,000 193 193
---- ----
Total Preferred Stock $356 $356
==== ====
(a) Redeemable beginning April 1, 1999.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
114
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity Consumers Power Company
In Millions
Other
Common Paid-in Revaluation Retained
Stock Capital Capital Earnings Total
Balance at January 1, 1993 (a) $841 $391 $ - $ - $1,232
Net income 198 198
Cash dividends declared:
Common stock (133) (133)
Preferred stock (11) (11)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1993 (a) 841 391 - 54 1,286
Net income 226 226
Cash dividends declared:
Common stock (176) (176)
Preferred stock (24) (24)
Unrealized investment-gain 15 15
Stockholder's contribution 100 100
-------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1994 (a) 841 491 15 80 1,427
Net income 255 255
Cash dividends declared:
Common stock (70) (70)
Preferred stock (28) (28)
Change in unrealized investment-gain 14 14
-------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995 (a) $841 $491 $29 $ 237 $1,598
=============================================================
(a) Number of shares of common stock outstanding was 84,108,789.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
115
Consumers Power Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1: Corporate Structure
Consumers is a combination electric and gas utility company serving the
Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and is the principal subsidiary of
CMS Energy, an energy holding company. Consumers' customer base includes
a mix of residential, commercial and diversified industrial customers, the
largest segment of which is the automotive industry.
2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include
Consumers and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The financial statements are
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and
include the use of management's estimates. Consumers uses the equity
method of accounting for investments in its companies and partnerships
where it has more than a 20 percent but less than a majority ownership
interest.
Accretion Income and Expense: In 1991, the MPSC ordered that Consumers
could recover a portion of its abandoned Midland investment over a 10-year
period, but did not allow Consumers to earn a return on that amount.
Consumers reduced the recoverable investment to the present value of the
future recoveries. During the recovery period, the unrecovered asset is
adjusted to its present value. This adjustment is reflected as accretion
income. Conversely, Consumers recorded a loss in 1992 for the present
value of its estimated future underrecoveries of power costs resulting
from purchases from the MCV Partnership (see Note 3), and now recognizes
accretion expense annually to reflect the time value of money on the
recorded loss.
Gas Inventory: Consumers uses the weighted average cost method for
valuing working gas inventory. Cushion gas, which is gas stored to
maintain reservoir pressure for recovery of working gas, is recorded in
the appropriate gas utility plant account. Consumers stores gas inventory
in its underground storage facilities.
Maintenance, Depreciation and Depletion: Property repairs and minor
property replacements are charged to maintenance expense. Depreciable
property retired or sold plus cost of removal (net of salvage credits) is
charged to accumulated depreciation. Consumers bases depreciation
provisions for utility plant on straight-line and units-of-production
rates approved by the MPSC. The composite depreciation rate for electric
utility property was 3.5 percent for 1995, 3.5 percent for 1994 and 3.4
percent for 1993. The composite rate for gas utility plant was 4.3
percent for 1995, 4.2 percent for 1994 and 4.4 percent for 1993. The
composite rate for other plant and property was 4.9 percent for 1995 and
4.7 percent for 1994 and 1993.
New Accounting Standard: During 1995, the FASB issued SFAS 121,
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of. This statement, which is effective for 1996
financial statements, requires that an asset be reviewed for impairment
whenever events indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.
The statement also requires that a loss be recognized whenever a portion
of an asset's cost is excluded from a rate-regulated company's rate base.
Consumers does not expect the application of this statement to have a
material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Nuclear Fuel Cost: Consumers amortizes nuclear fuel cost to fuel expense
based on the quantity of heat produced for electric generation. Interest
on leased nuclear fuel is expensed as incurred. Under federal law, the DOE
is responsible for permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel at costs to be
paid by affected utilities. However, in 1994, the DOE asserted that it
does not have a legal obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel without an
operational repository. In 1995, federal legislation was introduced to
clarify the DOE's obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel and direct the
DOE to establish an integrated spent fuel management system that includes
designing and constructing an interim storage facility in Nevada. For
fuel used after April 6, 1983, Consumers charges disposal costs to nuclear
fuel expense, recovers them through electric rates and remits to the DOE
quarterly. Consumers elected to defer payment for disposal of spent
nuclear fuel burned before April 7, 1983, until the spent fuel is
delivered to the DOE, which was originally scheduled to occur in 1998. At
December 31, 1995, Consumers has recorded a liability to the DOE of $100
million, including interest. Consumers recovered through electric rates
the amount of this liability, excluding a portion of interest.
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning: Consumers collects approximately $45
million annually from its electric customers to decommission its two
nuclear plants. On March 1, 1995, Consumers filed updated decommissioning
information with the MPSC which estimated decommissioning costs for Big
Rock and Palisades to be $303 million and $524 million (in 1995 dollars),
respectively. The estimated decommissioning costs increased from previous
estimates principally due to the unavailability of low- and high-level
radioactive waste disposal facilities. Amounts collected from electric
retail customers and deposited in trusts (including trust earnings) are
credited to accumulated depreciation. To meet NRC decommissioning
requirements, Consumers prepared site-specific decommissioning cost
estimates for Big Rock and Palisades, assuming that each plant site will
eventually be restored to conform with the adjacent landscape, and that
all contaminated equipment will be disassembled and disposed of in a
licensed burial facility. After the plants are retired, Consumers plans
to maintain the facilities in protective storage until radioactive waste
disposal facilities are available. As a result, the majority of
decommissioning costs will be incurred several years after each plant's
NRC operating license expires. When Big Rock's and Palisades' NRC
licenses expire in 2000 and 2007, respectively, the trust funds are
estimated to have accumulated $257 million and $686 million, respectively.
It is estimated that at the time the plants are fully decommissioned (in
the years 2030 for Big Rock and 2046 for Palisades), the trust funds will
have provided $1 billion for Big Rock and $2.1 billion for Palisades
including trust earnings over this decommissioning period. Based on this
plan, Consumers believes that the current decommissioning surcharge will
be sufficient to provide for decommissioning of its nuclear plants. At
December 31, 1995, Consumers had an investment in nuclear decommissioning
trust funds of $304 million.
Reclassifications: Consumers has reclassified certain prior year amounts
for comparative purposes. These reclassifications did not affect net
income for the years presented.
Revenue and Fuel Costs: Consumers accrues revenue for electricity and gas
used by its customers but not billed at the end of an accounting period.
Consumers accrues or reduces revenue for any underrecovery or overrecovery
of electric power supply costs and natural gas costs by establishing a
corresponding asset or liability until it bills or refunds these
differences to customers following an MPSC order.
Utility Regulation: Consumers accounts for the effects of regulation
under SFAS 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation.
As a result, the actions of regulators affect when revenues, expenses,
assets and liabilities are recognized.
Other: For significant accounting policies regarding income taxes, see
Note 5; for pensions and other postretirement benefits, see Note 10; and
for cash equivalents, see Note 15.
3: The Midland Cogeneration Venture
The MCV Partnership, which leases and operates the MCV Facility,
contracted to sell electricity to Consumers for a 35-year period beginning
in 1990 and to supply electricity and steam to The Dow Chemical Company.
Consumers, through its subsidiaries, holds the following assets related to
the MCV Partnership and MCV Facility: 1) CMS Midland owns a 49 percent
general partnership interest in the MCV Partnership; and 2) CMS Holdings
holds through the FMLP a 35 percent lessor interest in the MCV Facility.
Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: Consumers' annual obligation
for purchase of contract capacity from the MCV Partnership under the PPA
increased 108 MW to its maximum amount of 1,240 MW in 1995. In 1993, the
MPSC issued the Settlement Order that has allowed Consumers to recover
substantially all of the payments for its ongoing purchase of 915 MW of
contract capacity. ABATE and the Attorney General have appealed the
Settlement Order to the Court of Appeals. Under the Settlement Order,
capacity and energy purchases from the MCV Partnership above the 915 MW
level can be utilized to satisfy customers' power needs but the MPSC will
determine the levels of recovery from retail customers at a later date.
The Settlement Order also provides Consumers the right to remarket to
third parties the remaining contract capacity. The MCV Partnership did
not object to the Settlement Order.
The PPA provides that Consumers is to pay the MCV Partnership a minimum
levelized average capacity charge of 3.77 cents per kWh, a fixed energy
charge and a variable energy charge which is based primarily on Consumers'
average cost of coal consumed. The Settlement Order permits Consumers to
recover capacity charges averaging 3.62 cents per kWh for 915 MW of
capacity, the fixed energy charge and the prescribed energy charges
associated with the scheduled deliveries within certain hourly
availability limits, whether or not those deliveries are scheduled on an
economic basis. For all energy delivered on an economic basis above the
availability limits to 915 MW, Consumers has been allowed to recover 1/2
cent per kWh capacity payment in addition to the variable energy charge.
In 1992, Consumers recognized a loss for the present value of the
estimated future underrecoveries of power costs under the PPA as a result
of the Settlement Order. This loss was based, in part, on management's
assessment of the future availability of the MCV Facility, and the effect
of the future power market on the amount, timing and price at which
various increments of the capacity, above the MPSC authorized level, could
be resold. Additional losses may occur if actual future experience
materially differs from the 1992 estimates. As anticipated in 1992,
Consumers continues to experience cash underrecoveries associated with the
Settlement Order. If Consumers is unable to sell any capacity above the
1993 MPSC-authorized level, future additional after-tax losses and after-
tax cash underrecoveries would be incurred. Consumers' estimates of its
future after-tax cash underrecoveries, and possible losses for 1996 and
the next four years are shown in the table below.
After-tax, In Millions
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Estimated cash underrecoveries $56 $55 $ 8 $ 9 $ 7
Possible additional underrecoveries
and losses (a) 20 22 72 72 74
(a) If unable to sell any capacity above the MPSC's 1993 authorized level.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that would potentially resolve several issues in
three pending proceedings, including cost recovery for the 325 MW of MCV
Facility capacity above the MPSC's currently authorized level. For
further information regarding this proposed settlement, see Note 4.
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the after-tax present value of the
Settlement Order liability totaled $202 million and $272 million,
respectively. The reduction in the liability since December 31, 1994,
reflects after-tax cash underrecoveries of $90 million, partially offset
by after-tax accretion expense of $20 million. The undiscounted after-tax
amount associated with the liability totaled $607 million at December 31,
1995.
In 1994 and 1995, Consumers paid $44 million to terminate power purchase
agreements with the developers of two proposed independent power projects
totaling 109 MW. As part of the proposed settlement reached with the MPSC
staff (see Note 4), Consumers is seeking MPSC approval to utilize less-
expensive contract capacity from the MCV Facility which Consumers is
currently not authorized to recover from retail customers. Cost recovery
for this contract capacity would start in late 1996. Even if Consumers is
not allowed to substitute MCV Facility capacity for the capacity to be
provided under the terminated agreements, Consumers believes that the MPSC
would approve recovery of the buyout costs due to the significant customer
savings resulting from the terminated power purchase agreements. As a
result, Consumers has recorded a regulatory asset of $44 million.
PSCR Matters Related to Power Purchases from the MCV Partnership: As part
of the 1993 and 1994 plan case orders, the MPSC confirmed the recovery of
certain costs related to power purchases from the MCV Partnership. ABATE
or the Attorney General has appealed these plan case orders to the Court
of Appeals.
As part of its decision in the 1993 PSCR reconciliation case issued
February 23, 1995, the MPSC disallowed a portion of the costs related to
purchases from the MCV Partnership, and instead assumed recovery of those
costs from wholesale customers and reduced recovery from retail customers.
Consumers believes this is contrary to the terms of the Settlement Order
and has appealed the February 23 order on this issue.
4: Rate Matters
Electric Rate Proceedings: In late 1994, Consumers filed a request with
the MPSC to increase its retail electric rates. The request included
provisions for ratemaking treatment of expected sales losses to
competition and the treatment of the 325 MW of MCV Facility contract
capacity above 915 MW. Consumers also requested that the MPSC eliminate
subsidization of residential rates in a two-step adjustment.
Early in 1996, the MPSC issued a partial final order in this case,
granting Consumers a $46 million annual increase in its electric retail
rates. This order authorized a 12.25 percent return on equity as compared
to the previously approved 11.75 percent, approved recovery of certain
costs associated with a proposed settlement related to the Ludington plant
(see Note 12), and significantly reduced (in a two-step adjustment) the
subsidization of residential customers by industrial and large commercial
customers. As a result, residential customers were allocated
approximately $31 million of the $46 million increase.
This order did not address cost recovery related to the 325 MW of MCV
Facility contract capacity above 915 MW. The MPSC stated that this matter
would be addressed in connection with its consideration of the proposed
settlement agreement discussed below.
Consumers also has a separate request before the MPSC to offer competitive
special rates to certain large qualifying customers. In addition,
Consumers filed a request with the MPSC, seeking to adjust its
depreciation rates and to reallocate certain portions of its electric
production plant to transmission accounts. If approved, this would result
in a net decrease in depreciation expense of $7 million for ratemaking
purposes. For further information regarding these requests, see the
Electric Rate Proceedings and Special Rates discussions in the
Management's Discussion and Analysis.
In September 1995, Consumers and the MPSC staff reached a proposed
settlement agreement that, if approved by the MPSC, would resolve several
outstanding regulatory issues currently before the MPSC in separate
proceedings. Some of these issues were preliminarily addressed in early
1996 when the MPSC issued an order in Consumers' electric rate case (see
above). If fully adopted, the settlement agreement would: provide for
cost recovery of the 325 MW of uncommitted MCV Facility capacity;
implement provisions for incentive ratemaking; resolve the special
competitive services and depreciation rate cases; implement a limited
direct access program; and accelerate recovery of nuclear plant
investment. Consumers expects a final order in the spring of 1996.
Electric DSM: In June 1995, the MPSC authorized Consumers to discontinue
future DSM program expenditures and cease all new programs. Consumers is
deferring and amortizing past program costs ($68 million at December 31,
1995) over the period these costs are being recovered from customers in
accordance with an MPSC accounting order.
Gas Rates: As part of an agreement approved by the MPSC, Consumers filed
a gas rate case in December 1994. The request, among other things,
incorporated cost increases, including costs for postretirement benefits
and costs related to Consumers' former manufactured gas plant sites and
proposed a 12.25 percent rate of return on equity, instead of the current
13.25 percent. Consumers had requested a $7 million increase in its
annual gas rates. The MPSC staff recommended a $13 million rate decrease,
which included a lower rate base, a lower return on common equity, a
revised capital structure and a lower operating cost forecast than
Consumers had projected. In November 1995, the ALJ issued a proposal for
decision that essentially adopted the MPSC staff's position. In early
1996, the MPSC issued a final order in this case, decreasing Consumers'
annual gas rates by $11.7 million and authorizing an 11.6 percent return
on equity.
GCR Matters: In 1993, the MPSC issued a ruling favorable to Consumers
regarding a gas pricing disagreement between Consumers and certain
intrastate producers. In 1995, management concluded that the intrastate
producers' pending appeals of the MPSC order would not be successful and
accordingly reversed $23 million (pretax) of a previously accrued loss.
The MPSC ruling was affirmed by the Court of Appeals in June 1995. The
producers have petitioned the Michigan Supreme Court for review.
In October 1995, the MPSC issued an order regarding a $44 million
(excluding any interest) gas supply contract pricing dispute between
Consumers and certain intrastate producers. The order stated that
Consumers was not obligated to seek prior approval of market-based pricing
provisions that were implemented under the contracts in question. The
producers subsequently filed a claim of appeal of the MPSC order with the
Court of Appeals. Consumers believes the MPSC order supports its position
that the producers' theories are without merit and intends to vigorously
oppose any claims they may raise but cannot predict the outcome of this
issue.
Estimated losses for certain contingencies discussed in this note have
been accrued. Resolution of these contingencies is not expected to have a
material impact on Consumers' financial position or results of operations.
5: Income Taxes
Consumers and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax
return with CMS Energy. Income taxes are generally allocated based on
each company's separate taxable income. Consumers does not have an
accrued federal income tax benefit from CMS Energy for 1995, but had a $33
million benefit as of December 31, 1994. Consumers practices full
deferred tax accounting for all temporary differences as authorized by the
MPSC.
Consumers uses ITC to reduce current income taxes payable and defers and
amortizes ITC over the life of the related property. Any AMT paid
generally becomes a tax credit that can be carried forward indefinitely to
reduce regular tax liabilities in future periods when regular taxes paid
exceed the tax calculated for AMT.
The significant components of income tax expense (benefit) consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------- ----- ----- -----
Current federal income taxes $ 76 $ 51 $ 41
Deferred income taxes 67 67 61
Deferred income taxes - tax rate change - - (2)
Deferred ITC, net (10) (10) (9)
----- ----- -----
$ 133 $ 108 $ 91
===== ===== =====
Operating $ 145 $ 120 $ 105
Other (12) (12) (14)
----- ----- -----
$ 133 $ 108 $ 91
===== ===== =====
The principal components of Consumers' deferred tax assets (liabilities)
recognized in the balance sheet are as follows:
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
------- -------
Property $ (539) $ (535)
Unconsolidated investments (245) (236)
Postretirement benefits (Note 10) (173) (177)
Abandoned Midland project (46) (51)
Employee benefit obligations (includes
postretirement benefits
of $173 and $172) (Note 10) 200 200
Power purchases - settlement (Note 3) 112 146
AMT carryforward 94 89
ITC carryforward (expires 2005) 23 37
Other (5) (6)
------- -------
$ (579) $ (533)
======= =======
Gross deferred tax liabilities $(1,388) $(1,388)
Gross deferred tax assets 809 855
------- -------
$ (579) $ (533)
======= =======
The actual income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal tax rate to income before income taxes as follows:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Net income $ 255 $ 226 $ 198
Income tax expense 133 108 91
----- ----- -----
388 334 289
Statutory federal income tax rate x 35% x 35% x 35%
----- ----- -----
Expected income tax expense 136 117 101
Increase (decrease) in taxes from:
Capitalized overheads previously
flowed through 5 5 5
Differences in book and tax depreciation
not previously deferred 6 7 6
ITC amortization (10) (10) (10)
Affiliated companies' dividends (6) (6) (6)
Other, net 2 (5) (5)
----- ----- -----
$ 133 $ 108 $ 91
===== ===== =====
6: Short-Term Financings
Consumers has FERC authorization to issue or guarantee up to $900 million
of short-term debt through December 31, 1996. Consumers has an unsecured
$425 million facility and unsecured, committed lines of credit aggregating
$145 million that are used to finance seasonal working capital
requirements. At December 31, 1995, $238 million and $103 million were
outstanding under these facilities at weighted average interest rates of
6.4 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively. Consumers has an established
$500 million trade receivables purchase and sale program. At December 31,
1995 and 1994, receivables sold under the agreement totaled $295 million
and $275 million, respectively. Accounts receivable and accrued revenue
in the Consolidated Balance Sheets have been reduced to reflect
receivables sold.
7: Capitalization
Capital Stock: During 1995, the MPSC issued an order authorizing
Consumers to issue and sell up to $300 million of intermediate and/or
long-term debt and $100 million of preferred stock or subordinate
debentures. In January 1996, 4 million shares of 8.36 percent Trust
Originated Preferred Securities were issued and sold through a business
trust wholly-owned by Consumers. The trust was formed for the sole
purpose of issuing preferred securities and the only asset of the trust is
$103 million of 8.36 percent unsecured subordinated deferrable interest
notes issued by Consumers. The obligations of Consumers with respect to
the preferred securities under the notes that mature in 2015, the
indenture under which the notes will be issued, Consumers' guarantee of
the preferred securities and the Declaration of Trust, taken together,
constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Consumers of the trust's
obligations under the Trust Originated Preferred Securities. Net proceeds
from the sale totaled $96 million.
First Mortgage Bonds: Consumers secures its first mortgage bonds by a
mortgage and lien on substantially all of its property. Consumers' ability
to issue and sell securities is restricted by certain provisions in its
First Mortgage Bond Indenture, its Articles and the need for regulatory
approvals in compliance with appropriate federal law.
Long-Term Bank Debt: During 1994, Consumers entered into a $400 million
unsecured, variable rate, five-year term loan and subsequently used the
proceeds to refinance certain long-term bank debt. At December 31, 1995,
the loan carried a weighted average interest rate of 6.2 percent. In
1993, Consumers entered into an interest rate swap agreement, exchanging
variable-rate interest for fixed-rate interest on $250 million of its
long-term bank debt. The swap agreement hedges the variable rate exposure
associated with Consumers' long-term bank debt. The swap agreement began
to decrease in February 1995 and will terminate by May 1996. At December
31, 1995, the amount of the swap totaled $94 million at 5.4 percent. The
swap agreement had the effect of decreasing the weighted average interest
rate to 6.3 percent from 6.6 percent for the 12-month period ended
December 31, 1995.
Other: Consumers has a total of $131 million of long-term pollution
control revenue bonds outstanding (secured by irrevocable letters of
credit or first mortgage bonds) with a weighted average interest rate of
5.9 percent as of December 31, 1995.
Under the provisions of its Articles at December 31, 1995, Consumers had
$197 million of unrestricted retained earnings available to pay common
dividends.
8: Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, short-term investments and current
liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.
The estimated fair values of long-term investments are based on quoted
market prices or, in the absence of specific market prices, on quoted
market prices of similar investments or other valuation techniques. The
carrying amounts of all long-term investments, except as shown below,
approximate fair value.
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Amortized Fair Unrealized Amortized Fair Unrealized
Available-for-sale securities Cost Value Gain (Loss) Cost Value Gain (Loss)
- ----------------------------- --------- ----- ----------- --------- ----- ----------
Common stock of
CMS Energy (Note 17) $ 43 $ 88 $ 45 $ 43 $ 67 $ 24
Nuclear decommissioning
investments (a) 286 304 18 223 213 (10)
(a) Consumers classifies its unrealized gains and losses on nuclear
decommissioning investments in accumulated depreciation.
The carrying amount of long-term debt was $1.9 billion and $2.0 billion at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and the fair value, as
calculated by debt-pricing specialists, was $1.9 billion on those dates.
Although the current fair value of the long-term debt may differ from the
current carrying amount, settlement of the reported debt is generally not
expected until maturity. For held-to-maturity securities, see Note 17.
9: Executive Incentive Compensation
Consumers participates in CMS Energy's Performance Incentive Stock Plan.
Under the plan, restricted shares of common stock of CMS Energy, stock
options and stock appreciation rights may be granted to key employees
based on their contributions to the successful management of CMS Energy
and its subsidiaries. During 1995, shareholders approved amendments to
the CMS Energy Performance Incentive Stock Plan. The amendments
authorized awards under the plan consisting of any class of common stock
of CMS Energy and established performance-based business criteria for
certain plan awards. The amendments also increased the number of shares
reserved for award to not more than 3 percent of each class of
CMS Energy's common stock outstanding on January 1 each year, less the
number of shares of restricted common stock awarded and of common stock
subject to options granted under the plan during the immediately preceding
four calendar years. Any forfeitures are subject to award under the plan.
At December 31, 1995, awards of up to 1,174,388 shares of CMS Energy
Common Stock and 211,634 shares of Class G Common Stock may be issued.
Restricted shares of common stock are outstanding shares with full voting
and dividend rights. Shares of restricted common stock cannot be
distributed until they are vested and the performance objectives are met.
Further, the restricted stock is subject to forfeiture if employment
terminates before vesting. If key employees exceed performance
objectives, the plan will allow additional awards. Restricted shares vest
fully if control of CMS Energy changes, as defined by the plan. At
December 31, 1995, 249,053 shares of the 269,053 restricted shares
outstanding are subject to performance objectives.
Consumers' Executive Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, an
earlier plan approved by shareholders, expired in September 1995.
Under both plans, for stock options and stock appreciation rights, the
exercise price on each grant date equaled the closing market price on the
grant date. Options are exercisable upon grant and expire up to 10 years
and one month from date of grant. The status of the restricted stock
granted to Consumers' key employees under the Performance Incentive Stock
Plan and options granted under both plans follows.
Restricted
Stock Options
---------- ---------------
Number Number Price
CMS Energy Common Stock of Shares of Shares per Share
--------- --------- ---------------
Outstanding at January 1, 1993 206,863 922,108 $ 7.13 - $34.25
Granted 83,775 142,550 $26.25 - $26.25
Exercised or Issued (33,325) (112,625) $ 7.13 - $21.13
Canceled (57,188) (33,000) $20.50 - $33.88
-------- -------- ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1993 200,125 919,033 $ 7.13 - $34.25
Granted 72,250 145,500 $22.00 - $22.00
Exercised or Issued (22,510) (138,650) $ 7.13 - $22.00
Canceled (60,087) (123,000) $26.25 - $33.88
-------- -------- ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994 189,778 802,883 $ 7.13 - $34.25
Granted 123,615 147,200 $24.75 - $34.25
Exercised or Issued (27,533) (93,333) $ 7.13 - $22.00
Canceled (16,807) (51,000) $20.50 - $34.25
-------- -------- ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 269,053 805,750 $13.00 - $34.25
======== ======== ===============
During 1995, 6,924 restricted shares and 10,000 options of Class G Common
Stock were granted at a price of $17.88.
10: Retirement Benefits
Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions: Consumers adopted SFAS
106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than
Pensions, effective as of the beginning of 1992 and recorded a liability
of $466 million for the accumulated transition obligation and a
corresponding regulatory asset for anticipated recovery in utility rates
(see Note 18). Both the MPSC and FERC have generally allowed recovery of
SFAS 106 costs. In May 1994, the MPSC authorized recovery of the electric
utility portion of these costs over 18 years. During 1995, the FERC
granted Consumers a waiver of a three-year filing requirement for cost
recovery with respect to its wholesale electric business, which at
December 31, 1995, had recorded a regulatory asset and liability of $7
million. In early 1996, the MPSC approved recovery of the gas utility
portion of these costs over 16 years. Consumers funds the benefits using
external Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Associations. Funding of the
health care benefits coincides with Consumers' recovery in rates. A
portion of the life insurance benefits have previously been funded.
Retiree health care costs at December 31, 1995, are based on the
assumption that costs would increase 9.5 percent in 1996, then decrease
gradually to 6 percent in 2004 and thereafter. The health care cost trend
rate assumption significantly affects the amounts reported. For example,
a 1 percentage point increase in each year's estimated health care cost
assumption would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation as of December 31, 1995 by $79 million and the aggregate of the
service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement
benefit costs for 1995 by $8 million.
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Weighted average discount rate 7.50% 8.00% 7.25%
Expected long-term rate of return
on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 8.50%
Net postretirement benefit costs for the health care benefits and life
insurance benefits consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Service cost $ 11 $ 13 $ 13
Interest cost 39 40 38
Actual return on assets (4) - -
Net amortization and deferral 1 - -
----- ----- -----
Net postretirement benefit costs $ 47 $ 53 $ 51
===== ===== =====
The funded status of the postretirement benefit plans is reconciled with
the liability recorded at December 31 as follows:
In Millions
1995 1994
------ ------
Actuarial present value of estimated benefits
Retirees $ 329 $ 336
Eligible for retirement 45 43
Active (upon retirement) 195 166
------ ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 569 545
Plan assets (primarily stocks, bonds and money
market investments) at fair value 76 35
------ -----
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
in excess of plan assets (493) (510)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss from experience
different than assumed (1) 2
------ ------
Recorded liability $ (494) $ (508)
====== ======
Consumers' postretirement health care plan is partially funded; the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for that plan is $554
million and $530 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan: Certain management employees
qualify to participate in the SERP. SERP benefits, which are based on an
employee's years of service and earnings as defined in the SERP, are paid
from a trust established and funded in 1988. Because the SERP is not a
qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code, earnings of the trust are
taxable and trust assets are included in consolidated assets. At
December 31, 1995 and 1994, trust assets at cost (which approximates
market) were $19 million and $14 million, respectively, and were
classified as other noncurrent assets.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: A trusteed, non-contributory, defined
benefit Pension Plan covers substantially all employees. The benefits are
based on an employee's years of accredited service and earnings, as
defined in the plan, during an employee's five highest years of earnings.
Because the plan was fully funded, no contributions were made in 1993 and
1994. A contribution of $9 million was made in 1995. Amounts presented
below for the Pension Plan include minor amounts for employees of
CMS Energy and non-utility affiliates which were not distinguishable from
the plan's total assets.
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Discount rate 7.50% 8.00% 7.25%
Rate of compensation increase 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 9.25% 9.25% 8.75%
Net Pension Plan and SERP costs consisted of:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Service cost $ 22 $ 23 $ 19
Interest cost 54 50 49
Actual return on plan assets (168) 21 (92)
Net amortization and deferral 103 (85) 34
----- ----- -----
Net periodic pension cost $ 11 $ 9 $ 10
===== ===== =====
The funded status of the Pension Plan and SERP reconciled to the pension
liability recorded at December 31 was:
In Millions
Pension Plan SERP
------------ ------------
1995 1994 1995 1994
----- ----- ----- -----
Actuarial present value of
estimated benefits
Vested $ 496 $ 421 $ 12 $ 13
Non-vested 74 61 - -
----- ----- ----- -----
Accumulated benefit obligation 570 482 12 13
Provision for future pay increases 183 154 7 6
----- ----- ----- -----
Projected benefit obligation 753 636 19 19
Plan assets (primarily stocks
and bonds, including $104 in
1995 and $79 in 1994 in common
stock of CMS Energy) at fair value 779 637 - -
----- ----- ----- -----
Projected benefit obligation less
than (in excess of) plan assets 26 1 (19) (19)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss from
experience different than assumed (69) (35) 2 3
Unrecognized prior service cost 43 40 1 1
Unrecognized net transition
(asset) obligation (32) (39) - 1
----- ----- ----- -----
Recorded liability $ (32) $ (33) $ (16) $ (14)
===== ===== ===== =====
Beginning January 1, 1986, the amortization period for the Pension Plan's
unrecognized net transition asset is 16 years and 11 years for the SERP's
unrecognized net transition obligation. Prior service costs are amortized
on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of
active employees.
11: Leases
Consumers leases various assets, including vehicles, rail cars, aircraft,
construction equipment, computer equipment, nuclear fuel and buildings.
Consumers' nuclear fuel capital leasing arrangement is scheduled to expire
in November 1997 and provides for additional one-year extensions upon
mutual agreement by the parties. Upon termination of the lease, the
lessor would be entitled to a cash payment equal to its remaining
investment, which was $65 million as of December 31, 1995. Consumers is
responsible for payment of taxes, maintenance, operating costs, and
insurance.
Minimum rental commitments under Consumers' non-cancelable leases at
December 31, 1995, were:
In Millions
Capital Operating
Leases Leases
1996 $ 53 $ 3
1997 55 3
1998 16 2
1999 14 2
2000 12 2
2001 and thereafter 24 17
----- -----
Total minimum lease payments 174 $ 29
Less imputed interest 25 =====
-----
Present value of net minimum lease payments 149
Less current portion 45
-----
Non-current portion $ 104
=====
Consumers recovers these charges from customers and accordingly charges
payments for its capital and operating leases to operating expense.
Operating lease charges, including charges to clearing and other accounts
as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, were $7 million, 8 million and $8
million, respectively.
Capital lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993 were $45 million, $40 million and $32 million, respectively.
Included in these amounts for the years ended 1995, 1994 and 1993, are
nuclear fuel lease expenses of $25 million, $21 million and $13 million,
respectively.
12: Commitments and Contingencies
Ludington Pumped Storage Plant: Early in 1996, the FERC and MPSC approved
the recovery of costs associated with a settlement designed to resolve all
legal issues related to fish mortality at Ludington. Consumers, Detroit
Edison, the Attorney General, the DNR and certain other parties agreed to
the terms of the settlement in 1994. Approval of the settlement requires
Consumers to transfer certain land to the State of Michigan and the Great
Lakes Fishery Trust, make certain recreational improvements, and incur
future annual payments of approximately $1 million (over 24 years) to
improve fishery resources. The settlement resolves two lawsuits filed by
the Attorney General in 1986 and 1987 on behalf of the State of Michigan.
Environmental Matters: Consumers is a so-called "potentially responsible
party" at several sites being administered under Superfund. Superfund
liability is joint and several and along with Consumers, there are
numerous credit-worthy, potentially responsible parties with substantial
assets cooperating with respect to the individual sites. Based upon past
negotiations, Consumers estimates its total liability for the significant
sites will average less than 4 percent of the estimated total site
remediation costs, and such liability is expected to be less than $9
million. At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a liability for its
estimated losses.
The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (formerly
the Michigan Environmental Response Act) was substantially amended in June
1995. The Michigan law bears similarities to the federal Superfund law.
The purpose of the 1995 amendments was generally to encourage development
of industrial sites and to remove liability from some parties who were not
responsible for activities causing contamination. Consumers expects that
it will ultimately incur investigation and remedial action costs at a
number of sites, including some of the 23 sites that formerly housed
manufactured gas plant facilities, even those in which it has a partial or
no current ownership interest.
Consumers has prepared plans for remedial investigation/feasibility
studies for several of these sites. Three of the four plans submitted by
Consumers have been approved by the DNR or the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (a new department succeeding to some of the former
jurisdiction of the DNR). The findings for the first remedial
investigation indicate that the expenditures for remedial action at this
site are likely to be minimal. However, Consumers does not believe that a
single site is representative of all of the sites. Data available to
Consumers and its continued internal review have resulted in an estimate
for all costs related to investigation and remedial action for all 23
sites of between $48 million and $112 million. These estimates are based
on undiscounted 1995 costs. At December 31, 1995, Consumers has accrued a
liability of $48 million and has established a regulatory asset for
approximately the same amount. Any significant change in assumptions such
as remediation technique, nature and extent of contamination and legal and
regulatory requirements, could impact the estimate of remedial action
costs for the sites.
Consumers requested recovery and deferral of certain investigation and
remedial action costs in its gas rate case filed in 1994. In early 1996,
the MPSC issued an order in this case which authorized Consumers to defer
costs and amortize them over 10 years. The amount of authorized annual
recovery totaled $1 million. Consumers is continuing discussions with
certain insurance companies regarding coverage for some or all of the
costs which may be incurred for these sites.
The federal Clean Air Act contains provisions that limit emissions of
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides and require emissions monitoring.
Consumers' coal-fueled electric generating units burn low-sulfur coal and
are presently operating at or near the sulfur dioxide emission limits
which will be effective in the year 2000. The Clean Air Act's provisions
required Consumers to make capital expenditures totaling $25 million to
install equipment at certain generating units. Consumers estimates
capital expenditures for in-process and possible modifications at other
coal-fired units to be an additional $50 million by the year 2000. Final
acid rain program nitrogen oxide regulations specifying the limits
applicable to the other coal-fired units are expected to be issued in
1996. Management believes that Consumers' annual operating costs will not
be materially affected.
Capital Expenditures: Consumers estimates capital expenditures, including
new lease commitments, of $435 million for 1996, $395 million for 1997 and
$400 million for 1998.
Commitments for Coal and Gas Supplies: Consumers has entered into coal
supply contracts with various suppliers for its coal-fired generating
stations. These contracts have expiration dates that range from 1997 to
2004. Consumers contracts for approximately 60 - 70 percent of its annual
coal requirements which in 1995 totaled $233 million (72 percent was under
long-term contracts). Consumers supplements its long-term contracts with
spot-market purchases to fulfill its coal needs.
Consumers has entered into gas supply contracts with various suppliers for
its natural gas business. These contracts have expiration dates that
range from 1996 to 2003. In 1995, Consumers' gas requirements totaled
$694 million (80 percent was under long-term contracts). In the future,
Consumers expects that approximately 35 percent of its annual gas
requirements will be under long-term contracts as current contracts
expire. Consumers supplements its long-term contracts with spot-market
purchases to fulfill its gas needs.
Other: Consumers has experienced a number of lawsuits filed against it
relating to so-called stray voltage. Claimants contend that stray voltage
results when small electrical currents present in grounded electrical
systems are diverted from their intended path. Consumers maintains a
policy of investigating all customer calls regarding stray voltage and
working with customers to address their concerns including, when
necessary, modifying the grounding of the customer's service. At December
31, 1995, Consumers had 30 separate stray voltage lawsuits awaiting trial
court action, down from 83 lawsuits at December 31, 1994.
In addition to the matters disclosed in these notes, Consumers and certain
of its subsidiaries are parties to certain lawsuits and administrative
proceedings before various courts and governmental agencies, arising from
the ordinary course of business involving personal injury and property
damage, contractual matters, environmental issues, federal and state
taxes, rates, licensing and other matters.
Estimated losses for certain contingencies discussed in this note have
been accrued. Resolution of these contingencies is not expected to have a
material impact on Consumers' financial position or results of operations.
13: Nuclear Matters
In 1993, the NRC approved the design of the spent fuel dry storage casks
now being used by Consumers at Palisades. In order to address concerns
raised subsequent to the initial cask loading, Consumers and the NRC each
analyzed the effects of seismic and other natural hazards on the support
pad on which the casks are placed, and confirmed that the pad location is
acceptable to support the casks. As of December 31, 1995, Consumers had
loaded 13 dry storage casks with spent nuclear fuel at Palisades.
In 1996, Consumers plans to unload and replace one of the loaded casks.
In a review of the cask manufacturer's quality assurance program,
Consumers detected indications of minor flaws in welds in the steel liner
of one of the loaded casks. Although the cask continues to safely store
spent fuel and there is no requirement for its replacement, Consumers has
nevertheless decided to remove the spent fuel and insert it in another
cask. Consumers has examined radiographs for all of its casks and has
found all other welds acceptable. Certain parties, including the Attorney
General, have petitioned the NRC to suspend Consumers' general license to
store spent fuel, claiming that Consumers' cask unloading procedure does
not satisfy NRC regulations. The NRC staff is reviewing the petitions.
The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act encourages the respective
states, individually or in cooperation with each other, to be responsible
for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Currently, a low-level
waste site does not exist in Michigan and Consumers has been storing low-
level waste at its nuclear plant sites. Consumers began shipping its low-
level waste to a site in South Carolina during 1995 and plans to have all
its currently stored low-level waste removed from the plant sites by the
end of 1996.
Consumers maintains insurance coverage against property damage, debris
removal, personal injury liability and other risks that are present at its
nuclear generating facilities. This insurance includes coverage for
replacement power costs for the major portion of prolonged accidental
outages for 12 months after a 21 week exclusion with reduced coverage to
approximately 80 percent for two additional years. If certain loss events
occur at its own or other nuclear plants similarly insured, Consumers
could be required to pay maximum assessments of: $30 million in any one
year to NML and NEIL; $79 million per event under the nuclear liability
secondary financial protection program, limited to $10 million per event
in any one year; and $6 million in the event of nuclear workers claiming
bodily injury from radiation exposure. Consumers considers the
possibility of these assessments to be remote.
Under its NML and NEIL policies, Consumers may be entitled to cash
distributions following the discontinued operation of its nuclear
facilities. The amount of any distribution would be determined by NML and
NEIL and would be based, in part, on their overall underwriting
experience.
As an NRC licensee, Consumers is required to make certain calculations and
report to the NRC about the continuing ability of the Palisades reactor
vessel to withstand postulated "pressurized thermal shock" events during
its remaining license life, in light of the embrittlement of reactor
vessel materials over time due to operation in a radioactive environment.
Analysis of recent data from testing of similar materials indicates that
the Palisades reactor vessel can be safely operated through late 1999. In
April 1995, Consumers received a Safety Evaluation Report from the NRC
concurring with this evaluation and requesting submittal of an action plan
to provide for operation of the plant beyond 1999. Consumers is
developing plans to anneal the reactor vessel in 1998 at an estimated cost
of $20 million to $30 million. This repair would allow for operation of
the plant to the end of its license life in the year 2007. Consumers
cannot predict whether the studies being conducted as part of the
development plans will support a future decision to anneal.
14: Jointly Owned Utility Facilities
Consumers is responsible for providing its share of financing for the
jointly owned facilities. The following table indicates the extent of
Consumers' investment in jointly owned utility facilities:
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
----- -----
Net investment
Ludington - 51% $116 $119
Campbell Unit 3 - 93.3% 332 337
Transmission lines - various 33 31
Accumulated depreciation
Ludington $ 81 $ 76
Campbell Unit 3 238 224
Transmission lines 14 11
15: Supplemental Cash Flow Information
For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments
with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash
equivalents. Other cash flow activities and non-cash investing and
financing activities for the years ended December 31 were:
In Millions
1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Cash transactions
Interest paid (net of amounts
capitalized) $158 $147 $177
Income taxes paid (net of refunds) 43 34 90
Non-cash transactions
Nuclear fuel placed under capital lease $ 26 $ 21 $ 28
Other assets placed under capital leases 5 15 30
Capital leases refinanced 21 - 42
Changes in other assets and liabilities as shown on the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows at December 31 are described below:
In Millions
1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Sale of receivables, net $ 20 $ (10) $ 60
Accounts receivable (55) (4) 19
Accrued revenue 1 24 (48)
Inventories 54 (5) (32)
Accounts payable 48 19 (25)
Accrued refunds (4) (3) (48)
Other current assets and liabilities, net 28 12 (45)
Non-current deferred amounts, net (8) (9) (7)
------ ------ ------
$ 84 $ 24 $(126)
====== ====== ======
16: Reportable Segments
The Consolidated Statements of Income show operating revenue and pretax
operating income by segments. These amounts include earnings from
investments accounted for by the equity method of $38 million, $16 million
and $6 million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Other segment
information follows:
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Electric $ 272 $ 257 $ 241
Gas 83 76 73
Other 2 2 2
------ ------ ------
$ 357 $ 335 $ 316
====== ====== ======
Identifiable assets
Electric (a) $ 4,522 $ 4,364 $ 4,100
Gas (a) 1,690 1,673 1,628
Other 742 772 823
------ ------ ------
$ 6,954 $ 6,809 $ 6,551
======= ====== ======
Capital expenditures (b)
Electric $ 328 $ 358 $ 403
Gas 126 134 158
------ ------ ------
$ 454 $ 492 $ 561
====== ====== ======
(a) Amounts include an attributed portion of Consumers' other common
assets to both the electric and gas utility businesses.
(b) Includes capital leases for nuclear fuel and other assets and electric
DSM costs (see Statement of Cash Flows). Amounts also include an
attributed portion of Consumers' capital expenditures for plant and
equipment common to both the electric and gas utility businesses.
17: Related-Party Transactions
Consumers has an investment of $250 million in 10 shares of Enterprises'
preferred stock. Beginning in 1997, a five-year redemption program of $50
million per year will commence. In addition, Consumers has an investment
in approximately 3 million shares of CMS Energy Common Stock with a fair
value totaling $88 million (see Note 8) at December 31, 1995. As a result
of these two investments, Consumers received dividends on affiliates'
common and preferred stock totaling $17 million in 1995 and 1994 and $16
million in 1993. CMS Midland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Consumers,
holds a $10 million short-term note from Consumers, in satisfaction of a
covenant related to CMS Midland's general partnership interest in the MCV
Partnership.
Consumers purchases a portion of its gas from an affiliate, CMS NOMECO Oil
& Gas Co. The amounts of purchases for the years ended 1995, 1994 and
1993 were $19 million, $1 million and $3 million, respectively. In 1995,
1994 and 1993, Consumers purchased $53 million, $48 million and $52
million, respectively, of electric generating capacity and energy from
affiliates of Enterprises. Consumers and its subsidiaries sold, stored
and transported natural gas and provided other services to the MCV
Partnership totaling approximately $13 million for 1995, $13 million for
1994 and $14 million for 1993. For additional discussion of related-party
transactions with the MCV Partnership and the FMLP, see Notes 3 and 19.
Other related-party transactions are immaterial.
18: Effects of the Ratemaking Process
The following regulatory assets (liabilities) which include both current
and non-current amounts, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
These assets represent probable future revenue to Consumers associated
with certain incurred costs as these costs are recovered through the
ratemaking process.
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
------ ------
Postretirement benefits (Note 10) $ 487 $ 503
Income taxes (Note 5) 176 189
Abandoned Midland project 131 147
DSM - deferred costs (Note 4) 68 71
Trunkline settlement 55 85
Manufactured gas plant sites (Note 12) 47 47
Power purchase contracts (Note 3) 44 30
Uranium enrichment facility 25 25
Other 22 31
------ ------
Total regulatory assets $1,055 $1,128
====== ======
Income taxes (Note 5) $ (220) $ (205)
DSM - deferred revenue (25) (21)
Other (1) -
------ ------
Total regulatory liabilities $ (246) $ (226)
====== ======
At December 31, 1995, approximately $778 million of Consumers' regulatory
assets are being recovered through rates being charged to customers over
periods of up to 17 years. Consumers anticipates MPSC approval for
recovery of the remaining amounts.
19: Summarized Financial Information of Significant Related Energy
Supplier
Under the PPA with the MCV Partnership discussed in Note 3, Consumers'
1995 obligation to purchase electric capacity from the MCV Partnership was
approximately 16 percent of Consumers' owned and contracted capacity.
Summarized financial information of the MCV Partnership follows:
Statements of Income
In Millions
Years Ended December 31 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
Operating revenue (a) $ 618 $ 579 $ 548
Operating expenses 386 378 362
----- ----- -----
Operating income 232 201 186
Other expense, net 171 183 189
----- ----- -----
Net income (loss) $ 61 $ 18 $ (3)
===== ===== =====
Balance Sheets
In Millions
December 31 1995 1994
Assets
Current assets (b) $ 263 $ 206
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,948 2,012
Other assets 156 154
------ ------
$2,367 $2,372
====== ======
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Current liabilities $ 225 $ 218
Long-term debt and other non-current
liabilities (c) 2,008 2,081
Partners' equity (d) 134 73
------ ------
$2,367 $2,372
====== ======
(a) Revenue from Consumers totaled $571 million, $534 million and $505
million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
(b) At December 31, 1995 and 1994, $48 million was receivable from
Consumers.
(c) FMLP is the sole beneficiary of an owner trust that is the lessor in a
long-term direct finance lease with the lessee, MCV Partnership.
CMS Holdings holds a 46.4 percent ownership interest in FMLP. At December
31, 1995 and 1994, lease obligations of $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion,
respectively, were owed to the owner trust. CMS Holdings' share of the
interest and principal portion for the 1995 lease payments was $66 million
and $23 million, respectively, and for the 1994 lease payments was $68
million and $14 million, respectively. The lease payments service $1.1
billion and $1.2 billion in non-recourse debt outstanding as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, of the owner-trust. FMLP's debt is
secured by the MCV Partnership's lease obligations, assets, and operating
revenues. For 1995 and 1994, the owner-trust made debt payments
(including interest) of $192 million and $175 million, respectively.
(d) CMS Midland's recorded investment in the MCV Partnership includes
capitalized interest, which is being amortized to expense over the life of
its investment in the MCV Partnership.
136
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To Consumers Power Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of long-term debt and preferred stock of CONSUMERS
POWER COMPANY (a Michigan corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of CMS
Energy Corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and
the related consolidated statements of income, common stockholder's
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based upon
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Consumers Power Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Detroit, Michigan,
January 26, 1996.
137
Quarterly Financial Information Consumers Power Company
In Millions
1995 (Unaudited) 1994 (Unaudited)
Quarters Ended March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Operating revenue $1,032 $750 $772 $956 $1,074 $734 $705 $843
Pretax operating income 187 109 136 116 172 105 117 87
Net income 94 45 63 53 85 46 52 43
Preferred stock dividends 7 7 7 7 3 7 7 7
Net income after preferred
stock dividends 87 38 56 46 82 39 45 36
138
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
CMS Energy
None for CMS Energy.
Consumers
None for Consumers.
PART III
(ITEMS 10., 11., 12. and 13.)
CMS Energy
CMS Energy's definitive Proxy Statement, except for the organization and
compensation committee report contained therein, is incorporated by
reference herein. See also Item 1. BUSINESS for information pursuant to
Item 10.
Consumers
Consumers' definitive Proxy Statement, except for the organization and
compensation committee report contained therein, is incorporated by
reference herein. See also Item 1. BUSINESS for information pursuant to
Item 10.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a)(1) Financial Statements and Reports of Independent Public Accountants
for CMS Energy and Consumers are listed in Item 8 in the Index to
Financial Statements, and are incorporated by reference herein.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules and Reports of Independent Public
Accountants for CMS Energy and Consumers are listed after the
Exhibits in the Index to Financial Statement Schedules, and are
incorporated by reference herein.
(a)(3) Exhibits for CMS Energy and Consumers are listed after Item (c)
below and are incorporated by reference herein.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K for CMS Energy and Consumers.
CMS Energy
Current Reports dated January 10, 1995, February 2, 1995, September
11, 1995 and February 23, 1996 covering matters reported pursuant
to Item 5. Other Events.
Consumers
Current Reports dated January 10, 1995, February 2, 1995, September
11, 1995 and January 18, 1996 covering matters reported pursuant to
Item 5. Other Events.
(c) Exhibits, including those incorporated by reference (see also
Exhibit volume).
139
The following exhibits are applicable to CMS Energy and Consumers except
where otherwise indicated "CMS ONLY":
CMS Energy
and Consumers
Exhibit Numbers
- ---------------
(1)-(2) - Not applicable.
(3)(a) (CMS ONLY) - Restated Articles of Incorporation of
CMS Energy Corporation. (Designated in
CMS Energy Corporation's Form S-4 dated
June 6, 1995, File No. 33-60007, as
Exhibit (3)(i).)
(3)(b) (CMS ONLY) - Copy of the By-Laws of CMS Energy
Corporation (Designated in CMS Energy
Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit 3(b).)
(3)(c) - Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Consumers Power Company. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1994, File No.
1-5611, as Exhibit 3(c).)
(3)(d) - Copy of By-Laws of Consumers Power
Company. (Designated in Consumers Power
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994, File No. 1-5611, as
Exhibit 3(d).)
(4)(a) - Composite Working Copy of Indenture dated
as of September 1, 1945, between Consumers
Power Company and Chemical Bank (successor
to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company),
as Trustee, including therein indentures
supplemental thereto through the
Forty-third Supplemental Indenture dated
as of May 1, 1979. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Registration
No. 2-65973 as Exhibit (b)(1)-4.)
Indentures Supplemental thereto:
Consumers
Power Company
Sup Ind/Dated as of File Reference Exhibit
------------------- ---------------- -------
65th 02/15/88 Form 8-K dated
Feb 18, 1988
File No 1-5611 (4)
67th 11/15/89 Reg No 33-31866 (4)(d)
68th 06/15/93 Reg No 33-41126 (4)(c)
69th 09/15/93 Form 8-K dated
September 21, 1993
File No 1-5611 (4)
(4)(b) - Indenture dated as of January 1, 1996 between Consumers
Power Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 18, 1996
between Consumers Power Company and The Bank of New York,
as Trustee.
(4)(c)
(CMS ONLY) - Indenture between CMS Energy Corporation and NBD Bank,
National Association, as Trustee. (Designated in
CMS Energy's Form S-3 Registration Statement filed May 1,
1992, File No. 33-47629, as Exhibit (4)(a).)
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992
between CMS Energy Corporation and NBD Bank, National
Association, as Trustee. (Designated in CMS Energy's Form
8-K dated October 1, 1992, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (4).)
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992
between CMS Energy Corporation and NBD Bank, National
Association, as Trustee. (Designated in CMS Energy's
Form 8-K dated October 1, 1992, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (4).)
(4)(d)
(CMS ONLY) - Indenture between CMS Energy Corporation and Chase
Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Trustee, dated
as of January 15, 1994. (Designated in CMS Energy's
Form 8-K dated March 29, 1994, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (4a).)
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 20, 1994
between CMS Energy Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank
(National Association), as Trustee. (Designated in
CMS Energy's Form 8-K dated March 29, 1994, File
No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (4b).)
(5)-(9) - Not applicable.
(10)(a)
(CMS ONLY) - Credit Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995, among
CMS Energy Corporation, the Banks, the Co-Agents, the
Documentation Agent, the Operational Agent and the Co-
Managers, all as defined therein, and the Exhibits
thereto. (Designated in CMS Energy's Form S-4
Registration Statement filed January 12, 1996, File No.
33-60007, as Exhibit 4(ii).)
(10)(b)
(CMS ONLY) - Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995, among
CMS Energy Corporation, the Banks, the Co-Agents, the
Documentation Agent, the Operational Agent and the Co-
Managers, all as defined therein, and the Exhibits
thereto. (Designated in CMS Energy's Form S-4
Registration Statement filed January 12, 1996, File No.
33-60007, as Exhibit 4(ii)(A).)
(10)(c) - Employment Agreement dated as of August 1, 1990 among
Consumers Power Company, CMS Energy Corporation and
William T. McCormick, Jr (Designated in CMS Energy
Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1990, File No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (10)(c).)
(10)(d) - Employment Agreement effective as of June 15, 1988 among
Consumers Power Company, CMS Energy Corporation and
Victor J. Fryling. (Designated in Consumers Power
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988,
File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit (10)(i).)
(10)(e) - Employment Agreement dated May 26, 1989 between Consumers
Power Company and Michael G. Morris. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1990, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit (10)(f).)
(10)(f) - Employment Agreement dated May 26, 1989 between Consumers
Power Company and David A. Mikelonis. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1991, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit 10(h).)
(10)(g) - Employment Agreement dated May 26, 1989 among Consumers
Power Company, CMS Energy Corporation and John W. Clark.
(Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (10)(f).)
(10)(h) - Employment Agreement dated March 25, 1992 between
Consumers Power Company, CMS Energy Corporation and
Alan M. Wright. (Designated in Consumers Power Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, File
No. 1-5611, as Exhibit 10(j).)
(10)(i) - Employment Agreement dated March 25, 1992 between
Consumers Power Company and Paul A. Elbert. (Designated
in Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1992, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit 10(k).)
(10)(j)
(CMS ONLY) - Employment Agreement dated January 12, 1996 between CMS
Energy Corporation and Rodger A. Kershner.
(10)(k) - Consumers Power Company's Executive Stock Option and Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan effective December 1, 1989.
(Designated in Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-5611, as
Exhibit (10)(g).)
(10)(l) - CMS Energy Corporation's Performance Incentive Stock Plan
effective as of December 1, 1989. (Designated in
CMS Energy Corporation's Form S-8 Registration Statement
filed August 4, 1995, File No. 33-61595, as
Exhibit (4)(d).)
(10)(m) - CMS Deferred Salary Savings Plan effective January 1,
1994. (Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (10)(m).)
(10)(n) - CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Power Company Annual
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan effective January 1,
1986, as amended January 1995.
(10)(o) - Consumers Power Company's Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan effective November 1, 1990. (Designated
in Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit (10)(o).)
(10)(p) - Senior Trust Indenture, Leasehold Mortgage and Security
Agreement dated as of June 1, 1990 between The Connecticut
National Bank and United States Trust Company of New York.
(Designated in Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited
Partnership's Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File
No. 33-37977, as Exhibit 4.1.)
Indenture Supplemental thereto:
Supplement No. 1 dated as of June 1, 1990. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 4.2.)
(10)(q) - Collateral Trust Indenture dated as of June 1, 1990 among
Midland Funding Corporation I, Midland Cogeneration
Venture Limited Partnership and United States Trust
Company of New York, Trustee. (Designated in CMS Energy
Corporation's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1990, File No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (28)(b).)
Indenture Supplemental thereto:
Supplement No. 1 dated as of June 1, 1990. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 4.4.)
(10)(r) - Amended and Restated Investor Partner Tax Indemnification
Agreement dated as of June 1, 1990 among Investor
Partners, CMS Midland Holdings Corporation as Indemnitor
and CMS Energy Corporation as Guarantor. (Designated in
CMS Energy Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1990, File No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (10)(v).)
(10)(s) - Environmental Agreement dated as of June 1, 1990 made by
CMS Energy Corporation to The Connecticut National Bank
and Others. (Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990, File
No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (10)(y) and Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1991, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (19)(d).)**
(10)(t) - Indemnity Agreement dated as of June 1, 1990 made by
CMS Energy Corporation to Midland Cogeneration Venture
Limited Partnership. (Designated in CMS Energy
Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1990, File No. 1-9513, as Exhibit (10)(z).)**
(10)(u) - Environmental Agreement dated as of June 1, 1990 made by
CMS Energy Corporation to United States Trust Company of
New York, Meridian Trust Company, each Subordinated
Collateral Trust Trustee and Holders from time to time of
Senior Bonds and Subordinated Bonds and Participants from
time to time in Senior Bonds and Subordinated Bonds.
(Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-9513, as
Exhibit (10)(aa).)**
(10)(v) - Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated as of
June 1, 1990 among Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited
Partnership, Owner Participant, The Connecticut National
Bank, United States Trust Company, Meridian Trust Company,
Midland Funding Corporation I, Midland Funding
Corporation II, MEC Development Corporation and
Institutional Senior Bond Purchasers. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 4.13.)
Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1991. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1991, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit (10)(w).)
(10)(w) - Power Purchase Agreement dated as of July 17, 1986 between
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership and
Consumers Power Company. (Designated in Midland
Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's Form S-1 filed
November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as Exhibit 10.4.)
Amendments thereto:
Amendment No. 1 dated September 10, 1987. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 10.5.)
Amendment No. 2 dated March 18, 1988. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 10.6.)
Amendment No. 3 dated August 28, 1989. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 10.7.)
Amendment No. 4A dated May 25, 1989. (Designated in
Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership's
Form S-1 filed November 23, 1990, File No. 33-37977, as
Exhibit 10.8.)
(10)(x) - Request for Approval of Settlement Proposal to Resolve MCV
Cost Recovery Issues and Court Remand, filed with the
Michigan Public Service Commission on July 7, 1992, MPSC
Case No. U-10127. (Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's
and Consumers Power Company's Forms 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1991 as amended by Form 8 dated
July 15, 1992 as Exhibit (28).)
(10)(y) - Settlement Proposal Filed on July 7, 1992 as Revised on
September 8, 1992 by Filing with the Michigan Public
Service Commission. (Designated in CMS Energy
Corporation's and Consumers Power Company's Forms 8-K
dated September 8, 1992 as Exhibit (28).)
(10)(z) - Michigan Public Service Commission Order Dated March 31,
1993, Approving with Modifications the Settlement Proposal
Filed on July 7, 1992, as Revised on September 8, 1992.
(Designated in CMS Energy Corporation's and Consumers
Power Company's Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1992 as Exhibit (10)(cc).)
(10)(aa) - Unwind Agreement dated as of December 10, 1991 by and
among CMS Energy Corporation, Midland Group, Ltd.,
Consumers Power Company, CMS Midland, Inc., MEC
Development Corp. and CMS Midland Holdings Company.
(Designated in Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1991, File No. 1-5611, as
Exhibit (10)(y).)
(10)(bb) - Stipulated AGE Release Amount Payment Agreement dated as
of June 1, 1990, among CMS Energy Corporation, Consumers
Power Company and The Dow Chemical Company. (Designated
in Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1991, File No. 1-5611, as Exhibit (10)(z).)
(10)(cc) - Parent Guaranty dated as of June 14, 1990 from CMS Energy
Corporation to MCV, each of the Owner Trustees, the
Indenture Trustees, the Owner Participants and the Initial
Purchasers of Senior Bonds in the MCV Sale Leaseback
transaction, and MEC Development. (Designated in
Consumers Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1991, File No. 1-5611, as
Exhibit (10)(aa).)**
(11)-(12) - Not applicable.
(13) - Not Applicable.
(14)-(20) - Not applicable.
(21)(a)
(CMS ONLY) - Subsidiaries of CMS Energy Corporation.
(21)(b) - Subsidiaries of Consumers Power Company.
(22) - Not applicable.
(23) - Consents of experts and counsel.
(24)(a) - Power of Attorney for CMS Energy Corporation.
(24)(b) - Power of Attorney for Consumers Power Company.
(25)-(26) - Not applicable.
(27)(a) - Financial Data Schedule UT for CMS Energy Corporation.
(27)(b) - Financial Data Schedule UT for Consumers Power Company.
(28) - Not applicable
(99) - CMS Energy: Consumers Gas Group Financials
** Obligations of only CMS Holdings and CMS Midland, second tier
subsidiaries of Consumers, and of CMS Energy but not of Consumers.
Exhibits listed above which have heretofore been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to various acts administered by the
Commission, and which were designated as noted above, are hereby
incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof with the same
effect as if filed herewith.
146
Index to Financial Statement Schedules
Page
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
1995, 1994 and 1993:
CMS Energy Corporation 147
Consumers Power Company 148
Report of Independent Public Accountants
CMS Energy Corporation 149
Consumers Power Company 150
Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are
either not required, not applicable or the required information is shown
in the financial statements or notes thereto.
Columns omitted from schedules filed have been omitted because the
information is not applicable.
147
CMS ENERGY CORPORATION
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
(Millions of Dollars)
Balance at Charged Charged to Balance
Beginning to other at End
Description of Period Expense Accounts Deductions of Period
Accumulated provision for
uncollectible accounts
(substantially all
Consumers Power Company):
1995 $5 $10 - $11(a) $4
1994 $4 $12 - $11(a) $5
1993 $5 $ 9 - $10(a) $4
(a) Accounts receivable written off including net uncollectible amounts of $10 in 1995, $10 in 1994, and
$8 in 1993 charged directly to operating expense and credited to accounts receivable.
148
CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
(Millions of Dollars)
Balance at Charged Charged to Balance
Beginning to other at End
Description of Period Expense Accounts Deductions of Period
Accumulated provision for
uncollectible accounts:
1995 $4 $10 - $11(a) $3
1994 $4 $11 - $11(a) $4
1993 $5 $ 9 - $10(a) $4
(a) Accounts receivable written off including net uncollectible amounts of $10 in 1995, $10 in 1994, and $8 in
1993 charged directly to operating expense and credited to accounts receivable.
149
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To CMS Energy Corporation:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated financial statements included in CMS Energy Corporation's
1995 Annual Report to shareholders incorporated by reference in this Form
10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 26, 1996. Our
audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed
in Item 14(a) is the responsibility of the Company's management and is
presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and,
in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Detroit, Michigan,
January 26, 1996.
150
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To Consumers Power Company:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated financial statements included in Consumers Power
Company's 1995 Annual Report to shareholders incorporated by reference in
this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 26, 1996.
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed
in Item 14(a) is the responsibility of the Company's management and is
presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and,
in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Detroit, Michigan,
January 26, 1996.
151
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, CMS Energy Corporation has duly caused this Annual
Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, on the 14th day of March 1996.
CMS ENERGY CORPORATION
By William T. McCormick, Jr.
---------------------------
William T. McCormick, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
CMS Energy Corporation and in the capacities and on the 14th day of March
1996.
Signature Title
(i) Principal executive officer:
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
William T. McCormick, Jr. and Director
---------------------------
William T. McCormick, Jr.
(ii) Principal financial officer:
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
A M Wright and Treasurer
---------------------------
Alan M. Wright
(iii) Controller or principal
accounting officer:
Senior Vice President, Controller
P. D. Hopper and Chief Accounting Officer
---------------------------
Preston D. Hopper
(iv) A majority of the Directors
including those named above:
James J. Duderstadt* Director
---------------------------
James J. Duderstadt
K R Flaherty* Director
---------------------------
Kathleen R. Flaherty
Victor J. Fryling* Director
---------------------------
Victor J. Fryling
Earl D. Holton* Director
---------------------------
Earl D. Holton
Lois A. Lund* Director
---------------------------
Lois A. Lund
Frank H. Merlotti* Director
---------------------------
Frank H. Merlotti
Michael G. Morris* Director
---------------------------
Michael G. Morris
W. U. Parfet* Director
---------------------------
William U. Parfet
Percy A. Pierre* Director
---------------------------
Percy A. Pierre
K. Whipple* Director
---------------------------
Kenneth Whipple
John B. Yasinsky* Director
---------------------------
John B. Yasinsky
* By Thomas A. McNish
---------------------------
Thomas A. McNish, Attorney-in-Fact
153
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Consumers Power Company has duly caused this Annual
Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, on the 14th day of March 1996.
CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY
By William T. McCormick, Jr.
---------------------------
William T. McCormick, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
Consumers Power Company and in the capacities and on the 14th day of March
1996.
Signature Title
(i) Principal executive officer:
President,
Chief Executive Officer
Michael G. Morris and Director
---------------------------
Michael G. Morris
(ii) Principal financial officer:
Senior Vice President and
A M Wright Chief Financial Officer
---------------------------
Alan M. Wright
(iii) Controller or principal
accounting officer:
Vice President and
Dennis DaPra Controller
---------------------------
Dennis DaPra
(iv) A majority of the Directors
including those named above:
James J. Duderstadt* Director
---------------------------
James J. Duderstadt
K R Flaherty* Director
---------------------------
Kathleen R. Flaherty
Victor J. Fryling* Director
---------------------------
Victor J. Fryling
Earl D. Holton* Director
---------------------------
Earl D. Holton
Lois A. Lund* Director
---------------------------
Lois A. Lund
William T. McCormick, Jr.* Director
---------------------------
William T. McCormick, Jr.
Frank H. Merlotti* Director
---------------------------
Frank H. Merlotti
W. U. Parfet* Director
---------------------------
William U. Parfet
Percy A. Pierre* Director
---------------------------
Percy A. Pierre
K. Whipple* Director
---------------------------
Kenneth Whipple
John B. Yasinsky* Director
---------------------------
John B. Yasinsky
*By Thomas A. McNish
---------------------------
Thomas A. McNish, Attorney-in-Fact