SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 |
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OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from to |
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Commission file number 333-89725 |
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AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
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54-1920088 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
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1001 N. 19th Street, Arlington, Va. |
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22209 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code (703) 522-1315 |
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N/A |
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Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report. |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
Yes o No ý
Registrant is a wholly owned subsidiary of The AES Corporation. Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format authorized by General Instruction H.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
(Amounts in Thousands)
Three months ended June 30, |
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2004 |
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2003 |
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Operating Revenues |
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Energy |
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$ |
90,074 |
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$ |
92,080 |
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Capacity |
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6,310 |
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7,751 |
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Transmission congestion contract |
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(53 |
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(2,567 |
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Other |
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874 |
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653 |
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Total operating revenues |
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97,205 |
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97,917 |
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Operating Expenses |
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Fuel |
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38,176 |
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34,176 |
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Operations and maintenance |
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8,620 |
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4,915 |
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General and administrative |
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15,374 |
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13,812 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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9,749 |
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9,027 |
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Total operating expenses |
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71,919 |
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61,930 |
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Operating Income |
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25,286 |
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35,987 |
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Other Income/(Expense) |
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Interest expense |
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(14,910 |
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(14,912 |
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Interest income |
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509 |
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605 |
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Loss on derivative valuation |
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(22 |
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(21 |
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Net Income from continuing operations before minority interest |
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10,863 |
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21,659 |
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Minority interest |
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47 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
10,910 |
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$ |
21,659 |
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The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and
June 30, 2003
(Amounts in Thousands)
Six months ended June 30, |
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2004 |
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2003 |
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Operating Revenues |
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Energy |
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$ |
190,288 |
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$ |
194,390 |
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Capacity |
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11,255 |
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16,397 |
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Transmission congestion contract |
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(2,407 |
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(6,425 |
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Other |
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1,508 |
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1,358 |
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Total operating revenues |
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200,644 |
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205,720 |
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Operating Expenses |
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Fuel |
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80,012 |
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70,874 |
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Operations and maintenance |
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12,335 |
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9,767 |
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General and administrative |
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30,547 |
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27,910 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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19,458 |
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17,999 |
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Total operating expenses |
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142,352 |
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126,550 |
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Operating Income |
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58,292 |
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79,170 |
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Other Income/(Expense) |
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Interest expense |
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(29,969 |
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(29,533 |
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Interest income |
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948 |
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1,082 |
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Gain on derivative valuation |
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7 |
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188 |
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Net Income from continuing operations before minority interest |
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29,278 |
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50,907 |
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Minority interest |
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116 |
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Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle |
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(1,656 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
29,394 |
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$ |
49,251 |
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The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheets
June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003
(Amounts in Thousands)
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June 30, |
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Dec. 31, |
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ASSETS |
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Current Assets |
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Restricted cash: |
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Operating cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
3,872 |
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$ |
2,540 |
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Revenue account |
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77,632 |
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85,231 |
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Accounts receivable trade |
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35,916 |
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34,883 |
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Accounts receivable affiliates |
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170 |
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203 |
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Accounts receivable other |
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942 |
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1,264 |
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Derivative valuation asset current |
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184 |
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8,153 |
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Inventory |
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34,205 |
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27,700 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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6,464 |
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8,019 |
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Total Current Assets |
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159,385 |
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167,993 |
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Property, Plant, Equipment and Related Assets Land |
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8,298 |
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7,054 |
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Electric generation assets (net of accumulated depreciation of $222,436 and $156,259) |
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913,052 |
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902,662 |
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Total property, plant, equipment and related assets |
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921,350 |
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909,716 |
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Other Assets |
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Deferred financing net of accumulated amortization of $625 and $328 |
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523 |
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303 |
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Derivative valuation asset non-current |
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7,990 |
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NYISO working capital fund |
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1,469 |
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Rent reserve account |
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31,717 |
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31,717 |
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Total Assets |
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$ |
1,114,444 |
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$ |
1,117,719 |
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LIABILITIES |
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Current Liabilities |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
1,440 |
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$ |
830 |
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Long-term debt lease current |
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5,237 |
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7,846 |
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Other long-term debt current |
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2,274 |
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347 |
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Accrued interest expense |
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27,835 |
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28,004 |
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Derivative valuation liability current |
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64,314 |
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26,043 |
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Transmission congestion contract |
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378 |
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359 |
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Due to The AES Corporation and affiliates |
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8,624 |
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8,930 |
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Accrued coal and rail expenses |
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9,111 |
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6,456 |
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Other liabilities and accrued expenses |
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15,966 |
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9,624 |
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Total Current Liabilities |
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135,179 |
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88,439 |
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Long-term liabilities |
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Long-term debt lease non- current |
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628,585 |
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629,815 |
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Other long-term debt non- current |
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17,688 |
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744 |
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Environmental remediation |
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5,051 |
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5,051 |
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Defined benefit plan obligation |
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15,015 |
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16,558 |
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Derivative valuation liability non-current |
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86,675 |
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17,581 |
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Asset retirement obligation |
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10,289 |
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9,900 |
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Other liabilities |
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2,039 |
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1,944 |
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Total Long-term Liabilities |
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765,342 |
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681,593 |
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Total Liabilities |
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900,521 |
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770,032 |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Note 3) |
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Minority Interest |
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8,677 |
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Partners capital |
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205,246 |
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347,687 |
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Total Liabilities and Partners Capital |
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$ |
1,114,444 |
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$ |
1,117,719 |
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The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
(Amounts in Thousands)
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Six months |
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Six months |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
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Net Income |
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$ |
29,394 |
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$ |
49,251 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to Net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Minority Interest |
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(171 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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19,459 |
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17,994 |
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Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle |
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1656 |
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Asset retirement obligation accretion |
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389 |
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380 |
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Loss on derivative valuation |
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11 |
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4,625 |
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Write off of deferred financing |
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21 |
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Net defined benefit plan cost |
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(1,543 |
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(41 |
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Changes in current assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable |
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(357 |
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(1,518 |
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Inventory |
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(6,505 |
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(3,170 |
) |
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Prepaid expenses |
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1,692 |
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84 |
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Accounts payable |
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627 |
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(126 |
) |
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Accrued interest expense |
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(169 |
) |
815 |
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Due to The AES Corporation and affiliates |
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(306 |
) |
1,262 |
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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7,900 |
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1,467 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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50,421 |
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72,700 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
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Payments for capital additions |
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(3,538 |
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(1,236 |
) |
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Decrease(increase) in restricted cash |
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6,464 |
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(31,181 |
) |
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NYISO working capital fund |
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(1,469 |
) |
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Net cash provided by(used in) investing activities |
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1,457 |
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(32,417 |
) |
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
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Partners distribution paid |
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(48,700 |
) |
(38,700 |
) |
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Principal payments on lease obligations |
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(4,765 |
) |
(1,313 |
) |
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Proceeds from other debt |
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1,390 |
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Partners contribution |
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197 |
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65 |
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Payments for deferred financing |
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(335 |
) |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
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(51,878 |
) |
(40,283 |
) |
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CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD |
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$ |
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$ |
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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
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Interest paid |
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$ |
27,887 |
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$ |
27,960 |
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Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Flow Information: |
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Assets of the Somerset Railroad Corporation Consolidated at January 1, 2004 |
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$ |
28,432 |
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$ |
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Liabilities of the Somerset Railroad Corporation Consolidated at January 1, 2004 |
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$ |
19,586 |
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$ |
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Adoption of SFAS 143 |
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$ |
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$ |
3,396 |
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The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
AES Eastern Energy, L.P.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners Capital
For the six months ended June 30, 2004
(Amounts in Thousands)
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General |
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Limited |
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Total |
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Accumulated |
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Comprehensive |
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Balance, December 31, 2003 |
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$ |
3,477 |
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$ |
344,210 |
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$ |
347,687 |
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$ |
(27,619 |
) |
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Net income |
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299 |
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29,095 |
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29,394 |
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29,394 |
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Distributions paid |
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(487 |
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(48,213 |
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(48,700 |
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Partners contribution (See Note 7) |
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197 |
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197 |
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Other comprehensive (loss)(See Note 4) |
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(1,233 |
) |
(122,099 |
) |
(123,332 |
) |
(123,332 |
) |
(123,332 |
) |
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Comprehensive income (loss) |
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$ |
(150,951 |
) |
$ |
(93,938 |
) |
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Balance, June 30, 2004 |
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$ |
2,056 |
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$ |
203,190 |
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$ |
205,246 |
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The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Organization
AES Eastern Energy, L.P. (the Partnership), a Delaware limited partnership, was formed on December 2, 1998. The Partnerships wholly owned subsidiaries are AES Somerset, L.L.C., AES Cayuga, L.L.C., and AEE2, L.L.C., (which wholly owns AES Westover, L.L.C. and AES Greenidge, L.L.C.). The Partnership is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The AES Corporation (AES).
AES NY3, L.L.C., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AES acquired the stock of the Somerset Railroad Corporation (SRC), which owns short line railroad assets used to transport coal and limestone. The Partnership has entered into a contract with SRC pursuant to which SRC will haul coal and limestone to the Somerset Plant and make its rail cars available to transport coal to the Cayuga Plant. The Partnership will pay amounts sufficient to enable SRC to pay all of its operating and other expenses, including all out-of-pocket expenses, taxes, interest on and principal of SRCs outstanding indebtedness, and all capital expenditures necessary to permit SRC to continue to provide rail service to the Somerset and Cayuga Plants. The Partnership has concluded that under the revised Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) interpretation No. 46(R)Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, the Partnership needs to consolidate SRC into its consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2004. (See Note 6)
Note 2. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership and SRC reflect all adjustments, which are necessary, in the opinion of management, for a fair presentation of the Partnerships consolidated results for the interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnerships consolidated financial statements and notes contained therein, as of December 31, 2003 and the year then ended, which are set forth in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Note 3. Commitments and Contingencies
Coal Purchases In connection with the acquisition of the Partnerships four coalfired electric generating stations (the Plants), the Partnership assumed from New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) an agreement to purchase the coal required by the Somerset and Cayuga Plants. The contract expired on December 31, 2003. The Partnership can provide no assurances that it will be able to enter into other agreements on terms and conditions that are as favorable as this agreement.
As of the acquisition date of the Plants, the contract prices for the coal purchases through 2002 were above the market price, and the Partnership recorded a purchase accounting liability for approximately $15.7 million related to the fulfillment of its obligation to purchase coal under this agreement. The purchase accounting liability was amortized as a reduction to coal expense over the life of the underlying contract. As of December 31, 2003, the purchase accounting liability was fully amortized.
The Partnership has expected coal purchases, composed of short and medium term contracts with various mines, ranging between $97.9 and $101.4 million for 2004, and $78 and $110 million for 2005.
As of June 30, 2004, the remaining anticipated coal purchase commitments for the year ending December 31, 2004 are between $47.3 and $50.8 million.
On September 4, 2003, the Partnership and AES Odyssey, L.L.C. (Odyssey), a wholly owned subsidiary of AES, amended their contract pursuant to which Odyssey provides energy marketing services to include management of the Partnerships coal and environmental emission credit inventories. The Partnership also agreed to increase the fees paid to Odyssey by the Partnership to $400,000 per month from $300,000 per month.
Odyssey, in concert with the Partnership, is using a strategy of varying-term contracts with multiple coal suppliers to develop the flexibility in the supply chain to best meet the demands of a fleet of merchant plants.
Transmission Agreements - On August 3, 1998, AES NY, L.L.C., the general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner), entered into an agreement with NYSEG for the purpose of transferring certain rights and obligations from NYSEG to the General Partner under an existing transmission agreement among Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NIMO), the New York Power Authority, NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation, and an existing transmission agreement between NYSEG and NIMO. This agreement provides for the assignment of rights to transmit energy from the Somerset Plant and other sources to remote load areas and other delivery points, and was assumed by the Partnership on the date of acquisition of the Plants. In accordance with its plan, as of the acquisition date, the Partnership discontinued using this service. The Partnership did not transmit over these lines but was required to pay the monthly fees until the effective cancellation date, November 19, 1999.
8
The Partnership was informed by NIMO that the Partnership would be responsible for the monthly fees of $500,640 under the existing transmission agreement to the originally scheduled termination date of October 1, 2004. On October 5, 1999, the Partnership filed a complaint against NIMO alleging that the Partnership has a right to non-firm transmission service upon six months prior notice without payment of $500,640 in monthly fees subsequent to the cancellation date of November 19, 1999.
On March 9, 2000, a settlement was reached between the Partnership and NIMO, which was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on May 10, 2000. According to the settlement, the Partnership will continue to pay NIMO a fixed rate of $500,640 per month during the period of November 20, 1999 to October 1, 2004, and, in turn, will receive a form of transmission service commencing on May 1, 2000, which the Partnership believes will provide an economic benefit over the period of May 1, 2000 to October 1, 2004. The Partnership has the right under a Remote Load Wheeling Agreement (RLWA) to transmit 298 Megawatts (MW) over firm transmission lines from the Somerset Plant. The Partnership has the right to designate alternate points of delivery on NIMOs transmission system provided that the Partnership shall not be entitled to receive any transmission service charge credit on the NIMO system.
The transmission congestion contract was entered into because it provided a reasonable settlement for resolving a FERC issue. The agreement is essentially a swap between the congestion component of the locational prices posted daily by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) in western New York and the more heavily populated areas in eastern New York. The agreement is a financially settled contract since there is no requirement to flow power under this agreement. The agreement generates gains or losses from exposure to shifts or changes in market prices. The Partnership recorded losses of approximately $2.4 million and approximately $6.4 million in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to this contract. The transmission congestion contract is accounted for as a derivative under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133.
On June 25, 2003, AES Somerset, L.L.C. (the subsidiary of the Partnership that operates the Somerset plant) filed a complaint against NIMO with the FERC. The complaint involves outstanding station service charges for the period April 2000 to May 2003. AES Somerset has calculated that the outstanding charges owed are $290,000, while NIMO has calculated that the outstanding charges are $3.6 million. In December 2003, FERC reiterated its 2001 ruling that independent power plants can net station service power in the AES Somerset and Nine Mile orders. NIMO is appealing the ruling. As of June 30, 2004, AES Somerset has accrued approximately $1.6 million for these charges.
Line of Credit Agreement On November 20, 2002, the Partnership signed an agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. for a one-year extension of its current working capital and letter of credit facility. On April 16, 2003, the Partnership signed an amendment to its November 20, 2002 credit agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes another one-year extension of the current facility; the maturity date of the working capital and letter of credit facility is now January 2, 2005. The amendment also increases Union Bank of Californias commitment from $15 million to $20 million. On April 25, 2003, the Partnership further amended its November 20, 2002 credit agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes a commitment from Citibank, N.A. for the remaining $15 million of the facility. There have been three borrowings under this facility. The first borrowing was for $9.7 million on January 10, 2003 at an interest rate of 5.75%. This borrowing was repaid in full on January 28, 2003. The second borrowing was for $9.7 million on July 9, 2003 at an interest rate of 5.5%. This borrowing was repaid in full on July 25, 2003. The third borrowing was for $12.9 million and an additional $1 million on January 9, 2004 and February 20, 2004, respectively, at an interest rate of 5.5%. This borrowing was repaid in two payments, $6.2 million on January 27, 2004 and the remaining balance of $7.7 million was repaid on February 26, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, of the $35 million committed, the Partnership has obtained letters of credit of $16.4 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities with a number of counterparties.
AES on January 6, 2003 and February 25, 2003 authorized the Partnership to provide letters of credit to counterparties on its $350 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of $25 million and $35 million for the years of 2003 and 2004, respectively.
On February 12, 2004, the Partnership signed a two-year agreement, effective January 1, 2004, with AES to obtain up to $35 million and $25 million of letters of credit or cash collateral for 2004 and 2005, respectively. This agreement supercedes the authorization of AES on February 25, 2003. The agreement limits the letters of credit amounts and cash collateral to the stated amounts and set into place a fee structure and repayment terms.
AES on April 28, 2004 authorized the Partnership to provide letters of credit to counterparties on its $450 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of an additional $35 million as margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities. AES also agreed that the maximum amount of letters of credit that the Partnership could provide, under this authorization, on the AES facility would be $95 million from April 28, 2004 until December 31, 2004 and $60 million from January 1, 2005 until December 30, 2005. As of June 30, 2004, the Partnership has obtained letters of credit in the amount of $77 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities with a number of counterparties.
9
In December 2003, the NYISO adopted changes to its credit policy. Previously, the working capital fund was collected from the load side of the marketplace. The recent change now collects the fund from both the load and supply sides based on a 50/50% ratio. Actual working capital obligation is based on a participants net market activity per the total activity of the market. This obligation is eligible to receive interest and is adjusted each year based on a participants net activity from the previous year. Further, if a participant leaves the marketplace, it is reimbursed its working capital contribution. The Partnerships working capital contribution is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million and was deducted from monies owed to the Partnership in the first six months of the year. As of June 30, 2004, the entire amount has been deducted.
Environmental - The Partnership has recorded a liability for environmental remediation associated with the acquisition of the Plants. On an ongoing basis, the Partnership monitors its compliance with environmental laws. Due to the uncertainties associated with environmental compliance and remediation activities, future costs of compliance or remediation could be higher or lower than the amount currently accrued.
The Partnership received an information request letter dated October 12, 1999 from the New York Attorney General, which sought detailed operating and maintenance history for the Westover and Greenidge Plants. On January 13, 2000, the Partnership received a subpoena from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) seeking similar operating and maintenance history from the Plants. The Partnership has provided materials responding to the requests from the Attorney General and the NYSDEC. This information was sought in connection with the Attorney Generals and the NYSDECs investigations of several electricity generating stations in New York that are suspected of undertaking modifications in the past without undergoing an air permitting review.
On April 14, 2000, the Partnership received a request for information pursuant to Section 114 of the Clean Air Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking detailed operating and maintenance history data for the Cayuga and Somerset Plants. The EPA has commenced an industry-wide investigation of coal-fired electric power generators to determine compliance with environmental requirements under the Clean Air Act associated with repairs, maintenance, modifications and operational changes made to coal-fired facilities over the years. The EPAs focus is on whether the changes were subject to new source review permitting or new source performance standards, and whether best available control technology was or should have been used. The Partnership has provided the requested documentation.
By letter dated May 25, 2000, the NYSDEC issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to NYSEG for violations of the Clean Air Act and the New York Environmental Conservation Law at the Greenidge and Westover Plants related to NYSEGs alleged failure to undergo an air permitting review for repairs and improvements made during the 1980s and 1990s, which was prior to the acquisition of the Plants by the Partnership. Pursuant to the purchase agreement relating to the acquisition of the Plants from NYSEG, the Partnership agreed to assume responsibility for environmental liabilities that arose while NYSEG owned the Plants. On September 12, 2000, the Partnership agreed with NYSEG that the Partnership will assume the defense of and responsibility for the NOV, subject to a reservation of its right to assert applicable exceptions to its contractual undertaking to assume preexisting environmental liabilities.
The Partnership is currently in negotiation with both the EPA and NYSDEC. If a settlement is not reached, the EPA and NYSDEC could issue the Partnership a notice or notices of violations or file a complaint in court alleging violations of the Clean Air Act and New York Environmental Conservation Law. If the Attorney General, NYSDEC or the EPA does file an enforcement action against the Somerset, Cayuga, Westover or Greenidge Plants, then penalties may be imposed and further emissions reductions might be necessary at these Plants, which could require the Partnership to make substantial expenditures. The Partnership is unable to estimate the effect of such an enforcement action on its financial condition or results of future operations.
Nitrogen Oxide and Sulfur Dioxide Emission Allowances - The Plants emit nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as a result of burning coal to produce electricity.
The Plants have been allocated allowances by the NYSDEC to emit NOx during the ozone season, which runs from May 1 to September 30. Each NOx allowance authorizes the emission of one ton of NOx during the ozone season. New York State and the other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region are classified as the Ozone Transport Region in the federal Clean Air Act, which designates the Ozone Transport Region as not being in compliance with the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The states in the Ozone Transport Region have agreed to implement a three-phase process to reduce NOx emissions in the region in order to comply with the federal Clean Air Act Title I requirements for ozone non-compliance areas. Implementation of the Phase III emission rules commenced on May 1, 2003.
The Plants are also subject to SO2 emission allowance requirements imposed by the EPA. Each SO2 allowance authorizes the emission of one ton of SO2 during the calendar year. All of the Plants are currently subject to SO2 allowance requirements, and are required to hold sufficient allowances to emit SO2.
10
Both NOx and SO2 allowances may be bought, sold or traded. If NOx and/or SO2 emissions exceed the allowance amounts allocated to the Plants, then the Partnership may need to purchase additional allowances on the open market or otherwise reduce its production of electricity to stay within the allocated amounts. It is expected that the Partnership may have a shortfall during 2004 of approximately 12,500 to 14,500 SO2 allowances and approximately 1,650 to 1,850 NOx allowances assuming the units are operated at forecasted capacities. At June 30, 2004 market prices, the cost could range from $9.1 million to $10.4 million to purchase sufficient SO2 and NOx allowances for 2004.
In October 1999, New York State Governor Pataki announced an executive order mandating additional emission reductions from New York State power plants. The Governors initiative requires non-ozone season NOx emission reductions based on 0.15 lbs/Mmbtu starting in 2004, and a 50% reduction from the power plants Title IV SO2 emissions being phased in from 2005 to 2008. The program will be implemented through a market-based mechanism. The rules implementing the Governors initiative (6 NYCRR Parts 237 and 238) were adopted in March 2003.
In September 2003, NYSDEC determined the amount of NOx emissions allowances that would be allocated to the Plants. The allocation is several hundred tons less than the Partnerships average historical NOx emissions for the Plants during the control period. The Partnerships compliance plan cannot be finalized until the anticipated New York NOx allowance market prices are more conclusively determined.
In January 2004, NYSDEC determined the amount of SO2 emissions allowances that would be allocated to the Plants. The allocation is several thousand tons less than the Partnerships average historical SO2 emissions for the Plants. The Partnerships compliance plan cannot be finalized until the anticipated New York SO2 allowance market prices are more conclusively determined.
On May 26, 2004, the New York Supreme Court struck down the regulations. The Court ruled that the regulations had been adopted improperly after the State missed a deadline for publication of a notice to inform the public of proposed changes in the regulations. On July 1, 2004, NYSDEC appealed the Courts ruling.
The Partnership voluntarily disclosed to the NYSDEC and EPA on November 27, 2002 that NOx exceedances appear to have occurred on October 30 and 31 and November 1-8 and 10 of 2002. The exceedances were discovered through an audit by plant personnel of the Plants NOx Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) tracking system which monitors NOx emissions at all four Plants subject to the Partnerships NOx RACT Plan. The Partnership believes that it has taken all reasonable, good faith efforts to assess and correct the exceedances. Immediately upon the discovery of the exceedances, the Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) at the Somerset Plant was activated to reduce NOx emissions. Emission data indicates that the system had already returned to a compliant operation by the time the error was discovered. The EPA has decided to defer to the NYSDEC for review of the self-disclosure letter and technical issues. The Partnership is unable to predict any potential actions or fines the NYSDEC may require, if any.
The Partnership voluntarily disclosed to the NYSDEC in January 2003 that the Cayuga Plant had inadvertently burned synfuel (coal with a latex binder applied), which it is not permitted to burn. The Partnership had entered into an agreement with a supplier to purchase coal. It received approximately one 9,000-ton train per month from April 24, 2001 to December 27, 2002. In January 2003, the Partnership became aware that the product the Cayuga Plant had been receiving was synfuel. The Partnership suspended all shipments from that supplier until a resolution could be reached. The Partnership has reviewed the emission and operation data which showed there was no adverse effect to air quality with respect to applicable permit emissions limits attributable to burning the material. The Partnership is unable to predict any potential actions or fines the NYSDEC may require, if any. In July 2003, the Partnership reached an agreement with the supplier to resume shipment of coal in order to satisfy contractual obligations. As part of this agreement, the supplier has provided a written guarantee stating that all fuel shipments will be coal.
In July 2004, the EPA final rule for regulating existing power plants under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act was published in the Federal Register. This rule becomes effective on September 7, 2004. This new rule will impose new compliance requirements, with potentially significant costs, on operating plants across the nation with cooling water intake structures. Cost items include various environmental and engineering studies and potential capital and maintenance costs. The Partnership is evaluating the rule and it has not yet determined the effects, of this rule on its financial condition or results of operations.
In January 2004, the EPA proposed an interstate air quality rule (renamed the Clear Air Interstate Rule) that would require further emission reductions in NOx and SO2 emitted from power plants and other sources that significantly contribute to fine particulate (PM2.5) and ozone pollution in downwind states. NOx and SO2 are precursors of PM2.5, and NOx is a precursor of ozone. The proposed rule directs 29 states, including New York, to issue new regulations that will require major SO2 and NOx reductions by 2010 and further reductions by 2015. States are encouraged to use a cap and emission trading approach. A final rule is expected to be issued in 2005. At this point, the Partnership cannot determine what the costs would be to comply with new federal SO2 and NOx emission reduction requirements.
11
In January 2004, the EPA proposed the utility mercury reductions rule that would regulate mercury emissions from existing and new coal-fired power plants. The EPA proposed two alternative approaches for reducing mercury emissions based on different authority under the Clean Air Act. The EPAs preferred approach is to implement a cap and emission trading program with the first phase commencing in 2010 and the second phase starting in 2018. If the EPA selects the alternative command and control approach, compliance could be required by December 2007. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with environmental groups, the EPA is required to finalize the utility mercury reductions rule by December 15, 2004.
Northeastern U.S. states (including New York) have agreed to work to develop a regional market-based emissions trading system to reduce power plants CO2 emissions. The goal is to reach an agreement by April 2005 on a cap and emission trading program. Until such time as the rules are developed to implement such a program, the Partnership cannot determine what its impact would be on the Partnerships financial position or results of operations.
In June 2004, the EPA preliminarily designated areas of the country that are in nonattainment with the new PM2.5 and 8-hour ozone standards. None of the Partnerships plants are located in a designated PM2.5 nonattainment county. Only the Somerset Plant is located in a county designated nonattainment for the new ozone standard. Until such time as the final rules are developed to implement a program, the Partnership cannot determine what their impact would be on the Partnerships financial position or results of operations.
Note 4. Price Risk Management
The Partnership accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Partnership utilizes derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity price risk. The Partnership utilizes electric derivative instruments, including swaps and forwards, to hedge the risk related to forecasted electricity sales over the next two years. The majority of the Partnerships electric derivatives are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. No significant amounts of hedge ineffectiveness were recognized in earnings during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Gains and losses on derivatives reported in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings when the hedged forecasted sale occurs. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) during the six months ended June 30, 2004, were as follows (in millions):
Balance as of January 1, 2004 |
|
$ |
(27.6 |
) |
|
Reclassified to earnings |
|
(22.5 |
) |
||
Change in fair value |
|
(100.9 |
) |
||
Balance, June 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
(151.0 |
) |
|
In addition to the electric derivatives classified as cash flow hedge contracts, the Partnership has a Transmission Congestion Contract that is a derivative under the definition of SFAS No. 133, but does not qualify for hedge accounting. This contract is recorded at fair value on the balance sheet with changes in the fair value recognized through earnings.
Note 5. Asset Retirement Obligations
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143, which became effective January 1, 2003, requires entities to record the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. The new liability was recorded in the first quarter of 2003. The Partnership capitalized the costs of the liability by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Partnership will settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement. The Partnership adopted SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003.
The Partnership has completed a detailed assessment of the specific applicability and implications of SFAS No. 143. The scope of SFAS No. 143, as it applies to the Partnership, includes primarily active ash landfills and water treatment basins. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Partnership recorded a liability of $9.2 million and a net asset of approximately $3.3 million, which are included in the electric generation assets, and reversed a $4.2 million environmental remediation liability it had previously recorded. The difference between the amounts previously recorded and the net SFAS No. 143 liability is a loss recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $1.7 million. Reconciliation of asset retirement obligation liability for the six months ending June 30, 2004 was as follows (in millions):
Balance as of January 1, 2004 |
|
$ |
9.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2004 |
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
12
Note 6. New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities which provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (VIE), and when the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a companys consolidated financial statements. This interpretation was revised in December 2003 with the issuance of Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)).
In general, a VIE is an entity that lacks sufficient equity or its equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. If either of these characteristics is present, the entity is subject to a variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entitys outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other money interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entitys net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE; the primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that absorbs a majority of expected losses or receives a majority of residual returns (if the losses or returns occur), or both.
The Partnership adopted FIN 46(R) as of January 1, 2004 and has concluded that under the revised interpretation No. 46(R) that the Partnership needs to consolidate SRC into its consolidated financial statements. The Partnerships consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 reflects additional assets of approximately $27.3 million and liabilities of approximately $18.7 million as a result of this consolidation.
The sales leaseback transaction under which the Somerset and Cayuga Plants were acquired qualifies as a VIE. The sales leaseback rules require that the leases be treated as financing leases for purposes of the Partnerships financial statements, which they have been from the inception of the Partnership.
Note 7. Long-term Incentive Program
Stock Option Plan Employees of the Partnership participate in the AES Stock Option Plan (the SOP) that provides for grants of stock options to eligible participants. Prior to 2003, the Partnership accounted for the SOP under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in 2002 net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, prospectively to all employee awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2003. Awards under the SOP vest over periods ranging from two to five years. Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for 2003 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards from the inception of the Partnership. The expense recognized under the prospective method for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was approximately $197,000.
Note 8. Benefit Plan
In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers Disclosure About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which amends SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, SFAS No. 88, Employers Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits, and SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions, and replaces SFAS No. 132, Employers Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (collectively referred to as SFAS No. 132 (revised)). SFAS No. 132 (revised) expands employers disclosures about pension and other post-retirement benefit plans to present more information regarding the economic resources and obligations of such plans in terms of the plans assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit costs. Additionally, SFAS No. 132 (revised) requires interim-period disclosures regarding plan benefit costs and material plan changes. The Partnership adopted the new annual disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132 (revised) effective as of December 31, 2003. The interim-period disclosure requirements became effective for the Partnership as of June 30, 2004. As SFAS No. 132 (revised) does not change the measurement or recognition of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as required by SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 88 and SFAS No. 106, adoption of this new standard had no effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial statements.
Effective May 14, 1999, the Partnership adopted The Retirement Plan for Employees of AES NY, L.L.C. (the Plan), a defined benefit pension plan. The Plan covers people employed both under collectively bargained and non-collectively bargained arrangements. Certain people formerly employed by NYSEG (the Transferred Persons) receive credit under the Plan for compensation and service earned while employed by NYSEG. The amount of any benefit payable under the Plan to a Transferred Person will be offset by the amount of any benefit payable to such Transferred Person under the Retirement Plan for Employees of NYSEG. Effective May 29, 1999, the ability to commence participation in the Plan and the accrual of benefits under the Plan ceased with respect to non-collectively bargained people and the accrued benefits of any such participant were fixed as of such date.
13
Total Pension cost for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, include the following components: (In thousands)
|
|
Six |
|
Six |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost |
|
342 |
|
183 |
|
Interest cost |
|
815 |
|
806 |
|
Expected Return on Plan Assets |
|
(530 |
) |
(363 |
) |
Amortization of net (gain) loss |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Pension Cost |
|
627 |
|
626 |
|
On April 10, 2004, President Bush signed into law the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004. This Act allows the Partnership to temporarily replace the 30-Year bond rate with a composite of long- term corporate bonds for determining the Partnerships minimum required quarterly contributions. Because of this change, the scheduled cash flows for employer contribution have changed from the Partnerships original estimate of required quarterly contributions of $1.5 million to approximately $773,000.
Note 9. Reclassifications
Certain 2003 amounts have been reclassified on the condensed consolidated financial statements to conform with the 2004 presentation.
Note 10. Subsequent Events
Cash flow from the Partnerships operations during the first half of 2004 was sufficient to cover the aggregate rental payments under the leases on the Somerset Plant and the Cayuga Plant due July 2, 2004. On this date, rental payments were made in the amount of $31 million.
Cash flow from operations in excess of the aggregate rental payments under the Partnerships leases may be distributed to the Partners of the Partnership if certain criteria are met. On July 8, 2004, the Partnership made a distribution payment of $41.2 million.
The Partnership borrowed $14.3 million on July 9, 2004, for working capital purposes under the $35 million secured revolving working capital and letter of credit facility with Union Bank of California, N.A. The borrowing was at an interest rate of 5.75%. The Partnership repaid the entire $14.3 million on July 26, 2004.
14
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
AES NY, L.L.C.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003
(Amounts in Thousands)
|
|
June 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Restricted cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
3,972 |
|
$ |
2,932 |
|
Revenue account |
|
77,632 |
|
85,231 |
|
||
Accounts receivable trade |
|
35,916 |
|
34,883 |
|
||
Accounts receivable affiliates |
|
2,966 |
|
2,969 |
|
||
Accounts receivable other |
|
982 |
|
1,280 |
|
||
Derivative valuation asset current |
|
184 |
|
8,153 |
|
||
Inventory |
|
34,205 |
|
27,700 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses |
|
6,522 |
|
8,117 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
162,379 |
|
171,265 |
|
||
Property, Plant, Equipment and Related Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Land |
|
8,748 |
|
7,503 |
|
||
Electric generation assets (net of accumulated depreciation of $227,596 and $161,784) |
|
913,116 |
|
902,663 |
|
||
Total property, plant, equipment and related assets |
|
921,864 |
|
910,166 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred financing (net of accumulated amortization of $1,091 and $863) |
|
523 |
|
303 |
|
||
Derivative valuation asset |
|
|
|
7,990 |
|
||
NYISO working capital fund |
|
1,469 |
|
|
|
||
Rent reserve account |
|
31,717 |
|
31,717 |
|
||
Total Assets |
|
$ |
1,117,952 |
|
$ |
1,121,441 |
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
1,443 |
|
$ |
833 |
|
Lease financing current |
|
5,237 |
|
7,846 |
|
||
Other long-term debt current |
|
2,275 |
|
347 |
|
||
Accrued interest expense |
|
27,835 |
|
28,004 |
|
||
Derivative valuation liability current |
|
64,314 |
|
26,043 |
|
||
Transmission congestion contract |
|
377 |
|
359 |
|
||
Due to The AES Corporation and affiliates |
|
8,779 |
|
9,096 |
|
||
Accrued coal and rail expenses |
|
9,111 |
|
6,456 |
|
||
Other liabilities and expenses |
|
16,170 |
|
9,787 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
135,541 |
|
88,771 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Lease financing long-term |
|
628,585 |
|
629,815 |
|
||
Other long-term debt noncurrent |
|
17,688 |
|
744 |
|
||
Environmental remediation |
|
6,800 |
|
6,800 |
|
||
Defined benefit plan obligation |
|
15,663 |
|
17,238 |
|
||
Derivative valuation liability non-current |
|
86,675 |
|
17,581 |
|
||
Asset retirement obligation |
|
10,652 |
|
10,299 |
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
2,039 |
|
1,944 |
|
||
Total long-term liabilities |
|
768,102 |
|
684,421 |
|
||
Total Liabilities |
|
903,643 |
|
773,192 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 4) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Minority Interest |
|
212,166 |
|
344,767 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Members Equity |
|
2,143 |
|
3,482 |
|
||
Total Liabilities and Members Equity |
|
$ |
1,117,952 |
|
$ |
1,121,441 |
|
The notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
15
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1. Organization
AES NY, L.L.C. (the Company), a Delaware limited liability company, was formed on August 2, 1998. The Company is the sole general partner of AES Eastern Energy, L.P. (AEE), owning a one percent interest in AEE. The Company is also the sole general partner of AES Creative Resources, L.P.(ACR), owning a one percent interest in ACR. AES NY Holdings, L.L.C. is the sole member of the Company. The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The AES Corporation (AES).
AES NY3, L.L.C., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AES, acquired the stock of the Somerset Railroad Corporation (SRC), which owns short line railroad assets used to transport coal and limestone. AEE has entered into a contract with SRC pursuant to which it will haul coal and limestone to the Somerset Plant and make its rail cars available to transport coal to the Cayuga Plant. AEE will pay amounts sufficient to enable SRC to pay all of its operating and other expenses, including all out-of-pocket expenses, taxes, interest on and principal of SRCs outstanding indebtedness, and all capital expenditures necessary to permit SRC to continue to provide rail service to the Somerset and Cayuga Plants. AEE has concluded that under the revised Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, that AEE needs to consolidate SRC into its consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2004. (See Note 7)
Note 2. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
The Company was established for the purpose of acting as the general partner of both AEE and ACR. In this capacity, the Company is responsible for the day-to-day management of AEE and ACR and its operations and affairs, and is responsible for all liabilities and obligations of both entities.
The consolidated balance sheets include the accounts of AES NY, L.L.C., AEE, ACR (including all subsidiaries) and SRC. The balance sheets are presented on a consolidated basis because the Company, as general partner, controls the operations of AEE, SRC and ACR. The 99% limited partner ownerships of AEE and ACR are presented as minority interest.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company reflect all adjustments which are necessary, in the opinion of management, for a fair presentation of the Companys consolidated financial position for the interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the Companys consolidated balance sheet and notes contained therein, as of December 31, 2003, which are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AEE for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Note 3. Plants Placed on Long-Term Cold Standby
During the fourth quarter of 2000, ACR placed its AES Hickling and AES Jennison plants (ACR Plants) on long-term cold standby. The long-term cold standby designation means that these plants require more than 14 days to be brought on-line. The Company continues to evaluate the future of these plants.
Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies
Coal Purchases In connection with the acquisition by AEE of its four coal-fired electric generating stations (the AEE Plants), AEE assumed from New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) an agreement to purchase the coal required by the AEE Somerset and Cayuga plants. The contract expired on December 31, 2003. The Company can provide no assurances that AEE will be able to enter into other agreements on terms and conditions that are as favorable as this agreement.
As of the acquisition date of the AEE Plants, the contract prices for the coal purchases through 2002 were above the market price, and AEE recorded a purchase accounting liability for approximately $15.7 million related to the fulfillment of its obligation to purchase coal under this agreement. The purchase accounting liability was amortized as a reduction to coal expense over the life of the underlying contract. As of December 31, 2003, the purchase accounting liability was fully amortized.
AEE has expected coal purchases, composed of short and medium term contracts with various mines, ranging between $97.9 million and $101.4 million for 2004 and $78 million and $110 million for 2005.
As of June 30, 2004, the remaining anticipated coal purchase commitments for the year ending December 31, 2004 are between $47.3 and $50.8 million.
On September 4, 2003, AEE and AES Odyssey, L.L.C.(Odyssey), a wholly owned subsidiary of AES, amended their contract pursuant to which Odyssey provides energy marketing services to include management of AEEs coal and environmental emission credit inventories. AEE has also agreed to increase the fees paid to Odyssey to $400,000 per month from $300,000 per month.
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Odyssey, in concert with AEE, is using a strategy of varying-term contracts with multiple suppliers to develop the flexibility in the supply chain to best meet the demands of a fleet of merchant plants.
Transmission Agreements - On August 3, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with NYSEG for the purpose of transferring certain rights and obligations from NYSEG to the Company under an existing transmission agreement among Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NIMO), the New York Power Authority, NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation, and an existing transmission agreement between NYSEG and NIMO. This agreement provides for the assignment of rights to transmit energy from the Somerset Plant and other sources to remote load areas and other delivery points, and was assumed by AEE on the date of acquisition of the AEE Plants. In accordance with its plan, as of the acquisition date, AEE discontinued using this service. AEE did not transmit over these lines but was required to pay the monthly fees until the effective cancellation date, November 19, 1999.
AEE was informed by NIMO that AEE would be responsible for the monthly fees of $500,640 under the existing transmission agreement to the originally scheduled termination date of October 1, 2004. On October 5, 1999, AEE filed a complaint against NIMO alleging that AEE has a right to non-firm transmission service upon six months prior notice without payment of $500,640 in monthly fees subsequent to the cancellation date of November 19, 1999.
On March 9, 2000, a settlement was reached between AEE and NIMO, which was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on May 10, 2000. According to the settlement, AEE will continue to pay NIMO a fixed rate of $500,640 per month during the period of November 20, 1999 to October 1, 2004 and, in turn, will receive a form of transmission service commencing on May 1, 2000, which AEE believes will provide an economic benefit over the period of May 1, 2000 to October 1, 2004. AEE has the right under a Remote Load Wheeling Agreement (RLWA) to transmit 298 megawatts (MW) over firm transmission lines from the Somerset Plant. AEE has the right to designate alternate points of delivery on NIMOs transmission system provided that AEE shall not be entitled to receive any transmission service charge credit on the NIMO system.
The transmission congestion contract was entered into because it provided a reasonable settlement for resolving a FERC issue. The agreement is essentially a swap between the congestion component of the locational prices posted daily by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) in western New York and the more heavily populated areas in eastern New York. The agreement is a financially settled contract since there is no requirement to flow power under this agreement. The agreement generates gains or losses from exposure to shifts or changes in market prices. AEE recorded losses of approximately $2.4 million and approximately $6.4 million in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to this contract. The transmission congestion contract is accounted for as a derivative under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133.
On June 25, 2003, AES Somerset, L.L.C.(the subsidiary of AEE that operates the Somerset Plant) filed a complaint against NIMO with the FERC. The complaint involves outstanding station service charges for the period April 2000 to May 2003. AES Somerset has calculated that the outstanding charges owed are $290,000, while NIMO has calculated that the outstanding charges are $3.6 million. In December 2003, FERC reiterated its 2001 ruling that independent power plants can net station service power in the AES Somerset and Nine Mile orders. NIMO is appealing the ruling. As of June 30, 2004, AES Somerset has accrued approximately $1.6 million for these charges.
Line of Credit Agreement On November 20, 2002, AEE signed an agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. for a one-year extension of its current working capital and letter of credit facility. On April 16, 2003, AEE amended its November 20, 2002 credit agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes another one-year extension of the current facility; the maturity date of the working capital and letter of credit facility is now January 2, 2005. The amendment also increases Union Bank of Californias commitment from $15 million to $20 million. On April 25, 2003, AEE further amended its November 20, 2002 agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes a commitment from Citibank, N.A. for the remaining $15 million of the facility. There have been three borrowings under this facility. The first borrowing was $9.7 million on January 10, 2003 at an interest rate 5.75%. This borrowing was repaid in full on January 28, 2003. The second borrowing was for $9.7 million on July 9, 2003 at an interest rate of 5.5%. This borrowing was repaid in full on July 25, 2003. The third borrowing was for $12.9 million and an additional $1 million on January 9, 2004 and February 20, 2004, respectively, at an interest rate of 5.5%. This borrowing was repaid in two payments, $6.2 million on January 27, 2004 and the remaining balance of $7.7 million was repaid on February 26, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, of the $35 million committed, AEE had obtained letters of credit of $16.4 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities with a number of counterparties.
AES on January 6, 2003 and February 25, 2003 authorized AEE to issue letters of credit to counterparties on its $350 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of $25 million and $35 million for the years of 2003 and 2004, respectively.
On February 12, 2004, AEE signed a two-year agreement, effective January 1, 2004, with AES to obtain up to $35 million and $25 million dollars of letters of credit or cash collateral for 2004 and 2005, respectively. This agreement supercedes the authorization of AES on February 25, 2003. The agreement limits the letters of credit amounts and cash collateral to the stated amounts and set into place a fee structure and repayment terms.
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AES on April 28, 2004, authorized AEE to provide letters of credit to counterparties on its $450 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of an additional $35 million as margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities. AES also agreed that the maximum amount of letters of credit that AEE could provide, under this authorization, on the AES facility would be $95 million from April 28, 2004 until December 31, 2004 and $60 million from January 1, 2005 until December 30, 2005. As of June 30, 2004, AEE has obtained letters of credit in the amount of $77 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities with a number of counter-parties.
In December 2003, the NYISO adopted changes to its credit policy. Previously, the working capital fund was collected from the load side of the marketplace. The recent change now collects the fund from both the load and supply sides based on a 50/50% ratio. Actual working capital obligation is based on a participants net market activity per the total activity of the market. This obligation is eligible to receive interest and is adjusted each year based on a participants net activity from the previous year. Further, if a participant leaves the marketplace, it is reimbursed its working capital contribution. AEEs working capital contribution is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million and was deducted from monies owed AEE in the first six months of the year. As of June 30, 2004, the entire amount has been deducted.
Environmental - The Company has recorded a liability for environmental remediation associated with the acquisition of the AEE Plants and the ACR Plants. On an ongoing basis, the Company monitors its compliance with environmental laws. Due to the uncertainties associated with environmental compliance and remediation activities, future costs of compliance or remediation could be higher or lower than the amount currently accrued.
AEE received an information request letter dated October 12, 1999 from the New York Attorney General, which sought detailed operating and maintenance history for the Westover and Greenidge Plants. On January 13, 2000, the Company received a subpoena from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) seeking similar operating and maintenance history from the AEE and ACR Plants. The Company has provided materials responding to the requests from the
Attorney General and the NYSDEC. This information was sought in connection with the Attorney Generals and the NYSDECs investigations of several electricity generating stations in New York that are suspected of undertaking modifications in the past without undergoing an air permitting review.
On April 14, 2000, AEE received a request for information pursuant to Section 114 of the Clean Air Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking detailed operating and maintenance history data for the Cayuga and Somerset Plants. The EPA has commenced an industry-wide investigation of coal-fired electric power generators to determine compliance with environmental requirements under the Clean Air Act associated with repairs, maintenance, modifications and operational changes made to coal-fired facilities over the years. The EPAs focus is on whether the changes were subject to new source review permitting or new source performance standards, and whether best available control technology was or should have been used. AEE has provided the requested documentation.
By letter dated May 25, 2000, the NYSDEC issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to NYSEG for violations of the Clean Air Act and the New York Environmental Conservation Law at the Greenidge and Westover Plants related to NYSEGs alleged failure to undergo an air permitting review for repairs and improvements made during the 1980s and 1990s, which was prior to the acquisition of the AEE Plants. Pursuant to the purchase agreement relating to the acquisition of the Plants from NYSEG, AEE agreed to assume responsibility for environmental liabilities that arose while NYSEG owned the Plants. On September 12, 2000, AEE agreed with NYSEG that AEE will assume the defense of and responsibility for the NOV, subject to a reservation of its right to assert applicable exceptions to its contractual undertaking to assume preexisting environmental liabilities.
AEE is currently in negotiation with both the EPA and NYSDEC. If a settlement is not reached, the EPA and NYSDEC could issue AEE a notice or notices of violations or file a complaint in court alleging violations of the Clean Air Act and the New York Environmental Conservation Law. If the Attorney General, NYSDEC or the EPA does file an enforcement action against the Somerset, Cayuga, Westover or Greenidge Plants, then penalties may be imposed and further emissions reductions might be necessary at these Plants which could require AEE to make substantial expenditures. AEE is unable to estimate the effect of such an enforcement action on its financial condition or results of future operations.
Nitrogen Oxide and Sulfur Dioxide Emission Allowances - The Plants emit nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as a result of burning coal to produce electricity.
The AEE and ACR Plants have been allocated allowances by the NYSDEC to emit NOx during the ozone season, which runs from May 1 to September 30. Each NOx allowance authorizes the emission of one ton of NOx during the ozone season. New York State and the other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region are classified as the Ozone Transport Region in the federal Clean Air Act, which designates the Ozone Transport Region as not being in compliance with the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The states in the Ozone Transport Region have agreed to implement a three-phase process to reduce NOx emissions in the region in order to comply with the federal Clean Air Act Title I requirements for ozone non-compliance areas. Implementation of the Phase III emission rules commenced on May 1, 2003.
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The AEE and ACR Plants are also subject to SO2 emission allowance requirements imposed by the EPA. Each SO2 allowance authorizes the emission of one ton of SO2 during the calendar year. All of the Plants are currently subject to SO2 allowance requirements, and are required to hold sufficient allowances to emit SO2.
Both NOx and SO2 allowances may be bought, sold or traded. If NOx and/or SO2 emissions exceed the allowance amounts allocated to the AEE Plants, then AEE may need to purchase additional allowances on the open market or otherwise reduce its production of electricity to stay within the allocated amounts. It is expected that AEE may have an allowance shortfall during 2004 of approximately 12,500 to 14,500 SO2 allowances and approximately 1,650 to 1,850 NOx allowances assuming the units are operated at forecasted capacities. At June 30, 2004, market prices the cost could range from $9.1 million to $10.4 million to purchase sufficient SO2 and NOx allowances for 2004. In 2002, ACR sold all its SO2 and NOx allocations for 2004.
In October 1999, New York State Governor Pataki announced an executive order mandating additional emission reductions from New York State power plants. The Governors initiative requires non-ozone season NOx emission reductions based on 0.15 lbs/Mmbtu starting in 2004, and a 50% reduction from the power plants Title IV SO2 emissions being phased in from 2005 to 2008. The program will be implemented through a market-based mechanism. The rules implementing the Governors initiative (6 NYCRR Parts 237 and 238) were adopted in March 2003.
In September 2003, NYSDEC determined the amount of NOx emissions allowances that would be allocated to the Plants. The allocation is several hundred tons less than AEEs average historical NOx emissions for the AEE Plants during the control period. AEEs compliance plan cannot be finalized until the anticipated New York NOx market allowance prices are more conclusively determined. ACR currently has NOx allowance surpluses since the Jennison and Hickling Plants have been placed on long-term cold stand-by.
In January 2004, NYSDEC determined the amount of SO2 emissions allowances that would be allocated for the Plants. The allocation is several thousand tons less than AEEs average historical SO2 emissions for the AEE Plants. AEEs compliance plan cannot be finalized until the anticipated New York SO2 market allowance prices are more conclusively determined. ACR currently has SO2 allowance surpluses since the Jennison and Hickling Plants have been placed on long-term cold stand-by.
On May 26, 2004, the New York Supreme Court struck down the regulations. The Court ruled that the regulations had been adopted improperly after the State missed a deadline for publication of a notice to inform the public of proposed changes in the regulations. On July 1, 2004, NYSDEC appealed the Courts ruling.
AEE voluntarily disclosed to the NYSDEC and EPA on November 27, 2002 that NOx exceedances appear to have occurred on October 30 and 31 and November 1-8 and 10 of 2002. The exceedances were discovered through an audit by plant personnel of the Plants NOx Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) tracking system which monitors NOx emissions at all the Plants subject to AEEs NOx RACT Plan. AEE believes that it has taken all reasonable, good faith efforts to assess and correct the exceedances. Immediately upon the discovery of the exceedances, the Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) at the Somerset Plant was activated to reduce NOx emissions. Emission data indicates that the system had already returned to a compliant operation by the time the error was discovered. The EPA has decided to defer to the NYSDEC for review of the self-disclosure letter and technical issues. AEE is unable to predict any potential actions or fines the NYSDEC may require, if any.
AEE voluntarily disclosed to the NYSDEC in January 2003 that the Cayuga Plant had inadvertently burned synfuel (coal with a latex binder applied), which it is not permitted to burn. AEE had entered into an agreement with a supplier to purchase coal. It received approximately one 9,000-ton train per month from April 24, 2001 to December 27, 2002. In January 2003, AEE became aware that the product the Cayuga Plant had been receiving was synfuel. AEE has suspended all shipments from that supplier until a resolution could be reached. AEE has reviewed the emission and operation data which showed there was no adverse effect to air quality with respect to applicable permit emissions limits attributable to burning the material. AEE is unable to predict any potential actions or fines the NYSDEC may require, if any. In July 2003, AEE reached an agreement with the supplier to resume shipment of coal in order to satisfy contractual obligations. As part of this agreement, the supplier has provided a written guarantee stating that all fuel shipments will be coal.
In July 2004, the EPA final rule for regulating existing power plants under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act was published in the Federal Register. This rule becomes effective on September 7, 2004. This new rule will impose new compliance requirements, with potentially significant costs, on operating plants across the nation with cooling water intake structures. Cost items include various environmental and engineering studies and potential capital and maintenance costs. AEE is evaluating the rule and it has not yet determined the effects, of this rule on its financial condition or results of operations.
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In January 2004, the EPA proposed an interstate air quality rule ( renamed the Clean Air Interstate Rule) that would require further emission reductions in NOx and SO2 emitted from power plants and other sources that significantly contribute to fine particulate (PM2.5) and ozone pollution in downwind states. NOx and SO2 are precursors of PM2.5, and NOx is a precursor of ozone. The proposed rule directs 29 states, including New York, to issue new regulations that will require major SO2 and NOx reductions by 2010 and further reductions by 2015. States are encouraged to use a cap and emission trading approach. A final rule is expected to be issued in 2005. At this point, the Company cannot determine what the costs would be to comply with new federal SO2 and NOx emission reduction requirements.
In January 2004, the EPA proposed the utility mercury reductions rule that would regulate mercury emissions from existing and new coal-fired power plants. The EPA proposed two alternative approaches for reducing mercury emissions based on different authority under the Clean Air Act. The EPAs preferred approach is to implement a cap and emission trading program with the first phase commencing in 2010 and the second phase starting in 2018. If the EPA selects the alternative command and control approach, compliance could be required by December 2007. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with environmental groups, the EPA is required to finalize the utility mercury reductions rule by December 15, 2004.
ACR has reported that concentrations of a number of chemicals in a few groundwater wells increased in the year ending December 31, 2001, since the Jennison and Hickling Plants were placed on long-term cold standby. A consultant was retained to help evaluate the source of the chemicals and provide recommendations for remediation. The consultant concluded the cause of the problem was coarse bottom ash with pyrites that had been exposed to the air since sluicing of water to the bottom ash ponds at both plants has been terminated. ACR notified NYSDEC that ACR would perform remediation at Jennison, where the concentrations are the highest. The remediation will consist of removing the suspect material in the anticipation that over time the concentrations will subside. The NYSDEC recently approved ACRs plan to add additional monitoring wells at Hickling to allow ACR to better assess changes in the ground water that have occurred since use of the pond was terminated. The new wells have been added and monitoring of these wells has been initiated
ACR voluntarily disclosed to the NYSDEC and EPA that it is conducting an investigation based on conflicting reports of suspected materials buried at the Hickling Plant. Field and laboratory studies have not indicated any evidence of waste disposal that poses a serious risk to potential receptors. ACR has notified both the NYSDEC and the EPA of these studies and believes that no further action is required.
Northeastern U.S. states (including New York) have agreed to work to develop a regional market-based emissions trading system to reduce power plants CO2 emissions. The goal is to reach an agreement by April 2005 on a cap and emission trading program. Until such time as the rules are developed to implement such a program, the Company cannot determine what its impact would be on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In June 2004, the EPA preliminarily designated areas of the country that are in nonattainment with the new PM2.5 and 8-hour ozone standards. None of AEEs plants are located in a designated PM2.5 nonattainment county. Only the Somerset Plant is located in a county designated nonattainment for the new ozone standard. Until such time as the final rules are developed to implement a program, AEE cannot determine what their impact would be on AEEs financial position or results of operations.
Note 5. Price Risk Management
AEE accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
AEE utilizes derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity price risk. AEE utilizes electric derivative instruments, including swaps and forwards, to hedge the risk related to forecasted electricity sales over the next two years. The majority of AEEs electric derivatives are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. No significant amounts of hedge ineffectiveness were recognized in earnings during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Gains and losses on derivatives reported in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings when the hedged forecasted sale occurs. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) during the six months ended June 30, 2004 were as follows (in millions):
Balance, January 1, 2004 |
|
$ |
(27.6 |
) |
Reclassified to earnings |
|
(22.5 |
) |
|
Change in fair value |
|
(100.9 |
) |
|
Balance, June 30, 2004 |
|
$ |
(151.0 |
) |
In addition to the electric derivatives classified as cash flow hedge contracts, AEE has a Transmission Congestion Contract that is a derivative under the definition of SFAS No.133, but does not qualify for hedge accounting. This contract is recorded at fair value on the balance sheet with changes in the fair value recognized through earnings.
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Note 6. Asset Retirement Obligations
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143, which became effective January 1, 2003, requires entities to record the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. The new liability was recorded beginning in the first quarter of 2003. The Company capitalized the costs of the liability by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company will settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003.
The Company has completed a detailed assessment of the specific applicability and implications of SFAS No. 143. The scope of SFAS No. 143, as it applies to the Company, includes primarily active ash landfills and water treatment basins. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $9.6 million and a net asset of approximately $3.3 million, which are included in electrical generation assets, and reversed a $4.2 million environmental remediation liability previously recorded. The difference of the amounts previously recorded and the net SFAS No. 143 liability is a loss recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $2.2 million. Reconciliation of asset retirement obligation liability for the six months ending June 30, 2004 was as follows (in millions):
Balance, January 1, 2004 |
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
0.4 |
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2004 |
|
$ |
10.7 |
|
Note 7. New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities which provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (VIE), and when the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a companys consolidated financial statements. This interpretation was revised in December 2003 with the issuance of Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)).
In general, a VIE is an entity that lacks sufficient equity or its equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. If either of these characteristics is present, the entity is subject to a variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entitys outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other money interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entitys net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE; the primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that absorbs a majority of expected losses or receives a majority of residual returns (if the losses or returns occur), or both.
AEE adopted FIN 46(R) as of January 1, 2004 and has concluded that under the revised Interpretation No. 46(R) that AEE needs to consolidate SRC into its consolidated financial statements. AEEs consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 reflects additional assets of approximately $27.3 million and liabilities of approximately $18.7 million as a result of this consolidation.
The sales leaseback transaction under which the Somerset and Cayuga Plants were acquired qualifies as a VIE. The sales leaseback rules require that the leases be treated as financing leases for purposes of AEEs financial statements, which they have been from the inception of AEE.
In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers Disclosure About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which amends SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, SFAS No. 88, Employers Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits, and SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, and replaces SFAS No. 132, Employers Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (collectively referred to as SFAS No. 132 (revised)). SFAS No. 132 (revised) expands employers disclosures about pension and other post-retirement benefit plans to present more information regarding the economic resources and obligations of such plans in terms of the plans assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit costs. Additionally, SFAS No. 132 (revised) requires interim-period disclosures regarding plan benefit costs and material plan changes. The Company adopted the new annual disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132 (revised) effective as of December 31, 2003. The interim-period disclosure requirements became effective for the Company as of June 30, 2004. As SFAS No. 132 (revised) does not change the measurement or recognition of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as required by SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 88 and SFAS No. 106, adoption of this new standard had no effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
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Note 8. Long-term Incentive Program
Stock Option Plan Employees of the Company participate in the AES Stock Option Plan (the SOP) that provides for grants of stock options to eligible participants. Prior to 2003, the Company accounted for the SOP under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in 2002 net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, prospectively to all employee awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2003. Awards under the SOP vest over periods ranging from two to five years. Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for 2003 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards from the inception of the Company.
Note 9. Subsequent Events
Cash flow from AEEs operations during the first half of 2004 was sufficient to cover the aggregate rental payments under the leases on the Somerset Plant and the Cayuga Plant due July 2, 2004. On this date, rental payments were made in the amount of $31 million.
Cash flow from operations in excess of the aggregate rental payments under AEEs leases may be distributed to the partners of AEE if certain criteria are met. On July 8, 2004, AEE made a distribution payment of $41.2 million.
AEE borrowed $14.3 million on July 9, 2004, for working capital purposes under the $35 million secured revolving working capital and letter of credit facility with Union Bank of California, N.A. The borrowing was at an interest rate of 5.75%. AEE repaid the entire $14.3 million on July 26, 2004.
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information in this Managements Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the related Notes to the Financial Statements. Forward looking statements in this Managements Discussion and Analysis are qualified by the cautionary statement in the Forward Looking Statements section of the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as believe, expects, may, intends, will, should or anticipates or the negative forms or other variations of these terms or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Future results covered by the forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed under the heading Business (a) General Development of Business in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and you are urged to read this section and carefully consider such factors.
Critical Accounting Policies
As of June 30, 2004, there have been no significant changes with regard to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in Managements Discussion and Analysis in AES Eastern Energy L.P.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. The policies disclosed included the accounting for: Revenue Recognition, Property, Plant and Equipment, Contingencies and Derivative Contracts.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Asset Retirement Obligations. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143, which became effective January 1, 2003, requires entities to record the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. The new liability was recorded in the first quarter 2003. We capitalized the costs of the liability by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, we will settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement. We adopted SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003.
We have completed a detailed assessment of the specific applicability and implications of SFAS No. 143. The scope of SFAS No. 143, as it applies to us, includes primarily active ash landfills and water treatment basins. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, we recorded a liability of approximately $9.2 million and a net asset of approximately $3.4 million, which are included in
22
electric generation assets, and reversed a $4.2 million environmental remediation liability we had previously recorded. The difference of the amounts previously recorded and the net SFAS No. 143 liability is a loss recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $1.7 million. Reconciliation of our asset retirement obligation liability for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was as follows (in millions):
Balance, January 1, 2004 |
|
$ |
9.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
0.4 |
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2004 |
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities which provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (VIE), and when the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a companys consolidated financial statements. This interpretation was revised in December 2003 with the issuance of Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)).
In general, a VIE is an entity that lacks sufficient equity or its equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. If either of these characteristics is present, the entity is subject to a variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entitys outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other money interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entitys net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE; the primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that absorbs a majority of expected losses or receives a majority of residual returns (if the losses or returns occur), or both.
We adopted FIN 46(R) as of January 1, 2004 and have concluded that under the revised Interpretation No. 46(R) that we need to consolidate the Somerset Railroad Corporation (SRC) into our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 reflects additional assets of approximately $27.3 million and liabilities of approximately $18.7 million as a result of this consolidation.
The sales leaseback transaction under which the Somerset and Cayuga Plants were acquired qualifies as a VIE. The sales leaseback rules require that the leases be treated as financing leases for purposes of our financial statements, which they have been from the inception of our Company.
In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers Disclosure About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which amends SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, SFAS No. 88, Employers Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits, and SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, and replaces SFAS No. 132, Employers Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (collectively referred to as SFAS No. 132 (revised)). SFAS No. 132 (revised) expands employers disclosures about pension and other post-retirement benefit plans to present more information regarding the economic resources and obligations of such plans in terms of the plans assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit costs. Additionally, SFAS No. 132 (revised) requires interim-period disclosures regarding plan benefit costs and material plan changes. We adopted the new annual disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132 (revised) effective as of December 31, 2003. The interim-period disclosure requirements became effective for us as of June 30, 2004. As SFAS No. 132 (revised) does not change the measurement or recognition of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as required by SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 88 and SFAS No. 106, adoption of this new standard will have no effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations for the Three Months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts in Millions)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Energy revenue |
|
$ |
90.1 |
|
$ |
92.1 |
|
(2.2 |
) |
Capacity revenue |
|
6.3 |
|
7.8 |
|
(19.2 |
) |
||
Transmission congestion contract |
|
(0.1 |
) |
(2.6 |
) |
(96.2 |
) |
||
Other |
|
0.9 |
|
0.7 |
|
28.6 |
|
||
23
Energy revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $90.1 million, compared to $92.1 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, a decrease of 2.2%. The decrease in energy revenues is primarily due to Cayuga's Unit 2 being off-line for a scheduled maintenance turbine outage offset by higher market prices and demand. Market prices for peak and off-peak electricity were approximately 14.1% and 6.0% higher than the comparable period of the prior calendar year. Demand for peak and off-peak electricity was 4.8% and 3.0% higher than the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The market price and demand numbers were based on statistics obtained from the NYISO.
Capacity revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $6.3 million, compared to $7.8 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, a decrease of 19.2%. The decrease in capacity revenue is primarily due to lower prices for capacity sales on the open market for the winter capacity period (November - April) and the summer capacity period (May - October) versus the comparable period of the prior calendar year.
Transmission congestion contract loss for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $0.5 million, compared to a loss of $2.6 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. This agreement is essentially a swap between the congestion component of the locational prices posted by the NYISO in western New York and the more populated areas in eastern New York. The transmission contract was entered into because it provided a reasonable settlement for resolving a FERC dispute between us and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation.
Operating Expenses
For the Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Fuel expense |
|
$ |
38.2 |
|
$ |
34.2 |
|
11.7 |
|
Operations and maintenance |
|
8.6 |
|
4.9 |
|
75.5 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
15.4 |
|
13.8 |
|
11.6 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
9.7 |
|
9.0 |
|
7.8 |
|
||
Fuel expense for the three months ended June 31, 2004 was $38.2 million, compared to $34.2 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 11.7%. The increase in Fuel expense is primarily due to higher coal, SO2 allowance, ammonia and limestone pricing.
Operations and maintenance expense for the three months ended June 31, 2004 was $8.6 million, compared to $4.9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 75.5%. This increase is primarily due to the scheduled maintenance turbine and boiler outage at Cayuga and scheduled maintenance boiler outages at the Westover and Greenidge Plants which do not occur yearly.
General and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $15.4 million, compared to $13.8 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 11.6%. This increase is primarily due to increases in property taxes and property and medical insurance costs.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $9.7 million, compared to $9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 7.8%. This increase is primarily due to the consolidation of Somerset Railroads depreciation of $606,000 and the Over-fired air system installed at Westover in May 2003.
Other Expenses
For the Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
$ |
14.9 |
|
$ |
14.9 |
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
0.5 |
|
0.6 |
|
(16.7 |
) |
||
Other Income/Expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were net expenses of $14.4 million, compared to net expenses of $14.3 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 0.7%.
24
Results of Operations for the Six Months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Results of Operations
(Amounts in Millions)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Energy revenue |
|
$ |
190.3 |
|
$ |
194.4 |
|
(2.1 |
) |
Capacity revenue |
|
11.3 |
|
16.4 |
|
(31.1 |
) |
||
Transmission congestion contract |
|
(2.4 |
) |
(6.4 |
) |
(62.5 |
) |
||
Other |
|
1.5 |
|
1.4 |
|
(7.1 |
) |
||
Energy revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $190.3 million, compared to $194.4 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, a decrease of 2.1%. The decrease in energy revenues is primarily due to Cayuga's Unit 2 being off-line for a scheduled maintenance turbine outage and by lower market prices and by flat demand. Market prices for peak and off-peak electricity were approximately 3.6% and 1.9% lower than the comparable period of the prior calendar year. Demand for peak and off-peak electricity was flat to the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The market price and demand numbers were based on statistics obtained from the NYISO.
Capacity revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $11.3 million, compared to $16.4 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, a decrease of 31.1%. The decrease in capacity revenue is primarily due to lower prices for capacity sales on the open market for the winter capacity period (November - April) and the winter capacity period (May - October) versus the comparable period of the prior calendar year.
Transmission congestion contract loss for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $2.4 million, compared to a loss of $6.4 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. This agreement is essentially a swap between the congestion component of the locational prices posted by the NYISO in western New York and the more populated areas in eastern New York. The transmission contract was entered into because it provided a reasonable settlement for resolving a FERC dispute between us and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation.
Operating Expenses
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Fuel expense |
|
$ |
80.0 |
|
$ |
70.9 |
|
12.8 |
|
Operations and maintenance |
|
12.3 |
|
9.8 |
|
25.5 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
30.5 |
|
27.9 |
|
9.3 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
19.5 |
|
18.0 |
|
8.3 |
|
||
Fuel expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $80 million, compared to $70.9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 12.8%. The increase in Fuel expense is primarily due to higher coal, SO2 allowance, ammonia and limestone pricing.
Operations and maintenance expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $12.3 million, compared to $9.8 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 25.5%. This increase is primarily due to the scheduled turbine and boiler outage at Cayuga and scheduled maintenance boiler outages at the Somerset, Westover and Greenidge Plants which do not occur yearly.
General and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $30.5 million, compared to $27.9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 9.3%. This increase is primarily due to increases in property taxes and property and medical insurance costs.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $19.5 million, compared to $18 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 8.3%. This increase is primarily due to the consolidation of Somerset Railroads depreciation of $1.2 million and the Over-fired air system installed at Westover in May 2003.
25
Other Expenses
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
% |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
$ |
30.0 |
|
$ |
29.5 |
|
1.7 |
|
Interest income |
|
0.9 |
|
1.1 |
|
(18.2 |
) |
||
Gain on derivative valuation |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
||
Other Income/Expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were net expenses of $29.1 million, compared to net expenses of $28.2 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, an increase of 2.7%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $72.7 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year, a decrease of 30.7% This decrease reflects the decrease in net income due to Cayuga 2 being off-line for a scheduled maintenance turbine outage and by lower market prices and by flat demand and an increase in working capital.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities of $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 reflects a decrease in our restricted cash accounts of $6.5 million offset by approximately $1.5 million in NYISO credit reserve and by approximately $3.5 million in capital expenditures. In addition to capital requirements associated with the ownership and operation of our Plants, we will have significant fixed charge obligations in the future, principally with respect to the leases relating to the Somerset and Cayuga Plants.
In December 2003, the NYISO adopted changes to its credit policy. Previously, the working capital fund was collected from the load side of the marketplace. The recent change now collects the fund from both the load and supply side based on a 50/50% ratio. Actual working capital obligation is based on a participants net market activity per the total activity of the market. This obligation is eligible to receive interest and is adjusted each year based on a participants net activity from the previous year. Further, if a participant leaves the marketplace, it is reimbursed its working capital contribution. Our working capital contribution is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million and was deducted from monies owed us in the first six months of the year. As of June 30, 2004, the entire amount has been deducted.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 of $51.9 million reflects principal payments on our leases of $4.8 million and payment of a distribution to our partners of $48.7 million offset by a Partners contribution of $197,000 and proceeds from other debt of $1.4 million. Cash flow from operations in excess of the aggregate rental payments under our leases is permitted, if certain criteria are met, to be paid in the form of distribution payments to our partners.
On August 14, 2000, SRC entered into a $26 million credit facility with Fortis Capital Corp. which replaced in its entirety a credit facility for the same amount previously provided to SRC by an affiliate of CIBC World Markets. The new credit facility provided by Fortis Capital Corp. consists of a 14-year term note (maturing on May 6, 2014), with principal and interest payments due quarterly. The current interest rate on the loans under this credit facility is equal to a Base Rate plus 0.750% for the Base Rate loans and LIBOR plus 1.500% for LIBOR loans. The Base Rate was 1.50% on June 30, 2004 and LIBOR was 1.59% on that date. The principal amount of SRCs outstanding indebtedness under this credit facility was approximately $16.7 million as of June 30, 2004.
On November 20, 2002, we signed an agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. for a one-year extension of our current working capital and letter of credit facility. On April 16, 2003, we amended our November 20, 2002 credit agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes another one-year extension of our current facility; the maturity date of our working capital and letter of credit facility is January 2, 2005. The amendment also increases Union Bank of Californias commitment from $15 million to $20 million. On April 25, 2003, we further amended our November 20, 2002 credit agreement with Union Bank of California, N.A. The amendment includes a commitment from Citibank, N.A. for the remaining $15 million of our facility. As of June 30, 2004, of the $35 million committed, we had obtained letters of credit of $16.4 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal ongoing hedging activities with a number of counterparties.
The AES Corporation on January 6, 2003 and February 25, 2003 authorized us to provide letters of credit to counterparties on its $350 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of $25 million and $35 million for the years of 2003 and 2004, respectively.
26
On February 12, 2004, we signed a two-year agreement, effective January 1, 2004, with The AES Corporation to obtain up to $35 million and $25 million dollars of letters of credit or cash collateral for 2004 and 2005, respectively. This agreement supercedes the authorization of AES on February 25, 2003. The agreement limits the letters of credit amounts and cash collateral to the stated amounts and sets into place a fee structure and repayment terms.
The AES Corporation on April 28, 2004 authorized us to provide letters of credit to counterparties on its $450 million senior secured revolving credit facility to the amount of an additional $35 million as margin to support normal, ongoing hedging activities. The AES Corporation agreed that the maximum amount of letters of credit that we could provide on the AES facility, under this authorization, would be $95 million from April 28, 2004 until December 31, 2004 and $60 million from January 1, 2005 until December 30, 2005. As of June 30, 2004, we have obtained letters of credit in the amount of $77 million, which have been provided as additional margin to support normal ongoing hedging activities with a number of counterparties.
Credit Rating Discussion
Credit ratings affect our ability to execute our commercial strategies in a cost-effective manner. In determining our credit rating, the rating agencies consider a number of factors. Quantitative factors that appear to have significant weight include, among other things, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); operating cash flow; total debt outstanding; fixed charges such as interest expense and lease payments; liquidity needs and availability and various ratios calculated from these factors. Qualitative factors appear to include, among other things, predictability of cash flows, business strategy, industry position and contingencies. In addition, Standard and Poors links our credit rating to the credit rating of The AES Corporation in accordance with their standard policy of linking the credit rating of a wholly owned subsidiary to that of its parent. Our Standard and Poors credit rating is currently BB+, the highest non-investment grade rating, which is three notches higher than the credit rating of The AES Corporation. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy or sell or hold securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time.
Trigger Events
Our commercial agreements typically include adequate assurance provisions relating to trade credit and some agreements have credit rating triggers. These trigger events typically would give counterparties the right to request additional collateral if our credit ratings were downgraded. Under such circumstances, we would need to post collateral within three days or the counterparties would have the right to suspend or terminate the contract. The cost of posting collateral would have a negative effect on our profitability. If such collateral were not posted, our ability to continue transacting business as before the downgrade would be impaired.
Future Cash Payments for Contractual Obligations
As of June 30, 2004, there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to the contractual obligations disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, except for an increase in the 2-3 year category of the Purchase Take or Pay Obligations. These increases in the 2-3 years category reflect the increase in coal purchase agreements for the 2005-2006 periods. This increase was from approximately $53 million for 2005 at December 31, 2003 to approximately $78 million and $10 million for 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Future Issues and Other Matters
The following discussion of future issues and other information includes current developments of previously disclosed matters and new issues arising during the period covered by and subsequent to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This section should be read in conjunction with Future Issues and Other Matters in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
The increases in the prices of spot coal and SO2 allowances have increased our non-reheat units' total production costs. At times when the New York Independent System Operator's market price is lower than the dispatch rate of these units, they will be dispatched at lower than total capacity or even taken off-line. However, the loss in generation revenue will be offset by a reduction usage resulting in lower purchases or sales of the excess to the market.
We are exposed to market risks associated with commodity prices. We often utilize financial instruments to hedge against such fluctuations. We utilize financial and commodity derivatives for the purpose of hedging exposures to market risk. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the prices of electricity and coal. Our current and expected future revenues are derived from wholesale energy sales without significant long-term revenue or supply contracts. Our results of operations are subject to the volatility of
27
electricity and coal prices in competitive markets. We hedge certain aspects of our net open positions. We have used a hedging strategy, where appropriate, to hedge our financial performance against the effects of fluctuations in energy commodity prices. The implementation of this strategy involves the use of commodity forward contracts, swaps and options. Under current contractual margining rights we or our counterparties have the right to ask the right to ask the other party for additional collateral if the exposed Partys mark-to-market exposure increases.
As of August 9, 2004, of the $120 million of credit available to us, $95 million through AESs secured credit facility and $35 million (only $25 million available for letter of credit purposes) through our working capital and letter of credit facility with Union Bank of California N.A., we have obtained letters of credit in the amount of $84.8 million. We have $35.4 million remaining which is more than our 95% Confidence Interval Cash Value at Risk (CVaR). If the market were to move 1.65 standard deviations from its current position we would have $20.6 million still available to support normal ongoing hedging activities.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our General Partner, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15) as of June 30, 2004. Our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our General Partner, is engaged in a comprehensive effort to review, evaluate and improve our controls; however, management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems objectives will be met.
Based upon the controls evaluation performed, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our General Partner have concluded that as of June 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Controls. In the course of our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, management considered certain internal control areas in which we have made and are continuing to make changes to improve and enhance controls. Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our General Partner concluded that there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the second quarter ended June 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Beginning with the year ending December 31, 2006, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require us to include an internal control report of management with our annual report on Form 10-K. The internal control report must contain (1) a statement of managements responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Partnership, (2) a statement identifying the framework used by management to conduct the required evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, (3) managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of our most recent fiscal year, including a statement as to whether or not our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, and (4) a statement that our independent auditors have issued an attestation report on managements assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting.
Management developed a comprehensive plan in order to achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period and to review, evaluate and improve the design and effectiveness of our controls and procedures on an on-going basis. The comprehensive compliance plan includes (1) documentation and assessment of the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting, (2) remediation of control weaknesses, (3) validation through testing that controls are functioning as documented and (4) implementation of a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of this initiative, we have made and will continue to make changes from time to time in our internal controls over financial reporting.
28
See Note 3 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
31.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d 14(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32 Certification Required by Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
AES EASTERN ENERGY, L.P. |
||
|
By: AES NY, L.L.C., as General Partner |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
By: |
/s/ Daniel J. Rothaupt |
|
|
|
Daniel J. Rothaupt |
|
|
|
President |
|
Date: August 12, 2004 |
|
(principal executive officer) |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
By: |
/s/ Amy Conley |
|
|
|
Amy Conley |
|
|
|
Vice President |
|
Date: August 12, 2004 |
|
(principal financial officer) |
|
29