CONFORMED
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) | |
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) | |
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number 1-3701
AVISTA CORPORATION
Washington | 91-0462470 | |
|
||
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
1411 East Mission Avenue, Spokane, Washington | 99202-2600 | |
|
||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: 509-489-0500
Web site: http://www.avistacorp.com
None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):
Yes x No o
As of July 31, 2003, 48,277,032 shares of Registrants Common Stock, no par value (the only class of common stock), were outstanding.
AVISTA CORPORATION
Index
Page No. | ||||||
Part I. Financial Information: |
||||||
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income -
Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
3 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income -
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
4 | |||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2003
and December 31, 2002 |
5 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six Months Ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
7 | |||||
Schedule of Information by Business Segments - Three Months Ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
8 | |||||
Schedule of Information by Business Segments - Six Months Ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
9 | |||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
10 | |||||
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations |
31 | |||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
65 | |||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures |
65 | |||||
Part II. Other Information: |
||||||
Item 1. Legal Proceedings |
66 | |||||
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
66 | |||||
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K |
66 | |||||
Signature |
67 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Avista Corporation
For the Three Months Ended June 30
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES |
$ | 218,553 | $ | 219,561 | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Resource costs |
84,127 | 79,519 | ||||||||
Operations and maintenance |
32,474 | 29,253 | ||||||||
Administrative and general |
23,371 | 33,401 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
18,904 | 17,737 | ||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
15,568 | 16,609 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
174,444 | 176,519 | ||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
44,109 | 43,042 | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): |
||||||||||
Interest expense |
(23,159 | ) | (26,644 | ) | ||||||
Capitalized interest |
187 | 2,095 | ||||||||
Net interest expense |
(22,972 | ) | (24,549 | ) | ||||||
Other income - net |
2,038 | 3,415 | ||||||||
Total other income (expense)-net |
(20,934 | ) | (21,134 | ) | ||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
23,175 | 21,908 | ||||||||
INCOME TAXES |
10,462 | 9,616 | ||||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
12,713 | 12,292 | ||||||||
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Note 3): |
||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(5,760 | ) | (2,630 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit |
2,016 | 683 | ||||||||
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS |
(3,744 | ) | (1,947 | ) | ||||||
NET INCOME |
8,969 | 10,345 | ||||||||
DEDUCT-Preferred stock dividend requirements |
547 | 608 | ||||||||
INCOME AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK |
$ | 8,422 | $ | 9,737 | ||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), Basic |
48,224 | 47,774 | ||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), Diluted |
48,329 | 47,857 | ||||||||
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (Note 11): |
||||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.24 | ||||||
Loss per common share from discontinued operations |
(0.08 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||
Total earnings per common share, basic and diluted |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | ||||||
Dividends paid per common share |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.12 | ||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: |
||||||||||
NET INCOME |
$ | 8,969 | $ | 10,345 | ||||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): |
||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
377 | 517 | ||||||||
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreements - net of tax |
4 | (344 | ) | |||||||
Unrealized investment losses - net of tax |
| (911 | ) | |||||||
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
381 | (738 | ) | |||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
$ | 9,350 | $ | 9,607 | ||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Avista Corporation
For the Six Months Ended June 30
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES |
$ | 530,274 | $ | 546,234 | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Resource costs |
242,871 | 265,309 | ||||||||
Operations and maintenance |
64,791 | 59,881 | ||||||||
Administrative and general |
51,958 | 56,472 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
37,846 | 35,489 | ||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
33,709 | 36,829 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
431,175 | 453,980 | ||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
99,099 | 92,254 | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): |
||||||||||
Interest expense |
(46,692 | ) | (55,499 | ) | ||||||
Capitalized interest |
359 | 4,390 | ||||||||
Net interest expense |
(46,333 | ) | (51,109 | ) | ||||||
Other income - net |
2,235 | 10,473 | ||||||||
Total other income (expense)-net |
(44,098 | ) | (40,636 | ) | ||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
55,001 | 51,618 | ||||||||
INCOME TAXES |
23,846 | 22,350 | ||||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
31,155 | 29,268 | ||||||||
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Note 3): |
||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(7,804 | ) | (5,658 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit |
2,940 | 1,983 | ||||||||
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS |
(4,864 | ) | (3,675 | ) | ||||||
NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE |
26,291 | 25,593 | ||||||||
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE (net of tax) |
(1,190 | ) | (4,148 | ) | ||||||
NET INCOME |
25,101 | 21,445 | ||||||||
DEDUCT-Preferred stock dividend requirements |
1,125 | 1,216 | ||||||||
INCOME AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK |
$ | 23,976 | $ | 20,229 | ||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), Basic |
48,163 | 47,723 | ||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (thousands), Diluted |
48,210 | 47,809 | ||||||||
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (Note 11): |
||||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations |
$ | 0.62 | $ | 0.59 | ||||||
Loss per common share from discontinued operations |
(0.10 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||
Earnings per common share before cumulative effect of accounting change |
0.52 | 0.51 | ||||||||
Loss per common share from cumulative effect of accounting change |
(0.02 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||
Total earnings per common share, basic and diluted |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 0.42 | ||||||
Dividends paid per common share |
$ | 0.24 | $ | 0.24 | ||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: |
||||||||||
NET INCOME |
$ | 25,101 | $ | 21,445 | ||||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): |
||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
668 | 151 | ||||||||
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreements - net of tax |
(13 | ) | (344 | ) | ||||||
Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation - net of tax |
12 | | ||||||||
Unrealized investment losses - net of tax |
| (934 | ) | |||||||
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
667 | (1,127 | ) | |||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
$ | 25,768 | $ | 20,318 | ||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Avista Corporation
Dollars in thousands
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||
ASSETS: |
|||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: |
|||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 219,542 | $ | 186,269 | |||||||
Accounts and notes receivable-less allowances of $47,049 and $46,909, respectively |
245,166 | 320,836 | |||||||||
Energy commodity assets |
342,046 | 365,477 | |||||||||
Materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored |
19,110 | 21,746 | |||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
59,023 | 73,437 | |||||||||
Assets held for sale from discontinued operations |
| 5,900 | |||||||||
Total current assets |
884,887 | 973,665 | |||||||||
NET UTILITY PROPERTY: |
|||||||||||
Utility plant in service |
2,395,361 | 2,370,811 | |||||||||
Construction work in progress |
137,781 | 17,581 | |||||||||
Total |
2,533,142 | 2,388,392 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
857,154 | 824,688 | |||||||||
Total net utility property |
1,675,988 | 1,563,704 | |||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS: |
|||||||||||
Investment in exchange power-net |
39,608 | 40,833 | |||||||||
Non-utility properties and investments-net |
93,996 | 199,579 | |||||||||
Non-current energy commodity assets |
352,469 | 348,309 | |||||||||
Other property and investments-net |
14,846 | 12,702 | |||||||||
Total other property and investments |
500,919 | 601,423 | |||||||||
DEFERRED CHARGES: |
|||||||||||
Regulatory assets for deferred income tax |
134,112 | 139,138 | |||||||||
Other regulatory assets |
26,958 | 29,735 | |||||||||
Utility energy commodity derivative assets |
53,170 | 60,322 | |||||||||
Power and natural gas deferrals |
162,357 | 166,782 | |||||||||
Unamortized debt expense |
48,890 | 51,128 | |||||||||
Other deferred charges |
30,263 | 28,236 | |||||||||
Total deferred charges |
455,750 | 475,341 | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 3,517,544 | $ | 3,614,133 | |||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
5
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
Avista Corporation
Dollars in thousands
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: |
|||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
|||||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 247,423 | $ | 339,637 | |||||||
Energy commodity liabilities |
298,786 | 304,781 | |||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
62,333 | 71,896 | |||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
35,533 | 30,000 | |||||||||
Interest accrued |
19,997 | 20,307 | |||||||||
Other current liabilities |
209,174 | 172,125 | |||||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations |
| 2,084 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
873,246 | 940,830 | |||||||||
LONG-TERM DEBT |
879,854 | 902,635 | |||||||||
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS: |
|||||||||||
Non-current energy commodity liabilities |
319,495 | 314,204 | |||||||||
Utility energy commodity derivative liabilities |
40,650 | 50,058 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
435,291 | 454,147 | |||||||||
Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits |
108,029 | 106,218 | |||||||||
Total other non-current liabilities and deferred credits |
903,465 | 924,627 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
2,656,565 | 2,768,092 | |||||||||
COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE
PREFERRED TRUST SECURITIES |
100,000 | 100,000 | |||||||||
PREFERRED STOCK-CUMULATIVE (subject to mandatory redemption): |
|||||||||||
10,000,000 shares authorized: |
|||||||||||
$6.95 Series K; 315,000 and 332,500 shares outstanding ($100 stated value) |
31,500 | 33,250 | |||||||||
COMMON EQUITY: |
|||||||||||
Common stock, no par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized;
|
|||||||||||
48,265,237 and 48,044,208 shares outstanding |
625,647 | 623,092 | |||||||||
Note receivable from employee stock ownership plan |
(3,308 | ) | (4,146 | ) | |||||||
Capital stock expense and other paid in capital |
(11,753 | ) | (11,928 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(19,697 | ) | (20,364 | ) | |||||||
Retained earnings |
138,590 | 126,137 | |||||||||
Total common equity |
729,479 | 712,791 | |||||||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
760,979 | 746,041 | |||||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) |
|||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 3,517,544 | $ | 3,614,133 | |||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Avista Corporation
For the Six Months Ended June 30
Dollars in thousands
2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 25,101 | $ | 21,445 | |||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
4,864 | 3,675 | |||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change |
1,190 | 4,148 | |||||||||
Non-cash items included in net income: |
|||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
37,846 | 35,489 | |||||||||
Provision for deferred income taxes |
(8,291 | ) | (25,477 | ) | |||||||
Power and natural gas cost amortizations, net of deferrals |
9,281 | 63,385 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt expense |
3,995 | 4,796 | |||||||||
Energy commodity assets and liabilities |
16,737 | 35,692 | |||||||||
Other |
(4,450 | ) | (5,738 | ) | |||||||
Changes in working capital components: |
|||||||||||
Sale of customer accounts receivable-net |
(9,000 | ) | (18,000 | ) | |||||||
Accounts and notes receivable |
84,530 | 115,509 | |||||||||
Materials and supplies, fuel stock and natural gas stored |
2,636 | 985 | |||||||||
Other current assets |
14,413 | 26,278 | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
(92,214 | ) | (64,487 | ) | |||||||
Other current liabilities |
36,739 | 14,283 | |||||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY CONTINUING OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
123,377 | 211,983 | |||||||||
CONTINUING INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|||||||||||
Utility property construction expenditures (excluding AFUDC) |
(36,805 | ) | (32,928 | ) | |||||||
Other capital expenditures |
(2,004 | ) | (4,381 | ) | |||||||
Changes in other property and investments |
(3,035 | ) | 534 | ||||||||
Repayments received on notes receivable |
257 | 5,198 | |||||||||
Assets acquired and investments in subsidiaries |
| (274 | ) | ||||||||
NET CASH USED IN CONTINUING INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
(41,587 | ) | (31,851 | ) | |||||||
CONTINUING FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings |
5,533 | (600 | ) | ||||||||
Redemption and maturity of long-term debt |
(37,762 | ) | (180,010 | ) | |||||||
Redemption of preferred stock |
(1,575 | ) | | ||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
3,286 | 3,702 | |||||||||
Cash dividends paid |
(12,715 | ) | (12,770 | ) | |||||||
Premiums paid for the redemption of long-term debt |
(639 | ) | (9,000 | ) | |||||||
Long-term debt and short-term borrowing issuance costs |
(1,388 | ) | (6,177 | ) | |||||||
NET CASH USED IN CONTINUING FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
(45,260 | ) | (204,855 | ) | |||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
36,530 | (24,723 | ) | ||||||||
NET CASH USED IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS |
(3,257 | ) | (3,969 | ) | |||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
33,273 | (28,692 | ) | ||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
186,269 | 171,097 | |||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD |
$ | 219,542 | $ | 142,405 | |||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
|||||||||||
Cash paid during the period: |
|||||||||||
Interest |
$ | 43,480 | $ | 47,494 | |||||||
Income taxes |
10,502 | | |||||||||
Non-cash financing and investing activities: |
|||||||||||
Property and equipment purchased under capital leases |
5,312 | | |||||||||
Unrealized investment losses |
| (1,436 | ) |
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
7
SCHEDULE OF INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Avista Corporation
For the Three Months Ended June 30
Dollars in thousands
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 206,622 | $ | 190,973 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
31,979 | 40,152 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
4,970 | 3,964 | ||||||||
Other |
3,615 | 3,452 | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(28,633 | ) | (18,980 | ) | ||||||
Total operating revenues |
$ | 218,553 | $ | 219,561 | ||||||
RESOURCE COSTS: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 90,377 | $ | 78,254 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
22,383 | 20,245 | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(28,633 | ) | (18,980 | ) | ||||||
Total resource costs |
$ | 84,127 | $ | 79,519 | ||||||
GROSS MARGINS (energy related businesses): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 116,245 | $ | 112,719 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
9,596 | 19,907 | ||||||||
Total gross margins (energy related businesses) |
$ | 125,841 | $ | 132,626 | ||||||
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 26,996 | $ | 23,283 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
| | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
1,967 | 2,433 | ||||||||
Other |
3,511 | 3,537 | ||||||||
Total operations and maintenance expenses |
$ | 32,474 | $ | 29,253 | ||||||
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 16,159 | $ | 16,108 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
4,037 | 6,905 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
2,308 | 2,360 | ||||||||
Other |
867 | 8,028 | ||||||||
Total administrative and general expenses |
$ | 23,371 | $ | 33,401 | ||||||
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 17,430 | $ | 16,250 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
316 | 309 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
704 | 746 | ||||||||
Other |
454 | 432 | ||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization expenses |
$ | 18,904 | $ | 17,737 | ||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS (PRE-TAX): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 41,026 | $ | 41,194 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
4,616 | 12,306 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
(307 | ) | (1,894 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(1,226 | ) | (8,564 | ) | ||||||
Total income from operations |
$ | 44,109 | $ | 43,042 | ||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 10,711 | $ | 12,004 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
3,180 | 8,506 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
(325 | ) | (1,354 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(853 | ) | (6,864 | ) | ||||||
Total income from continuing operations |
$ | 12,713 | $ | 12,292 | ||||||
ASSETS (2002 amounts as of December 31): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 2,255,453 | $ | 2,184,008 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
1,187,284 | 1,349,626 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
29,513 | 31,733 | ||||||||
Other |
45,294 | 42,866 | ||||||||
Discontinued Operations |
| 5,900 | ||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 3,517,544 | $ | 3,614,133 | ||||||
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 18,220 | $ | 14,454 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
474 | 2,266 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
39 | | ||||||||
Other |
311 | 63 | ||||||||
Total capital expenditures |
$ | 19,044 | $ | 16,783 | ||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
8
SCHEDULE OF INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Avista Corporation
For the Six Months Ended June 30
Dollars in thousands
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 466,362 | $ | 476,631 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
127,684 | 100,300 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
9,734 | 7,763 | ||||||||
Other |
7,715 | 6,379 | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(81,221 | ) | (44,839 | ) | ||||||
Total operating revenues |
$ | 530,274 | $ | 546,234 | ||||||
RESOURCE COSTS: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 234,905 | $ | 244,200 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
89,187 | 65,948 | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(81,221 | ) | (44,839 | ) | ||||||
Total resource costs |
$ | 242,871 | $ | 265,309 | ||||||
GROSS MARGINS (energy related businesses): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 231,457 | $ | 232,431 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
38,497 | 34,352 | ||||||||
Total gross margins (energy related businesses) |
$ | 269,954 | $ | 266,783 | ||||||
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 53,283 | $ | 47,873 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
| | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
4,207 | 5,048 | ||||||||
Other |
7,301 | 6,960 | ||||||||
Total operations and maintenance expenses |
$ | 64,791 | $ | 59,881 | ||||||
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 33,155 | $ | 30,550 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
12,631 | 11,201 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
4,660 | 4,902 | ||||||||
Other |
1,512 | 9,819 | ||||||||
Total administrative and general expenses |
$ | 51,958 | $ | 56,472 | ||||||
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 34,834 | $ | 32,477 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
620 | 695 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
1,389 | 1,501 | ||||||||
Other |
1,003 | 816 | ||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization expenses |
$ | 37,846 | $ | 35,489 | ||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS (PRE-TAX): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 77,899 | $ | 86,390 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
24,421 | 21,430 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
(1,102 | ) | (4,310 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(2,119 | ) | (11,256 | ) | ||||||
Total income from operations |
$ | 99,099 | $ | 92,254 | ||||||
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 19,036 | $ | 25,249 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
16,245 | 16,686 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
(964 | ) | (2,646 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(3,162 | ) | (10,021 | ) | ||||||
Total income from continuing operations |
$ | 31,155 | $ | 29,268 | ||||||
ASSETS (2002 amounts as of December 31): |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 2,255,453 | $ | 2,184,008 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
1,187,284 | 1,349,626 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
29,513 | 31,733 | ||||||||
Other |
45,294 | 42,866 | ||||||||
Discontinued Operations |
| 5,900 | ||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 3,517,544 | $ | 3,614,133 | ||||||
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: |
||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 36,805 | $ | 32,928 | ||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
1,097 | 4,381 | ||||||||
Avista Advantage |
186 | | ||||||||
Other |
721 | 70 | ||||||||
Total capital expenditures |
$ | 38,809 | $ | 37,379 | ||||||
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Statements.
9
AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Avista Corporation (Avista Corp. or the Company) for the interim periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for those interim periods. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These consolidated financial statements do not contain the detail or footnote disclosure concerning accounting policies and other matters which would be included in full fiscal year consolidated financial statements; therefore, they should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (2002 Form 10-K).
Please refer to the section Acronyms and Terms in the 2002 Form 10-K for definitions of terms such as capacity, energy and therm.
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of
Business
Avista Corp. is an energy company engaged in the generation, transmission and
distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. The utility
portion of the Company, doing business as Avista Utilities, an operating
division of Avista Corp. and not a separate entity, represents the regulated
utility operations. Avista Utilities generates, transmits and distributes
electricity in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Avista Utilities also
provides natural gas distribution service in eastern Washington, northern
Idaho, northeast and southwest Oregon and in the South Lake Tahoe region of
California. Avista Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp., is the
parent company of all of the subsidiary companies engaged in the other
non-utility lines of business.
The Companys operations are exposed to risks including, but not limited to, the effects of: legislation and governmental regulations; the price and supply of purchased power, fuel and natural gas; recoverability of power and natural gas costs; streamflow and weather conditions; availability of generation facilities; competition; technology; and availability of funding. In addition, the energy business exposes the Company to the financial, liquidity, credit and commodity price risks associated with wholesale purchases and sales.
Basis of Reporting
The consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries. The accompanying financial
statements include the Companys proportionate share of utility plant and
related operations resulting from its interests in jointly owned plants.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts
reported in the consolidated financial statements. Changes in these estimates
and assumptions are considered reasonably possible and may have a material
impact on the consolidated financial statements and thus actual results could
differ from the amounts reported and disclosed herein.
Business Segments
Financial information for each of the Companys lines of business is reported
in the Schedule of Information by Business Segments. Such information is an
integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The business segment
presentation reflects the basis currently used by the Companys management to
analyze performance and determine the allocation of resources. Avista
Utilities business is managed based on the total regulated utility operation.
The Energy Marketing and Resource Management line of business operations
primarily include non-regulated electricity and natural gas marketing and
resource management activities including derivative commodity instruments such
as futures, options, swaps and other contractual arrangements. Avista
Advantage is a provider of internet-based facility intelligence, cost
management, billing and information services to retail customers throughout
North America. The Other line of business includes other investments and
operations of various subsidiaries as well
as the operations of Avista Capital on a parent company only basis.
10
AVISTA CORPORATION
Avista Utilities Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for Avista Utilities related to the sale of energy are
generally recorded when service is rendered or energy is delivered to
customers. The determination of the energy sales to individual customers is
based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis
throughout the month. At the end of each month, the amount of energy delivered
to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated and the
corresponding unbilled revenue is estimated and recorded.
Avista Energy Operating Revenues
For all periods ending on or before December 31, 2002, Avista Energy followed
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities with respect to all contracts
entered into after October 25, 2002. Effective January 1, 2003, Avista Energy
follows SFAS No. 133 with respect to all contracts. Avista Energy reports the
net margin on derivative commodity instruments accounted for under SFAS No. 133
as operating revenues. Revenues from contracts, which are not accounted for as
derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are reported on a gross basis in operating
revenues.
Avista Energy followed the mark-to-market method of accounting for energy contracts entered into for trading and price risk management purposes in compliance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-10, Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities through December 31, 2002 for contracts entered into on or prior to October 25, 2002. Avista Energy recognized revenue based on the change in the market value of outstanding derivative commodity sales contracts, net of future servicing costs and reserves, in addition to revenue related to settled contracts. See Note 2 for a discussion of the rescission of EITF Issue No. 98-10 in October 2002.
Other Income-Net
Other income-net consisted of the following items for the three and six months
ended June 30 (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Interest income |
$ | 1,601 | $ | 1,898 | $ | 2,604 | $ | 4,111 | |||||||||
Interest on power and natural gas deferrals |
2,023 | 2,407 | 3,838 | 5,443 | |||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on the disposition of assets |
(186 | ) | (523 | ) | (205 | ) | 1,844 | ||||||||||
Net loss on subsidiary investments |
79 | (383 | ) | (1,476 | ) | (454 | ) | ||||||||||
Other expense |
(2,163 | ) | (2,167 | ) | (3,762 | ) | (4,304 | ) | |||||||||
Other income |
684 | 2,183 | 1,236 | 3,833 | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 2,038 | $ | 3,415 | $ | 2,235 | $ | 10,473 | |||||||||
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company follows the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation. Accordingly, employee stock options are
accounted for under Accounting Principle Board Opinion (APB) No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Stock options are granted at
exercise prices not less than the fair value of common stock on the date of
grant. Under APB No. 25, no compensation expense is recognized pursuant to the
Companys stock option plans.
If compensation expense for the Companys stock option plans were determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per common share would have been the following pro forma amounts for the three and six months ended June 30:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (dollars in thousands): |
|||||||||||||||||
As reported |
$ | 8,969 | $ | 10,345 | $ | 25,101 | $ | 21,445 | |||||||||
Pro forma |
$ | 8,256 | $ | 9,528 | $ | 23,668 | $ | 19,839 | |||||||||
Earnings per common share, basic and diluted |
|||||||||||||||||
As reported |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.42 | |||||||||
Pro forma |
$ | 0.16 | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.39 |
Goodwill
Goodwill arising from acquisitions represents the excess of the purchase price
over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. The Company evaluates
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if impairment
indicators arise.
11
AVISTA CORPORATION
Regulatory Deferred Charges and Credits
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation. The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with
SFAS No. 71 because (i) the Companys rates for regulated services are
established by or subject to approval by an independent third-party regulator,
(ii) the regulated rates are designed to recover the Companys cost of
providing the regulated services and (iii) in view of demand for the regulated
services and the level of competition, it is reasonable to assume that rates
can be charged to and collected from customers at levels that will recover the
Companys costs. SFAS No. 71 requires the Company to reflect the impact of
regulatory decisions in its financial statements. SFAS No. 71 requires that
certain costs and/or obligations (such as incurred power and natural gas costs
not currently recovered through rates, but expected to be recovered in the
future) are reflected as deferred charges on the balance sheet. These costs
and/or obligations are not reflected in the statement of income until the
period during which matching revenues are recognized. If at some point in the
future the Company determines that it no longer meets the criteria for
continued application of SFAS No. 71 with respect to all or a portion of the
Companys regulated operations, the Company could be required to write off its
regulatory assets. The Company could also be precluded from the future
deferral of costs not recovered through rates at the time such costs were
incurred, even if such costs were expected to be recovered in the future.
The Companys primary regulatory assets include power and natural gas deferrals (see Power Cost Deferrals and Natural Gas Cost Deferrals below for further information), investment in exchange power, regulatory assets for deferred income taxes, unamortized debt expense, regulatory assets offsetting energy commodity derivative liabilities (see Note 5 for further information), demand side management programs, conservation programs and the provision for postretirement benefits. Those items without a specific line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are included in other regulatory assets. Other regulatory assets consisted of the following as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (dollars in thousands):
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||
2003 | 2002 | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for postretirement benefit obligation |
$ | 4,491 | $ | 4,728 | |||||
Demand side management and conservation programs |
21,051 | 23,733 | |||||||
Other |
1,416 | 1,274 | |||||||
Total |
$ | 26,958 | $ | 29,735 | |||||
Deferred credits include, among other items, regulatory liabilities created when the Centralia Power Plant (Centralia) was sold and the gain on the general office building sale/leaseback which is being amortized over the life of the lease, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other non-current liabilities and deferred credits.
Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), Washington Utilities and
Transportation Commission (WUTC) and Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC)
approved Avista Utilities Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism in 1999. The
mechanism eliminated the majority of natural gas procurement operations within
Avista Utilities and consolidated natural gas procurement operations under
Avista Energy, the Companys non-regulated subsidiary. The ownership of the
natural gas assets remains with Avista Utilities; however, the assets are
managed by Avista Energy through an Agency Agreement. Avista Utilities
continues to manage natural gas procurement for its California operations,
which currently represents approximately four percent of its total natural gas
therm sales.
The Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism provides benefits to retail customers and allows Avista Energy to retain a portion of the benefits associated with asset optimization and the efficiencies gained in purchasing natural gas for Avista Utilities as part of a larger portfolio. In the first quarter of 2002, the IPUC and the OPUC approved the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement through March 31, 2005. In January 2003, the WUTC approved the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement through January 29, 2004. In July 2003, the WUTC staff and the Public Counsel Section of the Attorney Generals Office filed testimony recommending termination of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism in Washington at the end of January 2004. The termination of the mechanism would result in natural gas procurement operations being performed by Avista Utilities for Washington natural gas customers. If the WUTC determines that the mechanism should not be terminated, WUTC staff and Public Counsel recommend that the level of benefits provided to Avista Utilities customers be increased. During August 2003, Avista Utilities will file its response to the WUTC staff and Public Counsel recommendations requesting the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and further explaining the benefits that customers receive by having natural gas procurement operations managed by Avista Energy as part of a larger natural gas portfolio. Hearings will be held before the WUTC during
12
AVISTA CORPORATION
September 2003 to determine any changes and whether or not the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement will be extended beyond January 29, 2004.
In accordance with SFAS No. 71, profits recognized by Avista Energy on natural gas sales to Avista Utilities, including gains and losses on natural gas contracts, are not eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. This is due to the fact that costs incurred by Avista Utilities for natural gas purchases to serve retail customers and for fuel for electric generation are expected to be recovered through future retail rates.
Power Cost Deferrals
Avista Utilities defers the recognition in the income statement of certain
power supply costs as approved by the WUTC. Deferred power supply costs are
recorded as a deferred charge on the balance sheet for future review and the
opportunity for recovery through retail rates. The power supply costs deferred
include certain differences between actual power supply costs incurred by
Avista Utilities and the costs included in base retail rates. This difference
in power supply costs primarily results from changes in short-term wholesale
market prices, changes in the level of hydroelectric generation and changes in
the level of thermal generation (including changes in fuel prices). Avista
Utilities accrues interest on deferred power costs in the Washington
jurisdiction at a rate, which is adjusted semi-annually, of 8.9 percent as of
June 30, 2003. Total deferred power costs for Washington customers were $120.1
million and $123.7 million as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002,
respectively.
In June 2002, the WUTC issued an order that became effective July 1, 2002. The order provided for the restructuring of rate increases previously approved by the WUTC totaling 31.2 percent. The general increase to base retail rates was 19.3 percent and the remaining 11.9 percent represents the continued recovery of deferred power costs. In the June 2002 rate order, the WUTC approved the establishment of an Energy Recovery Mechanism (ERM). The ERM replaced a series of temporary deferral mechanisms that were in place in Washington since mid-2000. The ERM allows Avista Utilities to increase or decrease electric rates periodically with WUTC approval to reflect changes in power supply costs. The ERM provides for Avista Utilities to incur the cost of, or receive the benefit from, the first $9 million in annual power supply costs above or below the amount included in base retail rates. Under the ERM, 90 percent of annual power supply costs exceeding or below the initial $9 million are deferred for future surcharge or rebate to Avista Utilities customers. The remaining 10 percent of power supply costs are an expense of, or benefit to, the Company.
Under the ERM, Avista Utilities agreed to make an annual filing to provide the opportunity for the WUTC and other interested parties to review the prudence of and audit the ERM deferred power costs transactions for the prior calendar year. The settlement agreement establishing the ERM provided for a 90-day review period for the filing; however, the period may be extended by agreement of the parties or by WUTC order. Avista Utilities made its first annual filing with the WUTC in March 2003 related to $18.4 million of deferred power costs incurred for the period July 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. Previous settlement agreements established the prudence and recoverability of power costs incurred through June 30, 2002. In May 2003, the WUTC Staff, the Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities, and the Public Counsel Section of the Attorney Generals Office filed a motion for a pre-hearing conference related to Avista Utilities March 2003 ERM filing. As a result of that motion, a pre-hearing conference was held in May 2003 and an order was issued by the WUTC. In the order, a procedural schedule was set that includes the filing of testimony by all parties in August and September 2003 and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 2003.
Avista Utilities has a power cost adjustment (PCA) mechanism in Idaho that allows it to modify electric rates periodically with IPUC approval to recover or rebate a portion of the difference between actual net power supply costs and the amount included in base retail rates. The PCA mechanism allows for the deferral of 90 percent of the difference between certain actual net power supply expenses and the authorized level of net power supply expenses approved in the last Idaho general rate case. Avista Utilities accrues interest on deferred power costs in the Idaho jurisdiction at a rate, which is adjusted annually, of 2.0 percent as of June 30, 2003. In October 2002, the IPUC issued an order extending a 19.4 percent PCA surcharge for Idaho electric customers. The PCA surcharge will remain in effect until October 2003. In August 2003, Avista Utilities filed a status report with the IPUC to request a continuation of the PCA surcharge. If review of the status report and the actual balance of deferred power costs support continuation of the PCA surcharge, the IPUC has indicated that it anticipates the PCA surcharge will be extended for an additional period. Total deferred power costs for Idaho customers were $28.7 million and $31.5 million as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
13
AVISTA CORPORATION
Natural Gas Cost Deferrals
Under established regulatory practices in each respective state, Avista
Utilities is allowed to adjust its natural gas rates periodically (with
regulatory approval) to reflect increases or decreases in the cost of natural
gas purchased. Differences between actual natural gas costs and the natural
gas costs already included in retail rates are deferred and charged or credited
to expense when regulators approve inclusion of the cost changes in rates.
Total deferred natural gas costs were $13.6 million and $11.5 million as of
June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
Intersegment Eliminations
Intersegment eliminations represent the transactions between Avista Utilities
and Avista Energy for energy commodities and services.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to current statement
format. These reclassifications were made for comparative purposes and to
conform to changes in accounting standards and have not affected previously
reported total net income or common equity.
NOTE 2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This statement requires the recording of the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the associated costs of the asset retirement obligation will be capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability will be accreted to its present value each period and the related capitalized costs will be depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon retirement of the asset, the Company will either settle the retirement obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss. The adoption of this statement on January 1, 2003 did not have a material impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities which nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). This statement requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of an entitys commitment to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 also requires the initial measurement of the liability at fair value. This statement is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure which amends SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. This statement provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, this statement requires the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per common share had the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation in a more prominent place in the financial statements (see Note 1 Stock-based Compensation). This statement also requires the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per common share in interim as well as annual financial statements. The alternative transition methods and annual financial statement disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. Interim disclosures are required for periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this statement affects the Companys disclosures. As the Company has not elected to adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, the adoption of this statement does not have any impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement amends SFAS No. 133 for decisions made: (1) as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process that effectively required amendments to SFAS No. 133; (2) in connection with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments; and (3) in connection with implementation issues raised in relation to the application of the definition of a derivative, (in particular, the meaning of an initial net investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors, the meaning of underlying, and the characteristics of a derivative that contain financing components). This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as stated
14
AVISTA CORPORATION
below and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The provisions of SFAS No. 149 that relate to SFAS No. 133 implementation issues that were effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003 should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. In addition, certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, should be applied to existing contracts as well as new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. Avista Utilities may enter into certain forward contracts that will no longer meet the normal purchases and sales exception in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 149. This statement requires that certain new forward contracts which could be entered into on or after July 1, 2003, will be recorded as assets or liabilities at market value with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability as authorized by regulatory accounting orders (see Note 5). As such, the adoption of this statement may increase the assets and liabilities of the Company without any material impact on the results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. This statement will require the Company to classify certain financial instruments as liabilities that have historically been classified as equity. This statement requires the Company to classify as a liability financial instruments that are subject to mandatory redemption at a specified or determinable date or upon an event that is certain to occur. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise shall be effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The restatement of financial statements for prior periods is not permitted. The adoption of this statement during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 will require that the Company classify $100.0 million of mandatorily redeemable preferred trust securities and $31.5 million of preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption as liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adoption of this statement will also require that the Company classify preferred stock dividends as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Preferred stock dividends were $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement will not affect the covenants of the Companys $245.0 million committed line of credit, including covenants not to permit the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization of Avista Corp. to be greater than 65 percent at the end of any fiscal quarter.
Avista Energy accounted for energy commodity trading activity in compliance with EITF Issue No. 98-10 through December 31, 2002 for contracts entered into on or prior to October 25, 2002. Under EITF Issue No. 98-10, Avista Energy recognized revenue based on the change in the market value of outstanding derivative commodity sales contracts, net of future servicing costs and reserves, in addition to revenue related to settled contracts. In October 2002, the EITF rescinded Issue No. 98-10. As such, Avista Energy is required to account for energy trading contracts that meet the definition of a derivative at market value in compliance with SFAS No. 133. This statement now applies to all contracts as of January 1, 2003. Contracts not meeting the definition of a derivative are no longer accounted for at market value and include Avista Energys Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities, natural gas storage contracts, tolling agreements and natural gas transportation agreements. The transition from EITF Issue No. 98-10 to accrual based accounting resulted in the adjustment of the contracts, that are not considered derivatives, from their market value to their cost basis. Any gains or losses on contracts, that are not considered derivatives, are recognized when the contracts are settled or realized. The Company anticipates that the changes will primarily affect the timing of the recognition of income or loss in earnings, and not change the underlying economics or cash flows of transactions entered into by Avista Energy. The changes could result in an increase in the volatility of reported earnings on a quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year basis. On January 1, 2003, Avista Energy recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change a charge of $1.2 million (net of tax) related to the transition from EITF Issue No. 98-10 to SFAS No. 133.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This interpretation clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies relating to a guarantors accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. This interpretation requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of this interpretation are to be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified subsequent to December 31, 2002 and did not have a material impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations. The disclosure requirements of this interpretation are effective for financial statements issued for periods that end after December 15, 2002.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. In general, a variable interest entity does not have equity investors with voting rights or it has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Variable interest entities are commonly referred to as special purpose entities or off-balance sheet structures; however, this FASB interpretation applies to a broader
15
AVISTA CORPORATION
group of entities. This interpretation requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of that entity. The primary beneficiary is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entitys activities or it is entitled to receive a majority of the entitys residual returns. The interpretation also requires disclosure of variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of this interpretation apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and apply to existing entities for the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Certain disclosure requirements apply to all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was established.
This FASB interpretation requires the Company to consolidate WP Funding LP effective July 1, 2003. WP Funding LP is an entity that was formed for the purpose of acquiring the natural gas-fired combustion turbine generating facility in Rathdrum, Idaho (Rathdrum CT). WP Funding LP purchased the Rathdrum CT from the Company with funds provided by unrelated investors of which 97 percent represented debt and 3 percent represented equity. The Company operates the Rathdrum CT and leases it from WP Funding LP and currently makes lease payments of $4.5 million per year. The total amount of WP Funding LP debt outstanding that is not included on the Companys balance sheet was $54.5 million as of June 30, 2003. The lease term expires in February 2020; however, the current debt matures in October 2005 and will need to be refinanced at that time. Based on current information, the book value of the debt and equity of WP Funding LP exceeds the book value of the Rathdrum CT by approximately $15.5 million ($10.1 million, net of taxes). In accordance with regulatory accounting practices, the Company intends to record this amount as a regulatory asset upon the consolidation of WP Funding LP. The addition of the Rathdrum CT, which entered commercial operation in 1995, to Avista Utilities generation resource base was reviewed in previous state regulatory filings with the WUTC and IPUC. The adoption of this FASB interpretation will not affect the covenants of the Companys $245.0 million committed line of credit, including covenants not to permit the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization of Avista Corp. to be greater than 65 percent at the end of any fiscal quarter.
NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In July 2003, Avista Corp. announced an investment by a group of private equity investors in a new entity, AVLB, Inc., which acquired the assets previously held by Avista Corp.s fuel cell manufacturing and development subsidiary, Avista Labs. The investors have raised an initial $7.5 million in funding, which includes a commitment by Avista Corp. to provide funding of up to $1.5 million under certain conditions. Avista Corp. has a 19.9 percent ownership interest in AVLB, Inc. The reduction in Avista Corp.s ownership interest in this business resulted in an impairment charge of $2.5 million (net of tax) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2003. Revenues for Avista Labs were $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Revenues for Avista Labs were $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
In September 2001, the Company reached a decision that it would dispose of substantially all of the assets of Avista Communications. The divestiture of the operating assets of Avista Communications was complete by the end of 2002. Revenues for Avista Communications were $1.1 million and $3.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively.
Amounts reported as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 represent the operations of Avista Labs. Amounts reported as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 represents the operations of Avista Communications and Avista Labs as follows:
Avista Labs | Avista Communications | Total | ||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2002 |
||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$ | (4,187 | ) | $ | 1,557 | $ | (2,630 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
1,226 | (543 | ) | 683 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | (2,961 | ) | $ | 1,014 | $ | (1,947 | ) | ||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2002 |
||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$ | (6,797 | ) | $ | 1,139 | $ | (5,658 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
2,380 | (397 | ) | 1,983 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | (4,417 | ) | $ | 742 | $ | (3,675 | ) | ||||||
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AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTE 4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SALE
In 1997, Avista Receivables Corp. (ARC), formerly known as WWP Receivables Corp., was formed as a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of acquiring or purchasing interests in certain accounts receivable, both billed and unbilled, of the Company. On May 29, 2002, ARC, the Company and a third-party financial institution entered into a three-year agreement whereby ARC can sell without recourse, on a revolving basis, up to $100.0 million of those receivables. ARC is obligated to pay fees that approximate the purchasers cost of issuing commercial paper equal in value to the interests in receivables sold. On a consolidated basis, the amount of such fees is included in operating expenses of the Company. As of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, $56.0 million and $65.0 million, respectively, in accounts receivables were sold under this revolving agreement.
NOTE 5. UTILITY ENERGY COMMODITY DERIVATIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires the recording of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet measured at estimated fair value and the recognition of the unrealized gains and losses. In certain defined conditions, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for a particular exposure. The accounting for derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivatives and the resulting designation.
Avista Utilities enters into forward contracts to purchase or sell energy. Under forward contracts, Avista Utilities commits to purchase or sell a specified amount of energy at a specified time, or during a specified period, in the future. Certain of these forward contracts are considered derivative instruments. Avista Utilities also records derivative commodity assets and liabilities for over-the-counter and exchange-traded derivative instruments as well as certain long-term contracts. These contracts are entered into to manage Avista Utilities loads and resources as discussed in Note 6. In conjunction with the issuance of SFAS No. 133, the WUTC and the IPUC issued accounting orders authorizing Avista Utilities to offset any derivative assets or liabilities with a regulatory asset or liability. This accounting treatment is intended to defer the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on energy commodity transactions until the period of settlement. The order provides for Avista Utilities to not recognize the unrealized gain or loss on utility derivative commodity instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Such realized gains or losses are recognized in the period of settlement subject to current or future recovery in retail rates. Realized gains and losses are reflected as adjustments through purchased gas cost adjustments, the ERM and the PCA mechanism.
Avista Utilities believes substantially all of its purchases and sales contracts for both capacity and energy qualify as normal purchases and sales under SFAS No. 133 and are not required to be recorded as derivative commodity assets and liabilities. Contracts, that are not considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are generally accounted for at cost until they are settled unless there is a decline in the fair value of the contract that is determined to be other than temporary. See Note 2 for a discussion of prospective changes that may have an impact on the accounting for certain new forward contracts when entered on or after July 1, 2003, in accordance with SFAS No. 149.
As of June 30, 2003, the utility derivative commodity asset balance was $53.2 million, the derivative commodity liability balance was $40.7 million and the offsetting net regulatory liability was $12.5 million. As of December 31, 2002, the utility derivative commodity asset balance was $60.3 million, the derivative commodity liability balance was $50.1 million and the offsetting net regulatory liability was $10.2 million. Utility derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the offsetting net regulatory asset or liability, can change significantly from period to period due to the settlement of contracts, the entering of new contracts and changes in commodity prices. The derivative commodity asset balance is included in Deferred Charges Utility energy commodity derivative assets and the derivative commodity liability balance is included in Non-Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits Utility energy commodity derivative liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The offsetting net regulatory asset is included in Deferred Charges Other regulatory assets and the offsetting net regulatory liability is included in Non-Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Interpretations that may be issued by the Derivatives Implementation Group, a task force created to assist the FASB in answering questions that companies have in implementing SFAS No. 133, may change the conclusions that the Company has reached regarding accounting for energy contracts. As a result, the accounting treatment and financial statement impact could change in future periods.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTE 6. ENERGY COMMODITY TRADING
The Companys energy-related businesses are exposed to risks relating to, but not limited to, changes in certain commodity prices and counterparty performance. In order to manage the various risks relating to these exposures, Avista Utilities utilizes electric, natural gas and related derivative commodity instruments, such as forwards, futures, swaps and options, and Avista Energy engages in the trading of such instruments. Avista Utilities and Avista Energy have policies and procedures to manage risks inherent in these activities. The Company has a Risk Management Committee, separate from the units that create such risk exposure, that is overseen by the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors, to monitor compliance with the Companys risk management policies and procedures.
Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities sells and purchases wholesale electric capacity and energy to and from utilities and other entities under long-term contracts having terms of more than one year. In addition, Avista Utilities engages in an ongoing process of resource optimization which involves short-term purchases and sales in the wholesale market in pursuit of an economic selection of resources to serve retail and wholesale loads. Avista Utilities makes continuing projections of (1) future retail and wholesale loads based on, among other things, forward estimates of factors such as customer usage and weather as well as historical data and contract terms and (2) resource availability based on, among other things, estimates of streamflows, generating unit availability, historic and forward market information and experience. On the basis of these continuing projections, Avista Utilities purchases and sells energy on an annual, quarterly, monthly, daily and hourly basis to match expected resources to expected energy requirements. This process includes hedging transactions as a means of managing risks. The extent of future wholesale transactions will be based on the projection of future needs, the availability of resources owned or under contract by Avista Utilities, wholesale market prices and changes to loads of Avista Utilities customers and contractual obligations.
Avista Utilities manages the impact of fluctuations in electric energy prices by establishing volume limits for the imbalance between projected loads and resources and through the use of derivative commodity instruments for hedging purposes. Any imbalance is required to remain within limits, or management action or decisions are triggered to address larger imbalance situations and manage the exposure to market risk. Avista Energy is responsible for the daily management of natural gas supplies to meet the requirements of Avista Utilities customers in the states of Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Avista Utilities continues to manage natural gas procurement for its California operations, which currently represents approximately four percent of its total natural gas therm sales.
The Risk Management Committee has limited the types of commodity instruments Avista Utilities may use to those related to electricity and natural gas commodities and those instruments are to be used for hedging price fluctuations associated with the management of energy resources owned or under contract by Avista Utilities.
Avista Energy
Avista Energy is an electricity and natural gas marketing and resource management business. Avista Energy focuses on asset-backed optimization of combustion turbines and hydroelectric assets owned by other entities, long-term electric supply contracts, natural gas storage, and electric and natural gas transmission and transportation arrangements.
Effective January 1, 2003, Avista Energy accounts for energy trading contracts that meet the definition of a derivative in compliance with SFAS No. 133. Contracts not meeting the definition of a derivative are accounted for on an accrual basis. Avista Energy accounted for energy commodity trading activity in compliance with EITF Issue No. 98-10 through December 31, 2002 for contracts entered into on or prior to October 25, 2002. In October 2002, the EITF rescinded Issue No. 98-10, which required Avista Energy to adopt SFAS No. 133. See Note 2 for further details.
Avista Energy purchases natural gas and electricity from producers and energy marketing and trading companies. Its customers include commercial and industrial end-users, electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies, and energy marketing and trading companies. Avista Energys marketing and energy risk management services are provided through the use of a variety of derivative commodity contracts to purchase or supply natural gas and electric energy at specified delivery points and at specified future dates. Avista Energy trades natural gas and electricity derivative commodity instruments on national exchanges and through other unregulated exchanges and brokers from whom these commodity derivatives are available, and therefore can experience net open positions in
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AVISTA CORPORATION
terms of price, volume, and specified delivery point. The open positions expose Avista Energy to the risk that fluctuating market prices may adversely impact its financial condition or results of operations. However, the net open position is actively managed with strict policies designed to limit the exposure to market risk and requires daily reporting to management of potential financial exposure.
Avista Energy measures the risk in its electric and natural gas portfolio daily utilizing a Value-at-Risk (VAR) model, monitoring its risk in comparison to established thresholds. VAR measures the expected portfolio loss under hypothetical adverse price movements over a given time interval within a given confidence level. Avista Energy also measures its open positions in terms of volumes at each delivery location for each forward time period. The extent of open positions is included in the risk management policy and is measured with stress tests and VAR modeling.
Derivative commodity instruments sold and purchased by Avista Energy include: forward contracts, which involve physical delivery of an energy commodity; futures contracts, which involve the buying or selling of natural gas or electricity at a fixed price; over-the-counter swap agreements, which require Avista Energy to receive or make payments based on the difference between a specified price and the actual price of the underlying commodity; and options, which mitigate price risk by providing for the right, but not the requirement, to buy or sell energy-related commodities at a fixed price. Foreign currency risks are primarily related to Canadian exchange rates and are managed using standard instruments available in the foreign currency markets.
Avista Energys derivative commodity instruments accounted for under SFAS No. 133 are subject to mark-to-market accounting, under which changes in the market value of outstanding electric, natural gas and related derivative commodity instruments are recognized as unrealized gains or losses in the period of change. Market prices are utilized in determining the value of the electric, natural gas and related derivative commodity instruments. For electric derivative commodity instruments, these market prices are generally available through two years. For natural gas derivative commodity instruments, these market prices are generally available through three years. For longer-term positions and certain short-term positions for which market prices are not available, a model to estimate forward price curves is utilized. Avista Energy reports the net margin on derivative commodity instruments accounted for under SFAS No. 133 as operating revenues. Revenues from contracts, which are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are reported on a gross basis in operating revenues. Costs from contracts, which are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are reported on a gross basis in resource costs. Contracts in a receivable position, as well as the options held, are reported as assets. Similarly, contracts in a payable position, as well as options written, are reported as liabilities. Net cash flows are recognized in the period of settlement.
Contract Amounts and Terms Under Avista Energys derivative instruments, Avista Energy either (i) as fixed price payor, is obligated to pay a fixed price or a fixed amount and is entitled to receive the commodity or a fixed amount or (ii) as fixed price receiver, is entitled to receive a fixed price or a fixed amount and is obligated to deliver the commodity or pay a fixed amount or (iii) as index price payor, is obligated to pay an indexed price or an indexed amount and is entitled to receive the commodity or a variable amount or (iv) as index price receiver, is entitled to receive an indexed price or amount and is obligated to deliver the commodity or pay a variable amount.
The contract or notional amounts and terms of Avista Energys derivative commodity investments outstanding as of June 30, 2003 are set forth below (in thousands of mmBTUs and MWhs):
Fixed | Fixed | Maximum | Index | Index | Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||
Price | Price | Terms in | Price | Price | Terms in | ||||||||||||||||||||
Payor | Receiver | Years | Payor | Receiver | Years | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy commodities (volumes) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric |
87,176 | 85,481 | 14 | 313 | 699 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
55,400 | 68,920 | 6 | 405,041 | 397,493 | 2 |
Contract or notional amounts reflect the volume of transactions, but do not necessarily represent the dollar amounts exchanged by the parties to the derivative commodity instruments. Accordingly, contract or notional amounts do not accurately measure Avista Energys exposure to market or credit risks. The maximum terms in years detailed above are not indicative of likely future cash flows as these positions may be offset in the markets at any time.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Estimated Fair Value The estimated fair value of Avista Energys derivative commodity instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2003, and the average estimated fair value of those instruments held during the six months ended June 30, 2003, are set forth below (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Fair Value | Average Estimated Fair Value for the | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
as of June 30, 2003 | six months ended June 30, 2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | Long-term | Current | Long-term | Current | Long-term | Current | Long-term | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | Assets | Liabilities | Liabilities | Assets | Assets | Liabilities | Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 257,447 | $ | 343,572 | $ | 237,416 | $ | 312,671 | $ | 330,084 | $ | 323,770 | $ | 311,037 | $ | 292,586 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
84,599 | 8,897 | 61,370 | 6,824 | 125,812 | 18,773 | 94,347 | 16,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 342,046 | $ | 352,469 | $ | 298,786 | $ | 319,495 | $ | 455,896 | $ | 342,543 | $ | 405,384 | $ | 309,160 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The weighted average term of Avista Energys electric derivative commodity instruments as of June 30, 2003 was approximately 6 months. The weighted average term of Avista Energys natural gas derivative commodity instruments as of June 30, 2003 was approximately 4 months. The change in the estimated fair value position of Avista Energys energy commodity portfolio, net of reserves for credit and market risk for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was an unrealized loss of $16.7 million and is included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in operating revenues. The change in the fair value position for the six months ended June 30, 2002 was an unrealized loss of $35.7 million.
Market Risk
Market risk is, in general, the risk of fluctuation in the market price of the commodity being traded and is influenced primarily by supply and demand. Market risk includes the fluctuation in the market price of associated derivative commodity instruments. Market risk is influenced to the extent that the performance or nonperformance by market participants of their contractual obligations and commitments affect the supply of, or demand for, the commodity.
Avista Utilities and Avista Energy manage, on a portfolio basis and on a delivery point basis, the market risks inherent in their activities subject to parameters established by the Companys Risk Management Committee. These parameters include overall portfolio and delivery point volumetric limits. Market risks are monitored by the Risk Management Committee to ensure compliance with the Companys risk management policies. Avista Utilities measures exposure to market risk through daily evaluation of the imbalance between projected loads and resources. Avista Energy measures the risk in its portfolio on a daily basis utilizing a VAR model and monitors its risk in comparison to established thresholds.
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that Avista Utilities and/or Avista Energy would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations to deliver energy and make financial settlements. Credit risk includes not only the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances relating directly to it, but also the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances that relate to other market participants that have a direct or indirect relationship with such counterparty. Avista Utilities and Avista Energy seek to mitigate credit risk by applying specific eligibility criteria to existing and prospective counterparties and by actively monitoring current credit exposures. These policies include an evaluation of the financial condition and credit ratings of counterparties, collateral requirements or other credit enhancements, such as letters of credit or parent company guarantees, and the use of standardized agreements that allow for the netting or offsetting of positive and negative exposures associated with a single counterparty.
Avista Energy has concentrations of suppliers and customers in the electric and natural gas industries including electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies, and other energy marketing and trading companies. In addition, Avista Energy has concentrations of credit risk related to geographic location as Avista Energy operates primarily in the western United States and western Canada. These concentrations of counterparties and concentrations of geographic location may impact Avista Energys overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions.
Credit risk also involves the exposure that counterparties perceive related to performance by Avista Utilities and Avista Energy to perform deliveries and settlement of energy transactions. These counterparties may seek assurance of performance in the form of letters of credit, prepayment or cash deposits, and, in the case of Avista Energy, parent company (Avista Capital) performance guarantees. In periods of price volatility, the level of exposure can change
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AVISTA CORPORATION
significantly, with the result that sudden and significant demands may be made against the Companys capital resource reserves (credit facilities and cash). Avista Utilities and Avista Energy actively monitor the exposure to possible collateral calls and take steps to minimize capital requirements.
Other Operating Risks
In addition to commodity price risk, Avista Utilities commodity positions are subject to operational and event risks including, among others, increases in load demand, transmission or transport disruptions, fuel quality specifications, forced outages at generating plants and disruptions to information systems and other administrative tools required for normal operations. Avista Utilities also has exposure to weather conditions and natural disasters that can cause physical damage to property, requiring immediate repairs to restore utility service. The emergence of terrorism threats, both domestic and foreign, is a risk to the entire utility industry, including Avista Utilities. Potential disruptions to operations or destruction of facilities from terrorism are not readily determinable. The Company has taken various steps to mitigate terrorism risks and to prepare contingency plans in the event that its facilities are targeted.
NOTE 7. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
On May 13, 2003, the Company amended its committed line of credit with various banks to increase the amount to $245.0 million from $225.0 million and extend the expiration date to May 11, 2004. The Company can issue up to $75.0 million in letters of credit under the amended committed line of credit. As of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had $35.0 million and $30.0 million, respectively, of borrowings outstanding under this committed line of credit. As of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, there were $11.5 million and $14.3 million in letters of credit outstanding, respectively. The committed line of credit is secured by $245.0 million of non-transferable first mortgage bonds of the Company issued to the agent banks. Such first mortgage bonds would only become due and payable in the event that the Company defaults on its obligations under the committed line of credit.
The committed line of credit agreement contains customary covenants and default provisions, including covenants not to permit the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization of Avista Corp. to be greater than 65 percent at the end of any fiscal quarter. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with this covenant with a ratio of 53.2 percent. The committed line of credit also has a covenant requiring the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense of Avista Utilities for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2003 to be greater than 1.6 to 1. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with this covenant with a ratio of 2.08 to 1.
On July 25, 2003, Avista Energy and its subsidiary, Avista Energy Canada, Ltd., as co-borrowers, entered into a committed credit agreement with a group of banks in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million expiring July 23, 2004, replacing a previous uncommitted credit agreement that had an extended expiration date of July 31, 2003. This new committed credit facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit to secure contractual obligations to counterparties. This facility is guaranteed by Avista Capital and secured by Avista Energys assets. The maximum amount of credit extended by the banks for the issuance of letters of credit is the subscribed amount of the facility less the amount of outstanding cash advances, if any. The maximum amount of credit extended by the banks for cash advances is $30.0 million. No cash advances were outstanding under the previous uncommitted credit agreement as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $28.2 million and $17.4 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
The Avista Energy credit agreement contains customary covenants and default provisions, including covenants to maintain minimum net working capital and minimum net worth, as well as a covenant limiting the amount of indebtedness which the co-borrowers may incur. The credit agreement also contains covenants and other restrictions related to Avista Energys trading limits and positions, including VAR limits, restrictions with respect to changes in risk management policies or volumetric limits, and limits on exposure related to hourly and daily trading of electricity. Also, a reduction in the credit rating of Avista Corp. would represent an event of default under Avista Energys credit agreement. These covenants as well as certain counterparty agreements result in Avista Energy maintaining certain levels of cash and therefore inherently limiting the amount of cash dividends that are available for distribution to Avista Capital and ultimately to Avista Corp. Avista Energy was in compliance with the covenants of its credit agreement as of June 30, 2003.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTE 8. LONG-TERM DEBT
The following details the interest rate and maturity dates of long-term debt outstanding as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (dollars in thousands):
Maturity | Interest | June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Year | Description | Rate | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||
2003 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
6.25% | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,000 | |||||||||||
2005 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
6.39%-6.68 | % | 29,500 | 29,500 | ||||||||||||
2006 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
7.89%-7.90 | % | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||||||||||||
2007 | First Mortgage Bonds |
7.75% | 150,000 | 150,000 | |||||||||||||
2008 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
6.89%-6.95 | % | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||||||||||
2010 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
6.67%-6.90 | % | 10,000 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
2012 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
7.37% | 7,000 | 7,000 | |||||||||||||
2018 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
7.26%-7.45 | % | 27,500 | 27,500 | ||||||||||||
2023 | Secured Medium-Term Notes |
7.18%-7.54 | % | 24,500 | 24,500 | ||||||||||||
Total secured long-term debt |
313,500 | 313,500 | |||||||||||||||
2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
6.75%-9.13 | % | 45,950 | 56,250 | ||||||||||||
2004 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
7.42% | 28,500 | 30,000 | |||||||||||||
2006 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.14% | 8,000 | 8,000 | |||||||||||||
2007 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
5.99%-7.94 | % | 25,850 | 26,000 | ||||||||||||
2008 | Senior Notes |
9.75% | 331,137 | 341,529 | |||||||||||||
2008 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
6.06% | 25,000 | 25,000 | |||||||||||||
2010 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.02% | 25,000 | 25,000 | |||||||||||||
2012 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.05% | 12,000 | 12,000 | |||||||||||||
2022 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.15%-8.23 | % | 5,000 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
2023 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
7.99% | 5,000 | 5,000 | |||||||||||||
2023 | Pollution Control Bonds |
6.00% | 4,100 | 4,100 | |||||||||||||
2028 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
6.37%-6.88 | % | 25,000 | 35,000 | ||||||||||||
2032 | Pollution Control Bonds |
5.00% | 66,700 | 66,700 | |||||||||||||
2034 | Pollution Control Bonds |
5.13% | 17,000 | 17,000 | |||||||||||||
Total unsecured long-term debt |
624,237 | 661,579 | |||||||||||||||
Other long-term debt |
6,428 | 1,613 | |||||||||||||||
Unamortized debt discount |
(1,978 | ) | (2,161 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total |
942,187 | 974,531 | |||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
(62,333 | ) | (71,896 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total long-term debt |
$ | 879,854 | $ | 902,635 | |||||||||||||
The following table details the Companys debt repurchases from January 1, 2003 through August 12, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Repurchase | Interest | Maturity | Principal | ||||||||||||||
Date | Description | Rate | Year | Amount | |||||||||||||
January 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | $ | 10,000 | |||||||||||
February 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 505 | ||||||||||||
March 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.23 | % | 2022 | 5,000 | ||||||||||||
April 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
6.88 | % | 2028 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
May 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
5.99 | % | 2007 | 150 | ||||||||||||
June 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
7.42 | % | 2004 | 1,500 | ||||||||||||
July 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.05 | % | 2012 | 12,000 | ||||||||||||
July 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
August 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 10,330 | ||||||||||||
Total debt repurchases |
$ | 52,485 | |||||||||||||||
In accordance with regulatory accounting practices, the total net premium on the repurchase of debt of $1.7 million will be amortized over the average remaining maturity of outstanding debt.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTE 9. INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS
On May 7, 2003, Avista Corp. terminated an interest rate swap agreement that was entered into on July 17, 2002. This interest rate swap agreement effectively changed the interest rate on $25 million of Unsecured Senior Notes from a fixed rate of 9.75 percent to a variable rate based on LIBOR. With the termination of the interest rate swap agreement, Avista Corp. received $1.5 million, which was recorded as a deferred credit (as part of long-term debt) and will be amortized over the remaining term of the original agreement (through June 1, 2008).
Rathdrum Power, LLC (RP LLC), an unconsolidated entity that is 49 percent owned by Avista Power, operates a 270 MW natural gas-fired combustion turbine plant in northern Idaho (Lancaster Project). As of June 30, 2003, RP LLC had $118.4 million of debt outstanding that is not included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. There is no recourse to the Company with respect to this debt. RP LLC has entered into two interest rate swap agreements, maturing in 2006, to manage the risk that changes in interest rates may affect the amount of future interest payments. RP LLC agreed to pay fixed rates of interest with the differential paid or received under the interest rate swap agreements recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. These interest rate swap agreements are considered hedges against fluctuations in future cash flows associated with changes in interest rates in accordance with SFAS No. 133. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was determined by reference to market values obtained from various third party sources. Avista Powers 49 percent ownership interest in RP LLC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2003, there was an unrealized loss of $1.3 million recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
NOTE 10. PREFERRED STOCK-CUMULATIVE
In March 2003, the Company redeemed 17,500 shares of preferred stock for $1.6 million, satisfying its redemption requirement for 2003.
NOTE 11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 12,713 | $ | 12,292 | $ | 31,155 | $ | 29,268 | ||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(3,744 | ) | (1,947 | ) | (4,864 | ) | (3,675 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
8,969 | 10,345 | 26,291 | 25,593 | ||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change |
| | (1,190 | ) | (4,148 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
8,969 | 10,345 | 25,101 | 21,445 | ||||||||||||||
Deduct: Preferred stock dividend requirements |
547 | 608 | 1,125 | 1,216 | ||||||||||||||
Income available for common stock |
$ | 8,422 | $ | 9,737 | $ | 23,976 | $ | 20,229 | ||||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding-basic |
48,224 | 47,774 | 48,163 | 47,723 | ||||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock |
| 2 | | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Stock options |
105 | 81 | 47 | 83 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding-diluted |
48,329 | 47,857 | 48,210 | 47,809 | ||||||||||||||
Earnings per common share, basic and diluted: |
||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.59 | ||||||||||
Loss per common share from discontinued operations |
(0.08 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Earnings per common share before cumulative effect
of accounting change |
0.17 | 0.20 | 0.52 | 0.51 | ||||||||||||||
Loss per common share from cumulative effect
of accounting change |
| | (0.02 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total earnings per common share, basic and diluted |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.42 | ||||||||||
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AVISTA CORPORATION
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company believes, based on the information presently known, that the ultimate liability for the matters discussed in this note, individually or in the aggregate, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of the Company, but could be material to results of operations or cash flows for a particular quarter or annual period. No assurance can be given, however, as to the ultimate outcome with respect to any particular issue.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Inquiry
In February 2002, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order commencing a fact-finding investigation of potential manipulation of electric and natural gas prices in the California energy markets by multiple companies. On May 8, 2002, the FERC requested data and information with respect to certain trading strategies that companies may have engaged in. Specifically, the requests inquired as to whether or not the Company engaged in certain trading strategies that were the same or similar to those used by Enron Corporation (Enron) and its affiliates. These requests were made to all sellers of wholesale electricity and/or ancillary services in the Western Interconnection during 2000 and 2001, including Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. On May 22, 2002, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed their responses to this request indicating that both companies had engaged in sound business practices in accordance with established market rules, and that no information was evident from business records or employee interviews that would indicate that Avista Corp. or Avista Energy, or its employees, were knowingly engaged in these trading strategies, or any variant of the strategies.
On June 4, 2002, the FERC issued an additional order to Avista Corp. and three other companies requiring these companies to show cause within ten days as to why their authority to charge market-based rates should not be revoked. In this order, the FERC alleged that Avista Corp. failed to respond fully and accurately to the data request made on May 8, 2002. On June 14, 2002, Avista Corp. provided additional information in response to the June 4, 2002 FERC order to establish that its initial response was appropriate and adequate.
On August 13, 2002, the FERC issued an order to initiate an investigation into possible misconduct by Avista Corp. and Avista Energy and two affiliates of Enron: Enron Power Marketing, Inc. (EPMI) and Portland General Electric Corporation (PGE). The purpose of the investigation was to determine whether Avista Corp. and Avista Energy engaged in or facilitated certain Enron trading strategies, whether Avista Corp.s or Avista Energys role in transactions with EPMI and PGE resulted in the circumvention of a code of conduct governing transactions with affiliates, and the imposition of any appropriate remedies such as refunds and revocation of market-based rates. The investigation also explored whether the companies provided all relevant information in response to the May 8, 2002 data request.
In December 2002, as a result of the investigation, the FERC trial staff, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed a joint motion announcing that the parties had reached an agreement in principle and requested that the procedural schedule be suspended. In the joint motion, the FERC trial staff stated that its investigation found no evidence that: (1) any executives or employees of Avista Utilities or Avista Energy knowingly engaged in or facilitated any improper trading strategy; (2) Avista Utilities or Avista Energy engaged in any efforts to manipulate the western energy markets during 2000 and 2001; and (3) Avista Utilities or Avista Energy withheld relevant information from the FERCs inquiry into the western energy markets for 2000 and 2001.
In December 2002, the FERCs administrative law judge approved the joint motion, suspending the procedural schedule in the FERC investigation regarding Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. In January 2003, the FERC trial staff, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed a completed agreement in resolution of the proceeding with the administrative law judge. The parties requested that the administrative law judge certify the agreement and forward it to the FERC commissioners for acceptance following a 30-day comment period.
In February 2003, the City of Tacoma (Tacoma) and California Parties (the Office of the Attorney General, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the California Electricity Oversight Board, filing jointly) filed comments in opposition to the agreement in resolution between the FERC trial staff, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. PGE filed comments supporting the agreement in resolution, but took exception to how certain transactions were reported. On March 3, 2003, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed joint reply comments in response to Tacoma, the California Parties, and PGE. The FERC trial staff filed separate reply comments supporting the agreement in resolution and responding to Tacoma, the California Parties and PGE. The reply comments of Avista Corp., Avista
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Energy and the FERC trial staff also reiterated the request that the administrative law judge certify the agreement in resolution and forward it to the FERC commissioners for approval.
On March 26, 2003, the FERC policy staff issued its final report on their investigation of western energy markets. In the report, the FERC policy staff recommended the issuance of show cause orders to dozens of companies to respond to allegations of possible misconduct in the western energy markets during 2000 and 2001. Of the companies named in the March 26, 2003 report, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy are among the few that have already been the subjects of a FERC investigation.
At an April 9, 2003 prehearing conference relating to the ongoing investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy, Avista Corp. proposed that the decision to certify the agreement between Avista Corp., Avista Energy and the FERC trial staff be delayed to further address certain issues and to allow for potential uncertainty to be removed with respect to the final resolution of the case. The FERCs administrative law judge agreed and ordered a further prehearing conference to clarify certain issues raised in the March 26, 2003 FERC policy staff report on western energy markets.
On May 15, 2003, the FERCs trial staff submitted supplementary information explaining its conclusions and addressing three narrowly focused issues related to the March 26, 2003 FERC policy staff report on western energy markets. The FERCs administrative law judge held a further prehearing conference on May 20, 2003, at which time the FERC trial staff reviewed its findings and conclusions, and reiterated their recommendation to certify the agreement in resolution as supplemented. On May 27, 2003, Tacoma and the California Parties filed objections to the proposed agreement in resolution. Avista Corp., Avista Energy and the FERC trial staff each filed reply comments to Tacoma and the California Parties on June 3, 2003, reiterating their recommendations to the FERCs administrative law judge for certification of the agreement in resolution.
On June 25, 2003, the FERCs administrative law judge issued an order denying the request to certify the agreement in resolution and to forward it to the FERC commissioners for final approval. In the June 25, 2003 order, the FERCs administrative law judge reinstated a procedural schedule that called for further testimony and hearings in the case.
On July 10, 2003, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed an appeal to the June 25, 2003 order. In the appeal, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy asserted that the FERCs administrative law judge did not have the opportunity to consider how other orders, which were issued on June 25, 2003 by the FERC with respect to western energy markets and Enron, would impact the case. Those orders provided additional guidance with respect to improper trading activities and further validated the findings of the FERC trial staffs investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. The FERCs administrative law judge had 15 days to respond to the appeal.
On July 10, 2003, the FERC trial staff also filed a motion with the FERCs administrative law judge asking for clarification and reconsideration of the June 25, 2003 order. The FERCs trial staff requested that the agreement in resolution be certified and forwarded to the FERC commissioners for final approval without the need for a further hearing. On July 17, 2003, Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed an answer to this motion with the FERC, which supported the FERC trial staffs position.
On July 24, 2003, the FERCs administrative law judge issued an order, which granted the FERC trial staffs July 10, 2003 motion for reconsideration. In the order, the judge found that there are no unresolved issues of material fact and that the record is sufficient for the FERC to make a determination on the merits of the settlement. The judge certified the agreement in resolution and forwarded it to the FERC commissioners for final approval. In reaching this conclusion, the FERCs administrative law judge considered the July 10, 2003 appeal by Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. However, this appeal was denied as it is considered moot in view of granting the FERC trial staff motion for reconsideration.
The certification states that the Chief Judge further finds that the proposed settlement disposes of all issues set for hearing in this proceeding, that it is just, reasonable, and in the public interest.
On August 8, 2003, the California Parties filed a motion with the FERC and the chief administrative law judge requesting that the judge reconsider his July 24, 2003 order granting reconsideration and canceling the procedural schedule, as well as, the judges certification of the agreement in resolution. In response to the filing, the chief administrative law judge stated that the proceeding is now out of his hands, since he certified the agreement in resolution and forwarded it to the FERC commissioners for their consideration. The chief administrative law judge indicated that he would advise the Secretary of the FERC that the California Parties motion be referred to the FERC commissioners for consideration.
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Subpoena
Beginning on June 17, 2002, the CFTC has issued several subpoenas directing Avista Corp. and Avista Energy to produce certain materials, make employees available for questions and to respond to certain interrogatories. The inquiries relate to whether the electricity and natural gas trades by Avista Corp. and Avista Energy, involved round
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AVISTA CORPORATION
trip trades, wash trades, or sell/buyback trades and proper price reporting. Avista Corp. and Avista Energy are cooperating with the CFTC and providing the information requested by the CFTC.
Class Action Securities Litigation
On September 27, 2002, Ronald R. Wambolt filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington against Avista Corp., Thomas M. Matthews, the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Gary G. Ely, the current Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Jon E. Eliassen, the former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. On October 9, 2002, Gail West filed a similar class action lawsuit in the same court against the same parties. On November 7, 2002, Michael Atlas filed a similar class action lawsuit in the same court against the same parties. On November 21, 2002, Peter Arnone filed a similar class action lawsuit in the same court against the same parties. In their complaints, the plaintiffs assert violations of the federal securities laws in connection with alleged misstatements and omissions of material fact pursuant to Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In particular, the plaintiffs allege that the Company failed to disclose certain business practices that Avista Corp. was allegedly engaging in with EPMI and PGE. For further information see Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Inquiry above. The plaintiffs assert that such alleged misstatements and omissions have occurred in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other information made publicly available by the Company, including press releases. The class action lawsuits assert claims on behalf of all persons who purchased, converted, exchanged or otherwise acquired the Companys common stock during the period between November 23, 1999 and August 13, 2002. On February 3, 2003, the court issued an order consolidating the complaints under the name In re Avista Corp. Securities Litigation, and on February 7, 2003 appointed the lead plaintiff and co-lead counsel. The plaintiffs are to file their amended and consolidated complaint on or before August 18, 2003. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss these consolidated complaints and vigorously defend against these lawsuits.
California Energy Markets
In April 2002, several subsidiaries of Reliant Energy, Inc. (Reliant) and Duke Energy Corporation (Duke) filed cross-complaints against Avista Energy and numerous other participants in the California energy markets. The cross-complaints are for indemnification for any liability which may arise from original complaints filed against Reliant and Duke with respect to charges of unlawful and unfair business practices in the California energy markets under California law. Avista Energy has filed motions to dismiss the cross-complaints. In the meantime, the U.S. District Court has remanded the case to California State Court, which remand is itself the subject of an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
In March 2002, the Attorney General of the State of California (California AG) filed a complaint with the FERC against certain specific companies (not including Avista Corp. or its subsidiaries) and all other public utility sellers in California. The complaint alleges that sellers with market-based rates have violated their tariffs by not filing with the FERC transaction-specific information about all of their sales and purchases at market-based rates. As a result, the California AG contends that all past sales should be subject to refund if found to be above just and reasonable levels. In May 2002, the FERC issued an order denying the claim to issue refunds. In July 2002, the California AG requested a rehearing on the FERC order, which request was denied in September 2002. The California AG filed a Petition for Review of the FERCs decision with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
In April 2002, the California AG provided notice of intent to file a complaint against Avista Energy in the California State Court on behalf of the State of California. As of the filing date of this report, the California AG has not filed any such complaint against Avista Energy. Complaints have been filed by the California AG against approximately a dozen other companies, many of which have been dismissed based upon federal preemption and primary jurisdiction arguments. Those orders of dismissal have been appealed by the California AG to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In the notice of intent to file a complaint, the California AG alleges that Avista Energy failed to file rates and changes to rates charged for each sale of wholesale electricity in California markets with the FERC as required by Federal Power Act regulations and FERC orders. The threatened complaint asserts that each violation of law, regulation and order is an unlawful and unfair business practice under the California Business and Professions Code, subject to a penalty of $2,500 per violation. The threatened complaint further alleges that certain rates charged for wholesale electricity sold in California exceeded a just and reasonable rate. As such, the threatened complaint alleges that these rates violate the Federal Power Act and are also a violation under the California Business and Professions Code, subject to penalty. A significant portion of the transactions involved
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AVISTA CORPORATION
in this threatened complaint are also the subject of FERC proceedings to examine potential refunds and in most cases are transactions for which Avista Energy is still owed payment.
Port of Seattle Complaint
On May 21, 2003, the Port of Seattle filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington against numerous companies, including Avista Corp., Avista Energy and Avista Power. The complaint seeks compensatory and treble damages for alleged violations of the Sherman Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act by transmitting, via wire communications, false information intended to increase the price of power, knowing that others would rely upon such information. The complaint alleges that the defendants and others knowingly devised and attempted to devise a scheme to defraud and to obtain money and property from electricity customers throughout the WECC, by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. The alleged purpose of the scheme was to artificially increase the price that the defendants received for their electricity and ancillary services, to receive payments for services they did not provide and to manipulate the price of electricity throughout the WECC. Several parties have moved to transfer this case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and to consolidate it with other pending actions. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss this complaint.
State of Montana Complaint
On June 30, 2003, the Attorney General of the State of Montana (Montana AG) filed a complaint in the Montana District Court on behalf of the people of Montana and the Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc. against numerous companies, including Avista Corp. The complaint alleges that the companies illegally manipulated western electric and natural gas markets in 2000 and 2001. The Montana AG also petitioned the Montana Public Service Commission to fine public utilities $1,000 a day for each day it finds they engaged in alleged deceptive, fraudulent, anticompetitive or abusive practices and order refunds when consumers were forced to pay more than just and reasonable rates. This case was subsequently moved to the United States District Court for the District of Montana. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss this complaint.
Washington Consumer Class Action Lawsuit
On December 23, 2002, Nick A. Symonds filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington against numerous purchasers and sellers of wholesale electricity and natural gas in the western United States, including Avista Utilities. The class action lawsuit asserts claims on behalf of all persons and businesses residing in Washington who were purchasers of electric and/or natural gas energy from any period beginning in January 2000 to the present. The complaint alleges that due to the deregulation of the California energy market, the defendants were able to unlawfully manipulate the wholesale energy market resulting in supply shortages and high energy prices across the western United States, including Washington. The complaint further alleges that high energy prices have resulted in profits for the defendants at the expense of rate-paying consumers in Washington. The complaint seeks treble damages, attorney fees and costs, and an order that defendants immediately remedy the alleged unlawful practices relating to the purchase and sale of wholesale energy that affects rate-paying consumers in Washington. The complaint further seeks an order enjoining the defendants from continuing any alleged unlawful practices relating to the purchase and sale of wholesale energy that affects rate-paying consumers in Washington. The defendants moved to consolidate this case with similar actions filed elsewhere and to seek transfer of these cases to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Subsequently, the plaintiff filed a motion to dismiss this complaint on May 1, 2003 and the court issued its order of dismissal without prejudice on June 2, 2003.
State of Washington Business and Occupation Tax
The State of Washingtons Business and Occupation Tax applies to gross revenue from business activities. For most types of business, the tax applies to the gross sales price received for goods or services. For certain types of financial trading activities, including the sale of stocks, bonds and other securities, the tax applies to the realized gain from the sale of the financial asset. On an audit for the period from July 1, 1997 through June 30, 2000, the Department of Revenue (DOR) took the position that approximately 20 percent of the forward energy trades of Avista Energy should not be treated as securities trades, but rather as energy deliveries. As a result, the DOR applied tax against the gross sales price of the energy contracts at issue. Avista Energy subsequently received an assessment of $14.5 million for tax and interest related to the disputed issue. It is the position of Avista Energy that all of its forward contract trading activities are substantively the same and there is no proper basis for the distinction made by
27
AVISTA CORPORATION
the DOR. An administrative appeal was filed with the DOR and a hearing was held on September 25, 2001. The DOR issued a Proposed Determination on December 4, 2002, which reiterated the original $14.5 million assessment. At the present time Avista Energy is still in active negotiations with the DOR with respect to a final resolution of this matter and believes that a satisfactory settlement can be reached. However, if a satisfactory settlement can not be reached, Avista Energy will have to record a charge and resolve the issue in court.
Sale of Pentzer Corporation Subsidiary
On May 16, 2003, an agreement in principle was reached to settle a lawsuit filed by IDX Corporation (IDX), formerly known as Store Fixtures Group, Inc. against Pentzer Corporation (Pentzer) in February 2001. The agreement provided for a settlement in the amount of approximately $2.0 million, which had been previously accrued by the Company. The court entered a Stipulation and Order of Dismissal on June 30, 2003. In February 2001, IDX filed a complaint against Pentzer in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, alleging breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation relating to a stock purchase agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, Pentzer sold the capital stock of a group of companies on August 31, 1999. Plaintiff alleged that Pentzer breached various representations and warranties concerning financial statements and inventory, contending that reliance on such representations and warranties caused them to pay more for the group of companies than they were worth. In total, plaintiff alleged damages in the approximate amount of $7.8 million plus interest and attorneys fees.
Colstrip Generating Project Complaint
In May 2003, various parties (all of which are residents or businesses of Colstrip, Montana) filed a consolidated complaint against the owners of the Colstrip Generating Project (Colstrip) in Montana District Court. Avista Corp. owns a 15 percent interest in units 3 and 4 of Colstrip, which is located in southeastern Montana. The plaintiffs allege damages to buildings as a result of rising ground water as well as damages from contaminated waters leaking from the lakes and ponds of Colstrip. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages, an order by the court to remove the lakes and ponds and the forfeiture of all profits earned from the generation of Colstrip. The Company is currently assessing the merits of this complaint and intends to work with the other owners of Colstrip in defense of this complaint.
Hamilton Street Bridge Site
A portion of the Hamilton Street Bridge Site in Spokane, Washington (including a former coal gasification plant site that operated for approximately 60 years until 1948) was acquired by the Company through a merger in 1958. The Company no longer owns the property. Initial core samples taken from the site indicated environmental contamination at the site. On January 15, 1999, the Company received notice from the State of Washingtons Department of Ecology (DOE) that it had been designated as a potentially liable party (PLP) with respect to any hazardous substances located on this site, stemming from the Companys past ownership of the former gas plant site. In its notice, the DOE stated that it intended to complete an on-going remedial investigation of this site, complete a feasibility study to determine the most effective means of halting or controlling future releases of substances from the site, and to implement appropriate remedial measures. The Company responded to the DOE acknowledging its listing as a PLP, but requested that additional parties also be listed as PLPs. In the spring of 1999, the DOE named two other parties as additional PLPs.
An Agreed Order was signed by the DOE, the Company and another PLP, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. (BNSF) on March 13, 2000 that provided for the completion of a remedial investigation and a feasibility study. The work to be performed under the Agreed Order includes three major technical parts: completion of the remedial investigation; performance of a focused feasibility study; and implementation of an interim groundwater monitoring plan. During the second quarter of 2000, the Company received comments from the DOE on its initial remedial investigation, then submitted another draft of the remedial investigation, which was accepted as final by the DOE. After responding to comments from the DOE, the feasibility study was accepted by the DOE during the fourth quarter of 2000. After receiving input from the Company and the other PLPs, the final Cleanup Action Plan (CAP) was issued by the DOE on August 10, 2001. On September 10, 2001, the DOE issued an initial draft Consent Decree for the PLPs to review. During the first quarter of 2002, the Company and BNSF signed a cost sharing agreement. On September 11, 2002, the Company, BNSF and the DOE finalized the Consent Decree to implement the CAP. The third PLP has indicated it will not sign the Consent Decree. It is currently estimated that the Companys share of the costs will be less than $1.0 million. The Engineering and Design Report for the CAP was submitted to the DOE in January 2003 and approved by the DOE in May 2003. Work under the CAP commenced
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AVISTA CORPORATION
during the second quarter of 2003. Negotiations are continuing with the third PLP with respect to the logistics of the CAP.
Spokane River
In March 2001, the DOE informed Avista Development, a subsidiary of Avista Capital, of a health advisory concerning PCBs found in fish caught in a portion of the Spokane River. In June 2001, Avista Development received official notice that it had been designated as a PLP with respect to contaminated sites on the Spokane River. The DOE discovered PCBs in fish and sediments in the Spokane River in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, the DOE performed subsequent sampling of the river and identified potential sources of the PCBs, including the Spokane Industrial Park (SIP) and a number of other entities in the area. The SIP, renamed Pentzer Development Corporation (Pentzer Development) in 1990, operated a wastewater treatment plant at the site until it was closed in December 1993. The SIPs treatment plant discharged to the Spokane River under the terms of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the DOE. Pentzer Development sold the property in 1996 and merged with Avista Development in 1998. Avista Development filed a response to this notice in August 2001. In December 2001, the DOE confirmed Avista Developments status as a PLP and named at least two other PLPs in this matter. During the first half of 2002, Avista and one other PLP met with the DOE to begin discussions and provide comments to the DOE on a draft Consent Decree and Scope of Work for a focused remedial investigation and feasibility study of the site. One other PLP has not been participating in negotiations. The Consent Decree and Scope of Work for the remedial investigation and feasibility study of the site were finalized during the fourth quarter of 2002 and formally entered into Spokane County Superior Court in January 2003. As directed by Avista and the other PLP, the field work for the remedial investigation began in April 2003. The other PLP that has been participating in the negotiations has filed for bankruptcy; however, the bankruptcy court has permitted the disbursement of funds related to this environmental matter. In April 2003, the DOE released its study of wastewater and sludge handling from facilities owned by a fourth PLP. The DOE study indicated that the fourth PLP continued to discharge PCBs into the Spokane River. As directed by Avista and the other PLP, sampling of groundwater and completion of transects for bottom profiling of the Spokane River behind Upriver Dam was completed in May 2003 as part of the remedial investigation. It is currently expected that the actual cleanup of PCB sediments in the Spokane River will be coordinated to the extent possible with the EPAs separate plan to remove heavy metals from the Spokane River, contamination that resulted from decades of mining upstream at locations in Idaho and is not related to the activities of Avista Development.
Lake Coeur dAlene
In July 1998, the United States District Court for the District of Idaho issued its finding that the Coeur dAlene Tribe of Idaho owns portions of the bed and banks of Lake Coeur dAlene and the St. Joe River lying within the current boundaries of the Coeur dAlene Reservation. This action was brought by the United States on behalf of the Tribe against the State of Idaho. While the Company has not been a party to this action, the Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impact of this decision on the operation of its hydroelectric facilities on the Spokane River, downstream of Lake Coeur dAlene. The United States District Court decision was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The United States Supreme Court affirmed this decision in June 2001. This will result in the Company being liable to the Coeur dAlene Tribe of Idaho for payments for use of reservation lands under Section 10(e) of the Federal Power Act.
Spokane River Relicensing
The Company operates six hydroelectric plants on the Spokane River, and five of these (Long Lake, Nine Mile, Upper Falls, Monroe Street and Post Falls) are under one FERC license and referred to herein as the Spokane River Project. The sixth, Little Falls, is operated under separate Congressional authority and is not licensed by the FERC. The license for the Spokane River Project expires in August 2007; the Company filed a Notice of Intent to Relicense on July 29, 2002. The formal consultation process involving planning and information gathering with stakeholder groups is underway. The Companys goal is to develop with the stakeholders a comprehensive and cost-effective settlement agreement to be filed as part of the Companys license application to the FERC in July 2005.
Clark Fork Settlement Agreement
The issue of high levels of dissolved gas which exceed Idaho and federal water quality standards downstream of the Cabinet Gorge Hydroelectric Generating Project (Cabinet Gorge) during spill periods continues to be studied, as agreed to in the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement and incorporated into the operating license renewed by the FERC
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AVISTA CORPORATION
in 1999. To date, intensive biological studies in the lower Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille have documented no significant biological effects of high dissolved gas levels on free ranging fish. Under the terms of the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement, the Company developed an abatement and mitigation strategy during 2002 with the other signatories to the agreement. In December 2002, the Company submitted its plan for review and approval by the other signatories as well as the FERC. The structural alternative proposed in the plan provides for the modification of the two existing diversion tunnels built when Cabinet Gorge was originally constructed. The costs of modifications to the first tunnel are currently estimated to be $37 million (including AFUDC and inflation) and would be incurred between 2004 and 2009. The second tunnel would be modified only after evaluation of the performance of the first tunnel and such modifications would commence no later than 10 years following the completion of the first tunnel. It is currently estimated that the costs to modify the second tunnel would be $23 million (including AFUDC and inflation). As part of the plan, the Company will also provide $0.5 million annually commencing as early as 2004, as mitigation for aquatic resources that might be adversely affected by high dissolved gas levels. Mitigation funds will continue until the modification of the second tunnel commences or if the second tunnel is not modified to an agreed upon point in time commensurate with the biological effects of high dissolved gas levels. The Company will seek regulatory recovery of the costs for the modification of Cabinet Gorge and the mitigation payments.
The operating license for the Clark Fork Project describes the approach to restore bull trout populations in the project areas. Using the concept of adaptive management and working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Company is evaluating the feasibility of fish passage. The results of these studies will help the Company and other parties determine the best use of funds toward continuing fish passage efforts or other population enhancement measures.
Other Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company has various other legal claims and contingent matters outstanding. The Company believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material adverse impact on the Companys financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
This Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Avista Corp. is including the following cautionary statement to make applicable, and to take advantage of, the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, projections of future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions). Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those that are identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, will, anticipates, seeks to, estimates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, and similar expressions. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Such statements are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Companys control. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others:
| changes in the utility regulatory environment in the individual states in which the Company operates and the United States in general. This can impact allowed rates of return, financings, or industry and rate structures; | |
| the impact of regulatory and legislative decisions including FERC price controls, and including possible retroactive price caps and resulting refunds; | |
| the impact from the potential formation of a Regional Transmission Organization and/or an Independent Transmission Company; | |
| the impact from the implementation of the FERCs proposed wholesale power market rules; | |
| volatility and illiquidity in wholesale energy markets, including the availability and prices of purchased energy; | |
| wholesale and retail competition (including but not limited to electric retail wheeling and transmission costs); | |
| future streamflow conditions that affect the availability of hydroelectric resources; | |
| outages at any company-owned generating facilities; | |
| unanticipated delays or changes in construction costs with respect to present or prospective generating facilities; | |
| changes in weather conditions that can affect customer demand, result in natural disasters and/or customer outages; | |
| changes in industrial, commercial and residential growth and demographic patterns in the Companys service territory; | |
| the loss of significant customers and/or suppliers; | |
| failure to deliver on the part of any parties from which the Company purchases and/or sells capacity or energy; | |
| changes in the creditworthiness of customers and energy trading counterparties; | |
| the Companys ability to obtain financing through the issuance of debt and/or equity securities, which can be affected by various factors including the Companys credit ratings, interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions; | |
| changes in future economic conditions in the Companys service territory and the United States in general, including inflation or deflation and monetary policy; | |
| the potential for future terrorist attacks, particularly with respect to utility plant assets; | |
| changes in tax rates and/or policies; | |
| changes in, and compliance with, environmental and endangered species laws, regulations, decisions and policies, including present and potential environmental remediation costs; | |
| the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings concerning the Company or affecting directly or indirectly its operations; | |
| employee issues, including changes in collective bargaining unit agreements, strikes, work stoppages or the loss of key executives; | |
| changes in actuarial assumptions and the return on assets with respect to the Companys pension plan, which can impact future funding obligations, costs and pension plan liabilities; | |
| increasing health care costs and the resulting effect on health insurance premiums paid for employees and on the obligation to provide postretirement health care benefits; | |
| increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage terms and the ability to obtain insurance. |
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The Companys expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including, without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. However, there can be no assurance that the Companys expectations, beliefs or projections will be achieved or accomplished. Furthermore, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the Companys business or the extent to which any such factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
The following discussion and analysis is provided for the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Avista Corp., including its subsidiaries. This discussion focuses on significant factors concerning the Companys financial condition and results of operations and should be read along with the consolidated financial statements.
Avista Corp. Lines of Business
Avista Corp. is an energy company engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. The Company is organized into four lines of business Avista Utilities, Energy Marketing and Resource Management, Avista Advantage, and Other. Avista Utilities, an operating division of Avista Corp. and not a separate entity, represents the regulated utility operations. Avista Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp., is the parent company of all of the subsidiary companies engaged in the non-utility lines of business. As of June 30, 2003, the Company had common equity investments of $467.1 million and $262.4 million in Avista Utilities and Avista Capital, respectively.
Avista Utilities generates, transmits and distributes electricity and distributes natural gas. Avista Utilities owns and operates eight hydroelectric projects, a wood-waste fueled generating station, a two-unit natural gas-fired combustion turbine (CT) generating facility and two small generating facilities. It also owns a 15 percent share in a two-unit coal-fired generating facility and leases and operates a two-unit natural gas-fired CT generating facility. In July 2003, the natural gas-fired Coyote Springs 2 Generation Project (Coyote Springs 2) was placed into operation. Avista Utilities has a 50 percent ownership interest (140 MW) in Coyote Springs 2. Including its ownership interest in Coyote Springs 2, Avista Utilities facilities have a total net capability of approximately 1,651 megawatts (MW), of which 58 percent is hydroelectric and 42 percent is thermal.
In addition to company owned resources, Avista Utilities has a number of long-term power purchase and exchange contracts that increase its available resources. Avista Utilities sells and purchases electric capacity and energy to and from utilities and other entities in the wholesale market under long-term contracts having terms of more than one year. In addition, Avista Utilities engages in an ongoing process of resource optimization which involves short-term purchases and sales in the wholesale market in pursuit of an economic selection of resources to serve retail and wholesale loads. Avista Utilities makes continuing projections of (1) future retail and wholesale loads based on, among other things, forward estimates of factors such as customer usage and weather as well as historical data and contract terms and (2) resource availability based on, among other things, estimates of streamflows, generating unit availability, historic and forward market information and experience. On the basis of these continuing projections, Avista Utilities makes purchases and sales of energy on an annual, quarterly, monthly, daily and hourly basis to match expected resources to expected energy requirements. This process includes hedging transactions as a means of managing risks. The extent of future wholesale transactions will be based on the projection of future needs, the availability of resources owned or under contract by Avista Utilities, wholesale market prices and changes to loads of Avista Utilities customers and contractual obligations.
The Energy Marketing and Resource Management line of business is comprised of Avista Energy, Inc. (Avista Energy) and Avista Power, LLC (Avista Power). Avista Energy is an electricity and natural gas marketing and resource management business, operating primarily in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) geographical area, which is comprised of eleven Western states as well as the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. Avista Power was formed to develop and own generation assets. Avista Power continues to manage the generation assets it currently owns, primarily its 49 percent interest in a 270 megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired combustion turbine plant in northern Idaho (Lancaster Project), which commenced commercial operation in September 2001.
Avista Advantage, Inc. (Avista Advantage) is a provider of internet based facility intelligence, cost management, billing and information services to multi-site retail customers throughout North America. Its primary product lines
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AVISTA CORPORATION
include consolidated billing, resource accounting, energy analysis and load profiling services.
The Other line of business includes Avista Ventures, Inc. (Avista Ventures), Pentzer Corporation (Pentzer), Avista Development, Avista Services and the operations of Avista Capital that are not included through its subsidiaries. Included in this line of business is Advanced Manufacturing and Development, a subsidiary of Avista Ventures that performs custom manufacturing of sheet metal of electronic enclosures, parts and systems for the computer, telecom and medical industries. Advanced Manufacturing and Development also has a wood products division that provides complete fabrication and turnkey assembly for arcade games, kiosks, store fixtures, and displays. The Company continues to limit its future investment in the Other line of business.
In July 2003, Avista Corp. announced an investment by a group of private equity investors in a new entity, AVLB, Inc., which acquired the assets previously held by Avista Corp.s fuel cell manufacturing and development subsidiary, Avista Labs. As such, these operations are reported as a discontinued operation. The investors have raised an initial $7.5 million in funding, which includes a commitment by Avista Corp. to provide funding of up to $1.5 million under certain conditions. The Company has a 19.9 percent ownership interest in AVLB, Inc.
In September 2001, Avista Corp. decided that it would dispose of substantially all of the assets of Avista Communications, Inc. (Avista Communications), formerly part of the Information and Technology line of business with Avista Advantage and Avista Labs. The divestiture of operating assets was complete by the end of 2002. The operations of Avista Communications are included as part of discontinued operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2002.
Avista Utilities Regulatory Matters
The Company regularly reviews the need for electric or natural gas rate changes in each state in which it provides service.
Avista Utilities filed a natural gas general rate case in Oregon during April 2003. Avista Utilities requested an overall rate increase of 11.8 percent (or $7.5 million in annual revenues) with an overall rate of return of 9.86 percent and a return on equity of 11.75 percent. The Company has reached an all-party stipulation agreement in the Oregon natural gas general rate case with respect to cost of capital issues. This stipulation agreement resolves issues with respect to capital structure, the cost of debt (including preferred stock) and the return on common equity. The stipulation agreement provides for an overall rate of return of 8.88 percent, a return on equity of 10.25 percent and reduces the requested annual revenue increase to $6.9 million. The OPUC has up to 10 months to review and finalize this general rate case filing, including the stipulation agreement with respect to cost of capital issues.
Natural gas commodity prices increased significantly towards the end of 2002 and into the first half of 2003 before declining somewhat during June and July of 2003. The Company is well connected to multiple supply basins in the western United States and western Canada and believes there will be sufficient supplies of natural gas to meet its customers needs. However, natural gas prices in the Pacific Northwest are increasingly affected by supply and demand factors in other parts of the United States and Canada. Natural gas commodity costs in excess of the amount recovered in current rates are deferred and recovered in future periods with applicable regulatory approval through adjustments to rates. Market prices for natural gas continue to be competitive compared to alternative fuel sources for residential, commercial and industrial customers. Avista Utilities believes that natural gas should sustain its market advantage based on the levels of existing reserves and potential natural gas development in the future.
During the second half of 2002, Avista Utilities adjusted its natural gas rates in response to a decrease in current and projected natural gas costs at that time. During the fourth quarter of 2002, natural gas rate decreases of 17.4 percent, 15.5 percent, 7.1 percent and 16.2 percent were approved and implemented in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California, respectively. As discussed above, current and projected natural gas prices have increased towards the end of 2002 and into the first half of 2003. In August 2003, Avista Utilities filed requests for natural gas rate increases of 8.7 percent in Washington, 2.4 percent in Idaho, 18.0 percent in Oregon and 15.0 percent in California. These natural gas rate increases and decreases are designed to pass through changes in purchased natural gas costs to customers and reduce operating revenues and resource costs with no change in Avista Utilities gross margin or net income. Total deferred natural gas costs were $13.6 million and $11.5 million as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
The IPUC, WUTC and OPUC approved Avista Utilities Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism in 1999. The mechanism eliminated the majority of natural gas procurement operations within Avista Utilities and consolidated natural gas procurement operations under Avista Energy, the Companys non-regulated subsidiary. The ownership
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AVISTA CORPORATION
of the natural gas assets remains with Avista Utilities; however, the assets are managed by Avista Energy through an Agency Agreement. The Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism provides benefits to retail customers and allows Avista Energy to retain a portion of the benefits associated with asset optimization and the efficiencies gained in purchasing natural gas for Avista Utilities as part of Avista Energys portfolio of natural gas assets. In the first quarter of 2002, the IPUC and the OPUC approved the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement through March 31, 2005. In January 2003, the WUTC approved the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement through January 29, 2004. In April 2003, the Company filed a proposal to amend certain aspects of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement and has requested an extension through March 31, 2007. In July 2003, the WUTC staff and the Public Counsel Section of the Attorney Generals Office filed testimony recommending termination of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism in Washington at the end of January 2004. The termination of the mechanism would result in natural gas procurement operations being performed by Avista Utilities for Washington natural gas customers. If the WUTC determines that the mechanism should not be terminated, WUTC staff and Public Counsel recommend that the level of benefits provided to Avista Utilities customers be increased. During August 2003, Avista Utilities will file its response to the WUTC staff and Public Counsel recommendations requesting the continuation of the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and further explaining the benefits that customers receive by having natural gas procurement operations managed by Avista Energy as part of a larger natural gas portfolio. Hearings will be held before the WUTC during September 2003 to determine any changes and whether or not the Natural Gas Benchmark Mechanism and related Agency Agreement will be extended beyond January 29, 2004.
A power purchase and sales contract with Potlatch Corporation (Potlatch) expired on December 31, 2001. Potlatchs Lewiston, Idaho facility has electric requirements of about 100 aMW. The facility also typically produces approximately 60 aMW of self-generation. Since January 2002, Potlatch had been using its generation for a portion of its own electric requirements, which resulted in a net electric requirement on Avista Utilities system of approximately 40 aMW. In December 2002, Potlatch filed a complaint with the IPUC requesting that Avista Utilities be required to purchase its self-generation at a rate equivalent to Avista Utilities avoided costs. During July 2003, Avista Utilities and Potlatch executed a ten-year power purchase and sales contact, under which Avista Utilities will purchase up to 62 aMW of Potlatchs base self-generation at a price slightly below the IPUC administratively determined avoided cost rate. Additionally, Avista Utilities may from time to time purchase generation above the base generation amount, which Potlatch may make available, at a price somewhat below market conditions at that time. Avista Utilities will serve Potlatchs entire electric requirements of approximately 100 aMW at the retail tariff rates established for large industrial customers, unless a different rate is subsequently ordered by the IPUC. The agreement is subject to the approval of the IPUC, including the full recovery of any cost differences through the Idaho PCA mechanism or base retail rates. If approved by the IPUC, Avista Utilities does not expect the agreement to have a material impact on future net income. However, it would result in an increase in both retail revenues and resource costs.
In May 2003, Avista Utilities submitted its 2003 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the WUTC and the IPUC. The IRP describes the mix of generating resources including an investment in wind power starting in 2008, as well as energy efficiency programs to meet future electric power needs at least cost. The IRP is created every two years with a 20-year view to the future.
Avista Utilities defers the recognition in the income statement of certain power supply costs that are in excess of the level currently recovered from retail customers as authorized by the WUTC and the IPUC. A portion of power supply costs are recorded as a deferred charge on the balance sheet for future review and the opportunity for recovery through retail rates. The specific power costs deferred are a percentage of the difference between certain actual power supply costs incurred by Avista Utilities and the costs included in base retail rates. This difference is primarily related to changes in short-term wholesale market prices, changes in the level of hydroelectric generation and changes in the level of thermal generation (including changes in fuel prices).
In June 2002, the WUTC issued an order that became effective July 1, 2002 with respect to a general electric rate case filed by Avista Utilities in December 2001. The order provided for the restructuring of rate increases previously approved by the WUTC totaling 31.2 percent. The general increase to base retail rates was 19.3 percent and the remaining 11.9 percent represents the continued recovery of deferred power costs.
In the June 2002 rate order, the WUTC approved the establishment of the ERM. The ERM replaced a series of temporary power cost deferral mechanisms that were in place in Washington since mid-2000. The ERM allows Avista Utilities to increase or decrease electric rates periodically with WUTC approval to reflect changes in power supply costs. The ERM provides for Avista Utilities to incur the cost of, or receive the benefit from, the first $9 million in annual power supply costs above or below the amount included in base retail rates. Under the ERM, 90
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AVISTA CORPORATION
percent of the power supply costs exceeding or below the initial $9 million are deferred for future surcharge or rebate to Avista Utilities customers. The remaining 10 percent of power supply costs are an expense of, or benefit to, the Company.
The Company expensed the initial $9.0 million of power supply costs above the amount included in base retail rates during the first quarter of 2003. The majority of these costs relate to fuel contracts entered into during 2001 that expire in 2004 for the Companys thermal generating units.
Under the ERM, Avista Utilities agreed to make an annual filing on or before April 1st of each year to provide the opportunity for the WUTC and other interested parties to review the prudence of and audit the ERM deferred power costs transactions for the prior calendar year. The settlement agreement establishing the ERM provided for a 90-day review period for the filing; however, the period may be extended by agreement of the parties or by WUTC order. Avista Utilities made its first annual filing with the WUTC on March 28, 2003 related to $18.4 million of deferred power costs incurred for the period July 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. Previous settlement agreements established the prudence and recoverability of power costs incurred through June 30, 2002. On May 8, 2003 the WUTC Staff, the Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities, and the Public Counsel Section of the Attorney Generals Office filed a motion for a pre-hearing conference related to Avista Utilities March 28, 2003 ERM filing. As a result of that motion, a pre-hearing conference was held on May 23, 2003 and an order was issued by the WUTC on May 27, 2003. In the order, a procedural schedule was set that includes the filing of testimony by all parties in August and September 2003 and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 15-17, 2003.
Avista Utilities has a PCA mechanism in Idaho that allows it to modify electric rates periodically with IPUC approval to recover or rebate a portion of the difference between actual net power supply costs and the amount included in base retail rates. The PCA mechanism allows for the deferral of 90 percent of the difference between certain actual net power supply expenses and the authorized level of net power supply expense approved in the last Idaho general rate case. In October 2002, the IPUC issued an order extending a 19.4 percent PCA surcharge for Idaho electric customers. The PCA surcharge will remain in effect until October 2003. In August 2003, Avista Utilities filed a status report with the IPUC to request a continuation of the PCA surcharge. If review of the status report and the actual balance of deferred power costs support continuation of the PCA surcharge, the IPUC has indicated that it anticipates the PCA surcharge will be extended for an additional period.
The following table shows activity in deferred power costs for Washington and Idaho during 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Washington | Idaho | Total | |||||||||||
Deferred power costs as of December 31, 2001 |
$ | 140,238 | $ | 73,087 | $ | 213,325 | |||||||
Activity from January 1 December 31, 2002: |
|||||||||||||
Power costs deferred |
22,423 | 13,471 | 35,894 | ||||||||||
Unrealized gain on fuel contracts (1) |
(7,068 | ) | (3,485 | ) | (10,553 | ) | |||||||
Interest and other net additions |
6,726 | 888 | 7,614 | ||||||||||
Amortization of deferred credit |
| (27,711 | ) | (27,711 | ) | ||||||||
Recovery of deferred power costs through retail rates |
(38,570 | ) | (24,732 | ) | (63,302 | ) | |||||||
Deferred power costs as of December 31, 2002 |
123,749 | 31,518 | 155,267 | ||||||||||
Activity from January 1 June 30, 2003: |
|||||||||||||
Power costs deferred |
5,397 | 9,198 | 14,595 | ||||||||||
Unrealized loss on fuel contracts (1) |
505 | 257 | 762 | ||||||||||
Interest and other net additions |
3,464 | 355 | 3,819 | ||||||||||
Recovery of deferred power costs through retail rates |
(13,056 | ) | (12,636 | ) | (25,692 | ) | |||||||
Deferred power costs as of June 30, 2003 |
$ | 120,059 | $ | 28,692 | $ | 148,751 | |||||||
(1) | Unrealized gains and losses on fuel contracts are not included in the ERM and PCA mechanism until the contracts are settled or realized. |
During a year having normal streamflow conditions, Avista Utilities would expect to have generation from its hydroelectric resources (both owned and purchased under long-term hydroelectric contracts) of approximately 550 aMW. For 2002, streamflow conditions were 112 percent of normal and hydroelectric generation was 553 aMW (101 percent of normal). Current forecasts indicate that streamflow conditions for 2003 are expected to be approximately 88 percent of normal. Avista Utilities currently estimates that hydroelectric generation will be 508 aMW (92 percent of normal) in 2003. Based on current projections, total deferred power costs are expected to be
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approximately $147 million at the end of 2003. It is expected that the recovery of deferred power costs will take several years.
Power Market Issues
Avista Utilities and Avista Energy participate directly and indirectly in the power markets in the United States. Developments in these markets, particularly in the western part of the United States, have affected both Avista Utilities and Avista Energy. Federal and state officials including, but not limited to, the FERC and the CPUC, commenced reviews in 2000 to determine the causes of the changes in the wholesale energy markets to develop legal and regulatory remedies to address alleged market failures or abuses and large defaults by certain parties in the wholesale markets. The proceedings are continuing and their ultimate outcome and the resulting impact on the Company cannot be predicted at this time.
California Energy Market
In early 2001, Californias two largest utilities, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), defaulted on payment obligations owed to various energy sellers, including the California Power Exchange (CalPX), California Independent System Operator (CalISO), and Automated Power Exchange (APX). Consequently, CalPX, CalISO and APX defaulted on their payment obligations to Avista Energy. PG&E and CalPX filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code for protection from creditors. On March 1, 2002, SCE paid its past due obligations to the CalPX and various other creditors; however, these funds did not flow directly to Avista Energy. As of June 30, 2003, Avista Energys accounts receivable outstanding related to defaulting parties in California did not exceed its reserves for uncollected amounts, cost of collection, and refunds. Avista Energy is currently pursuing recovery of the defaulted obligations.
In July 2001, the FERC issued an order to commence a fact-finding hearing to determine if refunds should be owed and, if so, the amounts of such refunds for sales during the period from October 2, 2000 to June 20, 2001 in the California spot market. The order provides that any refunds owed could be offset against unpaid energy debts due to the same party. However, in 2002 the FERC announced that it was considering changing the method used to determine natural gas costs for calculating refunds in this proceeding, which would delay their findings. Furthermore, on November 20, 2002, the FERC issued a Discovery Order, which reopened the evidentiary record and allowed parties in the proceeding to conduct additional discovery for the period January 1, 2000 to June 20, 2001. The November 20, 2002 Discovery Order required that, by no later than March 3, 2003, the market participants provide relevant documents to support any proposed recommendations to the FERC. The Discovery Order also afforded parties in this proceeding the opportunity to respond by March 20, 2003 to submissions made by March 3, 2003. On December 12, 2002, the FERC administrative law judge issued a Certification of Proposed Findings on California Refund Liability detailing the proposed refund amounts, which was presented to the FERC for consideration.
Several parties filed documents with the FERC on March 3, 2003 presenting supplemental information regarding alleged improper market conduct and requests for refunds and other relief under the additional discovery procedures set forth in both the California and Pacific Northwest refund proceedings. The filing parties include the California Parties (a joint filing including the Attorney General of the State of California, the California Electricity Oversight Board, the CPUC, and PG&E), the City of Tacoma and Port of Seattle (jointly), the City of Seattle, and the Washington State Attorney General. The filing parties, with the exception of the Washington State Attorney General, have made specific allegations with regard to many companies, including Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. Based upon review of the filings, there were no new allegations or information not known to and addressed by the FERC trial staff in a separate investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy. Avista Corp. and Avista Energy filed reply comments in response to the allegations of the parties in March 2003.
On March 26, 2003, the FERC policy staff issued its final report on their investigation of western energy markets. In the report, the FERC policy staff recommended the issuance of show cause orders to dozens of companies to respond to allegations of possible misconduct in the western energy markets during 2000 and 2001. Several of the companies named in the March 26, 2003 report, including Avista Corp. and Avista Energy, have already been subject to a FERC investigation. As explained at Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Inquiry in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy, the FERC trial staff states that its investigation found no evidence that: (1) any executives or employees of Avista Utilities or Avista Energy knowingly engaged in or facilitated any improper trading strategy; (2) Avista Utilities or Avista Energy engaged in any efforts to manipulate the western energy markets during 2000 and 2001; and (3) Avista Utilities or Avista Energy withheld relevant information from the FERCs inquiry into the western energy markets for 2000 and 2001. On July 24, 2003, the FERCs administrative law judge certified the agreement in
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resolution with respect to the FERCs investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy and forwarded it to the FERC commissioners for final approval. See further discussion of this FERC investigation of Avista Corp. and Avista Energy at Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Inquiry in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On March 26, 2003, the FERC also addressed issues related to refund proceedings in the California energy markets. Based on current information, the Company believes that it has sufficient reserves in place for potential California refunds.
On June 25, 2003, the FERC issued two broad show cause orders to over 60 power trading companies (Avista Corp. and Avista Energy were not included) that are alleged to have engaged in manipulative practices that disrupted western energy markets in 2000 and 2001. On June 25, 2003, the FERC also announced that it had not found evidence that would support the modification of certain long-term power contracts in western energy markets, saying that it would not be in the public interest and that buyers had failed to make a case for such action.
On June 25, 2003, the FERC issued an order with respect to the bidding behavior and practices engaged in by participants in the short-term energy markets operated by the CalISO and the CalPX. This order calls for the review of bids above $250 per MW made by participants during the period from May 1, 2000 to October 2, 2000. This order was made in response to the March 26, 2003 FERC policy staff report on western energy markets, which indicated that certain bids for this period appeared to have been excessive. Market participants with bids above $250 per MW during the period described above will be required to demonstrate why their bidding behavior and practices did not violate applicable market rules. If violations were found to exist, the FERC would require the refund of any unjust profits and could also enforce other non-monetary penalties, such as the revocation of market-based rate authority. Avista Energy is subject to this review. Avista Energy maintains that it has engaged in sound business practices in accordance with established market rules.
Pacific Northwest Refund Proceedings
The July 2001 FERC order also directed an evidentiary proceeding to explore wholesale power market issues in the Pacific Northwest to determine whether there were excessive charges for spot market sales in the Pacific Northwest during the period from December 25, 2000 to June 20, 2001. Based on their application of selected retroactive pricing methods, certain parties asserted claims for significant refunds from Avista Energy and lesser refunds from Avista Utilities. Avista Energy and Avista Utilities joined with numerous other wholesale market participants to oppose proposals by parties for refund claims. In September 2001, the FERCs administrative law judge for this proceeding issued a recommendation that the FERC should not order refunds for the Pacific Northwest for the period in question and that the FERC should take no further action on these matters. On December 19, 2002, the FERC issued a Discovery Order that reopened the evidentiary record and allowed parties in the proceeding to conduct additional discovery for the period January 1, 2000 to June 20, 2001. The December 19, 2002 Discovery Order required that, by no later than March 3, 2003, the market participants provide relevant documents to support any proposed recommendations to the FERC. The Discovery Order also afforded parties in this proceeding the opportunity to respond by March 20, 2003 to submissions made by March 3, 2003.
On March 26, 2003 the FERC policy staff issued a report recommending that the FERC reconsider the refund proceedings in the Pacific Northwest energy markets. On May 6, 2003, the Transaction Finality Group (comprised primarily of western utility and energy companies, including Avista Corp. and Avista Energy) requested oral arguments before the FERC in the Pacific Northwest refund proceedings. In its request to the FERC, the Transaction Finality Group stated, among other things, that any action that the FERC takes regarding the electricity market prices in the Pacific Northwest during 2000 and 2001 will retroactively disturb thousands of completed and long-settled bilateral contracts. On June 25, 2003, the FERC denied the request of certain parties for retroactive refunds for spot market sales in the Pacific Northwest during the period from December 25, 2000 to June 20, 2001. On July 25, 2003, the Transaction Finality Group filed a request for rehearing supporting the FERCs decision to deny retroactive refund claims in the Pacific Northwest spot market but raising argument on certain procedural issues only in the event that the FERC entertains additional arguments in the case. Also on July 25, 2003, several other parties filed requests for rehearing on the FERCs order.
See further information under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Inquiry, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Subpoena, California Energy Markets, Port of Seattle Complaint, State of Montana Complaint and Washington Consumer Class Action Lawsuit in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Regional Transmission Organizations
Avista Corp. is negotiating with nine other utilities in the western United States in the possible formation of a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), RTO West, a non-profit organization. The potential formation of RTO West is in response to FERC Order No. 2000 requiring all utilities subject to FERC regulation to file a proposal to form a RTO, or a description of efforts to participate in a RTO, and any existing obstacles to RTO participation. FERC Order No. 2000 is a follow-up to FERC Orders No. 888 and 889 issued in 1996, which required transmission owners to provide non-discriminatory transmission service to third parties. RTO West filed its Stage 2 proposal with the FERC in March 2002 and received limited approval from the FERC of this initial plan in September 2002. With further development of detail and some modifications, the FERC stated that the proposal will satisfy not only FERC Order No. 2000 requirements, but can also provide a basic framework for standard market design in the western United States. Further development of the RTO West proposal by the filing utilities continues. Under the current proposal, RTO West would have its own independent governing board. The participating transmission owners would retain ownership of the transmission assets, but would not have a role in operating the transmission grid.
Avista Corp. and two other western utilities have also taken steps toward the formation of a for-profit Independent Transmission Company, TransConnect, which would be a member of RTO West, serve portions of five states and own or lease the high voltage transmission facilities of the participating utilities. TransConnect filed its proposal with the FERC in November 2001 and received limited approval from the FERC in September 2002.
The final proposals must be approved by the FERC, the boards of directors of the filing companies and regulators in various states. The companies decision to move forward with the formation of TransConnect or RTO West will ultimately depend on the conditions related to the formation of the entities, as well as the economics and conditions imposed in the regulatory approval process. If TransConnect were formed, it could result in Avista Utilities divesting its electric transmission assets. The formation of RTO West or TransConnect could have an impact on the Companys transmission costs and profitability.
Wholesale Power Market Design
In April 2003, the FERC issued a White Paper presenting a revised version of proposed wholesale power market rules. The White Paper emphasizes a focus on the formation of RTOs and on ensuring that all independent transmission organizations have sound market rules. The White Paper further indicates that the implementation schedule will vary depending on regional needs and will also allow for regional differences. This White Paper was developed based on input from numerous state regulatory agencies, utility companies, industry and consumer groups, as well as the public. The White Paper reflects significant concerns raised with respect to the FERCs initial proposal of a standard market design in July 2002. The FERCs stated goals with respect to wholesale power markets include: reliable and reasonably priced electric service for all customers; sufficient electric infrastructure; transparent markets with fair rules for all market participants; stability and regulatory certainty for customers, the electric power industry, and investors; technological innovation; and efficient use of the nations resources. The White Paper proposes a significant role being played by regional authorities in setting up regional power markets. As the proposed market rules develop, the Company continues to assess the impact the changes would have on its operations as well as how the changes would impact the RTO West and TransConnect proposals.
Results of Operations
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share by business segments
The following table presents diluted earnings (loss) per common share by business segments for the three and six months ended June 30:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Avista Utilities |
$ | 0.21 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.50 | |||||||||
Energy Marketing and Resource Management |
0.07 | 0.18 | 0.34 | 0.35 | |||||||||||||
Avista Advantage |
(0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||
Other |
(0.02 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.21 | ) | |||||||||
Earnings per common share from continuing operations |
0.25 | 0.24 | 0.62 | 0.59 | |||||||||||||
Loss per common share from discontinued operations |
(0.08 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.08 | ) | |||||||||
Earnings per common share before cumulative
effect of accounting change |
0.17 | 0.20 | 0.52 | 0.51 | |||||||||||||
Loss per common share from cumulative
effect of accounting change |
| | (0.02 | ) | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||
Total earnings per common share, diluted |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.42 | |||||||||
38
AVISTA CORPORATION
Overall Operations
Three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002
Income from continuing operations was $12.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $12.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in the net losses recorded by Avista Advantage and the Other business segment, partially offset by decreased net income recorded by Energy Marketing and Resource Management and Avista Utilities.
Energy Marketing and Resource Management recorded net income of $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $8.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. During the three months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Energys earnings were negatively impacted by the effects of accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133. Avista Energys transition to SFAS No. 133 resulted in contracts, which are not considered derivatives, no longer being accounted for at market value and could result in an increase in the volatility of reported earnings on a quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year basis. This increase in volatility is due to the fact that certain contracts, which are not considered derivatives, economically hedge contracts that are accounted for as derivative instruments at market value under SFAS No. 133.
Net income recorded by Avista Utilities was $10.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease for Avista Utilities is primarily due to an increase in other operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross margin and a decrease in interest expense.
Avista Advantage incurred a net loss of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to an increase in operating revenues and a decrease in operating expenses.
The Other line of business incurred a net loss of $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to a reduction in litigation costs and settlements.
Total revenues decreased $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. Avista Utilities revenues increased $15.6 million, or 8 percent, primarily due to increased electric revenues, partially offset by decreased retail natural gas revenues. The increase in electric revenues reflects an increase in retail, wholesale and other revenues. The decrease in natural gas revenues was primarily due to natural gas rate decreases implemented during the fourth quarter of 2002. Revenues from Energy Marketing and Resource Management decreased $8.2 million, or 20 percent, primarily due to a decrease in net trading revenue partially offset by increased revenues on contracts, which are not considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133 (primarily the Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities). The transition to SFAS No. 133 resulted in certain contracts with net unrecognized gains of $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 not being accounted for at market value. These gains are recognized as transactions under the contracts are settled or realized. These contracts that are not accounted for at market value economically hedge certain other contracts with unrealized losses for the three months ended June 30, 2003, that are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, and as such are recorded at market value. Revenues from Avista Advantage increased 25 percent to $5.0 million primarily as a result of customer growth. Revenues from the Other line of business increased $0.2 million primarily due to increased revenues from Advanced Manufacturing and Development. Intersegment eliminations increased to $28.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from $19.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002 representing increased sales of natural gas under the Agency Agreement between Avista Utilities and Avista Energy.
Total resource costs increased $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. Resource costs for Avista Utilities increased $12.1 million primarily due to an increase in power purchased and other fuel costs, partially offset by a decrease in the net amortization of deferred power and natural gas costs. The increase in power purchased expense was primarily due to an increase in the price of power and partially due to an increase in the volume of wholesale power purchases. The net amortization of deferred power and natural gas costs was $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $13.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. Resource costs for Energy Marketing and Resource Management increased $2.1 million due to an increase in costs from contracts, that are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133 (primarily the Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities), partially offset by a change in natural gas inventory valuations. Intersegment eliminations increased to $28.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from $19.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002 representing increased purchases of natural gas under the
39
AVISTA CORPORATION
Agency Agreement between Avista Utilities and Avista Energy.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased $3.2 million primarily due to increased expenses for Avista Utilities, partially offset by decreased expenses for Avista Advantage. The increase in operations and maintenance expenses for Avista Utilities reflects increased pension costs. The increase for Avista Utilities was also due to initiatives implemented during the third quarter of 2001 designed to temporarily reduce certain operating expenses to improve liquidity and operating cash flows. These initiatives resulted in significantly reduced expenses for 2001 and the first half of 2002. Cost reduction measures were not as restrictive during the last half of 2002 and the first half of 2003 as the second half of 2001 and the first half of 2002. Avista Advantage continues to be focused on reducing operating expenses by improving efficiencies and reducing the workforce.
Administrative and general expenses decreased $10.0 million primarily due to decreased expenses for the Other business segment and Energy Marketing and Resource Management. The decrease for Energy Marketing and Resource Management was primarily a result of decreased incentive compensation expenses resulting from decreased earnings. Administrative and general expenses for the Other business segment decreased primarily due to reduced litigation costs and settlements.
Taxes other than income taxes decreased $1.0 million primarily due to decreased retail natural gas revenues and related taxes for Avista Utilities.
Interest expense decreased $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding. During 2002, the Company repurchased $203.6 million of long-term debt. The Company repurchased $27.2 million of long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2003. The Company expects interest expense to continue to decline in 2003 due to the effect of debt repurchases in 2002 and the first half of 2003, expected additional debt repurchases during 2003, and scheduled debt maturities during the remainder of 2003. If market conditions warrant during 2003, the Company may issue long-term debt. The proceeds would be used to fund maturing long-term debt and repurchase outstanding long-term debt and would be expected to result in an overall reduction in the Companys interest expense.
Capitalized interest decreased $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. This was primarily due to the fact that the Company did not capitalize any interest related to Coyote Springs 2 subsequent to September 30, 2002 because the project was substantially completed.
Other income-net decreased $1.4 million primarily due to reduced interest income (including accrued interest on power and natural gas deferrals) as well as a decrease in other income due to certain contractual settlements during the second quarter of 2002.
Income taxes increased $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002, primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes.
Six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002
Income from continuing operations was $31.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $29.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in the net losses recorded by Avista Advantage and the Other business segment, partially offset by decreased net income from Avista Utilities and Energy Marketing and Resource Management.
Energy Marketing and Resource Management recorded net income of $16.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Energys earnings were positively impacted by the effects of accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133 and a settlement with certain Enron Corporation affiliates. Avista Energys transition to SFAS No. 133 resulted in contracts, which are not considered derivatives, no longer being accounted for at market value and could result in an increase in the volatility of reported earnings on a quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year basis. This increase in volatility is due to the fact that certain contracts, which are not considered derivatives, economically hedge contracts that are accounted for as derivative instruments at market value under SFAS No. 133.
Net income recorded by Avista Utilities was $19.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $25.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease for Avista Utilities is primarily due to an
40
AVISTA CORPORATION
increase in other operating expenses and a slight decrease in gross margin, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense.
Avista Advantage incurred a net loss of $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to an increase in operating revenues and a decrease in operating expenses.
The Other line of business incurred a net loss of $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to a reduction in litigation costs and settlements.
Total revenues decreased $16.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. Avista Utilities revenues decreased $10.3 million, or 2 percent, primarily due to decreased retail natural gas revenues, partially offset by increased electric revenues. The decrease in natural gas revenues was primarily due to natural gas rate decreases implemented during the fourth quarter of 2002 and partially due to decreased therms sold as a result of milder weather during the first quarter of 2003. The increase in electric revenues reflects an increase in retail, wholesale and other revenues. Revenues from Energy Marketing and Resource Management increased $27.4 million, or 27 percent, primarily due to increased revenues on contracts, that are not considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133 (primarily the Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities), as well as the effect of the transition to SFAS No. 133. The transition to SFAS No. 133 resulted in certain contracts with net unrecognized losses of $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 not being accounted for at market value. These losses are recognized as transactions under the contracts are settled or realized. These contracts that are not accounted for at market value economically hedge certain other contracts with unrealized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2003, that are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, and as such are recorded at market value. Avista Energys settlement of various positions with Enron Corporation affiliates and the resulting release by Avista Energy of amounts which had been reserved against such positions also had a positive impact of $8.3 million on operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Revenues from Avista Advantage increased 25 percent to $9.7 million primarily as a result of customer growth at Avista Advantage. Revenues from the Other line of business increased $1.3 million primarily due to increased revenues from Advanced Manufacturing and Development. Intersegment eliminations increased to $81.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $44.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002 representing increased sales of natural gas under the Agency Agreement between Avista Utilities and Avista Energy.
Total resource costs decreased $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. Resource costs for Avista Utilities decreased $9.3 million primarily due to a decrease in the net amortization of deferred power and natural gas costs and partially due to a decrease in natural gas purchased expense. The net amortization of deferred power and natural gas costs was $9.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $63.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in power purchased expense and other fuel costs. The increase in power purchased expense was primarily due to an increase in the price of power and partially due to an increase in the volume of wholesale power purchases. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, the initial $9.0 million in power costs above the amount included in base retail rates in Washington was expensed. Resource costs for Energy Marketing and Resource Management increased $23.2 million due to an increase in costs from contracts, that are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133 (primarily the Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities), partially offset by a change in natural gas inventory valuations. Intersegment eliminations increased to $81.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $44.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002, representing increased purchases of natural gas under the Agency Agreement between Avista Utilities and Avista Energy.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased $4.9 million primarily due to increased expenses for Avista Utilities, partially offset by decreased expenses for Avista Advantage. The increase in operations and maintenance expenses for Avista Utilities reflects increased pension costs. The increase for Avista Utilities was also due to initiatives implemented during the third quarter of 2001 designed to temporarily reduce certain operating expenses to improve liquidity and operating cash flows. These initiatives resulted in significantly reduced expenses for 2001 and the first half of 2002. Cost reduction measures were not as restrictive during the last half of 2002 and the first half of 2003 as the second half of 2001 and the first half of 2002. Avista Advantage continues to be focused on reducing operating expenses by improving efficiencies and reducing the workforce.
Administrative and general expenses decreased $4.5 million primarily due to decreased expenses for the Other business segment, partially offset by increased expenses for Energy Marketing and Resource Management and Avista Utilities. Administrative and general expenses for the Other business segment decreased due to reduced
41
AVISTA CORPORATION
litigation costs and settlements. The increase for Energy Marketing and Resource Management was primarily a result of increased compensation expenses. The increase for Avista Utilities was consistent with the increase in operations and maintenance expenses. Increased insurance costs also contributed to the increase in general and administrative expenses.
Taxes other than income taxes decreased $3.1 million primarily due to decreased retail natural gas revenues and related taxes for Avista Utilities.
Interest expense decreased $8.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding. During 2002, the Company repurchased $203.6 million of long-term debt. The Company repurchased $27.2 million of long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2003. The Company expects interest expense to continue to decline in 2003 due to the effect of debt repurchases in 2002 and the first half of 2003, expected additional debt repurchases during 2003, and scheduled debt maturities during the remainder of 2003. If market conditions warrant during 2003, the Company may issue long-term debt. The proceeds would be used to fund maturing long-term debt and repurchase outstanding long-term debt and would be expected to result in an overall reduction in the Companys interest expense.
Capitalized interest decreased $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. This was primarily due to the fact that the Company did not capitalize any interest related to Coyote Springs 2 subsequent to September 30, 2002 because the project was substantially completed.
Other income-net decreased $8.2 million primarily due to reduced interest income (including accrued interest on power and natural gas deferrals) as well as a decrease in the gains on the disposition of assets by Avista Capital subsidiaries. Increased losses on certain investments in the Other business segment also contributed to the decrease in other income-net.
Income taxes increased $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002, primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes. The effective tax rate was 43.4 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to 43.3 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2002.
During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Energy recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change a charge of $1.2 million (net of tax) related to the transition from EITF Issue No. 98-10 to SFAS No. 133.
In April 2002, the Company completed its transitional test of goodwill related to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Accordingly, the Company determined that $6.4 million of goodwill related to Advanced Manufacturing and Development was impaired. The Company recorded this impairment of $4.1 million, net of tax, as a cumulative effect of accounting change for the six months ended June 30, 2002.
Avista Utilities
Three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002
Avista Utilities recorded net income of $10.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. Avista Utilities income from operations was $41.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $41.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in other operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross margin (operating revenues less resource costs).
The increase in other operating expenses reflects increased pension and insurance costs. The increase in other operating expense was also due to initiatives implemented during the third quarter of 2001 designed to temporarily reduce certain operating expenses to improve liquidity and operating cash flows. These initiatives resulted in significantly reduced expenses for 2001 and the first half of 2002. Cost reduction measures were not as restrictive during the second half of 2002 and the first half of 2003 as the second half of 2001 and the first half of 2002.
Avista Utilities operating revenues increased $15.6 million and resource costs increased $12.1 million resulting in an increase of $3.5 million in gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The gross margin on natural gas sales increased $0.2 million and the gross margin on electric sales increased $3.3 million.
The increase in the gross margin on natural gas sales was primarily due to an increase in retail customer usage.
42
AVISTA CORPORATION
Residential therm sales increased by 13 percent and the average number of customers increased by 3 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in residential therm sales was partially offset by a decrease in industrial and transportation sales.
The increase in electric gross margin was due to the general electric rate increase of 19.3 percent in Washington base retail rates effective July 1, 2002. The increase in electric gross margin was also due to a 7 percent increase in residential MWhs sold and a 5 percent increase in commercial MWhs sold.
The following table presents Avista Utilities electric operating revenues and MWh sales for the three months ended June 30 (dollars and MWhs in thousands):
Electric Operating | Electric Energy | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | MWh Sales | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 43,916 | $ | 41,089 | 704 | 661 | |||||||||||
Commercial |
48,312 | 46,045 | 703 | 669 | |||||||||||||
Industrial |
17,358 | 17,552 | 382 | 388 | |||||||||||||
Public street and highway lighting |
1,194 | 1,176 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||
Total retail |
110,780 | 105,862 | 1,795 | 1,724 | |||||||||||||
Wholesale |
25,459 | 18,775 | 986 | 870 | |||||||||||||
Other |
21,284 | 11,753 | | | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 157,523 | $ | 136,390 | 2,781 | 2,594 | |||||||||||
Retail electric revenues increased $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from the three months ended June 30, 2002. This increase was primarily due to increased use per customer and total MWhs sold. These increases reflect an increase in use per customer as well as an increase in the average number of customers. The increase in use per customer appears to reflect warmer weather during the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002 and the resulting impact on air conditioning usage.
Wholesale electric revenues increased $6.7 million, or 36 percent, reflecting wholesale sales volumes which increased 13 percent from the three months ended June 30, 2002 and average sales prices that were 20 percent higher than the prior period. Average wholesale prices increased to $25.83 per MWh for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from $21.58 per MWh for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the volume of wholesale sales reflects Avista Utilities strategy to have resources in excess of its requirements and streamflows that were better than expected. Avista Utilities sold this excess power in the wholesale market. The increase in average wholesale sales prices appears to primarily reflect decreased hydroelectric resources as compared to the prior year throughout the western United States and an increase in the cost of natural gas used for generation. The extent of future wholesale transactions will be based on the projection of future needs, the availability of resources owned or under contract by Avista Utilities, wholesale market prices and changes to loads of Avista Utilities customers and contractual obligations.
Other electric revenues increased $9.5 million primarily due to the sale of natural gas purchased as fuel for electric generation that was not used in generation. This natural gas was not used for generation because electric wholesale market prices were generally below the cost of operating the gas-fired thermal generating units.
The following table presents Avista Utilities natural gas operating revenues and therm sales for the three months ended June 30 (dollars and therms in thousands):
Natural Gas | Natural Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | Therm Sales | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 29,539 | $ | 31,276 | 35,357 | 31,190 | |||||||||||
Commercial |
15,088 | 18,193 | 20,829 | 20,935 | |||||||||||||
Industrial |
1,217 | 1,470 | 2,143 | 2,746 | |||||||||||||
Total retail |
45,844 | 50,939 | 58,329 | 54,871 | |||||||||||||
Wholesale |
| 257 | | 836 | |||||||||||||
Transportation |
2,334 | 2,609 | 37,980 | 45,558 | |||||||||||||
Other |
921 | 778 | 257 | 274 | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 49,099 | $ | 54,583 | 96,566 | 101,539 | |||||||||||
Natural gas revenues decreased $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from the three months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to a decrease in retail rates. During the fourth quarter of 2002, retail rates for natural
43
AVISTA CORPORATION
gas were reduced in response to a decrease in current and projected natural gas costs. The decrease in rates is partially offset by an increase in total retail therms sold during the second quarter of 2003 as compared to the second quarter of 2002.
The following table presents Avista Utilities resource costs for the three months ended June 30 (dollars in thousands):
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
Electric resource costs: |
||||||||||
Power purchased |
$ | 24,465 | $ | 12,159 | ||||||
Deferred power cost amortizations, net of deferrals |
3,513 | 8,617 | ||||||||
Fuel for generation |
3,493 | 3,252 | ||||||||
Other fuel costs |
26,072 | 17,659 | ||||||||
Other regulatory amortizations, net |
(1,607 | ) | (3,531 | ) | ||||||
Other electric resource costs |
3,492 | 3,474 | ||||||||
Total electric resource costs |
59,428 | 41,630 | ||||||||
Natural gas resource costs: |
||||||||||
Natural gas purchased |
33,398 | 32,081 | ||||||||
Deferred natural gas cost amortizations (deferrals), net |
(2,503 | ) | 4,479 | |||||||
Other regulatory amortizations, net |
54 | 64 | ||||||||
Total natural gas resource costs |
30,949 | 36,624 | ||||||||
Total resource costs |
$ | 90,377 | $ | 78,254 | ||||||
Power purchased for the three months ended June 30, 2003 increased $12.3 million, or 101 percent, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002 due to an increase in both the volume and price of power purchases. Average purchased power prices for the three months ended June 30, 2003 were $28.85 per MWh or 81 percent higher than $15.93 per MWh for the three months ended June 30, 2002 and volumes purchased increased 11 percent compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the volume of purchased power was primarily the result of decreased hydroelectric resource availability to meet retail demand as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the price of power purchases reflects increases in the price of power in the western United States and the Pacific Northwest. Warm and dry conditions in the Pacific Northwest as well as the increased cost of natural gas used to generate electricity during May and June of 2003 appear to have increased the price of electricity during the second quarter of 2003 as compared to the second quarter of 2002. Reduced hydroelectric availability and increased demand due to warmer weather also appear to have affected wholesale electric prices in the western United States and the Pacific Northwest.
Net amortization of deferred power costs was $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. During the three months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities recovered (collected as revenue) $6.0 million of previously deferred power costs in Washington and $5.8 million in Idaho. During the three months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities deferred $5.4 million of power costs in Washington and $2.9 million in Idaho. Total deferred power costs were $148.8 million as of June 30, 2003. See further description of issues related to deferred power costs in the section Avista Utilities Regulatory Matters.
During the three months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities had $2.5 million of net deferrals of natural gas costs compared to $4.5 million of net amortization for the three months ended June 30, 2002. Total deferred natural gas costs were $13.6 million as of June 30, 2003.
The expense for natural gas purchased for the three months ended June 30, 2003 increased $1.3 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to the increase in total therms purchased consistent with an increase in retail natural gas sales.
Other fuel costs for the three months ended June 30, 2003 increased $8.4 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. This was due to an increase in natural gas purchased as fuel for electric generation that was not used. This natural gas was sold with the associated revenues reflected as other electric revenues. Other fuel costs exceeded the revenues from selling the natural gas. This cost is accounted for under the ERM in Washington and the PCA in Idaho.
Six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002
Avista Utilities recorded net income of $19.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $25.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Avista Utilities income from operations was $77.9 million for the
44
AVISTA CORPORATION
six months nded June 30, 2003 compared to $86.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in other operating expenses.
The increase in other operating expenses reflects increased pension and insurance costs. The increase in other operating expense was also due to initiatives implemented during the third quarter of 2001 designed to temporarily reduce certain operating expenses to improve liquidity and operating cash flows. These initiatives resulted in significantly reduced expenses for 2001 and the first half of 2002. Cost reduction measures were not as restrictive during the second half of 2002 and the first half of 2003 as the second half of 2001 and the first half of 2002.
Avista Utilities operating revenues decreased $10.3 million and resource costs decreased $9.3 million, which resulted in a $1.0 million decrease in gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. The gross margin on natural gas sales decreased $4.2 million and the gross margin on electric sales increased $3.2 million.
The decrease in the gross margin on natural gas sales was primarily due to a decrease in retail customer usage. Primarily due to milder weather during the first three months of 2003, total retail therm sales decreased by 8 percent.
The increase in electric gross margin was primarily due to the general electric rate increase of 19.3 percent in Washington base retail rates effective July 1, 2002. This increase was partially offset by the expense of the initial $9.0 million of power supply costs in Washington exceeding the amount included in base retail rates during the six months ended June 30, 2003.
The following table presents Avista Utilities electric operating revenues and MWh sales for the six months ended June 30 (dollars and MWhs in thousands):
Electric Operating | Electric Energy | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | MWh sales | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 101,683 | $ | 100,740 | 1,625 | 1,640 | |||||||||||
Commercial |
97,154 | 95,212 | 1,396 | 1,396 | |||||||||||||
Industrial |
33,833 | 33,198 | 741 | 742 | |||||||||||||
Public street and highway lighting |
2,378 | 2,311 | 13 | 13 | |||||||||||||
Total retail |
235,048 | 231,461 | 3,775 | 3,791 | |||||||||||||
Wholesale |
41,466 | 34,141 | 1,410 | 1,232 | |||||||||||||
Other |
43,602 | 21,580 | | | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 320,116 | $ | 287,182 | 5,185 | 5,023 | |||||||||||
Retail electric revenues increased $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from the six months ended June 30, 2002. This increase was primarily due to electric rate increases implemented during 2002, partially offset by a slight decrease in use per customer and total MWhs sold. The weather was generally milder than 2002 during the first quarter of 2003 which reduced MWh sales during the first part of the year. However, this was offset by warmer weather during the second quarter of 2003, which increased residential and commercial air conditioning usage during the period.
Wholesale electric revenues increased $7.3 million, or 21 percent, reflecting wholesale sales volumes which increased 14 percent from the six months ended June 30, 2002 and average sales prices that were 6 percent higher than the prior period. Average wholesale prices increased to $29.41 per MWh for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $27.70 per MWh for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the volume of wholesale sales reflects Avista Utilities strategy to have resources in excess of its requirements and streamflows that were better than expected. Avista Utilities sold this excess power in the wholesale market. The increase in average wholesale sales prices appears to primarily reflect decreased hydroelectric resources as compared to the prior year throughout the western United States and an increase in the cost of natural gas used for generation. The extent of future wholesale transactions will be based on the projection of future needs, the availability of resources owned or under contract by Avista Utilities, wholesale market prices and changes to loads of Avista Utilities customers and contractual obligations.
Other electric revenues increased $22.0 million primarily due to the sale of natural gas purchased as fuel for electric generation that was not used in generation. This natural gas was not used for generation because electric wholesale market prices were generally below the cost of operating the gas-fired thermal generating units.
45
AVISTA CORPORATION
The following table presents Avista Utilities natural gas operating revenues and therm sales for the six months ended June 30 (dollars and therms in thousands):
Natural Gas | Natural Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | Therm Sales | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 89,253 | $ | 112,546 | 111,367 | 116,884 | |||||||||||
Commercial |
47,392 | 65,342 | 66,659 | 74,652 | |||||||||||||
Industrial |
3,013 | 4,516 | 5,168 | 6,584 | |||||||||||||
Total retail |
139,658 | 182,404 | 183,194 | 198,120 | |||||||||||||
Wholesale |
| 342 | | 836 | |||||||||||||
Transportation |
4,727 | 5,027 | 81,077 | 94,131 | |||||||||||||
Other |
1,861 | 1,676 | 915 | 590 | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 146,246 | $ | 189,449 | 265,186 | 293,677 | |||||||||||
Natural gas revenues decreased $43.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from the six months ended June 30, 2002 due to a decrease in retail rates. During the fourth quarter of 2002, retail rates for natural gas were reduced in response to a decrease in current and projected natural gas costs. The decrease also reflects a decrease in total therms sold as a result of mild weather during the first quarter of 2003.
The following table presents Avista Utilities resource costs for the six months ended June 30 (dollars in thousands):
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
Electric resource costs: |
||||||||||
Power purchased |
$ | 63,956 | $ | 41,941 | ||||||
Deferred power cost amortizations, net of deferrals |
11,198 | 31,108 | ||||||||
Fuel for generation |
8,320 | 8,931 | ||||||||
Other fuel costs |
52,817 | 28,291 | ||||||||
Other regulatory amortizations, net |
(4,395 | ) | (8,165 | ) | ||||||
Other electric resource costs |
6,865 | 6,967 | ||||||||
Total electric resource costs |
138,761 | 109,073 | ||||||||
Natural gas resource costs: |
||||||||||
Natural gas purchased |
97,952 | 102,723 | ||||||||
Deferred natural gas cost amortizations (deferrals), net |
(1,917 | ) | 32,277 | |||||||
Other regulatory amortizations, net |
109 | 127 | ||||||||
Total natural gas resource costs |
96,144 | 135,127 | ||||||||
Total resource costs |
$ | 234,905 | $ | 244,200 | ||||||
Power purchased for the six months ended June 30, 2003 increased $22.0 million, or 52 percent, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002 due to an increase in both the volume and price of power purchases. Average purchased power prices for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $29.78 per MWh or 40 percent higher than $21.34 per MWh for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and volumes purchased increased 9 percent compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the volume of purchased power was primarily the result of decreased hydroelectric resource availability to meet retail demand as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in the price of power purchases reflects increases in the price of power in the western United States and the Pacific Northwest. This appears to be partially due to lower than normal precipitation and snowpack conditions during the fourth quarter of 2002 and the first two months of 2003 and the anticipated effects on hydroelectric generation in the region. Precipitation and snowpack conditions improved substantially during March 2003, which appears to be partially responsible for decreasing wholesale electric prices in March and April 2003. Warm and dry conditions in the Pacific Northwest as well as the increased cost of natural gas used to generate electricity during May and June of 2003 appear to have increased the price of electricity during the second quarter of 2003 as compared to the second quarter of 2002. Reduced hydroelectric availability and increased demand due to warmer weather also appear to have affected wholesale electric prices in the western United States and the Pacific Northwest.
Net amortization of deferred power costs was $11.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $31.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities recovered (collected as revenue) $13.1 million of previously deferred power costs in Washington and $12.6 million in Idaho. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities deferred $5.4 million of power costs in Washington and $9.2 million in Idaho.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities had $1.9 million of net deferrals of natural gas costs compared to $32.3 million of net amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2002.
The expense for natural gas purchased for the six months ended June 30, 2003 decreased $4.8 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to the decrease in total therms purchased consistent with a decrease in natural gas sales.
Other fuel costs for the six months ended June 30, 2003 increased $24.5 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. This was due to an increase in natural gas purchased as fuel for electric generation that was not used. This natural gas was sold with the associated revenues reflected as other electric revenues. Other fuel costs exceeded the revenues from selling the natural gas. This cost is accounted for under the ERM in Washington and the PCA in Idaho.
Energy Marketing and Resource Management
Energy Marketing and Resource Management includes the results of Avista Energy and Avista Power.
Avista Energy is an electricity and natural gas marketing and resource management business, operating primarily within the WECC. Avista Energy focuses on asset-backed optimization of combustion turbines and hydroelectric assets owned by other entities, long-term electric supply contracts, natural gas storage, and electric and natural gas transmission and transportation arrangements. Avista Energys marketing efforts are driven by its base of knowledge and experience in the operation of both electric energy and natural gas physical systems in the WECC, as well as its relationship-focused approach with its customers. Avista Energys earnings are primarily derived from the following activities:
| The marketing and management of combustion turbines and hydroelectric assets owned by other entities. | |
| The capture of price differences between commodities (spark spread) by converting natural gas into electricity through the power generation process. | |
| The purchase and storage of natural gas during periods of lower prices for sales during peak demand periods and higher prices. | |
| The transmission of electricity or transportation of natural gas between locations, including the moving of energy from lower priced/demand regions to higher priced/demand markets and hub locations throughout the WECC. | |
| Taking positions on future price movements within established risk management policies. |
Both the volatility and liquidity in the wholesale energy markets affect Avista Energys earnings. The volatility in wholesale energy markets measures the size and frequency of price movements. Liquidity represents the volume of activity in the wholesale energy markets during a given period of time. Increases in the volatility and liquidity in wholesale energy markets generally increases Avista Energys earnings or losses while decreases in the volatility and liquidity tend to decrease Avista Energys earnings or losses.
Avista Energy accounted for energy commodity trading activity in compliance with EITF Issue No. 98-10 through December 31, 2002 for contracts entered into on or prior to October 25, 2002. Under EITF Issue No. 98-10, Avista Energy recognized revenue based on the change in the market value of outstanding derivative commodity sales contracts, net of future servicing costs and reserves, in addition to revenue related to settled contracts. In October 2002, the EITF rescinded Issue No. 98-10. As such, Avista Energy is required to account for energy trading contracts that meet the definition of a derivative at market value in compliance with SFAS No. 133. This applied to all existing contracts as of January 1, 2003 as well as to all new contracts entered into subsequent to October 25, 2002. Contracts not meeting the definition of a derivative are no longer accounted for at market value and include Avista Energys Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities, natural gas storage contracts, tolling agreements and natural gas transportation agreements. The transition from EITF Issue No. 98-10 to accrual based accounting resulted in the adjustment of the contracts, that are not considered derivatives, from their market value to their cost basis. Any gains or losses on contracts, that are not considered derivatives, are recognized when the contracts are settled or realized. The Company anticipates that the changes will primarily affect the timing of the recognition of income or loss in earnings, and not change the underlying economics or cash flows of transactions entered into by Avista Energy. The changes could result in an increase in the volatility of reported earnings on a quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year basis. On January 1, 2003, Avista Energy recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change a charge of $1.2 million (net of tax) related to the transition from EITF Issue No. 98-10 to SFAS No. 133.
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Derivative commodity instruments in the energy trading portfolio are marked to estimated fair market value on a daily basis (mark-to-market accounting), which causes earnings variability. Market prices are utilized in determining the value of electric, natural gas and related derivative commodity instruments. For electric commodity instruments, these market prices are generally available through two years. For natural gas commodity instruments, these market prices are generally available through three years. For longer-term positions and certain short-term positions for which market prices are not available, models based on forward price curves are utilized. These models incorporate a variety of estimates and assumptions, the ultimate outcomes of which are beyond Avista Energys control including, among others, estimates and assumptions as to demand growth, fuel price escalation, availability of existing generation and costs of new generation. Actual experience can vary significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
Avista Energy trades electricity and natural gas, along with derivative commodity instruments including futures, options, swaps and other contractual arrangements. Most transactions are conducted on a largely unregulated over-the-counter basis, there being no central clearing mechanism (except in the case of specific instruments traded on the commodity exchanges). Avista Energys trading operations are affected by, among other things, volatility of prices within the electric energy and natural gas markets, the demand for and availability of energy, lower unit margins on new sales contracts, deregulation of the electric utility industry, the creditworthiness of counterparties and the reduced liquidity in energy markets. See Business Risk for further information.
Avista Energy reports the net margin on derivative commodity instruments accounted for under SFAS No. 133 as operating revenues. Revenues from contracts, which are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are reported on a gross basis in operating revenues. Costs from contracts, which are not accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133, are reported on a gross basis in resource costs.
Three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002
Energy Marketing and Resource Managements net income was $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $8.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The primary reason for the decrease in net income was a decrease in the gross margin (operating revenues less resource costs) on energy trading activities. Operating revenues decreased $8.2 million and resource costs increased $2.1 million resulting in a decrease of $10.3 million in gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002.
Avista Energys gross margin was $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $19.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in gross margin was partially due to accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133, which resulted in certain contracts with net unrecognized gains of $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 not being accounted for at market value. These gains are recognized as the contracts are settled or realized. These contracts that are not accounted for at market value economically hedge certain other contracts with unrealized losses for the three months ended June 30, 2003, that are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, and as such are recorded at market value with a negative impact on gross margin. The negative effects of accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133 results in a positive effect in prior and future periods as market values change or the contracts are settled and realized. A portion of the negative effects for the second quarter of 2003 represents the reversal of positive effects of accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133 during the first quarter of 2003.
Realized gains increased to $38.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from $31.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. Realized gains represent the net gain on contracts that have settled. The increase in realized gains was primarily due to an increase in realized gains on settled financial transactions and gains on the change in natural gas inventory valuations, partially offset by a decrease in the gains on physical electric and natural gas transactions. The decrease in realized gains on physical electric and natural gas transactions was due to a decrease in the average margin as well as a decrease in the volume of transactions. The total mark-to-market adjustment for Energy Marketing and Resource Management was an unrealized loss of $29.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to an unrealized loss of $11.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The change in the unrealized gain/loss was partially due to accounting for energy contracts under SFAS No. 133 described above.
Administrative and general expenses decreased $2.9 million, or 42 percent, from the prior period primarily due to decreased incentive compensation expense based on lower earnings in the second quarter of 2003.
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Six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002
Energy Marketing and Resource Managements net income was $16.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Operating revenues increased $27.4 million and resource costs increased $23.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002.
Avista Energys gross margin (operating revenues less resource costs) was $38.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $34.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in gross margin was due to the transition to SFAS No. 133 which resulted in certain contracts with net unrecognized losses of $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 not being accounted for at market value. These losses are recognized as the contracts are settled or realized. These contracts that are not accounted for at market value economically hedge certain other contracts with unrealized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2003, that are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, and as such are recorded at market value with a positive impact on gross margin. The positive effects of the transition to SFAS No. 133 will be reversed in future periods as market values change or the contracts are settled and realized. Avista Energys settlement of various positions with Enron Corporation affiliates and the resulting release by Avista Energy of amounts which had been reserved against such positions also had a positive impact of $8.3 million on gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2003. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Energy reached settlement agreements on its terminated positions with certain Enron Corporation affiliates. These settlement agreements were approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in May 2003. In each instance, the settlement agreements reached satisfy all of the Avista entitys obligations and exposure to such Enron Corporation affiliate.
Realized gains decreased to $55.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $63.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Realized gains represent the net gain on contracts that have settled. The decrease in realized gains was primarily due to a decrease in the gains on physical electric and natural gas transactions partially offset by the settlement with Enron Corporation affiliates, increased gains on settled financial transactions and gains on the change in natural gas inventory valuations. Realized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2002 also reflects gains from the settlement of transactions that were initiated during the period of high wholesale market prices and volatility during 2000 and 2001. The total mark-to-market adjustment for Energy Marketing and Resource Management was an unrealized loss of $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to an unrealized loss of $29.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The change in the unrealized loss was primarily due to the transition to SFAS No. 133 described above and the settlement of contracts with significant realized gains during the six months ended June 30, 2002.
Administrative and general expenses increased $1.4 million, or 13 percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002 primarily due to increased compensation expense.
Energy Marketing and Resource Managements total assets decreased $162.3 million from December 31, 2002 to June 30, 2003 primarily due to the transfer of the Coyote Springs 2 plant from Avista Power to Avista Corp. in January 2003.
Energy trading activities and positions
The following table summarizes information with respect to Avista Energys trading activities during the six months ended June 30, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Electric | Natural Gas | Total | ||||||||||
Assets net of | Assets net of | Unrealized | ||||||||||
Liabilities | Liabilities | Gain (Loss) | ||||||||||
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2002 |
$ | 60,081 | $ | 34,720 | $ | 94,801 | ||||||
Less contracts settled during 2003 (1) |
(28,783 | ) | (26,451 | ) | (55,234 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change (2) |
(357 | ) | (1,473 | ) | (1,830 | ) | ||||||
Fair value of new contracts when entered into during 2003 (3) |
| | | |||||||||
Change in fair value due to changes in valuation techniques (4) |
| | | |||||||||
Change in fair value attributable to market prices and other
market changes |
19,991 | 18,506 | 38,497 | |||||||||
Fair value of contracts as of June 30, 2003 |
$ | 50,932 | $ | 25,302 | $ | 76,234 | ||||||
(1) | Contracts settled during the six months ended June 30, 2003 include those contracts that were open in 2002 but settled during the six months ended June 30, 2003 as well as new contracts entered into and settled during the |
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six months ended June 30, 2003. Amount represents realized gains associated with these settled transactions. | ||
(2) | Represents the adjustment for the transition to SFAS No. 133 for contracts not meeting the definition of a derivative. Effective January 1, 2003, contracts that were entered into on or prior to October 25, 2002 and not meeting the definition of a derivative are accounted for on an accrual basis. Contracts not meeting the definition of a derivative include Avista Energys Agency Agreement with Avista Utilities, natural gas storage contracts, tolling agreements and natural gas transportation agreements. | |
(3) | Avista Energy has not entered into any origination transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2003 in which dealer profit or mark-to-market gain or loss was recorded at inception. | |
(4) | During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Avista Energy did not experience a change in fair value as a result of changes in valuation techniques. |
The following table discloses summarized information with respect to valuation techniques and contractual maturities of Avista Energys energy commodity contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Greater | Greater | ||||||||||||||||||||
than one | than three | Greater | |||||||||||||||||||
Less than | and less than | and less than | than | ||||||||||||||||||
one year | three years | five years | five years | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Electric assets (liabilities), net
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Prices from other external sources (1) |
$ | 20,331 | $ | 18,168 | $ | | $ | | $ | 38,499 | |||||||||||
Fair value based on valuation models (2) |
(300 | ) | 9,709 | 9,187 | (6,163 | ) | 12,433 | ||||||||||||||
Total electric assets (liabilities), net |
$ | 20,031 | $ | 27,877 | $ | 9,187 | $ | (6,163 | ) | $ | 50,932 | ||||||||||
Natural gas assets (liabilities), net
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Prices from other external sources (1) |
$ | 18,162 | $ | 1,632 | $ | | $ | | $ | 19,794 | |||||||||||
Fair value based on valuation models (3) |
5,066 | (1,009 | ) | 927 | 524 | 5,508 | |||||||||||||||
Total natural gas assets (liabilities), net |
$ | 23,228 | $ | 623 | $ | 927 | $ | 524 | $ | 25,302 | |||||||||||
(1) | Fair value is determined based upon actively traded, over-the-counter market quotes received from third party brokers. For electric assets and liabilities, these market quotes are generally available through two years. For natural gas assets and liabilities, these market quotes are generally available through three years. | |
(2) | Represents contracts for delivery at basis locations not actively traded in the over-the-counter markets. In addition, this includes all contracts with a delivery period greater than two years, for which active quotes are not available. These internally developed market curves are determined using a production cost model with inputs for assumptions related to power prices (including, without limitation, natural gas prices, generation on line, transmission constraints, future demand and weather). Avista Energy performs frequent stress tests on the valuation of the portfolio. While consistent valuation methodologies are used and updates to the assumptions are used to capture current market information, changes in these methodologies or underlying assumptions could result in significantly different fair values and income recognition. These same pricing techniques and stress tests are used to evaluate a contract prior to taking a position. | |
(3) | Represents contracts for delivery at basis locations not actively traded in the over-the-counter markets. In addition, this includes all contracts with a delivery period greater than three years, for which active quotes are not available. These internally developed market curves are based upon published New York Mercantile Exchange prices through seven years, as well as basis spreads using historical and broker estimates. After seven years, an escalation is used to estimate the valuation. |
Avista Power
Avista Power is a 49 percent owner of the Lancaster Project, which commenced commercial operation in September 2001. All of the output from the Lancaster Project is contracted to Avista Energy for 25 years. Avista Power and its co-owner, Mirant Oregon LLC (Mirant Oregon) an affiliate of Mirant Americas Development, Inc., substantially completed the construction of Coyote Springs 2 during 2002. In January 2003, Avista Powers 50 percent ownership interest in Coyote Springs 2 was transferred to Avista Corp. for inclusion in Avista Utilities power generation resource portfolio. See New Generating Resource Avista Utilities for further information.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Avista Advantage
Avista Advantage remains focused on growing revenue, improving margins, reducing fixed and variable costs and improving client satisfaction.
Three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002
Avista Advantages net loss was $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. Operating revenues for Avista Advantage increased $1.0 million and operating expenses decreased $0.6 million, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the expansion of Avista Advantages customer base. The decrease in operating expenses reflects improved efficiencies, a reduction in the number of employees and a focus on reducing operating expenses.
Six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002
Avista Advantages net loss was $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Operating revenues for Avista Advantage increased $2.0 million and operating expenses decreased $1.2 million, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the expansion of Avista Advantages customer base. Avista Advantage had a 17 percent increase in the number of billed customers as of June 30, 2003 compared to June 30, 2002. The decrease in operating expenses reflects improved efficiencies, a reduction in the number of employees and a focus on reducing operating expenses. Total costs per account were reduced by 36 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002.
Other
The Other line of business includes Avista Ventures, Pentzer, Avista Development, Avista Services and the operations of Avista Capital that are not included through its subsidiaries.
Three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002
The net loss from this line of business was $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to an increase in income from operations and partially due to a decrease in interest expense. Operating revenues from this line of business increased $0.2 million and operating expenses decreased $7.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in operating expenses and the resulting increase in income from operations was primarily due to a decrease in litigation costs and settlements.
Six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002
The net loss before cumulative effect of accounting change from this line of business was $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the net loss was primarily due to an increase in income from operations. Operating revenues from this line of business increased $1.3 million and operating expenses decreased $7.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase in income from operations was primarily due to a decrease in litigation costs and settlements as well as a decrease in the loss from Advanced Manufacturing and Development, a subsidiary of Avista Ventures. The improvement in income from operations was partially offset by an increase in losses on certain other investments of Avista Ventures not related to Advanced Manufacturing and Development. As opportunities arise, the Company plans to dispose of investments and phase out of operations in the Other business segment.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Discontinued Operations
In July 2003, Avista Corp. announced an investment by a group of private equity investors in a new entity, AVLB, Inc., which acquired the assets previously held by Avista Corp.s fuel cell manufacturing and development subsidiary, Avista Labs. The investors have raised an initial $7.5 million in funding, which includes a commitment by Avista Corp. to provide additional funding of up to $1.5 million under certain conditions. Avista Corp. has a 19.9 percent ownership interest in Avista Labs. The reduction in Avista Corp.s ownership interest in this business resulted in an impairment charge of $2.5 million (net of tax) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2003.
In September 2001, the Company reached a decision that it would dispose of substantially all of the assets of Avista Communications. The divestiture of the operating assets of Avista Communications was complete by the end of 2002.
Amounts reported as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 represent the operations of Avista Labs. Amounts reported as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 represents the combined operations of Avista Communications and Avista Labs.
New Generating Resource Avista Utilities
In July 2003, the 280 MW combined cycle natural gas-fired combustion turbine power plant at Coyote Springs located near Boardman, Oregon was placed into operation. The Companys ownership interest in the plant was transferred from Avista Power to Avista Corp. in January 2003 to be operated as an asset of Avista Utilities. Avista Corp. and Mirant Oregon are sharing equally in the costs of operation and output from Coyote Springs 2. Each owner is separately responsible for arranging for the purchase and delivery of natural gas in order to fuel its respective interest in the plant, and similarly, for the sale and delivery of electric energy generated with respect to its interest in the plant.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Transactions with Mirant Corporation
On July 14, 2003, Mirant Corporation and substantially all its subsidiaries in the United States filed for bankruptcy protection under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code for protection from creditors.
The Company does not expect the bankruptcy filing by Mirant Corporation, which did not include Mirant Oregon, the owner of one-half of Coyote Springs 2, to have any material effect on the joint ownership and operation of the plant. Avista Corp and Mirant Oregon are both current with respect to their obligations to share equally in the costs of the plant. While physical limitations prevent the operation of the plant at less than approximately seventy percent of its base load capacity, the joint operating agreement provides mechanisms to allow a single owner to dispatch and direct the operation of more than its interest in the plant in order to achieve operation at or above the plants minimum dispatch level in the event that the other owner is unable or unwilling to dispatch its portion of the plant. Additionally, provisions in the joint operating agreement provide that if either party fails to fund its portion of the operating costs or otherwise meet its obligations under the joint operating agreement, that the non-defaulting owner may elect a variety of remedies. Such remedies include the right, after notice and a cure period, (i) to convert a payment default into an adjustment of the ownership interests in the plant, resulting in a reduction of the defaulting owners interest and a corresponding increase in the non-defaulting owners interest, (ii) to declare a default and pursue recovery of unpaid amounts or other equitable remedies against the defaulting party, (iii) to exercise a purchase option to acquire the defaulting owners interest in the plant, or (iv) to trigger a retirement of the plant. The Company will continue to assess the ability of Mirant Oregon to perform its obligations under the joint operating agreement and the need to exercise remedies in the event the impact of the Mirant Corporation bankruptcy prevents Mirant Oregon from performing its obligations in respect of Coyote Springs 2.
Both Avista Corp. and Avista Energy had energy contracts with a subsidiary of Mirant Corporation that was included in the bankruptcy filing, Mirant Americas Energy Marketing (MAEM).
The bankruptcy filing did not represent an event of default or trigger the termination of Avista Corp.s natural gas swap contract with MAEM. As of the bankruptcy filing date, Avista Corp. was in a liability position with respect to this contract and does not expect to have any material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations as a result of this bankruptcy filing.
The bankruptcy filing constituted an event of default under contracts between Avista Energy and MAEM. As a result, Avista Energy terminated all of its contracts and suspended trading activities with MAEM. Avista Energys contracts with MAEM provide that, upon termination, the net settlement of accounts receivable and accounts payable will be netted against the net mark-to-market value of the terminated forward contracts. As of the bankruptcy filing date, it is estimated that for Avista Energy, netting the mark-to-market positions against net accounts receivables or payables results in a net liability position and will not result in any material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
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AVISTA CORPORATION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Review of Cash Flow Statement
Continuing Operating Activities Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $123.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $212.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The primary reason for the decrease in net cash provided by continuing operating activities was power and natural gas cost amortization, net of deferrals and interest, of $9.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $63.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. This was primarily due to reduced amortization (and a corresponding decrease in cash revenues received from customers) of deferred natural gas costs and the reduced amortization (as a greater percentage of electric rate increases have been allocated to a general rate increase) of deferred power costs in Washington. The amortization of deferred power and natural gas costs has a corresponding increase in cash revenues collected from customers. The deferral of power and natural gas costs has a corresponding increase in cash resource costs paid for power and natural gas costs. Net cash provided by working capital components was $37.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $74.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Significant changes in non-cash items also included a $19.0 million change in energy commodity assets and liabilities, representing the change from an unrealized loss of $35.7 million on energy trading activities for Avista Energy for the six months ended June 30, 2002 to an unrealized loss of $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The $17.2 million change in the provision for deferred income taxes was primarily due to changes in deferred power and natural gas cost amortizations and deferrals described above.
Continuing Investing Activities Net cash used in continuing investing activities was $41.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase compared to $31.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The increase was primarily due to an increase in utility property construction expenditures and a decrease in repayments received on notes receivable. Utility property construction expenditures were unusually low during 2002 due to liquidity constraints.
Continuing Financing Activities Net cash used in continuing financing activities was $45.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $204.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. During the six months ended June 30, 2003, short-term borrowings increased $5.5 million, the Company repurchased $27.2 million of long-term debt scheduled to mature in future years, and $10.6 million of long-term debt matured. The increase in short-term borrowings primarily reflects an increase in the amount of debt outstanding under Avista Corp.s line of credit. The overall decrease in borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2003 reflects positive cash flows from operations.
During the six months ended June 30, 2002, the Company repurchased $180.0 million of long-term debt and short-term borrowings decreased $0.6 million.
Overall Liquidity
During 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003, the Companys overall liquidity improved compared to 2001. The general electric rate case order issued by the WUTC in June 2002 is allowing the Company to continue to improve its liquidity. The general electric rate case order provided for the restructuring and continuation of previously approved rate increases totaling 31.2 percent. The general increase to base retail rates was 19.3 percent and the remaining 11.9 percent represents the continued recovery of deferred power costs. Additionally, the Company has a PCA surcharge of 19.4 percent in place in Idaho. See further details in the section Avista Utilities Regulatory Matters.
For 2003, operating budgets were designed to control operating costs and limit capital expenditures. In addition to operating expenses, the Company has continuing commitments for capital expenditures for construction, improvement and maintenance of facilities. In 2001, the Company incurred substantial levels of indebtedness, both short and long-term, to finance these requirements and to otherwise maintain adequate levels of working capital. As a result of improved operating cash flow, during 2002 and through August 12, 2003, the Company repurchased $256.1 million of long-term debt.
If Avista Utilities power and natural gas costs were to significantly exceed the levels currently recovered from retail customers, its cash flows would be negatively affected. Factors that could cause purchased power costs to exceed the levels currently recovered from customers include, but are not limited to, higher prices in wholesale markets combined with an increased need to purchase power in the wholesale markets. Current FERC imposed price caps limit wholesale market prices to $250 per MWh. Factors beyond the Companys control that could result in an
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increased need to purchase power in the wholesale markets include, but are not limited to, increases in demand (either due to weather or customer growth), low availability of hydroelectric resources, outages at generating facilities and failure of third parties to deliver on energy or capacity contracts.
Covenants in Avista Energys credit agreement as well as certain counterparty agreements result in Avista Energy maintaining certain levels of cash and therefore inherently limiting the amount of cash dividends that are available for distribution to Avista Capital and ultimately to Avista Corp.
In July 2003, Avista Corp. announced an investment by a group of private equity investors in a new entity, AVLB, Inc., which acquired the assets previously held by Avista Corp.s fuel cell manufacturing and development subsidiary, Avista Labs. This reduces Avista Corp.s future funding requirements for this business. The investors have raised an initial $7.5 million in funding, which includes a commitment by Avista Corp. to provide funding of up to $1.5 million under certain conditions. Avista Corp. has a 19.9 percent ownership interest in AVLB, Inc.
Capital Resources
The Company incurred significant indebtedness to support capital expenditures, to fund power and natural gas costs that were in excess of the amount recovered currently through rates and to maintain working capital through the end of 2001. However, as of June 30, 2003, the Companys total debt outstanding was $977.7 million, a decrease from $1,004.5 million as of December 31, 2002 and $1,252.6 million as of December 31, 2001. The decrease from December 31, 2002 was primarily due to the repurchase of long-term debt and the maturity of long-term debt, partially offset by an increase in short-term borrowings. The decrease in total debt was made possible by positive operating cash flows from both Avista Utilities and Avista Energy. The Company needs to finance capital expenditures and obtain additional working capital from time to time. The cash requirements needed to service indebtedness, both short-term and long-term, reduces the amount of cash flow available to fund working capital, purchased power and natural gas costs, capital expenditures, dividends and other corporate requirements.
The Company generally funds capital expenditures with a combination of internally generated cash and external financing. The level of cash generated internally and the amount that is available for capital expenditures fluctuates depending on a variety of factors. Cash provided by utility operating activities and cash generated by Avista Energy are expected to be the Companys primary sources of funds for operating needs, dividends and capital expenditures for 2003.
On May 13, 2003, the Company amended its committed line of credit with various banks to increase the amount to $245.0 million from $225.0 million and extend the expiration date to May 11, 2004. The Company can issue up to $75.0 million in letters of credit under the amended committed line of credit. As of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had $35.0 million and $30.0 million, respectively, of borrowings outstanding under this committed line of credit. As of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, there were $11.5 million and $14.3 million in letters of credit outstanding, respectively. The committed line of credit is secured by $245.0 million of non-transferable first mortgage bonds of the Company issued to the agent banks. Such first mortgage bonds would only become due and payable in the event that the Company defaults on its obligations under the committed line of credit.
The committed line of credit agreement contains customary covenants and default provisions, including covenants not to permit the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization of Avista Corp. to be, at the end of any fiscal quarter, greater than 65 percent. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with this covenant with a ratio of 53.2 percent. The committed line of credit also has a covenant requiring the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense of Avista Utilities for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2003 to be greater than 1.6 to 1. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with this covenant with a ratio of 2.08 to 1.
Any default on its committed line of credit or other financing arrangements could result in cross-defaults to other agreements and could induce vendors and other counterparties to demand collateral. In the event of default, it would be difficult for the Company to obtain financing on any reasonable terms to pay creditors or fund operations, and the Company would likely be prohibited from paying dividends on its common stock. As of June 30, 2003, Avista Corp. was in compliance with the covenants of all of its financing agreements.
In March 2003, the Company redeemed 17,500 shares of preferred stock for $1.6 million, satisfying its redemption requirement for 2003.
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The Mortgage and Deed of Trust securing the Companys First Mortgage Bonds contains limitations on the amount of First Mortgage Bonds which may be issued based on, among other things, a 70 percent debt-to-collateral ratio and a 2.00 to 1 net earnings to First Mortgage Bond interest ratio. Under various financing agreements, the Company is also restricted as to the amount of additional First Mortgage Bonds that it can issue. As of June 30, 2003, the Company could issue $109.4 million of additional First Mortgage Bonds under the most restrictive of these financing agreements.
On June 25, 2003, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of issuing up to $150.0 million of secured or unsecured debt securities. If market conditions warrant during 2003, the Company may issue long-term debt to fund maturing long-term debt and repurchase outstanding long-term debt. This would be expected to reduce the Companys overall debt service costs.
In July 2001, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of issuing up to 3.7 million shares of common stock. No common stock has been issued and the Company currently does not have any plans to issue common stock under this registration statement.
Inter-Company Debt; Subordination
As part of its on-going cash management practices and operations, Avista Corp. from time to time makes unsecured short-term loans to, and borrowings from, Avista Capital. In turn, Avista Capital from time to time makes unsecured short-term loans to, and borrowings from, its subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2003, Avista Corp. held short-term notes receivable from Avista Capital in the principal amount of $38.1 million.
In addition, Avista Capital from time to time guarantees the indebtedness and other obligations of its subsidiaries. See Energy Marketing and Resource Management Operations for further information.
The credit arrangements of Avista Capitals subsidiaries generally provide that any indebtedness owed by such entity to its corporate parent will be subordinated to the indebtedness outstanding under such credit arrangements.
The right of Avista Corp., as a shareholder, to receive assets of any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries upon the subsidiarys liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the holders of debt securities and other creditors of Avista Corp. to participate in those assets) is junior to the claims against such assets of that subsidiarys creditors. As a result, the obligations of Avista Corp. to its debt securityholders and other unrelated creditors are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments (including trade payables and lease obligations) of Avista Corp.s direct and indirect subsidiaries. Similarly, the obligations of Avista Capital to its creditors are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Pension Plan
As of June 30, 2003, the Companys pension plan had assets with a fair value that was less than the present value of the accumulated benefit obligation under the plan. In 2002, the Company recorded an additional minimum liability for the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of $33.4 million and an intangible asset of $6.4 million (representing the amount of unrecognized prior service cost) related to the pension plan. This resulted in a charge to other comprehensive income of $17.6 million, net of taxes.
The Company does not expect the current pension plan funding deficit to have a material adverse impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Companys funding policy is to contribute amounts that are not less than the minimum amounts required to be funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The Company made $12 million in cash contributions to the pension plan in 2002. The Company expects to make contributions totaling approximately $12 million to the pension plan in 2003.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Avista Receivables Corp. (ARC), formerly known as WWP Receivables Corp., is a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company formed in 1997 for the purpose of acquiring or purchasing interests in certain accounts receivable, both billed and unbilled, of the Company. On May 29, 2002, ARC, the Company and a third-party financial institution entered into a three-year agreement whereby ARC can sell without recourse, on a revolving basis, up to $100.0 million of those receivables. ARC is obligated to pay fees that approximate the purchasers cost of issuing commercial paper equal in value to the interests in receivables sold. As of June 30, 2003, $56.0 million in receivables were sold pursuant to the agreement.
WP Funding LP is an entity that was formed for the purpose of acquiring the natural gas-fired combustion turbine generating facility in Rathdrum, Idaho (Rathdrum CT). WP Funding LP purchased the Rathdrum CT from the Company with funds provided by unrelated investors of which 97 percent represented debt and 3 percent represented equity. The Company operates the Rathdrum CT and leases it from WP Funding LP and currently makes lease payments of $4.5 million per year. The total amount of WP Funding LP debt outstanding that is not included on the Companys balance sheet was $54.5 million as of June 30, 2003. The lease term expires in February 2020; however, the current debt matures in October 2005 and will need to be refinanced at that time. The FASB has issued an interpretation relating to the identification of, and accounting for, special-purpose entities such as WP Funding LP. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. This interpretation requires the Company to begin consolidating WP Funding LP into its financial statements effective July 1, 2003, whereby the $54.5 million of debt will be included in the Companys capitalization and the book value of the Rathdrum CT will be included in utility plant. The equity investment of the unrelated investors will be reported as a minority interest. Based on current information, the book value of the debt and equity of WP Funding LP exceeds the book value of the Rathdrum CT by approximately $15.5 million ($10.1 million, net of taxes). In accordance with regulatory accounting practices, the Company intends to record this amount as a regulatory asset upon the consolidation of WP Funding LP. The addition of the Rathdrum CT, which entered commercial operation in 1995, to Avista Utilities generation resource base was reviewed in previous state regulatory filings with the WUTC and IPUC.
Total Company Capitalization
The Companys consolidated capital structure, including the current portion of long-term debt and short-term borrowings consisted of the following as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2003 | December 31, 2002 | ||||||||||||||||
Percent | Percent | ||||||||||||||||
Amount | of total | Amount | of total | ||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 62,333 | 3.4 | % | $ | 71,896 | 3.9 | % | |||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
35,533 | 1.9 | 30,000 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
879,854 | 47.9 | 902,635 | 48.8 | |||||||||||||
Total debt |
977,720 | 53.2 | 1,004,531 | 54.3 | |||||||||||||
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred trust securities |
100,000 | 5.4 | 100,000 | 5.4 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stock-cumulative |
31,500 | 1.7 | 33,250 | 1.8 | |||||||||||||
Common equity |
729,479 | 39.7 | 712,791 | 38.5 | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,838,699 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,850,572 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
The Companys total debt decreased by $26.8 million due to both the repurchase of long-term debt and the maturity of long-term debt, partially offset by an increase in short-term borrowings. The Companys consolidated common equity increased $16.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2003 primarily due to net income and the issuance of common stock through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans, partially offset by dividends. The Company has a target capital structure of 50 percent total debt and 50 percent preferred trust securities, preferred stock and common equity.
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Credit Ratings
The Companys credit ratings were downgraded during the fourth quarter of 2001 resulting in an overall corporate credit rating that is below investment grade. The downgrade was due to liquidity concerns primarily related to the significant amount of purchased power and natural gas costs incurred and the resulting increase in debt levels and debt service costs. The following table summarizes the Companys current credit ratings:
Standard & Poors | Moodys | Fitch, Inc. | |||||||||||
Avista Corporation |
|||||||||||||
Corporate/Issuer rating |
BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | ||||||||||
Senior secured debt |
BBB- | Baa3 | BBB- | ||||||||||
Senior unsecured debt |
BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | ||||||||||
Preferred stock |
BB- | Ba3 | BB | ||||||||||
Avista Capital I* |
|||||||||||||
Preferred Trust Securities |
BB- | Ba2 | BB+ | ||||||||||
Avista Capital II* |
|||||||||||||
Preferred Trust Securities |
BB- | Ba2 | BB | ||||||||||
Rating outlook |
Stable | Negative | Stable |
* | Only assets are subordinated debentures of Avista Corporation |
These security ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings are subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the respective credit rating agencies. Each credit rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Avista Utilities Operations
Avista Utilities held cash deposits from other parties in the amount of $19.3 million as of June 30, 2003, which is included in cash and cash equivalents with a corresponding amount in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These amounts are subject to return if conditions warrant because of continuing portfolio value fluctuations with those parties or substitution of collateral.
As of June 30, 2003, Avista Utilities had $33.7 million in cash and temporary investments, including the $19.3 million of cash deposits from other parties.
See Notes 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details related to financing activities.
Energy Marketing and Resource Management Operations
On July 25, 2003, Avista Energy and its subsidiary, Avista Energy Canada, Ltd., as co-borrowers, entered into a committed credit agreement with a group of banks in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million expiring July 23, 2004, replacing a previous uncommitted credit agreement that had an extended expiration date of July 31, 2003. This new committed credit facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit to secure contractual obligations to counterparties. This facility is guaranteed by Avista Capital and secured by Avista Energys assets. The maximum amount of credit extended by the banks for the issuance of letters of credit is the subscribed amount of the facility less the amount of outstanding cash advances, if any. The maximum amount of credit extended by the banks for cash advances is $30.0 million. No cash advances were outstanding under the previous uncommitted credit agreement as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $28.2 million and $17.4 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
The Avista Energy credit agreement contains customary covenants and default provisions, including covenants to maintain minimum net working capital and minimum net worth, as well as a covenant limiting the amount of indebtedness which the co-borrowers may incur. The credit agreement also contains covenants and other restrictions related to Avista Energys trading limits and positions, including VAR limits, restrictions with respect to changes in risk management policies or volumetric limits, and limits on exposure related to hourly and daily trading of electricity. Also, a reduction in the credit rating of Avista Corp. would represent an event of default under Avista Energys credit agreement. Avista Energy was in compliance with the covenants of its credit agreement as of June 30, 2003.
Avista Capital provides guarantees for Avista Energys credit agreement and, in the course of business, may provide guarantees to other parties with whom Avista Energy may be doing business. Avista Capital had $58.7 million of performance guarantees related to energy trading contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2003.
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Periodically, Avista Capital may lend funds to Avista Energy to support its short-term cash and collateral needs. Avista Energys obligations to repay loans to Avista Capital are subordinate to any obligations of Avista Energy to the banks under the credit agreements. As of June 30, 2003, there were no loans between Avista Capital and Avista Energy outstanding.
Avista Energy manages collateral requirements with counterparties by providing letters of credit, providing guarantees from Avista Capital, depositing cash with counterparties and offsetting transactions with counterparties. Cash deposited with counterparties totaled $29.7 million as of June 30, 2003, which is included in prepayments and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Avista Energy held cash deposits from other parties in the amount of $91.1 million as of June 30, 2003, which is included in cash and cash equivalents with a corresponding amount in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These amounts are subject to return if conditions warrant because of continuing portfolio value fluctuations with those parties or substitution of collateral.
As of June 30, 2003, Avista Energy had $185.8 million in cash, including the $91.1 million of cash deposits from other parties. Covenants in Avista Energys credit agreement as well as certain counterparty agreements result in Avista Energy maintaining certain levels of cash and therefore inherently limiting the amount of cash dividends that are available for distribution to Avista Capital and ultimately to Avista Corp. During the six months ended June 30, 2003 Avista Energy paid $2.1 million in dividends to Avista Capital.
Avista Advantage Operations
As of June 30, 2003, Avista Advantage did not have a material amount of cash and cash equivalents and $2.6 million in debt was outstanding. Avista Advantages outstanding debt is related to capital leases.
Other Operations
As of June 30, 2003, this line of business had $0.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.7 million in debt was outstanding. The outstanding debt includes short-term borrowings and capital leases.
Contractual Obligations
The Companys future contractual obligations have not changed materially from the amounts disclosed in the 2002 Form 10-K with the following exceptions:
The following table details the Companys debt repurchases from January 1, 2003 through August 12, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Repurchase | Interest | Maturity | Principal | ||||||||||||||
Date | Description | Rate | Year | Amount | |||||||||||||
January 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | $ | 10,000 | |||||||||||
February 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 505 | ||||||||||||
March 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.23 | % | 2022 | 5,000 | ||||||||||||
April 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
6.88 | % | 2028 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
May 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
5.99 | % | 2007 | 150 | ||||||||||||
June 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
7.42 | % | 2004 | 1,500 | ||||||||||||
July 2003 | Unsecured Medium-Term Notes |
8.05 | % | 2012 | 12,000 | ||||||||||||
July 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
August 2003 | Unsecured Senior Notes |
9.75 | % | 2008 | 10,330 | ||||||||||||
Total debt repurchases |
$ | 52,485 | |||||||||||||||
Short-term debt of Avista Utilities decreased from $95.0 million as of December 31, 2002 to $91.0 million as of June 30, 2003. The amount outstanding as of June 30, 2003 included $35.0 million under Avista Corp.s $245.0 million committed line of credit and $56.0 million under a $100.0 million accounts receivable financing facility as discussed under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Amounts outstanding under the accounts receivable financing facility are accounted for as sales of accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
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Avista Energys contractual commitments to purchase energy commodities in future periods were as follows as of June 30, 2003 (dollars in millions):
Year ended June 30, | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||
Physical energy contracts |
$ | 1,007 | $ | 316 | $ | 222 | $ | 174 | $ | 157 | $ | 389 | ||||||||||||
Financial energy contracts |
266 | 27 | 5 | 1 | | |
Avista Energy also has sales commitments related to energy commodities in future periods.
As of June 30, 2003, Avista Corp. did not have any commitments outstanding with equity triggers. When the Companys corporate credit rating was reduced to below investment grade in October 2001, additional collateral requirements due to rating triggers were met and further requirements are not currently anticipated. Avista Corp. does not expect any material impact from rating triggers; remaining triggers for Avista Corp. primarily relate to changes in pricing under certain financing agreements. A reduction in the credit rating of Avista Corp. would represent an event of default under Avista Energys credit agreement.
Future Outlook
Business Strategy
Avista Corp. continues to implement its business strategy with a focus on fundamentals with a concentrated effort on its core energy-related businesses. Avista Corp. intends to focus on improving cash flows and earnings, controlling costs and reducing debt while working to restore an investment grade credit rating. Avista Utilities seeks to maintain a strong, low-cost and efficient electric and natural gas utility business focused on providing reliable, high quality service to its customers. The utility business is expected to grow modestly, consistent with historical trends. Expansion is expected to result primarily from economic and population growth in its service territory. It is Avista Utilities strategy to own or have contracts for a sufficient amount of resources to meet its retail and wholesale energy requirements under a range of operating conditions. Avista Energy operates primarily within the WECC and focuses on asset-backed optimization of combustion turbines and hydroelectric assets owned by other entities, long-term electric supply contracts, natural gas storage, and electric and natural gas transmission and transportation arrangements. Avista Energys marketing efforts are driven by its base of knowledge and experience in the operation of both electric energy and natural gas physical systems in the WECC, as well as its relationship-focused approach with its customers. The Companys strategy may include the acquisition or management of generation assets that become available with partners that have capital resources. Avista Advantage remains focused on growing revenue, improving margins, reducing fixed and variable costs and improving client satisfaction. Over time as opportunities arise, the Company plans to dispose of assets and phase out operations in the Other business segment.
Competition
Avista Utilities competes to provide service to new retail electric customers with various rural electric cooperatives and public utility districts in and adjacent to its service territories. Alternate providers of power may also compete for sales to existing customers, including new market entrants as a result of deregulation. Competition for available electric resources can be critical to utilities as surplus power resources are absorbed by load growth. Avista Utilities natural gas distribution operations compete with other energy sources; however, natural gas continues to maintain a price advantage compared to heating oil, propane and other fuels, provided that the natural gas distribution system is proximate to prospective customers.
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Energy Act) amended provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) and the Federal Power Act to remove certain barriers to a competitive wholesale market. The Energy Act expanded the authority of the FERC to issue orders requiring electric utilities to transmit power and energy to or for wholesale purchasers and sellers, and to require electric utilities to enlarge or construct additional transmission capacity for the purpose of providing these services. It also created exempt wholesale generators, a class of independent power plant owners that are able to sell generation only at the wholesale level. This permits public utilities and other entities to participate through subsidiaries in the development of independent electric generating plants for sales to wholesale customers without being required to register under the PUHCA.
Participants in the wholesale market include other utilities, federal marketing agencies and energy trading and marketing companies. The wholesale market has changed significantly over the last few years with respect to market participants involved, level of activity, variability in market prices, liquidity, FERC-imposed price caps and counterparty credit issues. During 2000 and the first half of 2001, the electric wholesale market in the WECC region
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was more turbulent than previously experienced and marked by significant volatility, service disruptions and defaults by certain participants. During the second half of 2001 and 2002, wholesale market prices decreased to levels similar to those experienced before 2000. Wholesale market prices increased in early 2003; however, prices have decreased during the second quarter of 2003. Many energy companies are facing liquidity issues, and counterparty credit exposure is of concern to market participants. During 2002 and the first six months of 2003, electric and natural gas trading volumes have decreased, the energy markets are less volatile and fewer creditworthy counterparties are currently participating in the energy markets. Avista Corp. is actively monitoring energy industry developments with a focus on liquidity, volatility of energy trading markets and counterparty credit exposure.
The Avista Capital subsidiaries, particularly Avista Advantage, are subject to competition as they develop products and services and enter new markets. Competition from other companies in these emerging industries may mean challenges for a company to be the first to market a new product or service to gain the advantage in market share. In order for these new businesses to grow as planned, one significant challenge will be the availability of funding and resources to meet the capital needs. Other challenges will be rapidly advancing technologies, possibly making some of the current technology quickly obsolete, and requiring continual research and development for product advancement. In order for some of these subsidiaries to succeed, they will need to reduce costs of these emerging technologies to make them affordable to future customers.
Business Risk
The Companys operations are exposed to risks including, but not limited to, the price and supply of purchased power, fuel and natural gas, recoverability of power and natural gas costs, streamflow and weather conditions, the effects of changes in legislative and governmental regulations, availability of generation facilities, competition, technology and availability of funding. Also, like other utilities, the Companys facilities and operations may be exposed to terrorism risks. See further reference to risks and uncertainties under Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements.
Hydroelectric conditions in 2001 were significantly below normal, leading to a greater than normal reliance on purchased power. Hydroelectric generation was slightly above normal in 2002 and current forecasts indicate that hydroelectric generation will be approximately 92 percent of normal in 2003. The earnings impact of these factors is mitigated by regulatory mechanisms that are intended to defer increased power supply costs for recovery in future periods. Avista Utilities is not able to predict how the combination of energy resources, energy loads, prices, rate recovery and other factors will ultimately drive deferred power costs and the timing of recovery of these costs in future periods. See further information at Avista Utilities Regulatory Matters.
Challenges facing Avista Utilities electric operations include, among other things, the timing of the recovery of deferred power and natural gas costs, changes in the availability of and volatility in the prices of power and fuel, generating unit availability, legislative and governmental regulations, potential tax law changes, customer response to price increases and surcharges, streamflows and weather conditions.
Natural gas commodity prices increased dramatically during 2000 and remained at relatively high levels during the first half of 2001 before declining in the second half of the year. Natural gas commodity prices during 2002 were generally lower than during 2000 and the first half of 2001. Natural gas commodity prices have increased towards the end of 2002 and into the first half of 2003 before declining somewhat during June and July of 2003. Market prices for natural gas continue to be competitive compared to alternative fuel sources for residential, commercial and industrial customers. Avista Utilities believes that natural gas should sustain its market advantage based on the levels of existing reserves and the potential for natural gas development in the future. Growth has occurred in the natural gas business in recent years due to increased demand for natural gas in new construction, as well as conversions from electric space, oil space and electric water heating to natural gas. Challenges facing Avista Utilities natural gas operations include, among other things, volatility in the price of natural gas, changes in the availability of natural gas, legislative and governmental regulations, weather conditions and the timing of recovery for increased commodity costs. Avista Utilities natural gas business also faces the potential for certain natural gas customers to by-pass its natural gas system. To reduce the potential for such by-pass, Avista Utilities prices its natural gas services, including transportation contracts, competitively and has varying degrees of flexibility to price its transportation and delivery rates by means of individual contracts, subject to state regulatory review and approval. Avista Utilities has long-term transportation contracts with several of its largest industrial customers, which reduces the risk of these customers by-passing the system in the foreseeable future.
Avista Energy trades electricity and natural gas, along with derivative commodity instruments, including futures, options, swaps and other contractual arrangements. As a result of these trading activities, Avista Energy is subject to various risks, including commodity price risk and credit risk, as well as possible new risks resulting from the
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imposition of market controls by federal and state agencies. The FERC is conducting proceedings and investigations related to market controls within the western United States that include proposals by certain parties to impose refunds. As a result, certain parties have asserted claims for significant refunds from Avista Energy and lesser refunds from Avista Utilities which could result in liabilities for refunding revenues recognized in prior periods. Avista Energy and Avista Utilities have joined other parties in opposing these proposals. The refund proceedings provide that any refunds owed could be offset against unpaid energy debts due to the same party. Avista Energy has fully reserved for all defaulted obligations from California parties and believes that any refunds imposed would not exceed its uncollected receivables. On June 25, 2003, the FERC denied the request of certain parties for retroactive refunds for spot market sales in the Pacific Northwest during the period from December 25, 2000 to June 20, 2001. See Power Market Issues for further information with respect to the refund proceedings.
In connection with matching loads and resources, Avista Utilities engages in wholesale sales and purchases of electric capacity and energy and, accordingly, is also subject to commodity price risk, credit risk and other risks associated with these activities.
Commodity Price Risk. Both Avista Utilities and Avista Energy are subject to energy commodity price risk. The price of power in wholesale markets is affected primarily by production costs and by other factors including streamflows, the availability of hydroelectric and thermal generation and transmission capacity, weather and the resulting retail loads, and the price of coal, natural gas and oil to operate thermal generating units. Any combination of these factors that results in a shortage of energy generally causes the market price of power to move upward. The FERC imposed a price mitigation plan in the western United States in June 2001.
Price risk is, in general, the risk of fluctuation in the market price of the commodity needed, held or traded. In the case of electricity, prices can be affected by the adequacy of generating reserve margins, scheduled and unscheduled outages of generating facilities, availability of streamflows for hydroelectric generation, the price of thermal generating plant fuel, and disruptions or constraints to transmission facilities. Demand changes (caused by variations in the weather and other factors) can also affect market prices. Price risk also includes the risk of fluctuation in the market price of associated derivative commodity instruments (such as options and forward contracts). Price risk may also be influenced to the extent that the performance or non-performance by market participants of their contractual obligations and commitments affect the supply of, or demand for, the commodity. Wholesale market prices for power and natural gas in the western United States and western Canada were significantly higher in 2000 and the first half of 2001 than at any time in history, with unprecedented levels of volatility. Prices and volatility decreased considerably during the second half of 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003 relative to 2000 and the first half of 2001.
Credit Risk. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that Avista Utilities and/or Avista Energy would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations to deliver energy and make financial settlements. Credit risk includes not only the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances relating directly to it, but also the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances that relate to other market participants that have a direct or indirect relationship with such counterparty. Avista Utilities and Avista Energy seek to mitigate credit risk by applying specific eligibility criteria to existing and prospective counterparties and by actively monitoring current credit exposures. These policies include an evaluation of the financial condition and credit ratings of counterparties, collateral requirements or other credit enhancements, such as letters of credit or parent company guarantees, and the use of standardized agreements that allow for the netting or offsetting of positive and negative exposures associated with a single counterparty. However, despite mitigation efforts, defaults by counterparties periodically occur. Avista Energy experienced payment receipt defaults from certain parties impacted by the California energy crisis. Both Avista Corp. and Avista Energy engaged in considerable business and had short-term and long-term contracts with entities that have filed for bankruptcy protection. These bankruptcies and other changes, uncertainties and regulatory proceedings have resulted in reduced liquidity in the energy markets.
A trend of declining credit quality was evident during 2002 and has continued into 2003, particularly throughout the energy industry. Rating agencies have downgraded the credit ratings of several of the counterparties of Avista Energy and Avista Utilities. Avista Energy and Avista Utilities regularly evaluate counterparties credit exposure for future settlements and delivery obligations. Avista Energy and Avista Utilities have taken a conservative position by reducing or eliminating open (unsecured) credit limits for parties perceived to have increased default risk. Counterparty collateral is used to offset the Companys credit risk where unsettled net positions and future obligations by counterparties to pay Avista Utilities and/or Avista Energy or deliver to Avista Utilities and/or Avista Energy warrant.
Avista Energy has concentrations of suppliers and customers in the electric and natural gas industries including electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies, and other energy marketing and trading companies. In addition,
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Avista Energy has concentrations of credit risk related to geographic location as Avista Energy operates in the western United States and western Canada. These concentrations of counterparties and concentrations of geographic location may impact Avista Energys overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions.
Credit risk also involves the exposure that counterparties perceive related to performance by Avista Utilities and Avista Energy to perform deliveries and settlement of energy transactions. These counterparties may seek assurance of performance in the form of letters of credit, prepayment or cash deposits, and, in the case of Avista Energy, parent company performance guarantees. In periods of price volatility, the level of exposure can change significantly, with the result that sudden and significant demands may be made against the Companys capital resource reserves (credit facilities and cash). Avista Utilities and Avista Energy actively monitor the exposure to possible collateral calls and take steps to minimize capital requirements.
In conjunction with the valuation of their commodity derivative instruments and accounts receivable, Avista Utilities and Avista Energy maintain credit reserves that are based on managements evaluation of the credit risk of the overall portfolio. Based on these policies, exposures and credit reserves, the Company does not anticipate a materially adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations as a result of counterparty nonperformance.
Other Operating Risks. In addition to commodity price risk, Avista Utilities commodity positions are subject to operational and event risks including, among others, increases in load demand, transmission or transport disruptions, fuel quality specifications, forced outages at generating plants and disruptions to information systems and other administrative tools required for normal operations. Avista Utilities also has exposure to weather conditions and natural disasters that can cause physical damage to property, requiring immediate repairs to restore utility service.
The emergence of terrorism threats, both domestic and foreign, is a risk to the entire utility industry, including Avista Utilities. Potential disruptions to operations or destruction of facilities from terrorism are not readily determinable. The Company has taken various steps to mitigate terrorism risks and to prepare contingency plans in the event that its facilities are targeted.
Interest Rate Risk. The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. The Company manages interest rate risk by taking advantage of market conditions when timing the issuance of long-term financings and optional debt redemptions and through the use of fixed rate long-term debt with varying maturities. The interest rate on $40 million of Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Trust Securities Series B is adjusted quarterly, reflecting current market conditions. In order to lower interest payments during a period of declining interest rates, Avista Corp. entered into an interest rate swap agreement, effective July 17, 2002, that was terminated on May 7, 2003. This interest rate swap agreement effectively changed the interest rate on $25 million of Unsecured Senior Notes from a fixed rate of 9.75 percent to a variable rate based on LIBOR. Additionally, amounts borrowed under the Companys committed line of credit have a variable interest rate.
The Companys credit ratings were downgraded during the fourth quarter of 2001 resulting in an overall corporate credit rating that is below investment grade. These downgrades increased the cost of debt and other securities going forward and may affect the Companys ability to issue debt and equity securities at reasonable interest rates and prices. The downgrades also required the Company to provide letters of credit and/or collateral to certain parties.
Foreign Currency Risk. The Company has investments in Canadian companies through Avista Energy Canada, Ltd. and its subsidiary, Copac Management, Inc. The Companys exposure to foreign currency risk and other foreign operations risk was immaterial to the Companys consolidated results of operations and financial position during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and is not expected to change materially in the near future.
Risk Management
Risk Policies and Oversight. Avista Utilities and Avista Energy use a variety of techniques to manage risks. The Company has risk management oversight for these risks for each area of the Companys energy-related businesses. The Company has a Risk Management Committee, separate from the units that create such risk exposure and that is overseen by the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors, to monitor compliance with the Companys risk management policies and procedures. Avista Utilities and Avista Energy have policies and procedures in place to manage the risks, both quantitative and qualitative, inherent in their businesses. The Companys Risk Management Committee reviews the status of risk exposures through regular reports and meetings and it monitors compliance with the Companys risk management policies and procedures on a regular basis. Nonetheless, adverse changes in
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commodity prices, generating capacity, customer loads, regulation and other factors may result in losses in earnings, cash flows and/or fair values.
Quantitative Risk Measurements. Avista Utilities has volume limits for its imbalance between projected loads and resources. Normal operations result in seasonal mismatches between power loads and available resources. Avista Utilities is able to vary the operation of its generating resources to match hourly, daily and weekly load fluctuations. Avista Utilities uses the wholesale power markets to sell projected resource surpluses and obtain resources when deficits are projected in the 18-month forward planning horizon. Any imbalance is required to remain within limits, or management action or decisions are triggered to address larger imbalance situations. Volume limits for forward periods are based on monthly and quarterly averages that may vary materially from the actual load and resource variations within any given month or operating day. Future projections of resources are updated as forecasted streamflows and other factors differ from prior estimates. Forward power markets may be illiquid, and market products available may not match Avista Utilities desired transaction size and shape. Therefore, open imbalance positions exist at any given time.
Avista Energy measures the risk in its power and natural gas portfolio daily utilizing a Value-at-Risk (VAR) model, monitoring its risk in comparison to established thresholds. VAR measures the expected portfolio loss under hypothetical adverse price movements, over a given time interval within a given confidence level. Avista Energy also measures its open positions in terms of volumes at each delivery location for each forward time period. The extent of open positions is included in the risk management policy and is measured with stress tests and VAR modeling.
The VAR computations are based on a historical simulation, utilizing price movements over a specified period to simulate forward price curves in the energy markets to estimate the potential unfavorable impact of price movement in the portfolio of transactions scheduled to settle within the following eight calendar quarters. The quantification of market risk using VAR provides a consistent measure of risk across Avista Energys continually changing portfolio. VAR represents an estimate of reasonably possible net losses in earnings that would be recognized on its portfolio assuming hypothetical movements in future market rates and is not necessarily indicative of actual results that may occur.
Avista Energys VAR computations utilize several key assumptions, including a 95 percent confidence level for the resultant price movement and holding periods of one and three days. The calculation includes derivative commodity instruments held for trading purposes and excludes the effects of embedded physical options in the trading portfolio.
As of June 30, 2003, Avista Energys estimated potential one-day unfavorable impact on gross margin was $0.9 million, as measured by VAR, related to its commodity trading and marketing business, compared to $0.7 million as of December 31, 2002. The average daily VAR for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $0.7 million. The high daily VAR was $1.0 million and the low daily VAR was $0.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2003. Avista Energy was in compliance with its one-day VAR limits during the six months ended June 30, 2003. Changes in markets inconsistent with historical trends or assumptions used could cause actual results to exceed predicted limits. Market risks associated with derivative commodity instruments held for purposes other than trading were not material as of June 30, 2003.
For forward transactions that settle beyond the next eight calendar quarters, Avista Energy applies other risk measurement techniques, including price sensitivity stress tests, to assess the future market risk. Volatility in longer-dated forward markets tends to be significantly less than near-term markets.
Information Services Contract
Electronic Data Systems (EDS) has performed certain information services for the Company since 1992. In order to increase flexibility and increase efficiencies, the Company extended and restructured its contract with EDS in April 2003. The renewed contract expires December 2012. The Company believes that the changes to the contract with EDS will not have any material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: Future Outlook: Business Risk and Risk Management.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company has disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to ensure that material information contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely and accurate basis. The Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed and evaluated the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective at ensuring that material information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely and accurate basis in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since such evaluation there have not been any significant changes in the Companys internal controls, or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls.
There have been no changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) that occurred during the Companys last fiscal quarter (the Companys fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements which is incorporated by reference.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Avista Corp. was held on May 8, 2003. The election of three directors with expiring terms was the only matter voted upon at the meeting. There were 48,181,927 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 20, 2003, the proxy record date, with 42,897,446 shares represented at said meeting. The results of the voting are shown below:
Against or | Term | |||||||||||
Director | For | Withheld | Expires | |||||||||
John F. Kelly |
41,848,809 | 1,048,637 | 2006 | |||||||||
Lura J. Powell, Ph.D. |
41,848,527 | 1,048,919 | 2006 | |||||||||
R. John Taylor |
41,838,994 | 1,058,452 | 2006 |
The terms of directors Erik J. Anderson, Kristianne Blake, David A. Clack, Roy L. Eiguren, Gary G. Ely and Jessie J. Knight, Jr. continued after the meeting.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits.
Exhibits Filed:
4(d) | Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 13, 2003, extending the expiration date of the Credit Agreement dated as of May 21, 2002 among Avista Corporation, the Banks Party Hereto, Washington Mutual Bank, as Managing Agent, Fleet National Bank, Keybank National Association, U.S. Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, as Documentation Agents, Union Bank of California, N.A., as Syndication Agent and The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank. | |||
12 | Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements. | |||
31(a) | Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |||
31(b) | Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibits Furnished:
32 | Certification of Corporate Officers (Furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
Dated April 9, 2003 with respect to the decision to recommend certification of the agreement between Avista Corp., Avista Energy and the FERC staff should be delayed to further address certain issues and to allow for potential uncertainty to be removed with respect to the final resolution of the case. | ||
Dated April 30, 2003 with respect to 2003 first quarter earnings. | ||
Dated June 25, 2003 to disclose that the FERCs administrative law judge issued an order denying the request to certify the agreement between Avista Corp., Avista Energy and the FERC staff and forward it to the FERC for its final approval. |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AVISTA CORPORATION (Registrant) |
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Date: August 12, 2003 | /s/ Malyn K. Malquist | |
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Malyn K. Malquist Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |
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