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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

OR

[   ]

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

Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address and Telephone Number

IRS Employer
Identification No.

1-11459

PPL Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151

23-2758192

333-74794

PPL Energy Supply, LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Delaware)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151

23-3074920

1-905

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151

23-0959590

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

 

Common Stock of PPL Corporation

New York & Philadelphia Stock Exchanges

 

Preferred Stock of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

 
 

4-1/2%
4.40% Series

New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

     

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

PPL Corporation

[     ]

 

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

[ X ]

 

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

[ X ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

PPL Corporation

Yes  X   

No        

 

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Yes  X   

No        

 

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Yes  X   

No        

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants are accelerated filers (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

PPL Corporation

Yes  X   

No        

 

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Yes       

No  X   

 

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Yes       

No  X   

As of June 30, 2004, PPL Corporation had 188,894,379 shares of its $.01 par value Common Stock outstanding, excluding 31,034,476 shares held as treasury stock. The aggregate market value of these common shares (based upon the closing price of these shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that date) held by non-affiliates was $8,670,251,996. As of January 31, 2005, PPL Corporation had 189,122,513 shares of its $.01 par value Common Stock outstanding, excluding 31,045,853 shares held as treasury stock.

As of June 30, 2004, PPL Corporation held all 78,029,863 outstanding common shares, no par value, of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, excluding 79,270,519 shares held as treasury stock. The aggregate market value of the voting preferred stock held by non-affiliates of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation at June 30, 2004, was $39,080,968.

PPL Corporation indirectly holds all of the membership interests in PPL Energy Supply, LLC.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.

Documents incorporated by reference:

PPL Corporation and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation have incorporated herein by reference certain sections of PPL Corporation's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004. Such Statements will provide the information required by Part III of this Report.




PPL CORPORATION
PPL ENERGY SUPPLY, LLC
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation. Information contained herein relating to PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation is filed by PPL Corporation and separately by PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation on their own behalf. No registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other registrant, except that information relating to the two PPL Corporation subsidiaries is also attributed to PPL Corporation.

Item

   

Page

PART I

1.

 

Business

1

2.

 

Properties

12

3.

 

Legal Proceedings

13

4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

16

   

Executive Officers of the Registrants

17

       

PART II

 

5.

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
    Purchases of Equity Securities

19

6.

 

Selected Financial and Operating Data

19

7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

74

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

75

8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

79

9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

163

9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

163

9B.

 

Other Information

163

       

PART III

 

10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

164

11.

 

Executive Compensation

164

12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

165

13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

166

14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

166

 

PART IV

 

15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

167

   

Shareowner and Investor Information

168

   

Signatures

170

   

Exhibit Index

173

   

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

181

   

Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
   Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

184

   

Certificates of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
   Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

190

   

PPL Corporation - Corporate Organization

196




GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

£ - British pounds sterling.

1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture - PPL Electric's Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1945, to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, as supplemented.

2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture - PPL Electric's Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2001, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, as trustee, as supplemented.

AFUDC (Allowance for Funds Used During Construction) - the cost of equity and debt funds used to finance construction projects of regulated businesses, which is capitalized as part of construction cost.

ANEEL - National Electric Energy Agency, Brazil's agency that regulates the transmission and distribution of electricity.

APA - Asset Purchase Agreement.

APB - Accounting Principles Board.

ARB - Accounting Research Bulletin.

ARO - asset retirement obligation.

Bangor Hydro - Bangor Hydro-Electric Company.

Bcf - billion cubic feet.

CEMAR - Companhia Energética do Maranhão, a Brazilian electric distribution company in which PPL Global had a majority ownership interest until the transfer of this interest in April 2004.

CGE - Compañia General de Electricidad, S.A., a distributor of electricity and natural gas with other industrial segments in Chile and Argentina in which PPL Global had an 8.7% direct and indirect minority ownership interest until the sale of this interest in March 2004.

Clean Air Act - federal legislation enacted to address certain environmental issues related to air emissions including acid rain, ozone and toxic air emissions.

CTC - competitive transition charge on customer bills to recover allowable transition costs under the Customer Choice Act.

Customer Choice Act - the Pennsylvania Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, legislation enacted to restructure the state's electric utility industry to create retail access to a competitive market for generation of electricity.

DelSur - Distribuidora de Electricidad Del Sur, S.A. de C.V., an electric distribution company in El Salvador, a majority of which is owned by EC.

DEP - Department of Environmental Protection, a state government agency.

Derivative - a financial instrument or other contract with all three of the following characteristics:

  1. It has (1) one or more underlyings and (2) one or more notional amounts or payment provisions or both. Those terms determine the amount of the settlement or settlements, and, in some cases, whether or not a settlement is required.
  2. It requires no initial net investment or 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.
  3. Its terms require or permit net settlement, it can readily be settled net by a means outside the contract, or it provides for delivery of an asset that puts the recipient in a position not substantially different from net settlement.

DIG - Derivatives Implementation Group.

DOE - Department of Energy, a U.S. government agency.

DRIP - Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

EC - Electricidad de Centroamerica, S.A. de C.V., an El Salvadoran holding company and the majority owner of DelSur. EC was also the majority owner of El Salvador Telecom, S.A. de C.V. until the sale of this company in June 2004. PPL Global has 100% ownership of EC.

EGS - electric generation supplier.

EITF - Emerging Issues Task Force, an organization that assists the FASB in improving financial reporting through the identification, discussion and resolution of financial accounting issues within the framework of existing authoritative literature.

Elfec - Empresa de Luz y Fuerza Electrica Cochabamba S.A., a Bolivian electric distribution company in which PPL Global has a majority ownership interest.

Emel - Empresas Emel S.A., a Chilean electric distribution holding company in which PPL Global has a majority ownership interest.

EMF - electric and magnetic fields.

Enrichment - the concentration of fissionable isotopes to produce a fuel suitable for use in a nuclear reactor.

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, a U.S. government agency.

EPS - earnings per share.

ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

EWG - exempt wholesale generator.

Fabrication - the process which manufactures nuclear fuel assemblies for insertion into the reactor.

FASB - Financial Accounting Standards Board, a rulemaking organization that establishes financial accounting and reporting standards.

FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that regulates interstate transmission and wholesale sales of electricity and related matters.

FIN - FASB Interpretation.

FSP - FASB Staff Position.

GAAP - generally accepted accounting principles.

Griffith - a 600 MW gas-fired station in Kingman, Arizona, which is jointly owned by indirect subsidiaries of PPL Generation and Duke Energy Corporation.

GWh - gigawatt-hour, one million kilowatt-hours.

Hyder - Hyder Limited, a subsidiary of WPDL that was the previous owner of South Wales Electricity plc. In March 2001, South Wales Electricity plc was acquired by WPDH Limited and renamed WPD (South Wales).

IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

ICP - Incentive Compensation Plan.

ICPKE - Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees.

Integra - Empresa de Ingenieria y Servicios Integrales Cochabamba S.A., a Bolivian construction and engineering services company in which PPL Global has a majority ownership interest.

IRS - Internal Revenue Service, a U.S. government agency.

ISO - Independent System Operator.

ITC - intangible transition charge on customer bills to recover intangible transition costs associated with securitizing stranded costs under the Customer Choice Act.

kVA - kilovolt-ampere.

kWh - kilowatt-hour, basic unit of electrical energy.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

MicDos - Minicentrales Dos, S.A., a Spanish company which owns several small hydroelectric generating facilities in Spain. PPL Global sold its ownership interest in MicDos in June 2004.

Mirant - Mirant Corporation, a diversified energy company based in Atlanta. PPL Global and Mirant jointly owned WPD from 1996 until September 6, 2002.

Montana Power - The Montana Power Company, a Montana-based company that sold its generating assets to PPL Montana in December 1999. Through a series of transactions consummated during the first quarter of 2002, Montana Power sold its electricity delivery business to NorthWestern.

MW - megawatt, one thousand kilowatts.

MWh - megawatt-hour, one thousand kilowatt-hours.

NorthWestern - NorthWestern Energy Division, a Delaware corporation and a division of NorthWestern Corporation and successor in interest to Montana Power's electricity delivery business, including Montana Power's rights and obligations under contracts with PPL Montana.

NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

NRC - Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that regulates the operation of nuclear power facilities.

NUGs(Non-Utility Generators) - generating plants not owned by public utilities, whose electrical output must be purchased by utilities under the PURPA if the plant meets certain criteria.

Ofgem - Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the British agency that regulates transmission, distribution and wholesale sales of electricity and related matters.

OSM - Office of Surface Mining, a U.S. government agency.

PCB - polychlorinated biphenyl, an additive to oil used in certain electrical equipment up to the late-1970s. It is now classified as a hazardous chemical.

PEPS Units (Premium Equity Participating Security Units, or PEPSSM Units) - securities issued by PPL and PPL Capital Funding Trust I that consisted of a Preferred Security and a forward contract to purchase PPL common stock.

PEPS Units, Series B (Premium Equity Participating Security Units, or PEPSSM Units, Series B) - securities issued by PPL and PPL Capital Funding that consisted of an undivided interest in a debt security issued by PPL Capital Funding and guaranteed by PPL, and a forward contract to purchase PPL common stock.

PJM (PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.) - operator of the electric transmission network and electric energy market in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

PLR (Provider of Last Resort) - The role of PPL Electric in providing electricity to retail customers within its delivery territory who have not chosen to select an alternative electricity supplier under the Customer Choice Act.

PP&E - property, plant and equipment.

PPL - PPL Corporation, the parent holding company of PPL Electric, PPL Energy Funding and other subsidiaries.

PPL Capital Funding - PPL Capital Funding, Inc., a PPL financing subsidiary.

PPL Capital Funding Trust I - a Delaware statutory business trust created to issue the Preferred Security component of the PEPS Units. This trust was terminated in June 2004.

PPL Coal Supply - PPL Coal Supply, LLC, a limited liability company owned by PPL Coal Holdings Corporation (a subsidiary of PPL Generation) and Iris Energy LLC. PPL Coal Supply procures coal, which it sells to PPL Generation for power plants and to Iris Energy for synfuel production.

PPL Development Company - PPL Development Company, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Services that has responsibility for all of PPL's acquisition, divestiture and development activities.

PPL Electric - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a regulated utility subsidiary of PPL that transmits and distributes electricity in its service territory and provides electric supply to retail customers in this territory as a PLR.

PPL Energy Funding - PPL Energy Funding Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL and the parent company of PPL Energy Supply.

PPL EnergyPlus - PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that markets wholesale and retail electricity, and supplies energy and energy services in deregulated markets.

PPL Energy Supply - PPL Energy Supply, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding and the parent company of PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Global and other subsidiaries.

PPL Gas Utilities - PPL Gas Utilities Corporation, a regulated utility subsidiary of PPL that specializes in natural gas distribution, transmission and storage services, and the competitive sale of propane.

PPL Generation - PPL Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that owns and operates U.S. generating facilities through various subsidiaries.

PPL Global - PPL Global, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that owns and operates international energy businesses that are focused on the distribution of electricity.

PPL Holtwood - PPL Holtwood, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Generation that owns PPL's hydroelectric generating operations in Pennsylvania.

PPL Maine - PPL Maine, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Generation that owns generating operations in Maine.

PPL Martins Creek - PPL Martins Creek, LLC, a generating subsidiary of PPL Generation that owns generating operations in Pennsylvania.

PPL Montana - PPL Montana, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of PPL Generation that generates electricity for wholesale sales in Montana and the Pacific Northwest.

PPL Services - PPL Services Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL that provides shared services for PPL and its subsidiaries.

PPL Susquehanna - PPL Susquehanna, LLC, the nuclear generating subsidiary of PPL Generation.

PPL Telcom - PPL Telcom, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding that delivers high bandwidth telecommunication services in the Northeast corridor from Washington, D.C., to New York City and to six metropolitan areas in central and eastern Pennsylvania.

PPL Transition Bond Company - PPL Transition Bond Company, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Electric that was formed to issue transition bonds under the Customer Choice Act.

Preferred Securities - company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities issued by PPL Capital Funding Trust I, which solely held debentures of PPL Capital Funding, and by SIUK Capital Trust I, which solely holds debentures of WPD LLP.

PUC - Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the state agency that regulates certain ratemaking, services, accounting and operations of Pennsylvania utilities.

PUC Final Order - final order issued by the PUC on August 27, 1998, approving the settlement of PPL Electric's restructuring proceeding.

PUHCA - Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, legislation passed by the U.S. Congress.

PURPA - Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, legislation passed by the U.S. Congress to encourage energy conservation, efficient use of resources and equitable rates.

PURTA - the Pennsylvania Public Utility Realty Tax Act.

RMC - Risk Management Committee.

Sarbanes-Oxley 404 - Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which sets requirements for management assessment of internal controls for financial reporting. It also requires an independent auditor to attest to and report on management's assessment.

SCR - selective catalytic reduction, a pollution control process.

SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission, a U.S. government agency whose primary mission is to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities markets.

SFAS - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, the accounting and financial reporting rules issued by the FASB.

SIUK Capital Trust I - a business trust created to issue preferred securities and whose common securities are held by WPD  LLP.

SIUK Limited - was an intermediate holding company within the WPDH Limited group. In January 2003, SIUK Limited transferred its assets and liabilities to WPD LLP.

SPE - special purpose entity.

Superfund - federal environmental legislation that addresses remediation of contaminated sites; states also have similar statutes.

Synfuel projects - production facilities that manufacture synthetic fuel from coal or coal byproducts. Favorable federal tax credits are available on qualified synthetic fuel products.

Tolling agreement - agreement whereby the owner of an electric generating facility agrees to use that facility to convert fuel provided by a third party into electric energy for delivery back to the third party.

UF - inflation-indexed Chilean peso-denominated unit.

VEBA - Voluntary Employee Benefit Association Trust, trust accounts for health and welfare plans for future benefit payments for employees, retirees or their beneficiaries.

WPD - refers collectively to WPDH Limited and WPDL. PPL Global purchased Mirant's 49% ownership interest in these entities on September 6, 2002, thereby achieving 100% ownership and operational control.

WPD LLP - Western Power Distribution LLP, a wholly owned subsidiary of WPDH Limited, which owns WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales).

WPD (South Wales) - Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, a British regional electric utility company.

WPD (South West) - Western Power Distribution (South West) plc, a British regional electric utility company.

WPDH Limited - Western Power Distribution Holdings Limited, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Global. WPDH Limited owns WPD LLP.

WPDL - WPD Investment Holdings Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Global. WPDL owns 100% of the common shares of Hyder.



Forward-looking Information

Statements contained in this Form 10-K concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the specific factors discussed in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections herein, the following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements:

Any such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such important factors and in conjunction with other documents of PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric on file with the SEC.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PPL, PPL Energy Supply or PPL Electric to predict all of such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric undertake no obligations to update the information contained in such statement to reflect subsequent developments or information.




PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

BACKGROUND

PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, PA, is an energy and utility holding company that was incorporated in 1994. PPL has been exempted by the SEC from the provisions of PUHCA applicable to it as a holding company. Through its subsidiaries, PPL generates electricity from power plants in the northeastern and western U.S.; markets wholesale or retail energy primarily in the northeastern and western portions of the U.S.; delivers electricity to nearly five million customers in Pennsylvania, the U.K. and Latin America; and provides energy services for businesses in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern U.S. PPL's significant subsidiaries are shown below:

See Exhibit 99 in Item 15 for a listing of the current corporate organization. In addition to PPL Corporation, the other SEC registrants included in this filing are:

PPL Energy Supply, LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL formed in 2000, is an energy company engaged through its subsidiaries in the generation and marketing of power primarily in the northeastern and western power markets of the U.S. and in the delivery of electricity in the U.K. and Latin America. PPL Energy Supply's major operating subsidiaries are PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Global. PPL Energy Supply owns or controls 12,274 MW of electric power generation capacity, and has current plans to implement capital projects at certain of its existing generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Montana that would provide 255 MW of additional generation capacity by 2010.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, incorporated in 1920, is a direct subsidiary of PPL and a regulated public utility. PPL Electric provides electricity delivery service in its service territory in Pennsylvania, and provides electricity supply to retail customers in that territory as a PLR under the Customer Choice Act.

Segment Information

PPL is organized into segments consisting of Supply, Delivery and International. PPL Energy Supply's segments consist of Supply and International. PPL Electric operates in a single business segment, Delivery. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for financial information about the segments and geographic financial data.

Supply Segment -

   
 

Owns and operates power plants to generate electricity; markets this electricity and other power purchases to deregulated wholesale and retail markets; and acquires and develops domestic generation projects. Consists of the activities of PPL Generation and PPL EnergyPlus.

PPL has generation assets that are focused on the eastern and western markets. The eastern generation assets are focused on the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic energy markets - including PJM, the New York ISO, ISO New England and the Mid-American Interconnection Network. PPL's western generating capacity is focused on the markets within the Western Systems Coordinating Council.

 

PPL Generation

PPL Generation had a total generating capacity of 12,274 MW at December 31, 2004. Through subsidiaries, PPL Generation owns and operates power plants in Pennsylvania, Montana, Maine, Connecticut, Arizona, Illinois and New York. See "Power Supply" for a complete listing of PPL's generating capacity.

The Pennsylvania generation plants had a total capacity of 9,227 MW at December 31, 2004. These plants are fueled by nuclear reaction, coal, gas, oil and hydro power. The electricity from these plants is sold to PPL EnergyPlus under FERC-jurisdictional power purchase agreements.

PPL's U.S. generation subsidiaries are EWGs, which sell electricity into the wholesale market. PPL's EWGs are subject to regulation by the FERC but not subject to regulation under PUHCA. The FERC has authorized these EWGs to sell generation from their facilities at market-based prices.

PPL Susquehanna, a subsidiary of PPL Generation, owns a 90% undivided interest in each of the two nuclear-fueled generating units at its Susquehanna station, while Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. owns the remaining 10% undivided interest. PPL's 90% share of Susquehanna's capacity was 2,124 MW at December 31, 2004. In 2004, PPL Susquehanna completed the installation of more efficient steam turbines at Unit 1 that increased the capacity of the Susquehanna plant by 49 MW, of which PPL Susquehanna has a 90% undivided interest.

PPL Generation operates its Pennsylvania and Illinois power plants in conjunction with PJM. PPL Generation's Pennsylvania power plants and PPL EnergyPlus are parties to the Mid-Atlantic Area Coordination Agreement. PPL's Illinois power plants are parties to the Mid-America Interconnected Network Agreement. Refer to "Delivery Segment" for information regarding PJM's operations and functions and the Mid-Atlantic Area Coordination Agreement.

The Montana generating stations were acquired from Montana Power in 1999. The coal-fired and hydro-powered stations have a capacity of 1,259 MW. PPL Montana supplies 300 MW of around-the-clock electricity and 150 MW of unit-contingent on-peak electricity to NorthWestern under two five-year agreements that began in July 2002. These contracts accounted for 30% of PPL Montana's operating revenue in 2004. PPL Montana also purchases 98 MW of firm energy and capacity during the months of November through April from Basin Electric Cooperative. PPL Montana's power plants are parties to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council Agreement.

The Maine generating assets were acquired from Bangor Hydro in 1998. The oil-fired and hydro-powered stations have a total capacity of 96 MW. The Maine generating assets are operated in conjunction with ISO New England and are parties to the Northeast Power Coordinating Council Agreement. See Note 9 for information on the possible sale of three hydroelectric dams.

The Connecticut generating station was constructed by PPL and began commercial operations in 2001. This natural gas-fired station has a total capacity of 243 MW. The Connecticut generating station is operated in conjunction with ISO New England and is party to the Northeast Power Coordinating Council Agreement.

During 2002, PPL began commercial operations in Arizona of two natural gas-fired generating stations. PPL's ownership interest in the Griffith station is 300 MW. The Sundance station has a total capacity of 450 MW. PPL's Arizona generating stations are parties to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council Agreement. See Note 9 for additional information on the possible sale of the Sundance facility.

In 2002, PPL also began commercial operations in Illinois of its University Park 540 MW natural gas-fired generating station, and in New York of its Edgewood natural gas-fired generating station and its Shoreham oil-fired generating station. The New York plants have a combined capacity of 159 MW. The New York generating stations are operated in connection with the New York ISO and are parties to the Northeast Power Coordinating Council Agreement.

In 2004, PPL began commercial operations in Pennsylvania of its Lower Mt. Bethel 582 MW natural gas-fired generating station.

PPL Generation has current plans to implement capital projects at certain of its generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Montana that would provide 255 MW of additional generation capacity by 2010.

Refer to the "Power Supply" section for additional information regarding the various power plants operated by PPL Generation, to the "Fuel Supply" section for a discussion of fuel requirements and contractual arrangements for fuel and to "Item 2. Properties" for additional information regarding PPL's proposed capital projects to increase its generation capacity.

PPL Generation subsidiaries are subject to the jurisdiction of certain federal, regional, state and local regulatory agencies with respect to air and water quality, land use and other environmental matters. PPL Susquehanna is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC in connection with the operation of the Susquehanna units. Certain of PPL Generation's other subsidiaries, including PPL Montana, are subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC in connection with the operation of their fossil plants with respect to certain level and density monitoring devices.

Certain operations of PPL Generation's subsidiaries are subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and comparable state statutes.

 

PPL EnergyPlus

PPL EnergyPlus markets or brokers the electricity produced by PPL Generation subsidiaries, along with purchased power, natural gas and oil, in competitive wholesale and deregulated retail markets in order to take advantage of opportunities in the competitive energy marketplace.

PPL EnergyPlus buys and sells energy at competitive prices. PPL EnergyPlus purchases electric capacity and energy at the wholesale level, and also sells electric capacity and energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs. PPL EnergyPlus enters into these agreements to market available energy and capacity from PPL Generation's assets and to profit from market price fluctuations. PPL EnergyPlus actively manages its portfolios to maximize the value of PPL's generating assets and to limit exposure to price fluctuations. PPL EnergyPlus also purchases and sells energy forward and futures contracts as well as other commodity-based financial instruments in accordance with PPL's risk management policies, objectives and strategies.

PPL EnergyPlus has executed contracts to provide electricity to PPL Electric sufficient for it to meet its PLR obligation through 2009, at the predetermined capped rates PPL Electric is entitled to charge its customers during this period. This arrangement with PPL Electric accounted for 34% of PPL Energy Supply's consolidated revenues in 2004. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning these contracts.

PPL EnergyPlus has a PUC license to act as an EGS in Pennsylvania. This license permits PPL EnergyPlus to offer retail electric supply to customers throughout Pennsylvania. In 2004, PPL EnergyPlus was licensed, and supplied energy to industrial and commercial customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Montana. PPL EnergyPlus also is licensed to provide energy in Delaware, Maryland, Maine and Massachusetts. PPL EnergyPlus currently is not marketing to residential customers in the competitive marketplace based on economic considerations.

PPL EnergyPlus also develops distributed generation plants on customer sites using technologies such as fuel cells, small turbines, microturbines and reciprocating engines. As of December 31, 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply owned approximately 11 MW of installed capacity serving commercial and industrial customers.

PPL Synfuel Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL EnergyPlus, indirectly owns, through its subsidiaries, two production facilities that manufacture synthetic fuel from coal or coal byproducts. PPL receives federal tax credits for these qualified manufactured synfuel products. See Note 14 for additional information.

 

PPL Telcom

PPL Telcom, an unregulated subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding, has a fiber optic network and markets available capacity on PPL Electric's fiber optic cables in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The fiber optic services include point-to-point data transport, high-speed connections among multiple sites and access to national and global fiber networks. PPL Telcom markets its services to customers such as other telecommunications companies, internet service providers and large enterprises that need high-speed data connections between multiple locations. Additionally, PPL Telcom provides engineering, construction and site leasing services to wireless carriers.

In 2003, a subsidiary of PPL Telcom acquired the fiber optic network of a Fairfax, Virginia-based company. The 1,330-route-mile metropolitan area fiber network connects New York, northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Delivery Segment -

   
 

Includes the regulated electric and gas delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities.

 
 

PPL Electric

PPL Electric provides electricity delivery service to approximately 1.4 million customers in a 10,000-square mile territory in 29 counties of eastern and central Pennsylvania. The largest cities in this territory are Allentown, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lancaster, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport.

Pursuant to the PUC Final Order, PPL Electric agreed in 1998 to a cap on the electricity transmission and distribution rates that it collected from retail customers in its service territory. This cap expired on December 31, 2004. In March 2004, PPL Electric filed a request with the PUC for an overall annual net increase in distribution rates of approximately $164 million (subsequently amended to $160 million), based on a return on equity of 11.5%, and notified the PUC that it planned to pass through to customers approximately $57 million in increased transmission charges imposed on PPL Electric by PJM. In December 2004, the PUC approved an increase in PPL Electric's distribution rates of approximately $137 million (based on a return on equity of 10.7%), and approved PPL Electric's proposed mechanism for collecting the additional $57 million in transmission-related charges, for a total increase of approximately $194 million, effective January 1, 2005.

In addition to providing electricity delivery service in its service territory in Pennsylvania, PPL Electric also provides electricity supply to retail customers in that territory as a PLR under the Customer Choice Act. As part of the PUC Final Order, PPL Electric agreed to provide this electricity supply at predetermined capped rates through 2009. PPL Electric has executed two contracts to purchase electricity from PPL EnergyPlus sufficient for PPL Electric to meet its PLR obligation through 2009, at the predetermined capped rates. PPL Electric's PLR obligation after 2009 will be determined by the PUC pursuant to rules that have not yet been promulgated.

During 2004, about 94% of PPL Electric's operating revenues were derived from regulated electricity deliveries and supply as a PLR. About 6% of 2004 operating revenues were from wholesale sales, primarily the sale to PPL EnergyPlus of power purchased from NUGs. During 2004, about 43% of electricity delivery and PLR revenues were from residential customers, 36% from commercial customers, 20% from industrial customers and 1% from other customer classes.

PPL Electric's transmission facilities are operated as part of PJM. PJM operates the electric transmission network and electric energy market in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the U.S. Bulk electricity is transmitted to wholesale users throughout a geographic area including all or part of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PPL Electric also is a party to the Mid-Atlantic Area Coordination Agreement, which provides for the coordinated planning of generation and transmission facilities by the companies included in PJM.

PJM serves as a FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) in order to accommodate greater competition and broader participation in the region. (An RTO, like an ISO, is a designation provided by the FERC to a FERC-approved independent entity that operates the transmission system and typically administers a competitive power market.) A purpose of the RTO/ISO is to separate the operation of, and access to, the transmission grid from PJM electric utilities' generation interests. PJM also administers regional markets for energy, capacity and ancillary services. Electric utilities continue to own the transmission assets, but the RTO/ISO directs the control and operation of the transmission facilities. As described above, effective January 1, 2005, PPL Electric began to fully recover from retail customers the charges that it pays to PJM for transmission-related services. PJM imposes these charges pursuant to its FERC-approved Open Access Transmission Tariff. PPL Electric's retail electric tariff authorizes it to recover such charges from its retail customers, but PPL Electric had been precluded from such recovery through December 31, 2004, pursuant to the transmission and distribution rate cap described above.

PPL Electric is subject to regulation as a public utility by the PUC, and certain of its activities are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC under the Federal Power Act. PPL Electric is not a holding company under PUHCA.

PPL Electric also is subject to the jurisdiction of certain federal, regional, state and local regulatory agencies with respect to land use and other environmental matters. Certain operations of PPL Electric are subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and comparable state statutes.

In November 2004, Pennsylvania enacted the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards legislation, which requires electric distribution companies, such as PPL Electric, and electric generation suppliers serving retail load to provide 18% of the electricity sold to retail customers in Pennsylvania from alternative sources within 15 years (by 2020). Under this new state legislation, alternative sources include hydro, wind, solar, waste coal, landfill methane and fuel cells. An electric distribution company will pay an alternative compliance payment of $45 for each MWh that it is short of its required alternative energy supply percentage. Since PPL Electric's PLR generation rates are capped through 2009 as described above and the legislation allows for a cost recovery exemption period, PPL Electric will not be subject to the requirements of this legislation until 2010. In that year, PPL Electric will have to supply about 9% of the total amount of electricity it delivers to its PLR customers from alternative energy sources. At this time, PPL Electric cannot predict the impact of this legislation on its future results of operations because the impact will depend on a number of factors that will not be known until 2010, including customer load requirements, PLR contract terms and available alternative energy sources in the market at that time.

 

PPL Gas Utilities

PPL Gas Utilities operates a natural gas distribution and propane business in portions of various counties in Pennsylvania, as well as in a small portion of Maryland and Delaware, providing natural gas and propane services to approximately 107,000 customers. PPL Gas Utilities provides its natural gas services in Pennsylvania subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the PUC. PPL Gas Utilities also provides intrastate and interstate natural gas storage service from storage fields in Pennsylvania. The intrastate storage service is regulated by the PUC and the interstate storage service is regulated by the FERC. However, by order of the FERC issued in 1992, rates for interstate storage services are the rates set by the PUC for intrastate service. The propane delivery service is not subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the PUC or the FERC. PPL Gas Utilities was formed in 1946 and PPL acquired the company in 1998.

International Segment -

   
 

Owns and operates international energy businesses that are focused on the distribution of electricity.

In September 2002, PPL Global's acquisition of Mirant's 49% interest for approximately $236 million provided PPL Global with complete ownership of WPD. WPD, through indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, operates two electric distribution companies in the U.K., that together serve approximately 2.6 million end-users. WPD delivered 28,847 million kWh of electricity in 2004. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on this acquisition.

In November 2004, Ofgem published its final decision on new price controls for the five-year regulatory period commencing April 1, 2005. Ofgem's decision provides for a price increase of 1.5% for WPD (South West) and 6.2% for WPD (South Wales), or an average of 3.6% for WPD. The price increase is in effect for the 12-month period beginning April 1, 2005, followed by an adjustment in prices reflecting WPD's capital investment program and inflationary effects in each of the following four years. The price increases include reimbursement for higher operating and capital costs to be incurred during the new regulatory period. Ofgem set the weighted average cost of capital at 4.8% on an after-tax basis, equivalent to 6.9% on a pre-tax real basis, which is a 0.4% increase from the previous regulatory period. Although published as a price increase by Ofgem, the net effect of the new price controls to WPD is a revenue decrease of approximately 3.5% when excluding certain reclassifications and cost pass-through reimbursements.

PPL Global also has controlling interests in electric transmission and distribution companies serving customers in Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia. Emel, of which PPL Global owns 95.4%, serves approximately 544,000 customers through subsidiary distribution companies in northern Chile and just south of its headquarters in Santiago, Chile. DelSur, of which PPL Global owns 86.4%, is an electric distribution company headquartered in San Salvador, which serves approximately 268,000 customers in the central and southern regions of El Salvador, including a portion of the city of San Salvador. Elfec, of which PPL Global owns 92.1%, is the second largest electric distribution company in Bolivia, and serves approximately 259,000 customers in Cochabamba. Currently, there is significant political and economic instability in Bolivia, and PPL at this time is unable to predict the impact of this instability on its Bolivian operations.

PPL Global also has a minority investment in a combined generating and natural gas production facility in Peru.

In August 2002, PPL Global deconsolidated its 90% equity interest in its Brazilian investment, CEMAR, when ANEEL authorized an administrative intervention and fully assumed operational and financial control of the company. In April 2004, PPL Global sold its investment in CEMAR. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the CEMAR investment.

In 2004, PPL Global also sold its minority investments in generating facilities in Spain and in an electricity and natural gas distributor in Chile, as well as its majority ownership interest in a telecommunications company in El Salvador. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on these divestitures.

Other

PPL Services

Various corporate service functions reside in PPL Services, an unregulated subsidiary of PPL. PPL Services provides shared services for PPL and its subsidiaries. These services include financial, legal, human resources and information services. These services are directly charged or allocated, as appropriate, to the Supply, Delivery and International segments. In the third quarter of 2004, PPL Services formed a wholly owned subsidiary, PPL Development Company, which has responsibility for all of PPL's acquisition, divestiture and development activities. These activities previously were the responsibility of PPL Global.

Seasonality

Demand for and market prices of electricity are impacted by weather. As a result, PPL's overall operating results in the future may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis, especially when more severe weather conditions such as heat waves or winter storms make such fluctuations more pronounced. The pattern of this fluctuation may change depending on the nature and location of the facilities PPL acquires and the terms of the contracts to sell electricity.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

See PPL's, PPL Energy Supply's and PPL Electric's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for this information.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS

See "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in PPL's, PPL Energy Supply's and PPL Electric's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning estimated capital expenditure requirements for the years 2005-2009. See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information concerning expected capital expenditures for environmental matters.

COMPETITION

The unregulated businesses and markets that PPL and its subsidiaries participate in are highly competitive. The electric industry has experienced an increase in the level of competition in the energy markets over the last several years due to federal and state deregulation initiatives.

In 1992, the Energy Act amended the PUHCA to create a new class of independent power producers, and amended the Federal Power Act to provide open access to electric transmission systems for wholesale transactions. In 1996, the Customer Choice Act was enacted in Pennsylvania to restructure the state's electric utility industry in order to create retail access to a competitive market for the generation of electricity. Certain other states in which PPL's subsidiaries operate have also adopted a "customer choice" plan to allow customers to choose their electricity supplier. Competitive factors affecting PPL's results of operations include energy and fuel prices, new market entrants, construction by others of generating assets, the actions of regulatory authorities and other factors. PPL cannot predict the impact of these and other competitive factors on its future results of operations or financial condition.

PPL and its subsidiaries believe that competition in deregulated energy markets will continue to be intense. In addition to deregulation, competitive pressures have resulted from technological advances in power generation and electronic communications and the greater efficiency of energy markets.

The wholesale power markets in which PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus operate are highly competitive. Competitors include regulated utilities, industrial companies, non-utility generators and unregulated subsidiaries of regulated utilities. Although PPL EnergyPlus has long-term supply agreements (see "Background - Supply Segment"), a substantial portion of PPL's future sales will be made into the competitive wholesale markets. Competition will occur principally on the basis of the price of products and, to a lesser extent, on the basis of reliability and availability.

PPL EnergyPlus also faces competition in the wholesale markets for energy capacity and ancillary services. As pricing information becomes increasingly available in the energy trading and marketing business and assuming deregulation in the electricity markets continues, PPL EnergyPlus anticipates that trading, marketing and risk management operations will experience greater competition. PPL EnergyPlus primarily competes with other energy merchants based on the ability to aggregate supplies at competitive prices from different sources and locations and to efficiently utilize transportation from third-party pipelines and transmission from electric utilities. Competitors may employ widely differing strategies in their fuel supply and power sales contracts with respect to pricing and other terms and conditions. PPL EnergyPlus also competes against other energy marketers on the basis of relative financial condition and access to credit sources.

Some restructured markets have recently experienced supply problems and price volatility. In a number of these markets, government agencies and other interested parties have made proposals to delay market restructuring or even re-regulate certain areas of these markets that have previously been deregulated. In California, legislation has been passed placing a moratorium on the sale of generation plants by public utilities regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. In June 2001, the FERC instituted a series of price controls designed to mitigate (or cap) prices in the entire western U.S. to address the extreme volatility in the California energy markets. These price controls have contributed to the lowering of spot and forward energy prices in the western market. In addition, RTO/ISOs that oversee the transmission systems in certain wholesale power markets have from time to time been authorized to address volatility in power markets. These types of price limitations and other mechanisms may adversely impact the profitability of PPL's wholesale power marketing and trading business. Other proposals to institute price controls or to re-regulate the energy industry may be made, and legislative or other actions may cause the electric power restructuring process to be delayed, discontinued or reversed in the states in which PPL currently, or may in the future, operates. If the competitive restructuring of the wholesale and retail power markets is delayed, discontinued or reversed, PPL's business prospects and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for information on the FERC Proposed Rules entitled "Remedying Undue Discrimination through Open Access Transmission Service and Standard Electricity Market Design."

Pursuant to PPL Electric's authorizations from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PUC, PPL Electric operates a regulated distribution monopoly in its service area. Accordingly, PPL Electric does not face competition in its distribution business. Although the majority of PPL Global's international electricity transmission and distribution companies operate in non-exclusive concession areas in their respective countries, these companies currently face little or no competition with respect to residential customers. See "Franchises and Licenses" for more information.

POWER SUPPLY

PPL Generation's system capacity (winter rating) at December 31, 2004, was as follows:

Plant

Net MW Capacity

Pennsylvania

   

Nuclear-fueled steam station

   
 

Susquehanna

2,124

(a)

Coal-fired steam stations

   
 

Montour

1,540

 

 

Brunner Island

1,483

 

 

Martins Creek

300

 

 

Keystone

211

(b)

 

Conemaugh

278

(c)

   

Total coal-fired

3,812

 

Gas- and oil-fired steam station

   
 

Martins Creek

1,670

 

 

Lower Mt. Bethel

582

(d)

   

Total gas- and oil-fired

2,252

 

Combustion turbines and diesels

451

 

Hydroelectric

153

 

   

Total generating capacity

8,792

 

Firm purchases

   
 

Hydroelectric

140

(e)

 

Qualifying facilities

295

 

   

Total firm purchases

435

 

Total system capacity - Pennsylvania

9,227

 

Montana

   

Coal-fired stations

   

 

Colstrip Units 1 & 2

307

(f)

 

Colstrip Unit 3

222

(g)

 

Corette

154

 

   

Total coal-fired

683

 

Hydroelectric

576

 

Total system capacity - Montana

1,259

 

Arizona

   

Natural gas-fired stations

   
 

Griffith

300

(h)

 

Sundance

450

 

Total system capacity - Arizona

750

 

Connecticut

   

Natural gas-fired station

   

 

Wallingford

243

 

Illinois

   

Natural gas-fired station

   

 

University Park

540

 

New York

   

Natural gas- and oil-fired stations

   

 

Edgewood and Shoreham

159

 

Maine

   

Oil-fired generating station

   
 

Wyman Unit 4

52

(i)

Hydroelectric

44

(j)

Total system capacity - Maine

96

 

Total system capacity - PPL Generation

12,274

 

(a)

 

PPL's 90% interest.

(b)

 

PPL's 12.34% interest.

(c)

 

PPL's 16.25% interest.

(d)

 

Began commercial operations in May 2004.

(e)

 

From Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation.

(f)

 

PPL's 50% leasehold interest.

(g)

 

PPL's 30% leasehold interest.

(h)

 

PPL's 50% interest.

(i)

 

PPL's 8.33% interest.

(j)

 

Includes PPL's 50% interest in the West Enfield Station.

The capacity of generating units is based upon a number of factors, including the operating experience and physical condition of the units, and may be revised periodically to reflect changed circumstances.

During 2004, PPL Generation's plants generated the following amounts of electricity:

State

Millions of kWh

   

Pennsylvania

44,337

Montana

8,313

Arizona

593

Maine

341

New York

148

Illinois

116

Connecticut

60

 

Total

53,908

This generation represented a 3% increase over the output for 2003. Of this generation, 56% of the energy was generated by coal-fired stations, 30% from nuclear operations at the Susquehanna station, 8% from hydroelectric stations and 6% from oil/gas-fired stations.

On average, approximately 83% of PPL's expected annual generation output for the period 2005 through 2009 is committed to meet:

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding PPL's wholesale energy commitments and Note 15 for more information regarding the PLR contracts. These contractual arrangements are consistent with and are an integral part of PPL's overall business strategy, which includes the matching of PPL's anticipated energy supply with load, or customer demand, under long-term and intermediate-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties to capture profits while reducing PPL's exposure to movements in energy and fuel prices and counterparty credit risk.

FUEL SUPPLY

Coal

Pennsylvania

PPL Coal Supply provides coal to three PPL Generation power plants and to Iris Energy, LLC for the production of synthetic fuel. In 2004, synthetic fuel from Iris Energy provided 57% of the fuel requirements of PPL Generation's Pennsylvania stations. The contract with Iris Energy terminates at the end of 2007. The balance of the requirements was met by coal provided by PPL Coal Supply. PPL Coal Supply actively manages its supply base principally in central Appalachia and western and central Pennsylvania.

During 2004, about 89% of the coal delivered to PPL Generation's Pennsylvania stations was purchased under long-term contracts and 11% was obtained through open market purchases. These long-term contracts provided PPL Generation with about 7.3 million tons of coal. Contracts currently in place are expected to provide approximately 7.7 million tons in 2005. At December 31, 2004, Pennsylvania plants had sufficient supply for about 37 days of operations. The amount of coal in inventory varies from time-to-time depending on market conditions and plant operations.

At December 31, 2004, a PPL Generation subsidiary owned a 12.34% interest in the Keystone station and a 16.25% interest in the Conemaugh station. The owners of the Keystone station have a long-term contract with a synthetic fuel supplier to provide 90% of the station's fuel requirements, up to 4.5 million tons in 2005. This contract terminates at the end of 2007. In addition, the Keystone station contracts with Keystone Fuels, LLC for the balance of its requirements. The owners of the Conemaugh station have a long-term contract with a synthetic fuel supplier to provide a minimum of 2.4 million tons through 2007. The balance of the Conemaugh station requirements is purchased under contract from Conemaugh Fuels, LLC.

Montana

PPL Montana has a 50% leasehold interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2, and a 30% leasehold interest in Unit 3. PPL Montana is party to contracts to purchase coal from a neighboring mine with defined quality characteristics and specifications. The coal supply contract for Units 1 and 2 is in effect through December 31, 2009. The coal supply contract for Unit 3 is in effect through December 31, 2019.

Coal supply contracts are in place to purchase low-sulfur coal with defined quality characteristics and specifications for PPL Montana's Corette station. The contracts supplied 100% of the plant coal requirements in 2004. Similar contracts are currently in place to supply 100% of the expected coal requirements through 2008.

Oil and Natural Gas

PPL Generation's Martins Creek Units 3 and 4 burn both oil and natural gas. PPL EnergyPlus is responsible for procuring the oil and natural gas supply for all PPL Generation operations. During 2004, 100% of the physical oil requirements for the Martins Creek units were purchased on the spot market. As of December 31, 2004, PPL EnergyPlus had no long-term agreements for these requirements.

PPL EnergyPlus has a long-term pipeline capacity contract for delivery of gas supply representing approximately 10% of the maximum requirements of the Sundance facility, but has no long-term supply agreement to purchase natural gas. As of December 31, 2004, there were no long-term delivery or supply agreements to purchase natural gas for University Park.

PPL EnergyPlus has a long-term contract for approximately 40% of the expected pipeline transportation requirements of the Wallingford facility, but has no long-term supply agreement to purchase natural gas. Likewise, PPL EnergyPlus has long-term pipeline transportation contracts in place for the Griffith facility equaling 100% of the expected requirements.

In 2004, PPL EnergyPlus began supplying natural gas for the commercial operation at the Lower Mt. Bethel facility. PPL EnergyPlus has two gas transportation contracts in place for approximately 30% of the maximum daily requirements of the plant. These contracts expire in September 2008 and 2013.

PPL EnergyPlus employs a strategy of procuring natural gas and oil in conjunction with electricity sales commitments.

Nuclear

PPL Susquehanna has in effect uranium supply and conversion agreements that, including options, satisfy 100% of its uranium requirements in 2005 and 2006 and will satisfy approximately 75% of its requirements in 2007, and approximately 30% of its requirements in 2008 and 2009. Deliveries under these agreements are expected to provide sufficient uranium to permit Unit 1 to operate into the first quarter of 2008 and Unit 2 to operate into the first quarter of 2009.

PPL Susquehanna has executed an agreement that satisfies all of its enrichment requirements through 2008. Assuming that the other uranium components of the nuclear fuel cycle are satisfied, deliveries under this agreement are expected to provide sufficient enrichment to permit Unit 1 to operate into the first quarter of 2010 and Unit 2 to operate into the first quarter of 2011.

PPL Susquehanna has entered into an agreement that, including options, satisfies all of its fabrication requirements through 2014. Assuming that the uranium and other components of the nuclear fuel cycle are satisfied, deliveries under this agreement can provide sufficient fabrication to permit Unit 1 to operate into the first quarter of 2016 and Unit 2 to operate into the first quarter of 2015.

Federal law requires the federal government to provide for the permanent disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel. Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA), the DOE initiated an analysis of a site in Nevada for a permanent nuclear waste repository. DOE does not expect the repository to be operational before 2010. As a result, it was necessary to expand Susquehanna's on-site spent fuel storage capacity. To support this expansion, PPL Susquehanna contracted for the design and construction of a spent fuel storage facility employing dry cask fuel storage technology. The facility is modular, so that additional storage capacity can be added as needed. The facility began receiving spent nuclear fuel in 1999. PPL Susquehanna estimates that there is sufficient storage capacity in the spent nuclear fuel pools and the on-site spent fuel storage facility at Susquehanna to accommodate spent fuel discharged through approximately 2017, under current operating conditions. If necessary, the on-site spent fuel storage facility can be expanded, assuming appropriate regulatory approvals are obtained, such that, together, the spent fuel pools and the expanded dry fuel storage facility will accommodate all of the spent fuel expected to be discharged through the current licensed life of the plant.

In 2002, President Bush approved the Congressional override of a veto by the State of Nevada, designating Yucca Mountain, Nevada as the site for development of a long-term repository for high-level radioactive waste. The next step is for the DOE to submit a license application to the NRC to build and then operate the Yucca Mountain repository. The DOE has not announced a date when that license application will be submitted.

In 1996, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the NWPA imposed on DOE an unconditional obligation to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel on or before January 31, 1998. In 1997, the Court ruled that the contracts between the utilities and the DOE provide a potentially adequate remedy if the DOE failed to begin disposal of spent nuclear fuel by January 31, 1998. The DOE did not, in fact, begin to dispose of spent nuclear fuel on that date. The DOE continues to contest claims that its failures resulted in recoverable damages. On January 22, 2004, PPL Susquehanna filed suit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for unspecified damages suffered as a result of the DOE's breach of its contract to accept and dispose of spent nuclear fuel. PPL Susquehanna's lawsuit currently remains stayed, pending developments in lawsuits filed by other plaintiffs. PPL cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Certain PPL subsidiaries, including PPL Electric and PPL Generation subsidiaries, are subject to certain present and developing federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations with respect to air and water quality, land use and other environmental matters. See PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's "Financial Condition - Capital Expenditure Requirements" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning environmental expenditures during 2004 and their estimate of those expenditures during the years 2005-2009. PPL believes that its subsidiaries are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

See "Environmental Matters" in Note 14 to the Financial Statements for information concerning federal clean air legislation, groundwater degradation and waste water control at facilities owned by PPL's subsidiaries and PPL Electric's and PPL Gas Utilities' agreements with the Pennsylvania DEP concerning remediation at certain sites. Other environmental laws, regulations and developments that may have a substantial impact on PPL's subsidiaries are discussed below.

Air

The Clean Air Act includes, among other things, provisions that: (a) restrict the construction of, and revise the performance standards for, new and substantially modified coal-fired and oil-fired generating stations; and (b) authorize the EPA to impose substantial noncompliance penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation for each facility found to be in violation of the requirements of an applicable state implementation plan. The state agencies administer the EPA's air quality regulations through the state implementation plans and have concurrent authority to impose penalties for non-compliance.

In its Clean Air Interstate Rule, the EPA has proposed substantial reductions for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions in 29 midwestern and eastern states, including Pennsylvania; and, in a separate rule, the EPA has proposed mercury reductions nationwide. Similarly, the Bush administration's Clear Skies Initiative and proposals by certain members of Congress would amend the Clean Air Act to require significant reductions in nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury. In addition, there is mounting pressure from various states and environmental groups and at the federal level for mandatory carbon dioxide reductions. For example, although the Bush administration's Clear Skies Initiative does not address carbon emissions, several states have already passed legislation capping carbon emissions and bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing mandatory reductions. The amount and timing of any such reductions that may be required is not yet clear. Such requirements could result in increased capital and operating expenses which are not now determinable, but could be significant.

Water

To implement the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended by the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the Water Quality Act of 1987, the EPA has adopted regulations on effluent standards for steam electric stations. The states administer the EPA's effluent standards through state laws and regulations relating to, among other things, effluent discharges and water quality. The standards adopted by the EPA pursuant to the Clean Water Act may have a significant impact on existing facilities of certain PPL subsidiaries, depending on the states' interpretation and future amendments to regulations.

Pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has adopted effluent guidelines which are applicable to PPL subsidiaries as a result of their past coal mining and coal processing activities. The EPA and the OSM limitations, guidelines and standards also are enforced through the issuance of NPDES permits. In accordance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act and the Reclamation Act of 1977, the EPA and the OSM have authorized the states to implement the NPDES program. Compliance with applicable water quality standards is assured by state imposition of NPDES permit conditions and requirements to address acid mine drainage.

Solid and Hazardous Waste

The provisions of Superfund authorize the EPA to require past and present owners of contaminated sites and generators of any hazardous substance found at a site to clean-up the site or pay the EPA or the state for the costs of clean-up. The generators and past owners can be liable even if the generator contributed only a minute portion of the hazardous substances at the site. Present owners can be liable even if they contributed no hazardous substances to the site.

State laws such as the Pennsylvania and Montana Superfund statutes also give state agencies broad authority to identify hazardous or contaminated sites and to order owners or responsible parties to clean-up the sites. If responsible parties cannot or will not perform the clean-up, the agency can hire contractors to clean-up the sites and then require reimbursement from the responsible parties after the clean-up is completed. Another Pennsylvania statute, the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards, encourages voluntary clean-ups by allowing responsible parties to choose from a menu of clean-up standards and providing liability protection commensurate with the clean-up standard chosen.

Certain federal and state statutes, including federal and state Superfund statutes, also impose liability on the responsible parties for the lost value of damaged natural resources.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste

Under federal law, each state is responsible for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated in that state. States may join in regional compacts to jointly fulfill their responsibilities. The states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia are members of the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact. Efforts to develop a regional disposal facility in Pennsylvania were suspended by the Pennsylvania DEP in 1998. The Commonwealth retains the legal authority and may be required to resume the siting process should it be necessary. Low-level radioactive waste resulting from the operation of the Susquehanna facility is currently being sent to Barnwell, South Carolina, and Clive, Utah, for disposal. In the event these or other emergent disposal options become unavailable or no longer cost-effective, the low-level radioactive waste will be stored on-site at Susquehanna. PPL Susquehanna cannot predict the future availability of low-level waste disposal facilities or the cost of such disposal.

Asbestos

There have been increasing litigation claims throughout the U.S. based on exposure to asbestos against companies that manufacture or distribute asbestos products or that have these products on their premises. Certain of PPL's generation subsidiaries and certain of its energy services subsidiaries, such as those that have supplied, may have supplied or installed asbestos material in connection with the repair or installation of process piping and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, have been named as defendants in asbestos-related lawsuits. PPL cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or whether additional claims may be asserted against its subsidiaries in the future. PPL does not expect that the ultimate resolution of the current lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Concerns have been expressed by some members of the public regarding potential health effects of power frequency electric and/or magnetic fields (EMFs), which are emitted by all devices carrying electricity, including electric transmission and distribution lines and substation equipment. Government officials in the U.S. and the U.K. have reviewed this issue. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded in 2002 that, for most health outcomes, there is no evidence of EMFs causing adverse effects. The agency further noted that there is some epidemiological evidence of an association with childhood leukemia, but that this evidence is difficult to interpret without supporting laboratory evidence. The U.K. National Radiological Protection Board concluded in 2004 that, while the research on EMFs does not provide a basis to find that EMFs cause any illness, there is a basis to consider precautionary measures beyond existing exposure guidelines. PPL and its subsidiaries believe the current efforts to determine whether EMFs cause adverse health effects should continue and are taking steps to reduce EMFs, where practical, in the design of new transmission and distribution facilities. PPL is unable to predict what effect, if any, the EMF issue might have on its operations and facilities either in the U.S. or abroad, and the associated cost, or what, if any, liabilities it might incur related to the EMF issue.

General

PPL and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the ultimate effect of evolving environmental laws and regulations upon their existing and proposed facilities and operations. In complying with statutes, regulations and actions by regulatory bodies involving environmental matters, including the areas of water and air quality, hazardous and solid waste handling and disposal and toxic substances, PPL's subsidiaries may be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain of their facilities. PPL's subsidiaries may also incur significant capital expenditures and operating expenses in amounts which are not now determinable, but could be significant.

FRANCHISES AND LICENSES

PPL Electric is authorized to provide electric public utility service throughout its service area as a result of grants by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in corporate charters to PPL Electric and companies to which it has succeeded and as a result of certification by the PUC. PPL Electric is granted the right to enter the streets and highways by the Commonwealth subject to certain conditions. In general, such conditions have been met by ordinance, resolution, permit, acquiescence or other action by an appropriate local political subdivision or agency of the Commonwealth.

See "Background - Supply Segment" for a discussion of PPL EnergyPlus' licenses in various states. PPL EnergyPlus also has an export license from the DOE to sell capacity and/or energy to electric utilities in Canada.

PPL Susquehanna operates Units 1 and 2 pursuant to NRC operating licenses which expire in 2022 and 2024, respectively. In November 2001, PPL Susquehanna notified the NRC that it intends to seek extensions of its operating licenses. The application for this extension will be made in 2006, in accordance with NRC guidelines. If the NRC approves PPL Susquehanna's application, the operating licenses for Units 1 and 2 would each be extended for an additional 20 years, to 2042 and 2044, respectively.

PPL Holtwood operates the Holtwood hydroelectric generating station pursuant to a license renewed by the FERC in 1980 and expiring in 2014. PPL Holtwood operates the Wallenpaupack hydroelectric generating station pursuant to a license with the FERC that is in the process of being renewed. PPL Holtwood also owns one-third of the capital stock of Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation (Safe Harbor), which holds a project license that extends the operation of its hydroelectric generating station until 2030. The total capacity of the Safe Harbor generating station is 418 MW, and PPL Holtwood is entitled by contract to one-third of the total capacity.

The 11 hydroelectric facilities and one storage reservoir purchased from Montana Power in 1999 are licensed by the FERC. These licenses expire periodically, and the generating facilities must be relicensed at such times. The FERC license for the Mystic facility expires in 2009; the Thompson Falls and Kerr licenses expire in 2025 and 2035, respectively; and the licenses for the nine Missouri-Madison facilities expire in 2040. PPL Montana is working to have the Mystic facility relicensed.

In connection with the relicensing of these generation facilities, FERC may, under applicable law, relicense the original licensee or license a new licensee, or the U.S. government may take over the facility. If the original licensee is not relicensed, it is compensated for its net investment in the facility, not to exceed the fair value of the property taken, plus reasonable damages to other property affected by the lack of relicensing.

PPL Global's international electricity transmission and distribution companies are authorized by the governments of their respective countries to provide electric distribution services within their concession areas and service territories, subject to certain conditions and obligations. For instance, each of these companies is subject to governmental regulation on the prices that it can charge and the quality of service it must provide, and the companies can be fined or even have their licenses or concessions revoked if they do not meet the mandated quality of service.

WPD operates under distribution licenses granted, and price controls set, by Ofgem. The price control formula that governs WPD's allowed revenue is normally determined every five years, with the most recent review having been completed in late-2004 and new prices effective April 1, 2005.

Emel is subject to regulated maximum tariffs set by Chile's National Energy Commission. The components of the distribution tariffs are energy and capacity prices, a transmission surcharge and the value added on account of distribution costs (VAD). The VAD includes a targeted return on invested capital of 10% per year. The energy and capacity prices are a direct pass-through to regulated customers of the energy charge that Emel pays to the generation companies. The tariffs are calculated every four years, with the most recent tariff review having been completed and revised rates becoming effective as of November 2004.

DelSur is subject to regulated maximum tariffs set by El Salvador's General Superintendent of Electricity and Telecommunications. The three components of the distribution tariff are an energy price, a commercialization charge and a distribution charge. DelSur's tariff specifies the energy price as a trailing six-month average of the spot market price. The tariffs are calculated every 5 years and are adjusted for inflation on January 1 of each year. The next comprehensive tariff review will take place in 2007 and be effective in 2008.

Elfec is subject to regulated maximum tariffs set by Bolivia's Superintendent of Electricity. Tariffs are calculated every four years based on the trailing three-year average of the equity returns from companies listed in the Dow Jones Utility Index. Tariffs are adjusted on a monthly basis for local inflation and every six months to reflect any changes in the energy node prices, which is a pass-through to regulated customers of the energy charge that Elfec pays to generation companies. The tariffs are calculated every four years. The most recent tariff review was completed in January 2004 and new prices became effective beginning in 2004.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

As of December 31, 2004, PPL and its subsidiaries had the following full-time employees:

PPL Energy Supply

   
 

PPL Generation

2,626

 
 

PPL EnergyPlus

1,745

(a)

 

PPL Global

   
   

Domestic

12

 
   

International

3,824

(b)

 

Total PPL Energy Supply

8,207

 

PPL Electric

2,212

 

PPL Gas Utilities

396

 

PPL Services & Other

1,213

 

Total PPL

12,028

 

 

(a)

 

Includes union employees of mechanical contracting subsidiaries, which tend to fluctuate due to the nature of their business.

(b)

 

Includes employees of WPD and PPL Global's consolidated subsidiaries in Latin America.

Approximately 59%, or 4,802, of PPL's domestic workforce are members of labor unions, with four IBEW locals representing 3,208 employees. The other unions primarily represent employees of the mechanical contractors and gas utility employees in Pennsylvania. The bargaining agreement with the largest union was negotiated in May 2002 and expires in May 2006. Eight four-year contracts with smaller gas utility locals in Pennsylvania were negotiated in 2003. In June 2004, the IBEW representing approximately 240 employees at the Montana Colstrip power plant approved a new four-year labor agreement. In 2001, a four-year contract was concluded with an IBEW local in Montana that represents approximately 80 employees. This IBEW contract expires in April 2005.

Approximately 86%, or 3,301, of PPL's international workforce are members of labor unions. WPD employs the majority of the international workforce. WPD recognizes five unions, the largest of which represents 37% of union members. WPD has two employment agreements which are negotiated with the unions. The largest agreement, the Electricity Business Agreement, covers 2,376 employees; it may be amended by agreement between WPD and the unions and is terminable with 12 months' notice by either side.

PPL's Latin American subsidiaries have 879 union employees that are represented by 12 unions. Emel and DelSur have agreements in place until 2006. Annually, Elfec negotiates adjustments to its compensation and benefits.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

PPL's Internet Web site is www.pplweb.com. On the Investor Center page of that Web site, PPL provides access to all SEC filings of PPL registrants free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. Additionally, PPL registrants' filings are available at the SEC's Web site (www.sec.gov) and at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Domestic Generation

For a description of PPL's domestic generation portfolio, see "Item 1. Business - Power Supply."

At December 31, 2004, PPL Generation was planning on implementing the following incremental capacity increases:

Project

 

Type

 

Total MW
Capacity
(a)

 

PPL Ownership or Lease
Interest in MW

 

Expected
In-Service Date
(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

                     
 

Susquehanna (c)

 

Nuclear

 

197

 

177

 

(90%)

 

2007 - 2010

 
 

Susquehanna (d)

 

Nuclear

 

20

 

18

 

(90%)

 

2005 - 2006

 
 

Brunner Island (e)

 

Coal-fired

 

16

 

16

 

(100%)

 

2006

 
 

Montour (e)

 

Coal-fired

 

16

 

16

 

(100%)

 

2008

 

Montana

                     
 

Colstrip (f)

 

Coal-fired

 

74

 

20

 

(15-50%)

 

2006-2008

 
 

Corette (e)

 

Coal-fired

 

8

 

8

 

(100%)

 

2005

 

Total

     

331

 

255

         

(a)

 

The capacity of generation units is based on a number of factors, including the operating experience and physical condition of the units, and may be revised periodically to reflect changed circumstances.

(b)

 

The expected in-service dates are subject to receipt of required approvals and permits and to other contingencies.

(c)

 

This project involves the extended uprate of Units 1 and 2 and will be implemented during two refueling outages per unit, with the first increase being an average of 60 MW per unit. The outages for Unit 1 are expected to occur in 2008 and 2010. The outages for Unit 2 are expected to occur in 2007 and 2009.

(d)

 

This project involves the installation of more efficient internals for the high pressure turbine moisture separators on Units 1 and 2.

(e)

 

These projects involve turbine upgrades.

(f)

 

This project involves turbine upgrades to all four Colstrip Units that are expected to be implemented over three years during the normal overhaul schedules. Units 1 and 4 are expected to be completed in 2006, Unit 3 in 2007 and Unit 2 in 2008.

PPL continually reexamines development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with these projects, sell them, expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other opportunities.

Domestic Delivery

Electric

For a description of PPL Electric's service territory, see "Item 1. Business - Background." At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had electric transmission and distribution lines in public streets and highways pursuant to franchises and rights-of-way secured from property owners. PPL Electric's system included 380 substations with a total capacity of 25.7 million kVA, 32,896 circuit miles of overhead lines and 6,525 cable miles of underground conductors. All of PPL Electric's facilities are located in Pennsylvania. Substantially all of PPL Electric's transmission and distribution properties are subject to the lien of PPL Electric's 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture and its 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture.

Gas

PPL Gas Utilities distributes natural gas and propane to customers in northern, southeastern and central Pennsylvania and in a small portion of Maryland and Delaware. It also has natural gas storage facilities in Pennsylvania. At December 31, 2004, PPL Gas Utilities had approximately 107,000 natural gas and propane delivery customers and 3,753 miles of pipeline mains, with 18 miles in Maryland and the remainder in Pennsylvania.

International Delivery

PPL Global has consolidated investments in electricity distribution companies, serving approximately 3.5 million delivery customers in Latin America and the U.K., as follows:

Company

 

Location

 

PPL
Ownership Interest

     

2004 Electricity
Sales GWh
(a)

 

 

 

     

 

Latin America

                 

Emel

 

Santiago, Chile

 

95.4%

     

2,438

 

Elfec

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

 

92.1%

     

606

 

DelSur

 

San Salvador, El Salvador

 

86.4%

     

955

 

United Kingdom

                 

WPDH Limited

 

Bristol, England

 

100%

     

28,847

 

Total

             

32,846

 
               

 

(a)

 

Corresponds to revenues recorded by PPL Global in 2004.

PPL Global's distribution system in Latin America includes 94 substations with a total capacity of 1.9 million kVA, 22,478 miles of overhead lines and 75 cable miles of underground conductors. PPL Global's distribution system in the U.K. includes 641 substations with a total capacity of 22.9 million kVA, 29,218 miles of overhead lines and 22,347 cable miles of underground conductors.




ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See "Item 1. Business - Fuel Supply," for information concerning a lawsuit against the DOE for failure of that agency to perform certain contractual obligations. See "Environmental Matters" in Note 14 to the Financial Statements for information concerning legal proceedings regarding certain environmental matters.

Montana Power Shareholders' Litigation

In August 2001, a purported class-action lawsuit was filed by a group of shareholders of Montana Power against Montana Power, the directors of Montana Power, certain advisors and consultants of Montana Power and PPL Montana. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Montana Power was required to, and did not, obtain shareholder approval of the sale of Montana Power's generation assets to PPL Montana in 1999. Although most of the claims in the complaint are against Montana Power, its board of directors, and its consultants and advisors, two claims are asserted against PPL Montana. In the first claim, plaintiffs seek a declaration that because Montana Power shareholders did not vote on the 1999 sale of generating assets to PPL Montana, that sale "was null and void ab initio." The second claim alleges that PPL Montana was privy to and participated in a strategy whereby Montana Power would sell its generation assets to PPL Montana without first obtaining Montana Power shareholder approval, and that PPL Montana has made net profits in excess of $100 million as the result of this alleged illegal sale. In the second claim, plaintiffs request that the court impose a "resulting and/or constructive trust" on both the generation assets themselves and all profits, plus interest on the amounts subject to the trust. This lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Butte Division. In July 2004, the plaintiffs notified the District Court that the parties had reached an oral partial settlement of the case that would result in the dismissal of PPL Montana as a defendant, and in January 2005 a global settlement agreement was filed with the District Court along with a motion to approve the agreement. Under the terms of the global settlement agreement, the plaintiffs' claims against PPL Montana would be dismissed and PPL Montana would not have to pay any amounts to the plaintiffs. The global settlement agreement must still be approved by the District Court. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict whether the global settlement agreement will be approved or the outcome of this matter if it is not approved.

NorthWestern Corporation Litigation

In connection with the acquisition of the Montana generation assets, the Montana Power APA, which was previously assigned to PPL Montana by PPL Global, includes a provision concerning the proposed purchase by PPL Montana of a portion of NorthWestern's interest in the 500-kilovolt Colstrip Transmission System (CTS) for $97 million. During 2002, PPL Montana had been in discussions with NorthWestern regarding the proposed purchase of the CTS and the claims that PPL Montana believes it has against NorthWestern arising from the Montana Power APA and related agreements. Notwithstanding such discussions, in September 2002, NorthWestern filed a lawsuit against PPL Montana in Montana state court seeking specific performance of PPL Montana's purchase of the CTS or, alternatively, damages for breach of contract. Pursuant to PPL Montana's application, the matter was removed to the U.S. District Court of Montana, Butte Division. Following removal, NorthWestern asserted additional claims for damages against PPL Montana, including a claim for punitive damages. PPL Montana filed defenses denying liability for NorthWestern's claims as well as counterclaims against NorthWestern seeking damages PPL Montana believes it has suffered under the Montana Power APA and related agreements.

In October 2004, the federal district court in Delaware, where NorthWestern's bankruptcy proceeding had been pending, approved a joint stipulation between PPL Montana and NorthWestern under which NorthWestern agreed to establish a segregated reserve to be used for any distributions to be made to satisfy any final judgment that PPL Montana may be awarded pursuant to PPL Montana's counterclaims. This segregated reserve has been funded with shares of NorthWestern common stock equal to $50 million, valued as of the effective date of NorthWestern's plan of reorganization. Also in October, the federal district court in Delaware confirmed NorthWestern's plan of reorganization, and in November 2004, NorthWestern announced that it officially emerged from bankruptcy protection.

The trial for this matter is expected to commence in the Montana federal district court in the last half of 2005. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this litigation.

Montana Hydroelectric Litigation

In October 2003, a lawsuit was filed against PPL Montana, PPL Services, Avista Corporation, PacifiCorp and nine John Doe defendants in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Missoula Division, by two residents allegedly acting in a representative capacity on behalf of the State of Montana. In January 2004, the complaint was amended to, among other things, include the Great Falls school districts as additional plaintiffs. In May 2004, the Montana Attorney General filed a motion to allow the State of Montana to intervene as an additional plaintiff in the litigation. This motion was granted without objection. Both the individual plaintiffs' and the school districts' complaint and the State's complaint sought declaratory judgment, compensatory damages and attorneys fees and costs for use of state and/or "school trust" lands by hydropower facilities and to require the defendants to adequately compensate the State and/or the State School Trust fund for full market value of lands occupied. Generally, the suit is founded on allegations that the bed of navigable rivers became state-owned property upon Montana's admission to statehood, and that the use thereof for placement of dam structures, affiliated structures and reservoirs should, under an existing regulatory scheme, trigger lease payments for use of land underneath. The plaintiffs also sought relief on theories of unjust enrichment, trespass and negligence. No specific amount of damages or future rental value has been claimed by the plaintiffs. The defendants filed separate motions to dismiss the individual plaintiffs' and school district's complaint, as well as the complaint of the State of Montana. In September 2004, the federal court granted the motions to dismiss the individual plaintiffs' and school districts' complaint but denied the similar motions as to the State of Montana's complaint. Following the federal court's September decision, PPL Montana and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the State of Montana's complaint for lack of diversity jurisdiction and also filed a motion to vacate certain portions of the decision. The federal court has not yet ruled on these motions.

In November 2004, PPL Montana, Avista Corporation and PacifiCorp commenced an action for declaratory judgment in Montana First Judicial District Court seeking a determination that no lease payments or other compensation for the hydropower facilities' use and occupancy of streambeds can be collected by the State of Montana. The State subsequently filed counterclaims and a motion for summary judgment. In February 2005, the individual plaintiffs and school districts who were dismissed from the federal court proceeding, along with a state teachers' union, filed a motion to intervene as additional defendants in this state court proceeding, and also filed a proposed answer and counterclaims to be used if their motion to intervene is granted. The state court has not yet ruled on any of the above-described motions. PPL Montana and PPL Services cannot predict the outcome of either the federal or the state court proceeding.

California ISO and Western Markets

Through its subsidiaries, PPL made approximately $18 million of sales to the California ISO during the period from October 2000 through June 2001, of which $17 million has not been paid to PPL subsidiaries. Given the myriad of electricity supply problems presently faced by the California electric utilities and the California ISO, PPL cannot predict whether or when it will receive payment. As of December 31, 2004, PPL has fully reserved for possible underrecoveries of payments for these sales.

Regulatory proceedings arising out of the California electricity supply situation have been filed at the FERC. The FERC has determined that all sellers of energy into markets operated by the California ISO and the California Power Exchange, including PPL Montana, should be subject to refund liability for the period beginning October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001, and initiated an evidentiary hearing concerning refund amounts. In April 2003, the FERC changed the manner in which this refund liability is to be computed and ordered further proceedings to determine the exact amounts that the sellers, including PPL Montana, would be required to refund. In September 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the FERC had the additional legal authority to order refunds for periods prior to October 2, 2000, and ordered the FERC to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to grant such additional refunds.

In June 2003, the FERC took several actions as a result of a number of related investigations. The FERC terminated proceedings pursuant to which it had been considering whether to order refunds for spot market bilateral sales made in the Pacific Northwest, including sales made by PPL Montana, during the period December 2000 through June 2001. The FERC explained that the totality of the circumstances made refunds unfeasible and inequitable, and that it had provided adequate relief by adopting a price cap throughout the western U.S. The FERC also denied pending complaints against long-term contracts in the western U.S. In these complaints, various power buyers had challenged selected long-term contracts that they entered into during 2000 and 2001, complaining that the power prices were too high and reflected manipulation of those energy markets. The FERC found that the complainants had not met their burden of showing that changing or canceling the contracts was "in the public interest" and that the dysfunction in the California markets did not justify changing these long-term contracts. These orders have been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In two separate orders, the FERC also ordered 65 different companies, agencies or municipalities to show cause why they should not be ordered to disgorge profits for "gaming" or anomalous market behavior during 2000 and 2001. These orders to show cause address both unilateral and joint conduct identified as the "Enron trading strategies." Neither PPL EnergyPlus nor PPL Montana was included in these orders to show cause, and they previously have explained in responses to data requests from the FERC that they have not engaged in such trading strategies. Finally, the FERC issued a new investigation order directing its staff to investigate any bids made into the California markets in excess of $250/MWh during the period from May 2000 to October 2000, a period of time prior to the period examined in connection with most of the proceedings described above. To their knowledge, neither PPL EnergyPlus nor PPL Montana is being investigated by the FERC under this new order.

Litigation arising out of the California electricity supply situation has been filed in California courts against sellers of energy to the California ISO. The plaintiffs and intervenors in these legal proceedings allege, among other things, abuse of market power, manipulation of market prices, unfair trade practices and violations of state antitrust laws, and seek other relief, including treble damages and attorneys' fees. While PPL's subsidiaries have not been named by the plaintiffs in these legal proceedings, PPL Montana was named by a defendant in its cross-complaint in a consolidated court proceeding, which combined into one master proceeding several of the lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and unfair trade practices. This generator denies that any unlawful, unfair or fraudulent conduct occurred but asserts that, if it is found liable, the other generators and power marketers, including PPL Montana, caused, contributed to and/or participated in the plaintiffs' alleged losses.

In February 2004, the Montana Public Service Commission initiated a limited investigation of the Montana retail electricity market for the years 2000 and 2001, focusing on how that market was affected by transactions involving the possible manipulation of the electricity grid in the western U.S. The investigation includes all public utilities and licensed electricity suppliers in Montana, as well as other entities that may possess relevant information. Through its subsidiaries, PPL is a licensed electricity supplier in Montana and a wholesale supplier in the western U.S. In June 2004, the Montana Attorney General served PPL Montana and more than 20 other companies with subpoenas requesting documents, and PPL Montana has provided responsive documents to the Montana Attorney General. As with the other investigations taking place as a result of the issues arising out of the electricity supply situation in California and other western states, PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading or marketing practices affecting the Montana retail electricity market.

While PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading practices, they cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, any PPL subsidiaries will be the target of any additional governmental investigations or named in other lawsuits or refund proceedings, the outcome of any such lawsuits or proceedings or whether the ultimate impact on them of the electricity supply situation in California and other western states will be material.

PJM Capacity Litigation

In December 2002, PPL was served with a complaint against PPL, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Electric filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a group of 14 Pennsylvania boroughs that apparently alleges, among other things, violations of the federal antitrust laws in connection with the pricing of installed capacity in the PJM daily market during the first quarter of 2001. These boroughs were wholesale customers of PPL Electric. The claims of the boroughs are similar to those previously alleged by a single borough in litigation brought in the same court that is still pending. In addition, in November 2003, PPL and PPL EnergyPlus were served with a complaint which was filed in the same court by Joseph Martorano, III (d/b/a ENERCO), that also alleges violations of the federal antitrust laws in early 2001. The complaint indicates that ENERCO provides consulting and energy procurement services to clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In September 2004, this complaint was dismissed by the District Court and the plaintiff has appealed the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Each of the U.S. Department of Justice - Antitrust Division, the FERC and the Pennsylvania Attorney General conducted investigations regarding PPL's PJM capacity market transactions in early 2001 and did not find any reason to take action against PPL.

Although PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric believe the claims in these complaints are without merit, they cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

New England Investigation

In January 2004, PPL became aware of an investigation by the Connecticut Attorney General and the FERC's Office of Market Oversight and Investigation (OMOI) regarding allegations that natural gas-fired generators located in New England illegally sold natural gas instead of generating electricity during the week of January 12, 2004. Subsequently, PPL and other generators were served with a data request by OMOI. The data request indicated that PPL was not under suspicion of a regulatory violation, but that OMOI was conducting an initial investigation. PPL has responded to this data request. PPL also has responded to data requests of ISO - New England and data requests served by subpoena from the Connecticut Attorney General. Both OMOI and ISO - New England have issued preliminary reports finding no regulatory or other violations concerning these matters. While PPL does not believe that it committed any regulatory or other violations concerning the subject matter of these investigations, PPL cannot predict the outcome of these investigations.

PJM Billing

In December 2004, Exelon Corporation, on behalf of its subsidiary, PECO Energy, Inc. (PECO), filed a complaint against PJM and PPL Electric with the FERC alleging that PJM had overcharged PECO from April 1998 through May 2003 as a result of an error by PJM in the State Estimator Program used in connection with billing all PJM customers for certain transmission, spot market energy and ancillary services charges. Specifically, the complaint alleges that PJM mistakenly identified PPL Electric's Elroy substation transformer as belonging to PECO and that, as a consequence, during times of congestion, PECO's bills for transmission congestion from PJM erroneously reflected energy that PPL Electric took from the Elroy substation and used to serve PPL Electric's load. The complaint requests the FERC, among other things, to direct PPL Electric to refund to PJM $39 million, plus interest of approximately $8 million, and for PJM to refund these same amounts to PECO. PPL Electric and PPL Energy Supply do not believe that they or any PPL subsidiaries have any financial responsibility or liability to PJM or PECO as a result of PJM's alleged error. PPL Electric and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this matter or the impact on any PPL subsidiary.

FERC Market-Based Rate Authority

In December 1998, the FERC issued an order authorizing PPL EnergyPlus to make wholesale sales of electric power and related products at market-based rates. In that order, the FERC directed PPL EnergyPlus to file an updated market analysis within three years of the date of the order, and every three years thereafter. PPL EnergyPlus filed its initial updated market analysis in December 2001. Several parties thereafter filed interventions and protests requesting that PPL EnergyPlus be required to provide additional information demonstrating that it has met the FERC's market power tests necessary for PPL EnergyPlus to continue its market-based rate authority. PPL EnergyPlus has responded that the FERC does not require the economic test suggested by the intervenors and that, in any event, it would meet such economic test if required by the FERC.

In June 2004, FERC approved certain changes to its standards for granting market-based rate authority. As a result of the schedule adopted by the FERC, PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Electric, PPL Montana and most of PPL Generation's subsidiaries were required to file in November 2004 updated analyses demonstrating that they should continue to maintain market-based rate authority under the new standards. PPL made two filings, one for PPL Montana and one for most of the other PPL subsidiaries. The Montana Public Service Commission and the Montana Consumer Counsel filed pleadings opposing the filing by PPL Montana. The Montana Public Service Commission requested that the FERC hold a hearing on the market-based rate renewal application, while the Montana Consumer Counsel suggested applying an altered version of the FERC's tests for assessing market power in reviewing the renewal application. The PJM Industrial Customer Coalition, the PP&L Industrial Customer Alliance and the consumer advocates of Maryland and Pennsylvania filed pleadings opposing the filings by the other PPL subsidiaries. These parties challenge the FERC's continued reliance on market-based rates to yield just and reasonable prices for wholesale electric transactions and suggest that the FERC change its tests for market power to include capacity and ancillary services markets. While PPL believes its filings demonstrate that all PPL subsidiaries pass the new tests established by the FERC in June 2004, PPL cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

Lower Mt. Bethel

In August 2002, the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas issued a decision setting the permissible noise levels for operation of the Lower Mt. Bethel facility. PPL appealed the court's decision to the Commonwealth Court, and an intervenor in the lawsuit cross-appealed the court's decision. In May 2003, the Commonwealth Court remanded the case to the Court of Common Pleas for further findings of fact concerning the zoning application relating to the construction of the facility. In September 2003, the Court of Common Pleas ruled in PPL's favor while also reaffirming its decision on the noise levels, and the intervenor appealed this ruling to the Commonwealth Court. In April 2004, the Commonwealth Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Common Pleas. The intervenor has pending before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania a Petition for Allowance of Appeal.

The certificate of occupancy for the Lower Mt. Bethel facility was issued by the local township zoning officer in April 2004, and the facility was placed in service in May 2004. In May 2004, the intervenor in the legal proceedings regarding the facility's permissible noise levels filed an appeal with the township board regarding the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The hearing on the appeal was held in December 2004, and the intervenor's appeal was denied.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of 2004.




EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS

Officers of PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are elected annually by their Boards of Directors (or Board of Managers for PPL Energy Supply) to serve at the pleasure of the respective Boards. There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers, nor is there any arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected.

There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any executive officer during the past five years.

Listed below are the executive officers at December 31, 2004:

PPL Corporation

Name

 

Age

 

Positions Held During the Past Five Years

 

Dates

William F. Hecht

 

61

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

February 1995 - present

John R. Biggar

 

60

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

January 2001 - present

       

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

November 1998 - January 2001

James H. Miller

 

56

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

September 2004 - present

       

Executive Vice President

 

January 2004 - August 2004

       

President - PPL Generation

 

February 2001 - August 2004

       

Executive Vice President - USEC, Inc.

 

January 1999 - February 2001

Robert J. Grey

 

54

 

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

March 1996 - present

Paul T. Champagne*

 

46

 

President - PPL EnergyPlus

 

October 2001 - present

       

President - PPL Global

 

May 1999 - October 2001

Rick L. Klingensmith*

 

44

 

President - PPL Global

 

August 2004 - present

       

Vice President - Finance - PPL Global

 

August 2000 - August 2004

       

General Manager - Assets - PPL Global

 

February 2000 - August 2000

       

Manager of Energy Systems and Acquisitions - Air Products and
   Chemicals, Inc.

 

May 1999 - February 2000

Roger L. Petersen*

 

53

 

President - PPL Development Company

 

September 2004 - present

       

President - PPL Global

 

October 2001 - August 2004

       

President and Chief Executive Officer - PPL Montana

 

May 1999 - October 2001

Bryce L. Shriver*

 

57

 

President and Chief Nuclear Officer - PPL Generation

 

September 2004 - present

       

Senior Vice President - PPL Generation

 

May 2002 - August 2004

       

Vice President - Nuclear Site Operations - PPL Susquehanna

 

July 2000 - May 2002

       

Vice President - Nuclear Site Operations - PP&L, Inc.

 

January 2000 - July 2000

John F. Sipics*

 

56

 

President - PPL Electric

 

October 2003 - present

       

Vice President - Asset Management

 

August 2001 - October 2003

       

Vice President - Regulatory Support

 

August 2000 - August 2001

       

Vice President - Delivery Services & Economic Development

 

October 1998 - August 2000

James E. Abel

 

53

 

Vice President - Finance and Treasurer

 

June 1999 - present

Paul A. Farr

 

37

 

Vice President and Controller

 

August 2004 - present

       

Senior Vice President - PPL Global

 

January 2004 - August 2004

       

Vice President - International Operations - PPL Global

 

June 2002 - January 2004

       

Vice President - PPL Global

 

October 2001 - June 2002

       

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - PPL Montana

 

June 1999 - October 2001

*

 

Messrs. Champagne, Klingensmith, Petersen, Shriver and Sipics have been designated executive officers of PPL by virtue of their respective positions at PPL subsidiaries.

 

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Name

 

Age

 

Positions Held During the Past Five Years

 

Dates

John F. Sipics

 

56

 

President

 

October 2003 - present

       

Vice President - Asset Management

 

August 2001 - October 2003

       

Vice President - Regulatory Support

 

August 2000 - August 2001

       

Vice President - Delivery Services & Economic Development

 

October 1998 - August 2000

             

James E. Abel

 

53

 

Treasurer

 

July 2000 - present

       

Vice President - Finance and Treasurer

 

June 1999 - July 2000

             

Paul A. Farr

 

37

 

Vice President and Controller

 

August 2004 - present

       

Senior Vice President - PPL Global

 

January 2004 - August 2004

       

Vice President - International Operations - PPL Global

 

June 2002 - January 2004

       

Vice President - PPL Global

 

October 2001 - June 2002

       

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - PPL Montana

 

June 1999 - October 2001

             

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 4 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.




PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY,
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

PPL Corporation

Additional information for this item is set forth in the sections entitled "Quarterly Financial, Common Stock Price and Dividend Data," "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" and "Shareowner and Investor Information" of this report. The number of common shareowners is set forth in "Item 6. Selected Financial and Operating Data."

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

There is no established public trading market for PPL Energy Supply's membership interests. PPL Energy Funding, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PPL, owns all of PPL Energy Supply's outstanding membership interests. Distributions on the membership interests will be paid as determined by PPL Energy Supply's Board of Managers. PPL Energy Supply made cash distributions to PPL Energy Funding of approximately $410 million in 2004 and $1.2 billion in 2003.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Additional information for this item is set forth in the sections entitled "Quarterly Financial Data" and "Shareowner and Investor Information" of this report.




ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 6 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

PPL Corporation (a)

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

Income Items - millions

                                       
 

Operating revenues (b)

 

$

5,812

   

$

5,596

   

$

5,491

   

$

5,147

   

$

4,541

 
 

Operating income

   

1,387

     

1,340

     

1,246

     

850

     

1,194

 
 

Income from continuing operations

   

700

     

719

     

360

     

169

     

487

 
 

Net income

   

698

     

734

     

208

     

179

     

498

 

Balance Sheet Items - millions (c)

                                       
 

Property, plant and equipment - net (b)

   

11,209

     

10,593

     

9,733

     

5,947

     

5,948

 
 

Recoverable transition costs

   

1,431

     

1,687

     

1,946

     

2,172

     

2,425

 
 

Total assets

   

17,761

     

17,123

     

15,552

     

12,562

     

12,360

 
 

Long-term debt

   

7,658

     

7,859

     

6,267

     

5,579

     

4,784

 
 

Long-term debt with affiliate trusts (d)

   

89

     

681

                         
 

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
  solely company debentures (d)

                   

661

     

825

     

250

 
 

Preferred stock

                                       
   

With sinking fund requirements

                   

31

     

31

     

46

 
   

Without sinking fund requirements

   

51

     

51

     

51

     

51

     

51

 
 

Common equity

   

4,239

     

3,259

     

2,224

     

1,857

     

2,012

 
 

Short-term debt

   

42

     

56

     

943

     

118

     

1,037

 
 

Total capital provided by investors

   

12,079

     

11,906

     

10,177

     

8,461

     

8,180

 
 

Capital lease obligations

   

11

     

12

                         

Financial Ratios

                                       
 

Return on average common equity - %

   

18.14

     

26.55

     

10.27

     

8.41

     

27.49

 
 

Embedded cost rates (c)

                                       
   

Long-term debt - %

   

6.67

     

6.56

     

7.04

     

6.84

     

6.98

 
   

Preferred stock - %

   

5.14

     

5.14

     

5.81

     

5.81

     

5.87

 
   

Preferred securities - % (d)

                   

8.02

     

8.13

     

8.44

 
 

Times interest earned before income taxes

   

2.72

     

2.93

     

1.97

     

2.19

     

3.05

 
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges - total enterprise
   basis (e)

   

2.6

     

2.5

     

1.9

     

1.7

     

2.5

 

Common Stock Data

                                       
 

Number of shares outstanding - thousands

                                       
   

Year-end

   

189,072

     

177,362

     

165,736

     

146,580

     

145,041

 
   

Average

   

184,228

     

172,795

     

152,492

     

145,974

     

144,350

 
 

Number of shareowners of record (c)

   

81,175

     

83,783

     

85,002

     

87,796

     

91,777

 
 

Income from continuing operations - Basic EPS

 

$

3.80

   

$

4.16

   

$

2.36

   

$

1.16

   

$

3.38

 
 

Income from continuing operations - Diluted EPS

 

$

3.78

   

$

4.15

   

$

2.36

   

$

1.15

   

$

3.37

 
 

Net income - Basic EPS

 

$

3.79

   

$

4.25

   

$

1.37

   

$

1.23

   

$

3.45

 
 

Net income - Diluted EPS

 

$

3.77

   

$

4.24

   

$

1.36

   

$

1.22

   

$

3.44

 
 

Dividends declared per share

 

$

1.64

   

$

1.54

   

$

1.44

   

$

1.06

   

$

1.06

 
 

Book value per share (c)

 

$

22.42

   

$

18.38

   

$

13.42

   

$

12.67

   

$

13.87

 
 

Market price per share (c)

 

$

53.28

   

$

43.75

   

$

34.68

   

$

34.85

   

$

45.188

 
 

Dividend payout rate - % (f)

   

44

     

36

     

106

     

87

     

31

 
 

Dividend yield - % (g)

   

3.08

     

3.52

     

4.15

     

3.04

     

2.35

 
 

Price earnings ratio (f) (g)

   

14.13

     

10.32

     

25.50

     

28.57

     

13.14

 

Sales Data - millions of kWh

                                       
 

Domestic - Electric energy supplied - retail

   

37,664

     

36,774

     

36,746

     

37,395

     

37,758

 
 

Domestic - Electric energy supplied - wholesale

   

37,394

     

37,841

     

36,849

     

27,683

     

40,925

 
 

Domestic - Electric energy delivered

   

35,897

     

36,083

     

35,712

     

35,534

     

34,731

 
 

International - Electric energy delivered (h)

   

32,846

     

31,952

     

33,313

     

5,919

     

3,735

 

(a)

 

The earnings each year were affected by unusual items, which affected net income. See "Earnings" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a description of unusual items in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

(b)

 

Data for certain years are reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

(c)

 

At year-end.

(d)

 

On July 1, 2003, PPL adopted the provisions of SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." The company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable financial instruments, as they require the issuer to redeem the securities for cash on a specified date. Thus, they should be classified as liabilities, as a component of long-term debt, instead of "mezzanine" equity on the Balance Sheet. However, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, no amounts were included in "Long-term Debt" for these securities because PPL Capital Funding Trust I and SIUK Capital Trust I were deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003, in connection with the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. Instead, the subordinated debt securities that support the company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of the trusts are reflected in "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts" as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, to the extent they were outstanding. See Notes 8 and 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(e)

 

Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL and its subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on short- and long-term debt, other interest charges, interest on capital lease obligations, the estimated interest component of other rentals and preferred dividends.

(f)

 

Based on diluted EPS.

(g)

 

Based on year-end market prices.

(h)

 

Deliveries for 2002 include the electricity deliveries of WPD for the full year and of CEMAR prior to deconsolidation.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

 

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (a)

   

2004

     

2003

     

2002

     

2001

     

2000

 

Income Items - millions

                                       
 

Operating revenues

 

$

2,847

   

$

2,788

   

$

2,748

   

$

2,694

   

$

3,336

 
 

Operating income

   

259

     

251

     

275

     

419

     

669

 
 

Income available to PPL Corporation

   

74

     

25

     

39

     

119

     

261

 

Balance Sheet Items - millions (b)

                                       
 

Property, plant and equipment - net

   

2,657

     

2,589

     

2,456

     

2,319

     

2,401

 
 

Recoverable transition costs

   

1,431

     

1,687

     

1,946

     

2,172

     

2,425

 
 

Total assets

   

5,526

     

5,469

     

5,583

     

5,921

     

6,023

 
 

Long-term debt

   

2,544

     

2,937

     

3,175

     

3,459

     

3,126

 
 

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
   preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
   solely company debentures

                           

250

     

250

 
 

Preferred stock

                                       
   

With sinking fund requirements

                   

31

     

31

     

46

 
   

Without sinking fund requirements

   

51

     

51

     

51

     

51

     

51

 
 

Common equity

   

1,272

     

1,222

     

1,147

     

931

     

1,160

 
 

Short-term debt

   

42

             

15

             

59

 
 

Total capital provided by investors

   

3,909

     

4,210

     

4,419

     

4,722

     

4,692

 

Financial Ratios

                                       
 

Return on average common equity - %

   

5.95

     

2.08

     

3.87

     

11.09

     

19.40

 
 

Embedded cost rates (b)

                                       
   

Long-term debt - %

   

6.86

     

6.61

     

6.83

     

6.81

     

6.88

 
   

Preferred stock - %

   

5.14

     

5.14

     

5.81

     

5.81

     

5.87

 
   

Preferred securities - %

                           

8.44

     

8.44

 
 

Times interest earned before income taxes

   

1.45

     

1.22

     

1.33

     

1.92

     

2.81

 
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (c)

   

1.4

     

1.2

     

1.2

     

1.7

     

2.5

 

Sales Data

                                       
 

Customers (thousands) (b)

   

1,351

     

1,330

     

1,308

     

1,298

     

1,270

 
 

Electric energy delivered - millions of kWh

                                       
   

Residential

   

13,441

     

13,266

     

12,640

     

12,269

     

11,924

 
   

Commercial

   

12,610

     

12,388

     

12,371

     

12,130

     

11,565

 
   

Industrial

   

9,611

     

9,599

     

9,853

     

10,000

     

10,224

 
   

Other

   

163

     

154

     

169

     

211

     

194

 

     

Retail electric sales

   

35,825

     

35,407

     

35,033

     

34,610

     

33,907

 
     

Wholesale electric sales (d)

   

72

     

676

     

679

     

924

     

17,548

 

     

Total electric energy sales delivered

   

35,897

     

36,083

     

35,712

     

35,534

     

51,455

 

 

Electric energy supplied as a PLR - millions of kWh

   

34,832

     

33,627

     

33,747

     

31,653

     

32,260

 
     

(a)

 

The earnings each year were affected by unusual items, which affected net income. See "Earnings" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a description of unusual items in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

(b)

 

At year-end.

(c)

 

Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL Electric and its subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on short- and long-term debt, other interest charges, interest on capital lease obligations and the estimated interest component of other rentals.

(d)

 

After the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment, PPL Electric had only wholesale sales to municipalities and NUG purchases that are resold to PPL EnergyPlus. The contracts for wholesale sales to municipalities expired in January 2004.

     




PPL CORPORATION
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

PPL is an energy and utility holding company with headquarters in Allentown, PA. See "Item 1. Business - Background," for descriptions of PPL's major segments. See Exhibit 99 in Item 15 for a listing of the current corporate organization. Through its subsidiaries, PPL is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in two key markets - the northeastern and western U.S. - and in the delivery of electricity in Pennsylvania, the U.K. and Latin America. PPL's strategy for its electricity generation and marketing business is to match energy supply with load, or customer demand, under long-term and intermediate-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties. PPL's strategy for its electricity delivery businesses is to own and operate these businesses at the highest level of quality and reliability and at the most efficient cost.

PPL faces several risks in its generation business. The principal risks are electricity wholesale price risk, fuel supply and price risk, power plant performance and counterparty credit risk. PPL attempts to manage these risks through various means. For instance, PPL operates a portfolio of generation assets that is diversified as to geography, fuel source, cost structure and operating characteristics. PPL is focused on the operating efficiency of these power plants and maintaining their availability. In addition, PPL has in place and continues to pursue long-term and intermediate-term contracts for energy sales and fuel supply, and other means, to mitigate the risks associated with adverse changes in the difference, or margin, between the cost to produce electricity and the price at which PPL sells it. PPL's contractual commitments for energy sales are primarily satisfied through its own generation assets - i.e., PPL primarily markets and trades around its physical portfolio of generating assets through integrated generation, marketing and trading functions. PPL has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of earnings and cash flows related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.

PPL's electricity delivery businesses are rate-regulated. Accordingly, these businesses are subject to regulatory risk in terms of the costs that they may recover and the investment returns that they may collect in customer rates. The principal challenge that PPL faces in its electricity delivery businesses is to maintain high standards of customer service and reliability in a cost-effective manner. PPL faces certain financial risks by conducting international operations, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates. PPL attempts to manage these financial risks through its risk management program.

A key challenge for PPL's business as a whole is to maintain a strong credit profile. In the past few years, investors, analysts and rating agencies that follow companies in the energy industry have been particularly focused on the credit quality and liquidity position of energy companies. PPL is focused on strengthening its balance sheet and improving its liquidity position, thereby improving its credit profile.

The purpose of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is to provide information concerning PPL's past and expected future performance in implementing the strategies and managing the risks and challenges outlined above. Specifically:

The information provided in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" should be read in conjunction with PPL's Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.

Terms and abbreviations are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.

Results of Operations

The following discussion, which explains significant annual changes in principal items on the Statement of Income, compares 2004 to 2003 and compares 2003 to 2002.

WPD's results, as consolidated in PPL's Statement of Income, are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in foreign exchange rates increased WPD's portion of revenue and expense line items by about 12% in 2004 compared with 2003, and by about 9% in 2003 compared with 2002.

The comparability of certain items on the 2003 and 2002 Statements of Income has also been impacted by PPL Global's investment in CEMAR. The consolidated results of CEMAR are included from January to August 2002, when PPL had a controlling interest. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for more information, including the sale of this investment in 2004.

Earnings

Net income and the related EPS were as follows:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Net income

 

$

698

   

$

734

   

$

208

 

EPS - basic

 

$

3.79

   

$

4.25

   

$

1.37

 

EPS - diluted

 

$

3.77

   

$

4.24

   

$

1.36

 

The after-tax changes in net income were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Domestic:

               

 

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins

 

$

35

   

$

(2

)

 

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins

   

(1

)

   

16

 

 

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins

   

(5

)

   

5

 

 

Net energy trading margins

   

7

     

(6

)

 

Delivery revenues (net of CTC/ITC amortization, interest expense on transition bonds and ancillary charges)

   

5

     

11

 

 

Operation and maintenance expenses

   

(17

)

   

(41

)

 

Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (Note 16)

   

(16

)

   

12

 

 

Contribution of property

   

(10

)

   

12

 

 

Taxes, other than income (excluding gross receipts tax)

   

10

     

(14

)

 

Synfuel earnings

   

11

     

2

 

 

Depreciation

   

(22

)

       

 

Energy related businesses

   

(5

)

   

(4

)

 

Interest income on IRS tax settlement

   

14

         

 

Reduction in tax reserves associated with stranded costs securitization

   

22

         

 

Interest expense and distributions on preferred securities

   

(14

)

   

51

 

 

Other

   

6

     

(6

)

   

Total Domestic

   

20

     

36

 

 

 

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

International:

               

 

U.K. operations:

               

   

Benefit of complete ownership of WPD (Note 9)

           

29

 

   

Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates

   

22

     

14

 

   

Distribution margins

   

5

         

   

Operation and maintenance expenses

   

11

         

   

Other

   

(6

)

   

1

 

 

Latin America

   

3

     

18

 

 

Other

   

(7

)

   

3

 

   

Total International

   

28

     

65

 

Unusual items

   

(84

)

   

425

 

   

$

(36

)

 

$

526

 

The changes in net income from year to year were, in part, attributable to several unusual items with significant earnings impacts, including accounting changes, discontinued operations and infrequently occurring items. The after-tax impacts of these unusual items are:

     

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Accounting changes:

                       

 

ARO (Note 21)

         

$

63

         

 

Consolidation of variable interest entities (Note 22)

           

(27

)

       

 

Goodwill impairment (Note 19)

                 

$

(150

)

Sale of CGE (Note 9)

 

$

(7

)

               

Sale of CEMAR (Note 9)

   

23

                 

Discontinued operations (Note 9)

   

(2

)

   

(20

)

       

CEMAR-related net tax benefit
(Note 5)

           

81

         

Impairment of investment in technology supplier (Note 9)

   

(6

)

               

Workforce reduction (Note 20)

           

(5

)

   

(44

)

Write-down of generation assets (Note 9)

                   

(26

)

CEMAR operating losses (Note 9)

                   

(23

)

CEMAR impairment (Note 9)

                   

(98

)

Tax benefit - Teesside (Note 9)

                   

8

 

Total

 

$

8

   

$

92

   

$

(333

)

The year-to-year changes in earnings components, including domestic gross energy margins by region and income statement line items, are discussed in the balance of "Results of Operations."

PPL's future earnings could be, or will be, impacted by a number of key factors, including the following:

Domestic Gross Energy Margins

The following table provides changes in the income statement line items that comprise domestic gross energy margins:

2004 vs. 2003

2003 vs. 2002

Utility revenues

 

$

183

   

$

31

 

Unregulated retail electric and gas revenues

   

(34

)

   

(30

)

Wholesale energy marketing revenues

   

25

     

183

 

Net energy trading margins

   

12

     

(10

)

Other revenue adjustments (a)

   

(112

)

   

4

 

 

Total revenues

   

74

     

178

 

Fuel

   

125

     

44

 

Energy purchases

   

(87

)

   

100

 

Other cost adjustments (a)

   

(25

)

   

12

 

 

Total cost of sales

   

13

     

156

 

   

Domestic gross energy margins

 

$

61

   

$

22

 

(a)

 

Adjusted to exclude the impact of any revenues and costs not associated with domestic gross energy margins, in particular, revenues and energy costs related to the international operations of PPL Global and the domestic delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities. Also adjusted to include gains or losses on sales of emission allowances, which are included in "Other operation and maintenance" expenses on the Statement of Income, and the reduction of the reserve for Enron receivables, as described in Note 17 to the Financial Statements.

Changes in Domestic Gross Energy Margins By Region

Domestic gross energy margins are generated through PPL's normal and hedge activities (non-trading), as well as trading activities. Non-trading margins are now discussed on a geographic basis rather than on an activity basis, as reported prior to 2004. A regional perspective more closely matches the internal view of how PPL's energy business is managed.

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Eastern U.S. non-trading

 

$

59

   

$

(4

)

Northwestern U.S. non-trading

   

(2

)

   

27

 

Southwestern U.S. non-trading

   

(8

)

   

9

 

Net energy trading

   

12

     

(10

)

 

Domestic gross energy margins

 

$

61

   

$

22

 

Eastern U.S.

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to 3% higher generation, as well as higher prices and slightly higher sales volumes. In PJM, where the majority of PPL's Eastern wholesale activity occurs, average spot prices rose 15% in 2004 over 2003. PPL also benefited from favorable transmission congestion positions. In addition, retail energy prices increased by approximately 1% in 2004 in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order. The higher volumes reflect the return of customers who had previously shopped for electricity, as well as new load obligations in Connecticut and New Jersey, partially offset by lower wholesale sales. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased supply costs driven by increased fossil fuel and purchased power prices.

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were essentially flat in 2003 compared to 2002 due to lower supply costs in 2002 caused by the buyout of a NUG contract in February 2002, which reduced 2002's power purchases by $25 million. Excluding the NUG buyout, margins in 2003 were higher compared to 2002, primarily due to higher wholesale volumes, which increased by 47%. The higher volumes were primarily driven by market opportunities to optimize the value of generating assets and by higher spot prices that allowed PPL Energy Supply to increase the utilization of its higher-cost generating units.

Northwestern U.S.

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were slightly lower in 2004 compared to 2003, due in part to a retroactive coal price adjustment caused by an unfavorable arbitration ruling. Incremental expense of $6 million was recorded in 2004 as a result of the ruling, most of which related to years 2001 to 2003. Contributing to the decrease in margins in 2004 compared to 2003 was a $6 million positive impact to 2003 margins related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements) and a 2003 favorable litigation settlement of $3 million with Energy West Resources. These decreases were offset by improved generation and higher prices.

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2003 compared to 2002, due to higher wholesale prices. Average wholesale prices for 2003 were $6/MWh higher than prices in 2002. A $6 million partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements) and a favorable settlement of $3 million with Energy West Resources also positively impacted margins in 2003.

Southwestern U.S.

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to wholesale sales volumes decreasing 17%. Also contributing to the decrease in margins in 2004 compared to 2003 was a $3 million positive impact to 2003 margins related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements).

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2003 compared to 2002, due to the inception of new tolling agreements in Arizona and an increase of average wholesale prices by $16/MWh in 2003 compared to 2002. In addition, margins were positively impacted by $3 million in 2003 related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables.

Net Energy Trading

PPL enters into certain energy contracts that meet the criteria of trading derivatives as defined by EITF Issue 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." These physical and financial contracts cover trading activity associated with electricity, gas and oil. The $12 million increase in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to a $6 million increase in electricity positions and a $6 million increase in gas and oil positions. The $10 million decrease in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to realized electric swap losses in 2003. The physical volumes associated with energy trading were 5,700 GWh and 11.7 Bcf in 2004; 5,200 GWh and 12.6 Bcf in 2003; and 9,600 GWh and 12.4 Bcf in 2002. The amount of energy trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions was $13 million in 2004 and not significant in 2003 and 2002.

Utility Revenues

The increases in utility revenues were attributable to the following:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Domestic:

               

 

Retail electric revenue (PPL Electric)

               

   

PLR electric generation supply

 

$

94

   

$

22

 

   

Electric delivery

   

(7

)

   

48

 

 

Wholesale electric revenue (PPL Electric)

   

(23

)

   

1

 

 

Gas revenue (PPL Gas Utilities)

   

22

     

6

 

 

Other

   

(1

)

   

(1

)

International:

               

 

Retail electric delivery (PPL Global)

               

   

U.K.

   

70

     

36

 

   

Chile

   

27

     

18

 

   

Bolivia

   

1

     

1

 

   

Brazil

           

(113

)

   

El Salvador

           

13

 

   

$

183

   

$

31

 

               

The increase in utility revenues for 2004 compared with 2003 was attributable to:

The increase in utility revenues for 2003 compared with 2002 was attributable to:

Energy Related Businesses

Energy related businesses contributed $45 million less to operating income in 2004 compared with 2003. The decrease was primarily attributable to the following:

Energy related businesses contributed $17 million less to operating income in 2003 compared with 2002. The decrease resulted primarily from:

Other Operation and Maintenance

The increases in other operation and maintenance expenses were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Property damage and environmental insurance settlements which were recorded in 2003

 

$

27

   

$

(27

)

Increase in domestic and international pension costs

   

18

     

47

 

Increased operating expenses in domestic business lines and other

           

54

 

Additional expenses of new generating facilities

   

5

     

28

 

Increase in WPD expenses due to regulatory accounting adjustments, and resolution of purchase accounting contingencies in 2002 related to the Hyder acquisition

           

18

 

Increase in foreign currency exchange rates

   

15

     

10

 

Increase in WPD tree trimming costs

   

8

         

Decrease in the Clean Air Act contingency relating to generating facilities recorded in 2003

   

8

     

(8

)

Outage costs associated with planned maintenance at the Montour and Conemaugh plants

   

7

         

Consulting and independent auditor costs to meet the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley 404

   

6

         

Write-off of Hurricane Isabel costs not approved for recovery by the PUC

   

4

         

Accretion expense as a result of applying SFAS 143 (Note 21)

   

1

     

18

 

Timing and extent of outage costs associated with the planned refueling and inspection at the Susquehanna station and of other nuclear-related expenses

   

2

     

7

 

Change to account for CEMAR on the cost method in 2002

           

(38

)

Estimated reduction in salaries and benefits as a result of the workforce reduction initiated in 2002 (Note 20)

           

(28

)

Decrease in lease expense due to consolidation of the Sundance and University Park generation facilities

   

(24

)

       

Vacation liability adjustment in 2002 in conjunction with the workforce reduction

           

(15

)

WPD capitalization

   

(13

)

       

Increase (decrease) in other postretirement benefit expense

   

(12

)

   

16

 

Decrease in Brunner Island expenses due to outage work in 2003. No major outage work performed in 2004

   

(6

)

       

Gains on sales of emission allowances

   

(1

)

   

(17

)

Other

   

(3

)

   

5

 

   

$

42

   

$

70

 

The $18 million increase in net pension costs was attributable to reductions in the discount rate assumption for PPL's domestic and international pension plans at December 31, 2003. Although financial markets have improved and PPL's domestic and international pension plans have experienced significant asset gains in 2003 and 2004, domestic interest rates on fixed-income obligations have continued to fall, requiring a further reduction in the discount rate assumption for PPL's domestic plans as of December 31, 2004. The reduction in the discount rate assumption has a significant impact on the measurement of plan obligations and net pension cost. In addition, there was an increase in the obligations of the WPD pension plan as determined by its most recent actuarial valuation as of March 31, 2004. PPL's net pension costs are expected to increase by approximately $40 million in 2005. Approximately $31 million of the increased costs is attributable to the WPD pension plans. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for details of the funded status of PPL's pension plans.

Depreciation

Increases in depreciation expense were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Additions to PP&E

 

$

13

   

$

29

 

Sundance and University Park generation facilities - FIN 46 (a)

   

15

         

Depreciation on Lower Mt. Bethel generation facility, which began commercial operation in May 2004

   

10

         

Foreign currency exchange rates

   

16

     

10

 

Lower depreciation due to deconsolidation of CEMAR in 2002

           

(7

)

2003 purchase accounting adjustments to WPD assets (Note 9)

   

(22

)

   

3

 

No decommissioning expense in 2003 due to application of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" (b)

           

(22

)

   

$

32

   

$

13

 

(a)

 

The lessor of these facilities was consolidated under FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," effective December 31, 2003. In June 2004, subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply purchased the Sundance and University Park generation assets from the lessor that was consolidated by PPL Energy Supply under FIN 46. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(b)

 

There was a corresponding recording of accretion expense for PPL Susquehanna in 2003, which is included in "Other operation and maintenance" expense on the Statement of Income. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Taxes, Other Than Income

Taxes, other than income, decreased by $6 million in 2004 compared with 2003. The decrease was primarily due to a $14 million reversal of a prior year accrual and a $5 million decrease in domestic capital stock expense, partially offset by a $9 million increase in WPD property taxes. In the first quarter of 2004, PPL Electric reversed a $14 million accrued liability for 1998 and 1999 PURTA taxes that had been accrued based on potential exposure in the proceedings regarding the Susquehanna nuclear station tax assessment. The rights of the third-party intervenors to further appeal expired in 2004. WPD's property taxes increased by $9 million, primarily from the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, adjustments recorded in 2003 and an increase in property tax rates.

Taxes, other than income, increased by $25 million in 2003 compared with 2002 due to the settlement of prior years' capital stock tax refund claims of $8 million in 2002, higher taxes related to an increase in the basis on which capital stock tax is calculated in 2003 and higher real estate taxes.

Other Charges

Other charges of $9 million in 2003 consisted of a charge for a workforce reduction program (see Note 20 to the Financial Statements).

Other charges of $232 million in 2002 consisted of the write-down of PPL Global's investment in CEMAR and several smaller impairment charges on other international investments (see Note 9), the write-down of generation assets (see Note 9) and a charge for a workforce reduction program (see Note 20).

Other Income - net

See Note 16 to the Financial Statements for details of other income and deductions.

Financing Costs

The increase (decrease) in financing costs, which include "Interest Expense" and "Distributions on Preferred Securities," were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Increase in interest expense due to consolidation of the lessors of the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities, in accordance with FIN 46

 

$

34

         

Financing costs associated with the repayment of the consolidated trust's debt for the Sundance and University Park generation facilities

   

9

         

Increase in foreign currency exchange rates

   

15

   

$

10

 

Decrease in interest expense due to hedging activities accounted for under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"

   

(10

)

   

(20

)

Decrease in amortization expense

   

(5

)

   

(13

)

Decrease in short-term debt interest expense

   

(10

)

   

(20

)

Decrease in long-term debt interest expense

(1

)

(31

)

Decrease in long-term debt interest from the deconsolidation of CEMAR in August 2002

           

(34

)

Charge in 2002 related to the ineffectiveness and subsequent dedesignation of hedges on anticipated debt issuances that did not occur

           

(15

)

Charge in 2002 to cancel a remarketing agreement

           

(24

)

Decrease in capitalized interest

   

1

     

14

 

Write-off of unamortized swap costs on WPD debt restructuring in 2003

(11

)

11

Other

   

1

     

(3

)

   

$

23

   

$

(125

)

 

Income Taxes

Income tax expense increased by $25 million in 2004 compared with 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to:

Income tax expense decreased by $40 million in 2003 compared with 2002. This decrease was due to:

Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns by taxing authorities. However, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of any issues raised by such authorities may differ materially from the amount accrued. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, PPL accounts for changes in probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount that should be recognized. An allowance is maintained for the tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate. During 2004, PPL reached partial settlement with the IRS with respect to the tax years 1991 through 1995 and received a cash refund in the amount of $52 million. As a result of this settlement, the net tax impact recorded in 2004 was not significant.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for details on effective income tax rates and for information on the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

Discontinued Operations

In 2003, PPL reported a loss of $20 million in connection with the approval of a plan of sale of PPL Global's investment in a Latin American telecommunications company. An additional $2 million loss was recorded in 2004, representing operating losses through the date of the sale. See "Discontinued Operations" in Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to the sale.

Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles

In 2003, PPL recorded a charge of $27 million, after-tax, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in connection with the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL adopted SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. SFAS 143 addresses the accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. It requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. Application of the new rules resulted in a cumulative effect of adoption that increased net income by $63 million in 2003. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL adopted SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002. SFAS 142 requires an annual impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization. PPL performed a transition impairment analysis in the first quarter of 2002 and recorded a transition goodwill impairment charge of $150 million. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Financial Condition

Liquidity

PPL is focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position and strengthening its balance sheet, thereby improving its credit profile. PPL believes that its cash on hand, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund its ongoing operating requirements, future security maturities and estimated future capital expenditures. PPL currently expects cash on hand at the end of 2005 to be about $300 million, with about $2.3 billion in available credit facilities. However, PPL's cash flows from operations and its access to cost effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the following:

At December 31, 2004, PPL had $616 million in cash and cash equivalents and $42 million of short-term debt compared to $466 million in cash and cash equivalents and $56 million of short-term debt at December 31, 2003, and $245 million in cash and cash equivalents and $943 million of short-term debt at December 31, 2002. The changes in cash and cash equivalents resulted from the following:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

$

1,437

   

$

1,340

   

$

774

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   

(718

)

   

(739

)

   

(1,057

)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   

(578

)

   

(387

)

   

(363

)

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash & Cash Equivalents

   

9

     

7

     

2

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents

 

$

150

   

$

221

   

$

(644

)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash from operating activities increased by 7%, or $97 million, in 2004 versus 2003, reflecting higher energy margins and other improvements in cash-adjusted net income.

Important elements supporting the stability of PPL's cash provided by operating activities are the long-term and intermediate-term commitments from wholesale and retail customers and long-term fuel supply contracts PPL has in place. PPL estimates that, on average, approximately 83% of its expected annual generation output for the period 2005 through 2009 is committed under long-term and intermediate-term energy supply contracts. PPL EnergyPlus also enters into contracts under which it agrees to sell and purchase electricity, natural gas, oil and coal. These contracts often require cash collateral or other credit enhancement, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the entire contract through cash settlement in the event of a downgrade of PPL or the respective subsidiary's credit ratings or adverse changes in market prices. For example, in addition to limiting its trading ability, if PPL or its respective subsidiary's ratings were lowered to below "investment grade" and energy prices increased by 10%, PPL estimates that, based on its December 31, 2004, positions, it would have had to post additional collateral of approximately $280 million, compared to $190 million at December 31, 2003. PPL has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of cash flows related to changes in energy prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.

Net cash from operating activities increased by $566 million in 2003 versus 2002 reflecting higher net income adjusted for non-cash items, working capital improvements and lower cash income taxes. In addition, 2002 included cash outlays of $152 million for the cancellation of generation projects and $50 million for the termination of a NUG contract. The higher net income in 2003 was principally driven by complete ownership of WPD, higher wholesale energy margins, lower interest expense and savings from a workforce reduction program in the U.S. that commenced in 2002. The working capital improvements resulted from a decrease in accounts receivable and prepayments. These positive changes were partially offset by rising transmission and distribution operating costs at PPL Electric and other factors.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by 3%, or $21 million, in 2004 versus 2003 primarily as the result of the $123 million proceeds from the sale of PPL's minority interest in CGE. The primary use of cash for investing activities is capital and investment expenditures. See "Capital Expenditure Requirements" for capital and investment expenditures in 2004 and expected expenditures in 2005 through 2009. In 2005, PPL expects to be able to fund all of its capital expenditures with cash from operations and cash on hand.

The $318 million reduction in net cash used in investing activities in 2003, compared with 2002, was primarily due to reduced investment in generation assets and electric energy projects and the acquisition of the controlling interest in WPD in September 2002.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $578 million in 2004, compared to $387 million in 2003. The increase primarily reflects higher retirement of long-term debt and increased dividends to shareholders. In 2004, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $863 million and common and preferred dividends paid of $299 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of $596 million, of which $575 million related to the settlement of the common stock purchase contracts that were a component of the PEPS Units and the PEPS Units, Series B. In 2003, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $460 million, preferred stock retirements of $31 million and common and preferred dividends paid of $287 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of approximately $426 million. PPL currently has no plans to issue any significant amounts of additional common stock. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information on common stock sales in 2004.

PPL's debt financing activity in 2004 was as follows:

   

Issuances

   

Retirements

 

PPL Energy Supply Senior Unsecured Notes

 

$

300

         

PPL Capital Funding Medium-Term Notes

         

$

(104

)

PPL Transition Bond Company Transition Bonds

           

(264

)

PPL Electric First Mortgage Bonds

           

(71

)

PPL Electric Senior Secured Bonds

           

(59

)

PPL Energy Supply lease financing

           

(656

)

WPD short-term debt (net change)

           

(56

)

PPL Electric Asset-backed Commercial Paper (net change)

   

42

         

North Penn Gas, Inc. Notes

           

(2

)

Latin American companies long-term debt

   

22

     

(15

)

 

Total

 

$

364

   

$

(1,227

)

Net reduction

         

$

(863

)

Debt issued during 2004 had stated interest rates ranging from 1.1% to 9.0% and maturities from 2004 through 2014. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding PPL's financing activities.

In March 2004, PPL Electric reactivated its commercial paper program to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding.

In August 2004, PPL Electric began participating in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis. The subsidiary pledges these assets to secure loans of up to an aggregate of $150 million from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. PPL Electric expects to use the proceeds from the program for general corporate purposes and to cash collateralize letters of credit. At December 31, 2004, the loan balance outstanding was $42 million, all of which was being used to cash collateralize letters of credit.

In December 2004, PPL Energy Supply reactivated its commercial paper program to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding and currently has no plans to access the commercial paper market in the short-term.

At December 31, 2004, PPL's total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were as follows:

   

Committed Capacity

   

Borrowed

   

Letters of Credit Issued (d)

   

Available Capacity

 

PPL Electric Credit Facilities (a)

 

$

300

                   

$

300

 

PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities (b)

   

1,100

           

$

250

     

850

 

WPD (South West) Bank Facilities (c)

   

769

     

     

2

     

767

 

 

Total

 

$

2,169

     

   

$

252

   

$

1,917

 

 

 

(a)

 

PPL Electric's credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Electric also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $300 million of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity.

The credit facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 70%. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Electric's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentages, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, were 54% and 57%. The credit facilities also contain certain representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Electric to borrow under them, including, but not limited to, a material adverse change clause that relates to PPL Electric's ability to perform its obligations under the credit agreements and related loan documents.

     

(b)

 

PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Energy Supply also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $950 million of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity.

These credit facilities contain financial covenants requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 65% and requiring that PPL Energy Supply maintain an interest coverage ratio to not be less than 2.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Energy Supply's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentages, as calculated in accordance with one of its credit facilities, were 35% and 36%. Under a second credit facility entered into in June 2004, the consolidated debt to capitalization percentage was 34% at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Energy Supply's interest coverage ratios, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, were 6.2 and 6.3. The credit facilities also contain certain representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Energy Supply to borrow under them, including, but not limited to, a material adverse change clause that relates to PPL Energy Supply's ability to perform its obligations under the credit agreements and related loan documents.

     

(c)

 

WPD (South West)'s credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating.

These credit facilities contain financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and a regulatory asset base (RAB) at £150 million greater than total gross debt, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, WPD (South West)'s interest coverage ratio, as calculated in accordance with its credit lines, were 6.8 and 6.7. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, WPD (South West)'s RAB, as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities, exceeded its total gross debt by £531 million and £482 million.

     

(d)

 

The Borrower under each of these facilities has a reimbursement obligation to the extent any letters of credit are drawn. The letters of credit issued as of December 31, 2004, expire in 2005.

These credit agreements contain various other covenants. Failure to meet those covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of due dates of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. PPL monitors the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2004, PPL was in material compliance with those covenants. PPL Energy Supply and WPD (South West) intend to renew and extend all of their syndicated credit facilities in 2005.

The increase of $24 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily reflected the repayment of short-term debt, retirement of long-term debt and increased dividends to shareholders. In 2003, the $387 million of net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $460 million, preferred stock retirements of $31 million and common and preferred dividends paid of $287 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of approximately $426 million. In 2002, the $363 million of net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $412 million, company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred security retirements of $250 million and common and preferred dividends paid of $261 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of approximately $587 million.

Operating Leases

PPL and its subsidiaries also have available funding sources that are provided through operating leases. PPL's subsidiaries lease vehicles, office space, land, buildings, personal computers and other equipment. These leasing structures provide PPL with additional operating and financing flexibility. The operating leases contain covenants that are typical for these agreements, such as maintaining insurance, maintaining corporate existence and timely payment of rent and other fees. Failure to meet these covenants could limit or restrict access to these funds or require early payment of obligations. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases.

PPL, through its subsidiary PPL Montana, leases a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3, under four 36-year non-cancelable operating leases. These operating leases are not recorded on PPL's Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends. At this time, PPL believes that these restrictions will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of other dividend restrictions related to PPL subsidiaries.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the operating leases.

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2004, the estimated contractual cash obligations of PPL were as follows:

 

Contractual Cash Obligations

 

Total

   

Less
Than
1 Year

   

1-3
Years

   

3-5
Years

   

After 5
Years

 

Long-term Debt (a)

 

$

7,755

   

$

866

   

$

2,266

   

$

1,310

   

$

3,313

 

Capital Lease Obligations

   

18

     

1

     

2

     

2

     

13

 

Operating Leases

   

784

     

77

     

133

     

117

     

457

 

Purchase Obligations (b)

   

3,273

     

684

     

1,280

     

580

     

729

 

Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet under GAAP (c)

   

174

     

38

     

116

     

20

         

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

 

$

12,004

   

$

1,666

   

$

3,797

   

$

2,029

   

$

4,512

 


(a)

 

Reflects principal maturities only, including maturities of consolidated lease debt.

(b)

 

The payments reflected herein are subject to change, as certain purchase obligations included are estimates based on projected obligated quantities and/or projected pricing under the contracts.

(c)

 

The amounts reflected represent estimated pension funding requirements.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL and its subsidiaries. Based on their respective reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions.

The ratings of S&P, Moody's and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL or its subsidiaries. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to their securities.

The following table summarizes the credit ratings of PPL and its key financing subsidiaries at December 31, 2004:

   

Moody's

 

S&P

 

Fitch

             

PPL

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Energy Supply

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB

   
 

Senior Unsecured Notes

 

Baa2

 

BBB

 

BBB+

 

Commercial Paper

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F2

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Capital Funding

           
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Subordinated Debt

 

Ba1

 

BBB-

   
 

Medium -Term Notes

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Electric

           
 

Senior Unsecured/Issuer
  Rating

 

Baa2

 

A-

   
 

First Mortgage Bonds

 

Baa1

 

A-

 

A-

 

Pollution Control Bonds (a)

 

Aaa

 

AAA

   
 

Senior Secured Bonds

 

Baa1

 

A-

 

A-

 

Commercial Paper

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F2

 

Preferred Stock

 

Ba1

 

BBB

 

BBB+

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Transition Bond Company

           
 

Transition Bonds

 

Aaa

 

AAA

 

AAA

               

PPL Montana

           
 

Pass -Through Certificates

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

   
               

WPDH Limited

           
 

Issuer Rating

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Short-term Debt

     

A-3

   
 

Outlook

 

NEGATIVE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD LLP

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB-

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa2

 

BBB-

 

BBB+

 

Short-term Debt

 

 

A-3

   
 

Preferred Stock

 

Baa3

 

BB

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

NEGATIVE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD (South Wales)

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB+

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

 

A-

 

Short-term Debt

     

A-2

 

F1

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD (South West)

           
 

Issuer Rating

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

 

A-

 

Short-term Debt

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F1

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

(a)

 

Insured as to payment of principal and interest.

Rating Agency Actions in 2004

S&P

In May 2004, S&P affirmed its BBB ratings on both PPL and PPL Energy Supply and revised its outlook on both entities from negative to stable. S&P also affirmed its BBB- rating on PPL Montana's Pass-Through Certificates due 2020 and revised its outlook from negative to stable. At the same time, S&P affirmed its A-/A-2 rating and negative outlook on PPL Electric. Also, S&P indicated that the following ratings would remain unchanged following the aforementioned revision to PPL's outlook:

In December 2004, S&P confirmed its A-2 rating on PPL Energy Supply's reactivated commercial paper program.

Moody's

In March 2004, Moody's confirmed its P-2 rating on PPL Electric's reactivated commercial paper program.

In December 2004, Moody's confirmed its P-2 rating on PPL Energy Supply's reactivated commercial paper program.

Also in December 2004, Moody's downgraded the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of WPDH Limited from Baa2 to Baa3 with a negative outlook. At the same time, Moody's changed the outlook on the senior unsecured long-term debt rating of WPD LLP from stable to negative and affirmed its Baa1 senior unsecured long-term ratings of WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales). The outlook on WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) is stable.

Moody's indicated that its ratings actions with respect to WPD reflect its concern that WPDH Limited has an adjusted net debt/Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) ratio in excess of 95% after pension deficits that are not recoverable through the U.K. regulatory process are taken into account. Moody's also indicated that the ratings reflect its expectation that adjusted net debt/RAB will fall to less than 90% during the course of 2005.

Fitch

In March 2004, Fitch confirmed its F2 rating on PPL Electric's reactivated commercial paper program.

In December 2004, Fitch confirmed its F2 rating on PPL Energy Supply's reactivated commercial paper program.

Ratings Triggers

PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 are convertible upon the occurrence of certain events, including if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by S&P and Moody's are lower than BB and Ba2, or either S&P or Moody's no longer rates the notes. The terms of the notes were modified in November 2004 to, among other things, require cash settlement of the principal amount upon conversion of the notes. These modifications were made in response to the FASB's ratification of EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share." See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning these modifications, Note 8 for a discussion of the consent solicitation that effected these modifications and Note 23 for a discussion of EITF Issue 04-8.

PPL and its respective subsidiaries do not have additional material liquidity exposures caused by a ratings downgrade below "investment grade" that would accelerate the due dates of borrowings. However, if PPL and PPL Energy Supply's debt ratings were below investment grade at December 31, 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply would have had to post an additional $118 million of collateral to counterparties.

Subsequent Ratings Events

In January 2005, S&P affirmed PPL Electric's A-/A-2 corporate credit ratings and has favorably revised its outlook on the company to stable from negative following the authorization of a $194 million rate increase by the PUC. S&P indicated that the outlook revision reflects its expectations that the rate increase, effective January 1, 2005, will allow for material improvement in PPL Electric's financial profile, which had lagged S&P's expectations in recent years. S&P indicated that the stable outlook reflects its expectations that PPL Electric "will rapidly improve and then maintain financial metrics more consistent with its ratings." S&P indicated that it expects PPL Electric's operations to remain stable through the expiration of the PLR agreement.

Additionally, in January 2005, S&P revised its outlooks on the WPD companies to stable from negative. S&P attributes this positive change to financial profile improvements resulting from the final regulatory outcome published by Ofgem in November 2004. At the same time, S&P affirmed the WPD companies' long-term and short-term credit ratings.

Also in January 2005, Fitch announced that it downgraded the WPD companies' senior unsecured credit ratings by one notch as follows:

Fitch has a stable outlook on all of the WPD companies.

Fitch stated that its downgrade was prompted by the high level of pension adjusted leverage at WPD. Fitch acknowledged that WPD's funding plan should reduce its pension deficit over time and it expects WPD to proceed with its de-leveraging program. However, Fitch indicated that it is not certain enough, due to the unpredictability in future pension valuations, that pension adjusted leverage will support a BBB rating at WPDH Limited. Fitch indicated that WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) have been downgraded to maintain a two-notch differential with WPDH Limited because Fitch does not believe that WPD's financial ring-fencing is restrictive enough to support a three-notch differential.

Dividend Policy

In December 2004, PPL's Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy that provides for growing the common stock dividend in the future at a rate that exceeds the projected rate of growth in earnings per share from ongoing operations. Earnings from ongoing operations exclude unusual items. PPL plans to pursue this policy until the dividend payout ratio reaches the 50% level, subject to the Board of Directors' quarterly dividend declarations based on the company's financial position and other relevant considerations at the time.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PPL provides guarantees for certain affiliate financing arrangements that enable certain transactions. Some of the guarantees contain financial and other covenants that, if not met, would limit or restrict the affiliates' access to funds under these financing arrangements, require early maturity of such arrangements or limit the affiliates' ability to enter into certain transactions. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit access to the relevant funding sources.

PPL has entered into certain guarantee agreements that are within the scope of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion on guarantees.

Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other

Market Risk

Background

Market risk is the potential loss PPL may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL is exposed to market risk from:

PPL has a risk management policy approved by its Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. (Credit risk is discussed below.) The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to monitor compliance with risk policies and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, and daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations and other risk measurement metrics.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions, due to reliance on model assumptions. Actual future results may differ materially from those presented. These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of reasonably possible losses.

Contract Valuation

PPL utilizes forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of a commodity or financial instrument. This may include exchange prices, the average mid-point bid/ask spreads obtained from brokers, or an independent valuation by an external source, such as a bank. However, market prices for energy or energy-related contracts may not be readily determinable because of market illiquidity. If no active trading market exists, contracts are valued using internally developed models, which are then reviewed by an independent, internal group. Although PPL believes that its valuation methods are reasonable, changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different values and realization in future periods.

To record derivatives at their fair value, PPL discounts the forward values using LIBOR. Additionally, PPL reduces derivative assets' carrying values to recognize differences in counterparty credit quality and potential illiquidity in the market:

Accounting and Reporting

To account for and report on contracts entered into to manage market risk, PPL follows the provisions of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities," and SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and interpreted by DIG issues (together, "SFAS 133"), EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," and EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3." SFAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as an asset or liability (unless they meet SFAS 133's criteria for exclusion) and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, which amends and clarifies SFAS 133 to improve financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. To ensure that contracts with comparable characteristics are accounted for similarly, SFAS 149 clarified the circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristics of a derivative, clarified when a derivative contains a financing component, amended the definition of an "underlying" and amended certain other existing pronouncements. Additionally, SFAS 149 placed additional limitations on the use of the normal purchase or normal sale exception. SFAS 149 was effective for contracts entered into or modified and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003, except certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that did not yet exist. PPL adopted SFAS 149 as of July 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a significant impact on PPL.

PPL adopted the final provisions of EITF 02-3 during the fourth quarter of 2002. As such, PPL now reflects its net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statement of Income. Non-derivative contracts that met the definition of energy trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting. Under the accrual method of accounting, unrealized gains and losses are not reflected in the financial statements. Prior periods were reclassified. No cumulative effect adjustment was required upon adoption.

PPL adopted the final provisions of EITF 03-11 prospectively as of October 1, 2003. As a result of this adoption, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for the impact of the adoption of EITF 03-11.

PPL's short-term derivative contracts are recorded as "Price risk management assets" and "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheet. Long-term derivative contracts are included in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other."

Accounting Designation

Energy contracts that do not qualify as derivatives receive accrual accounting. For energy contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation. In addition to energy-related transactions, PPL enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest expense associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL also enters into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with energy transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine a contract's accounting designation. These designations are verified by a separate internal group on a daily basis. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for a summary of the guidelines that have been provided to the traders who are responsible for contract designation for derivative energy contracts due to the adoption of SFAS 149.

Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)

Commodity price risk is one of PPL's most significant risks due to the level of investment that PPL maintains in its generation assets, coupled with the volatility of prices for energy and energy-related products. Several factors influence price levels and volatilities. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations. To hedge the impact of market price fluctuations on PPL's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL EnergyPlus sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts. Because PPL owns or controls generating assets, the majority of PPL's energy transactions qualify for accrual or hedge accounting.

Within PPL's hedge portfolio, the decision to enter into energy contracts hinges on the expected value of PPL's generation. To address this risk, PPL takes a conservative approach in determining the number of MWhs that are available to be sold forward. In this regard, PPL reduces the maximum potential output that a plant may produce by three factors - planned maintenance, unplanned outages and economic conditions. The potential output of a plant is first reduced by the amount of unavailable generation due to planned maintenance on a particular unit. Another reduction, representing the unplanned outage rate, is the amount of MWhs that historically is not produced by a plant due to such factors as equipment breakage. Finally, the potential output of certain plants (like peaking units) are reduced because their higher cost of production will not allow them to economically run during all hours.

PPL's non-trading portfolio also includes full requirements energy contracts. The net obligation to serve these contracts changes minute by minute. PPL analyzes historical on-peak and off-peak usage patterns, as well as spot prices and weather patterns, to determine a monthly level of a block of electricity that best fits the usage patterns in order to minimize earnings volatility. On a forward basis, PPL reserves a block amount of generation for full requirements energy contracts that is expected to be the best match with their anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks. Anticipated usage patterns and peaks are affected by expected load growth, regional economic drivers and seasonality.

PPL's commodity derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment mature at various times through 2010. The following chart sets forth PPL's net fair market value of these contracts as of December 31:

   

Gains (Losses)

 

   

2004

   

2003

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

$

86

   

$

63

 

Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period

   

(66

)

   

(94

)

Fair value of new contracts at inception

               

Other changes in fair values

   

(31

)

   

117

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

(11

)

 

$

86

 

 

The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL's commodity derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment at December 31, 2004, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.

   

Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End
Gains (Losses)

 

   

Maturity
Less Than
1 Year

   

Maturity
1-3 Years

   

Maturity
3-5 Years

   

Maturity
in Excess
of 5 Years

   

Total Fair
Value

 

Source of Fair Value

                                       

Prices actively quoted

 

$

4

   

$

3

                   

$

7

 

Prices provided by other external sources

   

14

     

(21

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(1

)

   

(18

)

Prices based on models and other valuation methods

                                       

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

18

   

$

(18

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(1

)

 

$

(11

)

The "Prices actively quoted" category includes the fair value of exchange-traded natural gas futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The NYMEX has currently quoted prices through 2010.

The "Prices provided by other external sources" category includes PPL's forward positions and options in natural gas and power and natural gas basis swaps at points for which over-the-counter (OTC) broker quotes are available. The fair value of electricity positions recorded above use the midpoint of the bid/ask spreads obtained through OTC brokers. On average, OTC quotes for forwards and swaps of natural gas and power extend one and two years into the future.

The "Prices based on models and other valuation methods" category includes the value of transactions for which an internally developed price curve was constructed as a result of the long-dated nature of the transaction or the illiquidity of the market point, or the value of options not quoted by an exchange or OTC broker. Additionally, this category includes "strip" transactions whose prices are obtained from external sources and then modeled to monthly prices as appropriate.

Because of PPL's efforts to hedge the value of the energy from its generation assets, PPL sells electricity and buys fuel on a forward basis, resulting in open contractual positions. If PPL were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay damages. These damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity. Depending on price volatility in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant. Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their counterparties) with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy. Although PPL attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty non-performance in the future.

As of December 31, 2004, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its non-trading portfolio by approximately $165 million, compared to a decrease of $146 million at December 31, 2003. However, the change in the value of the non-trading portfolio would have been substantially offset by an increase in the value of the underlying commodity, the electricity generated, because these contracts serve to reduce the market risk inherent in the generation of electricity. Additionally, the value of PPL's unsold generation would be improved. Because PPL's electricity portfolio is generally in a net sales position, the adverse movement in prices is usually an increase in prices. Conversely, because PPL's commodity fuels portfolio is generally in a net purchase position, the adverse movement in prices is usually a decrease in prices. If both of these scenarios happened, the implied margins for the unsold generation would increase.

In accordance with its marketing strategy, PPL does not completely hedge its generation output or fuel requirements. PPL estimates that for its entire portfolio, including all generation and physical and financial energy positions, a 10% adverse change in power prices across all geographic zones and time periods will decrease expected 2005 gross margins by about $2 million. Similarly, a 10% adverse movement in all fossil fuel prices will decrease 2005 gross margins by $5 million.

PPL also executes energy contracts to take advantage of market opportunities. As a result, PPL may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated. The margins from these trading activities are shown in the Statement of Income as "Net energy trading margins."

Commodity Price Risk (Trading)

PPL's trading contracts mature at various times through 2006. The following chart sets forth PPL's net fair market value of trading contracts as of December 31:

   

Gains (Losses)

 
   

2004

   

2003

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

$

3

   

$

(6

)

Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period

   

(12

)

   

16

 

Fair value of new contracts at inception

   

1

     

2

 

Other changes in fair values

   

18

     

(9

)

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

10

   

$

3

 

PPL will reverse approximately $3 million of the $10 million unrealized trading gains over the first three months of 2005 as the transactions are realized.

The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL's trading portfolio at December 31, 2004, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.

   

Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End
Gains (Losses)

 

   

Maturity
Less Than
1 Year

   

Maturity
1-3 Years

   

Maturity
3-5 Years

   

Maturity
in Excess
of 5 Years

   

Total Fair
Value

 

Source of Fair Value

                                       

Prices actively quoted

 

$

3

                           

$

3

 

Prices provided by other external sources

   

6

   

$

4

                     

10

 

Prices based on models and other valuation methods

   

(3

)

                           

(3

)

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

6

   

$

4

                   

$

10

 

See "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)" for information on the various sources of fair value.

As of December 31, 2004, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its trading portfolio by $5 million, compared to a decrease of $3 million at December 31, 2003.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations. PPL utilizes various financial derivative products to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in U.S. Treasury rates (and interest rate spreads over treasuries) in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.

At December 31, 2004, PPL's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was estimated at $4 million, compared to a $2 million exposure at December 31, 2003.

PPL is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its domestic and international debt portfolios. At December 31, 2004, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $216 million, compared to $212 million at December 31, 2003.

PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to adverse interest rate movements for future anticipated financing. While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, they are designed such that any economic loss in value should generally be offset by interest rate savings at the time the future anticipated financing is completed. At December 31, 2004, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $2 million, compared to a $6 million exposure at December 31, 2003.

PPL also utilizes various risk management instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio. While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any change in market value is recorded with an equal and offsetting change in the value of the debt being hedged. At December 31, 2004, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $19 million, compared to a $28 million exposure at December 31, 2003.

Foreign Currency Risk

PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe. In addition, PPL may make purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities and net investments. In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk.

PPL executed net forward sale transactions for £13.7 million to hedge a portion of its net investment in WPDH Limited. The estimated value of these agreements as of December 31, 2004, was $2 million, being the amount PPL would pay to terminate the transactions.

WPDH Limited held a net position in cross-currency swaps totaling $1.1 billion to hedge the interest payments and value of its U.S. dollar-denominated bonds. The estimated value of this position at December 31, 2004, being the amount PPL would pay to terminate it, including accrued interest, was $274 million.

On the Statement of Income, gains and losses associated with hedges of interest payments denominated in foreign currencies are reflected in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses associated with the purchase of equipment are reflected in "Depreciation." Gains and losses associated with net investment hedges remain in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Balance Sheet until the investment is disposed.

Nuclear Decommissioning Fund - Securities Price Risk

In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna station. As of December 31, 2004, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL's Balance Sheet. The mix of securities is designed to provide returns to be used to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs. However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates. PPL Susquehanna actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its nuclear decommissioning trust policy statement. At December 31, 2004, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $30 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets, as compared to a $24 million reduction at December 31, 2003. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the nuclear decommissioning trust funds.

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that PPL would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. PPL maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparties (including requirements that counterparties maintain certain credit ratings criteria) and requires other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstances in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, PPL has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies and other energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations of counterparties may impact PPL's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. As discussed above in "Contract Valuation," PPL records certain non-performance reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty with contracts that are out of the money (from the counterparty's standpoint) will default in its performance, in which case PPL would have to sell into a lower-priced market or purchase from a higher-priced market. These reserves are reflected in the fair value of assets recorded in "Price risk management assets" on the Balance Sheet. PPL also records reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty will not make payments for deliveries PPL has made but not yet billed. These reserves are reflected in "Unbilled revenues" on the Balance Sheet. PPL has also established a reserve with respect to certain sales to the California ISO for which PPL has not yet been paid, as well as a reserve related to PPL's exposure as a result of the Enron bankruptcy, which are reflected in "Accounts receivable" on the Balance Sheet. See Notes 14 and 17 to the Financial Statements.

Related Party Transactions

PPL is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL, PPL Energy Supply or PPL Electric in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL.

For additional information on related party transactions, see Note 15 to the Financial Statements.

Capital Expenditure Requirements

The schedule below shows PPL's current capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 and actual spending for the year 2004:

   

Actual

 

Projected

 

   

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

Construction expenditures (a) (b)

                         

 

Generating facilities

 

$

156

 

$

180

 

$

231

 

$

233

 

$

170

 

$

163

 

 

Transmission and distribution facilities

   

461

   

481

   

505

   

546

   

536

   

557

 

 

Environmental

   

23

   

43

   

136

   

265

   

230

   

172

 

 

Other

   

43

   

59

   

57

   

40

   

19

   

15

 

   

Total Construction Expenditures

   

683

   

763

   

929

   

1,084

   

955

   

907

 

Nuclear fuel

   

58

   

68

   

69

   

76

   

76

   

78

 

   

Total Capital Expenditures

 

$

741

 

$

831

 

$

998

 

$

1,160

 

$

1,031

 

$

985

 

(a)

 

Construction expenditures include AFUDC and capitalized interest, which are expected to be less than $19 million in each of the years 2005-2009.

(b)

 

This information excludes any potential investments by PPL Global and PPL Development Company for new projects.

PPL's capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 total about $5.0 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in market and asset regulatory conditions. PPL also leases vehicles, personal computers and other equipment, as described in Note 10 to the Financial Statements. See Note 14 for additional information regarding potential capital expenditures for environmental projects.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

From time-to-time, PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in negotiations with third parties regarding acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements which may or may not result in definitive agreements. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for information regarding recent acquisitions and development activities.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Global had investments in foreign facilities, including consolidated investments in WPD, Emel, EC and others. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for information on unconsolidated investments accounted for under the equity method.

In connection with an on-going review of its non-core international minority ownership investments, PPL Global sold its interest in CGE in 2004. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL is currently planning incremental capacity increases of 255 MW at several existing domestic generating facilities.

PPL is continuously reexamining development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with these projects, sell them, cancel them, expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other opportunities.

Environmental Matters

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

Competition

See "Item 1. Business - Competition," for a discussion of competitive factors affecting PPL.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for information on new accounting standards adopted in 2004 or pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

PPL's financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations of PPL, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the financial statements. (These accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.) PPL's senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them, with its Audit Committee. In addition, PPL's senior management has reviewed the following disclosures regarding the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee.

1) Price Risk Management

See "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" in Financial Condition.

2) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. Delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition of changes in benefit obligations and plan performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primary assumptions are as follows:

In selecting discount rates, PPL considers fixed-income security yield rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL decreased the discount rate for its domestic plans from 6.25% to 5.75% as a result of decreased domestic fixed-income security returns. The discount rate remained at 5.50% at December 31, 2004, for PPL's international pension plans.

In selecting an expected return on plan assets, PPL considers tax implications, past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plans. At December 31, 2004, PPL's expected return on plan assets remained at 9.0% for its domestic pension plans and increased to 7.9% from 7.8% for its other postretirement benefit plans. For its international plans, PPL maintained 8.30% as the expected return on plan assets at December 31, 2004.

In selecting a rate of compensation increase, PPL considers past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL's rate of compensation increase remained at 4.0% for its domestic plans. For its international plans, PPL's rate of compensation increase remained at 3.75% at December 31, 2004.

In selecting health care cost trend rates, PPL considers past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2004, PPL's health care cost trend rates were 10% for 2005, gradually declining to 5.0% for 2010.

A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significant impact on projected benefit obligations, accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and other comprehensive income (OCI). The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the 2004 Financial Statements associated with a change in certain assumptions. While the chart below reflects either an increase or decrease in each assumption, the inverse of this change would impact the projected benefit obligation, accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and OCI by a similar amount in the opposite direction. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.

   

Increase (Decrease)

 

Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in Assumption

   

Impact on Obligation

   

Impact on Liabilities
(a)

   

Impact on Cost

   

Impact on OCI

 

Discount Rate

   

(0.25)%

   

$

191

   

$

7

   

$

7

   

$

108

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   

(0.25)%

     

N/A

     

11

     

11

     

(6

)

Rate of Compensation Increase

   

0.25%

     

31

     

5

     

5

     

(1

)

Health Care Cost Trend Rate (b)

   

1.0%

     

11

     

1

     

1

     

N/A

 

(a)

 

Excludes the impact of additional minimum liability.

(b)

 

Only impacts other postretirement benefits.

PPL's total net pension and other postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2004, was $886 million. PPL recognized an aggregate net accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liability of $517 million on its Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004. The total obligation is not fully reflected in the current financial statements due to the delayed recognition criteria of the accounting standards for these obligations.

In 2004, PPL recognized net periodic pension and other postretirement costs charged to operating expenses of $7 million. This amount represents a $6 million increase from 2003. This increase in expense was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate at December 31, 2003, offset by decreased postretirement medical costs resulting from increased employee cost sharing.

As a result of the decrease in the assumed discount rate at December 31, 2004 for its domestic pension plans and the increase in the obligations for its international plans determined by their 2004 valuation, PPL was required to increase its recognized additional minimum pension liability. Recording the change in the additional minimum liability resulted in a $53 million increase to the pension-related charge to OCI, net of taxes, translation adjustment and unrecognized prior service costs, with no effect on net income. This charge increased the pension-related balance in OCI, which is a reduction to shareowners' equity, to $369 million at December 31, 2004. The charges to OCI will reverse in future periods if the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Refer to Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.

3) Asset Impairment

PPL performs impairment analyses for long-lived assets, including intangibles, that are subject to depreciation or amortization in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." PPL tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances are:

For a long-lived asset, an impairment exists when the carrying value exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the asset is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded to adjust the asset's carrying value to its estimated fair value.

In determining asset impairments, management must make significant judgments to estimate future cash flows, the useful lives of long-lived assets, the fair value of the assets and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the impairment reviews could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. For determining fair value, the FASB has indicated that quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value. However, when market prices are unavailable, other valuation techniques may be used. PPL has generally used a present value technique (i.e., discounted cash flow). Discounted cash flow is calculated by estimating future cash flow streams and applying appropriate discount rates to determine the present value of the cash flow streams.

PPL has determined that when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of a long-lived asset are being considered, it uses estimated cash flows from the most likely approach to assess impairment whenever one scenario is clearly the most likely outcome. If no scenario is clearly most likely, then a probability-weighted approach is used taking into consideration estimated cash flows from the alternative scenarios. For assets tested for impairment as of the balance sheet date, the estimates of future cash flows used in that test consider the likelihood of possible outcomes that existed at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the assets. That assessment made as of the balance sheet date is not revised based on events that occur after the balance sheet date.

During 2004, PPL and its subsidiaries evaluated certain gas-fired generation assets for impairment, as events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. PPL did not record an impairment of these gas-fired generation assets in 2004. For these impairment analyses, the most significant assumption was the estimate of future cash flows. PPL estimates future cash flows using information from its corporate business plan adjusted for any recent sales or purchase commitments. Key factors that impact cash flows include projected prices for electricity and gas as well as firm sales and purchase commitments. A 10% decrease in estimated future cash flows for certain gas-fired generation assets would have resulted in an impairment charge.

In June 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Generation agreed to sell the 450 MW Sundance power plant to Arizona Public Service Company, subject to the receipt of various state and federal regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. At December 31, 2004, as a result of the significant regulatory approvals still needed to complete the sale, PPL management did not believe that it was more likely than not that the sale would be consummated and concluded that no impairment charge was required at that time. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the potential sale of Sundance.

PPL performs impairment analyses for goodwill in accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." PPL performs an annual impairment test for goodwill, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. PPL has determined its reporting units to be one level below its operating segments.

Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

The second step requires a calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared with the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill.

PPL completed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2004. This test did not require any second-step assessments and did not result in any impairments. PPL's most significant assumptions surrounding the goodwill impairment test relate to the estimates of reporting unit fair values. PPL estimated fair values primarily based upon discounted cash flows. Although a full two-step evaluation was not completed, a decrease in the forecasted cash flows of 10% or an increase of the discount rates by 25 basis points would have resulted in the carrying value of certain reporting units exceeding their estimated fair values, indicating a potential impairment of goodwill.

4) Leasing

PPL applies the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," to all leasing transactions. In addition, PPL applies the provisions of numerous other accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB and the EITF that provide specific guidance and additional requirements related to accounting for various leasing arrangements. In general, there are two types of leases from a lessee's perspective: operating leases - leases accounted for off-balance sheet; and capital leases - leases capitalized on the balance sheet.

In accounting for leases, management makes various assumptions, including the discount rate, the fair market value of the leased assets and the estimated useful life, in determining whether a lease should be classified as operating or capital. Changes in these assumptions could result in the difference between whether a lease is determined to be an operating lease or a capital lease, thus significantly impacting the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements.

In addition to uncertainty inherent in management's assumptions, leasing transactions and the related accounting rules become increasingly complex when they involve: real estate and/or related integral equipment; sale/leaseback accounting (leasing transactions where the lessee previously owned the leased assets); synthetic leases (leases that qualify for operating lease treatment for book accounting purposes and financing treatment for tax accounting purposes); and lessee involvement in the construction of leased assets.

At December 31, 2004, PPL continued to participate in a significant sale/leaseback transaction. In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its interest in the Colstrip generating plant to owner lessors who are leasing the assets back to PPL Montana under four 36-year operating leases. This transaction is accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with current rules related to sale/leaseback arrangements. If for any reason this transaction did not meet the requirements for off-balance sheet operating lease treatment as a sale/leaseback, PPL would have recorded approximately $290 million of additional assets and approximately $331 million of additional liabilities on its balance sheet at December 31, 2004, and would have recorded additional expenses currently estimated at $8 million, after-tax, in 2004.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to operating leases.

5) Loss Accruals

PPL periodically accrues losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. These events are called "contingencies," and PPL's accounting for such events is prescribed by SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." SFAS 5 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur."

For loss contingencies, the loss must be accrued if (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events.

PPL also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when long-term purchase commitments were assumed under asset acquisition agreements and when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. Under regulatory accounting, PPL Electric recorded the above-market cost of energy purchases from NUGs as part of its purchased power costs on an as-incurred basis, since these costs were recovered in regulated rates. When the generation business was deregulated, the estimated loss associated with these long-term purchase commitments to make above-market NUG purchases was recorded because PPL Electric was committed to purchase electricity at above market prices but it could no longer recover these costs in regulated rates.

The accounting aspects of estimated loss accruals include: (1) the initial identification and recording of the loss; (2) the determination of triggering events for reducing a recorded loss accrual; and (3) the on-going assessment as to whether a recorded loss accrual is sufficient. All three aspects of accounting for loss accruals - the initial identification and recording of a probable loss, the identification of triggering events to reduce the loss accrual, and the ongoing assessment of the sufficiency of a recorded loss accrual - require significant judgment by PPL's management.

Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual

PPL uses its internal expertise and outside experts (such as lawyers, tax specialists and engineers), as necessary, to help estimate the probability that a loss has been incurred and the amount (or range) of the loss.

PPL has identified certain events which could give rise to a loss, but which do not meet the conditions for accrual under SFAS 5. SFAS 5 requires disclosure, but not a recording, of potential losses when it is "reasonably possible" that a loss has been incurred. The FASB defines "reasonably possible" as cases in which "the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for disclosure of potential loss contingencies, most of which have not met the criteria for accrual under SFAS 5.

Reducing Recorded Loss Accruals

When an estimated loss is accrued, PPL identifies, where applicable, the triggering events for subsequently reducing the loss accrual. The triggering events generally occur when the contingency has been resolved and the actual loss is incurred, or when the risk of loss has diminished or been eliminated. The following are some of the triggering events that provide for the reduction of certain recorded loss accruals:

On-Going Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals

PPL reviews its loss accruals on a regular basis to assure that the recorded potential loss exposures are sufficient. This involves on-going communication and analyses with internal and external legal counsel, engineers, tax specialists, operation management and other parties.

The largest loss accrual on PPL's balance sheet, and the loss accrual that changed most significantly in 2004, was for an impairment of above-market NUG purchase commitments. This loss accrual reflects the estimated difference between the above-market contract terms, under the purchase commitments, and the fair value of the electricity to be purchased. This loss accrual was originally recorded at $854 million in 1998, when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. This loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment. The above-market loss accrual was $279 million at December 31, 2004.

When the loss accrual related to NUG purchases was recorded in 1998, PPL Electric established the triggering events for when the loss accrual would be reduced. A schedule was established to reduce the liability based on projected purchases over the lives of the NUG contracts. All but one of the NUG contracts expire by 2009, with the last one ending in 2014. PPL EnergyPlus reduces the above-market NUG liability based on the aforementioned schedule. As PPL EnergyPlus reduces the liability for the above-market NUG purchases, it offsets the actual cost of NUG purchases, thereby bringing the net power purchase expense more in line with market prices.

PPL EnergyPlus assessed the remaining $279 million above-market liability at December 31, 2004, comparing the projected electricity purchases under the pricing terms of the NUG contracts with the purchases assuming current projected market prices for the energy. This assessment was based on projected PJM market prices, including capacity, and a discount factor for the unit contingent nature of each NUG's output through 2014. The assessment also used a sensitivity around the market prices, adjusting such prices downward by 15%. PPL management believes that the 15% range in volatility is appropriate due to the significant increase in energy prices over the last few years. For example, at December 31, 2004, PJM future market prices, including capacity, were 18% higher than the comparable projections at December 31, 2003.

The assessment is dependent on the market prices of energy and the estimated output levels of the NUGs. Market prices of energy are dependent on many variables, including growth in electricity demand in PJM, available generation, and changes in regulatory and economic conditions. Accordingly, a market price sensitivity was used in the assessment. Based on current projected market prices for energy, the loss accrual for the above-market NUG purchase commitments would be approximately $225 million. Even if estimated market prices were adjusted downwards by 15% during the remaining term of the NUG contracts, the loss accrual for the above-market NUG purchase commitments would be approximately $287 million. As noted above, it is very difficult to estimate future electricity prices, which are dependent on many variables and subject to significant volatility. However, based on this assessment, PPL's management believes that the current recorded NUG above-market liability of $279 million was sufficient at December 31, 2004.

6) Asset Retirement Obligations

SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The initial obligation should be measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount should be recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability should be increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time.

In determining asset retirement obligations, management must make significant judgments and estimates to calculate fair value. Fair value is developed through consideration of estimated retirement costs in today's dollars, inflated to the anticipated retirement date and then discounted back to the date the asset retirement obligation was incurred. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the calculations of asset retirement obligations could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements.

At December 31, 2004, PPL had asset retirement obligations totaling $257 million recorded on the Balance Sheet. PPL's most significant assumptions surrounding asset retirement obligations are the forecasted retirement cost, discount rate and inflation rate. A variance in the forecasted retirement cost, discount rate or inflation rate could have a significant impact on the ARO liability.

The following chart reflects the sensitivities related to the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004, associated with a change in these assumptions at the time of initial recognition. There is no significant change to the ARO asset value, depreciation expense of the ARO asset or accretion expense of the ARO liability as a result of changing the assumptions. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.

   

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on
ARO Liability

Retirement Cost

 

10%/(10)%

 

$23/$(23)

Discount Rate

0.25%/(0.25)%

$(25)/$27

Inflation Rate

 

0.25%/(0.25)%

 

$29/$(26)

Other Information

PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services and other services permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, employee benefit plan audits and internal control reviews.




PPL ENERGY SUPPLY, LLC
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

PPL Energy Supply is an energy company with headquarters in Allentown, PA. See "Item 1. Business - Background," for a description of PPL Energy Supply's domestic and international businesses. See Exhibit 99 in Item 15 for a listing of its principal subsidiaries. Through its subsidiaries, PPL Energy Supply is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in two key markets - the northeastern and western U.S. - and in the delivery of electricity in the U.K. and Latin America. PPL Energy Supply's strategy for its electricity generation and marketing business is to match energy supply with load, or customer demand, under long-term and intermediate-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties. PPL Energy Supply's strategy for its international electricity delivery businesses is to own and operate these businesses at the highest level of quality and reliability and at the most efficient cost.

PPL Energy Supply faces several risks in its generation business. The principal risks are electricity wholesale price risk, fuel supply and price risk, power plant performance and counterparty credit risk. PPL Energy Supply attempts to manage these risks through various means. For instance, PPL Energy Supply operates a portfolio of generation assets that is diversified as to geography, fuel source, cost structure and operating characteristics. PPL Energy Supply is focused on the operating efficiency of these power plants and maintaining their availability. In addition, PPL Energy Supply has in place and continues to pursue long-term and intermediate-term contracts for energy sales and fuel supply, and other means, to mitigate the risks associated with adverse changes in the difference, or margin, between the cost to produce electricity and the price at which PPL Energy Supply sells it. PPL Energy Supply's contractual commitments for energy sales are primarily satisfied through its own generation assets - i.e., PPL Energy Supply primarily markets and trades around its physical portfolio of generating assets through integrated generation, marketing and trading functions. PPL Energy Supply has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of earnings and cash flows related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.

PPL Energy Supply's international electricity delivery businesses are rate-regulated. Accordingly, these businesses are subject to regulatory risks in terms of the costs that they may recover and the investment returns that they may collect in customer rates. The principal challenge that PPL Energy Supply faces in its international electricity delivery businesses is to maintain high standards of customer service and reliability in a cost-effective manner. PPL Energy Supply faces certain financial risks by conducting international operations, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates. PPL Energy Supply attempts to manage these financial risks through its risk management program.

A key challenge for PPL Energy Supply's business as a whole is to maintain a strong credit profile. In the past few years, investors, analysts and rating agencies that follow companies in the energy industry have been particularly focused on the credit quality and liquidity position of energy companies. PPL Energy Supply is focused on strengthening its balance sheet and improving its liquidity position, thereby improving its credit profile.

The purpose of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is to provide information concerning PPL Energy Supply's past and expected future performance in implementing the strategies and managing the risks and challenges outlined above. Specifically:

The information provided in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" should be read in conjunction with PPL Energy Supply's Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.

Terms and abbreviations are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions unless otherwise noted.

Results of Operations

The following discussion, which explains significant annual changes in principal items on the Statement of Income, compares 2004 to 2003 and compares 2003 to 2002.

WPD's results, as consolidated in PPL Energy Supply's Statement of Income, are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in foreign exchange rates increased WPD's portion of revenue and expense line items by about 12% in 2004 compared with 2003, and by about 9% in 2003 compared with 2002.

The comparability of certain items on the 2003 and 2002 Statements of Income has also been impacted by PPL Global's investment in CEMAR. The consolidated results of CEMAR are included from January to August 2002, when PPL had a controlling interest. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for more information, including the sale of this investment in 2004.

Earnings

Net income was as follows:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

   

$

651

   

$

727

   

$

279

 

The after-tax changes in net income were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Domestic:

               

 

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins

 

$

35

   

$

(2

)

 

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins

   

(1

)

   

16

 

 

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins

   

(5

)

   

5

 

 

Net energy trading margins

   

7

     

(6

)

 

Other income - affiliated interest

   

(6

)

   

(4

)

 

Energy related businesses

   

(6

)

   

(13

)

 

Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (Note 16)

   

(16

)

   

12

 

 

Depreciation

   

(18

)

   

6

 

 

Trademark license fees from affiliate

   

3

     

(18

)

 

Interest income on IRS tax settlement

   

9

         

 

Operation and maintenance expenses

   

(5

)

   

(28

)

 

Interest expense

   

(34

)

   

(3

)

 

Synfuel earnings

   

11

     

2

 

 

Other

   

5

     

6

 

   

Total Domestic

   

(21

)

   

(27

)

International:

               

 

U.K. operations:

               

   

Benefit of complete ownership of WPD (Note 9)

           

29

 

   

Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates

   

22

     

14

 

   

Distribution margins

   

5

         

   

Operation and maintenance expenses

   

11

         

   

Other

   

(6

)

   

1

 

 

Latin America

   

3

     

18

 

 

Other

   

(7

)

   

3

 

   

Total International

   

28

     

65

 

Unusual items

   

(83

)

   

410

 

   

$

(76

)

 

$

448

 

The changes in net income from year to year were, in part, attributable to several unusual items with significant earnings impacts, including accounting changes, discontinued operations and infrequently occurring items. The after-tax impacts of these unusual items are:

     

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Accounting changes:

                       

 

ARO (Note 21)

         

$

63

         

 

Consolidation of variable interest entities (Note 22)

           

(27

)

       

 

Goodwill impairment (Note 19)

                 

$

(150

)

Sale of CGE (Note 9)

 

$

(7

)

               

Sale of CEMAR (Note 9)

   

23

                 

Discontinued operations (Note 9)

   

(2

)

   

(20

)

       

CEMAR-related net tax benefit
(Note 5)

           

81

         

Workforce reduction (Note 20)

                   

(24

)

Write-down of generation assets (Note 9)

                   

(26

)

CEMAR operating losses (Note 9)

                   

(23

)

CEMAR impairment (Note 9)

                   

(98

)

Tax benefit - Teesside (Note 9)

                   

8

 

Total

 

$

14

   

$

97

   

$

(313

)

The year-to-year changes in earnings components, including domestic gross energy margins by region and income statement line items, are discussed in the balance of "Results of Operations."

PPL Energy Supply's future earnings could be, or will be, impacted by a number of key factors, including the following:

Domestic Gross Energy Margins

The following table provides changes in the income statement line items that comprise domestic gross energy margins:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Wholesale energy marketing revenues

 

$

25

   

$

183

 

Wholesale energy marketing to affiliates revenues

   

56

     

13

 

Unregulated retail electric and gas revenues

   

(34

)

   

(30

)

Net energy trading margins

   

12

     

(10

)

Other revenue adjustments (a)

   

15

     

22

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   

74

     

178

 
       

 

 

   

 

 

Fuel

   

105

     

42

 

Energy purchases

   

(95

)

   

98

 

Energy purchases from affiliates

   

2

     

(8

)

Other cost adjustments (a)

   

1

     

24

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

   

13

     

156

 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

Domestic gross energy margins

 

$

61

   

$

22

 

(a)

 

Adjusted to exclude the impact of any revenues and costs not associated with domestic gross energy margins, in particular, revenues and energy costs related to the international operations of PPL Global. Also adjusted to include gains or losses on sales of emission allowances, which are included in "Other operation and maintenance" expenses on the Statement of Income, and the reduction of the reserve for Enron receivables, as described in Note 17 to the Financial Statements.

Changes in Domestic Gross Energy Margins By Region

Domestic gross energy margins are generated through PPL Energy Supply's normal and hedge activities (non-trading), as well as trading activities. Non-trading margins are now discussed on a geographic basis rather than on an activity basis, as reported prior to 2004. A regional perspective more closely matches the internal view of how PPL Energy Supply's energy business is managed.

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Eastern U.S. non-trading

 

$

59

   

$

(4

)

Northwestern U.S. non-trading

   

(2

)

   

27

 

Southwestern U.S. non-trading

   

(8

)

   

9

 

Net energy trading

   

12

     

(10

)

 

Domestic gross energy margins

 

$

61

   

$

22

 

Eastern U.S.

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to 3% higher generation, as well as higher prices and slightly higher sales volumes. In PJM, where the majority of PPL's Eastern wholesale activity occurs, average spot prices rose 15% in 2004 over 2003. PPL Energy Supply also benefited from favorable transmission congestion positions. In addition, retail energy prices increased by approximately 1% in 2004 in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order. The higher volumes reflect the return of customers who had previously shopped for electricity, as well as new load obligations in Connecticut and New Jersey, partially offset by lower wholesale sales. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased supply costs driven by increased fossil fuel and purchased power prices.

Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were essentially flat in 2003 compared to 2002 due to lower supply costs in 2002 caused by the buyout of a NUG contract in February 2002, which reduced 2002's power purchases by $25 million. Excluding the NUG buyout, margins in 2003 were higher compared to 2002, primarily due to higher wholesale volumes, which increased by 47%. The higher volumes were primarily driven by market opportunities to optimize the value of generating assets and by higher spot prices that allowed PPL Energy Supply to increase the utilization of its higher-cost generating units.

Northwestern U.S.

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were slightly lower in 2004 compared to 2003, due in part to a retroactive coal price adjustment caused by an unfavorable arbitration ruling. Incremental expense of $6 million was recorded in 2004 as a result of the ruling, most of which related to years 2001 to 2003. Contributing to the decrease in margins in 2004 compared to 2003 was a $6 million positive impact to 2003 margins related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements) and a 2003 favorable litigation settlement of $3 million with Energy West Resources. These decreases were offset by improved generation and higher prices.

Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2003 compared to 2002, due to higher wholesale prices. Average wholesale prices for 2003 were $6/MWh higher than prices in 2002. A $6 million partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements) and a favorable settlement of $3 million with Energy West Resources also positively impacted margins in 2003.

Southwestern U.S.

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to wholesale sales volumes decreasing 17%. Also contributing to the decrease in margins in 2004 compared to 2003 was a $3 million positive impact to 2003 margins related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables (discussed in Note 17 to the Financial Statements).

Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2003 compared to 2002, due to the inception of new tolling agreements in Arizona and an increase of average wholesale prices by $16/MWh in 2003 compared to 2002. In addition, margins were positively impacted by $3 million in 2003 related to a partial reversal of a reserve against Enron receivables.

Net Energy Trading

PPL Energy Supply enters into certain energy contracts that meet the criteria of trading derivatives as defined by EITF Issue 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." These physical and financial contracts cover trading activity associated with electricity, gas and oil. The $12 million increase in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to a $6 million increase in electricity positions and a $6 million increase in gas and oil positions. The $10 million decrease in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to realized electric swap losses in 2003. The physical volumes associated with energy trading were 5,700 GWh and 11.7 Bcf in 2004; 5,200 GWh and 12.6 Bcf in 2003; and 9,600 GWh and 12.4 Bcf in 2002. The amount of energy trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions was $13 million in 2004 and not significant in 2003 and 2002.

Utility Revenues

The increase (decrease) in utility revenues was attributable to the following:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

International:

               

Retail electric delivery (PPL Global)

               

 

U.K.

 

$

70

   

$

36

 

 

Chile

   

27

     

18

 

 

Bolivia

   

1

     

1

 

 

Brazil

           

(113

)

 

El Salvador

           

13

 

   

$

98

   

$

(45

)

The increase for 2004 compared with 2003 was primarily due to:

The decrease for 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to the deconsolidation of CEMAR in August 2002. (See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.) This decrease was partially offset by:

Energy Related Businesses

Energy related businesses contributed $45 million less to operating income in 2004 compared with 2003. The decrease was attributable to the following:

Energy related businesses contributed $16 million less to operating income in 2003 compared with 2002. The decrease resulted primarily from:

Other Operation and Maintenance

The increases in other operation and maintenance expenses were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Property damage and environmental insurance settlements which were recorded in 2003

 

$

26

   

$

(26

)

Increase in foreign currency exchange rates

   

15

     

10

 

Increase in domestic and international pension costs

   

8

     

29

 

Additional expenses of new generating facilities

   

5

     

28

 

Increase in WPD expenses due to regulatory accounting adjustments, and resolution of purchase accounting contingencies in 2002 related to the Hyder acquisition

           

18

 

Increase in WPD tree trimming costs

   

8

         

Decrease in the Clean Air Act contingency relating to generating facilities recorded in 2003

   

8

     

(8

)

Accretion expense as a result of applying SFAS 143 (Note 21)

   

1

     

18

 

Increased operating expenses in domestic business lines and other

           

21

 

Outage costs associated with planned maintenance at the Montour and Conemaugh plants

   

7

         

Timing and extent of outage costs associated with the planned refueling and inspection at the Susquehanna station and of other nuclear-related expenses

   

2

     

7

 

Change to account for CEMAR on the cost-method in 2002

           

(38

)

Estimated reduction in salaries and benefits as a result of the workforce reduction initiated in 2002 (Note 20)

           

(15

)

Vacation liability adjustment in 2002 in conjunction with the workforce reduction

           

(6

)

Decrease in lease expense due to the consolidation of the Sundance and University Park generation facilities

   

(24

)

       

WPD capitalization

   

(13

)

       

Decrease in Brunner Island expenses due to outage work in 2003. No major outage work performed in 2004

   

(6

)

       

Trademark license fees from a PPL subsidiary (Note 15)

   

(5

)

   

31

 

Increase (decrease) in other postretirement benefit expense

   

(2

)

   

5

 

Gains on sales of emission allowances

   

(1

)

   

(17

)

Other

   

(13

)

   

7

 

   

$

16

   

$

64

 

The $8 million increase in net pension costs was attributable to reductions in the discount rate assumptions for PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's domestic and international pension plans at December 31, 2003. Although financial markets have improved and the domestic and international pension plans have experienced significant asset gains in 2003 and 2004, domestic interest rates on fixed-income obligations have continued to fall, requiring a further reduction in the discount rate assumption for the domestic plans as of December 31, 2004. The reduction in the discount rate assumption has a significant impact on the measurement of plan obligations and net pension cost. In addition, there was an increase in the obligations of the WPD pension plan as determined by its most recent actuarial valuation as of March 31, 2004. PPL Energy Supply's net pension costs are expected to increase by approximately $34 million in 2005. Approximately $31 million of the increased costs is attributable to the WPD pension plans. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for details of the funded status of PPL's pension plans.

Depreciation

Increases in depreciation expense were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Additions to PP&E

 

$

7

   

$

17

 

Sundance and University Park generation facilities - FIN46 (a)

   

15

         

Depreciation on Lower Mt. Bethel generation facility, which began commercial operation in May 2004

   

10

         

Foreign currency exchange rates

   

16

     

10

 

Lower depreciation due to deconsolidation of CEMAR in 2002

           

(7

)

2003 purchase accounting adjustments to WPD assets (Note 9)

   

(22

)

   

3

 

No decommissioning expense in 2003 due to application of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" (b)

           

(22

)

   

$

26

   

$

1

 


(a)

 

The lessor of these facilities was consolidated under FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," effective December 31, 2003. In June 2004, subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply purchased the Sundance and University Park generation assets from the lessor that was consolidated by PPL Energy Supply under FIN 46. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(b)

 

There was a corresponding recording of accretion expense for PPL Susquehanna in 2003, which is included in "Other operation and maintenance" expense on the Statement of Income. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Taxes, Other Than Income

Taxes, other than income, increased by $7 million in 2004, compared with 2003. The increase was primarily due to higher WPD property taxes of approximately $9 million, primarily from the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, adjustments recorded in 2003 and an increase in property tax rates.

Taxes, other than income, increased by $11 million in 2003 compared with 2002, due to higher taxes related to increases in the basis on which capital stock tax is calculated and higher real estate taxes in 2003.

Other Charges

Other charges of $198 million in 2002 consisted of the write-down of PPL Global's investment in CEMAR and several smaller impairment charges on other international investments (see Note 9 to the Financial Statements), the write-down of generation assets (see Note 9) and a charge for a workforce reduction program (see Note 20).

Other Income - net

See Note 16 to the Financial Statements for details of other income and deductions.

Financing Costs

The increase (decrease) in financing costs, which include "Interest Expense," "Interest Expense with Affiliate" and "Distributions on Preferred Securities," were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Increase in interest expense due to consolidation of the lessors of the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities, in accordance with FIN 46

 

$

34

         

Financing costs associated with the repayment of the consolidated trust's debt for the Sundance and University Park generation facilities

   

9

         

Increase in long-term debt interest expense

   

36

   

$

18

 

Increase in foreign currency exchange rates

   

15

     

10

 

Increase in interest expense with affiliate

   

7

     

(2

)

Decrease in amortization expense

   

(9

)

   

(6

)

Decrease in short-term debt interest expense

   

(10

)

   

(20

)

Decrease in long-term debt interest from the deconsolidation of CEMAR in August 2002

           

(34

)

Decrease in capitalized interest

   

1

     

13

 

Write-off of unamortized swap costs on WPD debt restructuring in 2003

(11

)

11

Other

1

(5

)

   

$

73

   

$

(15

)

Income Taxes

Income tax expense increased by $14 million in 2004 compared with 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to:

Income tax expense decreased by $81 million in 2003 compared with 2002. This decrease was due to:

Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns by taxing authorities. However, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of any issues raised by such authorities may differ materially from the amount accrued. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, PPL Energy Supply accounts for changes in probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount that should be recognized. An allowance is maintained for the tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate. During 2004, PPL Energy Supply reached partial settlement with the IRS with respect to the tax years 1991 through 1995 and received a cash refund in the amount of $7 million. As a result of this settlement, the net tax impact recorded in 2004 was not significant.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for details on effective income tax rates and for information on the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

Discontinued Operations

In 2003, PPL Energy Supply reported a loss of $20 million in connection with the approval of a plan of sale of PPL Global's investment in a Latin American telecommunications company. An additional $2 million loss was recorded in 2004, representing operating losses through the date of the sale. See "Discontinued Operations" in Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to the sale.

Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles

In 2003, PPL Energy Supply recorded a charge of $27 million, after-tax, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in connection with the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. SFAS 143 addresses the accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. It requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. Application of the new rules resulted in a cumulative effect of adoption that increased net income by $63 million in 2003. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002. SFAS 142 requires an annual impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization. PPL Energy Supply performed a transition impairment analysis in the first quarter of 2002 and recorded a transition goodwill impairment charge of $150 million. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Financial Condition

Liquidity

PPL Energy Supply is focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position and strengthening its balance sheet, thereby improving its credit profile. PPL Energy Supply believes that its cash on hand, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund its ongoing operating requirements, future security maturities and estimated future capital expenditures. PPL Energy Supply currently expects cash on hand at the end of 2005 to be approximately $180 million, with about $1.9 billion in credit facilities. However, PPL Energy Supply's cash flows from operations and its access to cost effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the following:

At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had $357 million in cash and cash equivalents and no short-term debt compared to $222 million in cash and cash equivalents and $56 million of short-term debt at December 31, 2003, and $149 million in cash and cash equivalents and $928 million of short-term debt at December 31, 2002. The changes in cash and cash equivalents resulted from the following:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

$

556

   

$

904

   

$

626

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

   

(465

)

   

205

     

(1,119

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   

35

   

(1,043

)

   

(175

)

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash & Cash Equivalents

   

9

     

7

     

2

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents

 

$

135

   

$

73

   

$

(666

)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash from operating activities decreased by 38%, or $348 million, in 2004 versus 2003, reflecting the posting of $300 million in cash collateral to PPL Electric related to the PLR energy supply agreements and higher cash taxes, partially offset by higher energy margins.

Important elements supporting the stability of PPL Energy Supply's cash provided by operating activities are the long-term and intermediate-term commitments from wholesale and retail customers and long-term fuel supply contracts PPL Energy Supply has in place. PPL Energy Supply estimates that, on average, approximately 83% of its expected annual generation output for the period 2005 through 2009 is committed under long-term and intermediate-term energy supply contracts. PPL EnergyPlus also enters into contracts under which it agrees to sell and purchase electricity, natural gas, oil and coal. These contracts often require cash collateral or other credit enhancement, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the entire contract through cash settlement in the event of a downgrade of PPL Energy Supply or the respective subsidiary's credit ratings or adverse changes in market prices. For example, in addition to limiting its trading ability, if PPL Energy Supply or its respective subsidiary's ratings were lowered to below "investment grade" and energy prices increased by 10%, PPL Energy Supply estimates that, based on its December 31, 2004 positions, it would have had to post collateral of approximately $280 million as compared to $490 million at December 31, 2003. PPL Energy Supply has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of cash flows related to changes in energy prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by 44%, or $278 million, in 2003 versus 2002, reflecting higher net income adjusted for non-cash items and lower cash income taxes. In addition, 2002 included cash outlays of $152 million for the cancellation of generation projects and $50 million for the termination of a NUG contract. The higher net income in 2003 was principally driven by complete ownership of WPD, higher wholesale energy margins, lower interest expense and savings from a workforce reduction program in the U.S. that commenced in 2002.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $670 million in 2004 versus 2003. The primary reason for the increase was the repayment of a $653 note receivable from an affiliate in 2003. The primary use of cash for investing activities is capital and investment expenditures. See "Capital Expenditure Requirements" for capital and investment expenditures in 2004 and expected expenditures in 2005 through 2009. In 2005, PPL Energy Supply expects to be able to fund all of its capital expenditures with cash from operating activities.

The increase of $1.3 billion in net cash provided by investing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to the reduced investment in generation assets and electric energy projects, the acquisition of the controlling interest in WPD in September 2002, and a repayment of a loan by an affiliate.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

Net cash from financing activities in 2004 increased by $1.1 billion versus 2003. The primary reasons for the increase in cash from financing activities was due to a net reduction of $758 million in distributions to member and a $495 million increase in note payable to affiliate.

PPL Energy Supply's debt financing activity in 2004 was as follows:

   

Issuances

   

Retirements

 

PPL Energy Supply Senior Unsecured Notes

 

$

300

         

PPL Energy Supply lease financing

         

$

(656

)

PPL Energy Supply Note Payable to Affiliate

   

495

         

WPD short-term debt (net change)

           

(56

)

Latin American companies long-term debt

   

22

     

(15

)

 

Total

 

$

817

   

$

(727

)

Net addition

 

$

90

         

Debt issued during 2004 had stated interest rates ranging from 2.1% to 9.0% and maturities from 2006 through 2014. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding PPL Energy Supply's financing activities.

In December 2004, PPL Energy Supply reactivated its commercial paper program to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding and currently has no plans to access the commercial paper market in the short-term.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply's total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were as follows:

 

   

Committed Capacity

   

Borrowed

   

Letters of Credit Issued (c)

   

Available Capacity

 

PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities (a)

 

$

1,100

           

$

250

   

$

850

 

WPD (South West) Bank Facilities (b)

   

769

     

     

2

     

767

 

 

Total

 

$

1,869

     

   

$

252

   

$

1,617

 

(a)

 

PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Energy Supply also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $950 million of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity.

These credit facilities contain financial covenants requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 65% and requiring that PPL Energy Supply maintain an interest coverage ratio to not be less than 2.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Energy Supply's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentages, as calculated in accordance with one of its credit facilities, were 35% and 36%. Under a second credit facility entered into in June 2004, the consolidated debt to capitalization percentage was 34% at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Energy Supply's interest coverage ratios, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, were 6.2 and 6.3. The credit facilities also contain certain representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Energy Supply to borrow under them, including, but not limited to, a material adverse change clause that relates to PPL Energy Supply's ability to perform its obligations under the credit agreements and related loan documents.

     

(b)

 

WPD (South West)'s credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating.

These credit facilities contain financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and a regulatory asset base (RAB) at £150 million greater than total gross debt, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, WPD (South West)'s interest coverage ratio, as calculated in accordance with its credit lines, were 6.8 and 6.7. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, WPD (South West)'s RAB, as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities, exceeded its total gross debt by £531 million and £482 million.

     

(c)

 

PPL Energy Supply and WPD (South West) have a reimbursement obligation to the extent any letters of credit are drawn upon. The letters of credit issued as of December 31, 2004, expire in 2005.

These credit agreements contain various other covenants. Failure to meet those covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of due dates of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. PPL Energy Supply monitors the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply was in material compliance with those covenants. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these covenants and other borrowing conditions will not limit access to these funding sources. PPL Energy Supply and WPD (South West) intend to renew and extend all of their syndicated credit facilities in 2005.

The increase of $868 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily reflected the repayment of short-term debt, retirement of long-term debt, distributions to PPL to support dividend payments to PPL shareholders, and maturities and interest payments on PPL Capital Funding's debt. In 2003, PPL Energy Supply had net retirements of $120 million compared with net issuances of $378 million in 2002. Net distributions to Member were $907 million in 2003 compared with $550 million in 2002.

Operating Leases

PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries also have available funding sources that are provided through operating leases. PPL Energy Supply's subsidiaries lease vehicles, office space, land, buildings, personal computers and other equipment. These leasing structures provide PPL Energy Supply with additional operating and financing flexibility. The operating leases contain covenants that are typical for these agreements, such as maintaining insurance, maintaining corporate existence and timely payment of rent and other fees. Failure to meet these covenants could limit or restrict access to these funds or require early payment of obligations. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these covenants will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases.

PPL Energy Supply, through its subsidiary PPL Montana, leases a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3, under four 36-year non-cancelable operating leases. These operating leases are not recorded on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these restrictions will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of other dividend restrictions related to PPL Global subsidiaries.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the operating leases.

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2004, the estimated contractual cash obligations of PPL Energy Supply were as follows:

Contractual Cash Obligations

 

Total

   

Less
Than
1 Year

   

1-3
Years

   

3-5
Years

   

After 5
Years

 

Long-term Debt (a)

 

$

3,974

   

$

181

   

$

604

   

$

228

   

$

2,961

 

Capital Lease Obligations

                                       

Operating Leases

   

733

     

63

     

115

     

107

     

448

 

Purchase Obligations (b)

   

2,900

     

623

     

1,162

     

516

     

599

 

Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet under GAAP (c)

   

174

     

38

     

116

     

20

         

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

 

$

7,781

   

$

905

   

$

1,997

   

$

871

   

$

4,008

 


(a)

 

Reflects principal maturities only, including maturities of consolidated lease debt.

(b)

 

The payments reflected herein are subject to change, as the purchase obligation reflected is an estimate based on projected obligated quantities and projected pricing under the contract.

(c)

 

The amounts reflected represent estimated pension funding requirements.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries. Based on their respective reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions.

The ratings of S&P, Moody's and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL Energy Supply or its subsidiaries. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to their securities.

The following table summarizes the credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and its financing subsidiaries at December 31, 2004:

   

Moody's

 

S&P

 

Fitch

PPL Energy Supply

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB

   
 

Senior Unsecured Notes

 

Baa2

 

BBB

 

BBB+

 

Commercial Paper

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F2

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Montana

           
 

Pass -Through Certificates

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

STABLE

   
               

WPDH Limited

           
 

Issuer Rating

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa3

 

BBB-

 

BBB

 

Short-term Debt

     

A-3

   
 

Outlook

 

NEGATIVE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD LLP

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB-

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa2

 

BBB-

 

BBB+

 

Short-term Debt

 

 

A-3

   
 

Preferred Stock

 

Baa3

 

BB

 

BBB

 

Outlook

 

NEGATIVE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD (South Wales)

           
 

Issuer Rating

     

BBB+

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

 

A-

 

Short-term Debt

     

A-2

 

F1

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

WPD (South West)

           
 

Issuer Rating

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

   
 

Senior Unsecured Debt

 

Baa1

 

BBB+

 

A-

 

Short-term Debt

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F1

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

Rating Agency Actions in 2004

In December 2004, S&P, Moody's and Fitch confirmed their ratings of A-2, P-2 and F2, respectively, for PPL Energy Supply commercial paper.

S&P

In May 2004, S&P affirmed its BBB ratings on PPL Energy Supply and revised its outlook from negative to stable. S&P also affirmed its BBB- rating on PPL Montana's Pass-Through Certificates due 2020 and revised its outlook from negative to stable. Also, S&P indicated that the following ratings would remain unchanged following the aforementioned revision to PPL Energy Supply's outlook:

Moody's

Also in December 2004, Moody's downgraded the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of WPDH Limited from Baa2 to Baa3 with a negative outlook. At the same time, Moody's changed the outlook on the senior unsecured long-term debt rating of WPD LLP from stable to negative and affirmed its Baa1 senior unsecured long-term ratings of WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales.) The outlook on WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) is stable.

Moody's indicated that its ratings actions with respect to WPD reflect its concern that WPDH Limited has an adjusted net debt/ Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) ratio in excess of 95% after pension deficits that are not recoverable through the U.K. regulatory process are taken into account. Moody's also indicated that the ratings reflect its expectation that adjusted net debt/RAB will fall to less than 90% during the course of 2005.

Ratings Triggers

PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 are convertible upon the occurrence of certain events, including if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by S&P and Moody's are lower than BB and Ba2, or either S&P or Moody's no longer rates the notes. The terms of the notes were modified in November 2004 to, among other things, require cash settlement of the principal amount upon conversion of the notes. These modifications were made in response to the FASB's ratification of EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share." See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning these modifications, Note 8 for a discussion of the consent solicitation that effected these modifications and Note 23 for a discussion of EITF Issue 04-8.

PPL Energy Supply and its respective subsidiaries do not have additional material liquidity exposures caused by a ratings downgrade below "investment grade" that would accelerate the due dates of borrowings. However, if PPL Energy Supply's debt ratings were below investment grade at December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply and its respective subsidiaries would have had to post an additional $118 million of collateral to counterparties.

Subsequent Ratings Events

In January 2005, S&P revised its outlooks on the WPD companies to stable from negative. S&P attributes this positive change to financial profile improvements resulting from the final regulatory outcome published by Ofgem in November 2004. At the same time, S&P affirmed the WPD companies' long-term and short-term credit ratings.

Also in January 2005, Fitch announced that it downgraded the WPD companies' senior unsecured credit ratings by one notch as follows:

Fitch has a stable outlook on all of the WPD companies.

Fitch stated that its downgrade was prompted by the high level of pension adjusted leverage at WPD. Fitch acknowledged that WPD's funding plan should reduce its pension deficit over time and it expects WPD to proceed with its de-leveraging program. However, Fitch indicated that it is not certain enough, due to the unpredictability in future pension valuations, that pension adjusted leverage will support a BBB rating at WPDH Limited. Fitch indicated that WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) have been downgraded to maintain a two-notch differential with WPDH Limited because it does not believe that the financial ring-fencing is restrictive enough to support a three-notch differential.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PPL Energy Supply provides guarantees for certain affiliate financing arrangements that enable certain transactions. Some of the guarantees contain financial and other covenants that, if not met, would limit or restrict the affiliates' access to funds under these financing arrangements, require early maturity of such arrangements or limit the affiliates' ability to enter into certain transactions. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these covenants will not limit access to the relevant funding sources.

PPL Energy Supply has entered into certain guarantee agreements that are within the scope of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion on guarantees.

Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other

Market Risk

Background

Market risk is the potential loss PPL Energy Supply may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL Energy Supply is exposed to market risk from:

PPL Energy Supply has a risk management policy approved by PPL's Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. (Credit risk is discussed below.) The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to monitor compliance with risk policies and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, and daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations and other risk measurement metrics.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions, due to reliance on model assumptions. Actual future results may differ materially from those presented. These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of reasonably possible losses.

Contract Valuation

PPL Energy Supply utilizes forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of a commodity or financial instrument. This may include exchange prices, the average mid-point bid/ask spreads obtained from brokers, or an independent valuation by an external source, such as a bank. However, market prices for energy or energy-related contracts may not be readily determinable because of market illiquidity. If no active trading market exists, contracts are valued using internally developed models, which are then reviewed by an independent, internal group. Although PPL Energy Supply believes that its valuation methods are reasonable, changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different values and realization in future periods.

To record derivatives at their fair value, PPL Energy Supply discounts the forward values using LIBOR. Additionally, PPL Energy Supply reduces derivative assets' carrying values to recognize differences in counterparty credit quality and potential illiquidity in the market:

Accounting and Reporting

To account for and report on contracts entered into to manage market risk, PPL Energy Supply follows the provisions of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities," and SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and interpreted by DIG issues (together, "SFAS 133"), EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," and EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3." SFAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as an asset or liability (unless they meet SFAS 133's criteria for exclusion) and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, which amends and clarifies SFAS 133 to improve financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. To ensure that contracts with comparable characteristics are accounted for similarly, SFAS 149 clarified the circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristics of a derivative, clarified when a derivative contains a financing component, amended the definition of an "underlying" and amended certain other existing pronouncements. Additionally, SFAS 149 placed additional limitations on the use of the normal purchase or normal sale exception. SFAS 149 was effective for contracts entered into or modified and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003, except certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that did not yet exist. PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS 149 as of July 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a significant impact on PPL Energy Supply.

PPL Energy Supply adopted the final provisions of EITF 02-3 during the fourth quarter of 2002. As such, PPL Energy Supply now reflects its net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statement of Income. Non-derivative contracts that met the definition of energy trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting. Under the accrual method of accounting, unrealized gains and losses are not reflected in the financial statements. Prior periods were reclassified. No cumulative effect adjustment was required upon adoption.

PPL Energy Supply adopted the final provisions of EITF 03-11 prospectively as of October 1, 2003. As a result of this adoption, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for the impact of the adoption of EITF 03-11.

PPL Energy Supply's short-term derivative contracts are recorded as "Price risk management assets" and "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheet. Long-term derivative contracts are included in "Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other."

Accounting Designation

Energy contracts that do not qualify as derivatives receive accrual accounting. For energy contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation. In addition to energy-related transactions, PPL Energy Supply enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest expense associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL Energy Supply also enters into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with energy transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine the contract's accounting designation. These designations are verified by a separate internal group on a daily basis. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for a summary of the guidelines that have been provided to the traders who are responsible for contract designation for derivative energy contracts due to the adoption of SFAS 149.

Commodity Price Risk (Non-Trading)

Commodity price risk is one of PPL Energy Supply's most significant risks due to the level of investment that PPL Energy Supply maintains in its generation assets, coupled with the volatility of prices for energy and energy-related products. Several factors influence price levels and volatilities. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations. To hedge the impact of market price fluctuations on PPL Energy Supply's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL EnergyPlus sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts. Because PPL Energy Supply owns or controls generating assets, the majority of PPL Energy Supply's energy transactions qualify for accrual or hedge accounting.

Within PPL Energy Supply's hedge portfolio, the decision to enter into energy contracts hinges on the expected value of PPL Energy Supply's generation. To address this risk, PPL Energy Supply takes a conservative approach in determining the number of MWhs that are available to be sold forward. In this regard, PPL Energy Supply reduces the maximum potential output that a plant may produce by three factors - planned maintenance, unplanned outages and economic conditions. The potential output of a plant is first reduced by the amount of unavailable generation due to planned maintenance on a particular unit. Another reduction, representing the unplanned outage rate, is the amount of MWhs that historically are not produced by a plant due to such factors as equipment breakage. Finally, the potential output of certain plants (like peaking units) are reduced because their higher cost of production will not allow them to economically run during all hours.

PPL Energy Supply's non-trading portfolio also includes full requirements energy contracts. The net obligation to serve these contracts changes minute by minute. PPL Energy Supply analyzes historical on-peak and off-peak usage patterns, as well as spot prices and weather patterns, to determine a monthly level of a block of electricity that best fits the usage patterns in order to minimize earnings volatility. On a forward basis, PPL Energy Supply reserves a block amount of generation for full requirements energy contracts that is expected to be the best match with their anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks. Anticipated usage patterns and peaks are affected by expected load growth, regional economic drivers and seasonality.

PPL Energy Supply's commodity derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment mature at various times through 2010. The following chart sets forth PPL Energy Supply's net fair market value of these contracts as of December 31:

   

Gains (Losses)

 

   

2004

   

2003

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

$

86

   

$

58

 

Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period

   

(66

)

   

(87

)

Fair value of new contracts at inception

               

Other changes in fair values

   

(29

)

   

115

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

(9

)

 

$

86

 

 

The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL Energy Supply's commodity derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment at December 31, 2004, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.

   

Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End
Gains (Losses)

 

   

Maturity
Less Than
1 Year

   

Maturity
1-3 Years

   

Maturity
3-5 Years

   

Maturity
in Excess
of 5 Years

   

Total Fair
Value

 

Source of Fair Value

                                       

Prices actively quoted

 

$

4

   

$

3

                   

$

7

 

Prices provided by other external sources

   

15

     

(20

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(1

)

   

(16

)

Prices based on models and other valuation methods

                                       

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

19

   

$

(17

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(1

)

 

$

(9

)

The "Prices actively quoted" category includes the fair value of exchange-traded natural gas futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The NYMEX has currently quoted prices through 2010.

The "Prices provided by other external sources" category includes PPL Energy Supply's forward positions and options in natural gas and power and natural gas basis swaps at points for which over-the-counter (OTC) broker quotes are available. The fair value of electricity positions recorded above use the midpoint of the bid/ask spreads obtained through OTC brokers. On average, OTC quotes for forwards and swaps of natural gas and power extend one and two years into the future.

The "Prices based on models and other valuation methods" category includes the value of transactions for which an internally developed price curve was constructed as a result of the long-dated nature of the transaction or the illiquidity of the market point, or the value of options not quoted by an exchange or OTC broker. Additionally, this category includes "strip" transactions whose prices are obtained from external sources and then modeled to monthly prices as appropriate.

Because of PPL Energy Supply's efforts to hedge the value of the energy from its generation assets, PPL Energy Supply sells electricity and buys fuel on a forward basis, resulting in open contractual positions. If PPL Energy Supply were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept the delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay damages. These damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity. Depending on price volatility in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant. Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their counterparties) with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL Energy Supply's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy. Although PPL Energy Supply attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty non-performance in the future.

As of December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its non-trading portfolio by approximately $165 million, compared to a decrease of $146 million at December 31, 2003. However, the change in the value of the non-trading portfolio would have been substantially offset by an increase in the value of the underlying commodity, the electricity generated, because these contracts serve to reduce the market risk inherent in the generation of electricity. Additionally, the value of PPL Energy Supply's unsold generation would be improved. Because PPL Energy Supply's electricity portfolio is generally in a net sales position, the adverse movement in prices is usually an increase in prices. Conversely, because PPL Energy Supply's commodity fuels portfolio is generally in a net purchase position, the adverse movement in prices is usually a decrease in prices. If both of these scenarios happened, the implied margins for the unsold generation would increase.

In accordance with its marketing strategy, PPL Energy Supply does not completely hedge its generation output or fuel requirements. PPL Energy Supply estimates that for its entire portfolio, including all generation and physical and financial energy positions, a 10% adverse change in power prices across all geographic zones and time periods will decrease expected 2005 gross margins by about $2 million. Similarly, a 10% adverse movement in all fossil fuel prices will decrease 2005 gross margins by $5 million.

PPL Energy Supply also executes energy contracts to take advantage of market opportunities. As a result, PPL Energy Supply may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated. The margins from these trading activities are shown in the Statement of Income as "Net energy trading margins."

Commodity Price Risk (Trading)

PPL Energy Supply's trading contracts mature at various times through 2006. The following chart sets forth PPL Energy Supply's net fair market value of trading contracts as of December 31:

   

Gains (Losses)

 
   

 
   

2004

   

2003

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

$

3

   

$

(6

)

Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period

   

(14

)

   

16

 

Fair value of new contracts at inception

   

1

     

2

 

Other changes in fair values

   

19

     

(9

)

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

9

   

$

3

 

 

PPL Energy Supply will reverse approximately $2 million of the $9 million unrealized trading gains over the first three months of 2005 as the transactions are realized.

The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL Energy Supply's trading portfolio at December 31, 2004, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.

   

Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End
Gains (Losses)

 

   

Maturity
Less Than
1 year

   

Maturity
1-3 years

   

Maturity
3-5 years

   

Maturity
in Excess
of 5 Years

   

Total Fair
Value

 

Source of Fair Value

                                       

Prices actively quoted

 

$

3

                           

$

3

 

Prices provided by other external sources

   

5

   

$

4

                     

9

 

Prices based on models and other valuation methods

   

(3

)

                           

(3

)

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

 

$

5

   

$

4

                   

$

9

 

See "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)" for information on the various sources of fair value.

As of December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its trading portfolio by $5 million, compared to a decrease of $3 million at December 31, 2003.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations. PPL manages interest rate risk for PPL Energy Supply by using various financial derivative products to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in U.S. Treasury rates (and interest rate spreads over treasuries) in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was estimated at $1 million, and was insignificant at December 31, 2003.

PPL Energy Supply is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its domestic and international debt portfolio. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $156 million, compared to $143 million at December 31, 2003.

PPL and PPL Energy Supply utilize various risk management instruments to reduce PPL Energy Supply's exposure to adverse interest rate movements for future anticipated financing. While PPL Energy Supply is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, they are designed such that any economic loss in value should generally be offset by interest rate savings at the time the future anticipated financing is completed. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had none of these instruments outstanding. At December 31, 2003, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $1 million.

PPL and PPL Energy Supply also utilize various risk management instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio. While PPL Energy Supply is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any change in market value is recorded with an equal and offsetting change in the value of the debt being hedged. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $2 million, compared to an exposure of $1 million at December 31, 2003.

Foreign Currency Risk

PPL Energy Supply is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe. In addition, PPL Energy Supply may make purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities and net investments. In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk.

PPL executed net forward sale transactions for £13.7 million to hedge a portion of its net investment in WPDH Limited. The estimated value of these agreements as of December 31, 2004, was $2 million, being the amount PPL would pay to terminate the transactions.

WPDH Limited held a net position in cross-currency swaps totaling $1.1 billion to hedge the interest payments and value of its U.S. dollar-denominated bonds. The estimated value of this position at December 31, 2004, being the amount PPL would pay to terminate it, including accrued interest, was $274 million.

On the Statement of Income, gains and losses associated with hedges of interest payments denominated in foreign currencies are reflected in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses associated with the purchase of equipment are reflected in "Depreciation." Gains and losses associated with net investment hedges remain in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Balance Sheet until the investment is disposed.

Nuclear Decommissioning Fund - Securities Price Risk

In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna station. As of December 31, 2004, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet. The mix of securities is designed to provide returns to be used to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs. However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates. PPL Susquehanna actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its nuclear decommissioning trust policy statement. At December 31, 2004, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $30 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets, as compared to a $24 million reduction at December 31, 2003. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the nuclear decommissioning trust funds.

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that PPL Energy Supply would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. PPL Energy Supply maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparties (including requirements that counterparties maintain certain credit ratings criteria) and requires other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstances in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, PPL Energy Supply has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies and other energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations of counterparties may impact PPL Energy Supply's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. As discussed above in "Contract Valuation," PPL Energy Supply records certain non-performance reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty with contracts that are out of the money (from the counterparty's standpoint) will default in its performance, in which case PPL Energy Supply would have to sell into a lower-priced market or purchase from a higher-priced market. These reserves are reflected in the fair value of assets recorded in "Price risk management assets" on the Balance Sheet. PPL Energy Supply also records reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty will not make payments for deliveries PPL Energy Supply has made but not yet billed. These reserves are reflected in "Unbilled revenues" on the Balance Sheet. PPL Energy Supply has also established a reserve with respect to certain sales to the California ISO for which PPL Energy Supply has not yet been paid, as well as a reserve related to PPL Energy Supply's exposure as a result of the Enron bankruptcy, which are reflected in "Accounts receivable" on the Balance Sheet. See Notes 14 and 17 to the Financial Statements.

Related Party Transactions

PPL Energy Supply is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL Energy Supply in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL Energy Supply.

For additional information on related party transactions, see Note 15 to the Financial Statements.

Capital Expenditure Requirements

The schedule below shows PPL Energy Supply's current capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 and actual spending for the year 2004:

   

Actual

 

Projected

 

   

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

Construction expenditures (a) (b)

                         

 

Generating facilities

 

$

156

 

$

180

 

$

231

 

$

233

 

$

170

 

$

163

 

 

Transmission and distribution facilities

   

275

   

287

   

292

   

283

   

286

   

293

 

 

Environmental

   

23

   

41

   

134

   

263

   

228

   

170

 

 

Other

   

19

   

25

   

37

   

23

   

2

   

3

 

   

Total Construction Expenditures

   

473

   

533

   

694

   

802

   

686

   

629

 

Nuclear fuel

   

58

   

68

   

69

   

76

   

76

   

78

 

     

Total Capital Expenditures

 

$

531

 

$

601

 

$

763

 

$

878

 

$

762

 

$

707

 

(a)

 

Construction expenditures include capitalized interest, which is expected to be less than $16 million in each of the years 2005-2009.

(b)

 

This information excludes any potential investments by PPL Global for new projects.

PPL Energy Supply's capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 total about $3.7 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in market and asset regulatory conditions. PPL Energy Supply also leases vehicles, personal computers and other equipment as described in Note 10 to the Financial Statements. See Note 14 for additional information regarding potential capital expenditures for environmental projects.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

From time-to-time, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries are involved in negotiations with third parties regarding acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements which may or may not result in definitive agreements. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for information regarding recent acquisitions and development activities.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Global had investments in foreign facilities, including consolidated investments in WPD, Emel, EC and others. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for information on unconsolidated investments accounted for under the equity method.

In connection with an on-going review of its non-core international minority ownership investments, PPL Global sold its interest in CGE in 2004. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

PPL Energy Supply is currently planning incremental capacity increases of 255 MW at several existing domestic generating facilities.

PPL Energy Supply is continuously reexamining development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with these projects, sell them, cancel them, expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other opportunities.

Environmental Matters

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

Competition

See "Item 1. Business - Competition," for a discussion of competitive factors affecting PPL Energy Supply.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for information on new accounting standards adopted in 2004 or pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

PPL Energy Supply's financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations of PPL Energy Supply, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the financial statements. (These accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.) PPL's senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them, with its Audit Committee. In addition, PPL's senior management has reviewed the following disclosures regarding the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee.

1) Price Risk Management

See "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" in Financial Condition.

2) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

As described in Note 12 to the Financial Statements, PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement plans and participate in, and are allocated a significant portion of the liability and net periodic pension cost of the PPL Retirement Plan and the PPL Postretirement Benefit Plan. PPL and PPL Energy Supply follow the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these pension and other postretirement benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. Delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition of changes in benefit obligations and plan performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primary assumptions are as follows:

In selecting discount rates, PPL and PPL Energy Supply consider fixed-income security yield rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply decreased the discount rate for their domestic plans from 6.25% to 5.75% as a result of decreased domestic fixed-income security returns. The discount rate remained at 5.50% at December 31, 2004 for PPL Energy Supply's international pension plans.

In selecting an expected return on plan assets, PPL and PPL Energy Supply consider tax implications, past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plans. At December 31, 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply's expected return on plan assets for their domestic pension plans remained at 9.0%. For its international plans, PPL Energy Supply maintained 8.30% as the expected return on plan assets at December 31, 2004.

In selecting a rate of compensation increase, PPL and PPL Energy Supply consider past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply's rates of compensation increase remained at 4.0% for their domestic plans. For its international plans, PPL Energy Supply's rate of compensation increase remained at 3.75% at December 31, 2004.

In selecting health care cost trend rates, PPL and PPL Energy Supply consider past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply's health care cost trend rates were 10% for 2005, gradually declining to 5.0% for 2010.

A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significant impact on projected benefit obligations, accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and other comprehensive income (OCI). The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the 2004 Financial Statements associated with a change in certain assumptions. While the chart below reflects either an increase or decrease in each assumption, the inverse of this change would impact the projected benefit obligation, accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and OCI by a similar amount in the opposite direction. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.

   

Increase (Decrease)

 

Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in Assumption

   

Impact on Obligation

   

Impact on Liabilities
(a)

   

Impact on Cost

   

Impact on OCI

 

Discount Rate

   

(0.25)%

   

$

140

   

$

3

   

$

3

   

$

108

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   

(0.25)%

     

N/A

     

8

     

8

     

(6

)

Rate of Compensation Increase

   

0.25%

     

18

     

3

     

3

     

(1

)

Health Care Cost Trend Rate (b)

   

1.0%

     

3

                     

N/A

 

(a)

 

Excludes the impact of additional minimum liability.

(b)

 

Only impacts other postretirement benefits.

The total net pension and other postretirement benefit obligation for PPL Energy Supply's plans was $473 million as of December 31, 2004. PPL Energy Supply recognized an aggregate net accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liability of $327 million on its Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, for its plans. The total obligation is not fully reflected in the current financial statements due to the delayed recognition criteria of the accounting standards for these obligations. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply also reflected a net liability of $58 million on its Balance Sheet for pension liabilities and prepaid other postretirement benefit costs allocated from plans sponsored by PPL Services.

In 2004, PPL Energy Supply was allocated and recognized net periodic pension and other postretirement income credited to operating expenses of $19 million. This amount represents a $6 million decrease versus the credit recognized during 2003. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate at December 31, 2003.

As a result of the decrease in the assumed discount rate at December 31, 2004, for its domestic pension plans and the increase in the obligations for its international plans determined by their 2004 valuations, PPL Energy Supply was required to increase its recognized additional minimum pension liability. Recording the change in the additional minimum liability resulted in a $51 million increase to the pension-related charge to OCI, net of taxes, translation adjustment and unrecognized prior service costs, with no effect on net income. This charge increased the pension-related balance in OCI, which is a reduction to Member's Equity, to $360 million at December 31, 2004. The charges to OCI will reverse in future periods if the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Refer to Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.

3) Asset Impairment

PPL Energy Supply performs impairment analyses for long-lived assets, including intangibles, that are subject to depreciation or amortization in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." PPL Energy Supply tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances are:

For a long-lived asset, an impairment exists when the carrying value exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the asset is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded to adjust the asset's carrying value to its estimated fair value.

In determining asset impairments, management must make significant judgments to estimate future cash flows, the useful lives of long-lived assets, the fair value of the assets and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the impairment reviews could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. For determining fair value, the FASB has indicated that quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value. However, when market prices are unavailable, other valuation techniques may be used. PPL Energy Supply has generally used a present value technique (i.e., discounted cash flow). Discounted cash flow is calculated by estimating future cash flow streams and applying appropriate discount rates to determine the present value of the cash flow streams.

PPL Energy Supply has determined that when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of a long-lived asset are being considered, it uses estimated cash flows from the most likely approach to assess impairment whenever one scenario is clearly the most likely outcome. If no scenario is clearly most likely, then a probability-weighted approach is used taking into consideration estimated cash flows from the alternative scenarios. For assets tested for impairment as of the balance sheet date, the estimates of future cash flows used in that test consider the likelihood of possible outcomes that existed at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the assets. That assessment made as of the balance sheet date is not revised based on events that occur after the balance sheet date.

During 2004, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries evaluated certain gas-fired generation assets for impairment, as events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. PPL Energy Supply did not record an impairment of these gas-fired generation assets in 2004. For these impairment analyses, the most significant assumption was the estimate of future cash flows. PPL Energy Supply estimates future cash flows using information from its corporate business plan adjusted for any recent sales or purchase commitments. Key factors that impact cash flows include projected prices for electricity and gas as well as firm sales and purchase commitments. A 10% decrease in estimated future cash flows for certain gas-fired generation assets would have resulted in an impairment charge.

In June 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Generation agreed to sell the 450 MW Sundance power plant to Arizona Public Service Company, subject to the receipt of various state and federal regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. At December 31, 2004, as a result of the significant regulatory approvals still needed to complete the sale, PPL management did not believe that it was more likely than not that the sale would be consummated and concluded that no impairment charge was required at that time. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the potential sale of Sundance.

PPL Energy Supply performs impairment analyses for goodwill in accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." PPL Energy Supply performs an annual impairment test for goodwill, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. PPL Energy Supply has determined its reporting units to be one level below its operating segments.

Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

The second step requires a calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared with the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill.

PPL Energy Supply completed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2004. This test did not require any second-step assessments and did not result in any impairments. PPL Energy Supply's most significant assumptions surrounding the goodwill impairment test relate to the estimates of reporting unit fair values. PPL Energy Supply estimated fair values primarily based upon discounted cash flows. Although a full two-step evaluation was not completed, a decrease in the forecasted cash flows of 10% or an increase of the discount rates by 25 basis points would have resulted in the carrying value of certain reporting units exceeding their estimated fair values, indicating a potential impairment of goodwill.

4) Leasing

PPL Energy Supply applies the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," to all leasing transactions. In addition, PPL Energy Supply applies the provisions of numerous other accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB and the EITF that provide specific guidance and additional requirements related to accounting for various leasing arrangements. In general, there are two types of leases from a lessee's perspective: operating leases - leases accounted for off-balance sheet; and capital leases - leases capitalized on the balance sheet.

In accounting for leases, management makes various assumptions, including the discount rate, the fair market value of the leased assets and the estimated useful life, in determining whether a lease should be classified as operating or capital. Changes in these assumptions could result in the difference between whether a lease is determined to be an operating lease or a capital lease, thus significantly impacting the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements.

In addition to uncertainty inherent in management's assumptions, leasing transactions and the related accounting rules become increasingly complex when they involve: real estate and/or related integral equipment; sale/leaseback accounting (leasing transactions where the lessee previously owned the leased assets); synthetic leases (leases that qualify for operating lease treatment for book accounting purposes and financing treatment for tax accounting purposes); and lessee involvement in the construction of leased assets.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply continued to participate in a significant sale/leaseback transaction. In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its interest in the Colstrip generating plant to owner lessors who are leasing the assets back to PPL Montana under four 36-year operating leases. This transaction is accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with current rules related to sale/leaseback arrangements. If for any reason this transaction did not meet the requirements for off-balance sheet operating lease treatment as a sale/leaseback, PPL Energy Supply would have recorded approximately $290 million of additional assets and approximately $331 million of additional liabilities on its balance sheet at December 31, 2004, and would have recorded additional expenses currently estimated at $8 million, after-tax, in 2004.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to operating leases.

5) Loss Accruals

PPL Energy Supply periodically accrues losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. These events are called "contingencies," and PPL Energy Supply's accounting for such events is prescribed by SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." SFAS 5 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur."

For loss contingencies, the loss must be accrued if (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL Energy Supply continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events.

PPL Energy Supply also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when long-term purchase commitments were assumed under asset acquisition agreements and when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. Under regulatory accounting, PPL Electric recorded the above-market cost of energy purchases from NUGs as part of its purchased power costs on an as-incurred basis, since these costs were recovered in regulated rates. When the generation business was deregulated, the estimated loss associated with these long-term purchase commitments to make above-market NUG purchases was recorded because PPL Electric was committed to purchase electricity at above market prices but it could no longer recover these costs in regulated rates.

The accounting aspects of estimated loss accruals include: (1) the initial identification and recording of the loss; (2) the determination of triggering events for reducing a recorded loss accrual; and (3) the on-going assessment as to whether a recorded loss accrual is sufficient. All three aspects of accounting for loss accruals - the initial identification and recording of a probable loss, the identification of triggering events to reduce the loss accrual, and the ongoing assessment of the sufficiency of a recorded loss accrual - require significant judgment by PPL Energy Supply's management.

Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual

PPL Energy Supply uses its internal expertise and outside experts (such as lawyers, tax specialists and engineers), as necessary, to help estimate the probability that a loss has been incurred and the amount (or range) of the loss.

PPL Energy Supply has identified certain events which could give rise to a loss, but which do not meet the conditions for accrual under SFAS 5. SFAS 5 requires disclosure, but not a recording, of potential losses when it is "reasonably possible" that a loss has been incurred. The FASB defines "reasonably possible" as cases in which "the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for disclosure of potential loss contingencies, most of which have not met the criteria for accrual under SFAS 5.

Reducing Recorded Loss Accruals

When an estimated loss is accrued, PPL Energy Supply identifies, where applicable, the triggering events for subsequently reducing the loss accrual. The triggering events generally occur when the contingency has been resolved and the actual loss is incurred, or when the risk of loss has diminished or been eliminated. The following are some of the triggering events that provide for the reduction of certain recorded loss accruals:

On-Going Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals

PPL Energy Supply reviews its loss accruals on a regular basis to assure that the recorded potential loss exposures are sufficient. This involves on-going communication and analyses with internal and external legal counsel, engineers, tax specialists, operation management and other parties.

The largest loss accrual on PPL Energy Supply's balance sheet, and the loss accrual that changed most significantly in 2004, was for an impairment of above-market NUG purchase commitments. This loss accrual reflects the estimated difference between the above-market contract terms, under the purchase commitments, and the fair value of the electricity to be purchased. This loss accrual was originally recorded at $854 million in 1998, when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. This loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment. The above-market loss accrual was $279 million at December 31, 2004.

When the loss accrual related to NUG purchases was recorded in 1998, PPL Electric established the triggering events for when the loss accrual would be reduced. A schedule was established to reduce the liability based on projected purchases over the lives of the NUG contracts. All but one of the NUG contracts expire by 2009, with the last one ending in 2014. PPL EnergyPlus reduces the above-market NUG liability based on the aforementioned schedule. As PPL EnergyPlus reduces the liability for the above-market NUG purchases, it offsets the actual cost of NUG purchases, thereby bringing the net power purchase expense more in line with market prices.

PPL EnergyPlus assessed the remaining $279 million above-market liability at December 31, 2004, comparing the projected electricity purchases under the pricing terms of the NUG contracts with the purchases assuming current projected market prices for the energy. This assessment was based on projected PJM market prices, including capacity, and a discount factor for the unit contingent nature of each NUG's output through 2014. The assessment also used a sensitivity around the market prices, adjusting such prices downward by 15%. PPL Energy Supply management believes that the 15% range in volatility is appropriate due to the significant increase in energy prices over the last few years. For example, at December 31, 2004, PJM future market prices, including capacity, were 18% higher than the comparable projections at December 31, 2003.

The assessment is dependent on the market prices of energy and the estimated output levels of the NUGs. Market prices of energy are dependent on many variables, including growth in electricity demand in PJM, available generation, and changes in regulatory and economic conditions. Accordingly, a market price sensitivity was used in the assessment. Based on current projected market prices for energy, the loss accrual for the above-market NUG purchase commitments would be approximately $225 million. Even if estimated market prices were adjusted downwards by 15% during the remaining term of the NUG contracts, the loss accrual for the above-market NUG purchase commitments would be approximately $287 million. As noted above, it is very difficult to estimate future electricity prices, which are dependent on many variables and subject to significant volatility. However, based on this assessment, PPL Energy Supply's management believes that the current recorded NUG above-market liability of $279 million was sufficient at December 31, 2004.

6) Asset Retirement Obligations

SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The initial obligation should be measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount should be recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability should be increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time.

In determining asset retirement obligations, management must make significant judgments and estimates to calculate fair value. Fair value is developed through consideration of estimated retirement costs in today's dollars, inflated to the anticipated retirement date and then discounted back to the date the asset retirement obligation was incurred. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the calculations of asset retirement obligations could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had asset retirement obligations totaling $257 million recorded on the Balance Sheet. PPL's Energy Supply most significant assumptions surrounding asset retirement obligations are the forecasted retirement cost, discount rate and inflation rate. A variance in the forecasted retirement cost, discount rate or inflation rate could have a significant impact on the ARO liability.

The following chart reflects the sensitivities related to the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004, associated with a change in these assumptions at the time of initial recognition. There is no significant change to the ARO asset value, depreciation expense of the ARO asset or accretion expense of the ARO liability as a result of changing the assumptions. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.

   

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on
ARO Liability

Retirement Cost

 

10%/(10)%

 

$23/$(23)

Discount Rate

0.25%/(0.25)%

$(25)/$27

Inflation Rate

 

0.25%/(0.25)%

 

$29/$(26)

Other Information

PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services and other services permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, employee benefit plan audits and internal control reviews. See "Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services" for more information.



PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

PPL Electric provides electricity delivery service in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Its headquarters are in Allentown, PA. See "Item 1. Business - Background," for a description of PPL Electric's business. PPL Electric's strategy and principal challenge is to own and operate its electricity delivery business at the highest level of quality and reliability and at the most efficient cost.

PPL Electric's electricity delivery business is rate-regulated. Accordingly, PPL Electric is subject to regulatory risks in terms of the costs that it may recover and the investment returns that it may collect in customers' rates.

An important challenge for PPL Electric is to maintain a strong credit profile. In the past few years, investors, analysts and rating agencies that follow companies in the energy industry have been particularly focused on the credit quality and liquidity position of these companies. PPL Electric is focused on strengthening its balance sheet and improving its liquidity position, thereby improving its credit profile.

The purpose of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is to provide information concerning PPL Electric's past and expected future performance in implementing the strategy and challenges outlined above. Specifically:

The information provided in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" should be read in conjunction with PPL Electric's Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.

Terms and abbreviations are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions unless otherwise noted.

Results of Operations

The following discussion, which explains significant annual changes in principal items on the Statement of Income, compares 2004 to 2003 and compares 2003 to 2002.

Earnings

Income available to PPL was as follows:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

   

$

74

   

$

25

   

$

39

 

The after-tax changes in income available to PPL were primarily due to:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Delivery revenues (net of CTC/ITC amortization, interest expense on transition bonds and ancillary charges)

 

$

5

   

$

11

 

Operation and maintenance expenses

   

(3

)

   

(15

)

Taxes, other than income (excluding gross receipts tax)

   

9

     

(6

)

Depreciation

   

(2

)

   

(5

)

Reduction in tax reserves associated with stranded costs securitization

   

22

         

Interest income on IRS tax settlement

   

5

         

Financing costs (excluding transition bond interest expense)

   

2

     

(6

)

Other

   

6

     

(7

)

Unusual item - workforce reduction (Note 20)

   

5

     

14

 

   

$

49

   

$

(14

)

 

The year-to-year changes in earnings components are discussed in the balance of "Results of Operations."

PPL Electric's future earnings could be, or will be, impacted by a number of factors, including the following:

Operating Revenues

Retail Electric (Including to Affiliate)

The increases in revenues from retail electric operations were attributable to the following:

   

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

 

PLR electric generation supply

 

$

94

   

$

22

 
 

Electric delivery

   

(7

)

   

48

 
 

Delivery and PLR supply to PPL Generation

   

(5

)

   

(15

)

 

Other

   

(1

)

       

   

$

81

   

$

55

 

The increase in revenues from retail electric operations for 2004 compared with 2003 was primarily due to:

The increase in revenues from retail electric operations for 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to:

Wholesale Electric

PPL Electric wholesale revenues are derived from sales to municipalities. The $23 million decrease in wholesale electric revenues in 2004 compared with 2003 was due to the expiration of all municipal purchase power agreements at the end of January 2004.

Wholesale Electric to Affiliate

PPL Electric has a contract to sell to PPL EnergyPlus the electricity that PPL Electric purchases under contracts with NUGs. The termination of one NUG contract in April 2003 and another in February 2002 caused PPL Electric to purchase $8 million less NUG energy in 2003 compared to 2002. PPL Electric therefore had less electricity to sell to PPL EnergyPlus.

Energy Purchases from Affiliate

Energy purchases from affiliate increased by $56 million in 2004 compared with 2003. The increase reflects an increase in PLR load, as well as higher prices for energy purchased under the power supply contracts with PPL EnergyPlus needed to support PLR load.

Energy purchases from affiliate increased by $13 million in 2003 compared with 2002, reflecting higher prices under the power supply contracts with PPL EnergyPlus.

Other Operation and Maintenance

The increases in other operation and maintenance expenses were primarily due to:

 

2004 vs. 2003

   

2003 vs. 2002

 

Increase in pension costs

 

$

5

   

$

13

 

Lower net rent allocations to other PPL affiliates in 2004 and 2003

   

4

     

6

 

Write-off of Hurricane Isabel costs not approved for recovery by the PUC

   

4

         

Increase in expenses related to pole attachments

   

2

         

Increase (decrease) in other postretirement benefit expense

   

(11

)

   

7

 

Increases in expenses in responding to customers' service calls

           

2

 

Work performed to assure reliability of the T&D system

           

2

 

Environmental accrual in 2003 for a former manufactured gas plant

   

(2

)

   

2

 

Estimated reduction in salaries and benefits as a result of the workforce reduction initiated in 2002

           

(8

)

Vacation liability adjustment in 2002 in conjunction with the workforce reduction

           

(7

)

Other - net

   

6

     

9

 

   

$

8

   

$

26

 

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $4 million in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $9 million in 2003 compared to 2002. These increases were primarily due to plant additions, including the Automated Meter Reading project. Additionally, 2003 compared with 2002 was impacted by software additions.

Taxes, Other Than Income

In the first quarter of 2004, PPL Electric reversed a $14 million accrued liability for 1998 and 1999 PURTA taxes that had been accrued based on potential exposure in the proceedings regarding the Susquehanna nuclear station tax assessment. The rights of the third-party intervenors to further appeal expired in 2004. The reversal is the primary reason for the $12 million decrease in taxes in 2004, compared with 2003. Also contributing to the decrease was lower capital stock tax expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher gross receipts tax expense.

Taxes, other than income, increased by $11 million in 2003 compared with 2002 due to the settlement of prior years' capital stock tax refund claims of $8 million in 2002, and higher taxes related to an increase in the basis on which capital stock tax is calculated in 2003.

Workforce Reduction

See Note 20 to the Financial Statements for information on the charges recorded in 2003 and 2002.

Other Income - net

See Note 16 to the Financial Statements for details of other income and deductions.

Financing Costs

Interest expense decreased by $21 million in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $7 million in 2003 compared to 2002. These decreases reflect the net impact of long-term debt retirements. Over the past two years, $824 million of long-term debt retirements have occurred, while new issuances over the same period totaled $190 million.

Distributions on preferred securities decreased by $13 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to retirements and redemptions of preferred securities and preferred stock.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense decreased by $10 million in 2004 compared with 2003. This decrease was primarily attributable to:

Income tax expense did not change for 2003 compared with 2002. This was due to lower pre-tax book income, resulting in a $5 million reduction in income taxes, offset by a $3 million increase in income tax expense related to the filing of PPL Electric's income tax returns.

Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns by taxing authorities. However, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of any issues raised by such authorities may differ materially from the amount accrued. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, PPL Electric accounts for changes in probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount that should be recognized. An allowance is maintained for the tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate. During 2004, PPL Electric reached partial settlement with the IRS with respect to the tax years 1991 through 1995 and received a cash refund in the amount of $45 million. As a result of this settlement, the net tax impact recorded in 2004 was not significant.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for details on effective income tax rates and other income tax related matters.

Financial Condition

Liquidity

PPL Electric is focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position and strengthening its balance sheet, thereby improving its credit profile. PPL Electric believes that its cash on hand, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund its ongoing operating requirements, future security maturities and estimated future capital expenditures. PPL Electric currently expects cash on hand at the end of 2005 to be approximately $100 million, with about $300 million in credit facilities and up to $150 million in short-term debt capacity related to an asset-backed commercial paper program. However, PPL Electric's cash flows from operations and its access to cost effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the following:

At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had $151 million in cash and cash equivalents and $42 million of short-term debt compared to $162 million in cash and cash equivalents and no short-term debt at December 31, 2003, and $29 million in cash and cash equivalents and $15 million of short-term debt at December 31, 2002. The $42 million increase in short-term debt from 2003 to 2004 resulted entirely from loan proceeds attributable to the asset-backed commercial paper program, of which the full amount was used to cash collateralize letters of credit. The change in short-term debt from 2002 to 2003 reflects the repayment of PPL Electric commercial paper. The changes in cash and cash equivalents resulted from the following:

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

$

898

   

$

528

   

$

270

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

   

(523

)

   

(145

)

   

89

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   

(386

)

   

(250

)

   

(365

)

Increase (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents

 

$

(11

)

 

$

133

   

$

(6

)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $370 million in 2004 versus 2003, reflecting primarily the receipt of $300 million in cash collateral related to the PLR energy supply agreements and a federal income tax refund.

An important element supporting the stability of PPL Electric's cash from operations is its long-term purchase contracts with PPL EnergyPlus. These contracts provide sufficient energy for PPL Electric to meet its PLR obligation through 2009, at the predetermined capped rates it is entitled to charge its customers over this period. These contracts require cash collateral or other credit enhancement, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the entire contract through cash settlement in the event of a downgrade of PPL Electric or adverse changes in market prices. For example, if PPL Electric's ratings were lowered to below "investment grade" and energy prices decreased by 10% from year-end 2004 or 2003 price levels, PPL Electric estimates that, based on its December 31, 2004 positions, it would not have had to post additional collateral compared to $300 million at December 31, 2003. The maximum amount that PPL Electric would have to post under these contracts is $300 million.

The increase of $258 million in net cash provided by operating activities in 2003 compared to 2002 reflected working capital improvements resulting from a decrease in accounts receivable and an increase in accounts payable. The savings from a workforce reduction program that was commenced in 2002 was more than offset by rising transmission and distribution operating costs.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $378 million in 2004 versus 2003 primarily as a result of initiating a $300 million demand loan to an affiliate. The primary use of cash for investing activities is capital and investment expenditures. See "Capital Expenditure Requirements" for capital and investment expenditures in 2004 and expected expenditures in 2005 through 2009. In 2005, PPL Electric expects to be able to fund all of its capital expenditures with cash from operations.

The increase of $234 million in net cash used in investing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily the result of a lower loan repayment by an affiliate.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased by $136 million in 2004 compared to 2003, due to the lack of new long-term debt issuances in 2004 compared to $190 million in 2003. In 2004, the $386 million of cash used in financing activities consisted of net debt retirements of $352 million and common and preferred dividends of $26 million.

PPL Electric's debt financing activity in 2004 was as follows:

   

Issuances

   

Retirements

 

PPL Transition Bond Company Transition Bonds

         

$

(264

)

PPL Electric First Mortgage Bonds

           

(71

)

PPL Electric Senior Secured Bonds

           

(59

)

PPL Electric Asset-backed Commercial Paper (net change)

 

$

42

         

 

Total

 

$

42

   

$

(394

)

Net reduction

         

$

(352

)

Debt issued during 2004 had stated interest rates ranging from 1.1% to 2.3% and with maturities in 2004 or 2005. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding PPL Electric's financing activities.

In March 2004, PPL Electric reactivated its commercial paper program to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding.

In August 2004, PPL Electric began participating in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis. The subsidiary pledges these assets to secure loans of up to an aggregate of $150 million from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. PPL Electric expects to use the proceeds from the program for general corporate purposes and to cash collateralize letters of credit. At December 31, 2004, the loan balance outstanding was $42 million, all of which was being used to cash collateralize letters of credit.

At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric's total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were as follows:

   

Committed Capacity

   

Borrowed

   

Letters of Credit Issued (b)

   

Available Capacity

 

PPL Electric Credit Facilities (a)

 

$

300

                   

$

300

 

(a)

 

PPL Electric's credit facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Electric also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $300 million of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity.

The credit facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 70%. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Electric's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentages, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, were 54% and 57%. The credit facilities also contain certain representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Electric to borrow under them, including, but not limited to, a material adverse change clause that relates to PPL Electric's ability to perform its obligations under the credit agreements and related loan documents.

(b)

 

PPL Electric has a reimbursement obligation to the extent any letters of credit are drawn.

These credit agreements contain various other covenants. Failure to meet those covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of due dates of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. PPL Electric monitors the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric was in material compliance with those covenants. At this time PPL Electric believes that these covenants and other borrowing conditions will not limit access to these funding sources.

PPL Electric's 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture restricts dividend payments in the event that PPL Electric fails to meet interest coverage ratios or fails to comply with certain requirements included in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to maintain its separateness from PPL and PPL's other subsidiaries. PPL Electric does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact its ability to declare dividends.

The decrease of $115 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 reflects the repayment of long-term debt. In 2003, the $250 million of cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $255 million, preferred stock retirements of $31 million, and common and preferred dividends paid of $32 million, offset by a contribution from parent of $75 million.

Operating Leases

PPL Electric has operating lease agreements to lease vehicles, office space, land, buildings, personal computers and other equipment. These leasing structures provide PPL Electric with additional operating and financing flexibility. The operating leases contain covenants that are typical for these agreements, such as maintaining insurance, maintaining corporate existence and timely payment of rent and other fees. Failure to meet these covenants could limit or restrict access to these funds or require early payment of obligations. At this time, PPL Electric believes that these covenants will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the operating leases.

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2004, the estimated contractual cash obligations of PPL Electric were as follows:

Contractual Cash Obligations

 

Total

   

Less
Than
1 Year

   

1-3
Years

   

3-5
Years

   

After 5
Years

 

Long-term Debt (a)

 

$

2,548

   

$

336

   

$

989

   

$

881

   

$

342

 

Capital Lease Obligations

                                       

Operating Leases

   

49

     

13

     

18

     

10

     

8

 

Purchase Obligations (b)

   

8,890

     

1,564

     

3,517

     

3,809

         

Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet under GAAP

                                       

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

 

$

11,487

   

$

1,913

   

$

4,524

   

$

4,700

   

$

350

 


(a)

 

Reflects maturities only. Includes $1.2 billion of transition bonds issued by PPL Transition Bond Company in 1999 to securitize a portion of PPL Electric's stranded costs. This debt is non-recourse to PPL Electric.

(b)

 

The payments reflected herein are subject to change, as the purchase obligation reflected is an estimate based on projected obligated quantities and projected pricing under the contract.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL Electric and its subsidiary. Based on their respective reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions.

The ratings of S&P, Moody's and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL Electric or its subsidiary, PPL Transition Bond Company. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to their securities.

The following table summarizes the credit ratings of PPL Electric and its subsidiary, PPL Transition Bond Company, at December 31, 2004:

   

Moody's

 

S&P

 

Fitch

PPL Electric

           
 

Senior Unsecured/Issuer
  Rating

 

Baa2

 

A-

   
 

First Mortgage Bonds

 

Baa1

 

A-

 

A-

 

Pollution Control Bonds (a)

 

Aaa

 

AAA

   
 

Senior Secured Bonds

 

Baa1

 

A-

 

A-

 

Commercial Paper

 

P-2

 

A-2

 

F2

 

Preferred Stock

 

Ba1

 

BBB

 

BBB+

 

Outlook

 

STABLE

 

NEGATIVE

 

STABLE

               

PPL Transition Bond Company

           
 

Transition Bonds

 

Aaa

 

AAA

 

AAA

(a)

 

Insured as to payment of principal and interest.

Rating Agency Actions in 2004

In March 2004, Moody's and Fitch confirmed their ratings of P-2 and F2, respectively, for PPL Electric's commercial paper.

In May 2004, S&P affirmed its A-/A-2 rating and negative outlook on PPL Electric.

Subsequent Ratings Events

In January 2005, S&P affirmed PPL Electric's A-/A-2 corporate credit ratings and has favorably revised its outlook on the company to stable from negative following the authorization of a $194 million rate increase by the PUC. S&P indicated that the outlook revision reflects its expectations that the rate increase, effective January 1, 2005, will allow for material improvement in PPL Electric's financial profile, which had lagged S&P's expectations in recent years. S&P indicated that the stable outlook reflects its expectations that PPL Electric "will rapidly improve and then maintain financial metrics more consistent with its ratings." S&P indicated that it expects PPL Electric's operations to remain stable through the expiration of the PLR agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PPL Electric has entered into certain guarantee agreements that are within the scope of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion on guarantees.

Risk Management

Market Risk

Commodity Price Risk - PLR Contracts

PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus have power supply agreements under which PPL EnergyPlus sells to PPL Electric (under a predetermined pricing arrangement) energy and capacity to fulfill PPL Electric's PLR obligation through 2009. As a result, PPL Electric has shifted any electric price risk relating to its PLR obligation to PPL EnergyPlus through 2009. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for information on the PLR contracts.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL Electric has issued debt to finance its operations, which increases its interest rate risk. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Electric's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was insignificant.

PPL Electric is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio. At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was approximately $50 million, compared to $59 million at December 31, 2003.

Related Party Transactions

PPL Electric is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL Electric in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL Electric.

For additional information on related party transactions, see Note 15 to the Financial Statements.

Capital Expenditure Requirements

The schedule below shows PPL Electric's current capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 and actual spending for the year 2004:

   

Actual

 

Projected

 

   

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

Construction expenditures (a)

                               

 

Transmission and distribution facilities

 

$

179

 

$

186

 

$

205

 

$

255

 

$

242

 

$

256

 

(a)

Construction expenditures include AFUDC and capitalized interest, which are expected to be less than $3 million in each of the years 2005-2009.

PPL Electric's capital expenditure projections for the years 2005-2009 total $1.1 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in market and asset regulatory conditions. PPL Electric also leases vehicles, personal computers and other equipment, as described in Note 10 to the Financial Statements.

Environmental Matters

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

Competition

See "Item 1. Business - Competition," for a discussion of competitive factors affecting PPL Electric.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for information on new accounting standards adopted in 2004 or pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

PPL Electric's financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations of PPL Electric, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the financial statements. (These accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.) PPL's senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them, with its Audit Committee. In addition, PPL's senior management has reviewed the following disclosures regarding the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee.

1) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

As described in Note 12 to the Financial Statements, PPL Electric participates in, and is allocated a significant portion of the liability and net periodic pension cost of the PPL Retirement Plan and the PPL Postretirement Benefit Plan. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and performance of plan assets. Delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition of changes in benefit obligations and plan performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primary assumptions are as follows:

In selecting discount rates, PPL considers fixed-income security yield rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL decreased the discount rate for its domestic plans from 6.25% to 5.75% as a result of decreased fixed-income security returns.

In selecting an expected return on plan assets, PPL considers tax implications, past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plan. At December 31, 2004, PPL's expected return on plan assets for its domestic pension plans remained at 9.0%.

In selecting a rate of compensation increase, PPL considers past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At December 31, 2004, PPL's rate of compensation increase remained at 4.0% for its domestic plans.

In selecting health care cost trend rates, PPL considers past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2004, PPL's health care cost trend rates were 10% for 2005, gradually declining to 5.0% for 2010.

A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significant impact on the accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost allocated to PPL Electric. The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the 2004 Financial Statements associated with a change in certain assumptions. While the chart below reflects either an increase or decrease in each assumption, the inverse of this change would impact the accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost by a similar amount in the opposite direction. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.

   

Increase (Decrease)

 

Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in Assumption

   

Impact on Liabilities

   

Impact on Cost

 

Discount Rate

   

(0.25)%

   

$

2

   

$

2

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   

(0.25)%

     

2

     

2

 

Rate of Compensation Increase

   

0.25%

     

1

     

1

 

At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric's Balance Sheet reflected a net liability of $72 million for pension liabilities and prepaid other postretirement benefit costs allocated from plans sponsored by PPL Services.

In 2004, PPL Electric was allocated net periodic pension and other postretirement costs charged to operating expense of $10 million. This amount represents a $6 million reduction in the charge recognized during 2003. This reduction was primarily due to decreased postretirement costs resulting from increased employee cost sharing, offset by increased pension costs resulting from the decrease in the discount rate at December 31, 2003.

Refer to Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.

2) Loss Accruals

PPL Electric periodically accrues losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. These events are called "contingencies," and PPL Electric's accounting for such events is prescribed by SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." SFAS 5 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur."

For loss contingencies, the loss must be accrued if (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL Electric continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events.

PPL Electric also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. Under regulatory accounting, PPL Electric recorded the above-market cost of energy purchases from NUGs as part of its purchased power costs on an as-incurred basis, since these costs were recovered in regulated rates. When the generation business was deregulated, the estimated loss associated with these long-term purchase commitments to make above-market NUG purchases was recorded because PPL Electric was committed to purchase electricity at above market prices but it could no longer recover these costs in regulated rates.

The accounting aspects of estimated loss accruals include: (1) the initial identification and recording of the loss; (2) the determination of triggering events for reducing a recorded loss accrual; and (3) the on-going assessment as to whether a recorded loss accrual is sufficient. All three aspects of accounting for loss accruals - the initial identification and recording of a probable loss, the identification of triggering events to reduce the loss accrual, and the ongoing assessment of the sufficiency of a recorded loss accrual - require significant judgment by PPL Electric's management.

Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual

PPL Electric uses its internal expertise and outside experts (such as lawyers, tax specialists and engineers), as necessary, to help estimate the probability that a loss has been incurred and the amount (or range) of the loss.

PPL Electric has identified certain events which could give rise to a loss, but which do not meet the conditions for accrual under SFAS 5. SFAS 5 requires disclosure, but not a recording, of potential losses when it is "reasonably possible" that a loss has been incurred. The FASB defines "reasonably possible" as cases in which "the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely." See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for disclosure of potential loss contingencies, most of which have not met the criteria for accrual under SFAS 5.

Reducing Recorded Loss Accruals

When an estimated loss is accrued, PPL Electric identifies, where applicable, the triggering events for subsequently reducing the loss accrual. The triggering events generally occur when the contingency has been resolved and the actual loss is incurred, or when the risk of loss has diminished or been eliminated. The following are some of the triggering events that provide for the reduction of certain recorded loss accruals:

On-Going Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals

PPL Electric reviews its loss accruals on a regular basis to assure that the recorded potential loss exposures are sufficient. This involves on-going communication and analyses with internal and external legal counsel, engineers, tax specialists, operation management and other parties.

The largest loss accrual that had been on PPL Electric's balance sheet was for an impairment of above-market NUG purchase commitments. This loss accrual reflected the estimated difference between the above-market contract terms, under the purchase commitments, and the fair value of the electricity to be purchased. This loss accrual was originally recorded at $854 million in 1998, when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. This loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment.

When the loss accrual related to NUG purchases was recorded in 1998, PPL Electric established the triggering events for when the loss accrual would be reduced. A schedule was established to reduce the liability based on projected purchases over the lives of the NUG contracts. All but one of the NUG contracts expire by 2009, with the last one ending in 2014. Prior to the July 1, 2000 transfer, PPL Electric reduced the above-market NUG liability based on the aforementioned schedule. As PPL Electric reduced the liability for the above-market NUG purchases, it offset the actual cost of NUG purchases, thereby bringing the net power purchase expense more in line with market prices.

Other Information

PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services and other services permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, employee benefit plan audits and internal control reviews.



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Reference is made to "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" for PPL and PPL Energy Supply and "Risk Management" for PPL Electric in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of PPL Corporation:

We have completed an integrated audit of PPL Corporation's 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-11, Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FAS 133 and Not "Held for Trading Purposes" as Defined in Issue No. 02-3 and FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, in 2003. Also, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company elected the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, in 2003. As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, in 2003. As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, in 2003. As discussed in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities -- an interpretation of ARB 51, as amended by FIN No. 46(R), in 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2005



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Managers and Sole Member of PPL Energy Supply, LLC:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PPL Energy Supply, LLC and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-11, Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FAS 133 and Not "Held for Trading Purposes" as Defined in Issue No. 02-3 and FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, in 2003. As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, in 2003. As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, in 2003. As discussed in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities -- an interpretation of ARB 51, as amended by FIN No. 46(R), in 2003.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2005



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareowner of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2005




 

(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.)




INDEX TO ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Page

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PPL Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

80

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

81

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003

82

Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity and Comprehensive Income for each of the
  three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

84

Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2004 and 2003

85

Consolidated Statement of Long-term Debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003

86

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

88

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

89

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003

90

Consolidated Statement of Member's Equity and Comprehensive Income for each of the three years
  ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

92

Consolidated Statement of Long-term Debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003

93

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

94

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

95

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003

96

Consolidated Statement of Shareowner's Common Equity for each of the three years ended
  December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

98

Consolidated Statement of Preferred Stock at December 31, 2004 and 2003

99

Consolidated Statement of Long-term Debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003

100

COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

101

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

PPL Corporation

158

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

159

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

160

Quarterly Financial, Common Stock Price and Dividend Data - PPL Corporation

161

Quarterly Financial Data - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

162




ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)

2004

2003

2002

Operating Revenues

Utility

$

3,900

$

3,717

$

3,686

Unregulated retail electric and gas

114

148

178

Wholesale energy marketing

1,247

1,222

1,039

Net energy trading margins

22

10

20

Energy related businesses

529

499

568

Total

5,812

5,596

5,491

Operating Expenses

Operation

Fuel

780

655

611

Energy purchases

917

1,004

904

Other operation and maintenance

1,243

1,201

1,131

Amortization of recoverable transition costs

257

260

226

Depreciation (Note 1)

412

380

367

Taxes, other than income (Note 5)

250

256

231

Energy related businesses

566

491

543

Other charges

Write-down of international energy projects (Note 9)

113

Workforce reduction (Note 20)

9

75

Write-down of generation assets (Note 9)

44

Total

4,425

4,256

4,245

Operating Income

1,387

1,340

1,246

Other Income - net (Note 16)

41

58

29

Interest Expense

523

473

560

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes,
  Minority Interest and Distributions on Preferred Securities

   

905

     

925

     

715

 

Income Taxes (Note 5)

195

170

210

Minority Interest (Note 9)

8

7

78

Distributions on Preferred Securities (Note 8)

2

29

67

Income from Continuing Operations

   

700

     

719

     

360

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)

   

2

     

20

     

2

 

Income Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting
  Principles

   

698

     

699

     

358

 

Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles (net of income
  taxes) (Notes 19, 21 and 22)

           

35

     

(150

)

Net Income

$

698

$

734

$

208

 

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Note 4)

Income from Continuing Operations:

Basic

$

3.80

$

4.16

$

2.36

Diluted

$

3.78

$

4.15

$

2.36

Net Income:

Basic

$

3.79

$

4.25

$

1.37

Diluted

$

3.77

$

4.24

$

1.36

Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock

$

1.64

$

1.54

$

1.44

                         

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

2004

2003

2002

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

   

   

 
 

Net income

 

$

698

   

$

734

   

$

208

 
 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities

                       
   

Loss from discontinued operations

   

2

     

20

     

2

 
   

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

           

(35

)

   

150

 
   

Depreciation

   

412

     

380

     

289

 
   

Stock compensation expense

   

12

     

11

     

5

 
   

Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other

 

242

     

244

     

198

 
   

Payments to cancel generation projects

                   

(152

)

   

Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates

   

5

     

7

     

14

 
   

Pension income - net

   

(24

)

   

(41

)

   

(42

)

   

Pension funding

   

(10

)

   

(18

)

       
   

Write-down of assets

   

10

     

13

     

157

 
   

Gain on asset sales and insurance settlements

   

(26

)

   

(21

)

       
   

Distribution requirements - preferred securities

   

2

     

29

     

60

 
   

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

   

8

     

11

     

9

 
   

Equity in earnings of WPD prior to acquiring controlling
  interest in 2002

                   

(75

)

   

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

   

155

     

96

     

85

 
   

Workforce reduction - net of cash paid

           

9

     

67

 
   

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

   

(15

)

   

(38

)

   

24

 
   

Payment and gain on NUG contract termination

                   

(75

)

   

Write-off (deferral) of storm-related costs

   

4

     

(15

)

       
   

Realized (gain) loss on nuclear trust fund

   

7

     

(20

)

       
   

Interest accretion on asset retirement obligation and other

   

23

     

22

     

4

 
   

Other

   

31

     

9

     

5

 
 

Change in current assets and current liabilities

                       
   

Accounts receivable

   

109

     

11

     

(48

)

   

Accounts payable

   

(49

)

   

7

     

(73

)

   

Fuel, materials and supplies

   

(52

)

   

(13

)

   

13

 
   

Other

   

(9

)

   

(20

)

   

(34

)

 

Other operating activities

                       
   

Other assets

   

(40

)

   

34

     

(12

)

   

Other liabilities

   

(58

)

   

(76

)

   

(5

)

     

Net cash provided by operating activities

   

1,437

     

1,340

     

774

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                       
 

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

   

(703

)

   

(767

)

   

(641

)

 

Investment in generating assets and electric energy projects

   

(31

)

           

(261

)

 

Acquisition of controlling interest in WPD, net of cash acquired

                   

(211

)

 

Proceeds from the sale of minority interest in CGE

   

123

                 
 

Proceeds from sale of assets and insurance settlements and other

   

21

     

49

     

20

 
 

Purchases of auction rate securities

   

(130

)

   

(15

)    

(1,248

)
 

Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities

   

74

   

5

     

1,292

 
 

Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash

   

(51

)

   

10

     

29

 
 

Other investing activities

   

(21

)

   

(21

)

   

(37

)

     

Net cash used in investing activities

   

(718

)

   

(739

)

   

(1,057

)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                       
 

Issuance of long-term debt

   

322

     

992

         
 

Retirement of long-term debt

   

(1,171

)

   

(575

)

   

(823

)

 

Retirement of company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities

                   

(250

)

 

Issuance of common stock

   

596

     

426

     

587

 
 

Retirement of preferred stock

           

(31

)

       
 

Payment of common dividends

   

(297

)

   

(260

)

   

(198

)

 

Payment of preferred distributions

   

(2

)

   

(27

)

   

(63

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   

(14

)

   

(877

)

   

411

 
 

Other financing activities

   

(12

)

   

(35

)

   

(27

)

     

Net cash used in financing activities

   

(578

)

   

(387

)

   

(363

)

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

   

9

     

7

     

2

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   

150

     

221

     

(644

)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

   

466

     

245

     

889

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

616

   

$

466

   

$

245

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

                       
 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

                       
   

Interest

 

$

488

   

$

456

   

$

412

 
   

Income taxes - net

$

14

   

$

(23

)

 

$

91

 
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

 

Assets

               
                 

Current Assets

               
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

616

   

$

466

 
 

Restricted cash (Note 18)

   

50

     

10

 
 

Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2004, $88; 2003, $93)

   

459

     

555

 
 

Unbilled revenues

   

407

     

341

 
 

Fuel, materials and supplies (Note 1)

   

309

     

256

 
 

Prepayments

   

57

     

54

 
 

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

   

162

     

105

 
 

Price risk management assets (Note 17)

   

115

     

90

 
 

Other

   

129

     

143

 

       

2,304

     

2,020

 

                   

Investments

               

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity (Note 3)

51

74

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at cost (Note 9)

           

126

 
 

Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Note 6)

   

409

     

357

 
 

Other

   

12

     

29

 

       

472

     

586

 

                   

Property, Plant and Equipment - net (Note 1)

               
 

Electric plant in service

               
   

Transmission and distribution

   

5,983

     

5,456

 
   

Generation

   

4,007

     

3,518

 
   

General

   

480

     

435

 

       

10,470

     

9,409

 
 

Construction work in progress

   

148

     

614

 
 

Nuclear fuel

   

153

     

144

 

   

Electric plant

   

10,771

     

10,167

 
 

Gas and oil plant

   

213

     

205

 
 

Other property

   

225

     

221

 

       

11,209

     

10,593

 

                   

Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets (Note 1)

               
 

Recoverable transition costs

   

1,431

     

1,687

 
 

Goodwill (Note 19)

   

1,127

     

1,068

 
 

Other intangibles (Note 19)

   

276

     

243

 
 

Other

   

942

     

926

 

       

3,776

     

3,924

 

                   
     

$

17,761

   

$

17,123

 
     

   

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

 

Liabilities and Equity

               
                 

Current Liabilities

               
 

Short-term debt (Note 8)

 

$

42

   

$

56

 
 

Long-term debt

   

866

     

395

 
 

Accounts payable

   

407

     

456

 
 

Above market NUG contracts (Note 14)

   

73

     

74

 
 

Taxes

   

164

     

178

 
 

Interest

   

129

     

121

 
 

Dividends

   

79

     

70

 
 

Price risk management liabilities (Note 17)

   

167

     

82

 
 

Other

   

368

     

343

 

       

2,295

     

1,775

 

                   

Long-term Debt

   

6,792

     

7,464

 

                 

Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts (Notes 15 and 22)

   

89

     

681

 

                 

Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

               
 

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 5)

   

2,426

     

2,205

 
 

Accrued pension obligations (Note 12)

   

476

     

451

 
 

Asset retirement obligations (Note 21)

   

257

     

242

 
 

Above market NUG contracts (Note 14)

   

206

     

278

 
 

Other (Note 12)

   

874

     

663

 

       

4,239

     

3,839

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 14)

               

                 

Minority Interest

   

56

     

54

 

                 

Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund Requirements

   

51

     

51

 

Shareowners' Common Equity

               
 

Common stock

   

2

     

2

 
 

Capital in excess of par value

   

3,577

     

2,977

 
 

Treasury stock

   

(838

)

   

(837

)

 

Earnings reinvested

   

1,870

     

1,478

 
 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 1)

   

(323

)

   

(297

)

 

Capital stock expense and other

   

(49

)

   

(64

)

       

4,239

     

3,259

 

                   
     

$

17,761

   

$

17,123

 
     

   

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS' COMMON EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars, except per share amounts)

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Common stock at beginning of year

 

$

2

   

$

2

   

$

2

 

Common stock at end of year

   

2

     

2

     

2

 

Capital in excess of par value at beginning of year

   

2,977

     

2,543

     

1,960

 
 

Common stock issued

   

575

     

426

     

587

 
 

Other

   

25

     

8

     

(4

)

Capital in excess of par value at end of year

   

3,577

     

2,977

     

2,543

 

Treasury stock at beginning of year

   

(837

)

   

(836

)

   

(836

)

 

Treasury stock purchased

   

(1

)

   

(1

)

       

Treasury stock at end of year

   

(838

)

   

(837

)

   

(836

)

Earnings reinvested at beginning of year

   

1,478

     

1,013

     

1,023

 
 

Net income (b)

   

698

     

734

     

208

 
 

Cash dividends declared on common stock

   

(306

)

   

(269

)

   

(218

)

Earnings reinvested at end of year

   

1,870

     

1,478

     

1,013

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year (c)

   

(297

)

   

(446

)

   

(251

)

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments (b)

   

112

     

106

     

125

 
 

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (b)

   

20

     

24

     

(3

)

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments (b)

   

(53

)

   

(10

)

   

(301

)

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on qualifying derivatives (b)

   

(105

)

   

29

     

(16

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year

   

(323

)

   

(297

)

   

(446

)

Capital stock expense and other at beginning of year

   

(64

)

   

(52

)

   

(41

)

 

Issuance costs and other charges to issue common stock

           

(9

)

   

(18

)

 

Other

   

15

     

(3

)

   

7

 

Capital stock expense and other at end of year

   

(49

)

   

(64

)

   

(52

)

Total Shareowners' Common Equity

 

$

4,239

   

$

3,259

   

$

2,224

 

Common stock shares at beginning of year (a)

   

177,362

     

165,736

     

146,580

 
 

Common stock issued through the ESOP, DRIP, ICP, ICPKE,
  structured equity program and public offering

   

11,737

     

11,652

     

19,156

 
 

Treasury stock purchased

   

(27

)

   

(26

)

       

Common stock shares at end of year

   

189,072

     

177,362

     

165,736

 
   

   

   

 

(a)

Shares in thousands; $.01 par value, 390 million shares authorized. Each share entitles the holder to one vote on any question presented to any shareowners' meeting.

(b)

Statement of Comprehensive Income (Note 1):

   

Net income

 

$

698

   

$

734

   

$

208

 
   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                       
     

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense
   (benefit) of $0, $0, $(5)

   

112

     

106

     

125

 
     

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
   expense (benefit) of $18, $14, $(2)

   

20

     

24

     

(3

)

     

Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax expense
   (benefit) of $(24), $(4), $(131)

   

(53

)

   

(10

)

   

(301

)

     

Unrealized gain (loss) on qualifying derivatives, net of tax
   expense (benefit) of $(60), $15, $(10)

   

(105

)

   

29

     

(16

)

   

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

   

(26

)

   

149

     

(195

)

   

Comprehensive Income

 

$

672

   

$

883

   

$

13

 
   

   

   

 

(c)

 

See Note 1 for disclosure of balances for each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries (a)

(Millions of Dollars)

Shares
Outstanding

Optional
Redemption
Price Per Share

Outstanding

Shares

 

 

2004

2003

2004

Authorized

(b)

PPL Electric

                             

Preferred Stock - $100 par,
  cumulative, without sinking
  fund requirements

                             
 

4-1/2%

 

$

25

 

$

25

 

247,524

   

629,936

 

$

110.00

 

 

Series Preferred

                             
   

3.35%

   

2

   

2

 

20,605

         

103.50

 
   

4.40%

   

12

   

12

 

117,676

         

102.00

 
   

4.60%

   

3

   

3

 

28,614

         

103.00

 
   

6.75%

   

9

   

9

 

90,770

         

103.04

 

   

Total Series Preferred

   

26

   

26

 

257,665

   

10,000,000

       

       

$

51

 

$

51

                 

Decreases in Preferred Stock (c)

2004

2003

2002

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

 

Series Preferred

                               
   

6.125%

             

(167,500)

 

$

(17)

         
   

6.15%

             

(97,500)

   

(10)

         
   

6.33%

             

(46,000)

   

(4)

         

Decreases in Preferred Stock normally represent: (i) the redemption of stock pursuant to mandatory sinking fund requirements; or (ii) shares redeemed pursuant to optional redemption provisions.

   

(a)

 

Each share of PPL Electric's preferred stock entitles the holder to one vote on matters on which PPL Electric's shareowners are entitled to vote. There were 10 million shares of PPL's preferred stock and 5 million shares of PPL Electric's preference stock authorized; none were outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

(b)

 

The involuntary liquidation price of the preferred stock is $100 per share. The optional voluntary liquidation price is the optional redemption price per share in effect, except for the 4-1/2% Preferred Stock and the 6.75% Series Preferred Stock for which such price is $100 per share (plus in each case any unpaid dividends).

(c)

 

Decreases in 2003 were redemptions of previously outstanding preferred stock with sinking fund requirements.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

Outstanding

   

   

2004

     

2003

 

Maturity (a)

Bonds:

 

     

 

 

6-1/2% - 7.7% First Mortgage Bonds (b)

 

$

225

     

$

297

   

2004-2024

 

3.125% - 6.40% First Mortgage Pollution Control
  Bonds (b)

   

314

       

314

   

2008-2029

 

4.30% - 6-1/4% Senior Secured Bonds (b)

   

841

       

900

   

2007-2013

 

6.83% to 7.15% Series 1999-1 Transition Bonds

   

1,159

       

1,423

   

2004-2008

 

5.875% - 9.25% Unsecured Bonds

   

2,051

 

(e)

   

1,982

   

2004-2028

 

6.20% - 6.40% Inflation-linked Bonds

   

161

 

(e)

   

150

   

2006-2022

 

2.0% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds

   

9

       

9

   

2027

 

6.8% - 9.0% Bolivian Bonds

   

22

             

2005-2010

Notes:

                     
 

6.17% - 8.375% Medium-term Notes

   

632

       

737

   

2004-2007

 

4.33% - 6.40% Senior Unsecured Notes

   

1,001

       

500

   

2009-2014

 

8.05% - 8.30% Senior Secured Notes (c)

   

437

       

437

   

2013

 

2.625% Convertible Senior Notes

   

400

       

400

   

2023

 

7.29% Subordinated Notes

   

290

             

2006

 

8.70% - 9.64% Unsecured Promissory Notes

   

10

       

12

   

2010-2022

 

Senior Floating Rate Notes (3.36% at December 31, 2004)

   

99

             

2006

                       

Term Loan - variable rate (2.56% at December 31, 2003)

             

625

   

2008

Trust Securities - variable rate (3.435% at December 31,
   2003)

             

31

   

2008

Other Long-term Debt

   

15

       

27

   

2004-2013

     

7,666

       

7,844

     

Fair Value Swaps

   

17

       

28

     

Unamortized Discount

   

(25

)

     

(13

)

   

     

7,658

       

7,859

     

Less amount due within one year

   

(866

)

     

(395

)

   

 

Total Long-term Debt

 

$

6,792

     

$

7,464

     

                         

Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts:

               
 

7.29% Subordinated Notes (d)

           

$

592

   

2006

 

8.23% Subordinated Debentures (d)

 

$

89

       

89

   

2027

 

Total Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts

 

$

89

     

$

681

     

See Note 8 for information on debt issuances, debt retirements and other changes in long-term debt.

     

(a)

 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt through 2009 are (millions of dollars): 2005, $866; 2006, $1,244; 2007, $1,022; 2008, $623; and 2009, $687.

(b)

 

The First Mortgage Bonds and the First Mortgage Pollution Control Bonds were issued under, and are secured by, the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture. The lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture covers substantially all electric transmission and distribution plant owned by PPL Electric. The Senior Secured Bonds were issued under the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture. The Senior Secured Bonds are secured by (i) an equal principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds issued under the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture and (ii) the lien of the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture, which covers substantially all electric transmission and distribution plant owned by PPL Electric and which is junior to the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture.

(c)

 

Represents lease financing consolidated through a variable interest entity. See Note 22 for additional information.

(d)

 

Represents debt with wholly owned trusts that were deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003, as a result of the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. See Notes 8 and 22 for further discussion.

(e)

 

Increase due to an increase in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




 

(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.)

 




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Operating Revenues

                       
 

Wholesale energy marketing

 

$

1,247

   

$

1,222

   

$

1,039

 
 

Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate (Note 15)

   

1,500

     

1,444

     

1,431

 
 

Utility

   

1,032

     

934

     

979

 
 

Unregulated retail electric and gas

   

114

     

148

     

178

 
 

Net energy trading margins

   

22

     

10

     

20

 
 

Energy related businesses

   

509

     

486

     

555

 

 

Total

   

4,424

     

4,244

     

4,202

 

Operating Expenses

                       
 

Operation

                       
   

Fuel

   

674

     

569

     

527

 
   

Energy purchases

   

698

     

793

     

695

 
   

Energy purchases from affiliate (Note 15)

   

154

     

152

     

160

 
   

Other operation and maintenance

   

887

     

871

     

807

 
 

Depreciation (Note 1)

   

292

     

266

     

265

 
 

Taxes, other than income (Note 5)

   

96

     

89

     

78

 
 

Energy related businesses

   

537

     

469

     

522

 
 

Other charges

                       
   

Write-down of international energy projects (Note 9)

                   

113

 
   

Workforce reduction (Note 20)

                   

41

 
   

Write-down of generation assets (Note 9)

                   

44

 

 

Total

   

3,338

     

3,209

     

3,252

 

Operating Income

   

1,086

     

1,035

     

950

 

Other Income - net (Note 16)

   

51

     

73

     

44

 

Interest Expense

   

269

     

198

     

207

 

Interest Expense with Affiliate (Note 15)

   

8

     

1

     

3

 

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes,
   Minority Interest and Distributions on Preferred Securities

   

860

     

909

     

784

 

Income Taxes (Note 5)

   

199

     

185

     

266

 

Minority Interest (Note 9)

   

8

     

7

     

78

 

Distributions on Preferred Securities (Note 8)

           

5

     

9

 

Income from Continuing Operations

   

653

     

712

     

431

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)

   

2

     

20

     

2

 

Income Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting
  Principles

   

651

     

692

     

429

 

Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles (net of
  income taxes) (Notes 19, 21 and 22)

           

35

     

(150

)

Net Income

 

$

651

   

$

727

   

$

279

 
     

   

   

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

2004

2003

2002

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

                       
 

Net income

 

$

651

   

$

727

   

$

279

 
 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities

                       
   

Loss from discontinued operations

   

2

     

20

     

2

 
   

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

           

(35

)

   

150

 
   

Depreciation

   

292

     

266

     

175

 
   

Stock compensation expense

   

9

     

8

     

4

 
   

Amortizations - energy commitments and other

   

(40

)

   

(38

)

   

(56

)

   

Payments to cancel generation projects

                   

(152

)

   

Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates

   

5

     

7

     

14

 
   

Pension income - net

   

(30

)

   

(39

)

   

(20

)

   

Pension funding

   

(7

)

   

(15

)

       
   

Write-down of assets

           

13

     

157

 
   

Gain on asset sales and insurance settlements

   

(27

)

   

(21

)

       
   

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

   

7

     

8

     

8

 
   

Equity in earnings of WPD prior to acquiring controlling interest
  in 2002

                   

(75

)

   

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

   

155

     

154

     

158

 
   

Workforce reduction - net of cash paid

                   

37

 
   

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

   

(13

)

   

(16

)

   

3

 
   

Payment and gain on NUG contract termination

                   

(75

)

   

Realized (gain) loss on nuclear trust fund

   

7

     

(20

)

       
   

Interest accretion on asset retirement obligation and other

   

23

     

22

     

4

 
   

Other

   

29

     

14

     

5

 
 

Change in current assets and current liabilities

                       
   

Accounts receivable

   

14

     

(50

)

   

109

 
   

Accounts payable

   

(54

)

   

(29

)

   

(36

)

   

Collateral on PLR energy supply (Note 15)

   

(302

)

   

2

         
   

Fuels, materials and supplies

   

(57

)

   

8

     

14

 
   

Other

   

(34

)

   

(49

)

   

(71

)

 

Other operating activities

                       
   

Other assets

   

(41

)

   

14

     

(9

)

   

Other liabilities

   

(33

)

   

(47

)

   

1

 

     

Net cash provided by operating activities

   

556

     

904

     

626

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                       
 

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

   

(490

)

   

(502

)

   

(396

)

 

Investment in generating assets and electric energy projects

   

(31

)

           

(261

)

 

Acquisition of controlling interest in WPD, net of cash acquired

                   

(211

)

 

Proceeds from the sale of minority interest in CGE

   

123

                 
 

Proceeds from sale of assets and insurance settlements

   

16

     

47

     

20

 
 

Purchases of auction rate securities

   

(60

)    

(5

)    
(1,176
)
 

Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities

   

14

             
1,176
 
 

Net (increase) decrease in notes receivable from affiliates

   

2

     

653

     

(260

)

 

Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash

   

(18

)

   

18

     

22

 
 

Other investing activities

   

(21

)

   

(6

)

   

(33

)

     

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   

(465

)

   

205

     

(1,119

)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                       
 

Issuance of long-term debt

   

322

     

802

         
 

Net increase in note payable to affiliate

   

495

                 
 

Contributions from Member

   

358

     

261

     

160

 
 

Retirement of long-term debt

   

(671

)

   

(60

)

   

(14

)

 

Distributions to Member

   

(410

)

   

(1,168

)

   

(710

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   

(56

)

   

(862

)

   

392

 
 

Other financing activities

   

(3

)

   

(16

)

   

(3

)

     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   

35

     

(1,043

)

   

(175

)

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

   

9

     

7

     

2

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   

135

     

73

     

(666

)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

   

222

     

149

     

815

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

357

   

$

222

   

$

149

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

                       
 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

                       
   

Interest

 

$

209

   

$

171

   

$

97

 
   

Income taxes - net

 

$

34

   

$

(25

)

 

$

27

 
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

 

Assets

               
                 

Current Assets

               
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

357

   

$

222

 
 

Restricted cash (Note 18)

   

3

     

3

 
 

Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2004, $68; 2003, $68)

   

259

     

320

 
 

Unbilled revenues

   

250

     

215

 
 

Accounts receivable from affiliates (Note 15)

   

152

     

71

 
 

Collateral on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 15)

   

300

         
 

Fuel, materials and supplies (Note 1)

   

256

     

198

 
 

Prepayments

   

43

     

41

 
 

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

   

128

     

41

 
 

Price risk management assets (Note 17)

   

113

     

88

 
 

Other

   

96

     

78

 

       

1,957

     

1,277

 

Investments

               
 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity (Note 3)

   

51

     

56

 
 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at cost (Note 9)

           

126

 
 

Nuclear plant decommissioning trust fund (Note 6)

   

409

     

357

 
 

Other

   

5

     

5

 

     

465

     

544

 

                 

Property, Plant and Equipment - net (Note 1)

               
 

Electric plant in service

               
   

Transmission and distribution

   

3,579

     

3,129

 
   

Generation

   

4,007

     

3,518

 
   

General

   

254

     

204

 

         

7,840

     

6,851

 
 

Construction work in progress

   

115

     

580

 
 

Nuclear fuel

   

153

     

144

 

   

Electric plant

   

8,108

     

7,575

 
 

Gas and oil plant

   

21

     

21

 
 

Other property

   

160

     

163

 

         

8,289

     

7,759

 

                 

Other Noncurrent Assets

               
 

Goodwill (Note 19)

   

1,072

     

1,013

 
 

Other intangibles (Note 19)

   

142

     

109

 
 

Other

   

559

     

548

 

         

1,773

     

1,670

 

                     
       

$

12,484

   

$

11,250

 

                     

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

2004

2003

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities

Short-term debt (Note 8)

$

56

Long-term debt

$

181

6

Accounts payable

338

381

Accounts payable to affiliates (Note 15)

52

53

Above market NUG contracts (Note 14)

73

74

Taxes

101

110

Interest

87

74

Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 15)

12

12

Price risk management liabilities (Note 17)

163

76

Other

262

224

1,269

1,066

Long-term Debt

3,694

4,140

Note Payable to Affiliate (Note 15)

495

Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust (Notes 15 and 22)

89

89

Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 5)

1,261

1,012

Accrued pension obligations (Note 12)

341

323

Asset retirement obligations (Note 21)

257

242

Above market NUG contracts (Note 14)

206

278

Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 15)

46

58

Other (Note 12)

720

510

2,831

2,423

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 14)

Minority Interest

56

54

Member's Equity

4,050

3,478

$

12,484

$

11,250

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER'S EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

 
   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 
   

   

   

 
                         

Member's Equity at beginning of year

 

$

3,478

   

$

3,507

   

$

3,972

 
 

Comprehensive income:

                       
   

Net income

   

651

     

727

     

279

 
   

Other comprehensive income (loss) (a)

                       
     

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense
   (benefit) of $0, $0, $(5) (b)

   

112

     

106

     

125

 
     

Unrealized gain (loss) on qualifying derivatives, net of tax
    expense (benefit) of $(61), $17, $(15)

   

(107

)

   

33

     

(23

)

     

Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax expense
   (benefit) of $(23), $(5), $(128)

   

(51

)

   

(12

)

   

(296

)

     

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    expense of $16, $12

   

17

     

24

         

 

Total Comprehensive income

   

622

     

878

     

85

 

 

Member's contributions

   

358

     

261

     

160

 
 

Distributions to Member

   

(410

)

   

(1,168

)

   

(710

)

 

Other

   

2

                 

                         

Member's Equity at end of year

 

$

4,050

   

$

3,478

   

$

3,507

 

                         

(a)

 

See Note 1 for disclosure of balances for each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

(b)

 

Includes a $94 million credit for the write-off of the CEMAR cumulative translation adjustment in June 2002. See Note 9 for additional information.

   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

Outstanding

   
   

   
   

2004

     

2003

 

Maturity (a)

   

     

 

5.40% - 6.40% Senior Unsecured Notes

 

$

800

     

$

500

   

2011-2014

2.625% Convertible Senior Notes

   

400

       

400

   

May 15, 2023

5.875% to 9.25% Unsecured Bonds

   

2,051

 

(d)

   

1,982

   

2004-2028

Term loan - variable rate (2.56% at December 31,
  2003)

             

625

   

June 30, 2008

Trust Securities - variable rate (3.435% at
  December 31, 2003)

             

31

   

June 30, 2008

8.05% Senior Secured Notes (b)

   

284

       

284

   

December 21, 2013

8.30% Senior Secured Notes (b)

   

153

       

153

   

December 21, 2013

6.20% - 6.40% Bonds - Inflation-linked bonds

   

161

 

(d)

   

150

   

2006-2022

6% Bolivian Govt.

             

9

   

November 24, 2009

5.0% to 8.5% UF-denominated debt

   

3

       

4

   

2004-2013

6.8% - 9.0% Bolivian Bonds

   

22

             

2005-2010

Other Long-term Debt

   

11

       

16

   

2004-2011

     

3,885

       

4,154

     

Fair Value Swaps

   

(2

)

             

Unamortized Discount

   

(8

)

     

(8

)

   

     

3,875

       

4,146

     

Less amount due within one year

   

(181

)

     

(6

)

   

 

Total Long-term Debt

 

$

3,694

     

$

4,140

     

Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust:

                     
 

8.23% Subordinated Debentures (c)

 

$

89

     

$

89

   

2027

   

See Note 8 for information on debt issuances, debt retirements and other changes in long-term debt.

   

(a)

 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt through 2009 are (millions of dollars): 2005, $181; 2006, $420; 2007, $184; 2008, $228; and 2009, $0. There are no debt securities outstanding that have sinking fund requirements.

(b)

 

Represents lease financing consolidated through a variable interest entity. See Note 22 for additional information.

(c)

 

Represents debt with a wholly owned trust that was deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003, as a result of the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. See Notes 8 and 22 for further discussion.

(d)

 

Increase due to an increase in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Operating Revenues

                       

Retail electric

$

2,683

$

2,597

$

2,527

Retail electric to affiliate

3

8

23

Wholesale electric

6

29

28

Wholesale electric to affiliate (Note 15)

154

152

160

Energy related businesses

1

2

10

Total

2,847

2,788

2,748

Operating Expenses

Operation

Energy purchases

218

211

208

Energy purchases from affiliate (Note 15)

1,500

1,444

1,431

Other operation and maintenance

353

345

319

Amortization of recoverable transition costs

257

260

226

Depreciation (Note 1)

107

103

94

Taxes, other than income (Note 5)

152

164

153

Energy related businesses

1

1

9

Workforce reduction (Note 20)

9

33

Total

2,588

2,537

2,473

Operating Income

259

251

275

Other Income - net (Note 16)

15

6

16

Interest Expense

190

211

218

Income Before Income Taxes

84

46

73

Income Taxes (Note 5)

8

18

18

Income Before Distributions on Preferred Securities

76

28

55

Distributions on Preferred Securities

2

3

16

Income Available to PPL Corporation

$

74

$

25

$

39

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net income

$

74

$

25

$

39

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities

Depreciation

107

103

94

Stock compensation expense

3

2

1

Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other

278

281

245

Distribution requirements - preferred securities

2

3

16

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

81

17

21

Workforce reduction - net of cash paid

9

31

Write-off (deferral) of storm-related costs

4

(15

)

Pension (income) expense

1

(4

)

(17

)

Other

(2

)

Change in current assets and current liabilities

Accounts receivable

40

19

(65

)

Accounts payable

50

70

(98

)

Collateral on PLR energy supply (Note 15)

302

(2

)

Other

(7

)

5

5

Other operating activities

Other assets

(1

)

(4

)

7

Other liabilities

(34

)

19

(9

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

898

528

270

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

(179

)

(235

)

(224

)

Purchases of auction rate securities

(60

)

 

(72

)

Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities

50

 

 

116

Net (increase) decrease in notes receivable from affiliates

(300

)

90

260

Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash

(35

)

(2

)

8

Other investing activities

1

2

1

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(523

)

(145

)

89

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Issuance of long-term debt

190

Contribution from parent

75

240

Retirement of long-term debt

(394

)

(430

)

(285

)

Retirement of company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities

(250

)

Retirement of preferred stock

(31

)

Payment of preferred distributions

(2

)

(3

)

(22

)

Payment of common dividends to PPL Corporation

(24

)

(29

)

(63

)

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt

42

(15

)

15

Other financing activities

(8

)

(7

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(386

)

(250

)

(365

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

(11

)

133

(6

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

162

29

35

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$

151

$

162

$

29

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

                       
 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

                       
   

Interest

 

$

180

   

$

204

   

$

222

 
   

Income taxes - net

 

$

(69

)

 

$

(17

)

 

$

24

 
                             

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

 

Assets

               
                 

Current Assets

               
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

151

   

$

162

 
 

Restricted cash (Note 18)

   

42

         
 

Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2004, $18; 2003, $24)

   

179

     

212

 
 

Unbilled revenues

   

148

     

123

 
 

Accounts receivable from affiliates (Note 15)

   

17

     

27

 
 

Note receivable from affiliate (Note 15)

   

300

         
 

Income tax receivable

           

35

 
 

Prepayment on PLR energy supply from affiliate (Note 15)

   

12

     

12

 
 

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

   

14

     

45

 
 

Other

   

58

     

59

 

     

921

     

675

 

                 

Property, Plant and Equipment - net (Note 1)

               
 

Electric plant in service

               
   

Transmission and distribution

   

2,404

     

2,327

 
   

General

   

220

     

226

 

       

2,624

     

2,553

 
 

Construction work in progress

   

29

     

31

 

   

Electric plant

   

2,653

     

2,584

 
 

Other property

   

4

     

5

 

     

2,657

     

2,589

 

                 

Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets (Note 1)

               
 

Recoverable transition costs

   

1,431

     

1,687

 
 

Intangibles (Note 19)

   

117

     

116

 
 

Prepayment on PLR energy supply from affiliate (Note 15)

   

46

     

58

 
 

Other

   

354

     

344

 

     

1,948

     

2,205

 

                 
   

$

5,526

   

$

5,469

 

                 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

   

2004

   

2003

 
   

   

 

Liabilities and Equity

               

Current Liabilities

Short-term debt

$

42

Long-term debt

336

$

289

Accounts payable

39

44

Accounts payable to affiliates (Note 15)

168

92

Taxes

46

86

Interest

29

32

Collateral on PLR energy supply from affiliate (Note 15)

300

Other

69

83

1,029

626

Long-term Debt

2,208

2,648

Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 5)

776

728

Other (Note 12)

190

194

966

922

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 14)

Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund Requirements

51

51

Shareowner's Common Equity

Common stock

1,476

1,476

Additional paid-in capital

361

361

Treasury stock

(912

)

(912

)

Earnings reinvested

354

304

Capital stock expense and other

(7

)

(7

)

1,272

1,222

$

5,526

$

5,469

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNER'S COMMON EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars, except share amounts)

       

2004

   

2003

   

2002

 

Common stock at beginning of year

 

$

1,476

   

$

1,476

   

$

1,476

 

Common stock at end of year

   

1,476

     

1,476

     

1,476

 

                         

Additional paid-in capital at beginning of year

   

361

     

282

     

51

 
 

Capital contribution from PPL

           

75

     

240

 
 

Other

           

4

     

(9

)

Additional paid-in capital at end of year

   

361

     

361

     

282

 

                         

Treasury stock at beginning of year

   

(912

)

   

(912

)

   

(912

)

Treasury stock at end of year

   

(912

)

   

(912

)

   

(912

)

                         

Earnings reinvested at beginning of year

   

304

     

308

     

332

 
 

Net income (a)

   

74

     

25

     

39

 
 

Cash dividends declared on common stock

   

(24

)

   

(29

)

   

(63

)

Earnings reinvested at end of year

   

354

     

304

     

308

 

                         

Capital stock expense and other at beginning of year

   

(7

)

   

(7

)

   

(16

)

 

Other

                   

9

 

Capital stock expense and other at end of year

   

(7

)

   

(7

)

   

(7

)

Total Shareowner's Common Equity

 

$

1,272

   

$

1,222

   

$

1,147

 

                         

Common stock shares at beginning of year (b)

   

78,030

     

78,030

     

78,030

 

Common stock shares at end of year

   

78,030

     

78,030

     

78,030

 

                         

(a)

 

PPL Electric's net income approximates comprehensive income.

(b)

 

Shares in thousands. No par value. 170 million shares authorized. All common shares of PPL Electric stock are owned by PPL.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries (a)

(Millions of Dollars)

Shares
Outstanding

Optional
Redemption
Price Per Share

Outstanding

Shares
Authorized

 

 

2004

2003

2004

(b)

Preferred Stock - $100 par,
  cumulative, without sinking
  fund requirements

                             
 

4-1/2%

 

$

25

 

$

25

 

247,524

   

629,936

 

$

110.00

 

 

Series Preferred

                             
   

3.35%

   

2

   

2

 

20,605

         

103.50

 
   

4.40%

   

12

   

12

 

117,676

         

102.00

 
   

4.60%

   

3

   

3

 

28,614

         

103.00

 
   

6.75%

   

9

   

9

 

90,770

         

103.04

 

   

Total Series Preferred

   

26

   

26

 

257,665

   

10,000,000

       

       

$

51

 

$

51

                 

Decreases in Preferred Stock (c)

                               

2004

2003

2002

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

 

Series Preferred

                               
   

6.125%

             

(167,500)

 

$

(17)

         
   

6.15%

             

(97,500)

   

(10)

         
   

6.33%

             

(46,000)

   

(4)

         
                                     

Decreases in Preferred Stock normally represent: (i) the redemption of stock pursuant to mandatory sinking fund requirements; or (ii) shares redeemed pursuant to optional redemption provisions.

   

(a)

 

Each share of PPL Electric's preferred stock entitles the holder to one vote on matters on which PPL Electric's shareowners are entitled to vote. There were 5 million shares of PPL Electric's preference stock authorized; none were outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

(b)

 

The involuntary liquidation price of the preferred stock is $100 per share. The optional voluntary liquidation price is the optional redemption price per share in effect, except for the 4-1/2% Preferred Stock and the 6.75% Series Preferred Stock for which such price is $100 per share (plus in each case any unpaid dividends).

(c)

 

Decreases in 2003 were redemptions of previously outstanding preferred stock with sinking fund requirements.

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LONG-TERM DEBT AT DECEMBER 31,

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

Outstanding

2004

2003

Maturity (a)

First Mortgage Bonds (b)

6-7/8%

$

25

March 1, 2004

6-1/2%

$

69

110

April 1, 2005

6.55%

146

146

March 1, 2006

7-3/8%

10

10

March 1, 2014

7.30%

6

March 1, 2024

225

297

First Mortgage Pollution Control Bonds (b)

3.125% Series

90

90

November 1, 2008

5.50% Series I

53

53

February 15, 2027

6.40% Series J

116

116

September 1, 2029

6.15% Series K

55

55

August 1, 2029

314

314

Senior Secured Bonds (b)

5-7/8%

255

300

August 15, 2007

6-1/4%

486

500

August 15, 2009

4.30%

100

100

June 1, 2013

841

900

Series 1999-1 Transition Bonds

6.83% to 7.15%

1,159

1,423

2004-2008

Pollution Control Revenue Bonds - 2.0%

9

9

June 1, 2027

2,548

2,943

Unamortized discount

(4

)

(6

)

2,544

2,937

Less amount due within one year

(336

)

(289

)

Total Long-term Debt

$

2,208

$

2,648

See Note 8 for information on debt issuances, debt retirements and other changes in long-term debt.

     

(a)

 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt through 2009 are (millions of dollars): 2005, $336; 2006, $434; 2007, $555; 2008, $395; and 2009, $486. There are no bonds outstanding that have sinking fund requirements.

(b)

 

The First Mortgage Bonds and the First Mortgage Pollution Control Bonds were issued under, and are secured by, the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture. The lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture covers substantially all electric transmission and distribution plant owned by PPL Electric. The Senior Secured Bonds were issued under the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture. The Senior Secured Bonds are secured by (i) an equal principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds issued under the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture and (ii) the lien of the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture, which covers substantially all electric transmission and distribution plant owned by PPL Electric and which is junior to the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture.

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Terms and abbreviations appearing in Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.

  1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    Business and Consolidation

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL is an energy and utility holding company that, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in the northeastern and western U.S. and in the delivery of electricity in Pennsylvania, the U.K. and Latin America. Based in Allentown, PA, PPL's principal direct subsidiaries are PPL Energy Funding, PPL Electric, PPL Gas Utilities, PPL Services and PPL Capital Funding.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL Energy Funding is the parent of PPL Energy Supply, which serves as the holding company for PPL's principal unregulated subsidiaries. PPL Energy Supply is the parent of PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Global.

    PPL Generation owns and operates a portfolio of domestic power generating assets. These power plants are located in Pennsylvania, Montana, Arizona, Illinois, Connecticut, New York and Maine and use well-diversified fuel sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil and hydro. PPL EnergyPlus markets or brokers electricity produced by PPL Generation, along with purchased power, natural gas and oil in competitive wholesale and deregulated retail markets, primarily in the northeastern and western portions of the U.S. PPL Global owns and operates international energy businesses that are primarily focused on the distribution of electricity.

    (PPL and PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric is a rate-regulated subsidiary of PPL. PPL Electric's principal businesses are the transmission and distribution of electricity to serve retail customers in its franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to retail customers in that territory as a PLR.

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    The consolidated financial statements of PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric include each company's own accounts as well as the accounts of all entities in which the company has a controlling financial interest. Investments in entities in which the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 3 for further discussion. All other investments are carried at cost or fair value. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Any minority interests are reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    It is the policy of PPL and PPL Energy Supply to consolidate or record equity in earnings of foreign entities on a lag, based on the availability of financial data on a U.S. GAAP basis:

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply consolidate the results of foreign entities in which they have a controlling financial interest (WPD, Emel, EC, the Bolivian subsidiaries and other investments) on a one-month lag.

       

    Earnings from foreign equity method investments are recorded on a three-month lag.

    Effective August 21, 2002, PPL Energy Supply deconsolidated CEMAR and began accounting for it using the cost method. See Note 9 for further discussion, including the sale of this investment.

    Effective December 31, 2003, PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the lessors under the operating leases for the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities. These entities were not included in the consolidated financial statements for periods ending prior to December 31, 2003. See Note 22 for further discussion.

    Effective December 31, 2003, PPL deconsolidated PPL Capital Funding Trust I, a wholly owned trust. PPL and PPL Energy Supply deconsolidated SIUK Capital Trust I, also a wholly owned trust. Both entities were included in PPL's consolidated financial statements for periods ending prior to December 31, 2003. SIUK Capital Trust I was included in PPL Energy Supply's consolidated financial statements for periods ending prior to December 31, 2003. See Note 22 for further discussion.

    The consolidated financial statements of PPL and PPL Energy Supply include their share of undivided interests in jointly-owned facilities, as well as their share of the related operating costs of those facilities. See Note 13 for additional information.

    Use of Estimates (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

    Loss Accruals (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Loss accruals are recorded in accordance with SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." Potential losses are accrued when (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

    Guarantees (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In accordance with the provisions of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34," which was adopted by PPL and its subsidiaries effective January 1, 2003, the fair values of guarantees related to arrangements entered into prior to January 1, 2003, as well as guarantees excluded from the initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45, are not recorded in the financial statements. See Note 14 for further discussion of recorded and unrecorded guarantees.

    Accounting Records (PPL and PPL Electric)

    The system of accounts for PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the PUC.

    Cash Equivalents (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

    PPL invests in auction rate and similar securities which provide for periodic reset of interest rates and are highly liquid. Even though PPL considers these debt securities as part of its liquid portfolio, it does not include these securities in cash and cash equivalents due to the stated maturity of the securities. These securities are included in "Current Assets - Other" on the Balance Sheet.

    Restricted Cash (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Bank deposits that are restricted by agreement or that have been designated for a specific purpose are classified as restricted cash. The change in restricted cash is reported as an investing activity in the Statement of Cash Flows. On the Balance Sheet, the current portion of restricted cash is shown as "Restricted cash" within current assets, while the noncurrent portion is included in "Other" within other noncurrent assets. See Note 18 for the components of restricted cash.

    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Accounts receivable collectibility is evaluated using a combination of factors. Reserve balances are analyzed to assess the reasonableness of the balances in comparison to the actual accounts receivable balances and write-offs. Adjustments are made to reserve balances based on the results of analysis, the aging of receivables, and historical and industry trends.

    Additional specific reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable, such as bankruptcies, are recorded on a case-by-case basis after having been researched and reviewed by management. Unusual items, trends in write-offs, the age of the receivable, counterparty creditworthiness and economic conditions are considered as a basis for determining the adequacy of the reserve for uncollectible account balances.

    Fuels, Materials and Supplies

    (PPL)

    PPL and its subsidiaries value inventory at the lower of cost or market primarily using the average cost method. PPL Gas Utilities values a portion of its natural gas inventory using the last-in, first-out method, consistent with its rate-making treatment. The carrying value of that inventory was $5 million and $14 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the excess of replacement cost over carrying value was $7 million and $5 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Fuels, materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market using the average cost method.

    Property, Plant and Equipment (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PP&E is recorded at original cost, unless impaired. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value at that time, which becomes the asset's new cost basis. Original cost includes material, labor, contractor costs, construction overheads and financing costs, where applicable. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred. PPL records costs associated with planned major maintenance projects in the period in which the costs are incurred. No costs are accrued in advance of the period in which the work is performed.

    AFUDC is capitalized as part of the construction costs for regulated projects. Interest is capitalized as part of construction costs for non-regulated projects.

    Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of property using various methods including the straight-line, composite and group methods. PPL and its subsidiaries periodically review and adjust the depreciable lives of their fixed assets. When a component of PP&E is retired that was depreciated under the composite or group method, the original cost is charged to accumulated depreciation. When all or a significant portion of an operating unit that was depreciated under the composite or group method is retired or sold, the property and the related accumulated depreciation account is reduced and any gain or loss is included in income, unless otherwise required by regulators.

    Following are the classes of PP&E, with the associated accumulated depreciation, at December 31:

     

       

    2004

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

    Electric plant

                           
     

    Generation

     

    $

    8,877

       

    $

    8,877

             
     

    Transmission and distribution

       

    7,991

         

    4,088

       

    $

    3,903

     
     

    General

       

    736

         

    372

         

    353

     
     

    Construction work in progress

       

    148

         

    115

         

    29

     
     

    Nuclear fuel

       

    314

         

    314

             

    Gas and oil plant

       

    336

         

    64

             

    Other property

       

    290

         

    214

         

    4

     

         

    18,692

         

    14,044

         

    4,289

     

    Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

       

    7,483

         

    5,755

         

    1,632

     

       

    $

    11,209

       

    $

    8,289

       

    $

    2,657

     

       

     

     
       

    2003

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

    Electric plant

                           
     

    Generation

     

    $

    8,347

       

    $

    8,347

             
     

    Transmission and distribution

       

    7,324

         

    3,568

       

    $

    3,756

     
     

    General

       

    733

         

    370

         

    353

     
     

    Construction work in progress

       

    614

         

    580

         

    31

     
     

    Nuclear fuel

       

    308

         

    308

             

    Gas and oil plant

       

    321

         

    63

             

    Other property

       

    276

         

    213

         

    5

     

         

    17,923

         

    13,449

         

    4,145

     

    Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

       

    7,330

         

    5,690

         

    1,556

     

       

    $

    10,593

       

    $

    7,759

       

    $

    2,589

     

    Following are the weighted-average rates of depreciation at December 31:

       

    2004

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

     

    Generation

       

    2.11%

         

    2.11%

             
     

    Transmission and distribution

       

    2.86%

         

    3.49%

         

    2.22%

     
     

    General

       

    3.41%

         

    3.75%

         

    3.19%

     
       

     

     
       

    2003

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

     

    Generation

       

    2.01%

         

    2.01%

             
     

    Transmission and distribution

       

    3.16%

         

    4.10%

         

    2.31%

     
     

    General

       

    3.75%

         

    3.96%

         

    3.64%

     

    The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally in accordance with the following ranges, in years, of assets lives:

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

     

    Generation

       

    5-65

         

    5-65

             
     

    Transmission and distribution

       

    15-80

         

    30-40

         

    15-80

     
     

    General

       

    3-80

         

    3-60

         

    10-80

     

    (PPL)

    Included in PP&E above are capitalized costs of software projects that were developed or obtained for internal use. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, capitalized software costs were $82 million and $76 million, and there was $43 million and $31 million of accumulated amortization. Such capitalized amounts are amortized ratably over the expected lives of the projects when they become operational, generally not to exceed 10 years. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL amortized capitalized software costs of $11 million, $11 million, and $5 million.

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    Included in PP&E above are capitalized costs of software projects that were developed or obtained for internal use. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, capitalized software costs were $51 million and $47 million, and there was $30 million and $24 million of accumulated amortization. Such capitalized amounts are amortized ratably over the expected lives of the projects when they become operational, generally not to exceed 10 years. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL Energy Supply amortized capitalized software costs of $5 million, $5 million, and $3 million.

    (PPL Electric)

    Included in PP&E above are capitalized costs of software projects that were developed or obtained for internal use. At both December 31, 2004 and 2003, capitalized software costs were $20 million. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, accumulated amortization was $8 million and $4 million. Such capitalized amounts are amortized ratably over the expected lives of the projects when they become operational, generally not to exceed 5 years. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL Electric amortized capitalized software costs of $4 million, $5 million, and $1 million.

    Impairments - Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and its subsidiaries review long-lived assets, including intangibles, that are subject to depreciation or amortization for impairment when events or circumstances indicate carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of long-lived assets is not recoverable from undiscounted future cash flow. The impairment charge is measured by the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value.

    Goodwill is reviewed for impairment, at the reporting unit level, annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the implied fair value. PPL's reporting units are one level below its operating segments. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of goodwill must be calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, the difference represents the amount of impairment. See Notes 9 and 19 for a discussion of asset impairment charges recorded.

    Asset Retirement Obligations (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which addresses the accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. SFAS 143 requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The initial obligation should be measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount should be recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability should be increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time. See Note 21 for a discussion of accounting for asset retirement obligations.

    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. Upon the adoption of SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002, PPL and its subsidiaries stopped amortizing goodwill.

    Other intangible assets that have finite useful lives are valued at cost and amortized over their useful lives based upon the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up.

    Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity, and measured at amortized cost, when there is an intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Debt securities and marketable equity securities that are acquired and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near-term are classified as trading. All other investments in debt and marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Both trading and available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value. Any unrealized gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income or are recognized currently in earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. The specific identification method is used to calculate realized gains and losses on debt and marketable equity securities. See Note 6 for additional information on securities held in the nuclear decommissioning trusts.

    Regulation (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric, PPL Gas Utilities, and Elfec account for regulated operations in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," which requires rate-regulated entities to reflect the effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements.

    The following regulatory assets were included in the "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets" section of the Balance Sheet at December 31:

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Electric

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Recoverable transition costs

     

    $

    1,431

       

    $

    1,687

       

    $

    1,431

       

    $

    1,687

     

    Taxes recoverable through future rates

       

    276

         

    250

         

    261

         

    242

     

    Other

       

    20

         

    24

         

    17

         

    20

     

       

    $

    1,727

       

    $

    1,961

       

    $

    1,709

       

    $

    1,949

     

    Based on the PUC Final Order, PPL Electric began amortizing its competitive transition (or stranded) costs, $2.97 billion, over an 11-year transition period effective January 1, 1999. In August 1999, competitive transition costs of $2.4 billion were converted to intangible transition costs when they were securitized by the issuance of transition bonds. The intangible transition costs are being amortized over the life of the transition bonds, through December 2008, in accordance with an amortization schedule filed with the PUC. The assets of PPL Transition Bond Company, including the intangible transition property, are not available to creditors of PPL or PPL Electric. The transition bonds are obligations of PPL Transition Bond Company and are non-recourse to PPL and PPL Electric. The remaining competitive transition costs are also being amortized based on an amortization schedule previously filed with the PUC, adjusted for those competitive transition costs that were converted to intangible transition costs. As a result of the conversion of a significant portion of the competitive transition costs into intangible transition costs, amortization of substantially all of the remaining competitive transition costs will occur in 2009.

    Included in "Other" above as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, are approximately $11 million and $15 million of storm restoration costs associated with the September 2003 Hurricane Isabel. PPL Electric deferred these costs in accordance with the PUC declaratory order of January 2004. The $4 million reduction in deferred costs is the result of a PUC order entered in December 2004. The remaining costs will be recovered through customer transmission and distribution rates, and will be amortized over ten years beginning in 2005.

    In March 2004, PPL Electric filed a proposed distribution rate increase of $164 million (subsequently amended to $160 million) and, at the same time, notified the PUC of an estimated increase in transmission service charges of $57 million. In December 2004, the PUC entered its order granting PPL Electric a distribution rate increase of $137 million and approved PPL Electric's proposed mechanism for collecting the additional $57 million in transmission-related charges.

    Accounting for Derivatives and Other Contracts Held for Trading Purposes (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into energy and energy-related contracts to hedge the variability of expected cash flows associated with their generating units and for trading purposes. PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into interest rate derivative contracts to hedge their exposure to changes in the fair value of their debt instruments and to hedge their exposure to variability in expected cash flows associated with existing debt instruments or forecasted transactions. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency derivative contracts to hedge foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities, forecasted transactions, net investments, or foreign earnings translation.

    Contracts that meet the definition of a derivative are accounted for under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted. Certain energy contracts have been excluded from the requirements of SFAS 133 because they meet the definition of a "normal purchase or normal sale" under DIG Issue C15, "Scope Exceptions: Normal Purchases and Normal Sales Exception for Certain Option-Type Contracts and Forward Contracts in Electricity." These contracts are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting.

    Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as of July 1, 2003. The requirements of SFAS 149, which required prospective application, placed additional limitations on the use of the normal purchase or normal sale exception. Therefore, the accounting for certain types of transactions has been changed on a prospective basis to conform with SFAS 149.

    All derivative contracts that are subject to the requirements of SFAS 133 and its amendments are reflected on the balance sheet at their fair value. On the date the derivative contract is executed, PPL designates the derivative as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value" hedge), a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow" hedge), a foreign currency fair value or cash flow hedge ("foreign currency" hedge), a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation or a trading derivative. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective as, and is designated and qualifies as, a fair value hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective as, and is designated as and qualifies as, a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows being hedged. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as and qualify as foreign currency hedges are recorded in either current-period earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the hedge transaction is a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. If a derivative is used as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its changes in fair value, to the extent effective as a hedge, are recorded within other comprehensive income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are reported in current-period earnings.

    Unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices of energy contracts accounted for as fair value hedges are reflected in "Energy purchases" on the Statement of Income, as are changes in the underlying positions. Realized gains and losses from energy contracts accounted for as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges, when recognized on the Statement of Income, are reflected in "Wholesale energy marketing" revenues, "Fuel," or "Energy purchases," consistent with the hedged item. Gains and losses from interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts that hedge interest payments, when recognized on the Statement of Income, are accounted for in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses from foreign currency derivative contracts that economically hedge foreign earnings translation are recognized in "Other Income - net." Gains and losses from foreign currency derivative contracts that hedge foreign currency payments for equipment, when recognized on the Statement of Income, are accounted for in "Depreciation."

    In the fourth quarter of 2002, PPL Energy Supply adopted the accounting requirements under EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." As such, PPL reflects its net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statement of Income. Non-derivative contracts that met the definition of energy trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting. Prior periods were restated.

    PPL Energy Supply adopted the final provisions of EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3," prospectively as of October 1, 2003. As a result of the adoption, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available.

    See Note 17 for additional information on SFAS 133, its amendments and related accounting guidance.

    Revenue Recognition (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Operating revenues, except for "Energy related businesses," are recorded based on energy deliveries through the end of the calendar month. Unbilled retail revenues result because customers' meters are read and bills are rendered throughout the month, rather than all being read at the end of the month. Unbilled revenues for a month are calculated by multiplying an estimate of unbilled kWh by the estimated average cents per kWh. Unbilled wholesale energy revenues are recorded at month-end to reflect estimated amounts until actual dollars and MWhs are confirmed and invoiced. At that time, unbilled revenue is reversed and actual revenue is recorded.

    "Energy related businesses" revenue includes revenues from the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries and PPL Global's proportionate share of affiliate earnings under the equity or cost method of accounting, as described in the "Business and Consolidation" section of Note 1. The mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries record profits from construction contracts on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Income from time and material contracts is recognized currently as the work is performed.

    Utility Revenue

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The Statement of Income "Utility" line item contains revenues from domestic and international rate-regulated delivery operations.

    WPD revenues are stated net of value-added tax.

    (PPL Electric)

    Since most of PPL Electric's operations are regulated, it is not meaningful to use a "Utility" caption. Therefore, the revenues of PPL Electric are presented according to specific types of revenue.

    Income Taxes

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    The income tax provision for PPL and its subsidiaries is calculated in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." PPL and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return.

    Significant management judgment is required in developing PPL's provision for income taxes, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required against the deferred tax assets. PPL and its subsidiaries record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. PPL and its subsidiaries have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances. If PPL and its subsidiaries determined that they would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of net deferred tax assets, adjustments to the deferred tax assets would increase income by reducing tax expense in the period that such determination was made. Likewise, if PPL and its subsidiaries determined that they would not be able to realize all or part of net deferred tax assets in the future, adjustments to the deferred tax assets would decrease income by increasing tax expense in the period that such determination was made.

    Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination by taxing authorities of prior year tax returns; however, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by such authorities may differ materially from the amount accrued and may materially impact PPL's financial statements. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, PPL and its subsidiaries accrue charges for probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount that should be recognized. PPL and its subsidiaries maintain an allowance for tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate.

    The provision for PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric is calculated in accordance with an intercompany tax sharing policy which provides that the taxable income be calculated as if PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric and its domestic subsidiaries filed a separate consolidated return. PPL Energy Supply's intercompany tax liability was $44 million and $61 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. PPL Electric's intercompany tax receivable was $5 million and $20 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric deferred investment tax credits when they were utilized and are amortizing the deferrals over the average lives of the related assets. See Note 5 for additional discussion regarding income taxes.

    (PPL and PPL Electric)

    The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under U.S. GAAP is deferred and included in taxes recoverable through future rates in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" on the Balance Sheet. See Note 5 for additional information.

    Leases

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and its subsidiaries apply the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," as amended and interpreted, to all transactions that qualify for lease accounting. See Note 10 for a discussion of accounting for leases under which PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are lessees.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In 2002, PPL began commercial operation of its 79.9 MW oil-powered station in Shoreham, New York. The Long Island Power Authority has contracted to purchase all of the plant's capacity and ancillary services as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement with PPL EnergyPlus. The capacity payments in the power purchase agreement result in the plant being classified as a direct financing lease, under which PPL EnergyPlus is the lessor. In December 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply recorded a sales-type lease related to an 8 MW on-site electrical generation plant, under which a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply is the lessor.

    As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL and PPL Energy Supply had receivable balances of $273 million and $277 million (included in "Current Assets - Other" and "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" for PPL and "Current Assets - Other" and "Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" for PPL Energy Supply) and unearned revenue balances of $158 million and $167 million (included in "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other"). The receivable balances include $65 million of an unguaranteed residual value. Rental income received during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $14 million, $15 million and $5 million. Total future minimum lease payments expected to be received on both leases are estimated at $16 million for each of the years from 2005 through 2009.

    Stock-Based Compensation

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL grants stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock units to employees and directors under several stock-based compensation plans. SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," encourages entities to record compensation expense for stock-based compensation plans at fair value but provides the option of measuring compensation expense using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." The fair value method under SFAS 123 is the preferable method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as it provides a consistent basis of accounting for all stock-based awards, thereby facilitating a better measure of compensation cost and improved financial reporting.

    Prior to 2003, PPL accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, as permitted by SFAS 123. Effective January 1, 2003, PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as prescribed by SFAS 123, using the prospective method of transition permitted by SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." The prospective method of transition requires PPL and its subsidiaries to use the fair value method under SFAS 123 for all stock-based compensation awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Thus, all awards granted prior to January 1, 2003, continue to be accounted for under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25, to the extent such awards are not modified or settled. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards and is included in "Other operation and maintenance" expense on PPL's Statement of Income.

    Use of the fair value method prescribed by SFAS 123 requires PPL and its subsidiaries to recognize compensation expense for stock options issued. Fair value for the stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes options pricing model.

    PPL and its subsidiaries were not required to recognize compensation expense for stock options issued and accounted for under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25, since PPL grants stock options with an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. For stock options granted and accounted for under the fair value method of SFAS 123, stock option expense for PPL was approximately $6 million for 2004 and $3 million for 2003. As currently structured, awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock units result in the same amount of compensation expense under the fair value method of SFAS 123 as they would under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25.

    See Note 23 for a discussion of SFAS 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment." See Note 11 for a discussion of stock-based compensation.

    The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and EPS as if the fair value method had been used to account for all outstanding stock-based compensation awards in the years shown:

    (PPL)

     

     

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Net Income

                           

    Net Income - as reported

     

    $

    698

       

    $

    734

       

    $

    208

     
     

    Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

       

    8

         

    5

         

    3

     
                               
     

    Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of tax

       

    10

         

    9

         

    8

     

    Pro forma Net Income

     

    $

    696

       

    $

    730

       

    $

    203

     

                             

    EPS

                           

    Basic - as reported

     

    $

    3.79

       

    $

    4.25

       

    $

    1.37

     

    Basic - pro forma

     

    $

    3.78

       

    $

    4.23

       

    $

    1.34

     

    Diluted - as reported

     

    $

    3.77

       

    $

    4.24

       

    $

    1.36

     

    Diluted - pro forma

     

    $

    3.76

       

    $

    4.22

       

    $

    1.33

     

     

    (PPL Energy Supply)

     

     

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Net Income

                           

    Net Income - as reported

     

    $

    651

       

    $

    727

       

    $

    279

     
     

    Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

       

    5

         

    3

         

    2

     
                               
     

    Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of tax

       

    7

         

    6

         

    5

     

    Pro forma Net Income

     

    $

    649

       

    $

    724

       

    $

    276

     

    Stock-based compensation expense includes an allocation of PPL Services' expense.

    (PPL Electric)

    Stock-based compensation expense, including awards granted to employees and an allocation of costs of awards granted to employees of PPL Services, was insignificant under both the intrinsic value and fair value methods for each of 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit plans. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these benefits.

    PPL and certain of its subsidiaries also provide supplemental retirement benefits to directors, executives and other key management employees through unfunded nonqualified retirement plans.

    The majority of employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries will become eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement through contributory plans. Postretirement benefits under the PPL Retiree Health Plans (covering retirees of PPL Electric and various other affiliated PPL companies) and certain employees of PPL Gas Utilities are paid from funded VEBA trusts sponsored by the respective companies.

    See Note 12 for a discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits.

    Comprehensive Income (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income, defined as changes in common equity from transactions not related to shareowners. Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments recorded by PPL Global, unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and qualifying derivatives, and the excess of additional pension liability over unamortized prior service costs, net of taxes. Comprehensive income is reflected on the PPL Statement of Shareowners' Common Equity and Comprehensive Income, and "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" is presented on the PPL Balance Sheet. Comprehensive income is reflected on the PPL Energy Supply Statement of Member's Equity and Comprehensive Income, and accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in Member's Equity on the PPL Energy Supply Balance Sheet.

    The accumulated other comprehensive loss of PPL consisted of the following after tax amounts at December 31:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Foreign currency translation adjustments

     

    $

    75

       

    $

    (37

    )

    Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

       

    40

         

    20

     

    Minimum pension liability

       

    (369

    )

       

    (316

    )

    Unrealized gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives

       

    (69

    )

       

    36

     

       

    $

    (323

    )

     

    $

    (297

    )

    The accumulated other comprehensive loss of PPL Energy Supply consisted of the following after tax amounts at December 31:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Foreign currency translation adjustments

     

    $

    75

       

    $

    (37

    )

    Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

       

    39

         

    22

     

    Minimum pension liability

       

    (360

    )

       

    (309

    )

    Unrealized gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives

       

    (51

    )

       

    56

     

       

    $

    (297

    )

     

    $

    (268

    )

    Treasury Stock (PPL and PPL Electric)

    Treasury shares are reflected on the balance sheet as an offset to common equity under the cost method of accounting. Management has no definitive plans for the future use of these shares. Treasury shares are not considered outstanding in calculating EPS.

    At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL had 31,045,853 and 31,019,352 shares of treasury stock outstanding. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Electric had 79,270,519 shares of treasury stock outstanding.

    Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Assets and liabilities of international operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated at year-end exchange rates, and related revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from translation are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

    Gains or losses relating to foreign currency transactions are recognized currently in income. The aggregate transaction gain (loss) was an insignificant amount in 2004, $(1) million in 2003 and $(9) million in 2002.

    Independent System Operator (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Certain PPL subsidiaries participate in PJM in several roles. Certain PPL subsidiaries also participate in the New England ISO (ISO-NE) and the New York ISO (NYISO) in a less significant way than in PJM. In PJM, PPL EnergyPlus is a marketer, a load-serving entity to its customers who selected it as a supplier under the Customer Choice Act and a seller for PPL's generation subsidiaries. PPL Electric is a transmission owner and provider of last resort in PJM. In ISO-NE, PPL EnergyPlus is a marketer, a load-serving entity, and a seller for PPL's New England generating assets. In the NYISO, PPL EnergyPlus acts as a marketer. PPL Electric does not participate in ISO-NE or NYISO.

    A function of interchange accounting is to match participants' MWh entitlements (generation plus scheduled bilateral purchases) against their MWh obligations (load plus scheduled bilateral sales) during every hour of every day. If the net result during any given hour is an entitlement, the participant is credited with a spot market sale to the ISO at the respective market price for that hour; if the net result is an obligation, the participant is charged with a spot market purchase from the ISO at the respective market price for that hour. ISO purchases and sales are not allocated to individual customers.

    PPL records the hourly net sales and purchases in its financial statements as sales to and purchases from the respective ISOs, in accordance with the FERC and industry accounting.

    Reclassifications (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Certain amounts in the 2003 and 2002 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications did not affect net income or total equity.

    New Accounting Standards (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    See Note 23 for a discussion of new accounting standards adopted in 2004 or pending adoption.

  2. Segment and Related Information

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL's reportable segments are Supply, Delivery and International. The Supply segment primarily consists of the domestic energy marketing, domestic generation and domestic development operations of PPL Energy Supply. The Delivery segment includes the regulated electric and gas delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities. The International segment includes operations of the international energy businesses of PPL Global. The majority of PPL Global's international businesses are located in the U.K., Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia.

    PPL Energy Supply's reportable segments are Supply and International. The International segment at the PPL Energy Supply level is consistent with the International segment at the PPL level. The Supply segment information reported at the PPL Energy Supply level will not agree with the Supply segment information reported at the PPL level. Additional Supply segment functions, including telecommunications, exist at PPL that are outside of PPL Energy Supply. Furthermore, certain income items, including PLR revenue and certain interest income, exist at the PPL Energy Supply level, but are eliminated in consolidation at the PPL level. Finally, certain expense items are fully allocated to the segments at the PPL level only.

    Segments include direct charges, as well as an allocation of indirect corporate costs, for services provided by PPL Services. These service costs include functions such as financial, legal, human resources and information services.

    Financial data for the segments are as follows:

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Income Statement Data

                                                   

    Revenues from external customers

                                                   
     

    Supply

     

    $

    1,846

       

    $

    1,804

       

    $

    1,707

       

    $

    3,327

       

    $

    3,230

       

    $

    3,124

     
     

    Delivery

       

    2,869

         

    2,778

         

    2,706

                             
     

    International

       

    1,097

         

    1,014

         

    1,078

         

    1,097

         

    1,014

         

    1,078

     

         

    5,812

         

    5,596

         

    5,491

         

    4,424

         

    4,244

         

    4,202

     

    Intersegment revenues

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    1,500

         

    1,444

         

    1,431

                             
     

    Delivery

       

    157

         

    160

         

    183

                             

    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    (10

    )

       

    (14

    )

       

    (12

    )

       

    (9

    )

       

    (11

    )

       

    (11

    )

     

    International

       

    2

         

    3

         

    3

         

    2

         

    3

         

    3

     

         

    (8

    )

       

    (11

    )

       

    (9

    )

       

    (7

    )

       

    (8

    )

       

    (8

    )

    Depreciation

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    152

         

    120

         

    129

         

    146

         

    116

         

    127

     
     

    Delivery

       

    114

         

    110

         

    100

                             
     

    International

       

    146

         

    150

         

    138

         

    146

         

    150

         

    138

     

         

    412

         

    380

         

    367

         

    292

         

    266

         

    265

     

    Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    (25

    )

       

    (27

    )

       

    (38

    )

       

    (40

    )

       

    (38

    )

       

    (56

    )

     

    Delivery

       

    267

         

    271

         

    236

                             

         

    242

         

    244

         

    198

         

    (40

    )

       

    (38

    )

       

    (56

    )

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Interest income

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    15

         

    (2

    )

       

    (5

    )

       

    23

         

    17

         

    27

     
     

    Delivery

       

    16

         

    7

         

    20

                             
     

    International

       

    8

         

    7

         

    13

         

    8

         

    7

         

    13

     

         

    39

         

    12

         

    28

         

    31

         

    24

         

    40

     
                                                     

    Interest expense

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    124

         

    41

         

    107

         

    74

         

    (19

    )

       

    (29

    )

     

    Delivery

       

    196

         

    214

         

    214

                             
     

    International

       

    203

         

    218

         

    239

         

    203

         

    218

         

    239

     

         

    523

         

    473

         

    560

         

    277

         

    199

         

    210

     

    Income taxes - total

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    119

         

    177

         

    119

         

    140

         

    215

         

    199

     
     

    Delivery

       

    17

         

    23

         

    24

                             
     

    International

       

    59

         

    (30

    )

       

    67

         

    59

         

    (30

    )

       

    67

     

         

    195

         

    170

         

    210

         

    199

         

    185

         

    266

     

    Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    18

         

    19

         

    (21

    )

       

    105

         

    99

         

    73

     
     

    Delivery

       

    87

         

    22

         

    21

                             
     

    International

       

    50

         

    55

         

    85

         

    50

         

    55

         

    85

     

         

    155

         

    96

         

    85

         

    155

         

    154

         

    158

     

    Net Income

                                                   
     

    Supply (a)

       

    421

         

    502

         

    356

         

    454

         

    531

         

    475

     
     

    Delivery

       

    80

         

    36

         

    48

                             
     

    International (b)

       

    197

         

    196

         

    (196

    )

       

    197

         

    196

         

    (196

    )

       

    $

    698

       

    $

    734

       

    $

    208

       

    $

    651

       

    $

    727

       

    $

    279

     
                                                     

    Cash Flow Data

                                                   

    Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

                                                   
     

    Supply

     

    $

    228

       

    $

    270

       

    $

    291

       

    $

    211

       

    $

    256

       

    $

    283

     
     

    Delivery

       

    196

         

    251

         

    237

                             
     

    International

       

    279

         

    246

         

    113

         

    279

         

    246

         

    113

     

         

    703

         

    767

         

    641

         

    490

         

    502

         

    396

     

    Investment in generating assets and electric energy projects

                                                   
     

    Supply

       

    31

                 

    261

         

    31

                 

    261

     
     

    International (c)

                       

    211

                         

    211

     

       

    $

    31

       

    $

         

    $

    472

       

    $

    31

       

    $

         

    $

    472

     

     

       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

     

       

    As of December 31,

       

    As of December 31,

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Balance Sheet Data

                                   

    Net investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity

                                   
     

    Supply

     

    $

    36

       

    $

    48

       

    $

    36

       

    $

    30

     
     

    International

       

    15

         

    26

         

    15

         

    26

     

         

    51

         

    74

         

    51

         

    56

     

    Total assets

                                   
     

    Supply

       

    6,673

         

    6,491

         

    7,094

         

    6,308

     
     

    Delivery

       

    5,698

         

    5,690

                     
     

    International

       

    5,390

         

    4,942

         

    5,390

         

    4,942

     

       

    $

    17,761

       

    $

    17,123

       

    $

    12,484

       

    $

    11,250

     
       

     

       

     

     
       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Geographic Data

                                                   

    Revenues from external customers

                                                   
     

    Domestic

     

    $

    4,715

       

    $

    4,582

       

    $

    4,413

       

    $

    3,327

       

    $

    3,230

       

    $

    3,124

     
     

    Foreign

       

    1,097

         

    1,014

         

    1,078

         

    1,097

         

    1,014

         

    1,078

     

       

    $

    5,812

       

    $

    5,596

       

    $

    5,491

       

    $

    4,424

       

    $

    4,244

       

    $

    4,202

     
       

     

       

     

     
       

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

     

       

    As of December 31,

       

    As of December 31,

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Property, plant and equipment - net

                                   
     

    Domestic

     

    $

    7,359

       

    $

    7,219

       

    $

    4,439

       

    $

    4,385

     
     

    Foreign

       

    3,850

         

    3,374

         

    3,850

         

    3,374

     

       

    $

    11,209

       

    $

    10,593

       

    $

    8,289

       

    $

    7,759

     

    (a)

     

    2003 includes two cumulative-effect changes in accounting principle recorded in January and December 2003. See Notes 21 and 22 for additional information.

    (b)

     

    2002 includes the cumulative-effect change in accounting principle recorded in March 2002. See Note 19 for additional information. The International segment also includes the write-downs of the CEMAR investment recorded in March and June 2002, as described in Note 9.

    (c)

     

    The 2002 amount represents the acquisition of the controlling interest in WPD.


  3. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates - at Equity

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Investment in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method were as follows as of December 31 (equity ownership percentages as of December 31, 2004):

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Aguaytia Energy, LLC - 11.4%

     

    $

    9

       

    $

    11

     

    Bangor Pacific Hydro Associates - 50.0%

       

    15

         

    15

     

    MicDos

               

    9

     

    Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation - 33.3%

       

    15

         

    15

     

    Other

       

    12

         

    6

     

     

    Total PPL Energy Supply

       

    51

         

    56

     

    PPL Capital Funding Trust I

               

    18

     

     

    Total PPL

     

    $

    51

       

    $

    74

     

    The 50% investment interest in MicDos was sold in June 2004. See Note 9 for additional information. PPL no longer has its 100% interest in PPL Capital Funding Trust I as a result of exchanges of securities involving the trust preferred securities in January and February 2004 and the liquidation of the trust in March 2004. See Note 8 for additional information.

    A PPL subsidiary has a 50% interest in a partnership that owns the Griffith gas-fired generation station. The partnership arrangement is essentially a cost-sharing arrangement, in that each of the partners has rights to one-half of the plant capacity and energy, and an obligation to cover one-half of the operating costs of the station. Accordingly, the equity investment is not reflected in the table above and is classified as "Electric Plant in Service - Generation" on the Balance Sheet.

  4. Earnings Per Share

    (PPL)

    Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using weighted average shares outstanding that are increased for additional shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive securities were converted to common stock. Potentially dilutive securities consist of:

    stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the incentive compensation plans;

    stock units representing common stock granted under the directors compensation programs;

    common stock purchase contracts that were a component of the PEPS Units and PEPS Units, Series B; and

    convertible senior notes.

    The basic and diluted EPS calculations, and the reconciliation of the shares (in thousands) used in the calculations, are shown below:

     

     

     

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Income (Numerator)

                           

    Income from continuing operations

     

    $

    700

       

    $

    719

       

    $

    360

     
     

    Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax)

       

    (2

    )

       

    (20

    )

       

    (2

    )

     

    Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles (net of tax)

               

    35

         

    (150

    )

    Net Income

     

    $

    698

       

    $

    734

       

    $

    208

     
                             

    Shares (Denominator)

                           

    Shares for Basic EPS

       

    184,228

         

    172,795

         

    152,492

     

    Add: Incremental shares

                           
     

    Convertible Senior Notes

       

    67

                     
                               
     

    Stock options and other share-based awards

       

    698

         

    597

         

    317

     

    Shares for Diluted EPS

       

    184,993

         

    173,392

         

    152,809

     
                             

    Basic EPS

                           

    Income from continuing operations

     

    $

    3.80

       

    $

    4.16

       

    $

    2.36

     
     

    Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax)

       

    (0.01

    )

       

    (0.11

    )

       

    (0.01

    )

     

    Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles (net of tax)

               

    0.20

         

    (0.98

    )

    Net Income

     

    $

    3.79

       

    $

    4.25

       

    $

    1.37

     
                             

    Diluted EPS

                           

    Income from continuing operations

     

    $

    3.78

       

    $

    4.15

       

    $

    2.36

     
     

    Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax)

       

    (0.01

    )

       

    (0.11

    )

       

    (0.01

    )

     

    Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles (net of tax)

               

    0.20

         

    (0.99

    )

    Net Income

     

    $

    3.77

       

    $

    4.24

       

    $

    1.36

     

    In May 2001, PPL and PPL Capital Funding Trust I issued 23 million PEPS Units that contained a purchase contract component for PPL's common stock. The purchase contracts were only dilutive if the average price of PPL's common stock exceeded a threshold appreciation price, which was adjusted for cash distributions on PPL common stock. The threshold appreciation price was initially set at $65.03 and was adjusted to $63.38 as of April 1, 2004, based on dividends paid on PPL's common stock since issuance. The purchase contracts were settled in May 2004. Since the average price did not exceed the threshold appreciation price, the purchase contracts were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations for 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    In January 2004, PPL completed an exchange offer resulting in the exchange of approximately four million PEPS Units for PEPS Units, Series B. The primary difference in the units related to the debt component. The purchase contract components of both units, which were potentially dilutive, were identical. The threshold appreciation price for the purchase contract component of the PEPS Units, Series B was adjusted in the same manner as that of the PEPS Units and was $63.38 as a result of the adjustment as of April 1, 2004. These purchase contracts were settled in May 2004. Since the average price did not exceed the threshold appreciation price, the purchase contracts were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations for 2004. See Note 8 for a more detailed discussion of the exchange offer.

    In May 2003, PPL Energy Supply issued $400 million of 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023. The notes are guaranteed by PPL and, as originally issued, could be converted into shares of PPL common stock if:

    during any fiscal quarter starting after June 30, 2003, the market price of PPL's common stock trades at or above $59.67 per share over a certain period during the preceding fiscal quarter;

    PPL calls the debt for redemption;

    the holder exercises its right to put the debt on any five-year anniversary of the offering;

    the long-term credit rating assigned to the notes by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services falls below Ba2 and BB or the notes are not rated; or

    certain specified corporate transactions occur, e.g., change in control and certain distributions to the holders of PPL common stock.

    The initial conversion rate is 20.1106 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes. It will be adjusted if certain specified distributions, whether in the form of cash, stock, other equity interests, evidence of indebtedness or assets, are made to holders of PPL common stock. Additionally, the conversion rate can be increased by PPL if its Board of Directors has made a determination that to do so would be in the best interests of either PPL or holders of PPL common stock.

    Depending upon which of the conversion events identified above occurs, the Convertible Senior Notes, as originally issued, could have been settled in cash or shares. However, the notes were modified in November 2004 to require cash settlement of the principal amount, permit settlement of any conversion premium in cash or stock and eliminate a provision that required settlement in stock in the event of default. These modifications were made in response to the FASB's ratification of EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share," as well as other anticipated rules relating to EPS. See Note 23 for a discussion of EITF Issue 04-8, and Note 8 for a discussion of the consent solicitation that effected these modifications.

    The maximum number of shares that could potentially be issued to settle the conversion premium, based upon the current conversion rate, is 8,044,240 shares. Based on PPL's common stock price at December 31, 2004, the conversion premium equated to 536,732 shares, or approximately $29 million.

    As currently structured, the Convertible Senior Notes will have a dilutive impact when the average market price of PPL common stock exceeds the conversion price of $49.73. The Convertible Senior Notes did not have a dilutive impact on 2003 EPS.

    The following number of stock options to purchase PPL common shares were excluded in the periods' computations of diluted EPS because the effect would have been antidilutive.

    (Thousands of Shares)

     

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

    Antidilutive stock options

       

    1,133

         

    1,683

         

    1,294

    See Note 23 for a discussion of EITF Issue 03-6 "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, 'Earnings Per Share'."

  5. Income and Other Taxes

    For 2004, 2003 and 2002, the statutory U.S. corporate federal income tax rate was 35%. The statutory corporate net income tax rate for Pennsylvania was 9.99%.

    (PPL)

    "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Distributions on Preferred Securities" included the following components for the years ended December 31:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

    Domestic income

     

    $

    641

       

    $

    727

       

    $

    605

    Foreign income

       

    264

         

    198

         

    110

       

    $

    905

       

    $

    925

       

    $

    715

    Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

    Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which PPL's operations have historically been profitable.

    Significant components of PPL's deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations were as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Deferred Tax Assets

                   
     

    Deferred investment tax credits

     

    $

    42

       

    $

    48

     
     

    NUG contracts and buybacks

       

    135

         

    168

     
     

    Accrued pension costs

       

    86

         

    81

     
     

    Federal tax credit carryforwards

       

    58

         

    9

     
     

    Foreign loss carryforwards

       

    152

         

    278

     
     

    Foreign - pensions

       

    51

         

    67

     
     

    Foreign - other

       

    26

         

    38

     
     

    Contribution in aid of construction

       

    65

         

    63

     
     

    Other

       

    219

         

    218

     
     

    Valuation allowance

       

    (164

    )

       

    (293

    )

           

    670

         

    677

     

    Deferred Tax Liabilities

                   
     

    Plant - net

       

    1,291

         

    1,073

     
     

    Restructuring - CTC

       

    526

         

    617

     
     

    Taxes recoverable through future rates

       

    115

         

    106

     
     

    Reacquired debt costs

       

    14

         

    11

     
     

    Foreign - plant

       

    770

         

    792

     

    Foreign - other

    55

    1

     

    Other domestic

       

    62

         

    61

     

           

    2,833

         

    2,661

     

    Net deferred tax liability

     

    $

    2,163

       

    $

    1,984

     

    Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to income from continuing operations for accounting purposes, and details of taxes other than income are as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Current-Federal

     

    $

    45

       

    $

    26

       

    $

    41

     
     

    Current-State

       

    (32

    )

       

    13

         

    (9

    )

     

    Current-Foreign

       

    27

         

    35

         

    52

     

           

    40

         

    74

         

    84

     

     

    Deferred-Federal

       

    102

         

    39

         

    70

     
     

    Deferred-State

       

    17

         

    24

         

    27

     
     

    Deferred-Foreign

       

    51

         

    48

         

    44

     

           

    170

         

    111

         

    141

     

     

    Investment tax credit, net-federal

       

    (15

    )

       

    (15

    )

       

    (15

    )

     

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    195

       

    $

    170

       

    $

    210

     

    Total income tax expense-Federal

     

    $

    132

       

    $

    50

       

    $

    96

     

    Total income tax expense-State

       

    (15

    )

       

    37

         

    18

     

    Total income tax expense-Foreign

       

    78

         

    83

         

    96

     

     

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    195

       

    $

    170

    (a)

     

    $

    210

     


    (a)

    Excludes $26 million of current and deferred federal and state tax expense related to the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles recorded net of tax.

     

    In 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL realized stock option tax benefits, recorded as an increase to capital in excess of par value, of approximately $3 million, $5 million and an insignificant amount.

         

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Indicated federal income tax on pre-tax income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles at statutory tax rate - 35%

     

    $

    317

       

    $

    324

       

    $

    250

     

    Increase (decrease) due to:

                           
     

    State income taxes

       

    11

         

    25

         

    11

     
     

    Amortization of investment tax credit

       

    (10

    )

       

    (10

    )

       

    (11

    )

     

    Write-down of international energy projects

               

    (83

    )

       

    14

     
     

    Difference related to income recognition of foreign affiliates (net of foreign income taxes)

       

    (32

    )

       

    (7

    )

       

    18

     
     

    Stranded cost securitization

       

    (22

    )

                   
     

    Federal income tax credits

       

    (74

    )

       

    (52

    )

       

    (50

    )

     

    Contribution of property

       

    (2

    )

       

    (9

    )

           
     

    Other

       

    7

         

    (18

    )

       

    (22

    )

           

    (122

    )

       

    (154

    )

       

    (40

    )

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    195

       

    $

    170

       

    $

    210

     

    Effective income tax rate

       

    21.5%

         

    18.4%

         

    29.4%

     

    Taxes, Other than Income

                           
     

    State gross receipts

     

    $

    156

       

    $

    155

       

    $

    154

     
     

    State utility realty

       

    (10

    )

       

    3

         

    3

     
     

    State capital stock

       

    22

         

    27

         

    7

     
     

    Property - foreign

       

    54

         

    44

         

    42

     
     

    Other - foreign

       

    1

                     
     

    Domestic property and other

       

    27

         

    27

         

    25

     

         

    $

    250

       

    $

    256

       

    $

    231

     

                               

    PPL had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period of $58 million and $9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. PPL also had state net operating loss carryforwards that expire between 2005 and 2023 of approximately $77 million and $78 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized.

    PPL Global had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $27 million and $13 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. PPL Global also had foreign capital loss carryforwards of $486 million at December 31, 2004 and $920 million at December 31, 2003. All of these losses have an unlimited carryforward period. However, it is more likely than not that these losses will not be utilized and, as such, a full valuation allowance has been provided against the related deferred tax asset.

    PPL Global does not pay or record U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries where management has determined that the earnings are permanently reinvested. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Earnings reinvested" on the Balance Sheet. The amounts considered permanently reinvested at December 31, 2004 and 2003, were $750 million and $530 million. If the earnings were remitted as dividends, PPL Global may be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practical to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on these foreign earnings.

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    "Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Distributions on Preferred Securities" included the following components for the years ended December 31:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

    Domestic income

     

    $

    596

       

    $

    711

       

    $

    674

    Foreign income

       

    264

         

    198

         

    110

       

    $

    860

       

    $

    909

       

    $

    784

    Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

    Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which PPL's operations have historically been profitable.

    Significant components of PPL Energy Supply's deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations were as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Deferred Tax Assets

                   
     

    Deferred investment tax credits

     

    $

    33

       

    $

    37

     
     

    NUG contracts and buybacks

       

    135

         

    168

     
     

    Accrued pension costs

       

    29

         

    26

     
     

    Federal tax credit carryforwards

       

    58

         

    9

     
     

    Foreign loss carryforwards

       

    152

         

    278

     
     

    Foreign - pensions

       

    51

         

    67

     
     

    Foreign - other

       

    26

         

    38

     
     

    Other domestic

       

    132

         

    111

     
     

    Valuation allowance

       

    (160

    )

       

    (288

    )

           

    456

         

    446

     

                   

    Deferred Tax Liabilities

                   
     

    Plant - net

       

    644

         

    481

     
     

    Foreign investments

       

    7

         

    9

     
     

    Foreign - plant

       

    770

         

    792

     
     

    Foreign - other

       

    55

         

    1

     
     

    Other domestic

       

    32

         

    42

     

           

    1,508

         

    1,325

     

    Net deferred tax liability

     

    $

    1,052

       

    $

    879

     

    Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to income from continuing operations for accounting purposes, and details of taxes other than income are as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Current-Federal

     

    $

    8

       

    $

    (15

    )

     

    $

    22

     
     

    Current-State

       

    9

         

    11

         

    (6

    )

     

    Current-Foreign

       

    27

         

    35

         

    52

     

           

    44

         

    31

         

    68

     

     

    Deferred-Federal

       

    101

         

    94

         

    134

     
     

    Deferred-State

       

    15

         

    24

         

    32

     
     

    Deferred-Foreign

       

    51

         

    48

         

    44

     

           

    167

         

    166

         

    210

     

                               
     

    Investment tax credit, net-federal

       

    (12

    )

       

    (12

    )

       

    (12

    )

     

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    199

       

    $

    185

       

    $

    266

     

    Total income tax expense-Federal

     

    $

    97

       

    $

    67

       

    $

    144

     

    Total income tax expense-State

       

    24

         

    35

         

    26

     

    Total income tax expense-Foreign

       

    78

         

    83

         

    96

     

     

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    199

       

    $

    185

    (a)

     

    $

    266

     

    (a)

     

    Excludes $26 million of current and deferred federal and state tax expense related to the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles recorded net of tax.

     

    In 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL Energy Supply realized stock option tax benefits, recorded as an increase to additional paid-in-capital, of approximately $1 million, $2 million and an insignificant amount.

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Indicated federal income tax on pre-tax income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles at statutory tax rate - 35%

     

    $

    301

       

    $

    318

       

    $

    274

     

    Increase (decrease) due to:

                           
     

    State income taxes

       

    19

         

    27

         

    17

     
     

    Amortization of investment tax credit

       

    (8

    )

       

    (8

    )

       

    (8

    )

     

    Write-down of international energy projects

               

    (83

    )

       

    14

     
     

    Difference related to income recognition of foreign affiliates (net of foreign income taxes)

       

    (32

    )

       

    (7

    )

       

    18

     
     

    Federal income tax credits

       

    (74

    )

       

    (52

    )

       

    (50

    )

     

    Other

       

    (7

    )

       

    (10

    )

       

    1

     

           

    (102

    )

       

    (133

    )

       

    (8

    )

    Total income tax expense from continuing operations

     

    $

    199

       

    $

    185

       

    $

    266

     

                             

    Effective income tax rate

       

    23.1%

         

    20.4%

         

    33.9%

     

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Taxes, Other than Income

                           
     

    State gross receipts

     

    $

    2

       

    $

    3

       

    $

    4

     
     

    State capital stock

       

    13

         

    14

         

    9

     
     

    Property - foreign

       

    54

         

    44

         

    42

     
     

    Foreign - other

       

    1

                     
     

    Domestic property and other

       

    26

         

    28

         

    23

     

         

    $

    96

       

    $

    89

       

    $

    78

     

                               

    PPL Energy Supply had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period of $58 million and $9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    PPL Global had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $27 million and $13 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. PPL Global also had foreign capital loss carryforwards of $486 million at December 31, 2004 and $920 million at December 31, 2003. All of these losses have an unlimited carryforward period. However, it is more likely than not that these losses will not be utilized and, as such, a full valuation allowance has been provided against the related deferred tax asset.

    PPL Global does not pay or record U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries where management has determined that the earnings are permanently reinvested. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Member's Equity" on the Balance Sheet. The amounts considered permanently reinvested at December 31, 2004 and 2003, were $750 million and $530 million. If the earnings were remitted as dividends, PPL Global may be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practical to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on these foreign earnings.

    (PPL Electric)

    The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under U.S. GAAP is deferred and included in taxes recoverable through future rates in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" on the Balance Sheet.

    The tax effects of significant temporary differences comprising PPL Electric's net deferred income tax liability were as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Deferred Tax Assets

                   
     

    Deferred investment tax credits

     

    $

    8

       

    $

    9

     
     

    Accrued pension costs

       

    35

         

    34

     
     

    Contribution in aid of construction

       

    62

         

    62

     
     

    Other

       

    39

         

    64

     

           

    144

         

    169

     

                     
       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Deferred Tax Liabilities

                   
     

    Electric utility plant - net

       

    603

         

    558

     
     

    Restructuring - CTC

       

    142

         

    143

     
     

    Taxes recoverable through future rates

       

    108

         

    100

     
     

    Reacquired debt costs

       

    13

         

    11

     
     

    Other

       

    21

         

    18

     

           

    887

         

    830

     

    Net deferred tax liability

     

    $

    743

       

    $

    661

     

    Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to income from continuing operations for accounting purposes, and details of taxes other than income are as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Current-Federal

     

    $

    (33

    )

     

    $

    (2

    )

     

    $

    (8

    )

     

    Current-State

       

    (40

    )

       

    3

         

    5

     

           

    (73

    )

       

    1

         

    (3

    )

     

    Deferred-Federal

       

    79

         

    22

         

    27

     
     

    Deferred-State

       

    5

         

    (2

    )

       

    (3

    )

           

    84

         

    20

         

    24

     

     

    Investment tax credit, net-federal

       

    (3

    )

       

    (3

    )

       

    (3

    )

     

    Total

     

    $

    8

       

    $

    18

       

    $

    18

     

    Total income tax expense-Federal

     

    $

    43

       

    $

    17

       

    $

    16

     

    Total income tax expense-State

       

    (35

    )

       

    1

         

    2

     

     

    Total

     

    $

    8

       

    $

    18

       

    $

    18

     

                               

    In 2004, 2003 and 2002, PPL Electric realized stock option tax benefits, recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital, which were insignificant.

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

                           
     

    Indicated federal income tax on pre-tax income at statutory tax rate - 35%

     

    $

    30

       

    $

    16

       

    $

    26

     

    Increase (decrease) due to:

                           
     

    State income taxes

       

    (1

    )

       

    1

         

    1

     
     

    Flow-through of depreciation differences not previously normalized

       

    1

         

    1

             
     

    Stranded cost securitization

       

    (22

    )

                   
     

    Amortization of investment tax credit

       

    (2

    )

       

    (2

    )

       

    (3

    )

     

    Other

       

    2

         

    2

         

    (6

    )

           

    (22

    )

       

    2

         

    (8

    )

    Total income tax expense

     

    $

    8

       

    $

    18

       

    $

    18

     

                             

    Effective income tax rate

       

    9.4%

         

    39.1%

         

    24.7%

     
                             

    Taxes, Other than Income

                           
     

    State gross receipts

     

    $

    155

       

    $

    152

       

    $

    151

     
     

    State utility realty

       

    (10

    )

       

    3

         

    3

     
     

    State capital stock

       

    7

         

    10

         

    (2

    )

     

    Property and other

               

    (1

    )

       

    1

     

         

    $

    152

       

    $

    164

       

    $

    153

     

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In October 2004, President Bush signed the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Act creates a temporary incentive for U.S. corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad by providing an 85% dividends received deduction for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. The deduction is subject to a number of limitations, and uncertainty remains as to how to interpret numerous provisions in the Act. As such, PPL is not in a position to decide on whether, and to what extent, it might repatriate foreign earnings that have not yet been remitted to the U.S. based on its analysis to date. However, it is reasonably possible that PPL Energy Supply may repatriate some amount between zero and $500 million, with the respective tax liability ranging from zero to $27 million. PPL expects to be in a position to finalize its assessment by December 31, 2005.

    The Act also provides, beginning in 2005, a tax deduction from income for certain qualified domestic production activities. FSP FAS 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, 'Accounting for Income Taxes,' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004," specifies that this tax deduction will be treated as a special deduction and not as a tax rate reduction. For 2004, this deduction had no effect with respect to PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with such qualified domestic production activities. Additionally, as the Act specifically excludes the gross receipts from the transmission of electricity from the definition of qualifying domestic production gross receipts, PPL Electric will not receive a tax benefit from this new deduction.

  6. Nuclear Decommissioning

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The expected cost to decommission the Susquehanna station is based on a 2002 site-specific study that estimated the cost to dismantle and decommission each unit immediately following final shutdown. PPL Susquehanna's 90% share of the total estimated cost of decommissioning the Susquehanna station was approximately $936 million measured in 2002 dollars. This estimate includes decommissioning the radiological portions of the station and the cost of removal of non-radiological structures and materials.

    Beginning in January 1999, in accordance with the PUC Final Order, approximately $130 million of decommissioning costs are being recovered from PPL Electric's customers through the CTC over the 11-year life of the CTC rather than the remaining life of Susquehanna. The recovery includes a return on unamortized decommissioning costs. Under the power supply agreements between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus, these revenues are passed on to PPL EnergyPlus. Similarly, these revenues are passed on to PPL Susquehanna under a power supply agreement between PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Susquehanna.

    Effective January 1, 2003, PPL adopted SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." Accretion expense, as determined under the provisions of SFAS 143, was $18 million and $16 million in 2004 and 2003, and is included in "Other operation and maintenance." In 2002, decommissioning expenses were $22 million and were recorded as a component of depreciation expense. Accrued nuclear decommissioning expenses, as determined under the provisions of SFAS 143, were $236 million and $218 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and are included in "Asset Retirement Obligations." See Note 21 for additional information on SFAS 143.

    The amounts collected for decommissioning, less applicable taxes, are deposited in external trust funds for investment and can be used only for future decommissioning costs. To the extent that the actual costs for decommissioning exceed the amounts in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds, PPL Susquehanna would be obligated to fund 90% of the shortfall.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply classify investments in the trust funds for decommissioning the nuclear plant as available-for-sale. The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses for the securities held in the trust funds.

       

    December 31, 2004

     

       

    Gross
    Unrealized
    Gains

       

    Gross
    Unrealized
    Losses

       

    Fair Value

     

    Cash and cash equivalents

                     

    $

    11

     

    Equity securities

     

    $

    70

                 

    279

     

    Debt securities

                           
     

    Government obligations

       

    1

       

    $

    (3

    )

       

    102

     
     

    Other debt securities

                       

    17

     

    Total debt securities

       

    1

         

    (3

    )

       

    119

     

    Total

     

    $

    71

       

    $

    (3

    )

     

    $

    409

     

       

     

     
       

    December 31, 2003

     

       

    Gross
    Unrealized
    Gains

       

    Gross
    Unrealized
    Losses

       

    Fair Value

     

    Cash and cash equivalents

                     

    $

    8

     

    Equity securities

     

    $

    42

       

    $

    (6

    )

       

    215

     

    Debt securities

                           
     

    Government obligations

       

    1

         

    (6

    )

       

    115

     
     

    Other debt securities

               

    (1

    )

       

    19

     

    Total debt securities

       

    1

         

    (7

    )

       

    134

     

    Total

     

    $

    43

       

    $

    (13

    )

     

    $

    357

     

    The following table shows proceeds from and realized gains and losses on sales of securities held in the trust:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Proceeds from sales

     

    $

    113

       

    $

    140

     

    Gross realized gains

       

    3

         

    14

     

    Gross realized losses (a)

       

    (17

    )

       

    (3

    )

     

     

    (a)

    2004 includes a $(10) million adjustment to the net realized gains recorded in 2003. The adjustment was included in gross realized losses in this table.

    Net pre-tax unrealized gains associated with current year activities increased accumulated other comprehensive income by $24 million ($15 million after tax) and $41 million ($23 million after tax) in 2004 and 2003. Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and realized in "Other Income - net" in the Statement of Income were $(14) million ($(8) million after tax) and $11 million ($6 million after tax) in 2004 and 2003.

    Prior to 2003, any trust activity was reflected on the balance sheet in the trust fund account and noncurrent liabilities. Beginning in January 2003, upon adoption of SFAS 143, any realized gains and losses were recognized in "Other Income - net."

    The proceeds from the sales of securities are reinvested in the trust. These funds, along with deposits of amounts collected from customers, are used to pay income taxes and fees related to managing the trust. Due to the restricted nature of these investments, they are not included in cash and cash equivalents of PPL or PPL Energy Supply.

    The government obligations and other debt securities that exist at December 31, 2004, mature on the following schedule:

    Within 1 year

     

    $

    7

     

    After 1 year through 5 years

       

    44

     

    After 5 years through 10 years

       

    42

     

    After 10 years

       

    26

     

    Total maturities of debt obligations

     

    $

    119

     

    PPL Susquehanna intends to file with the NRC in 2006 for 20-year license renewals for each of the Susquehanna units. If approved, the operating licenses would be extended from 2022 to 2042 for Unit 1 and from 2024 to 2044 for Unit 2.

  7. Financial Instruments

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds, other investments and short-term debt approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments, variable interest rates associated with the financial instruments or the carrying value of the instruments being based on established market prices. Price risk management assets and liabilities are valued using either exchange-traded market quotes or prices obtained through third-party brokers and are recorded at fair value. Financial instruments where the carrying amount on the Balance Sheet and the estimated fair value (based on quoted market prices for the securities where available and estimates based on current rates where quoted market prices are not available) are different, are set forth below:

       

    December 31, 2004

       

    December 31, 2003

     

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Fair
    Value

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Fair
    Value

     

    PPL

                                   
     

    Long-term debt

     

    $

    7,658

       

    $

    8,141

       

    $

    7,859

       

    $

    8,443

     
     

    Long-term debt with affiliate trusts

       

    89

         

    84

         

    681

         

    612

     

    PPL Energy Supply

                                   
     

    Long-term debt

     

    $

    3,875

       

    $

    4,126

       

    $

    4,146

       

    $

    4,384

     
     

    Long-term debt with affiliate trust

       

    89

         

    84

         

    89

         

    87

     

    PPL Electric

                                   
     

    Long-term debt

     

    $

    2,544

       

    $

    2,711

       

    $

    2,937

       

    $

    3,215

     

  8. Credit Arrangements and Financing Activities

    Credit Arrangements

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In February 2004, PPL Energy Supply reduced the size of its $500 million three-year credit facility expiring in June 2004 to $200 million. In June 2004, PPL Energy Supply replaced this facility and its $300 million three-year facility expiring in June 2005 with an $800 million five-year facility expiring in June 2009. PPL Energy Supply also has a $300 million three-year credit facility that expires in June 2006. Also in June 2004, PPL Electric replaced its $200 million 364-day facility expiring in June 2004 with a $200 million five-year facility expiring in June 2009. PPL Electric also has a $100 million three-year credit facility that expires in June 2006. At December 31, 2004, no cash borrowings were outstanding under any credit facilities of PPL Electric or PPL Energy Supply. Both PPL Electric and PPL Energy Supply have the ability to cause the lenders under their respective facilities to issue letters of credit. At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had no letters of credit outstanding under its credit facilities, and PPL Energy Supply had $250 million of letters of credit outstanding under its credit facilities.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In December 2004, WPD (South West) borrowed £108 million (approximately $208 million at current exchange rates) under its credit facilities. This is not reflected on the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004, due to the one-month reporting lag. In October 2004, WPD (South West) replaced its expiring £100 million 364-day credit facility expiring in October 2004 with a £100 million 364-day credit facility expiring in October 2005, extended its £150 million five-year credit facility to October 2009 and added a £150 million three-year credit facility expiring in October 2007. WPD also has a £2.5 million uncommitted borrowing line, which has £1.275 million (approximately $2 million at current exchange rates) of letters of credit outstanding.

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    The subsidiaries of PPL are separate legal entities. PPL's subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL. Accordingly, creditors of PPL may not satisfy their debts from the assets of the subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay PPL's creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. Similarly, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL is not liable for the debts of its subsidiaries. Accordingly, creditors of PPL's subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL absent a specific contractual undertaking by PPL to pay the creditors of its subsidiaries or as required by applicable law or regulation.

    Similarly, the subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are separate legal entities. These subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric. Accordingly, creditors of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric may not satisfy their debts from the assets of their subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. In addition, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are not liable for the debts of their subsidiaries. Accordingly, creditors of these subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL Energy Supply or PPL Electric absent a specific contractual undertaking by that parent to pay the creditors of its subsidiaries or as required by applicable law or regulation.

    Financing Activities

    PEPS Units Transactions

    (PPL)

    In November 2003, PPL initiated an offer to exchange up to $573 million of its outstanding PEPS Units for up to $573 million of its PEPS Units, Series B and a cash payment by PPL of $0.375 for each validly tendered and accepted outstanding PEPS Unit. See Note 22 for a discussion of the PEPS Units. The exchange offer, which closed in January 2004, resulted in $99 million, or 17.28%, of the outstanding PEPS Units being exchanged.

    In February 2004, pursuant to the terms of the PEPS Units, PPL remarketed $257 million of the PPL Capital Funding Trust I trust preferred securities that were a component of the PEPS Units. The trust preferred securities were remarketed at a price of 107.284% of their aggregate stated liquidation amount, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.912% based on the reset distribution rate of 7.29% per annum. Under the terms of the PEPS Units, holders were entitled to surrender their trust preferred securities for remarketing in order to settle the purchase contract component of the PEPS Units in May 2004. Holders of an aggregate of $218 million of the trust preferred securities elected not to participate in the remarketing. Those holders retained their trust preferred securities at a distribution rate of 7.29% per annum.

    Additionally, in February 2004, PPL Capital Funding issued $201 million of senior unsecured notes guaranteed by PPL in exchange for $185 million of the trust preferred securities of PPL Capital Funding Trust I and a payment of $400,000 in cash. The senior notes bear interest at a rate of 4.33% per year that is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, from September 1, 2004, through the maturity date of March 1, 2009. The senior notes are not redeemable by PPL or PPL Capital Funding, and the holders will not be entitled to require PPL or PPL Capital Funding to repurchase the senior notes before maturity. The senior notes were issued in an SEC Rule 144A private offering to qualified institutional buyers and were exchanged in full for senior notes registered with the SEC pursuant to an exchange offer completed by PPL and PPL Capital Funding in July 2004. The registered senior notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer have the same terms as the senior notes issued in the 144A private offering.

    The January and February 2004 exchanges resulted in the cancellation of an aggregate of $284 million of the trust preferred securities and an aggregate of $9 million of PPL Capital Funding Trust I's common securities held by PPL Capital Funding, as well as a corresponding cancellation of the $293 million of PPL Capital Funding 7.29% subordinated notes due 2006 underlying these trust securities. The cancellation of the underlying PPL Capital Funding subordinated notes together with the issuance of the new PPL Capital Funding debt, as a result of the exchanges, resulted in a net decrease of $9 million of long-term debt, including "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts," as reflected in the Balance Sheet. Following these exchanges, there remained outstanding $290 million of trust preferred securities and $9 million of trust common securities, as well as $299 million of underlying PPL Capital Funding 7.29% subordinated notes due 2006.

    In March 2004, PPL liquidated PPL Capital Funding Trust I, resulting in the cancellation of all of the outstanding trust preferred securities and the trust common securities. In exchange for the cancellation of the trust securities, PPL Capital Funding Trust I caused $290 million of underlying PPL Capital Funding 7.29% subordinated notes due 2006 to be distributed to the holders of the trust preferred securities and $9 million of PPL Capital Funding 7.29% subordinated notes due 2006, held by the trust, to be cancelled. The impact to PPL Capital Funding as a result of these cancellations was an additional net decrease of $9 million of long-term debt, including "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts," as reflected in the Balance Sheet.

    In May 2004, pursuant to the terms of the PEPS Units, Series B, PPL remarketed approximately $99 million of the PPL Capital Funding notes due 2006 that were a component of the PEPS Units, Series B. The notes were remarketed at a price of 100.5% of their aggregate principal amount with a floating reset interest rate initially equal to 2.31%, which is three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 105 basis points, or 1.05%. Interest on the notes resets quarterly at three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 105 basis points, and is payable quarterly from May 18, 2004, through, but excluding, the maturity date of May 18, 2006. Under the terms of the PEPS Units, Series B, holders were entitled to surrender their PPL Capital Funding notes for remarketing in order to settle the purchase contract component of the PEPS Units, Series B in May 2004.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The purchase contract component of the PEPS Units and the PEPS Units, Series B settled in May 2004. Pursuant to the settlement of the purchase contracts, PPL issued an aggregate of approximately 11 million shares of its common stock and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $575 million. In June 2004, subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply used these proceeds and cash on hand to purchase, for approximately $660 million, the Sundance and University Park generation assets that it had been leasing, through a synthetic lease arrangement, from a trust that was consolidated by PPL Energy Supply in accordance with FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." See Note 22 for a discussion of FIN 46. Under the terms of the synthetic lease arrangement, the PPL Energy Supply subsidiary had the right at any time to purchase these assets for an amount sufficient to pay off the consolidated trust's related financing, including accrued and unpaid interest. Repayment of the consolidated trust's debt resulted in a loss of approximately $9 million pre-tax, which is reflected in "Interest Expense."

    Other Financing Activities

    (PPL)

    In April 2004, PPL Capital Funding repurchased $4 million of its 8-3/8% Medium-term Notes due 2007 at a market value of approximately $5 million. This repurchase resulted in a loss of approximately $1 million pre-tax, which is reflected in "Interest Expense."

    In September 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Gas Utilities repurchased all remaining $2 million of its outstanding 9.64% Notes due 2010 at an approximately equivalent market value.

    In November 2004, PPL Capital Funding retired $100 million of its 6.79% Medium Term Notes due November 2004 at par value.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    During 2004, a Bolivian subsidiary of PPL Global issued $13 million of bonds with interest rates varying from 6.8% to 7.4% and serial maturities from December 2005 to December 2008. In addition, the PPL Global subsidiary issued bonds denominated in UFVs (inflation-indexed bolivianos) totaling 72.3 million bolivianos (approximately $9 million at current exchange rates) with interest rates ranging from 8% to 9% and with maturities in December 2007 and May 2010. The proceeds of both issuances were used to repay intercompany loans, short-term bank borrowings, and $9 million of its multi-currency denominated Inter-American Development Bank note maturing in November 2009.

    In August 2004, PPL Energy Supply issued $300 million of 5.4% Senior Notes maturing in August 2014. These securities were issued under PPL Energy Supply's existing shelf registration statement on file with the SEC. The proceeds of the notes will be applied to the repayment at maturity of approximately $320 million of PPL Capital Funding's 7-3/4% Medium-term Notes that are due in April 2005. PPL EnergyPlus currently is using the proceeds to satisfy its collateral obligation under one of its PLR contracts with PPL Electric. See Note 15 for a discussion of the collateral requirement under this PLR contract.

    During 2004, PPL Energy Supply distributed approximately $410 million to its parent company, PPL Energy Funding, and received capital contributions of $358 million.

    In May 2004, PPL Energy Supply issued a $495 million note payable to an affiliate. The note matures in May 2006, with interest payable monthly in arrears at LIBOR plus 1%.

    In November 2004, PPL and PPL Energy Supply successfully completed their solicitation of consents from the holders of PPL Energy Supply's outstanding $400 million 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 to amend certain provisions of the Indenture dated May 21, 2003, pursuant to which the Convertible Senior Notes were issued. The purpose of the consent solicitation was to modify the terms of the Convertible Senior Notes in response to changes to the calculation of diluted EPS resulting from EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share," as well as other anticipated rules relating to EPS. See Note 23 for a discussion of EITF Issue 04-8 and additional information.

    In December 2004, PPL Energy Supply reactivated its commercial paper program to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary or appropriate.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding under its commercial paper program, and PPL Energy Supply currently has no plans to access the commercial paper market in the near-term.

    In December 2004, WPD retired $178 million of its 6.75% Unsecured Bonds, which will be reflected in the 2005 Financial Statements due to the one-month reporting lag.

    (PPL and PPL Electric)

    In March 2004, PPL Electric retired approximately $25 million of its outstanding First Mortgage Bonds, 6.875% Series due March 2004, at par value. Also in March, PPL Electric redeemed approximately $6 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, 7.30% Series due 2024, at par value, through the application of cash deposited with the trustee to release certain transmission lines and other equipment from the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture.

    In April 2004, PPL Electric completed an offer to repurchase its outstanding First Mortgage Bonds, 6-1/2% Series due 2005. Pursuant to the offer, PPL Electric repurchased approximately $41 million of the bonds at a market value of $43 million. PPL Electric also repurchased in the open market $45 million of 5-7/8% Senior Secured Bonds and $14 million of 6-1/4% Senior Secured Bonds at market values of $48 million and $16 million, respectively. These repurchases resulted in a loss of approximately $7 million pre-tax, which is reflected in other noncurrent assets as an unamortized loss on reacquired debt. The purpose of the repurchases was to reduce future interest expense.

    In August 2004, PPL Electric began participating in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis. The subsidiary has pledged these assets to secure loans from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. PPL Electric expects to use the proceeds from the credit agreement for general corporate purposes and to cash collateralize letters of credit. The subsidiary's borrowing limit under this credit agreement is $150 million, and interest under the credit agreement varies based on the commercial paper conduit's actual cost to issue commercial paper that supports the debt. At December 31, 2004, $96 million of accounts receivable and $128 million of unbilled revenue were pledged under the credit agreement. At December 31, 2004, there was $42 million of short-term debt outstanding under the credit agreement at an interest rate of 2.33%, with such debt being used to cash collateralize letters of credit issued on PPL Electric's behalf. At December 31, 2004, based on the accounts receivables and unbilled revenues pledged, an additional $100 million was available for borrowing. The funds used to cash collateralize the letters of credit are reported in "Restricted cash" on the Balance Sheet. PPL Electric's sale to its subsidiary of the accounts receivable and unbilled revenue is an absolute sale of the assets, and PPL Electric does not retain an interest in these assets. However, for financial reporting purposes, the subsidiary's financial results are consolidated in PPL Electric's financial statements. PPL Electric will continue to perform certain record-keeping and cash collection functions with respect to the assets in return for a servicing fee from the subsidiary. PPL Electric expects the subsidiary to renew the credit agreement on an annual basis.

    In 2004, PPL Transition Bond Company made principal payments on transition bonds totaling $264 million.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding under its commercial paper program.

    In February 2005, the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) issued $115.5 million of 4.70% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds due 2029 on behalf of PPL Electric. The proceeds of the LCIDA bonds will be used in March 2005 to refund the LCIDA's $115.5 million of 6.40% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds due 2029. PPL Electric has entered into a loan agreement with the LCIDA pursuant to which the LCIDA has loaned to PPL Electric the proceeds of the LCIDA bonds on payment terms that correspond to the LCIDA bonds. The scheduled principal and interest payments on the LCIDA bonds are insured. In order to secure its obligations to the insurance provider, PPL Electric issued $115.5 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Bonds (under its 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture), which also have payment terms that correspond to the LCIDA bonds.

    Dividends and Dividend Restrictions

    (PPL)

    In February 2004, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, effective April 1, 2004, from 38.5 cents per share to 41 cents per share (equivalent to $1.64 per annum). In February 2005, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 1, 2005, to 46 cents per share (equivalent to $1.84 per annum). Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The PPL Montana Colstrip lease places certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to declare dividends. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's ability to operate as desired and will not affect their ability to meet any of their cash obligations. Certain of PPL Global's international subsidiaries also have financing arrangements which limit their ability to pay dividends. However, PPL does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's ability to meet their cash obligations.

    (PPL and PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric's 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture restricts dividend payments in the event that PPL Electric fails to meet interest coverage ratios or fails to comply with certain requirements included in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to maintain its separateness from PPL and PPL's other subsidiaries. PPL Electric does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact its ability to declare dividends.

    Mandatorily Redeemable Securities

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    On July 1, 2003, PPL adopted the provisions of SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." As a result, PPL changed its classification of the trust preferred securities of PPL Capital Funding Trust I, which were issued as a component of the PEPS Units, PPL Energy Supply changed its classification of the trust preferred securities issued by SIUK Capital Trust I and PPL Electric changed its classification of its preferred stock with sinking fund requirements. Under SFAS 150, these securities were required to be classified as liabilities instead of "mezzanine" equity on the balance sheet because they were considered mandatorily redeemable securities. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, no amounts were included in long-term debt for any of these securities because of the following: PPL deconsolidated PPL Capital Funding Trust I in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," effective December 31, 2003, and terminated the trust in 2004; PPL Energy Supply deconsolidated SIUK Capital Trust I in accordance with FIN 46, effective December 31, 2003; and there was no preferred stock with sinking fund requirements of PPL Electric outstanding (due to preferred stock redemptions). See Note 22 for a discussion of the deconsolidation of the trusts. As a result of the deconsolidation of the trusts, the subordinated debt securities that support the trust preferred securities, rather than the trust preferred securities themselves, are reflected in long-term debt as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, to the extent they were still outstanding.

    SFAS 150 also required the distributions on these mandatorily redeemable securities to be included as a component of "Interest Expense" instead of "Distributions on Preferred Securities" in the Statement of Income, effective July 1, 2003. "Interest Expense" for 2003 includes distributions on these securities totaling $27 million for PPL, $5 million for PPL Energy Supply and an insignificant amount for PPL Electric. As a result of the adoption of FIN 46 by PPL and PPL Energy Supply and the redemption of the preferred stock with sinking fund requirements by PPL Electric, no amounts are reflected in "Interest Expense" for these mandatorily redeemable securities in 2004. Periods ending prior to July 1, 2003, were not restated to conform to these presentations since SFAS 150 specifically prohibits the restatement of financial statements for periods prior to its adoption.

  9. Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

    Domestic Generation Projects (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In 2002, PPL Global evaluated its options with respect to six unassigned turbines and other related equipment that were complete or substantially complete. These units were intended to be used at the Kings Park site on Long Island, New York. At that time, given low energy prices and the unavailability of a power contract, PPL Global was reevaluating its options with respect to the Kings Park project.

    Due to the uncertainty of the project and the absence of other viable projects, a valuation based upon replacement costs of the turbines and the other related equipment was completed. This resulted in the recognition of a $44 million impairment charge in 2002, which is reported on the Statement of Income as "Write-down of generation assets," a component of "Other charges." A deferred income tax benefit of $18 million was recognized on the write-down.

    In January 2003, PPL announced that it had decided not to proceed with development of the 300 MW Kings Park project. In March 2003, PPL Global sold its interest in Kings Park Energy, LLC. At that time, the six unassigned gas combustion turbine generators and other related equipment to be used at the Kings Park site were transferred to PPL Generation and retained as spare parts.

    In November 2003, PPL Generation sold four of the six spare gas combustion turbine generators and related equipment for approximately $33 million. PPL Generation received substantially all of the proceeds in January 2004. The pre-tax loss on the sale of about $3 million is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income in 2003. In February 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Generation sold one spare gas combustion turbine generator and related equipment for approximately $10 million. In June 2004, the subsidiary sold the remaining spare gas combustion turbine generator and related equipment for approximately $9 million. The net loss from these two sales was insignificant.

    In 2003, PPL Maine entered into an agreement in principle with a coalition of government agencies and private groups to sell three of its nine hydroelectric dams in Maine. The parties reached a final agreement in June 2004 and submitted the plan to the FERC for approval. Under the agreement, a non-profit organization designated by the coalition would have a five-year option to purchase the dams for approximately $25 million, and PPL Maine would receive rights to increase energy output at its other hydroelectric dams in Maine. The coalition has announced plans to remove or bypass the dams subject to the agreement in order to restore runs of Atlantic salmon and other migratory fish to the Penobscot River. The agreement requires several approvals by the FERC, and PPL cannot predict whether or when these regulatory approvals will be obtained.

    The turbine upgrade for PPL Susquehanna Unit 1 was completed in April 2004. This project provides a nominal power increase of 49 MW of generation capacity, of which PPL Susquehanna has a 90% undivided interest. Through December 31, 2004, approximately $82 million had been incurred on the Unit 1 upgrade.

    In May 2004, the 582 MW Lower Mt. Bethel plant in eastern Pennsylvania was placed in service. Construction of the natural gas-fired power plant began in December 2001. Through December 31, 2004, approximately $459 million had been capitalized in connection with the original plant construction.

    During 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply placed in service 11 MW of distributed generation generating capacity to serve commercial and industrial customers under long-term agreements.

    See Note 8 for a discussion of the June 2004 purchase of the Sundance and University Park generation assets from a lessor trust consolidated by PPL Energy Supply.

    In June 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Generation agreed to sell the 450 MW Sundance power plant located in Pinal County, Arizona, to Arizona Public Service Company (APS) for approximately $190 million in cash, subject to the receipt of various state and federal regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. In January 2005, each party waived the remaining contractual obligation for approval by the state regulator, the Arizona Corporation Commission. The sale still requires approvals by the FERC under the Federal Power Act. PPL estimates that a loss on sale or impairment charge of about $47 million after tax, or $0.25 per share, could be recorded in 2005 depending on the timing and likelihood of obtaining FERC approvals. PPL cannot predict whether or when the FERC approvals for this transaction will be obtained.

    International Energy Projects (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Acquisitions

    WPD

    In 2002, PPL Global acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in WPDH Limited and WPDL from Mirant for approximately $236 million, including acquisition costs. The acquisition of Mirant's 49% interest provides PPL Global with complete ownership of WPD.

    Prior to the acquisition, PPL Global held 51% of the equity interest in WPD but shared control with Mirant pursuant to a shareholders' agreement. The shareholders' agreement was terminated in connection with the closing of the acquisition. No regulatory approvals were required for this transaction.

    The purchase of Mirant's interest in WPD was accounted for as a step-acquisition and resulted in the consolidation of WPD's accounts by PPL and PPL Energy Supply.

    The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair value as determined by management based on information available at the time of acquisition. In 2003, management completed its review and determination of the fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair value of PP&E, based on an independent appraisal, was approximately $800 million lower than the preliminary valuation. Accordingly, PP&E was reduced, with offsetting increases in goodwill and reductions in deferred income taxes.

    The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price based on fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, plus the book value of assets and liabilities underlying PPL Global's previous 51% equity ownership:

    Current assets

     

    $

    236

     

    Investments (a)

       

    (450

    )

    PP&E

       

    2,629

     

    Goodwill

       

    740

     

    Other intangibles

       

    4

     

    Other

       

    244

     

    Total assets acquired

       

    3,403

     

    Current liabilities

       

    767

     

    Long-term debt

       

    1,668

     

    Other

       

    732

     

    Total liabilities assumed

       

    3,167

     

    Net assets acquired

     

    $

    236

     

    (a)

     

    Includes the reversal of PPL Global's equity investment.

    The goodwill reflected above includes the remaining value of PPL Global's 51% share of the goodwill recognized by WPD on its acquisition of Hyder, in addition to the $568 million of non-deductible goodwill arising upon acquisition of Mirant's 49% interest.

    The PPL income statements include consolidated WPD results for the twelve-month periods ended November 30. This reflects PPL Global's policy of recording the results of foreign controlled subsidiaries on a one-month lag. The portion of earnings attributable to Mirant, $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, is reported on the Statement of Income in "Minority Interest."

    TransEmel

    Emel acquired the remaining 40% interest in a provider of transmission service to northern Chile in 2003 at a net cost of $3 million, bringing its total ownership interest in TransEmel to 100%. As a result of this acquisition, the operating results of TransEmel have been consolidated beginning January 1, 2003. The portion of earnings attributable to the minority shareholder is reported on the Statement of Income in "Minority Interest."

    Sale of CEMAR

    In 2001, PPL Global estimated that the long-term viability of its CEMAR investment was jeopardized and that there was minimal probability of positive future cash flows. At that time, PPL Global recorded an impairment loss of $217 million in the carrying value of its net assets in CEMAR. In March 2002, PPL Global recorded a further impairment loss of $6 million, which was charged to "Write-down of international energy projects." In June 2002, PPL made a decision to exit the investment. At that time, PPL Global's remaining portion of its CEMAR investment, which related to foreign currency translation adjustments (CTA), was written-off. The $94 million charge was also recorded in "Write-down of international energy projects." Accounting guidance prohibited the inclusion of CTA in impairment calculations prior to designating such assets as held for disposal.

    In August 2002, ANEEL authorized an administrative intervention in CEMAR and fully assumed operational and financial control of the company. The intervenor appointed by ANEEL initiated efforts to transfer the ownership interest in CEMAR to a new owner. Since PPL Global no longer controlled or managed CEMAR, it deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of CEMAR from its financial statements and stopped recording CEMAR's operating results at that time. In February 2003, due to the inability to discharge their obligations under the continuing intervention, PPL-related officers and directors of CEMAR resigned from their respective positions.

    In April 2004, PPL Global transferred its interest in CEMAR to two companies controlled by a private equity fund managed by GP Investimentos, a Brazilian private equity firm. The sale resulted in a credit of approximately $23 million, and is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income. This credit is a result of the reversal of the negative carrying value and the associated cumulative translation adjustment.

    Other Write-downs of International Energy Projects

    In 2002, PPL Global evaluated certain investments for impairment and recorded a $5 million impairment charge in connection with its investment in CGE, a $4 million impairment of a corporate joint venture's investment in Brazil, and a $4 million write-down of certain non-electrical assets in Bolivia.

    Discontinued Operations

    In December 2003, PPL Global's Board of Managers authorized PPL Global to sell its investment in a Latin American telecommunications company, and approved a plan of sale. It was determined that the viability of this non-strategic business was not economical. As a result, PPL Global recorded an $18 million write-down in the carrying value of the company's net assets to their estimated fair value of approximately $1 million as of December 31, 2003.

    In June 2004, PPL Global sold this investment to local management for a nominal amount. The operating results of the Latin American telecommunications company, which was a loss of approximately $2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, as well as the write-down of its net assets, which was an insignificant amount in 2004 and approximately $18 million in 2003, are recorded as "Loss from Discontinued Operations" on the Statement of Income. The discontinued operation had assets of $5 million and liabilities of $4 million at December 31, 2003, and are included in "Current Assets - Other" and "Current Liabilities - Other" on the Balance Sheet.

    Other Sales

    In 2003, a subsidiary of WPD sold certain Hyder properties. PPL Global received approximately $17 million from the sales, and recorded a pre-tax gain of about $2 million. This gain is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.

    In March 2004, PPL Global completed the sale of its minority interest in shares of CGE for approximately $123 million. The sale resulted in a charge of approximately $15 million pre-tax, which is included in operating expenses, as "Energy related businesses," on the Statement of Income. This charge was due to the write-off of the associated cumulative translation adjustment, primarily as a result of the devaluation of the Chilean peso since the original acquisition in 2000.

    In June 2004, PPL Global completed the sale of its 50% ownership interest in MicDos for approximately $8 million. There was an insignificant loss on this transaction.

    DelSur Tender Offer

    In April 2004, EC launched a tender offer to acquire up to all of the outstanding shares of DelSur for an aggregate purchase price of up to $17 million. The offer closed in May, with a purchase of 163,927 shares for approximately $5 million, increasing EC's ownership of DelSur by 5.34%. Additional shares are purchased as they become available. At December 31, 2004, EC owned approximately 86.4% of DelSur.

    Other

    WPD has an equity interest in Teesside Power Limited (Teesside), the owner of the 1,875 MW Teesside Power Station, located in northeast England. Through its European affiliates, Enron was an owner, operator and power purchaser of the station's output. As a result of Enron being placed into receivership in the U.K. and its default on obligations under the power purchase agreements, in 2001, WPD wrote off its entire equity investment in Teesside. In 2002, PPL Global recognized an $8 million tax benefit on the worthlessness of WPD's investment in Teesside.

    Other (PPL)

    In 2003, a subsidiary of PPL Telcom acquired the fiber optic network of a Fairfax, Virginia-based company for approximately $21 million, consisting of $9 million in cash and a $12 million capital lease obligation for the right to use portions of a fiber optic network. The 1,330-route-mile metropolitan area fiber network connects New York, northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The acquisition required certain regulatory approvals and authorizations in the area served by the network.

    In June 2004, a PPL subsidiary evaluated its investment in a technology supplier for impairment. As a result of the evaluation, the subsidiary recorded an impairment charge of approximately $10 million pre-tax, which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.

  10. Leases

    Colstrip Generating Plant (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL Montana leases a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3, under four 36-year non-cancelable operating leases. These leases provide two renewal options based on the economic useful life of the generation assets. PPL Montana is required to pay all expenses associated with the operations of the generation units. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends and require PPL Montana to maintain certain financial ratios related to cash flow and net worth. The amount outstanding under these leases at December 31, 2004, was $278 million. There are no residual value guarantees in these leases. However, upon an event of default or an event of loss, the lessee could be required to pay a termination value of amounts sufficient to allow the lessor to repay amounts owing on the lessor notes and make the lessor whole for its equity investment and anticipated return on investment. The events of default include payment defaults, breaches of representations or covenants, acceleration of other indebtedness of PPL Montana, change in control of PPL Montana and certain bankruptcy events. The termination value was estimated to be $613 million at December 31, 2004.

    Other Leases

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and its subsidiaries have leases for vehicles, office space, land, buildings, personal computers and other equipment. Rental expense for all operating leases was as follows:

       

    PPL

     

    PPL
    Energy Supply

     

    PPL
    Electric

     

    2004

     

    $

    65

     

    $

    44

     

    $

    21

     

    2003

       

    85

       

    63

       

    21

     

    2002

       

    62

       

    46

       

    15

     

    Total future minimum rental payments for all operating leases are estimated as follows:

       

    PPL

     

    PPL
    Energy Supply

     

    PPL
    Electric

     

    2005

     

    $

    77

     

    $

    63

     

    $

    13

     

    2006

       

    70

       

    60

       

    10

     

    2007

       

    62

       

    54

       

    8

     

    2008

       

    60

       

    54

       

    6

     

    2009

       

    57

       

    53

       

    4

     

    Thereafter

       

    457

       

    448

       

    8

     

       

    $

    783

     

    $

    732

     

    $

    49

     

    (PPL)

    In connection with the acquisition of the fiber optic network discussed in Note 9, a subsidiary of PPL Telcom assumed a capital lease obligation through 2020 for the right to use portions of the fiber optic network. The balance outstanding at December 31, 2004 was $11 million. Total future minimum rental payments for this capital lease are estimated at $1 million for each of the years from 2005 through 2009, and $13 million thereafter.

  11. Stock-Based Compensation

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Under the PPL Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) and the Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees (ICPKE) (together, the Plans), restricted shares of PPL common stock, restricted stock units and stock options may be granted to officers and other key employees of PPL, PPL Electric and other affiliated companies. Awards under the Plans are made by the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee (CCGC) of the PPL Board of Directors, in the case of the ICP, and by the PPL Corporate Leadership Council (CLC), in the case of the ICPKE. The ICP limits the total number of awards that may be granted under it after April 23, 1999, to 7,884,715 awards, or 5% of the total shares of common stock that were outstanding at April 23, 1999. The ICPKE limits the total number of awards that may be granted under it after April 25, 2003, to 8,286,804 awards, or 5% of the total shares of common stock that were outstanding at January 1, 2003, reduced by outstanding awards for which common stock was not yet issued as of April 25, 2003. In addition, each Plan limits the number of shares available for awards in any calendar year to 2% of the outstanding common stock of PPL on the first day of such calendar year. The maximum number of options that can be awarded under each Plan to any single eligible employee in any calendar year is 1.5 million shares. Any portion of these options that has not been granted may be carried over and used in any subsequent year. If any award lapses, is forfeited or the rights of the participant terminate, the shares of common stock underlying such an award are again available for grant. Shares delivered under the Plans may be in the form of authorized and unissued common stock, common stock held in treasury by PPL or common stock purchased on the open market (including private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    Restricted Stock

    Restricted shares of PPL common stock are outstanding shares with full voting and dividend rights. Restricted stock awards are subject to a restriction or vesting period as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE. In addition, the shares are subject to forfeiture or accelerated payout under Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death of employees. Restricted shares vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the plans.

    Restricted Stock Units

    In 2003, the Plans were amended to allow for the grant of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are awards based on the fair market value of PPL common stock. Actual PPL common shares will be issued upon completion of a restriction or vesting period as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE. Recipients of restricted stock units may also be granted the right to receive dividend equivalents through the end of the restriction period or until the award is forfeited. Restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture or accelerated payout under the Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death of employees. Restricted stock units vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.

    A summary of restricted stock/unit grants follows:

       

    Restricted
    Shares
    Granted

     

    Weighted
    Average
    Fair
    Value

     

    Restricted
    Units
    Granted

     

    Weighted
    Average
    Fair
    Value

       

     

     

     

    2004

     

    PPL

               

    233,055

       

    $46.05

     

    PPL Energy Supply

               

    93,935

       

    $46.28

     

    PPL Electric

               

    21,540

       

    $46.25

    2003

                         
     

    PPL

     

    42,090

       

    $36.23

     

    139,732

       

    $35.09

     

    PPL Energy Supply

     

    10,110

       

    $36.23

     

    77,306

       

    $35.11

     

    PPL Electric

     

    2,850

       

    $36.23

     

    21,170

       

    $35.07

    2002

                         
     

    PPL

     

    147,735

       

    $34.12

             
     

    PPL Energy Supply

     

    82,211

       

    $34.45

             
     

    PPL Electric

     

    18,860

       

    $33.71

             

    Compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was $6 million, $5 million and $5 million for PPL for 2004, 2003 and 2002. At December 31, 2004, PPL had 366,201 restricted shares and 341,199 restricted units outstanding. These awards currently vest from three to 25 years from the date of grant.

    Compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards for PPL Energy Supply in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $5 million, $4 million and $4 million. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards for PPL Electric was $1 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    Stock Options (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Under the Plans, stock options may also be granted with an option exercise price per share not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant, assuming the individual is still employed by PPL or a subsidiary, in installments as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE. Options outstanding at December 31, 2004, vest over a three-year period from the date of grant in equal installments. The CCGC and CLC have discretion to accelerate the exercisability of the options. All options expire no later than ten years from the grant date. The options become exercisable immediately if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.

    A summary of stock option activity follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

       

    Number of Options

       

    Weighted Average Exercise Price

       

    Number of Options

       

    Weighted Average Exercise Price

       

    Number of Options

       

    Weighted Average Exercise Price

     

    PPL

                                                   

    Outstanding at beginning of year

       

    2,912,258

         

    $35.56

         

    3,008,685

         

    $32.09

         

    2,255,051

         

    $31.36

     
     

    Granted

       

    760,440

         

    45.18

         

    816,110

         

    36.23

         

    840,430

         

    33.49

     
     

    Exercised

       

    (653,653

    )

       

    31.40

         

    (860,915

    )

       

    24.09

         

    (62,710

    )

       

    22.82

     
     

    Forfeited

       

    (38,070

    )

       

    42.74

         

    (51,622

    )

       

    35.32

         

    (24,086

    )

       

    36.18

     

    Outstanding at end of year

       

    2,980,975

         

    38.83

         

    2,912,258

         

    35.56

         

    3,008,685

         

    32.09

     

    Options exercisable at end of year

       

    1,550,337

         

    37.54

         

    1,354,075

         

    34.64

         

    1,400,701

         

    29.88

     

    Weighted-average fair value of options granted

       

    $12.31

                 

    $11.92

                 

    $11.68

             
                                                     

    PPL Energy Supply

                                                   

    Outstanding at beginning of year

       

    864,882

         

    36.14

         

    903,549

         

    32.78

         

    675,179

         

    31.64

     

    Granted

       

    203,160

         

    45.18

         

    266,760

         

    36.23

         

    304,480

         

    33.49

     
     

    Transferred

       

    (96,563

    )

       

    35.38

                                     
     

    Exercised

       

    (261,998

    )

       

    35.92

         

    (253,805

    )

       

    24.41

         

    (61,160

    )

       

    22.72

     
     

    Forfeited

       

    (24,630

    )

       

    41.41

         

    (51,622

    )

       

    35.32

         

    (14,950

    )

       

    37.07

     

    Outstanding at end of year

       

    684,851

         

    38.83

         

    864,882

         

    36.14

         

    903,549

         

    32.78

     

    Options exercisable at end of year

       

    293,525

         

    37.09

         

    366,209

         

    35.90

         

    381,657

         

    30.75

     

    Weighted-average fair value of options granted

       

    $12.31

                 

    $11.92

                 

    $11.68

             
                                                     

    PPL Electric

                                                   

    Outstanding at beginning of year

       

    226,193

         

    37.42

         

    232,376

         

    34.40

         

    163,942

         

    34.92

     
     

    Granted

       

    48,180

         

    45.18

         

    66,630

         

    36.23

         

    77,570

         

    33.49

     
     

    Transferred

                       

    3,114

         

    26.84

                     
     

    Exercised

       

    (42,493

    )

       

    34.12

         

    (75,927

    )

       

    26.68

                     
     

    Forfeited

                                       

    (9,136

    )

       

    36.20

     

    Outstanding at end of year

       

    231,880

         

    40.08

         

    226,193

         

    37.42

         

    232,376

         

    34.40

     

    Options exercisable at end of year

       

    171,827

         

    39.65

         

    87,488

         

    39.75

         

    95,561

         

    31.97

     

    Weighted-average fair value of options granted

       

    $12.31

                 

    $11.92

                 

    $11.68

             

    The estimated fair value of each option granted was calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in the model were as follows:

    2004

    2003

    2002

    Risk-free interest rate

     

    3.79%

     

    3.81%

     

    5.35%

    Expected option life

     

    7.47 yrs.

     

    7.75 yrs.

     

    10 yrs.

    Expected stock volatility

     

    32.79%

     

    39.94%

     

    39.11%

    Dividend yield

     

    3.51%

     

    3.48%

     

    3.34%

    The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 31, 2004:

    PPL

       

    Options Outstanding

     

    Options Exercisable

    Range of
    Exercise Prices

     

    Number
    Outstanding

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Remaining
    Contractual
    Life

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Prices

     

    Number
    Exercisable

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Price

    $19.00-$24.00

     

    38,090

     

    5.1

     

    $21.42

     

    38,090

     

    $21.42

    $25.00-$29.00

     

    192,453

     

    4.3

     

    26.84

     

    192,453

     

    26.84

    $30.00-$35.00

     

    564,822

     

    7.1

     

    33.49

     

    333,113

     

    33.49

    $36.00-$39.00

     

    714,747

     

    8.1

     

    36.23

     

    226,068

     

    36.23

    $40.00-$44.00

     

    736,923

     

    6.1

     

    43.16

     

    736,923

     

    43.16

    $45.00-$49.00

     

    733,940

     

    9.1

     

    45.18

     

    23,690

     

    45.18

    Total options outstanding had a weighted-average remaining life of 7.4 years at December 31, 2004.

    PPL Energy Supply

    Options Outstanding

    Options Exercisable

    Range of
    Exercise Prices

     

    Number
    Outstanding

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Remaining
    Contractual
    Life

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Prices

     

    Number
    Exercisable

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Price

    $19.00-$24.00

     

    32,970

     

    5.1

     

    $21.23

     

    32,970

     

    $21.23

    $25.00-$29.00

     

    16,880

     

    4.3

     

    26.84

     

    16,880

     

    26.84

    $30.00-$35.00

     

    122,543

     

    7.1

     

    33.49

     

    58,507

     

    33.49

    $36.00-$39.00

     

    168,385

     

    8.1

     

    36.23

     

    31,195

     

    36.23

    $40.00-$44.00

    153,973

    6.1

    43.16

    153,973

    43.16

    $45.00-$49.00

     

    190,100

     

    9.1

     

    45.18

           

    Total options outstanding had a weighted-average remaining life of 7.5 years at December 31, 2004.

    PPL Electric

       

    Options Outstanding

     

    Options Exercisable

    Range of
    Exercise Prices

     

    Number
    Outstanding

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Remaining
    Contractual
    Life

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Prices

     

    Number
    Exercisable

     

    Weighted-
    Avg.
    Exercise
    Price

    $30.00-$35.00

     

    36,240

     

    7.1

     

    $33.49

     

    28,340

     

    $33.49

    $36.00-$39.00

     

    66,630

     

    8.1

     

    36.23

     

    50,857

     

    36.23

    $40.00-$44.00

     

    80,830

     

    6.1

     

    43.16

     

    80,830

     

    43.16

    $45.00-$49.00

     

    48,180

     

    9.1

     

    45.18

     

    11,800

     

    45.18

    Total options outstanding had a weighted-average remaining life of 7.4 years at December 31, 2004.

    Directors Stock Units (PPL)

    Under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, stock units are used to compensate members of PPL's Board of Directors who are not employees of PPL. Such stock units represent shares of PPL's common stock to which board members are entitled after they cease serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Board members are also entitled to defer any or all of their cash compensation into stock units. The stock unit accounts of each board member are increased based on dividends paid or other distributions on PPL's common stock. There were 116,389 stock units outstanding at December 31, 2004. Compensation expense was $2 million for 2004 and insignificant for 2003 and 2002.

    Stock Appreciation Rights (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    WPD uses stock appreciation rights to compensate senior management employees. Stock appreciation rights are granted with a reference price to PPL's common stock at the date of grant. These awards vest over a three-year period and have a 10-year term, during which time employees are entitled to receive a cash payment of any appreciation in the price of PPL's common stock over the grant date value. At December 31, 2004, there were 91,502 stock appreciation rights outstanding. Compensation expense for all periods reported was insignificant.

  12. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

    The following disclosures distinguish between PPL's domestic and international pension plans.

    PPL uses a December 31 measurement date for its domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans and its international pension plans.

    Net pension and other postretirement benefit costs (credits) were as follows:

       

    Pension Benefits

       

    Other Postretirement
    Benefits

     
       

       

     
       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     
       

       

       

       

       

       

     
       

    Domestic

       

    International

       

    Domestic

       

    International

       

    Domestic

       

    International

                       
       

       

       

       

       

       

                       

    PPL

                                                                           

    Service cost

     

    $

    49

       

    $

    15

       

    $

    42

       

    $

    14

       

    $

    40

       

    $

    13

       

    $

    6

       

    $

    7

       

    $

    5

     

                                                                           

    Interest cost

       

    112

         

    139

         

    105

         

    124

         

    99

         

    98

         

    29

         

    31

         

    26

     

                                                                           

    Expected return on plan assets

       

    (151

    )

       

    (205

    )

       

    (143

    )

       

    (188

    )

       

    (147

    )

       

    (179

    )

       

    (17

    )

       

    (13

    )

       

    (12

    )

                                                                           

    Net amortization and deferral

    4

    11

    (6

    )

    4

    (31

    )

    3

    19

    25

    15

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

     

    Net periodic pension and postretirement costs (credits) prior to special termination benefits

       

    14

         

    (40

    )

       

    (2

    )

       

    (46

    )

       

    (39

    )

       

    (65

    )

       

    37

         

    50

         

    34

     

                                                                           

    Special termination benefits

                       

    9

                 

    62

                                 

    4

     
       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

     

    Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (credit)

     

    $

    14

       

    $

    (40

    )

     

    $

    7

       

    $

    (46

    )

     

    $

    23

       

    $

    (65

    )

     

    $

    37

       

    $

    50

       

    $

    38

     
       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

     

    PPL Energy Supply

                                                                           

    Service cost

     

    $

    3

       

    $

    15

       

    $

    3

       

    $

    14

       

    $

    2

       

    $

    13

                             

                                                                           

    Interest cost

       

    4

         

    139

         

    4

         

    124

         

    4

         

    98

       

    $

    1

       

    $

    1

       

    $

    1

     

                                                                           

    Expected return on plan assets

       

    (5

    )

       

    (205

    )

       

    (4

    )

       

    (188

    )

       

    (3

    )

       

    (179

    )

                           

                                                                           

    Net amortization and deferral

       

    1

         

    11

         

    1

         

    4

                 

    3

                             
       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

     

    Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (credit)

     

    $

    3

       

    $

    (40

    )

     

    $

    4

       

    $

    (46

    )

     

    $

    3

       

    $

    (65

    )

     

    $

    1

       

    $

    1

       

    $

    1

     
       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

     
                                                           

    Net periodic pension cost charged (credited) to operating expense, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts, were:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

     

    PPL (a)

     

    $

    12

       

    $

    (36

    )

     

    $

    (2

    )

     

    $

    (40

    )

     

    $

    (31

    )

     

    $

    (58

    )

    PPL Energy Supply (b)

       

    6

         

    (36

    )

       

    2

         

    (40

    )

       

    (9

    )

       

    (58

    )

    PPL Electric (c)

       

    1

                 

    (4

    )

               

    (17

    )

           

    (a)

    The domestic amounts for 2003 and 2002 exclude the $9 million and $62 million cost of special termination benefits, which are included separately on the Statement of Income, within the "Workforce reduction" charge for those years.

    (b)

    In addition to the specific plans sponsored by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus are also allocated a portion of the costs of pension plans sponsored by PPL Services, included in the PPL total cost above, based on their participation in those plans.

    (c)

    PPL Electric is also allocated a portion of the costs of pension plans sponsored by PPL Services, included in the PPL total cost above, based on participation in those plans.

    PPL uses an accelerated amortization method for the recognition of gains and losses for its pension plans. Under the accelerated method, gains and losses in excess of 10% but less than 30% of the greater of the plan's projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average future service period of plan participants. Gains and losses in excess of 30% of the plan's projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period equal to one-half of the average future service period of the plan participants.

    Other postretirement benefit costs charged to operating expense, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts, were:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    PPL

     

    $

    31

       

    $

    43

       

    $

    27

     

    PPL Energy Supply (a)

       

    12

         

    14

         

    9

     

    PPL Electric (b)

       

    9

         

    20

         

    13

     

    (a)

    In addition to the specific plans sponsored by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus are also allocated a portion of the costs of other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services, included in the PPL total cost above, based on their participation in those plans.

    (b)

    PPL Electric is also allocated a portion of the costs of other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services, included in the PPL total cost above, based on participation in those plans.

    The following assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31 and determination of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

    PPL

     

    Pension Benefits

     

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

         

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Discount rate

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    5.75%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.25%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.75%  

     

    5.75%

     

      - cost

     

    6.25%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.75%

     

    5.75%

     

    7.25%  

     

    5.75%

     

    Expected return on plan assets

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    9.0%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%  

     

    8.31%

     

      - cost

     

    9.0%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%

     

    8.31%

     

    9.2%  

     

    8.31%

     

    Rate of compensation increase

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%  

     

    3.75%

     

      - cost

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.25%

     

    3.75%

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Other Postretirement Benefits

     

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

     

    Discount rate

               
     

      - obligations

     

    5.75%

     

    6.25%

     

    6.75%

     

      - cost

     

    6.25%

     

    6.75%

     

    7.25%

     

    Expected return on plan assets

               
     

      - obligations

     

    7.90%

     

    7.80%

     

    7.80%

     

      - cost

     

    7.80%

     

    7.80%

     

    7.60%

     

    Rate of compensation increase

               
     

      - obligations

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

      - cost

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

    4.25%

                   

    PPL Energy Supply

     

    Pension Benefits

     

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

         

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Domestic

     

    Int'l

     

    Discount rate

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    5.75%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.25%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.75%  

     

    5.75%

     

      - cost

     

    6.25%

     

    5.50%

     

    6.75%

     

    5.75%

     

    7.25%  

     

    5.75%

     

    Expected return on plan assets

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    8.6%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%  

     

    8.31%

     

      - cost

     

    9.0%

     

    8.30%

     

    9.0%

     

    8.31%

     

    9.2%  

     

    8.31%

     

    Rate of compensation increase

                           
     

      - obligations

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%  

     

    3.75%

     

      - cost

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.0%

     

    3.75%

     

    4.25%

     

    3.75%

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Other Postretirement Benefits

     

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

     

    Discount rate

               
     

      - obligations

     

    5.75%

     

    6.25%

     

    6.75%

     

      - cost

     

    6.25%

     

    6.75%

     

    7.25%

     

    Expected return on plan assets

     

    N/A

     

    N/A

     

    N/A

     

    Rate of compensation increase

               
     

      - obligations

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

      - cost

     

    4.0%

     

    4.0%

     

    4.25%

                   

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply

     

    Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31,

     

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

     

    Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

               
     

      - obligations

     

    10%

     

    11%

     

    12%

     

      - cost

     

    11%

     

    12%

     

    7%

     

    Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

               
     

      - obligations

     

    5%

     

    5%

     

    5%

     

      - cost

     

    5%

     

    5%

     

    6%

     

    Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

               
     

      - obligations

     

    2010

     

    2010

     

    2010

     

      - cost

     

    2010

     

    2010

     

    2006

    A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care costs trend assumption would have the following effects in 2004:

       

    One
    Percentage Point

     

       

    Increase

       

    Decrease

     

    PPL

     

       

     

    Effect on service cost and interest cost components

     

    $

    1

       

    $

    (1

    )

    Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

       

    12

         

    (10

    )

    PPL Energy Supply

                   

    Effect on service cost and interest cost components

       

    -

         

    -

     

    Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

       

    1

         

    (1

    )

    The expected long-term rate of return for PPL's domestic pension plans considers the plans' historical experience, but is primarily based on the plans' mix of assets and expectations for long-term returns of those asset classes.

    (PPL)

    The expected long-term rate of return for PPL's other postretirement benefit plans is based on the VEBA trusts' mix of assets and expectations for long-term returns of those asset classes considering that a portion of those assets are taxable.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The expected rate of return for PPL's international pension plans considers that a portfolio largely invested in equities would be expected to achieve an average rate of return in excess of a portfolio largely invested in long-term bonds. The historical experience has been an excess return of 2% to 4% per annum on average over the return on long-term bonds.

    (PPL)

    The funded status of the PPL plans was as follows:

       

    Pension Benefits

       

    Other Postretirement
    Benefits

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

       

    Domestic

       

    International

       

    Domestic

       

    International

                 

    Change in Benefit Obligation

                                                   

    Benefit Obligation, January 1

     

    $

    1,772

       

    $

    2,474

       

    $

    1,558

       

    $

    2,126

       

    $

    512

       

    $

    423

     
       

    Service cost

       

    49

         

    15

         

    42

         

    14

         

    6

         

    7

     
     

    Interest cost

       

    112

         

    139

         

    105

         

    124

         

    29

         

    31

     
     

    Participant contributions

               

    5

                 

    5

         

    4

         

    1

     
     

    Plan amendments

                       

    3

                 

    (47

    )

       

    48

     
     

    Actuarial (gain) loss

       

    115

         

    180

         

    127

         

    101

         

    17

         

    30

     
     

    Special termination benefits

                       

    9

                             
     

    Actual expense paid

       

    (1

    )

               

    (1

    )

                           
     

    Net benefits paid

       

    (78

    )

       

    (160

    )

       

    (71

    )

       

    (131

    )

       

    (36

    )

       

    (28

    )

     

    Currency conversion

               

    278

                 

    235

                     

    Benefit Obligation, December 31

       

    1,969

         

    2,931

         

    1,772

         

    2,474

         

    485

         

    512

     

                                                     

    Change in Plan Assets

                                                   

    Plan assets at fair value, January 1

       

    1,653

         

    2,164

         

    1,376

         

    1,757

         

    219

         

    163

     
     

    Actual return on plan assets

       

    184

         

    232

         

    329

         

    332

         

    20

         

    27

     
     

    Employer contributions

       

    9

         

    3

         

    20

                 

    42

         

    56

     
     

    Participant contributions

               

    5

                 

    5

         

    4

         

    1

     
     

    Actual expense paid

       

    (1

    )

               

    (1

    )

                           
     

    Net benefits paid

       

    (78

    )

       

    (160

    )

       

    (71

    )

       

    (131

    )

       

    (36

    )

       

    (28

    )

     

    Currency conversion

               

    239

                 

    201

                     

    Plan assets at fair value, December 31

       

    1,767

         

    2,483

         

    1,653

         

    2,164

         

    249

         

    219

     

    Funded Status

                                                   

    Funded Status of Plan

       

    (202

    )

       

    (448

    )

       

    (119

    )

       

    (310

    )

       

    (236

    )

       

    (293

    )

    Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

       

    (100

    )

       

    676

         

    (187

    )

       

    477

         

    141

         

    134

     

    Unrecognized prior service cost

       

    154

         

    32

         

    167

         

    33

         

    23

         

    76

     

    Unrecognized transition assets

       

    (23

    )

               

    (27

    )

               

    69

         

    78

     

    Currency conversion

               

    69

                 

    57

                     

    Net amount recognized at end of year

     

    $

    (171

    )

     

    $

    329

       

    $

    (166

    )

     

    $

    257

       

    $

    (3

    )

     

    $

    (5

    )

                                                     

    Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheet consist of:

                                                   
     

    Prepaid benefit cost

     

    $

    7

       

    $

    329

       

    $

    4

       

    $

    257

       

    $

    8

       

    $

    4

     
     

    Accrued benefit liability

       

    (178

    )

               

    (170

    )

               

    (11

    )

       

    (9

    )

     

    Additional minimum liability

       

    (37

    )

       

    (635

    )

       

    (28

    )

       

    (516

    )

                   
     

    Intangible asset

       

    9

         

    36

         

    9

         

    37

                     
     

    Accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

       

    28

         

    503

         

    19

         

    434

                     
     

    Cumulative translation adjustment

               

    96

                 

    45

                     

    Net amount recognized at end of year

     

    $

    (171

    )

     

    $

    329

       

    $

    (166

    )

     

    $

    257

       

    $

    (3

    )

     

    $

    (5

    )

                                                     

    Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans

     

    $

    1,710

       

    $

    2,789

       

    $

    1,553

       

    $

    2,423

                     

    Information for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

     

    Projected benefit obligation

     

    $

    1,969

       

    $

    2,931

       

    $

    1,765

       

    $

    2,474

     

    Accumulated benefit obligation

     

    $

    1,710

       

    $

    2,789

       

    $

    1,546

       

    $

    2,423

     

    Fair value of assets

    $

    1,767

    $

    2,483

    $

    1,646

    $

    2,164

    Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

     

    Projected benefit obligation

     

    $

    174

       

    $

    2,931

       

    $

    142

       

    $

    2,474

     

    Accumulated benefit obligation

     

    $

    159

       

    $

    2,789

       

    $

    130

       

    $

    2,423

     

    Fair value of assets

     

    $

    95

       

    $

    2,483

       

    $

    76

       

    $

    2,164

     

     

    Information for other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

     

    $

    485

       

    $

    512

     

    Fair value of assets

    $

    249

    $

    219

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    The funded status of the PPL Energy Supply plans was as follows:

       

    Pension Benefits

       

    Other Postretirement
    Benefits

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

       

    Domestic

       

    International

       

    Domestic

       

    International

                 

    Change in Benefit Obligation

                                                   

    Benefit Obligation, January 1

     

    $

    62

       

    $

    2,474

       

    $

    58

       

    $

    2,126

       

    $

    11

       

    $

    9

     
       

    Service cost

       

    3

         

    15

         

    3

         

    14

                     
     

    Interest cost

       

    4

         

    139

         

    4

         

    124

         

    1

         

    1

     
     

    Participant contributions

               

    5

                 

    5

                     
     

    Actuarial (gain) loss

       

    6

         

    180

                 

    101

                 

    1

     
     

    Net benefits paid

       

    (1

    )

       

    (160

    )

       

    (1

    )

       

    (131

    )

                   
     

    Net transfer out

                       

    (2

    )

                           
     

    Currency conversion

               

    278

                 

    235

                     

    Benefit Obligation, December 31

       

    74

         

    2,931

         

    62

         

    2,474

         

    12

         

    11

     

    Change in Plan Assets

                                                   

    Plan assets at fair value, January 1

       

    53

         

    2,164

         

    30

         

    1,757

                     
     

    Actual return on plan assets

       

    5

         

    232

         

    9

         

    332

                     
     

    Employer contributions

       

    4

         

    3

         

    15

                             
     

    Participant contributions

               

    5

                 

    5

                     
     

    Net benefits paid

       

    (1

    )

       

    (160

    )

       

    (1

    )

       

    (131

    )

                   
     

    Currency conversion

               

    239

                 

    201

                     

    Plan assets at fair value, December 31

       

    61

         

    2,483

         

    53

         

    2,164

                     

    Funded Status

                                                   

    Funded Status of Plan

       

    (13

    )

       

    (448

    )

       

    (9

    )

       

    (310

    )

       

    (12

    )

       

    (11

    )

    Unrecognized actuarial loss

       

    14

         

    676

         

    9

         

    477

         

    4

         

    4

     

    Unrecognized prior service cost

       

    3

         

    32

         

    4

         

    33

                     

    Currency conversion

               

    69

                 

    57

                     

    Net amount recognized at end of year

     

    $

    4

       

    $

    329

       

    $

    4

       

    $

    257

       

    $

    (8

    )

     

    $

    (7

    )

                                                     

    Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheet consist of:

                                                   
     

    Prepaid benefit cost

     

    $

    4

       

    $

    329

       

    $

    4

       

    $

    257

                     
     

    Accrued benefit liability

                                   

    $

     

    (8

    )

     

    $

    (7

    )

     

    Additional minimum liability

       

    (17

    )

       

    (635

    )

       

    (11

    )

       

    (516

    )

                   
     

    Intangible asset

       

    3

         

    36

         

    3

         

    37

                     
     

    Accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

       

    14

         

    503

         

    8

         

    434

                     
     

    Cumulative translation adjustment

               

    96

                 

    45

                     

    Net amount recognized at end of year

     

    $

    4

       

    $

    329

       

    $

    4

       

    $

    257

       

    $

    (8

    )

     

    $

    (7

    )

    Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans

     

    $

    74

       

    $

    2,789

       

    $

    62

       

    $

    2,423

                     

    Information for pension plans with projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

       

    Domestic

       

    Int'l

     

    Projected benefit obligation

     

    $

    74

       

    $

    2,931

       

    $

    55

       

    $

    2,474

     

    Accumulated benefit obligation

     

    $

    74

       

    $

    2,789

       

    $

    55

       

    $

    2,423

     

    Fair value of assets

    $

    61

    $

    2,483

    $

    46

    $

    2,164

    Information for other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

     

    $

    12

       

    $

    11

     

    Fair value of assets

    $

    $

    In addition to the plans sponsored by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus are allocated a portion of the liabilities and costs of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services based on their participation in those plans. The pension liabilities assumed by PPL Energy Supply for these plans were $60 million and $58 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003. The prepaid other postretirement benefit costs assumed by PPL Energy Supply for these plans were $2 million and $1 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries engaged in the mechanical contracting business make contributions to various multi-employer pension and health and welfare plans, depending on an employee's status. Contributions of $28 million, $23 million and $30 million were made in 2004, 2003 and 2002. The change in contributions from year to year was primarily the result of the changes in the workforce at the mechanical contracting companies. The contribution rates have also increased from year to year.

    (PPL Electric)

    Although PPL Electric does not directly sponsor any pension or other postretirement benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the liabilities and costs of plans sponsored by PPL Services based on participation in those plans. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the recorded balance of PPL Electric's allocated share of the total pension liability was $76 million and $74 million. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the balance in PPL Electric's allocated share of the total prepaid other postretirement benefit cost was $4 million and $2 million.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric had a regulatory asset of $4 million relating to postretirement benefits that is being amortized and recovered in rates, with a remaining life of eight years. PPL Electric also maintains an additional liability for the cost of health care of retired miners of former subsidiaries that had been engaged in coal mining. At December 31, 2004, the liability was $29 million. The liability is the net of $58 million of estimated future benefit payments offset by $29 million of available assets in a PPL Electric-funded VEBA trust.

    Plan Assets - Domestic Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The asset allocation for the PPL Retirement Plan Master Trust and the target allocation, by asset category, is detailed below.

    Asset Category

     

    Percentage of plan assets at December 31,

       

    Target asset allocation

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

           

    Equity securities

    73%

    73%

    70%

    Debt securities

    22%

    22%

    25%

    Real estate and other

    5%

    5%

    5%

     

    Total

       

    100%

         

    100%

         

    100%

     

    The domestic pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers and are rebalanced as necessary to maintain the target asset allocation ranges. PPL's investment strategy with respect to the domestic pension assets is to achieve a satisfactory risk-adjusted return on assets that, in combination with PPL's funding policy and tolerance for return volatility, will ensure that sufficient dollars are available to provide benefit payments.

    Plan Assets - Domestic Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (PPL)

    The asset allocation for the PPL other postretirement benefit plans by asset category is detailed below.

    Asset Category

     

    Percentage of plan assets at December 31,

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

     

    Equity securities

    60%

    56%

    Debt securities

    40%

    44%

     

    Total

       

    100%

         

    100%

     

    PPL's investment strategy with respect to its other postretirement benefit obligations is to fund the VEBA trusts with voluntary contributions and to invest in a tax efficient manner utilizing a prudent mix of assets. Based on the current VEBA and postretirement plan structure, a targeted asset allocation range of 50% to 60% equity and 40% to 50% debt is maintained.

    Plan Assets - International Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    WPD operates three defined benefit plans, the WPD Group segment of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (ESPS), the Western Power Utilities Pension Scheme and the Infralec 1992 Scheme. The assets of all three schemes are held separately from those of WPD in trustee-administered funds.

    PPL's international pension plan asset allocation and target allocation is detailed below.

    Asset Category

     

    Percentage of plan assets at December 31,

       

    Target asset allocation

     

       

    2004

       

    2003

           

    Equity securities

    74%

    75%

    75%

    Debt securities

    22%

    21%

    23%

    Real estate and other

    4%

    4%

    2%

     

    Total

       

    100%

         

    100%

         

    100%

     

    In consultation with its investment advisor and with WPD, the group trustees of the WPD Group of the ESPS have drawn up a Statement of Investment Principles to comply with the requirements of U.K. legislation.

    The group trustees' primary investment objective is to maximize investment returns within the constraint of avoiding excessive volatility in the funding position.

    Expected Cash Flows - Domestic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

    (PPL)

    There are no contributions required for PPL's primary domestic pension plan or any of PPL's other domestic subsidiary pension plans. However, PPL subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately $10 million to their pension plans in 2005 to ensure future compliance with minimum funding requirements.

    PPL sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. PPL expects to make approximately $2 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2005.

    PPL is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans, but has historically funded these plans in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would provide for PPL to contribute $36 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2005.

    The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received:

    Other Postretirement

    Pension

    Benefit Payment

    Expected Federal Subsidy

    2005

    $

    79

    $

    37

    2006

    80

    40

    $

    2

    2007

    84

    44

    2

    2008

    89

    48

    3

    2009

    95

    52

    3

    2010 - 2014

    605

    321

    7

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    There are no contributions required for the PPL Montana pension plan. However, PPL Montana expects to contribute approximately $6 million to the plan in 2005 to ensure future compliance with minimum funding requirements.

    The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

       

    Pension

       

    Other Postretirement

     

    2005

    $

    1

    $

    1

    2006

    2

    1

    2007

    2

    1

    2008

    2

    1

    2009

    3

    1

    2010 - 2014

    20

    10

    Expected Cash Flows - International Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The pension plans of WPD are subject to formal actuarial valuations every three years, which are used to determine funding requirements. Future contributions were evaluated in accordance with the latest valuation performed as of March 31, 2004, in respect of WPD's principal pension scheme, the ESPS, to determine contribution requirements for 2005 and forward. WPD expects to make contributions of approximately $38 million in 2005.

    The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

       

    Pension

       

    2005

    $

    168

    2006

    172

    2007

    177

    2008

    181

    2009

    186

    2010 - 2014

    1,001

    Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D and also provides for a tax-free federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide an actuarially equivalent level of prescription drug benefits. The subsidy would be 28% of eligible drug costs for retirees that are over age 65 and covered under PPL's other postretirement benefit plans.

    In January 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003." FSP FAS 106-1 permitted companies to defer accounting for the effects of the Act, as the impact of the Act on the provisions of SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions," had not been determined as of such time. PPL elected to defer recognizing the effects of the Act in accounting for its other postretirement benefit plans until authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy was issued.

    In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003," which supersedes FSP FAS 106-1. FSP FAS 106-2 details the accounting for the effects of the Act under SFAS 106 and requires certain disclosures. FSP FAS 106-2 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004.

    PPL has consulted with its independent actuary and determined that portions of certain of its other postretirement benefit plans provide benefits that may be actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D benefits, pending final detailed guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For those significant plans that provide benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D, PPL remeasured its plan assets and accumulated benefit obligation as of July 1, 2004, under the prospective method of adoption of FSP FAS 106-2. The prospective method of adoption allows for measuring the effects of the Act as of the date of adoption of FSP FAS 106-2. As a result, PPL's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was reduced by approximately $12 million as of July 1, 2004, and resulted in an unrecognized actuarial gain of a similar amount. PPL's postretirement benefit cost recognized in 2004 was reduced by approximately $1 million.

    On January 21, 2005, the final regulations for implementing the Act were released. Although PPL has not been able to obtain a firm estimate of the effect of the regulations, any adjustments to the initial impact as disclosed above for changes in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and postretirement benefit cost are expected to be insignificant based on preliminary discussions with our actuaries.

    Savings Plans (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Substantially all employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible to participate in deferred savings plans (401(k)s). Contributions to the plans charged to operating expense approximated the following:

         

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2002

     

     

    PPL

     

    $

    13

     

    $

    11

     

    $

    11

     
     

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    7

       

    6

       

    6

     
     

    PPL Electric

       

    3

       

    2

       

    2

     

    Employee Stock Ownership Plan (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL sponsors a non-leveraged ESOP, in which substantially all employees, excluding those of PPL Global, PPL Montana, PPL Gas Utilities and the mechanical contractors, are enrolled after one year of credited service. Dividends paid on ESOP shares are treated as ordinary dividends by PPL. Under existing income tax laws, PPL is permitted to deduct the amount of those dividends for income tax purposes and to contribute the resulting tax savings (dividend-based contribution) to the ESOP.

    The dividend-based contribution is used to buy shares of PPL's common stock and is expressly conditioned upon the deductibility of the contribution for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to the ESOP are allocated to eligible participants' accounts as of the end of each year, based 75% on shares held in existing participants' accounts and 25% on the eligible participants' compensation.

    Amounts charged as compensation expense for ESOP contributions approximated $5 million in each of 2004, 2003 and 2002. These amounts were offset by the dividend-based contribution tax savings and had no impact on PPL's earnings.

    ESOP shares outstanding at December 31, 2004, were 4,628,117, or 2% of total common shares outstanding, and are included in all EPS calculations.

    Postemployment Benefits

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Certain PPL subsidiaries provide health and life insurance benefits to disabled employees and income benefits to eligible spouses of deceased employees. Postemployment benefits charged to operating expenses were not significant in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Certain of PPL Global subsidiaries, including Emel, EC, Elfec and Integra, provide limited non-pension benefits to all current employees. All active employees are entitled to benefits in the event of termination or retirement in accordance with government-sponsored programs. These plans generally obligate a company to pay one month's salary per year of service to employees in the event of involuntary termination. Under certain plans, employees with five or more years of service are entitled to this payment in the event of voluntary or involuntary termination.

    The liabilities for these plans are accounted for under the guidance of EITF 88-1 "Determination of Vested Benefit Obligation for a Defined Benefit Pension Plan," using what is commonly referred to as the "shut down" method, where a company records the undiscounted obligation as if it were payable at each balance sheet date. The combined liabilities for these plans at December 31, 2004 and 2003, were $9 million and $8 million, and are recorded in "Deferred Credits and Noncurrent Liabilities - Other" on the Balance Sheet.

  13. Jointly-Owned Facilities

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    At December 31, 2004, subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Energy Supply owned interests in the facilities listed below. The Balance Sheets of PPL and PPL Energy Supply include the amounts noted in the table below:

       

    Ownership
    Interest

     

    Electric Plant in Service

     

    Other Property

     

    Accumulated Depreciation

     

    Construction Work
    in Progress

    PPL Generation

                               

    Generating Stations

                               
     

    Susquehanna

     

    90.00%

     

    $

    4,345

           

    $

    3,483

     

    $

    20

     

    Griffith (a)

     

    50.00%

       

    151

                     
     

    Conemaugh

     

    16.25%

       

    196

             

    76

       

    1

     

    Keystone

     

    12.34%

       

    99

             

    52

       

    2

     

    Wyman Unit 4

     

    8.33%

       

    15

             

    4

         

    Merrill Creek Reservoir

     

    8.37%

           

    $

    22

       

    13

         

     

     

     

    (a)

     

    A PPL subsidiary has a 50% interest in a partnership that owns the Griffith gas-fired generating station. The partnership arrangement is essentially a cost-sharing arrangement, in that each of the partners has rights to one-half of the plant capacity and energy, and an obligation to cover one-half of the operating costs of the station. Accordingly, the equity investment is classified as "Electric Plant in Service - Generation" on the Balance Sheet.

    Each PPL Generation subsidiary provided its own funding for its share of the facility. Each receives a portion of the total output of the generating stations equal to its percentage ownership. The share of fuel and other operating costs associated with the stations is reflected on the Statement of Income.

    In addition to the interests mentioned above, PPL Montana is the operator of the jointly-owned, coal-fired generating units comprising the Colstrip steam generation facility. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, PPL Montana had a 50% leasehold interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 3 under operating leases. See Note 10 for additional information.

    PPL Montana's share of direct expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of these facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Statement of Income. Each joint-owner in these facilities provides its own financing. As operator of all Colstrip Units, PPL Montana invoices each joint-owner for their respective portion of the direct expenses. The amount due from joint-owners was approximately $6 million and $9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    At December 31, 2004, NorthWestern owned a 30% leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 4. PPL Montana and NorthWestern have a sharing agreement to govern each party's responsibilities regarding the operation of Colstrip Units 3 and 4, and each party is responsible for 15% of the respective operating and construction costs, regardless of whether a particular cost is specified to Colstrip Unit 3 or 4. However, each party is responsible for its own fuel-related costs.

  14. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

    Energy Purchases and Sales Commitments

    Energy Purchase Commitments (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into long-term purchase contracts to supply the fuel requirements for generation facilities. These include contracts to purchase coal, natural gas, oil and uranium. These contracts extend for terms through 2019. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into long-term contracts for the storage and transport of natural gas. These contracts extend through 2014 and 2032, respectively. Additionally, PPL Energy Supply enters into long-term contracts to purchase power to meet load requirements and emissions allowances for its generation facilities. These contracts extend for terms through 2010.

    PPL Energy Supply entered into long-term power purchase agreements with two wind project developers to purchase the full output of their facilities when they are placed in commercial operation, which is expected by the end of 2005. One of the power purchase agreements is for 100 MW and extends for a term of 15 years, while the other is for 20 MW and extends for a term of 20 years.

    Liability for Above Market NUG Contracts

    In 1998, PPL Electric recorded a loss accrual for above market contracts with NUGs of $854 million, due to its generation business being deregulated. Effective January 1999, PPL Electric began reducing this liability as an offset to "Energy purchases" on the Statement of Income. This reduction is based on the estimated timing of the purchases from the NUGs and projected market prices for this generation. The final existing NUG contract expires in 2014. In connection with the corporate realignment in 2000, the remaining balance of this liability was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus. At December 31, 2004, the remaining liability associated with the above market NUG contracts was $279 million.

    Energy Sales Commitments (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL Energy Supply enters into long-term power sales contracts in connection with its load-serving activities or associated with certain of its power plants. These power sales contracts extend for terms through 2017. All long-term contracts were executed at pricing that approximated market rates, including profit margin, at the time of execution.

    As part of the purchase of generation assets from Montana Power, PPL Montana assumed a power purchase agreement and a power sales agreement, which were still in effect at December 31, 2004. In accordance with purchase accounting guidelines, PPL Montana recorded liabilities of $65 million as the estimated fair value of these agreements at the acquisition date. The power sales agreement was re-evaluated under DIG Issue C20, "Scope Exceptions: Interpretation of the Meaning of Not Clearly and Closely Related in Paragraph 10(b) Regarding Contracts with a Price Adjustment Feature," and is now reflected at its fair value as a derivative instrument. The liability for the power purchase agreement is being reduced over the term of the agreement, through 2010, as an adjustment to "Energy purchases" on the Statement of Income. The unamortized balance of the liability related to the power purchase agreement at December 31, 2004, was $54 million and is included in "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other" on the Balance Sheet.

    On July 1, 2002, PPL EnergyPlus began to sell to NorthWestern an aggregate of 450 MW of energy supplied by PPL Montana. Under two five-year agreements, PPL EnergyPlus is supplying 300 MW of around-the-clock electricity and 150 MW of unit-contingent on-peak electricity. PPL Montana also makes short-term energy sales to NorthWestern.

    In September 2003, NorthWestern filed a voluntary petition for relief seeking to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and in November 2004, NorthWestern announced that it had officially emerged from bankruptcy protection. NorthWestern had assumed the two energy supply agreements with PPL EnergyPlus in the bankruptcy proceeding and is current on all payments under the agreements.

    In April 2003, the Maryland Public Service Commission authorized the competitive provision of the Standard Offer Service (SOS) to allow utilities to procure SOS for customers through the competitive selection of wholesale supply. In March 2004, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded an 11-month fixed-price SOS contract for customer load (approximately 60 MW) for Potomac Electric Power Company. This contract commenced in July 2004.

    As a result of New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities authorized and made available to power suppliers, on a competitive basis, the opportunity to provide Basic Generation Service (BGS) to all non-shopping New Jersey customers. In February 2003, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded a 34-month fixed-price BGS contract for a fixed percentage of customer load (approximately 1,000 MW) for Atlantic City Electric Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company and Public Service Electric & Gas Company. In February 2003, PPL EnergyPlus also was awarded a 10-month hourly energy price supply contract for about 500 MW. These contracts commenced in August 2003. Additionally, in February 2004, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded a 12-month hourly energy price supply BGS contract for a fixed percentage of customer load (approximately 450 MW) for Atlantic City Electric Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company and Public Service Electric & Gas Company. These contracts commenced in June 2004.

    In April 2003, PPL EnergyPlus entered into an agreement with Arizona Public Service Company to provide 112 MW of capacity and associated electricity from July through September of 2003 and 150 MW from June through September of 2004 and 2005. See Note 9 for information regarding the possible sale of the Sundance power plant to Arizona Public Service Company.

    In January 2004, PPL EnergyPlus began supplying 12.5% of Connecticut Light & Power Company's Transitional Standard Offer load, under a three-year fixed-price contract. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the Transitional Standard Offer load may reach 625 MW.

    Legal Matters

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in numerous legal proceedings, claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. PPL and its subsidiaries cannot predict the outcome of such matters, or whether such matters may result in material liabilities.

    Montana Power Shareholders' Litigation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In August 2001, a purported class-action lawsuit was filed by a group of shareholders of Montana Power against Montana Power, the directors of Montana Power, certain advisors and consultants of Montana Power and PPL Montana. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Montana Power was required to, and did not, obtain shareholder approval of the sale of Montana Power's generation assets to PPL Montana in 1999. Although most of the claims in the complaint are against Montana Power, its board of directors, and its consultants and advisors, two claims are asserted against PPL Montana. In the first claim, plaintiffs seek a declaration that because Montana Power shareholders did not vote on the 1999 sale of generating assets to PPL Montana, that sale "was null and void ab initio." The second claim alleges that PPL Montana was privy to and participated in a strategy whereby Montana Power would sell its generation assets to PPL Montana without first obtaining Montana Power shareholder approval, and that PPL Montana has made net profits in excess of $100 million as the result of this alleged illegal sale. In the second claim, plaintiffs request that the court impose a "resulting and/or constructive trust" on both the generation assets themselves and all profits, plus interest on the amounts subject to the trust. This lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Butte Division. In July 2004, the plaintiffs notified the District Court that the parties had reached an oral partial settlement of the case that would result in the dismissal of PPL Montana as a defendant, and in January 2005 a global settlement agreement was filed with the District Court along with a motion to approve the agreement. Under the terms of the global settlement agreement, the plaintiffs' claims against PPL Montana would be dismissed and PPL Montana would not have to pay any amounts to the plaintiffs. The global settlement agreement must still be approved by the District Court. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict whether the global settlement agreement will be approved or the outcome of this matter if it is not approved.

    NorthWestern Corporation Litigation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In connection with the acquisition of the Montana generation assets, the Montana Power APA, which was previously assigned to PPL Montana by PPL Global, includes a provision concerning the proposed purchase by PPL Montana of a portion of NorthWestern's interest in the 500-kilovolt Colstrip Transmission System (CTS) for $97 million. During 2002, PPL Montana had been in discussions with NorthWestern regarding the proposed purchase of the CTS and the claims that PPL Montana believes it has against NorthWestern arising from the Montana Power APA and related agreements. Notwithstanding such discussions, in September 2002, NorthWestern filed a lawsuit against PPL Montana in Montana state court seeking specific performance of PPL Montana's purchase of the CTS or, alternatively, damages for breach of contract. Pursuant to PPL Montana's application, the matter was removed to the U.S. District Court of Montana, Butte Division. Following removal, NorthWestern asserted additional claims for damages against PPL Montana, including a claim for punitive damages. PPL Montana filed defenses denying liability for NorthWestern's claims as well as counterclaims against NorthWestern seeking damages PPL Montana believes it has suffered under the Montana Power APA and related agreements.

    In October 2004, the federal district court in Delaware, where NorthWestern's bankruptcy proceeding had been pending, approved a joint stipulation between PPL Montana and NorthWestern under which NorthWestern agreed to establish a segregated reserve to be used for any distributions to be made to satisfy any final judgment that PPL Montana may be awarded pursuant to PPL Montana's counterclaims. This segregated reserve has been funded with shares of NorthWestern common stock equal to $50 million, valued as of the effective date of NorthWestern's plan of reorganization. Also in October, the federal district court in Delaware confirmed NorthWestern's plan of reorganization, and in November 2004, NorthWestern announced that it officially emerged from bankruptcy protection.

    The trial for this matter is expected to commence in the Montana federal district court in the last half of 2005. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this litigation.

    Montana Hydroelectric Litigation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In October 2003, a lawsuit was filed against PPL Montana, PPL Services, Avista Corporation, PacifiCorp and nine John Doe defendants in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Missoula Division, by two residents allegedly acting in a representative capacity on behalf of the State of Montana. In January 2004, the complaint was amended to, among other things, include the Great Falls school districts as additional plaintiffs. In May 2004, the Montana Attorney General filed a motion to allow the State of Montana to intervene as an additional plaintiff in the litigation. This motion was granted without objection. Both the individual plaintiffs' and the school districts' complaint and the State's complaint sought declaratory judgment, compensatory damages and attorneys fees and costs for use of state and/or "school trust" lands by hydropower facilities and to require the defendants to adequately compensate the State and/or the State School Trust fund for full market value of lands occupied. Generally, the suit is founded on allegations that the bed of navigable rivers became state-owned property upon Montana's admission to statehood, and that the use thereof for placement of dam structures, affiliated structures and reservoirs should, under an existing regulatory scheme, trigger lease payments for use of land underneath. The plaintiffs also sought relief on theories of unjust enrichment, trespass and negligence. No specific amount of damages or future rental value has been claimed by the plaintiffs. The defendants filed separate motions to dismiss the individual plaintiffs' and school district's complaint, as well as the complaint of the State of Montana. In September 2004, the federal court granted the motions to dismiss the individual plaintiffs' and school districts' complaint but denied the similar motions as to the State of Montana's complaint. Following the federal court's September decision, PPL Montana and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the State of Montana's complaint for lack of diversity jurisdiction and also filed a motion to vacate certain portions of the decision. The federal court has not yet ruled on these motions.

    In November 2004, PPL Montana, Avista Corporation and PacifiCorp commenced an action for declaratory judgment in Montana First Judicial District Court seeking a determination that no lease payments or other compensation for the hydropower facilities' use and occupancy of streambeds can be collected by the State of Montana. The State subsequently filed counterclaims and a motion for summary judgment. In February 2005, the individual plaintiffs and school districts who were dismissed from the federal court proceeding, along with a state teachers' union, filed a motion to intervene as additional defendants in this state court proceeding, and also filed a proposed answer and counterclaims to be used if their motion to intervene is granted. The state court has not yet ruled on any of the above-described motions. PPL Montana and PPL Services cannot predict the outcome of either the federal or the state court proceeding.

    Regulatory Issues

    California ISO and Western Markets (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Through its subsidiaries, PPL made approximately $18 million of sales to the California ISO during the period from October 2000 through June 2001, of which $17 million has not been paid to PPL subsidiaries. Given the myriad of electricity supply problems presently faced by the California electric utilities and the California ISO, PPL cannot predict whether or when it will receive payment. As of December 31, 2004, PPL has fully reserved for possible underrecoveries of payments for these sales.

    Regulatory proceedings arising out of the California electricity supply situation have been filed at the FERC. The FERC has determined that all sellers of energy into markets operated by the California ISO and the California Power Exchange, including PPL Montana, should be subject to refund liability for the period beginning October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001, and initiated an evidentiary hearing concerning refund amounts. In April 2003, the FERC changed the manner in which this refund liability is to be computed and ordered further proceedings to determine the exact amounts that the sellers, including PPL Montana, would be required to refund. In September 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the FERC had the additional legal authority to order refunds for periods prior to October 2, 2000, and ordered the FERC to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to grant such additional refunds.

    In June 2003, the FERC took several actions as a result of a number of related investigations. The FERC terminated proceedings pursuant to which it had been considering whether to order refunds for spot market bilateral sales made in the Pacific Northwest, including sales made by PPL Montana, during the period December 2000 through June 2001. The FERC explained that the totality of the circumstances made refunds unfeasible and inequitable, and that it had provided adequate relief by adopting a price cap throughout the western U.S. The FERC also denied pending complaints against long-term contracts in the western U.S. In these complaints, various power buyers had challenged selected long-term contracts that they entered into during 2000 and 2001, complaining that the power prices were too high and reflected manipulation of those energy markets. The FERC found that the complainants had not met their burden of showing that changing or canceling the contracts was "in the public interest" and that the dysfunction in the California markets did not justify changing these long-term contracts. These orders have been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In two separate orders, the FERC also ordered 65 different companies, agencies or municipalities to show cause why they should not be ordered to disgorge profits for "gaming" or anomalous market behavior during 2000 and 2001. These orders to show cause address both unilateral and joint conduct identified as the "Enron trading strategies." Neither PPL EnergyPlus nor PPL Montana was included in these orders to show cause, and they previously have explained in responses to data requests from the FERC that they have not engaged in such trading strategies. Finally, the FERC issued a new investigation order directing its staff to investigate any bids made into the California markets in excess of $250/MWh during the period from May 2000 to October 2000, a period of time prior to the period examined in connection with most of the proceedings described above. To their knowledge, neither PPL EnergyPlus nor PPL Montana is being investigated by the FERC under this new order.

    Litigation arising out of the California electricity supply situation has been filed in California courts against sellers of energy to the California ISO. The plaintiffs and intervenors in these legal proceedings allege, among other things, abuse of market power, manipulation of market prices, unfair trade practices and violations of state antitrust laws, and seek other relief, including treble damages and attorneys' fees. While PPL's subsidiaries have not been named by the plaintiffs in these legal proceedings, PPL Montana was named by a defendant in its cross-complaint in a consolidated court proceeding, which combined into one master proceeding several of the lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and unfair trade practices. This generator denies that any unlawful, unfair or fraudulent conduct occurred but asserts that, if it is found liable, the other generators and power marketers, including PPL Montana, caused, contributed to and/or participated in the plaintiffs' alleged losses.

    In February 2004, the Montana Public Service Commission initiated a limited investigation of the Montana retail electricity market for the years 2000 and 2001, focusing on how that market was affected by transactions involving the possible manipulation of the electricity grid in the western U.S. The investigation includes all public utilities and licensed electricity suppliers in Montana, as well as other entities that may possess relevant information. Through its subsidiaries, PPL is a licensed electricity supplier in Montana and a wholesale supplier in the western U.S. In June 2004, the Montana Attorney General served PPL Montana and more than 20 other companies with subpoenas requesting documents, and PPL Montana has provided responsive documents to the Montana Attorney General. As with the other investigations taking place as a result of the issues arising out of the electricity supply situation in California and other western states, PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading or marketing practices affecting the Montana retail electricity market.

    While PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading practices, they cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, any PPL subsidiaries will be the target of any additional governmental investigations or named in other lawsuits or refund proceedings, the outcome of any such lawsuits or proceedings or whether the ultimate impact on them of the electricity supply situation in California and other western states will be material.

    PJM Capacity Litigation (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In December 2002, PPL was served with a complaint against PPL, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Electric filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a group of 14 Pennsylvania boroughs that apparently alleges, among other things, violations of the federal antitrust laws in connection with the pricing of installed capacity in the PJM daily market during the first quarter of 2001. These boroughs were wholesale customers of PPL Electric. The claims of the boroughs are similar to those previously alleged by a single borough in litigation brought in the same court that is still pending. In addition, in November 2003, PPL and PPL EnergyPlus were served with a complaint which was filed in the same court by Joseph Martorano, III (d/b/a ENERCO), that also alleges violations of the federal antitrust laws in early 2001. The complaint indicates that ENERCO provides consulting and energy procurement services to clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In September 2004, this complaint was dismissed by the District Court and the plaintiff has appealed the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

    Each of the U.S. Department of Justice - Antitrust Division, the FERC and the Pennsylvania Attorney General conducted investigations regarding PPL's PJM capacity market transactions in early 2001 and did not find any reason to take action against PPL.

    Although PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric believe the claims in these complaints are without merit, they cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

    New England Investigation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In January 2004, PPL became aware of an investigation by the Connecticut Attorney General and the FERC's Office of Market Oversight and Investigation (OMOI) regarding allegations that natural gas-fired generators located in New England illegally sold natural gas instead of generating electricity during the week of January 12, 2004. Subsequently, PPL and other generators were served with a data request by OMOI. The data request indicated that PPL was not under suspicion of a regulatory violation, but that OMOI was conducting an initial investigation. PPL has responded to this data request. PPL also has responded to data requests of ISO - New England and data requests served by subpoena from the Connecticut Attorney General. Both OMOI and ISO - New England have issued preliminary reports finding no regulatory or other violations concerning these matters. While PPL does not believe that it committed any regulatory or other violations concerning the subject matter of these investigations, PPL cannot predict the outcome of these investigations.

    PJM Billing (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In December 2004, Exelon Corporation, on behalf of its subsidiary, PECO Energy, Inc. (PECO), filed a complaint against PJM and PPL Electric with the FERC alleging that PJM had overcharged PECO from April 1998 through May 2003 as a result of an error by PJM in the State Estimator Program used in connection with billing all PJM customers for certain transmission, spot market energy and ancillary services charges. Specifically, the complaint alleges that PJM mistakenly identified PPL Electric's Elroy substation transformer as belonging to PECO and that, as a consequence, during times of congestion, PECO's bills for transmission congestion from PJM erroneously reflected energy that PPL Electric took from the Elroy substation and used to serve PPL Electric's load. The complaint requests the FERC, among other things, to direct PPL Electric to refund to PJM $39 million, plus interest of approximately $8 million, and for PJM to refund these same amounts to PECO. PPL Electric and PPL Energy Supply do not believe that they or any PPL subsidiaries have any financial responsibility or liability to PJM or PECO as a result of PJM's alleged error. PPL Electric and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this matter or the impact on any PPL subsidiary.

    FERC Market-Based Rate Authority (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In December 1998, the FERC issued an order authorizing PPL EnergyPlus to make wholesale sales of electric power and related products at market-based rates. In that order, the FERC directed PPL EnergyPlus to file an updated market analysis within three years of the date of the order, and every three years thereafter. PPL EnergyPlus filed its initial updated market analysis in December 2001. Several parties thereafter filed interventions and protests requesting that PPL EnergyPlus be required to provide additional information demonstrating that it has met the FERC's market power tests necessary for PPL EnergyPlus to continue its market-based rate authority. PPL EnergyPlus has responded that the FERC does not require the economic test suggested by the intervenors and that, in any event, it would meet such economic test if required by the FERC.

    In June 2004, FERC approved certain changes to its standards for granting market-based rate authority. As a result of the schedule adopted by the FERC, PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Electric, PPL Montana and most of PPL Generation's subsidiaries were required to file in November 2004 updated analyses demonstrating that they should continue to maintain market-based rate authority under the new standards. PPL made two filings, one for PPL Montana and one for most of the other PPL subsidiaries. The Montana Public Service Commission and the Montana Consumer Counsel filed pleadings opposing the filing by PPL Montana. The Montana Public Service Commission requested that the FERC hold a hearing on the market-based rate renewal application, while the Montana Consumer Counsel suggested applying an altered version of the FERC's tests for assessing market power in reviewing the renewal application. The PJM Industrial Customer Coalition, the PP&L Industrial Customer Alliance and the consumer advocates of Maryland and Pennsylvania filed pleadings opposing the filings by the other PPL subsidiaries. These parties challenge the FERC's continued reliance on market-based rates to yield just and reasonable prices for wholesale electric transactions and suggest that the FERC change its tests for market power to include capacity and ancillary services markets. While PPL believes its filings demonstrate that all PPL subsidiaries pass the new tests established by the FERC in June 2004, PPL cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

    FERC Proposed Rules (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In July 2002, the FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled "Remedying Undue Discrimination through Open Access Transmission Service and Standard Electricity Market Design." The proposed rule is currently available for public comment and contains a proposed implementation date of July 31, 2003. However, since the issuance of the proposed rule, the FERC has delayed the implementation date. This far-reaching proposed rule, in its current form, purports to establish uniform transmission rules and a standard market design by, among other things:

    enacting standard transmission tariffs and uniform market mechanisms,

    monitoring and mitigating "market power,"

    managing transmission congestion through pricing and tradable financial rights,

    requiring independent operational control over transmission facilities,

    forming state advisory committees on regional transmission organizations and resource adequacy, and

    exercising FERC jurisdiction over all transmission service.

    In April 2003, the FERC issued a white paper describing certain modifications to the proposed rule. The FERC has requested comments and is holding numerous public comment sessions concerning the white paper.

    If adopted, this proposed rule may have a significant impact on PPL and its subsidiaries, which cannot be predicted at this time.

    In November 2003, the FERC adopted a proposed rule to require all existing and new electric market-based tariffs and authorizations to include provisions prohibiting the seller from engaging in anticompetitive behavior or the exercise of market power. The FERC order adopts a list of market behavior rules that apply to all electric market-based rate tariffs and authorizations, including those of PPL EnergyPlus and any other PPL subsidiaries that hold market-based rate authority. PPL does not expect this rule to have a significant impact on its subsidiaries.

    Wallingford Deactivation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In January 2003, PPL negotiated an agreement with ISO - New England that would declare that four of the five units at PPL's Wallingford, Connecticut facility are "reliability must run" units and put those units under cost-based rates. This agreement and the cost-based rates are subject to the FERC's approval, and PPL filed a request with the FERC for such approval. PPL requested authority for cost-based rates because the current and anticipated wholesale prices in New England are insufficient to cover the costs of keeping these units available for operation. In March 2003, PPL filed an application with the New England Power Pool to temporarily deactivate these four units. In May 2003, the FERC denied PPL's request for cost-based rates in light of the FERC's changes to the market and bid mitigation rules of ISO - New England made in a similar case involving generating units owned by NRG Energy, Inc. PPL subsequently has explained to the FERC that its changes to the market and bid mitigation rules of ISO - New England will not provide sufficient revenues to PPL, and PPL continues to seek approval of its cost-based rates. However, PPL has informed the New England Power Pool that it will not pursue its request to temporarily deactivate certain Wallingford units. In February 2004, PPL appealed the FERC's denial of its request for cost-based rates to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. PPL cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

    IRS Synthetic Fuels Tax Credits (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL, through its subsidiaries, has interests in two synthetic fuel production facilities: the Somerset facility located in Pennsylvania and the Tyrone facility located in Kentucky. PPL receives tax credits pursuant to Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code based on the sale of synthetic fuel from these facilities to unaffiliated third-party purchasers. Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code provides tax credits for the production and sale of solid synthetic fuels produced from coal. Section 29 tax credits are currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2007.

    To qualify for the Section 29 tax credits, the synthetic fuel must meet three primary conditions: (i) there must be a significant chemical change in the coal feedstock, (ii) the product must be sold to an unaffiliated entity, and (iii) the production facility must have been placed in service before July 1, 1998. In addition, Section 29 provides for the phase-out of the synthetic fuel tax credit when the reference price for crude oil, as adjusted for inflation, exceeds a certain threshold. The reference price is the annual average wellhead price per barrel for all unregulated domestic crude oil. The average reference price for crude oil through October 31, 2004, was $36.18 per barrel. Accordingly, the tax credit phase-out did not impact results in 2004. Accounting for inflation, PPL estimates that the 2005 tax credit phase-out would start at $51.15 per barrel and the tax credit would be totally eliminated at $64.20 per barrel.

    A PPL subsidiary owns and operates the Somerset facility. In November 2001, PPL received a private letter ruling from the IRS pursuant to which, among other things, the IRS concluded that the synthetic fuel produced at the Somerset facility qualifies for Section 29 tax credits. The Somerset facility uses the Covol technology to produce synthetic fuel, and the IRS issued the private letter ruling after its review and approval of that technology. In reliance on this private letter ruling, PPL has sold synthetic fuel produced at the Somerset facility resulting in an aggregate of approximately $205 million of tax credits as of December 31, 2004.

    PPL owns a limited partnership interest in the entity that owns and operates the Tyrone facility. In April 2004, this entity received a private letter ruling from the IRS. Similar to its conclusions relating to the Somerset facility, the IRS concluded that the synthetic fuel to be produced at the Tyrone facility qualifies for Section 29 tax credits. In reliance on this private letter ruling, this entity has sold synthetic fuel produced at the Tyrone facility resulting in an aggregate of approximately $15 million of tax credits as of December 31, 2004. The Tyrone facility commenced commercial operations in the third quarter of 2004, after being relocated to Kentucky from Pennsylvania.

    PPL also purchases synthetic fuel from unaffiliated third parties, at prices below the market price of coal, for use at its coal-fired power plants.

    In June 2003, the IRS announced that it had reason to question the scientific validity of certain test procedures and results that have been presented to it by taxpayers with interests in synthetic fuel operations as evidence that the required significant chemical change has occurred, and that it was reviewing information regarding these test procedures and practices. In October 2003, the IRS announced that it had completed its review and determined that the test procedures and results used by taxpayers are scientifically valid, if the procedures are applied in a consistent and unbiased manner. The IRS indicated that it would require taxpayers to comply with certain sampling and data/record retention practices to obtain or maintain a ruling on significant chemical change.

    PPL believes that the October 2003 IRS announcement and its receipt of the private letter ruling for the Tyrone facility following this announcement confirms that PPL is justified in its reliance on the private letter rulings for the Somerset and Tyrone facilities, and that the test results that PPL presented to the IRS in connection with its private letter rulings are scientifically valid. In addition, PPL believes that the Somerset facility and the Tyrone facility have been operated in compliance with their respective private letter rulings and Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code.

    In October 2003, following the IRS announcement, it was reported that the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, had begun an investigation of the synthetic fuel industry and its producers. That investigation is ongoing. PPL cannot predict when the investigation will be completed or the potential results of the investigation.

    During 2004, certain other owners or operators of synthetic fuel facilities reported that the IRS had questioned whether their facilities were placed in service before July 1, 1998. Whether or not a facility meets the "placed-in service" requirement is based on the particular facts and circumstances relating to the operation of that facility. PPL is not aware of the facts and circumstances relating to the operation of the facilities being questioned by the IRS or the specific IRS position in these other matters. However, PPL believes that the Tyrone and Somerset facilities meet the in-service requirement.

    Environmental Matters - Domestic

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Due to the environmental issues discussed below or other environmental matters, PPL subsidiaries may be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain facilities to comply with statutes, regulations and actions by regulatory bodies or courts. In this regard, PPL subsidiaries also may incur capital expenditures or operating expenses in amounts which are not now determinable, but which could be significant.

    Air (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The Clean Air Act deals, in part, with acid rain, attainment of federal ambient ozone standards, fine particulate matter standards and toxic air emissions in the U.S. PPL's subsidiaries are in substantial compliance with the Clean Air Act. The Bush administration's Clear Skies Initiative and proposals of certain members of Congress would amend the Clean Air Act. These amendments could require significant further reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide and reductions in emission of mercury. Although the Bush administration's Clear Skies Initiative does not include limits on carbon dioxide emissions, rising concerns about global warming have prompted several states to pass legislation capping carbon emissions and other bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing mandatory carbon dioxide reductions. An initiative is underway in nine Northeast states to propose a cap-and-trade program, the details of which are expected to be released in mid-2005 for carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Increased pressure is also coming from investor organizations and the international community. Pennsylvania and Montana have not, at this time, established any formal programs to address carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. If these or other legislative or regulatory initiatives result in mandatory reductions being imposed, the cost of such reductions could be significant.

    The EPA has developed new standards for ambient levels of ozone and fine particulates in the U.S. These standards have been upheld following court challenges. To facilitate attainment of these standards, the EPA has proposed a rule (now called the Clean Air Interstate Rule - CAIR) for 29 midwestern and eastern states, including Pennsylvania, to reduce national sulfur dioxide emissions by 40% (about 50% in the CAIR region) and to extend the currently seasonal program for nitrogen oxide emission reductions to a year-round program (in the CAIR region) starting in 2010. Starting in 2015, the proposed rule would require further reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide of 30% and 20%, respectively, from 2010 levels. The proposed rule would allow these reductions to be achieved through cap-and-trade programs, and is consistent with the Bush administration's proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act, except that it applies to only the 29 states. In order to continue meeting existing sulfur dioxide reduction requirements of the Clean Air Act, PPL will need to use its banked sulfur dioxide allowances and to purchase additional allowances. Currently, PPL has enough sulfur dioxide allowances to cover expected consumption through 2006, but will experience shortfalls in some years after 2006. As a result and based on projected allowance prices, PPL plans to complete the installation of sulfur dioxide scrubbers at its Montour Units 1 and 2 by 2008 and Brunner Island Unit 3 by 2010. PPL also is evaluating under CAIR the possible installation of SCR technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at Brunner Island Unit 3 at a later date. The combined cost of the scrubbers at Montour and Brunner Island and of the SCR at Brunner Island is expected to be approximately $730 million.

    The EPA has proposed mercury and nickel regulations and is expected to finalize these regulations in 2005. The proposed mercury regulations affect coal-fired plants. With respect to mercury, the EPA has proposed two alternative approaches: an emission trading program to take effect beginning January 2010 or a requirement to take effect in March 2008 that every unit install maximum achievable control technology (MACT). The proposed nickel regulations impose MACT requirements on oil-fired units to take effect in 2008. The nickel regulations would affect Martins Creek Units 3 and 4. The cost of complying with these regulations is not now determinable, but could be significant.

    The Ozone Transport Commission (consisting of Pennsylvania and ten other states and the District of Columbia) has passed a resolution calling for reductions in sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury emissions that are more stringent than those proposed by EPA or contemplated by the Clear Skies Initiative. Should Pennsylvania implement such reductions, the cost to PPL is not now determinable but could be significant.

    In 1999, the EPA initiated enforcement actions against several utilities, asserting that older, coal-fired power plants operated by those utilities have, over the years, been modified in ways that subject them to more stringent "New Source" requirements under the Clean Air Act. The EPA has since issued notices of violation and commenced enforcement activities against other utilities. The future direction of the EPA's enforcement initiative is presently unclear. However, states and environmental groups have also been bringing enforcement actions alleging violations of "New Source" requirements by coal-fired plants. At this time, PPL is unable to predict whether such EPA, state or citizens enforcement actions will be brought with respect to any of its affiliates' plants. However, the EPA regional offices that regulate plants in Pennsylvania (Region III) and Montana (Region VIII) have indicated an intention to issue information requests to all utilities in their jurisdiction. The Region VIII office issued such a request to PPL Montana's Corette plant in 2000 and the Colstrip plant in 2003. The Region III office issued such a request to PPL Generation's Martins Creek plant in 2002. PPL and its subsidiaries have responded to the Corette and Martins Creek information requests and began responding to the Colstrip information request. The EPA has stayed further production of Colstrip documents pending discussion among the Colstrip owners and the EPA. The EPA has taken no further action following the Martins Creek and Corette submittals. PPL cannot presently predict what, if any, action the EPA might take in this regard. Should the EPA or any state or citizens group initiate one or more enforcement actions against PPL or its subsidiaries, compliance with any such enforcement actions could result in additional capital and operating expenses which are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    In 2003, the EPA issued changes to its "New Source" regulations that clarify what projects are exempt from "New Source" requirements as routine maintenance and repair. Under these clarifications, any project to replace existing equipment with functionally equivalent equipment would be considered routine maintenance and excluded from "New Source" review if the cost of the replaced equipment does not exceed 20% of the replacement cost of the entire process unit, the basic design is not changed and no permit limit is exceeded. These clarifications would substantially reduce the uncertainties under the prior "New Source" regulations; however, they have been stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. PPL is therefore continuing to operate under the "New Source" regulations as they existed prior to the EPA's 2003 clarifications.

    The New Jersey DEP and some New Jersey residents raised environmental concerns with respect to the Martins Creek plant, particularly with respect to sulfur dioxide emissions and the opacity of the plant's plume. These issues were raised in the context of an appeal by the New Jersey DEP of the Air Quality Plan Approval issued by the Pennsylvania DEP to the adjacent Lower Mt. Bethel facility. In October 2003, PPL finalized an agreement with the New Jersey DEP and the Pennsylvania DEP pursuant to which PPL will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from its Martins Creek power plant. Under the agreement, PPL Martins Creek will shut down the plant's two coal-fired generating units by September 2007 and may repower them any time after shutting them down so long as it follows all applicable state and federal requirements, including installing the best available pollution control technology. Pursuant to the agreement, PPL Martins Creek began reducing the fuel sulfur content for the coal units as well as the plant's two oil-fired units in June 2004. In addition, PPL will donate to a non-profit organization 70% of the excess emission allowances and emission reduction credits that result from shutting down or repowering the coal units. As a result of the agreement, the New Jersey DEP withdrew its challenge to the Air Quality Plan Approval for the Lower Mt. Bethel facility. The agreement will not result in material costs to PPL. The agreement does not address the issues raised by the New Jersey DEP regarding the visible opacity of emissions from the oil-fired units at the Martins Creek plant. If it is determined that actions must be taken to address the visible opacity of these emissions, such actions could result in costs that are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    In addition to the opacity concerns raised by the New Jersey DEP, the Pennsylvania DEP also has raised concerns about the opacity of emissions from the Martins Creek and Montour plants. PPL is discussing these concerns with the Pennsylvania DEP. If it is determined that actions must be taken to address the Pennsylvania DEP's concerns, such actions could result in costs that are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    In December 2003, PPL Montana, as operator of the Colstrip facility, received an Administrative Compliance Order (ACO) from the EPA pursuant to the Clean Air Act. The ACO alleges that Units 3 and 4 of the facility have been in violation of the Clean Air Act permit at Colstrip since 1980. The permit required Colstrip to submit for review and approval by the EPA an analysis and proposal for reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide to address visibility concerns if and when the EPA promulgates Best Available Retrofit Technology requirements for nitrogen oxide emissions. The EPA is asserting that regulations it promulgated in 1980 triggered this requirement. PPL believes that the ACO is unfounded and is discussing the matter with the EPA. In addition, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is questioning whether the permit limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from Colstrip Units 3 and 4 are too high under provisions of the Clean Air Act that limit allowable emissions from sources built after 1978. PPL is engaged in settlement negotiations on these matters with the EPA, the Montana DEQ and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

    Water/Waste (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Seepages have been detected at one of the wastewater basins at the Montour station, and PPL Montour is working with the Pennsylvania DEP to assess the seepage and develop an abatement plan. PPL Brunner Island is assessing impacted groundwater at two closed wastewater basins to determine what abatement actions may be needed. PPL plans to comprehensively address issues related to wastewater basins at all of its Pennsylvania plants as part of the process to renew the residual waste permits for these basins which expire within the next three years. The cost of addressing seepages at PPL's Pennsylvania plants is not now determinable, but could be significant.

    PPL Montana continues to undertake certain groundwater investigation and remediation measures at its Colstrip plant to address groundwater contamination and property damage claims noted below. These measures include offering to extend city water to certain residents who live near the plant. The costs of these investigations and remedial measures are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    In May 2003, approximately 50 plaintiffs brought an action now pending at the Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Rosebud County, against PPL Montana and the other owners of the Colstrip plant alleging property damage from seepage from the freshwater and wastewater ponds at Colstrip. This action could result in PPL Montana and the other Colstrip owners being liable for damages and being required to take additional remedial measures beyond those noted above. The cost to PPL Montana of any such damages and remedial measures is not now determinable, but could be significant.

    Brunner Island's NPDES permit contains a provision requiring further studies on the thermal impact of the cooling water discharge from the plant. These studies are underway and are expected to be completed in 2006. The Pennsylvania DEP has stated that it believes the studies to date show that the temperature of the discharge must be lowered. The Pennsylvania DEP has also stated that it believes the plant is in violation of a permit condition prohibiting the discharge from changing the river temperature by more than two degrees per hour. PPL is discussing these matters with the agency. Depending on the outcome of these discussions, the plant could be subject to additional capital and operating costs that are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    The EPA has significantly tightened the water quality standard for arsenic. The revised standard becomes effective in 2006. The revised standard may result in action by individual states that could require several PPL subsidiaries to either further treat wastewater or take abatement action at their power plants, or both. The cost of complying with any such requirements is not now determinable, but could be significant.

    The EPA recently finalized requirements for new or modified water intake structures. These requirements affect where generating facilities are built, establish intake design standards, and could lead to requirements for cooling towers at new and modified power plants. Another new rule that was finalized in July 2004 addresses existing structures. PPL does not believe that either of these rules will impose material costs on PPL subsidiaries. However, six northeastern states have challenged the new rules for existing structures as being inadequate. If this challenge is successful, it could result in the EPA establishing stricter standards for existing structures that could impose significant costs on PPL subsidiaries.

    Superfund and Other Remediation

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In 1995, PPL Electric and PPL Generation entered into a consent order with the Pennsylvania DEP to address a number of sites that were not being addressed under another regulatory program such as Superfund, but for which PPL Electric or PPL Generation may be liable for remediation. This may include potential PCB contamination at certain PPL Electric substations and pole sites; potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric; oil or other contamination which may exist at some of PPL Electric's former generating facilities; and potential contamination at abandoned power plant sites owned by PPL Generation. As of December 31, 2004, work has been completed for 98% of the sites included in the consent order. Additional sites formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric are added to the consent order on a case-by-case basis.

    In 1996, PPL Gas Utilities entered into a similar consent order with the Pennsylvania DEP to address a number of sites where subsidiaries of PPL Gas Utilities may be liable for remediation. The sites primarily include former coal gas manufacturing facilities. Subsidiaries of PPL Gas Utilities are also investigating the potential for any mercury contamination from gas meters and regulators. Accordingly, PPL Gas Utilities and the Pennsylvania DEP have agreed to add 72 meter/regulation sites to the consent order. As of December 31, 2004, PPL Gas Utilities had addressed 48% of the sites under its consent order.

    Since the PPL Electric Consent Order expired on January 31, 2005, and since only four sites remained, PPL has negotiated a new consent order with Pennsylvania DEP that combines both PPL Electric's and PPL Gas Utilities' consent orders into one single agreement.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities had accrued approximately $3 million and $8 million, representing the estimated amounts each will have to spend for site remediation, including those sites covered by each company's consent orders mentioned above. Depending on the outcome of investigations at sites where investigations have not begun or have not been completed, the costs of remediation and other liabilities could be substantial. PPL also could face other non-remediation liabilities at sites included in the consent order or other contaminated sites, the costs of which are not now determinable, but could be significant.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Under the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, subsidiaries of PPL Generation are obligated to remediate acid mine drainage at former mine sites and may be required to take additional measures to prevent potential acid mine drainage at previously capped refuse piles. One PPL Generation subsidiary is pumping and treating mine water at two mine sites. Another PPL Generation subsidiary is installing passive wetlands treatment at a third site, and the Pennsylvania DEP has suggested that it may require that PPL Generation subsidiary to pump and treat the mine water at that third site. At December 31, 2004, a PPL Energy Supply subsidiary had accrued $28 million to cover the costs of pumping and treating groundwater at the two mine sites for 50 years and for operating and maintaining passive wetlands treatment at the third site.

    In 1999, the Montana Supreme Court held in favor of several citizens' groups that the right to a clean and healthful environment is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Montana Constitution. The court's ruling could result in significantly more stringent environmental laws and regulations, as well as an increase in citizens' suits under Montana's environmental laws. The effect on PPL Montana of any such changes in laws or regulations or any such increase in legal actions is not currently determinable, but could be significant.

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Future cleanup or remediation work at sites currently under review, or at sites not currently identified, may result in material additional operating costs for PPL subsidiaries that cannot be estimated at this time.

    Asbestos (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    There have been increasing litigation claims throughout the U.S. based on exposure to asbestos against companies that manufacture or distribute asbestos products or that have these products on their premises. Certain of PPL's generation subsidiaries and certain of its energy services subsidiaries, such as those that have supplied, may have supplied or installed asbestos material in connection with the repair or installation of process piping and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, have been named as defendants in asbestos-related lawsuits. PPL cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or whether additional claims may be asserted against its subsidiaries in the future. PPL does not expect that the resolution of the current lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.

    Electric and Magnetic Fields (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    Concerns have been expressed by some members of the public regarding potential health effects of power frequency electric and/or magnetic fields (EMFs), which are emitted by all devices carrying electricity, including electric transmission and distribution lines and substation equipment. Government officials in the U.S. and the U.K. have reviewed this issue. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded in 2002 that, for most health outcomes, there is no evidence of EMFs causing adverse effects. The agency further noted that there is some epidemiological evidence of an association with childhood leukemia, but that this evidence is difficult to interpret without supporting laboratory evidence. The U.K. National Radiological Protection Board concluded in 2004 that, while the research on EMFs does not provide a basis to find that EMFs cause any illness, there is a basis to consider precautionary measures beyond existing exposure guidelines. PPL and its subsidiaries believe the current efforts to determine whether EMFs cause adverse health effects should continue and are taking steps to reduce EMFs, where practical, in the design of new transmission and distribution facilities. PPL is unable to predict what effect, if any, the EMF issue might have on its operations and facilities either in the U.S. or abroad, and the associated cost, or what, if any, liabilities it might incur related to the EMF issue.

    Lower Mt. Bethel (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In August 2002, the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas issued a decision setting the permissible noise levels for operation of the Lower Mt. Bethel facility. PPL appealed the court's decision to the Commonwealth Court, and an intervenor in the lawsuit cross-appealed the court's decision. In May 2003, the Commonwealth Court remanded the case to the Court of Common Pleas for further findings of fact concerning the zoning application relating to the construction of the facility. In September 2003, the Court of Common Pleas ruled in PPL's favor while also reaffirming its decision on the noise levels, and the intervenor appealed this ruling to the Commonwealth Court. In April 2004, the Commonwealth Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Common Pleas. The intervenor has pending before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania a Petition for Allowance of Appeal.

    The certificate of occupancy for the Lower Mt. Bethel facility was issued by the local township zoning officer in April 2004, and the facility was placed in service in May 2004. In May 2004, the intervenor in the legal proceedings regarding the facility's permissible noise levels filed an appeal with the township board regarding the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The hearing on the appeal was held in December 2004, and the intervenor's appeal was denied.

    Environmental Matters - International (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    U.K.

    WPD's distribution businesses are subject to numerous regulatory and statutory requirements with respect to environmental matters. PPL believes that WPD has taken and continues to take measures to comply with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against WPD with respect to environmental matters. See "Environmental Matters - Domestic - Electric and Magnetic Fields" for a discussion of EMFs.

    Latin America

    Certain of PPL's affiliates have electric distribution operations in Latin America. PPL believes that these affiliates have taken and continue to take measures to comply with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against PPL's affiliates in Latin America with respect to environmental matters.

    Other

    Nuclear Insurance (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL Susquehanna is a member of certain insurance programs which provide coverage for property damage to members' nuclear generating stations. Facilities at the Susquehanna station are insured against property damage losses up to $2.75 billion under these programs. PPL Susquehanna is also a member of an insurance program which provides insurance coverage for the cost of replacement power during prolonged outages of nuclear units caused by certain specified conditions. Under the property and replacement power insurance programs, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed retroactive premiums in the event of the insurers' adverse loss experience. At December 31, 2004, this maximum assessment was about $39 million.

    PPL Susquehanna's public liability for claims resulting from a nuclear incident at the Susquehanna station is limited to about $10.8 billion under provisions of The Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988. PPL Susquehanna is protected against this liability by a combination of commercial insurance and an industry assessment program. In the event of a nuclear incident at any of the reactors covered by The Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed up to $201 million per incident, payable at $20 million per year.

    Guarantees and Other Assurances

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In the normal course of business, PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric enter into agreements that provide financial performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. Such agreements include, for example, guarantees, stand-by letters of credit issued by financial institutions and surety bonds issued by insurance companies. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis or to facilitate the commercial activities in which these subsidiaries enter.

    (PPL)

    PPL fully and unconditionally guarantees all of the debt securities of PPL Capital Funding, a wholly owned financing subsidiary of PPL.

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric provide certain guarantees that are required to be disclosed in accordance with FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." The table below details guarantees provided as of December 31, 2004:

         

    Recorded Liability at
    December 31,

     

    Exposure at
    December 31,

     

    Expiration

       
         

    2004

     

    2003

     

    2004 (a)

     

    Date

     

    Description

    PPL

                             

    Residual value guarantees of leased equipment

                 

    $

    6

     

    2005

     

    (c)

    PPL Energy Supply (b)

                             

    WPD LLP guarantee of obligations under SIUK Capital Trust I preferred securities

                   

    82

     

    2027

     

    WPD LLP guarantees all of the obligations of SIUK Capital Trust I, an unconsolidated wholly owned financing subsidiary of WPD LLP, under its trust preferred securities. The exposure at December 31, 2004, reflects principal payments only. See Note 22 for further discussion.

    Letters of credit issued on behalf of affiliates

                   

    8

     

    2005

     

    Standby letter of credit arrangements under PPL Energy Supply's $300 million three-year credit facility for the purposes of protecting various third parties against nonperformance by PPL and PPL Gas Utilities. This is not a guarantee of PPL on a consolidated basis.

    Support agreements to guarantee partnerships' obligations for the sale of coal

                   

    9

     

    2007

     

    PPL Generation has entered into certain partnership arrangements for the sale of coal to third parties. PPL Generation also has executed support agreements for the benefit of these third-party purchasers pursuant to which it guarantees the partnerships' obligations in an amount up to its pro rata ownership interest in the partnerships.

    Retroactive premiums under nuclear insurance programs

                   

    39

         

    PPL Susquehanna is contingently obligated to pay this amount related to potential retroactive premiums that could be assessed under its nuclear insurance programs. See "Nuclear Insurance" for additional information.

    Nuclear claims under The Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988

                   

    201

     

       

    Under the Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, this is the maximum amount PPL Susquehanna could be assessed for each incident at any of the nuclear reactors covered by this Act. See "Nuclear Insurance" for additional information.

    Contingent purchase price payments to former owners of synfuel projects

     

    $

    11

     

    $

    4

       

    56

     

    2007

     

    Certain agreements relating to the purchase of ownership interests in synfuel projects contain provisions that require certain PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries to make contingent purchase price payments to the former owners. These payments are non-recourse to PPL, PPL Energy Supply and their other subsidiaries and are based primarily upon production levels of the synfuel projects. The maximum potential amount of future payments is not explicitly stated in the related agreements.

    Residual value guarantees of leased equipment

                   

    3

     

    2005

     

    (c)

    WPD guarantee related to a contract assigned as part of a sale of one of its businesses

                   

    20

     

    2005

     

    Guarantee of a payment (£10 million) under a contract that was assigned as part of a sale of one of WPD's businesses.

    Indemnifications for entities in liquidation

                   

    293

     

    2008 to 2012

     

    In connection with the liquidation of wholly owned subsidiaries that have been deconsolidated upon turning the entities over to the liquidators, certain affiliates of PPL Global have agreed to indemnify the liquidators, directors and/or the entities themselves for any liabilities or expenses arising during the liquidation process, including liabilities and expenses of the entities placed into liquidation. In some cases, the indemnifications are limited to a maximum amount that is based on distributions made from the subsidiary to its parent either prior or subsequent to being placed into liquidation. In other cases, the maximum amount of the indemnifications is not explicitly stated in the agreements. The indemnifications generally expire two to seven years subsequent to the date of dissolution of the entities. The exposure noted is only for those cases in which the agreements provide for a specific limit on the amount of the indemnification, and the expiration date was based on an estimate of the dissolution date of the entities.

     

    WPD guarantee of an unconsolidated entity's lease obligations

                   

    2

     

    2008

     

    The maximum potential amount of future payments is not explicitly stated in the related agreements.

     

    Written put options for commodities

                   

    7

     

    2005

     

    PPL EnergyPlus enters into written put option contracts under which, in exchange for a premium received, it agrees to purchase a specified quantity of a commodity for a specified price if the counterparty exercises the option.

     

    PPL Electric (b)

                             

    Guarantee of a portion of an unconsolidated entity's debt

                   

    7

     

    2008

     

    The exposure at December 31, 2004, reflects principal payments only.

    Residual value guarantees of leased equipment

       

    1

       

    16

       

    81

     

    2005

     

    (c)

     

     

     

    (a)

     

    Represents the estimated maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required to be made under the guarantee.

    (b)

     

    Other than the letters of credit, all guarantees of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric also apply to PPL on a consolidated basis.

    (c)

     

    PPL Services, PPL Montana and PPL Electric lease certain equipment under master operating lease agreements. The term for each piece of equipment leased by PPL Services and PPL Montana is one year, after which time the lease may be extended from month-to-month until terminated. The term for each piece of equipment leased by PPL Electric ranges from one to three years, after which time the lease term may be extended for certain equipment either (i) from month-to-month until terminated or (ii) for up to two additional years. Under these lease arrangements, PPL Services, PPL Montana and PPL Electric provide residual value guarantees to the lessors. PPL Services, PPL Montana and PPL Electric generally could be required to pay the guaranteed residual value of the leased equipment if the proceeds received from the sale of a piece of equipment upon termination of the lease are less than the expected residual value of the equipment. These guarantees generally expire within one year, unless the lease terms are extended. The liability recorded is included in "Other current liabilities" on the Balance Sheet. Although the expiration date noted is 2005, equipment of similar value is generally leased and guaranteed on an on-going basis.


    PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric and their subsidiaries provide other miscellaneous guarantees through contracts entered into in the normal course of business. These guarantees are primarily in the form of various indemnifications or warranties related to services or equipment, and vary in duration. The obligated amounts of these guarantees often are not explicitly stated, and the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such guarantees cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric and their subsidiaries have not made any significant payments with respect to these types of guarantees. As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate fair value of these indemnifications related to arrangements entered into subsequent to December 31, 2002, was insignificant. Among these guarantees are the following:

    The companies' or their subsidiaries' leasing arrangements, including those discussed above, contain certain indemnifications in favor of the lessors (e.g., tax and environmental matters).

       

    In connection with their issuances of securities, the companies and their subsidiaries engage underwriters, purchasers and purchasing agents to whom they provide indemnification for damages incurred by such parties arising from the companies' material misstatements or omissions in the related offering documents. In addition, in connection with these securities offerings and other financing transactions, the companies also engage trustees or custodial, escrow or other agents to act for the benefit of the investors or to provide other agency services. The companies and their subsidiaries typically provide indemnification to these agents for any liabilities or expenses incurred by them in performing their obligations.

       

    In connection with certain of their credit arrangements, such as the asset-backed commercial paper program in which PPL Electric began participating in August 2004, the companies provide the creditors or credit arrangers with indemnification that is standard for each particular type of transaction. For instance, under the credit agreement for the asset-backed commercial paper program, PPL Electric and its special purpose subsidiary have agreed to indemnify the commercial paper conduit, the sponsoring financial institution and the liquidity banks for damages incurred by such parties arising from, among other things, a breach by PPL Electric or the subsidiary of their various representations, warranties and covenants in the credit agreement, PPL Electric's activities as servicer with respect to the pledged accounts receivable and any dispute by PPL Electric's customers with respect to payment of the accounts receivable.

       

    PPL EnergyPlus is party to numerous energy trading or purchase and sale agreements pursuant to which the parties indemnify each other for any damages arising from events that occur while the indemnifying party has title to the electricity or natural gas. For example, in the case of the party that is delivering the product, such party would be responsible for damages arising from events occurring prior to delivery.

       

    In connection with their sales of various businesses, WPD and its affiliates have provided the purchasers with indemnifications that are standard for such transactions, including indemnifications for certain pre-existing liabilities and environmental and tax matters. In addition, in connection with certain of these sales, WPD and its affiliates have agreed to continue their obligations under existing third-party guarantees, either for a set period of time following the transactions or upon the condition that the purchasers make reasonable efforts to terminate the guarantees. Finally, WPD and its affiliates remain secondarily responsible for lease payments under certain leases that they have assigned to third parties.

    PPL, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, maintains insurance that covers liability assumed under contract for bodily injury and property damage. The coverage requires a $4 million deductible per occurrence and provides maximum aggregate coverage of approximately $175 million. This insurance may be applicable to certain obligations under the contractual arrangements discussed above.

  15. Related Party Transactions

    Affiliate Trusts (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    See Note 22 for a discussion of PPL Capital Funding Trust I and SIUK Capital Trust I, and see Note 8 for a discussion of various transactions involving PPL Capital Funding subordinated notes that were held by PPL Capital Funding Trust I. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, $89 million and $681 million is reflected as "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts" on PPL's Balance Sheet, and $89 million is reflected, as of both dates, as "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust" on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet.

    PLR Contracts (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric has power sales agreements with PPL EnergyPlus, effective January 1, 2002, to supply all of PPL Electric's PLR load through 2009. Under these contracts, PPL EnergyPlus provides electricity at the predetermined capped prices that PPL Electric is authorized to charge its PLR customers. These purchases totaled $1.5 billion in 2004 and $1.4 billion in 2003 and 2002, including nuclear decommissioning recovery and amortization of an up-front contract payment. These purchases are included in the Statement of Income as "Energy purchases from affiliate" by PPL Electric, and as "Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate" revenues by PPL Energy Supply.

    Under one of the PLR contracts, PPL Electric is required to make performance assurance deposits with PPL EnergyPlus when the market price of electricity is less than the contract price by more than its contract collateral threshold. Conversely, PPL EnergyPlus is required to make performance assurance deposits with PPL Electric when the market price of electricity is greater than the contract price by more than its contract collateral threshold. At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply was required to provide PPL Electric with performance assurance of $300 million, the maximum amount required under the contract. PPL Energy Supply's deposit with PPL Electric was $300 million at December 31, 2004. This deposit is shown on the Balance Sheet as "Collateral on PLR energy supply to/from affiliate," a current asset of PPL Energy Supply and a current liability of PPL Electric. On their Statements of Cash Flows, PPL Electric treats the collateral as cash provided by operating activities, and PPL Energy Supply treats it as cash used in operating activities. PPL Electric pays interest equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 0.5% on this deposit, which is included in "Interest Expense" on the Statement of Income.

    In 2001, PPL Electric made a $90 million up-front payment to PPL EnergyPlus in connection with the PLR contracts. The up-front payment is being amortized by both parties over the term of the PLR contracts. The unamortized balance of this payment, and other payments under the contract, was $58 million at December 31, 2004 and $70 million at December 31, 2003. This balance is reported on the Balance Sheet as "Prepayment on PLR energy supply from affiliate" by PPL Electric and as "Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply.

    NUG Purchases (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric has a reciprocal contract with PPL EnergyPlus to sell electricity purchased under contracts with NUGs. PPL Electric purchases electricity from the NUGs at contractual rates and then sells the electricity at the same price to PPL EnergyPlus. These purchases totaled $154 million in 2004, $152 million in 2003 and $160 million in 2002. These amounts are included in the Statement of Income as "Wholesale electric to affiliate" revenues by PPL Electric, and as "Energy purchases from affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply.

    Allocations of Corporate Service Costs (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL Services provides corporate functions such as financial, legal, human resources and information services. PPL Services bills the respective PPL subsidiaries for the cost of such services when they can be specifically identified. The cost of these services that is not directly charged to PPL subsidiaries is allocated to certain of the subsidiaries based on an average of the subsidiaries' relative invested capital, operation and maintenance expenses, and number of employees. PPL Services allocated the following charges to PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Direct expenses

                           

     

    PPL Energy Supply

     

    $

    102

       

    $

    94

       

    $

    88

     

     

    PPL Electric

       

    59

         

    56

         

    56

     

    Overhead costs

                           

     

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    69

         

    63

         

    38

     

     

    PPL Electric

       

    29

         

    27

         

    28

     

    Intercompany Borrowings

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries had no notes receivable from affiliates at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2003, a PPL Energy Supply subsidiary had a $2 million note receivable from an affiliate with interest equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 3%. Interest earned on loans to affiliates, included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income, was $6 million, $16 million and $22 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    In May 2004, PPL Energy Supply issued a $495 million note payable to an affiliate, which is shown on the Balance Sheet as "Note Payable to Affiliate." The note matures in May 2006 with interest payable monthly in arrears at LIBOR plus 1%.

    Interest expense with affiliate, as shown on the Statement of Income, was $8 million, $1 million and $3 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    (PPL Electric)

    In August 2004, a PPL Electric subsidiary made a $300 million demand loan to an affiliate, with interest due quarterly at a rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR plus 1.25%. This loan is shown on the Balance Sheet as "Note Receivable from Affiliate."

    Interest earned on loans to affiliates, included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income, was $3 million for both 2004 and 2003 and $9 million for 2002.

    Trademark Royalties (PPL Energy Supply)

    In the fourth quarter of 2002, a PPL subsidiary that owns PPL trademarks began billing certain affiliates which use these trademarks. PPL Energy Supply was allocated $34 million of this license fee in 2004, $39 million in 2003 and $8 million in 2002. These allocations are primarily included in "Other Operation and Maintenance" on the Statement of Income.

    Other (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    PPL Energy Supply owns no domestic transmission or distribution facilities, other than facilities to interconnect its generation with the electric transmission system. Therefore, PPL EnergyPlus and other PPL Generation subsidiaries must pay PJM, the operator of the transmission system, to deliver the energy these subsidiaries supply to retail and wholesale customers in PPL Electric's franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

  16. Other Income - Net

    (PPL)

    The breakdown of PPL's "Other Income - net" was as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Other Income

                           
     

    Interest income - IRS settlement

     

    $

    23

                     
     

    Other interest income

       

    16

       

    $

    12

       

    $

    28

     
     

    Sale of CEMAR (Note 9)

       

    23

                     
     

    Equity earnings

       

    3

                 

    2

     
     

    Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (a)

       

    (7

    )

       

    20

             
     

    Gain by WPD on the disposition of property

       

    3

         

    3

         

    6

     
     

    Hyder-related activity

       

    3

         

    8

             
     

    Rental income

               

    4

             
     

    Reduction of reserves for receivables from Enron

               

    10

             
     

    Legal claim settlements

               

    3

             
     

    Miscellaneous - domestic

       

    7

         

    8

         

    5

     
     

    Miscellaneous - international

       

    7

         

    10

         

    13

     

     

    Total

       

    78

         

    78

         

    54

     
                             

    Other Deductions

                           
     

    Impairment of investment in technology supplier (Note 9)

       

    10

                     
     

    Asset valuation write-down

               

    3

         

    1

     
     

    Charitable contributions

       

    2

         

    2

         

    2

     
     

    Realized loss on available-for-sale investment

       

    6

                     
     

    Non-operating taxes, other than income

       

    2

         

    1

         

    3

     
     

    Hyder-related activity

                       

    5

     
     

    Miscellaneous - domestic

       

    6

         

    4

         

    7

     
     

    Miscellaneous - international

       

    11

         

    10

         

    7

     

    Other Income - net

     

    $

    41

       

    $

    58

       

    $

    29

     

    (a)

     

    2004 includes a $(10) million and a $(2) million adjustment to the realized earnings on the nuclear decommissioning trust recorded in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The adjustment was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004, as the adjustment was not material to the financial statements for any affected periods in 2003 or 2004, or as recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004.

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    The breakdown of PPL Energy Supply's "Other Income - net" was as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Other Income

                           
     

    Interest income - IRS settlement

     

    $

    15

                     
     

    Affiliated interest income

       

    6

       

    $

    16

       

    $

    22

     
     

    Other interest income

       

    10

         

    8

         

    18

     
     

    Sale of CEMAR (Note 9)

       

    23

                     
     

    Reduction of reserves for receivables from Enron

               

    10

             
     

    Gain by WPD on the disposition of property

       

    3

         

    3

         

    6

     
     

    Legal claim settlements

               

    3

             
     

    Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (a)

       

    (7

    )

       

    20

             
     

    Rental income

               

    4

             
     

    Equity earnings

       

    4

         

    4

         

    3

     
     

    Hyder-related activity

       

    3

         

    8

             
     

    Miscellaneous - domestic

       

    3

         

    6

         

    3

     
     

    Miscellaneous - international

       

    7

         

    11

         

    13

     

     

    Total

       

    67

         

    93

         

    65

     

    Other Deductions

                           
     

    Loss on sale of property

               

    2

             
     

    Asset valuation write-down

               

    3

         

    1

     
     

    Non-operating taxes, other than income

       

    2

         

    2

         

    2

     
     

    Hyder-related activity

                       

    5

     
     

    Miscellaneous - domestic

       

    3

         

    3

         

    6

     
     

    Miscellaneous - international

       

    11

         

    10

         

    7

     

    Other Income - net

     

    $

    51

       

    $

    73

       

    $

    44

     

    (a)

     

    2004 includes a $(10) million and a $(2) million adjustment to the realized earnings on the nuclear decommissioning trust recorded in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The adjustment was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004, as the adjustment was not material to the financial statements for any affected periods in 2003 or 2004, or as recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004.

    (PPL Electric)

    The breakdown of PPL Electric's "Other Income - net" was as follows:

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    Other Income

                           
     

    Affiliated interest income

     

    $

    3

       

    $

    3

       

    $

    9

     
     

    Interest income - IRS settlement

       

    8

                     
     

    Other interest income

       

    5

         

    4

         

    8

     
     

    Miscellaneous

                       

    1

     

     

    Total

       

    16

         

    7

         

    18

     

    Other Deductions

                           
     

    Miscellaneous

       

    1

         

    1

         

    2

     

    Other Income - net

     

    $

    15

       

    $

    6

       

    $

    16

     


  17. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," on January 1, 2001. In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which amended and clarified SFAS 133 to improve financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. To ensure that contracts with comparable characteristics are accounted for similarly, SFAS 149 clarified the circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristics of a derivative, clarified when a derivative contains a financing component, amended the definition of an "underlying" and amended certain other existing pronouncements. Additionally, SFAS 149 placed additional limitations on the use of the normal purchase or normal sale exception. SFAS 149 was effective for contracts entered into or modified and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003, except certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that did not yet exist. PPL adopted SFAS 149 as of July 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a significant impact on PPL or PPL Energy Supply.

    Management of Market Risk Exposures

    Market risk is the potential loss PPL and PPL Energy Supply may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL and PPL Energy Supply are exposed to market risk from:

    commodity price risk for energy and energy-related products associated with the sale of electricity from its generating assets and other electricity marketing activities, the purchase of fuel for the generating assets and energy trading activities;

    interest rate risk associated with variable-rate debt and the fair value of fixed-rate debt used to finance operations, as well as the fair value of debt securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning fund;

    foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe, as well as purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars; and

    equity securities price risk associated with the fair value of equity securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning fund.

    PPL has a risk management policy approved by the Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with risk policies and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, and daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations, and other risk measurement metrics.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply utilize forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value, unless they meet SFAS 133 criteria for exclusion (see discussion in "Accounting Designations" below).

    Fair Value Hedges

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial or physical contracts to hedge a portion of the fair value of firm commitments of forward electricity sales. These contracts range in maturity through 2006. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial contracts to hedge fluctuations in market value of existing debt issuances. These contracts range in maturity through 2029.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply did not recognize significant gains or losses resulting from hedges of firm commitments that no longer qualified as fair value hedges for 2004, 2003 or 2002.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply also did not recognize any gains or losses resulting from the ineffective portion of fair value hedges for these years.

    Cash Flow Hedges

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial and physical contracts, including forwards, futures and swaps, to hedge the price risk associated with electric, gas and oil commodities. These contracts range in maturity through 2010. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial interest rate swap contracts to hedge interest expense associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. These swaps range in maturity through 2015 for PPL. PPL Energy Supply was not a party to any financial interest rate swap contracts as of December 31, 2004. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the cash flows associated with foreign currency-denominated debt, the exchange rates associated with firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies and the net investment of foreign operations. These forward contracts range in maturity through 2028.

    Cash flow hedges may be discontinued if it is probable that the original forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. Due to the extinguishment of a consolidated trust's debt related to the Sundance and University Park generating facilities in June 2004, interest rate swaps that hedged the interest payments on the debt were terminated. Therefore, PPL and PPL Energy Supply reclassified a $3 million pre-tax loss ($2 million after-tax) from other comprehensive income to "Interest Expense" on the Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply discontinued certain cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, which resulted in the reclassification of the following net gains or losses, after tax, from other comprehensive income (reported in "Wholesale energy marketing" revenues, "Energy purchases" and "Interest Expense" on the Statement of Income):

       

    2004

       

    2003

       

    2002

     

    PPL

     

    $

    (2

    )

     

    $

    (7

    )

     

    $

    (9

    )

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    (2

    )

       

    (7

    )

           

    Due to hedge ineffectiveness, PPL and PPL Energy Supply reclassified net gains and losses, after tax, that were not significant, from other comprehensive income (reported in "Wholesale energy marketing" revenues and "Energy purchases" on the Statement of Income) for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. PPL and PPL Energy Supply reclassified a $2 million net loss, after tax, due to hedge ineffectiveness from other comprehensive income to income for the year ended December 31, 2002.

    Ineffectiveness associated with interest rate and foreign currency derivatives was not significant for 2004, 2003 and 2002.

    As of December 31, 2004, the deferred net loss, after tax, on derivative instruments in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months was $42 million and $37 million for PPL and PPL Energy Supply.

    The following table shows the change in accumulated unrealized gains or losses on derivatives, after tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income for the following periods:

       

    2004

     

    2003

    PPL

                   
     

    Beginning accumulated derivative gain

     

    $

    36

       

    $

    7

     

     

    Net change associated with current period hedging activities and other

       

    (211

    )

       

    (42

    )

     

    Net change associated with net investment hedges

       

    1

         

    (6

    )

     

    Net change from reclassification into earnings

       

    105

         

    77

     

     

    Ending accumulated derivative gain (loss)

     

    $

    (69

    )

     

    $

    36

     

    PPL Energy Supply

                   
     

    Beginning accumulated derivative gain

     

    $

    56

       

    $

    23

     

     

    Net change associated with current period hedging activities and other

       

    (206

    )

       

    (44

    )

     

    Net change associated with net investment hedges

       

    1

         

    (6

    )

     

    Net change from reclassification into earnings

       

    98

         

    83

     

     

    Ending accumulated derivative gain (loss)

     

    $

    (51

    )

     

    $

    56

     

    Accounting Designations

    For energy contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation, which is subsequently verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. The following summarizes the electricity guidelines that have been provided to the marketers who are responsible for contract designation for derivative energy contracts in accordance with SFAS 149:

    Any wholesale and retail contracts to sell electricity and the related capacity that are expected to be delivered from PPL's generation or that do not meet the definition of a derivative are considered "normal." These transactions are not recorded in the financial statements and have no earnings impact until delivery.

       

    Physical electricity-only transactions can receive cash flow hedge treatment if all of the qualifications under SFAS 133 are met.

       

    Any physical energy sale or purchase deemed to be a "market call" are considered speculative, with unrealized gains or losses recorded immediately through earnings.

       

    Financial transactions, which can be settled in cash, cannot be considered "normal" because they do not require physical delivery. These transactions receive cash flow hedge treatment if they lock in the price PPL will receive or pay for energy expected to be generated or purchased in the spot market.

       

    Physical and financial transactions for gas and oil to meet fuel and retail requirements can receive cash flow hedge treatment if they lock-in the price PPL will pay in the spot market.

       

    Option contracts that do not meet the requirements of DIG Issue C15, "Scope Exceptions: Interpreting the Normal Purchases and Normal Sales Exception as an Election," do not receive hedge accounting treatment and are marked to market through earnings.

    Any unrealized gains or losses on transactions receiving cash flow hedge treatment are recorded in other comprehensive income. These unrealized gains and losses become realized when the contracts settle and are recognized in income when the hedged transactions occur.

    In addition to energy-related transactions, PPL enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest expense associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with energy transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine a contract's accounting designation, which is subsequently verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. The following is a summary of certain guidelines that have been provided to PPL's treasury department, which is responsible for contract designation:

    Transactions to lock-in an interest rate prior to a debt issuance are considered cash flow hedges. Any unrealized gains or losses on transactions receiving cash flow hedge treatment are recorded in other comprehensive income and are amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the debt.

       

    Transactions entered into to hedge fluctuations in the value of existing debt are considered fair value hedges. To the extent that the change in the fair value of the derivative offsets the change in the fair value of the existing debt, there is no earnings impact, as both changes are reflected in interest expense. Realized gains and losses over the life of the hedge are reflected in interest expense.

       

    Transactions entered into to hedge the value of a net investment of foreign operations are considered net investment hedges. To the extent that the derivatives are highly effective at hedging the value of the net investment, gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income/loss and will not be recorded in earnings until the investment is disposed of.

       

    Derivative transactions which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are marked to market through earnings.

    Related Implementation Issues

    In June 2001, the FASB issued definitive guidance on DIG Issue C15, "Scope Exceptions: Normal Purchases and Normal Sales Exception for Certain Option-Type Contracts and Forward Contracts in Electricity." DIG Issue C15 provides additional guidance on the classification and application of derivative accounting rules relating to purchases and sales of electricity utilizing forward and option contracts. This guidance became effective as of July 1, 2001. In December 2001, the FASB revised the guidance in DIG Issue C15, principally related to the eligibility of options for the normal purchases and normal sales exception. The revised guidance was effective April 1, 2002. In November 2003, the FASB again revised the guidance in DIG Issue C15 to clarify the application of derivative accounting rules for contracts that may involve capacity. The guidance was effective January 1, 2004, for PPL and did not have a significant impact on its financial statements.

    In June 2003, the FASB issued DIG Issue C20, "Scope Exceptions: Interpretation of the Meaning of Not Clearly and Closely Related in Paragraph 10(b) Regarding Contracts with a Price Adjustment Feature," which became effective October 1, 2003. DIG Issue C20 addresses a requirement in SFAS 133 that contracts that qualify for normal treatment must feature pricing that is clearly and closely related to the asset being sold. Diversity in practice had developed among companies. DIG Issue C20 permits normal treatment if a price adjustment factor, such as a broad market index (e.g., Consumer Price Index), is not extraneous to both the cost and the fair value of the asset being sold and is not significantly disproportionate in terms of the magnitude and direction when compared with the asset being sold. However, DIG Issue C20 also stated that prior guidance did not permit the use of a broad market index to serve as a proxy for an ingredient or direct factor. Thus, DIG Issue C20 required that contracts that had been accounted for as normal, but were not eligible for normal treatment under prior guidance, be reflected on the balance sheet at their fair value, with an offsetting amount reflected in income as of the date of adoption. These contracts could then be evaluated under the provisions of DIG Issue C20 to determine whether they could qualify for normal treatment prospectively. PPL and PPL Energy Supply recorded a pre-tax charge to income of $2 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 to comply with the provisions of DIG Issue C20.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted the final provisions of EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," during the fourth quarter of 2002. As such, PPL and PPL Energy Supply reflect their net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statement of Income. Non-derivative contracts that met the definition of energy trading activities as defined by EITF 98-10, "Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting. Under the accrual method of accounting, unrealized gains and losses are not reflected in the financial statements. Prior periods were reclassified. No cumulative effect adjustment was required upon adoption.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted the final provisions of EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3," prospectively as of October 1, 2003. As a result of this adoption, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available. The impact of adopting EITF 03-11 was a reduction in both "Wholesale energy marketing" revenues and "Energy purchases" by $277 million in PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2004, and a reduction of $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

    Credit Concentration

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into contracts with many entities for the purchase and sale of energy. Many of these contracts are considered a normal part of doing business and, as such, the mark-to-market value of these contracts is not reflected in the financial statements. However, the mark-to-market value of these contracts is considered when committing to new business from a credit perspective.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply have credit exposures to energy trading partners. The majority of these exposures are the mark-to-market value of multi-year contracts for energy sales and purchases. Therefore, if these counterparties fail to perform their obligations under such contracts, PPL and PPL Energy Supply would not experience an immediate financial loss, but would experience lower revenues or higher costs in future years to the extent that replacement sales or purchases could not be made at the same prices as those under the defaulted contracts.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL had a credit exposure of $296 million to energy trading partners. Ten counterparties accounted for 69% of this exposure. No other individual counterparty accounted for more than 3% of the exposure. Eight of the ten counterparties had an investment grade credit rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P). Two non-investment grade counterparties have remained current on obligations under their respective contracts.

    At December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply had a credit exposure of $291 million to energy trading partners. Ten counterparties accounted for 70% of this exposure. No other individual counterparty accounted for more than 3% of the exposure. Eight of the ten counterparties had an investment grade credit rating from S&P. Two non-investment grade counterparties have remained current on obligations under their respective contracts.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply have the right to request collateral from each of these counterparties, except for one government agency, in the event their credit ratings fall below investment grade. It is also the policy of PPL and PPL Energy Supply to enter into netting agreements with all of their counterparties to minimize credit exposure.

    (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In past years, PPL Energy Supply has had an exposure to PPL Electric under the long-term contract to provide PPL Electric's PLR load. However, increases in electricity prices during 2004 have reversed this position. PPL Electric estimates that, at December 31, 2004, the market price of electricity would exceed the contract price by approximately $1.5 billion. In accordance with the terms of one of the PLR contracts, PPL Energy Supply provided PPL Electric with cash collateral in the amount of $300 million, the maximum amount required under the contract. This is the only credit exposure for PPL Electric that has a mark-to-market element. No other counterparty accounts for more than 1% of PPL Electric's total exposure.

    Enron Bankruptcy

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In connection with the December 2001 bankruptcy filings by Enron Corporation and its affiliates (collectively, Enron), two PPL subsidiaries terminated certain electricity, gas and other trading agreements with Enron. In October 2002, the PPL subsidiaries filed proofs of claim in Enron's bankruptcy proceedings in the aggregate of approximately $50 million, which reflected the fair value of the forward contracts at the time of termination, as well as any net unpaid receivables from completed transactions. These claims were against Enron North America and Enron Power Marketing (the Enron Subsidiaries), and against Enron Corporation, which had guaranteed the Enron Subsidiaries' performance (the Enron Corporation Guarantees). PPL established a reserve for uncollectible accounts for the total amount of the claim.

    During 2003, PPL and Enron engaged in discussions regarding the amount of claims that would be allowed against the Enron Subsidiaries. Although no formal agreement on such amounts was reached, PPL believed that its claims against the Enron Subsidiaries would eventually be allowed in the bankruptcy at approximately $46 million. Accordingly, PPL reduced its receivables from Enron, and the associated reserve for uncollectible accounts, by $4 million. PPL also determined that it is probable that its subsidiaries will recover approximately $10 million of these receivables from the Enron Subsidiaries, and may collect additional amounts under the Enron Corporation Guarantees. Therefore, PPL determined that it was appropriate to reduce its reserve by an additional $10 million.

    In September 2004, the PPL subsidiaries entered into an agreement with the Enron Subsidiaries pursuant to which the parties agreed that the PPL claims would be allowed in the bankruptcy at approximately $46 million. In January 2005, the bankruptcy court in the Enron case approved this agreement.

    Enron Corporation has filed suits against the PPL subsidiaries asserting that the Enron Corporation Guarantees should be voided as fraudulent transfers. If Enron Corporation were successful in these suits, the claims against Enron Corporation under the Enron Corporation Guarantees would not be allowed in the bankruptcy proceeding.

  18. Restricted Cash

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    The following table details the components of restricted cash by reporting entity and by type:

     

    December 31, 2004

     

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

    Current:

                         

    Collateral for letters of credit (a)

    $

    42

               

    $

    42

     

    Miscellaneous

     

    8

       

    $

    3

             

     

    Restricted cash - current

     

    50

         

    3

         

    42

     

    Noncurrent:

                         

    Insurance subsidiary required reserves (b)

     

    37

         

    37

             

    PPL Transition Bond Company Indenture reserves (c)

     

    22

                 

    22

     

     

    Restricted cash - noncurrent

     

    59

         

    37

         

    22

     

       

    Total restricted cash

    $

    109

       

    $

    40

       

    $

    64

     

                           
     

    December 31, 2003

     

    PPL

       

    PPL Energy Supply

       

    PPL Electric

     

    Current:

                         

    Miscellaneous

    $

    10

       

    $

    3

             

     

    Restricted cash - current

     

    10

         

    3

             

    Noncurrent:

                         

    Insurance subsidiary required reserves (b)

     

    19

         

    19

             

    PPL Transition Bond Company Indenture reserves (c)

     

    29

               

    $

    29

     

     

    Restricted cash - noncurrent

     

    48

         

    19

         

    29

     

       

    Total restricted cash

    $

    58

       

    $

    22

       

    $

    29

     

    (a)

     

    A deposit with a financial institution of funds from the asset-backed commercial paper program to fully collateralize $42 million of letters of credit. See Note 8 for further discussion on the asset-backed commercial paper program.

    (b)

     

    Funds that WPD's insurance subsidiary is required to keep on deposit.

    (c)

     

    Credit enhancement for PPL Transition Bond Company's $2.4 billion Series 1999-1 Bonds to protect against losses or delays in scheduled payments.


  19. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

    Acquired Intangible Assets

    (PPL)

    The carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets were as follows:

       

    December 31, 2004

       

    December 31, 2003

     

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

     

    Land and transmission rights

     

    $

    275

       

    $

    98

       

    $

    269

       

    $

    94

     

    Emission allowances

       

    78

                 

    49

             

    Licenses and other

       

    71

         

    11

         

    51

         

    4

     

       

    $

    424

       

    $

    109

       

    $

    369

       

    $

    98

     

    Current intangible assets are included in "Current Assets - Other," and long-term intangible assets are included in "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheet.

    Amortization expense for 2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $6 million each year. Amortization expense is estimated at $7 million per year for 2005 through 2009.

    (PPL Energy Supply)

    The carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets were as follows:

       

    December 31, 2004

       

    December 31, 2003

     

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

     

    Land and transmission rights

     

    $

    61

       

    $

    16

       

    $

    58

       

    $

    15

     

    Emission allowances

       

    78

                 

    49

             

    Licenses and other

       

    70

         

    11

         

    50

         

    4

     

       

    $

    209

       

    $

    27

       

    $

    157

       

    $

    19

     

    Current intangible assets are included in "Current Assets - Other," and long-term intangible assets are included in "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheet.

    Amortization expense was approximately $3 million for 2004 and $2 million for 2003 and 2002. Amortization expense is estimated at $4 million per year for 2005 through 2009.

    (PPL Electric)

    The carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets were as follows:

       

    December 31, 2004

       

    December 31, 2003

     

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

       

    Carrying
    Amount

       

    Accumulated
    Amortization

     

    Land and transmission rights

     

    $

    196

       

    $

    79

       

    $

    193

       

    $

    77

     

    Intangible assets are shown as "Intangibles" on the Balance Sheet.

    Amortization expense was approximately $3 million for 2004 and $2 million for 2003 and 2002. Amortization expense is estimated at $3 million per year for 2005 through 2009.

    Goodwill (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:

       

    PPL Energy Supply

             

    PPL

     

       

    Supply

       

    International

       

    Total

       

    Delivery(a)

       

    Total

     

    Balance as of December 31, 2002

     

    $

    85

       

    $

    334

       

    $

    419

       

    $

    55

       

    $

    474

     

    Effect of foreign currency exchange rates

               

    92

         

    92

                 

    92

     

    Purchase accounting adjustments (b)

       

    8

         

    500

         

    508

                 

    508

     

    Discontinued operations

               

    (6

    )

    (c)

     

    (6

    )

               

    (6

    )

    Balance as of December 31, 2003

       

    93

         

    920

         

    1,013

         

    55

         

    1,068

     

    Effect of foreign currency exchange rates

               

    93

         

    93

                 

    93

     

    Purchase accounting adjustments

       

    1

         

    (35

    )

    (d)

     

    (34

    )

               

    (34

    )

    Balance as of December 31, 2004

     

    $

    94

       

    $

    978

       

    $

    1,072

       

    $

    55

       

    $

    1,127

     

    (a)

     

    The Delivery segment is not part of PPL Energy Supply.

    (b)

     

    See Note 9 for additional information on international goodwill adjustments.

    (c)

     

    In December 2003, the PPL Global Board of Managers authorized the sale of its investment in a Latin American telecommunications company. As a result of this decision, PPL Global wrote off $6 million of goodwill. See Note 9 for additional information.

    (d)

     

    Consists primarily of adjustments pursuant to EITF Issue 97-3, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination."

    In accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which PPL and its subsidiaries adopted on January 1, 2002, the reporting units of the Supply, Delivery and International segments completed the transition impairment test in the first quarter of 2002. A transition goodwill impairment loss of $150 million was recognized in the Latin American reporting unit within the International segment, and is reported in "Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles" on the Statement of Income. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

  20. Workforce Reduction

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In an effort to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, PPL and its subsidiaries commenced a workforce reduction assessment in June 2002. The program was broad-based and impacted all employee groups, except certain positions that are key to providing high-quality service to PPL's electricity delivery customers.

    PPL recorded charges of $9 million and $75 million in 2003 and 2002. PPL Energy Supply recorded charges of $41 million in 2002. PPL Electric recorded charges of $9 million and $33 million in 2003 and 2002. These charges included employee terminations associated with implementation of the Automated Meter Reading project. There was no impact to earnings in 2004.

    As of December 31, 2004, 587 employees of PPL subsidiaries were terminated and four have committed to retire in early 2005, completing the workforce reduction plan. The program provided primarily for enhanced early retirement benefits and/or one-time special pension separation allowances based on an employee's age and years of service. These features of the program are paid from the PPL Retirement Plan pension trust and increased PPL's pension liabilities in 2002 and 2003 when recorded. Substantially all of the accrued non-pension benefits have been paid.

  21. Asset Retirement Obligations

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. In connection with the adoption of SFAS 143, PPL and PPL Energy Supply recorded a cumulative effect of adoption that increased net income by $63 million (net of tax of $44 million), or $0.36 per share.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified various legal obligations to retire long-lived assets, the largest of which relates to the decommissioning of the Susquehanna station. PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified and recorded other asset retirement obligations related to significant interim retirements at the Susquehanna station, and various environmental requirements for coal piles, ash basins and other waste basin retirements.

    PPL and PPL Energy Supply also identified legal retirement obligations that were not measurable at this time. These items included the retirement of certain transmission assets and a reservoir. These retirement obligations were not measurable due to indeterminable dates of retirement.

    Amounts collected from PPL Electric's customers for decommissioning, less applicable taxes, are deposited in external trust funds for investment and can only be used for future decommissioning costs. The fair value of the nuclear decommissioning trust fund was $409 million and $357 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.

    The changes in the carrying amounts of asset retirement obligations were as follows:

    Asset retirement obligation at January 1, 2003

     

    $

    229

    Add: Accretion expense

       

    18

    Less: Settlement

       

    5

    Asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2003

       

    242

    Add: Accretion expense

       

    19

    Less: Settlement

       

    4

    Asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2004

     

    $

    257

    (PPL Electric)

    PPL Electric adopted SFAS 143 effective January 1, 2003, and did not record any asset retirement obligations upon adoption. PPL Electric identified legal retirement obligations for the retirement of certain transmission assets that were not measurable at this time due to indeterminable dates of retirement.

  22. Variable Interest Entities

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." FIN 46 clarified that variable interest entities, as defined therein, that do not disperse risks among the parties involved should be consolidated by the entity that is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In December 2003, the FASB revised FIN 46 by issuing Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," which is known as FIN 46(R) and replaces FIN 46. FIN 46(R) does not change the general consolidation concepts of FIN 46. Among other things, FIN 46(R) clarifies certain provisions of FIN 46 and provides additional scope exceptions for certain types of businesses. FIN 46 applied immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtained an interest after January 31, 2003. FIN 46(R) provides that a public entity that is not a small business issuer (i) should apply FIN 46 or FIN 46(R) to entities that are considered to be SPEs no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after December 15, 2003 and (ii) should apply the provisions of FIN 46(R) to all entities no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004.

    As permitted by FIN 46(R), PPL and its subsidiaries adopted FIN 46 effective December 31, 2003, for entities created before February 1, 2003, that are considered to be SPEs. This adoption resulted in the consolidation of the lessors under the operating leases for the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities, as well as the deconsolidation of two wholly owned trusts. See below for further discussion. Also, as permitted by FIN 46(R), PPL and its subsidiaries deferred the application of FIN 46 for other entities and adopted FIN 46(R) for all entities on March 31, 2004. The adoption of FIN 46(R) did not have a material impact on the results of PPL and its subsidiaries.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    Additional Entities Consolidated

    In May 2001, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply entered into a lease arrangement, as lessee, for the development, construction and operation of commercial power generation facilities. The lessor was created for the sole purpose of owning the facilities and incurring the related financing costs. The $660 million operating lease arrangement covered the 450 MW gas-fired Sundance project near Coolidge, Arizona and the 540 MW gas-fired University Park project near University Park, Illinois. These facilities were substantially complete in July 2002, at which time the initial lease term commenced. In June 2004, PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries purchased the Sundance and University Park generation assets from the lessor. See Note 8 for further discussion of the purchase.

    In December 2001, another subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply entered into a $455 million operating lease arrangement, as lessee, for the development, construction and operation of a 582 MW gas-fired combined-cycle generation facility located in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The lessor was created for the sole purpose of owning the facilities and incurring the related financing costs. The initial lease term commenced on the date of commercial operation, which occurred in May 2004, and ends in December 2013. The lease financing, which is included in "Long-term Debt," is secured by, among other things, the generation facility. As of December 31, 2004, the facility had a carrying value of $470 million, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $10 million, and was included in "Property, Plant and Equipment - net" and "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2003, the facility had a carrying value of $442 million, which was included in "Construction work in progress" and "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheet.

    PPL Energy Supply was required to consolidate the financial statements of the lessors under the operating leases for the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities effective December 31, 2003, since it was the primary beneficiary of these entities. Upon initial consolidation, PPL Energy Supply recognized a charge of $27 million (net of a tax benefit of $18 million) as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

    Entities Deconsolidated

    Effective December 31, 2003, PPL deconsolidated PPL Capital Funding Trust I, and PPL Energy Supply deconsolidated SIUK Capital Trust I. These trusts were deconsolidated because PPL and PPL Energy Supply were not the primary beneficiaries of the trusts under interpretations of FIN 46. The deconsolidation of the trusts did not impact the earnings of PPL and PPL Energy Supply. See below for a discussion of PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's interest in the trusts. See Note 15 for a discussion of the presentation of the related party debt.

    (PPL)

    In May 2001, PPL and PPL Capital Funding Trust I, a wholly owned financing subsidiary of PPL, issued $575 million of 7.75% PEPS Units. Each PEPS Unit consisted of (i) a contract to purchase shares of PPL common stock on or prior to May 2004 and (ii) a trust preferred security of PPL Capital Funding Trust I with a maturity date of May 2006. The trust's sole source of funds for distributions were from payments of interest on 7.29% subordinated notes of PPL Capital Funding, due May 18, 2006, that were issued to the trust. PPL guaranteed the payment of principal and interest on the subordinated notes issued to the trust by PPL Capital Funding. PPL also fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the trust's obligations under the trust preferred securities. All of the preferred securities of PPL Capital Funding Trust I were cancelled in 2004, and the trust was terminated in June 2004. See Note 8 for a discussion of the cancellation of the trust preferred securities.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    SIUK Capital Trust I issued $82 million of 8.23% preferred securities maturing in February 2027 and invested the proceeds in 8.23% subordinated debentures maturing in February 2027 issued by SIUK Limited. Thus, the preferred securities are supported by a corresponding amount of subordinated debentures. SIUK Limited owned all of the common securities of SIUK Capital Trust I and guaranteed all of SIUK Capital Trust I's obligations under the preferred securities. In January 2003, SIUK Limited transferred its assets and liabilities, including the common securities of SIUK Capital Trust I and the obligations under the subordinated debentures, to WPD LLP. Therefore, WPD LLP currently guarantees all of SIUK Capital Trust I's obligations under the preferred securities. SIUK Capital Trust I may, at the discretion of WPD LLP, redeem the preferred securities, in whole or in part, at 104.115% of par beginning February 2007 and thereafter at an annually declining premium over par through January 2017, after which time they are redeemable at par.

  23. New Accounting Standards

    SFAS 123(R) (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment," which is known as SFAS 123(R) and replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," as amended by SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." Among other things, SFAS 123(R) eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. SFAS 123(R) requires public entities to recognize compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. SFAS 123(R) is effective for public entities that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period that begins after June 15, 2005.

    SFAS 123(R) requires public entities to apply the modified prospective application transition method of adoption. Under this application, entities must recognize compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value for new awards granted or modified after the effective date and for unvested awards outstanding on the effective date. Additionally, public entities may choose to apply modified retrospective application to periods before the effective date of SFAS 123(R). This application may be applied either to all prior years for which SFAS 123 was effective or only to prior interim periods in the year of initial adoption of SFAS 123(R). Under modified retrospective application, prior periods would be adjusted to recognize compensation expense as though stock-based awards granted, modified or settled in cash in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994, had been accounted for under SFAS 123.

    PPL and its subsidiaries must adopt SFAS 123(R) no later than July 1, 2005. PPL and its subsidiaries do not plan to apply modified retrospective application to any periods prior to the date of adoption. In addition, PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the fair-value method of accounting for stock-based compensation under SFAS 123 effective January 1, 2003. Therefore, the adoption of SFAS 123(R) is not expected to have a material impact on PPL and its subsidiaries. See Note 1 for a discussion of the change in accounting for stock-based compensation as of January 1, 2003.

    FIN 46(R) (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    See Note 22 for a discussion of FIN 46(R) "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," and the impact of its adoption.

    EITF Issue 03-1

    (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In March 2004, the FASB ratified certain consensuses in EITF Issue 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments." EITF Issue 03-1 provides guidance for determining when an investment in certain debt and equity securities is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary and the measurement of an impairment loss. EITF Issue 03-1 also contains disclosure requirements related to information about impairments that have not been recognized as other than temporary as well as disclosure requirements for investments accounted for under the cost method. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF Issue 03-1 were originally required to be applied to other-than-temporary impairment evaluations as of the balance sheet date in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. However, in September 2004 the FASB issued FSP EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, 'The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments'," which temporarily delayed the effective date for applying the recognition and measurement provisions. The disclosure provisions related to cost method investments are effective for annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004, while all other disclosure provisions were effective for annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003.

    The EITF is currently considering issuing additional guidance on assessing other-than-temporary impairments under EITF Issue 03-1. The potential impact of adopting the recognition and measurement provisions of EITF Issue 03-1 is not yet determinable, but could be material.

    (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    As of December 31, 2004, PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning trust fund contained investments with an aggregate unrealized loss position of approximately $3 million, of which $1 million was attributable to investments with an aggregate fair value of approximately $56 million that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and $2 million was attributable to investments with an aggregate fair value of approximately $29 million that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. This minor decline in value is primarily due to interest rate changes on government securities. Currently, PPL Energy Supply believes it is reasonable to expect these securities to recover from this temporary decline in value.

    EITF Issue 03-6 (PPL)

    In March 2004, the FASB ratified EITF Issue 03-6, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, 'Earnings per Share'." EITF Issue 03-6 addresses a number of issues regarding the calculation of basic EPS by companies that have issued securities other than common stock that participate in dividends and earnings, which are known as participating securities. EITF Issue 03-6 requires participating securities to be included in the calculation of basic EPS using the two-class method and provides guidance in applying the two-class method. EITF Issue 03-6 is effective for reporting periods beginning after March 31, 2004, and it requires restatement of prior periods. PPL adopted EITF Issue 03-6 during the second quarter of 2004. The initial adoption did not have an impact on PPL.

    EITF Issue 03-16 (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    In March 2004, the FASB ratified EITF Issue 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies." EITF Issue 03-16 provides that an investment in a limited liability company (LLC) that maintains a specific ownership account for each investor should be viewed similarly to an investment in a limited partnership for purposes of determining whether a noncontrolling interest in the LLC should be accounted for using the cost or equity method. EITF Issue 03-16 is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, and is required to be applied as a change in accounting principle with a cumulative effect adjustment reflected in the period of adoption. PPL and its subsidiaries adopted EITF Issue 03-16 effective July 1, 2004. The adoption did not have a material impact on the results of PPL and its subsidiaries.

    EITF Issue 04-8 (PPL)

    In October 2004, the FASB ratified the consensuses in EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share." EITF Issue 04-8 requires contingently convertible instruments to be included in diluted EPS, if dilutive, regardless of whether the market price trigger for conversion has been met. EITF Issue 04-8 is effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2004, and it requires restatement of prior periods in certain circumstances. PPL adopted EITF Issue 04-8 effective December 31, 2004. Since PPL modified the terms of PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 in November 2004, the adoption did not have a material impact on PPL's diluted EPS for 2004 and did not result in any changes to diluted EPS for prior periods. See Note 4 for a discussion of the modification of the terms of the Convertible Senior Notes and for the 2004 dilutive impact of the Convertible Senior Notes. See Note 8 for a discussion of the consent solicitation that effected the modifications.

    FSP FAS 106-1 and FSP FAS 106-2 (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

    See Note 12 for a discussion of FSP FAS 106-1 and FSP FAS 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003."

    FSP FAS 109-1 and FSP FAS 109-2 (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

    In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, 'Accounting for Income Taxes,' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" and FSP FAS 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004." FSP FAS 109-1 requires companies to account for the tax deduction for qualified domestic production activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS 109. Thus, the impact of the deduction will be reported in the period in which the deduction is claimed on the tax return. FSP FAS 109-2 provides an exception to the SFAS 109 requirement to reflect in the period of enactment the effect of a new tax law. Under FSP FAS 109-2, a company is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period in which enactment occurred in order to evaluate the effect of the American Jobs Creation Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS 109. FSP FAS 109-2 provides that a company that is evaluating the repatriation provision of the American Jobs Creation Act shall apply the provisions of SFAS 109 as it decides on a plan for reinvestment or repatriation of its unremitted foreign earnings. Both FSP FAS 109-1 and FSP FAS 109-2 are effective December 21, 2004.

    FSP FAS 109-1 and FSP FAS 109-2 did not impact PPL and its subsidiaries' financial results for 2004. PPL and its subsidiaries are in the process of evaluating the impact on future years, and such impact could be material. See Note 5 for discussion of the American Jobs Creation Act and disclosures regarding potential future repatriation of earnings.




SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

PPL Corporation

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Column A

 

Column B

 

Column C

 

Column D

 

Column E

   

Balance
at
Beginning
of Period

           

Additions

Balance
at End
of Period

     

Charged
to Income

 

Other

 

Deductions

 

Description

         

                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2004

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

 

$

96

   

$

25

   

$

1

   

$

33

   

$

89

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

3

     

2

             

3

     

2

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

4

                     

2

     

2

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

293

             

24

     

153

(b)

   

164

   
                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2003

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

   

112

     

31

             

47

(c)

   

96

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

1

     

3

             

1

     

3

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

3

             

2

     

1

     

4

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

327

     

4

     

53

     

91

     

293

   
                                               

Year Ended December 31, 2002

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

   

125

     

32

     

7

(d)

   

52

(e)

   

112

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

1

                             

1

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

7

                     

4

     

3

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

132

     

30

     

182

(d)

   

17

     

327

   
                                           
 

(a)

 

Includes reserves for customer accounts receivable, California ISO, the Enron receivables and other.

(b)

 

Includes write-off of WPD $152 million acquired tax asset and associated 100% valuation allowance as it was determined that there was no likelihood of recovering the asset.

(c)

 

See Note 17 to the financial statements regarding a reduction in the Enron receivable reserve.

(d)

 

Includes the reserve recorded upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in WPD.

(e)

 

Includes the removal of reserves upon the deconsolidation of CEMAR.




SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Column A

 

Column B

 

Column C

 

Column D

 

Column E

   

Balance
at
Beginning
of Period

           

Additions

Balance
at End
of Period

     

Charged
to Income

 

Other

 

Deductions

 

Description

         

                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2004

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

 

$

71

   

$

1

   

$

1

   

$

3

   

$

70

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

3

     

2

             

3

     

2

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

4

                     

2

     

2

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

288

             

24

     

152

(b)

   

160

   
                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2003

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

   

88

     

5

             

22

(c)

   

71

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

1

     

3

             

1

     

3

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

3

             

2

     

1

     

4

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

327

     

4

     

48

     

91

     

288

   
                                               

Year Ended December 31, 2002

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including
  unbilled revenues

   

104

     

5

     

7

(d)

   

28

(e)

   

88

(a)

 
   

Obsolete inventory - Materials and
  supplies

   

1

                             

1

   
   

Mark-to-market valuation reserves

   

7

                     

4

     

3

   
   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

   

132

     

30

     

182

(d)

   

17

     

327

   
                                           
 

(a)

 

Includes reserves for customer accounts receivable, California ISO, the Enron receivables and other.

(b)

 

Includes write-off of WPD $152 million acquired tax asset and associated 100% valuation allowance as it was determined that there was no likelihood of recovering the asset.

(c)

 

See Note 17 to the financial statements regarding a reduction in the Enron receivable reserve.

(d)

 

Includes the reserve recorded upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in WPD.

(e)

 

Includes the removal of reserves upon the deconsolidation of CEMAR.




SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

(Millions of Dollars)

                 

Column A

 

Column B

 

Column C

 

Column D

 

Column E

   

Balance
at
Beginning
of Period

           

Additions

Balance
at End
of Period

     

Charged
to Income

 

Other

 

Deductions

 

Description

         

                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2004

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including unbilled revenues

 

$

24

   

$

22

           

$

28

   

$

18

   
                                           

Year Ended December 31, 2003

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including unbilled revenues

   

23

     

24

             

23

     

24

   
                                               

Year Ended December 31, 2002

                                         

Reserves deducted from assets in the
  Balance Sheet

                                         
   

Uncollectible accounts including unbilled revenues

   

19

     

25

             

21

     

23

   
                                           
 



QUARTERLY FINANCIAL, COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA (Unaudited)

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)

     

For the Quarters Ended (a)

 

     

March 31

   

June 30

   

Sept. 30

   

Dec. 31

 

 

2004

                               
                                 

Operating revenues

 

$

1,520

   

$

1,362

   

$

1,465

   

$

1,465

 

Operating income

   

366

     

298

     

382

     

341

 

Income from continuing operations

   

178

     

149

     

196

     

177

 

Net income

   

177

     

148

     

196

     

177

 

Basic earnings per common share: (b)

   

                         
 

Income from continuing operations

   

1.00

     

0.82

     

1.04

     

0.94

 
 

Net income

   

1.00

     

0.81

     

1.04

     

0.94

 

Diluted earnings per common share: (b)

   

     

     

         
 

Income from continuing operations

   

0.99

     

0.82

     

1.03

     

0.93

 
 

Net income

   

0.99

     

0.81

     

1.03

     

0.93

 

Dividends declared per common share (c)

   

0.41

     

0.41

     

0.41

     

0.41

 

Price per common share

                               
 

High

 

$

47.23

   

$

46.97

   

$

48.39

   

$

54.15

 
 

Low

   

42.73

     

39.83

     

44.70

     

47.14

 
                           
 

2003

                               
                                 

Operating revenues as previously reported

 

$

1,488

                         
 

Reclassification related to net energy trading margins

   

8

                         

 

Operating revenues

   

1,496

   

$

1,339

   

$

1,462

   

$

1,299

 
                                 

Operating income

   

359

     

286

     

363

     

332

 

Income from continuing operations

   

176

     

117

     

171

     

255

 

Net income

   

239

     

116

     

171

     

208

 

Basic earnings per common share: (b)

   

                         
 

Income from continuing operations

   

1.06

     

0.68

     

0.97

     

1.44

 
 

Net income

   

1.43

     

0.68

     

0.97

     

1.17

 

Diluted earnings per common share: (b)

   

     

     

         
 

Income from continuing operations

   

1.06

     

0.67

     

0.97

     

1.44

 
 

Net income

   

1.43

     

0.67

     

0.97

     

1.17

 

Dividends declared per common share (c)

   

0.385

     

0.385

     

0.385

     

0.385

 

Price per common share

                               
 

High

 

$

38.10

   

$

44.34

   

$

43.12

   

$

43.89

 
 

Low

   

31.65

     

35.04

     

38.45

     

38.88

 
                           

(a)

 

Quarterly results can vary depending on, among other things, weather and the forward pricing of power. In addition, earnings in 2004 and 2003 were affected by unusual items. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.

(b)

 

The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal annual earnings per share due to changes in the number of common shares outstanding during the year or rounding.

(c)

 

PPL has paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in every year since 1946. The dividends declared per share in 2004 were $1.64 and in 2003 were $1.54. In February 2005, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 1, 2005, to 46 cents per share (equivalent to $1.84 per annum). Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.




QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

(Millions of Dollars)

For the Quarters Ended (a)

March 31

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec. 31

2004

Operating revenues

$

773

$

661

$

704

$

709

Operating income

102

51

58

48

Income available to PPL

33

3

15

23

2003

Operating revenues

$

753

$

637

$

704

$

694

Operating income

99

54

41

57

Income (loss) available to PPL

29

(6

)

2

(a)

 

PPL Electric's business is seasonal in nature, with peak sales periods generally occurring in the winter and summer months. In addition, earnings in certain quarters were affected by unusual items. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.




ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

(a)

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) have concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, particularly during the period for which this annual report has been prepared.

(b)

Change in internal controls.

The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that there were no changes in the registrants' internal controls over financial reporting during the registrants' fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants' internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

PPL Corporation

PPL's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). PPL's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to PPL's management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework," our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included on Page 75.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Omitted since PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are not subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley 404 requirements for the year ended December 31, 2004.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Exhibits 10(gg) and 10(hh) to this Form 10-K report include information concerning director and executive officer compensation that supplements information that PPL and PPL Electric are required to disclose from time to time under Form 8-K, Item 1.01 ("Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement"). Such Exhibits are incorporated into this Item 9B by reference.




PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

PPL Corporation

Additional information for this item will be set forth in the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors," "Directors Continuing in Office," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" and "Board Committees - Audit Committee" in PPL's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this item concerning the executive officers of PPL is set forth at the end of Part I of this report.

PPL has adopted a code of ethics entitled "Standards of Conduct and Integrity" that applies to all directors, managers, trustees, officers (including the principal executive officers, principal financial officers and principal accounting officers (each, a "principal officer")), employees and agents of PPL and PPL's subsidiaries for which it has operating control (including PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric). The "Standards of Conduct and Integrity" are posted on PPL's Internet Web site: www.pplweb.com/about/corporate+governance, and are available in print to any shareholder who requests them. A description of any amendment to the "Standards of Conduct and Integrity" (other than a technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendment) will be posted on PPL's Internet Web site within five business days following the date of the amendment. In addition, if a waiver constituting a material departure from a provision of the "Standards of Conduct and Integrity" is granted to one of the principal officers, a description of the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted and the date of the waiver will be posted on PPL's Internet Web site within five business days following the date of the waiver.

PPL also has adopted its "Guidelines for Corporate Governance," which address, among other things, director qualification standards and director and board committee responsibilities. These guidelines, and the charters of each of the committees of PPL's board of directors, are posted on PPL's Internet Web site: www.pplweb.com/about/corporate+governance and are available in print to any shareholder who requests them.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 10 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors" and "Directors Continuing in Office" in PPL Electric's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this item concerning the executive officers of PPL Electric is set forth at the end of Part I of this report.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

PPL Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the sections entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Board Committees - Audit Committee," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year" and "Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PPL's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 11 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the sections entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year" and "Retirement Plans for Executive Officers" in PPL Electric's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

PPL Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the section entitled "Stock Ownership" in PPL's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, provided below in tabular format is information as of December 31, 2004, with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of PPL are authorized for issuance.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (3)

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (3)

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (4)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)


2,025,460 - ICP
   955,515 - ICPKE
2,980,975 - Total


$38.74 - ICP
$39.02 - ICPKE
$38.83 - Combined

   3,787,771 - ICP
   6,717,919 - ICPKE
   7,377,742 - DDCP
 17,883,432 - Total

       

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

     

(1)

 

Includes (a) the Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP), under which stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards may be awarded to executive officers of PPL; (b) the Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees (ICPKE), under which stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards may be awarded to non-executive key employees of PPL and its subsidiaries; and (c) the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (DDCP), under which stock units may be awarded to directors of PPL. See Note 11 to the financial statements for additional information.

(2)

 

All of PPL's current compensation plans under which equity securities of PPL are authorized for issuance have been approved by PPL's shareholders.

(3)

 

Relates to common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options awarded under the ICP and ICPKE as of December 31, 2004. In addition, as of December 31, 2004, the following other securities had been awarded and are outstanding under the ICP, ICPKE and DDCP: 156,240 shares of restricted stock and 84,520 restricted stock units under the ICP; 212,981 shares of restricted stock and 255,439 restricted stock units under the ICPKE; and 116,389 stock units under the DDCP.

(4)

 

Based upon the following aggregate award limitations under the ICP, ICPKE and DDCP: (a) under the ICP, 7,884,715 awards (i.e., 5% of the total PPL common stock outstanding as of April 23, 1999) granted after April 23, 1999; (b) under the ICPKE, 8,286,804 awards (i.e., 5% of the total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1, 2003) granted after April 25, 2003, reduced by outstanding awards for which common stock was not yet issued as of such date; and (c) under the DDCP, 7,526,428 securities. In addition, each of the ICP and ICPKE includes an annual award limitation of 2% of total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1 of each year.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 12 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the section entitled "Stock Ownership" in PPL Electric's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

PPL Corporation

None.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

Item 13 is omitted as PPL Energy Supply meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

None.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

PPL Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the section entitled "Fees to Independent Auditor for 2004 and 2003" in PPL's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC

The following table presents fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, for professional services rendered for the audit of PPL Energy Supply's annual financial statements and for fees billed for other services rendered by PwC.

   

2004

   

2003

   

(in thousands)

Audit fees (a)

 

$

1,657

   

$

1,586

Audit-related fees (b)

   

61

     

116

Tax fees (c)

           

792

All other fees (d)

   

3

       

(a)

 

Includes audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in PPL Energy Supply's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.

(b)

 

Fees for audits of employee benefit plans and consultation to ensure appropriate accounting and reporting in connection with various business and financing transactions.

(c)

 

Fees for international tax consulting and advisory services. PwC no longer provides these types of services to PPL Energy Supply or any of its affiliates.

(d)

 

Fees for access to a research database licensed by PwC that provides authoritative accounting and reporting guidance.

Approval of Fees The Audit Committee of PPL has procedures for pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor. The procedures are designed to ensure the continued independence of the independent auditor. More specifically, the use of the independent auditor to perform either audit or non-audit services is prohibited unless specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee of PPL. As a result of this approval process, the Audit Committee of PPL has established specific categories of services and authorization levels. All services outside of the specified categories and all amounts exceeding the authorization levels are reviewed by the Chair of the Audit Committee of PPL, who serves as the Committee designee to review and approve audit and non-audit related services during the year. A listing of the approved audit and non-audit services is reviewed with the full Audit Committee of PPL no later than its next meeting.

The Audit Committee of PPL approved 100% of the 2004 and 2003 audit and non-audit related fees.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Information for this item will be set forth in the section entitled "Fees to Independent Auditor for 2004 and 2003" in PPL Electric's 2005 Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2004, and which information is incorporated herein by reference.




PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.

Financial Statements - Refer to the "Index to Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for an index of the financial statements included in this report.

2.

Supplementary Data and Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule - included in response to Item 8.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2004.

All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3.

Exhibits

Exhibit Index on page 173.




SHAREOWNER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION

Annual Meetings: The annual meeting of shareowners of PPL Corporation is held each year on the fourth Friday of April. The 2005 meeting for PPL Corporation will be held on Friday, April 22, 2005, at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena, at the Goodman Campus Complex located in Lower Saucon Township, outside Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The 2005 meeting for PPL Electric will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the offices of the company at Two North Ninth Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Proxy and Information Statement Material: A proxy statement and information statement and notice of PPL's and PPL Electric's annual meetings are mailed to all shareowners of record as of February 28, 2005.

Dividends: Subject to the declaration of dividends on PPL common stock by the PPL Board of Directors or its Executive Committee and PPL Electric preferred stock by the PPL Electric Board of Directors, dividends are paid on the first day of April, July, October and January. Dividend checks are mailed in advance of those dates with the intention that they arrive as close as possible to the payment dates. The 2005 record dates for dividends are expected to be March 10, June 10, September 9, and December 9.

Direct Deposit of Dividends: Shareowners may choose to have their dividend checks deposited directly into their checking or savings account. Quarterly dividend payments are electronically credited on the dividend date, or the first business day thereafter.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Shareowners may choose to have dividends on their PPL common stock or PPL Electric preferred stock reinvested in PPL common stock instead of receiving the dividend by check.

Certificate Safekeeping: Shareowners participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan may choose to have their common stock certificates forwarded to PPL for safekeeping.

Lost Dividend or Interest Checks: Dividend or interest checks lost by investors, or those that may be lost in the mail, will be replaced if the check has not been located by the 10th business day following the payment date.

Transfer of Stock or Bonds: Stock or bonds may be transferred from one name to another or to a new account in the name of another person. Please contact Investor Services regarding transfer instructions.

Bondholder Information: Much of the information and many of the procedures detailed here for shareowners also apply to bondholders. Questions related to bondholder accounts should be directed to Investor Services.

Lost Stock or Bond Certificates: Please contact Investor Services for an explanation of the procedure to replace lost stock or bond certificates.

PPL Annual Report: Published and mailed in mid-March to all shareowners of record.

Periodic Mailings: Letters regarding new investor programs, special items of interest, or other pertinent information are mailed on a non-scheduled basis as necessary.

Duplicate Mailings: The annual report and other investor publications are mailed to each investor account. If you have more than one account, or if there is more than one investor in your household, you may contact Investor Services to request that only one publication be delivered to your address. Please provide account numbers for all duplicate mailings.

Shareowner Information Line: Shareowners can get detailed corporate and financial information 24 hours a day using the Shareowner Information Line. They can hear timely recorded messages about earnings, dividends and other company news releases; request information by fax; and request printed materials in the mail.

The toll-free Shareowner Information Line is 1-800-345-3085.

Other PPL publications, such as the annual and quarterly reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Forms 10-K and 10-Q) will be mailed upon request.

Shareowners can also obtain information free of charge from PPL's Internet home page (www.pplweb.com). Shareowners can access PPL Securities and Exchange Commission filings, corporate governance materials, news releases, stock quotes and historical performance. Visitors to our Web site can provide their E-mail address and indicate their desire to receive future earnings or news releases automatically.

Investor Services: For any questions you have or additional information you require about PPL and its subsidiaries, please call the Shareowner Information Line, or write to:

 

Manager-PPL Investor Services

 

Two North Ninth Street (GENTW8)

 

Allentown, PA 18101

Internet Access: For updated information throughout the year, check out our home page at www.pplweb.com. You may also contact Investor Services via E-mail at invserv@pplweb.com.

Registered shareowners can access account information by visiting shareowneronline.com.

 

Listed Securities:

Fiscal Agents:

New York Stock Exchange

Stock Transfer Agents and

Registrars

PPL Corporation:

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A.

Common Stock (Code: PPL)

Shareowner Services

161 North Concord Exchange

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation:

South St. Paul, MN 55075-1139

4-1/2% Preferred Stock

   (Code: PPLPRB)

PPL Services Corporation

4.40% Series Preferred Stock

Investor Services Department

   (Code: PPLPRA)

Dividend Disbursing Office and

Philadelphia Stock Exchange

Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent

PPL Services Corporation

PPL Corporation:

Investor Services Department

Common Stock

Mortgage Bond Trustee

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

Attn: Security Transfer Unit

648 Grassmere Park Road

Nashville, TN 37211

Indenture Trustee

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

4 New York Plaza

New York, NY 10004

Bond Interest Paying Agent

PPL Services Corporation

Investor Services Department




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

PPL Corporation
(Registrant)

By /s/ William F. Hecht

William F. Hecht -

Chairman, President

and Chief Executive

Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

TITLE

By /s/ William F. Hecht

Principal Executive Officer and Director

William F. Hecht -

Chairman, President

and Chief Executive

Officer

By /s/ John R. Biggar

Principal Financial Officer and Director

John R. Biggar -

Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

By /s/ Paul A. Farr

Principal Accounting Officer

Paul A. Farr -

Vice President and Controller

Directors:

Frederick M. Bernthal

Stuart Heydt

John W. Conway

W. Keith Smith

E. Allen Deaver

Susan M. Stalnecker

Louise K. Goeser

By /s/ William F. Hecht

William F. Hecht, Attorney-in-fact

Date: March 1, 2005




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC
(Registrant)


By /s/ William F. Hecht

William F. Hecht -

President

       
         

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

TITLE

By /s/ William F. Hecht

Principal Executive Officer and Manager

William F. Hecht -

President

       

By /s/ James E. Abel

Principal Financial Officer and Manager

James E. Abel -

Vice President and Treasurer

By /s/ Paul A. Farr

Principal Accounting Officer and Manager

Paul A. Farr -

Vice President and Controller

Managers:

         

/s/ John R. Biggar

       

John R. Biggar

       
         

/s/ Robert J. Grey

       

Robert J. Grey

       
         

/s/ James H. Miller

       

James H. Miller

       
         
         
         
         
         
         

Date: March 1, 2005

       



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
(Registrant)

By /s/ John F. Sipics

John F. Sipics -

President

       

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

TITLE

By /s/ John F. Sipics

Principal Executive Officer and Director

John F. Sipics -

President

       

By /s/ James E. Abel

Principal Financial Officer

James E. Abel -

Treasurer

By /s/ Paul A. Farr

Principal Accounting Officer

Paul A. Farr -

Vice President and Controller

Directors:

         

/s/ William F. Hecht

 

/s/ Dean A. Christiansen

 

/s/ James H. Miller

William F. Hecht

 

Dean A. Christiansen

 

James H. Miller

         

/s/ John R. Biggar

 

/s/ Robert J. Grey

 

/s/ Roger L. Petersen

John R. Biggar

 

Robert J. Grey

 

Roger L. Petersen

         

/s/ Paul T. Champagne

 

/s/ Rick L. Klingensmith

 

/s/ Bryce L. Shriver

Paul T. Champagne

 

Rick L. Klingensmith

 

Bryce L. Shriver

         
         
         
         
         

Date: March 1, 2005

       




EXHIBIT INDEX

The following Exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the Exhibit number are filed herewith. The balance of the Exhibits have heretofore been filed with the Commission and pursuant to Rule 12(b)-32 are incorporated herein by reference. Exhibits indicated by a [_] are filed or listed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

3(a)-1

-

Articles of Incorporation of PPL Corporation (Exhibit B to Proxy Statement of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Prospectus of PPL Corporation, dated March 9, 1995)

3(a)-2

-

Articles of Amendment of PPL Corporation (Exhibit 3.2 to PPL Corporation Form S-3 (Registration Statement Nos. 333-54504, 333-54504-01 and 333-54504-02))

3(a)-3

-

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (Exhibit 3(a)-3 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

3(a)-4

-

Certificate of Formation of PPL Energy Supply, LLC (Exhibit 3.1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

3(b)-1

-

Bylaws of PPL Corporation (Exhibit 3(ii)(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 1998)

3(b)-2

-

Bylaws of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, as amended effective July 16, 2004 (Exhibit 3 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

3(b)-3

-

Limited Liability Company Agreement of PPL Energy Supply, LLC, dated March 20, 2001 (Exhibit 3.2 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

4(a)-1

-

Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated June 12, 2000 (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2000)

4(a)-2

-

Amendment No. 1 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated September 10, 2001 (Exhibit 4(a)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

4(a)-3

-

Amendment No. 2 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated October 8, 2002 (Exhibit 4(a)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

4(a)-4

-

Amendment No. 3 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated April 1, 2003 (Exhibit 4(a)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

4(a)-5

-

Amendment No. 4 to said Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated May 7, 2003 (Exhibit 4(a)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)

4(b)-1

-

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1945, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Bankers Trust Company (as successor Trustee) (Exhibit 2(a)-4 to Registration Statement No. 2-60291)

4(b)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of July 1, 1954, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 2(b)-5 to Registration Statement No. 219255)

4(b)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of July 1, 1991, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated July 29, 1991)

4(b)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of May 1, 1992, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated June 1, 1992)

4(b)-5

-

Supplement, dated as of November 1, 1992, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-29 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1992)

4(b)-6

-

Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1993, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated April 30, 1993)

4(b)-7

-

Supplement, dated as of February 15, 1994, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 11, 1994)

4(b)-8

-

Supplement, dated as of March 1, 1994, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 11, 1994)

4(b)-9

-

Supplement, dated as of March 15, 1994, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 30, 1994)

4(b)-10

-

Supplement, dated as of September 1, 1994, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K (File No. 1-905) dated October 3, 1994)

4(b)-11

-

Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1994, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated October 3, 1994)

4(b)-12

-

Supplement, dated as of August 1, 1995, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 6(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 1995)

4(b)-13

-

Supplement, dated as of April 1, 1997, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-17 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1997)

4(b)-14

-

Supplement, dated as of May 5, 1998, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated May 1, 1998)

4(b)-15

-

Supplement, dated as of June 1, 1999, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-19 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 1999)

4(b)-16

-

Supplement, dated as of August 1, 2001, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4.5 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 21, 2001)

4(b)-17

-

Supplement, dated as of January 1, 2002, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-19 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

4(b)-18

-

Supplement, dated as of February 1, 2003, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 4(b)-20 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

4(b)-19

-

Supplement, dated as of May 1, 2003, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust (Exhibit 10(c) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for quarter ended June 30, 2003)

*4(b)-20

-

Supplement, dated as of February 1, 2005, to said Mortgage and Deed of Trust

4(c)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of November 1, 1997, among PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 12, 1997)

4(c)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of November 1, 1997, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 12, 1997)

4(c)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of March 1, 1999, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-87847, 333-87847-01 and 333-87847-02)

4(c)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of October 1, 1999, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(c)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 1999)

4(c)-5

-

Supplement, dated as of June 1, 2000, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000)

4(c)-6

-

Supplement, dated as of January 21, 2003, to said Indenture (Exhibit 99.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated January 22, 2003)

4(c)-7

-

Supplement, dated as of January 21, 2004, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)

4(c)-8

-

Supplement, dated as of May 18, 2004, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.7 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-116478, 333-116478-01 and 333-116478-02)

4(d)-1

-

Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1997, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-20661)

4(d)-2

-

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1997, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Property Trustee, Chase Manhattan Bank (Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, and John R. Biggar and James E. Abel, as Administrative Trustees (Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement No. 333-20661)

4(d)-3

-

Guarantee Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1997, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.6 to Registration Statement No. 333-20661)

4(e)-1

-

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1997, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Property Trustee, Chase Manhattan Bank (Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, and John R. Biggar and James E. Abel, as Administrative Trustees (Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement No. 333-27773)

4(e)-2

-

Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1997, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.6 to Registration Statement No. 333-27773)

4(f)-1

-

Subordinated Indenture, dated as of May 9, 2001, between PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 9, 2001)

4(f)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of May 9, 2001, to said Subordinated Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 9, 2001)

4(f)-3

-

Trust Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2001 (Exhibit 4.10 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 9, 2001)

4(f)-4

-

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2001, among PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Property Trustee, Chase Manhattan Bank USA National Association, as Delaware Trustee, John R. Biggar and James E. Abel, as Administrative Trustees, and the several Holders of the Trust Securities (Exhibit 4.8 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 9, 2001)

4(g)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2001, by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 21, 2001)

4(g)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of August 1, 2001, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 21, 2001)

4(g)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of February 1, 2003, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(g)-3 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

4(g)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of May 1, 2003, to said Indenture (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2002)

*4(g)-5

-

Supplement, dated as of February 1, 2005, to said Indenture

4(h)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2001, by PPL Energy Supply, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

4(h)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of October 1, 2001, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

4(h)-3

-

Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 19, 2001, between PPL Energy Supply, LLC and the Initial Purchasers (Exhibit 4.5 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

*4(h)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of August 15, 2004, to said Indenture

4(i)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2003, by PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Corporation Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-106200))

4(i)-2

-

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2003, by PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Corporation and the Representatives of the Initial Purchasers (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC and PPL Corporation Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-106200))

4(i)-3

-

Supplement, dated November 12, 2004, to said Indenture (Exhibit 99.1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 8-K Report (File No. 333-74794) dated November 17, 2004)

4(j)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of February 26, 2004, among PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)

4(j)-2

-

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2004, among PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc. and the Representatives of the Initial Purchasers (Exhibit 4(c) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)

*4(k)

-

Trust Deed, dated November 9, 1995, between Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc and Bankers Trustee Company Limited

*4(l)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of November 21, 1996, among Western Power Distribution LLP and Western Power Distribution Holdings Limited (as successor co-obligors), Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. (formerly Bankers Trust Luxembourg S.A.), as Paying and Transfer Agent

*4(l)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of November 21, 1996, to said Indenture

*4(l)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of December 2, 1998, to said Indenture

*4(l)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture

*4(l)-5

-

Supplement, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture

*4(m)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of January 29, 1997, among Western Power Distribution LLP and Western Power Distribution Holdings Limited (as successor co-obligors), Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. (formerly Bankers Trust Luxembourg S.A.), as Paying and Transfer Agent

*4(m)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of December 2, 1998, to said Indenture

*4(m)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture

*4(m)-4

-

Supplement, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture

*4(n)-1

-

Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2001, among Western Power Distribution Holdings Limited (as successor obligor), Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. (formerly Bankers Trust Luxembourg S.A.), as Paying and Transfer Agent

*4(n)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of March 16, 2001, to said Indenture

*4(n)-3

-

Supplement, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture

*4(o)-1

-

Trust Deed, dated March 25, 2003, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited

*4(o)-2

-

Supplement, dated as of May 27, 2003, to said Trust Deed

10(a)

-

$300 million Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2003, among PPL Energy Supply, LLC and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(e) to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-Q Report (File No. 333-74794) for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)

10(b)

-

$800 million Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004, among PPL Energy Supply, LLC and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-Q Report (File No. 333-74794) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

10(c)

-

$100 million Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2003, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(f) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)

10(d)

-

$200 million Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(c) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

10(e)

-

$150 Million Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2001, among PPL Montana, LLC and the banks named therein (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Montana, LLC Form 10-Q Report (File No. 333-50350) for the quarter ended June 30, 2001)

10(f)

-

Generation Supply Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2001, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and PPL EnergyPlus, LLC (Exhibit 10.5 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

10(g)

-

Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2001, between Northwestern Energy Division (successor in interest to The Montana Power Company) and PPL Montana, LLC (Exhibit 10(g) to PPL Montana, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-50350) for year ended December 31, 2001)

10(h)

-

Guaranty, dated as of December 21, 2001, from PPL Energy Supply, LLC in favor of LMB Funding, Limited Partnership (Exhibit 10(j) to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-74794) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

10(i)-1

-

Agreement for Lease, dated as of December 21, 2001, between LMB Funding, Limited Partnership and Lower Mt. Bethel Energy, LLC (Exhibit 10(m) to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-74794) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

10(i)-2

-

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Lease, dated as of September 16, 2002, between LMB Funding, Limited Partnership and Lower Mt. Bethel Energy, LLC (Exhibit 10(m)-1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-74794) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

10(j)-1

-

Lease Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2001, between LMB Funding, Limited Partnership and Lower Mt. Bethel Energy, LLC (Exhibit 10(n) to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-74794) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

10(j)-2

-

Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2002, between LMB Funding, Limited Partnership and Lower Mt. Bethel Energy, LLC (Exhibit 10(n)-1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-K Report (File No. 333-74794) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

10(k)

-

Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1973, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority (Exhibit 5(z) to Registration Statement No. 2-60834)

[_]10(l)-1

-

Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated June 12, 2000 (Exhibit 10(h) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2000)

[_]10(l)-2

-

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 18, 2002 (Exhibit 10(m)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

[_]10(l)-3

-

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 4, 2003 (Exhibit 10(q)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

[_]10(m)

-

Amended and Restated Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 8, 2003 (Exhibit 10(r) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

[_]10(n)-1

-

Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated December 8, 2003 (Exhibit 10(s) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)

[_]10(n)-2

-

Amendment No. 1 to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated December 16, 2004 (Exhibit 99.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 17, 2004)

[_]10(o)-1

-

Incentive Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2003 (Exhibit 10(p) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

[_]10(o)-2

-

Form of Stock Option Agreement for stock option awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2004)

[_]10(p)

-

Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, amended and restated effective January 1, 2003 (Schedule B to Proxy Statement of PPL Corporation, dated March 17, 2003)

[_]10(q)

-

Short-term Incentive Plan (Schedule B to Proxy Statement of PPL Corporation, dated March 12, 1999)

[_]10(r)

-

Form of Severance Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and the Executive Officers listed in this Form 10-K Report (Exhibit 10(r) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

[_]10(s)

-

Form for Retention Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and Messrs. Champagne, Miller and Petersen (Exhibit 10(s) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2001)

[_]10(t)

-

Agreement dated January 15, 2003 between PPL Corporation and Mr. Miller regarding Supplemental Pension Benefits (Exhibit 10(u) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)

10(u)

-

Equity Contribution Agreement, among PPL Corporation, PPL Montana, LLC, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 10.15 to PPL Montana, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-50350))

10(v)

-

Facility Lease Agreement (BA 1/2) between PPL Montana, LLC and Montana OL3, LLC (Exhibit 4.7a to PPL Montana, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-50350))

10(w)

-

Facility Lease Agreement (BA 3) between PPL Montana, LLC and Montana OL4, LLC (Exhibit 4.8a to PPL Montana, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-50350))

10(x)

-

Services Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2000, among PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Funding Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries in various tiers, PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Gas Utilities Corporation, PPL Services Corporation and CEP Commerce, LLC (Exhibit 10.20 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-74794))

10(y)

-

Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2003, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority

10(z)-1

-

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2004, by and between PPL Sundance Energy, LLC, as Seller, and Arizona Public Service Company, as Purchaser (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation and PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 10-Q Reports (File Nos. 1-11459 and 333-74794) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

10(z)-2

-

Amendment No. 1, dated December 14, 2004, to said Asset Purchase Agreement (Exhibit 99.1 to PPL Corporation and PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 8-K Reports (File Nos. 1-11459 and 333-74794) dated December 15, 2004)

[_]10(aa)

-

Separation Agreement and General Release dated July 27, 2004 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2004)

10(bb)

-

Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2004, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, as Originator, and PPL Receivables Corporation, as Buyer (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

10(cc)

-

Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2004, among PPL Receivables Corporation, as Borrower, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, as Servicer, Blue Ridge Asset Funding Corporation, the Liquidity Banks from time to time party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (Exhibit 10(e) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

*10(dd)

-

$300 Demand Loan Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, among CEP Lending, Inc. and PPL Energy Funding Corporation

*10(ee)

-

Amended and Restated £400,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2004, among Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and the banks named therein

*10(ff)

-

Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2005, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority

*10(gg)

-

PPL Corporation Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation Matters

*10(hh)

-

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Named Executive Officer Compensation Matters

*12(a)

-

PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

*12(b)

-

PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

*12(c)

-

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

*21(a)

-

Subsidiaries of PPL Corporation

*21(b)

-

Subsidiaries of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

*23(a)

-

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - PPL Corporation

*23(b)

-

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - PPL Energy Supply, LLC

*24

-

Power of Attorney

*31(a)

-

Certificate of PPL's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*31(b)

-

Certificate of PPL's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*31(c)

-

Certificate of PPL Energy Supply's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*31(d)

-

Certificate of PPL Energy Supply's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*31(e)

-

Certificate of PPL Electric's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*31(f)

-

Certificate of PPL Electric's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(a)

-

Certificate of PPL's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(b)

-

Certificate of PPL's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(c)

-

Certificate of PPL Energy Supply's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(d)

-

Certificate of PPL Energy Supply's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(e)

-

Certificate of PPL Electric's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32(f)

-

Certificate of PPL Electric's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*99

-

PPL Corporate Organization (Selected Subsidiaries)