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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

 

o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                   to                  

 

Commission file number 333-91391

 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

54-1457573

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

305 PRESCOTT ROAD, LEBANON, PA

 

17042

(Registrant’s address of principal executive offices,)

 

(zip code)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (717) 228-1328

 

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 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.

 

 



 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations, Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (as restated)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statement of Changes in Member’s Capital from December 31,2003 through September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (as restated)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

PART 11. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Procedings

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Forms 8 – K

 

 

(a) Exhibits

 

 

(b) Reports on Form 8 – K...

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMTION

 

ITEM 1.                             CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.
AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE AES CORPORATION

Condensed Statements of Operations
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

September 30, 2003

 

September 30, 2004

 

September 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

(as restated see Note 11)

 

 

 

(as restated see Note 11)

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy

 

$

13,878

 

$

13,619

 

$

41,146

 

$

37,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

2,708

 

2,815

 

8,122

 

8,131

 

Operating fee

 

1,303

 

1,277

 

3,911

 

3,832

 

Operating costs

 

1,496

 

1,359

 

3,298

 

4,769

 

General and administrative costs

 

1,762

 

1,913

 

5,729

 

6,446

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

814

 

 

814

 

Total operating expenses

 

7,269

 

8,178

 

21,060

 

23,992

 

Operating income

 

6,609

 

5,441

 

20,086

 

13,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME/EXPENSE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income

 

8

 

2

 

15

 

240

 

Interest income

 

33

 

15

 

68

 

70

 

Interest expense

 

(6,600

)

(6,725

)

(19,905

)

(20,256

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

50

 

$

(1,267

)

$

264

 

$

(6,033

)

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

3



 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.
AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE AES CORPORATION

Condensed Balance Sheets

as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

September 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6,305

 

$

2,366

 

Interest receivable

 

9

 

4

 

Accounts receivable — net

 

4,634

 

4,445

 

Prepaid insurance

 

1,459

 

813

 

Prepaid expenses-other

 

439

 

233

 

Inventory — fuel

 

1

 

7

 

Asset held for sale (Note 9)

 

450

 

450

 

Total current assets

 

13,322

 

8,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

1,143

 

1,143

 

Property, plant, and equipment-net of accumulated depreciation of $28,866 and $20,744, respectively

 

307,093

 

313,335

 

Deferred financing costs-net of accumulated amortization of $747 and $645, respectively

 

2,888

 

2,990

 

Restricted cash including debt service reserve

 

4,606

 

4,556

 

Total assets

 

$

329,027

 

$

330,342

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

714

 

$

61

 

Accrued interest

 

2,192

 

2,227

 

Payable to AES and affiliates

 

2,723

 

2,146

 

Note payable

 

702

 

292

 

Bonds payable – current

 

6,863

 

6,356

 

Total current liabilities

 

13,194

 

11,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

2,975

 

1,392

 

Bonds payable – non current

 

290,142

 

295,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

306,311

 

307,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 6 and 7)

 

 

 

 

 

Member’s capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1 par value-10 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Contributed capital

 

38,800

 

38,800

 

Member’s accumulated deficit

 

(16,084

)

(16,348

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total member’s capital

 

22,716

 

22,452

 

Total liabilities and member’s capital

 

$

329,027

 

$

330,342

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

4



 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.

AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE AES CORPORATION

Condensed Statement of Changes in Member’s Capital

From December 31, 2003

Through September 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid - in

 

Member’s
Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Deficit

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

 

$

 

$

38,800

 

$

(16,348

)

$

22,452

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

264

 

264

 

BALANCE SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

 

 

$

 

$

38,800

 

$

(16,084

)

$

22,716

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

5



 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.
AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE AES CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS,

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

(as restated see Note 11)

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

264

 

$

(6,033

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

102

 

102

 

Depreciation

 

8,122

 

8,131

 

Loss disposal of assets

 

 

814

 

Change in:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

(5

)

4

 

Accounts receivable

 

(189

)

4,997

 

Prepaid insurance

 

1203

 

822

 

Prepaid expense-other

 

(206

)

(232

)

Inventory-fuel

 

6

 

8

 

Other assets

 

 

753

 

Asset held for sale

 

 

(614

)

Accounts payable

 

653

 

(1,306

)

Accrued interest

 

(35

)

(26

)

Account payable-parent and affiliates

 

577

 

(502

)

Deferred revenue

 

1,583

 

1,044

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

12,075

 

7,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for property, plant and equipment

 

(1,880

)

(1,971

)

Deposit to restricted cash, Fuel Conversion Rebate (Note 7)

 

(71

)

 

Withdrawals from restricted cash accounts

 

21

 

1,377

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(1,930

)

(594

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for bonds payable

 

(4,767

)

(3,564

)

Payments on note payable

 

(1,439

)

(1,166

)

Net cash (used in) financing activities

 

(6,206

)

(4,730

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

3,839

 

2,639

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

2,366

 

1,088

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

6,305

 

$

3,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

19,940

 

$

20,256

 

Insurance note payable

 

1,849

 

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

6



 

AES IRONWOOD, L.L.C.
AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE AES CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

 

1.                                      ORGANIZATION

 

AES Ironwood, L.L.C. (the “Company”) was formed on October 30, 1998 in the State of Delaware, to develop, construct, own, operate and maintain a 705-megawatt (MW) gas-fired, combined cycle electric generating facility (the “Facility”) in South Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania. The Company was considered dormant until June 25, 1999, at which time it consummated a project financing and certain related agreements. The Facility, which was declared commercially available on December 28, 2001, consists of two Westinghouse 501 G combustion turbines; two heat recovery steam generators and one steam turbine. The Facility produces and sells electricity, and provides fuel conversion and ancillary services, solely to Williams Power Company, Inc., formerly known as Williams Energy Marketing & Trading Company (“Williams”) under a power purchase agreement with a term of 20 years that commenced on December 28, 2001.

 

The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AES Ironwood, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The AES Corporation. AES Ironwood, Inc. has no assets other than its ownership interests in the Company and AES Prescott, L.L.C. AES Ironwood, Inc. has no operations and is not expected to have any operations. Its only income will be from distributions it receives from the Company and AES Prescott, L.L.C. The equity that AES Ironwood, Inc. has provided to the Company has been provided to AES Ironwood, Inc. by The AES Corporation. The AES Corporation files quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are publicly available, but do not constitute a part of, and are not incorporated into, this Form 10-Q.

 

2.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

In the Company’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are included. All such adjustments are accruals of a normal and recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year or future periods.

 

The Company generates energy revenues under its power purchase agreement with Williams. During the 20-year term of the agreement, the Company expects to sell electric energy and capacity produced by the Facility, as well as ancillary and fuel conversion services. Under the power purchase agreement, the Company also generates revenues from meeting (1) base electrical output guarantees and (2) heat rate bonuses through efficient electrical generation.   Revenues from the sales of electric energy are recorded based on output delivered at rates as specified under contract terms. Revenues from capacity are recorded on a straight-line basis

 

7



 

over the life of the contract. Amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue.  Revenues for ancillary and other services are recorded when the services are rendered.

 

As of September 30, 2004, accounts receivable of approximately $4.6 million consists of unpaid invoices from Williams for operations of approximately $5.7 million, less allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.1 million. As of December 31, 2003, accounts receivable of approximately $4.4 million consisted of unpaid invoices from Williams of approximately $5.5 million, from Siemens Westinghouse of approximately $193 thousand, less allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.3 million.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Because the accompanying condensed financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles, they should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2003 and notes thereto included in AES Ironwood, L.L.C.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Certain 2003 amounts have been reclassified in the condensed financial statements to conform to the 2004 presentation. 

 

Management services and fees have been allocated between operating costs and General and administrative costs.

 

3.                                      OPERATIONS

 

Since achieving commercial operations in December 2001, the Company is eligible to receive variable operations and maintenance payments, total fixed payments and other payments for the delivery of fuel conversion, capacity and ancillary services.  Since December 28, 2001, Williams has not requested that the Company operate the Facility to a significant degree. The minimum capacity payments provided for under the power purchase agreement have been the Company’s primary source of operating revenues, representing $12.1 million and $36.2 million of the Company’s total operating revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $12.0 million and $35.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.  At September 30, 2004, approximately $3.0 million has been deferred consistent with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 91-6 “Revenue Recognition of Long-Term Power Sales Contracts” (EITF 91-6).

 

The Company has used these operating revenues, together with interest income from the investment of operating funds to pay its generation expenses and other operations and maintenance expenses.

 

The Company has been dispatched by Williams for portions of February through September 2004 but can provide no assurance that the Company will continue to be dispatched.  In the event that the Facility is not dispatched, the Company’s operating revenues will consist of capacity payments under the power purchase agreement.

 

The Company currently believes that its sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet its

 

8



 

needs through the end of 2005.  This belief is based on a number of assumptions, including but not limited to the continued performance and satisfactory financial condition of the third parties on which the Company depends, particularly Williams as fuel supplier and purchaser of all electric energy and capacity produced by the Facility as well as ancillary and fuel conversion services of the Company (as provided by the power purchase agreement) and The Williams Companies, Inc. as guarantor of Williams’  performance under the power purchase agreement.  Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors outside the Company’s control may cause actual results to differ materially from its current expectations.  These risks, uncertainties and factors include but are not limited to risks and uncertainties related to the financial condition and continued performance of the third parties on which the Company depends, including Williams and The Williams Companies, Inc. and its affiliates, the possibility of unexpected problems related to the performance of the Facility, the possibility of unexpected expenses or lower than expected revenues and additional factors that are unknown to the Company or beyond its control.

 

The Company depends on Williams for both revenues and fuel supply under the power purchase agreement. If Williams were to terminate or default under the power purchase agreement, there would be a severe negative impact on the Company’s cash flow and financial condition which could result in a default on its senior secured bonds.  Due to recent declines in locational marginal prices (“LMP”), the Company would expect that if it were required to seek alternative purchasers of its power as a result of a default by Williams that any such alternate revenues would be substantially below the amounts that would have been otherwise payable pursuant to the power purchase agreement.  There can be no assurance as to the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover operating expenses or its debt service obligations in the absence of a long-term power purchase agreement with Williams.

 

4.                                      BONDS

 

On June 25, 1999, the Company issued $308.5 million in senior secured bonds for the purpose of providing financing for the construction of the Facility and to fund, through the construction period, interest payments to the bondholders. On May 12, 2000, the Company consummated an exchange offer whereby the holders of the senior secured bonds exchanged their privately placed senior secured bonds for registered senior secured bonds. Repayment of the bonds commenced with the quarterly payment on February 28, 2002. The remaining principal amount payable in 2004 is approximately $1.6 million. Annual principal repayments over the life of the bonds range from $2.0 million to $21.3 million. Repayment dates are February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year, with the final payment due November 30, 2025.

 

Repayments subsequent to September 30, 2004 are as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Year

 

Principal

 

Interest

 

Total

 

2004

 

$

1,589

 

$

6,576

 

$

8,165

 

2005

 

7,032

 

25,931

 

32,963

 

2006

 

7,156

 

25,304

 

32,460

 

2007

 

9,132

 

24,605

 

33,737

 

2008

 

11,352

 

23,723

 

35,075

 

2009-2025

 

260,744

 

222,316

 

483,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total payments

 

$

297,005

 

$

328,455

 

$

625,460

 

 

9



 

In an action related to the ratings downgrade of The Williams Companies, Inc., S&P lowered its ratings on the Company’s senior secured bonds to “BB-” from “BBB-” on July 26, 2002, and placed the rating on credit watch. On December 10, 2003 S&P lowered its ratings on the Company’s senior secured bonds to “B+” from “BB-” with a negative outlook. On July 30, 2004, S&P changed the outlook to stable. On November 27, 2002, Moody’s lowered its ratings on the Company’s senior secured bonds to “B2” from “Ba2”.   The Company does not believe that such ratings downgrades will have any other direct or immediate effect on it, as none of its other financing documents or project contracts has provisions that are triggered by a reduction of the ratings of the bonds.

 

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.  Furthermore, each security rating should be viewed independently of each other.

 

5.                                      EQUITY SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

Under an Equity Subscription Agreement, AES Ironwood, Inc. was obligated to contribute up to approximately $50.1 million in the form of either subordinated debt or equity to the Company to fund project costs. As of December 31, 2002 AES Ironwood, Inc. had made net contributions of $38.8 million of equity capital. As final acceptance has been granted no further contributions are required or will occur.

 

6.                                      POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

The Company has entered into a power purchase agreement with Williams for the sale of all electric energy and capacity produced by the Facility, as well as ancillary and fuel conversion services. The term of the power purchase agreement is 20 years, commencing on December 28, 2001, the commercial operation date. Payment obligations to the Company are guaranteed by The Williams Companies, Inc.

 

Fuel Conversion and Other Services – Williams has the obligation to deliver, on an exclusive basis, all quantities of natural gas required by the Facility to generate electricity or ancillary services, to start up or shut down the plant and to operate the Facility during any period other than a start-up, shut-down or required dispatch by Williams for any reason.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk – Williams currently is the Company’s sole customer for purchases of capacity, ancillary services, and energy, and the Company’ sole source for fuel. Williams’ payments under the power purchase agreement are expected to provide all of the Company’s operating revenues during the term of the power purchase agreement. It is uncertain whether the Company would be able to find another purchaser or fuel source on similar terms for its Facility if Williams were not performing under the power purchase agreement. Any material failure by Williams to make capacity and fuel conversion payments or to supply fuel under the power purchase agreement would have a severe impact on the

 

10



 

Company’s operations. The payment obligations of Williams under the power purchase agreement are guaranteed by The Williams Companies, Inc. The Guaranty by The Williams Companies, Inc., dated June 25, 1999 indicated the total aggregate liability to be approximately $408 million; as reduced from time to time as provided by a reduction schedule described in the guaranty (“Guaranty Cap”). At September 30, 2004, this amount was approximately $399 million.

 

Under the power purchase agreement, in the event that S&P or Moody’s rate the long term senior unsecured debt of The Williams Companies, Inc. lower than investment grade, The Williams Companies, Inc., or an affiliate thereof, is required to replace The Williams Companies, Inc. guarantee with an alternative security that is acceptable to the Company. According to published sources, on July 23, 2002, S&P lowered the long term senior unsecured debt rating of The Williams Companies, Inc. to a below investment grade rating of “BB-”.  As of May 23, 2003, S&P’s rating of the debt remains below investment grade at “B+” with a negative outlook.  Also according to published sources, on July 24, 2002, Moody’s lowered the long term senior unsecured debt rating of The Williams Companies to a below investment rating of “B1”.  As of September 4, 2003, Moody’s rating of the debt remains below investment grade at “B2”. Accordingly, The Williams Companies, Inc.’s long-term senior unsecured debt is currently rated below investment grade by both S&P and Moody’s.

 

To satisfy the requirements of the power purchase agreement, on September 20, 2002, Citibank, N.A. issued a $35 million Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit (the “Letter of Credit”) on behalf of Williams. The Letter of Credit does not alter, modify, amend or nullify the guaranty issued by The Williams Companies, Inc. in favor of the Company and is considered to be additional security to the security amounts provided by such guaranty. The Letter of Credit became effective on September 20, 2002 and was scheduled to expire on July 10, 2003; subject to automatic extensions for successive one year periods from the present or any future expiration date hereof, unless Citibank, N.A. provides written notice of its election not to renew the Letter of Credit at least thirty days prior to any such expiration date. On July 2, 2004 Citibank, N.A. notified the Company the letter of credit will be extended to July 10, 2005. Additionally, in a Letter Agreement dated September 20, 2002, Williams agreed to (a) provide eligible credit support prior to the stated expiration date of the Letter of Credit and (b) replenish any portion of the Letter of Credit or eligible credit support that is drawn, reduced, cashed or redeemed, at any time, with an equal amount of eligible credit support. Within twenty days prior to the expiration of the Letter of Credit and/or any expiration date of eligible credit support posted by Williams, Williams shall post eligible credit support to the Company in place of the Letter of Credit and/or any expiring eligible credit support unless The Williams Companies, Inc. regains and maintains its investment grade status, in which case the Letter of Credit or eligible credit support shall automatically terminate and no additional eligible credit support shall be required.  The Company and Williams acknowledge that the posting of such Letter of Credit and Williams’ agreement and performance of the requirements of (a) and (b) as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be in full satisfaction of Williams’ obligations contained in Section 19.3 of the power purchase agreement to provide replacement security due to the downgrade of The Williams Companies, Inc. falling below investment grade status.

 

Since the Company depends on The Williams Companies, Inc. and its affiliates for both revenues and fuel supply under the power purchase agreement, if The Williams Companies,

 

11



 

Inc. and its affiliates were to terminate or default under the power purchase agreement, there would be a severe negative impact to the Company’s cash flow and financial condition which could result in a default on the Company’s senior secured bonds.  Due to recent declines in LMP prices, the Company would expect that if required to seek alternative purchasers of its power as a result of a default by The Williams Companies, Inc. and its affiliates that any such alternate revenues would be substantially below the amounts that would have been otherwise payable pursuant to the power purchase agreement.  There can be no assurance as to the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover operating expenses or debt service obligations in the absence of a long-term power purchase agreement with Williams or its affiliates.

 

For the three and nine months ended September, 2004, the Company has invoiced Williams approximately $14.3 million and $42.7 million, respectively, in respect of fixed payments, fuel conversion services, and ancillary services. For the three and nine periods ended September 30, 2004, approximately $529 thousand and $1.6 million, respectively, have been deferred in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy as described in Note 2.

 

7.                                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Construction – The Company entered into a fixed-price turnkey construction agreement with Siemens Westinghouse for the design, engineering, procurement and construction of the Facility. By meeting the provisions in Section 6.3 of the construction agreement, provisional acceptance was granted by the Company on December 27, 2001. The Company previously had a dispute with Siemens Westinghouse over which party was responsible for the payment of the cost of electricity and natural gas used by the project during certain periods prior to the December 28, 2001 commercial acceptance.  As a result of a settlement agreement with Siemens Westinghouse entitled Agreement Change Order No. 71, the Company granted final acceptance as of March 12, 2003.

 

Power Purchase Agreement - The Company had ongoing disputes, including arbitration with Williams, relating to the parties’ power purchase agreement.  The arbitration was bifurcated into two phases, and an award was issued on Phase I on February 3, 2004.  The primary issue in Phase I related to various aspects of the availability of the Facility for the year ended December 31, 2002, including disputes over the amount of any availability bonus or penalty.  Phase II of the arbitration involved a dispute concerning the proper duration of Facility start-ups and shutdowns, including fuel used during start-ups and shutdowns and was dismissed on March 12, 2004.  While Phase I of the arbitration was limited to billing disputes in 2002, many of the same issues are disputed between the parties for 2003 billings.

 

The arbitral panel’s award on Phase I of the arbitration was in support of the Company’s position regarding how to treat Facility availability and the applicable rules of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., a regional transmission organization that plays a vital role in the United States electric system, in the billing dispute with the Company over the availability of the Facility.  The panel declined, however, to decide the Facility’s availability during 43 disputed maintenance events.  Instead, it encouraged the parties to reach a mutual resolution of the disputed events by applying the correct Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (“PJM”) rule and, failing mutual agreement, to submit the dispute to a third party engineer for resolution.  The parties are currently discussing possible resolution of the remaining disputed

 

12



 

events, and anticipate submitting any events that cannot be resolved by mutual agreement to a third party.  Until the matter is fully resolved, the availability of the Facility, and certain payments that are calculated based on availability, cannot be determined.  However, based on the panel’s award and its negotiations with Williams, the Company anticipates it will be paid some portion of its claimed availability bonus for 2002 and 2003 and does not owe an amount for annual availability capacity adjustment or fuel conversion volume rebate. In February 2004, Williams paid the Company approximately $1.1 million in respect of the Company’s claimed availability bonus for 2003. This amount was recorded in the three month period ended March 31, 2004 and is included in operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Also as a result of the panel’s Phase I Award, the Company will begin pre-funding a cash account on a quarterly basis to reflect the maximum amount of a fuel conversion volume rebate that might be payable to Williams if the Facility operates the requisite number of hours to earn the maximum rebate available under the power purchase agreement.  The maximum theoretical annual amount of the fuel conversion volume rebate is $1.7 million, but the account will not be fully funded during the course of the year if the Facility is not operated a sufficient number of hours to achieve the maximum fuel conversion volume rebate.  Depending on the amount of Facility operation, the Company may be entitled to withdraw some of the funds deposited into the account during the second half of its fiscal year. If funding is required, amounts will be classified as restricted cash. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company has determined that approximately $71 thousand should be deposited into this account. On April 1, 2004, the Company deposited $71 thousand. This amount is included with restricted cash. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Company has determined that no additional liability has occurred. The Company will reassess this funding requirement for each subsequent quarter to determine the liability. The funding was accomplished by transferring funds from an unrestricted cash account to the restricted account.

 

On March 12, 2004, the parties settled Phase II of the arbitration between the Company and Williams, which involved Williams’ claims that the duration of start-ups and shutdowns should be shortened, along with a corresponding reduction in the volume of fuel consumed during such operations.  The settlement resolves and releases, without any payment by the Company, Williams’ claim that it should be reimbursed retroactively to the date of commercial operation for excess fuel allegedly consumed during start-ups and shutdowns.  An agreed order of dismissal has been submitted requesting the arbitral panel to dismiss Phase II of the arbitration with prejudice.  The settlement of Phase II has no impact on Phase I of the arbitration.  The parties actively continue to negotiate in an effort to settle issues left unresolved by the award in Phase I.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, the parties discovered a discrepancy between the measurement of fuel gas metering systems.  The discrepancy results in a higher than normal heat rate for the Facility which impacts the determination of a number of billing calculations including but not limited to heat rate bonus and penalty and non-dispatch payments.  Currently Williams is setting off the costs of the heat rate penalty and the parties are working together to resolve the issue.  Should amicable resolution not be achieved, this discrepancy could possibly enter the dispute resolution process.

 

13



 

Maintenance – The Company, as assignee of AES Ironwood, Inc., has entered into the Maintenance Program Parts, Shop Repairs and Scheduled Outage TFA Services Contract, dated as of September 23, 1998, with Siemens Westinghouse by which Siemens Westinghouse will provide the Company with, among other things, combustion turbine parts, shop repairs and scheduled outage technical field assistance services. Siemens Westinghouse will provide the Company with specific combustion turbine maintenance services and spare parts for an initial term of between eight and ten years under a maintenance service agreement. The fees assessed by Siemens Westinghouse will be based on the number of equivalent base load hours accumulated by the applicable combustion turbine as adjusted for inflation.

 

The Company has determined the maintenance services agreement provides for the purchase of parts that will be capitalized, as well as maintenance items that will be expensed when incurred.

 

The maintenance services agreement became effective on the date of execution and unless terminated early, must terminate upon completion of shop repairs performed by Siemens Westinghouse following the eighth scheduled outage of the applicable combustion turbine or 10 years from initial synchronization of the applicable combustion turbine, whichever occurs first.

 

8.                                      RECENT AND NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ARB No. 51).  In October 2003, FASB Staff Position No. 46-6, “Effective Date of FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” deferred the effective date of FIN 46 for variable interests held by a public entity in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that was created or acquired before February 1, 2003 to the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003.  In December 2003, FASB issued FIN 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46(r)”), which clarified some requirements and incorporated several staff positions that the Company was already required to apply.  In addition, FIN 46(r) deferred the effective date for VIEs that were created or acquired before February 1, 2003 and were not considered special purpose entities (“SPEs”) prior to the issuance of the interpretation until the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004.  FIN 46(r) defines a VIE as (i) any entity in which the equity investors at risk in such entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or (ii) any entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.  It requires the consolidation of the VIE by the primary beneficiary.  The adoption of FIN 46(r) requires the Company to include disclosures for non SPE VIEs created or acquired on or after February 1, 2003 in its financial statements related to the total assets and the maximum exposure to loss resulting from the Company’s interests in VIEs.  The adoption of FIN 46(r) for VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

14



 

9.                                      ASSET HELD FOR SALE

 

During 2002, the Company commenced installation of an auxiliary boiler to increase the efficiency of the Facility. The arbitration settlement of March 2003 determined that the Company has no obligation to install the auxiliary boiler as there would be no economic benefit produced by its installation. On July 24, 2003, the Company entered into a contract with a sales assistance company to facilitate the sale of the boiler. The fair value less selling costs of the auxiliary boiler is estimated to be approximately $450 thousand and is included in asset held for sale.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 there were no adjustments to this asset.

 

10.                               RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Effective June 1999, the Company entered into a 27-year development and construction management agreement with AES Prescott, L.L.C. to provide certain support services required by the Company for the development and construction of the Facility. Under this agreement Prescott also provides operations management services for the Facility. Payments for operations management services are approximately $425 thousand per month, adjusted annually for inflation.

 

During the construction period, the construction management fees were paid to Prescott from the investment balances or from parent funding. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, approximately $1.3 million and $3.9 million in management fees were incurred and charged to operating expenses. Approximately $435 thousand and $425 thousand were payable to Prescott as of September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Accounts receivable from parent and affiliates generally represents charges for certain AES projects that the Company has paid for and invoiced to the Company’s parent and affiliates. Accounts payable are generally amounts owed for shared services to the Company’s parent and affiliates. Accounts payable to AES and affiliates as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 amounted to $2.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

 

The Company is the primary source of contributions for the AES Ironwood Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit organization founded to provide social responsibility to the local communities. The Company does not consolidate the financial statements of the Foundation into its financial statements as the Company does not control the operations of the Foundation, nor does the Company hold an ownership interest in the Foundation. The Company’s discretionary funding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 was approximately $25 thousand and $82 thousand, respectively, compared to $11 thousand and $97 thousand, respectively, for the comparable periods of the preceding calendar year.

 

11.                               RESTATEMENT

 

Subsequent to the issuance of results for the third quarter of 2003, the Company determined that revenues from fixed capacity payments had not been properly recognized in accordance with EITF 91-6.   Under EITF 91-6, as it applies to the Company’s power purchase agreement, fixed capacity revenues should be reflected on the straight-line basis over the life of the power purchase agreement. Differences between the actual capacity payments and the straight-line method are recorded as deferred revenue. As a result, the operating results for

 

15



 

the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 have been restated from the amounts previously reported. A summary of the significant effects of the restatement is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months ended
September 30, 2003 as
previously reported

 

Three Months ended
September 30, 2003 as
restated

 

Nine Months ended
September 30, 2003 as
previously reported

 

Nine Months ended
September 30, 2003
as restated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

13,967

 

13,619

 

38,949

 

37,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

5,789

 

5,441

 

14,957

 

13,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

(919

)

(1,267

)

(4,989

)

(6,033

)

 

16



 

ITEM 2.                             MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this Form 10-Q, as well as statements we make in periodic press releases and other public communications, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain, but not necessarily all, of such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “approximately,” or “anticipate” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategies, each of which involves risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events based upon our knowledge of facts as of the date of this Form 10-Q and our assumptions about future events.

 

All statements other than of historical facts included herein, including those regarding market trends, our financial position, business strategy, projected plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors outside of our control that may cause our actual results or performance to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:

 

                  unexpected problems relating to the performance of the Facility;

                  the financial condition of third parties on which we depend, including in particular Williams Power Company, Inc., formerly known as Williams Energy Marketing & Trading Company  (“Williams”), as the power purchaser and fuel supplier under the power purchase agreement, and The Williams Companies, Inc., as the guarantor of performance under the power purchase agreement;

                  the continued performance of Williams under the power purchase agreement;

                  the ability of The Williams Companies, Inc. or its affiliates to avoid a default under our power purchase agreement by continuing to provide adequate security to supplement or replace their guarantee of Williams’ performance under the power purchase agreement;

                  our ability to find a replacement power purchaser on favorable or reasonable terms, if necessary;

                  an adequate merchant market after the expiration or in the event of a termination of the power purchase agreement;

                  capital shortfalls and access to additional capital on reasonable terms, or in the event that the power purchase agreement is terminated;

                  inadequate insurance coverage;

                  unexpected expenses or lower than expected revenues;

                  environmental and regulatory compliance;

                  terrorist acts and adverse reactions to United States anti-terrorism activities; and

                  the additional factors that are unknown to us or beyond our control.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

17



 

As discussed in Note 11 to the unaudited condensed financial statements, our September 30, 2003 financial statements have been restated. The accompanying management discussion and analysis give effect to that restatement.

 

General

 

AES Ironwood, L.L.C. was formed on October 30, 1998 to develop, construct, own, operate and maintain its Facility. We were dormant until June 25, 1999, the date of the sale of our senior secured bonds. We obtained $308.5 million of project financing from the sale of our senior secured bonds. The total cost of the construction of our Facility was approximately $330 million, which was financed by the proceeds from the sale of the senior secured bonds and the equity contributions described below.  The Facility granted provisional acceptance on December 27, 2001 and was declared commercially available on December 28, 2001. On March 12, 2003 we granted final acceptance under the terms of the engineering, procurement, and construction agreement.

 

Energy Revenues

 

We generate energy revenues under our power purchase agreement with Williams. During the 20-year term of the agreement, we also expect to sell electric energy and capacity produced by the Facility, as well as ancillary and fuel conversion services. Under the power purchase agreement, we also generate revenues from meeting (1) base electrical output guarantees and (2) heat rate bonuses through efficient electrical generation.

 

Upon its expiration, or in the event that the power purchase agreement is terminated prior to its 20- year term, we would seek to generate energy revenues from the sale of electric energy and capacity into the merchant market or under new short- or long-term power purchase or similar agreements.  There can be no assurances as to whether such efforts would be successful.

 

Operating Expenses

 

We entered into a Development and Operations Services Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, with AES Prescott, L.L.C. by which AES Prescott, L.L.C. provided development and construction management services and is providing operating and maintenance services for our Facility for a period of 27 years. Under that agreement, we are required to reimburse all operator costs on a monthly basis.  Operator costs generally consist of all direct costs and overhead. Additionally, a monthly operator fee of approximately $435 thousand, subject to annual adjustment, is payable on each bond payment date.

 

Recent and New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ARB No. 51).  In October 2003, FASB Staff Position No. 46-6, “Effective Date of FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” deferred the effective date of FIN 46 for variable interests held by a public entity in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that was created or acquired before February 1, 2003 to the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003.  In December 2003, FASB issued FIN 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46(r)”), which clarified some requirements and incorporated several staff positions that we were already required to

 

18



 

apply.  In addition, FIN 46(r) deferred the effective date for VIEs that were created or acquired before February 1, 2003 and were not considered special purpose entities (“SPEs”) prior to the issuance of the interpretation until the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004.  FIN 46(r) defines a VIE as (i) any entity in which the equity investors at risk in such entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or (ii) any entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.  It requires the consolidation of the VIE by the primary beneficiary.  The adoption of FIN 46(r) requires us to include disclosures for non SPE VIEs created or acquired on or after February 1, 2003 in our financial statements related to the total assets and the maximum exposure to loss resulting from our interests in VIEs.  The adoption of FIN 46(r) for VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003 did not have an impact on our financial statements.

 

Equity Contributions

 

We, along with AES Ironwood, Inc., entered into an equity subscription agreement, pursuant to which AES Ironwood, Inc. was required to contribute up to $50.1 million to us to fund project costs after the bond proceeds have been fully utilized.  As of December 31, 2003, AES Ironwood, Inc. had made net contributions of $38.8 million of equity capital.  Upon final acceptance of the Facility, no further contribution is required.  On March 12, 2003, final acceptance of the Facility was granted to Siemens Westinghouse so AES Ironwood, Inc. is no longer required to contribute funds to us.

 

Results of Operations

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2004 were approximately $13.9 million compared to $13.6 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. This amount consists of capacity payments of approximately $4.0 million per month in 2004 and 2003. The remainder of the operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2004 consists of fuel conversion payments and start-up payments in the amount of $937 thousand and $838 thousand, respectively. Fuel conversion services in 2004 were flat in comparison to the prior year as dispatch hours were approximately the same; and greater payments were received for start-payments in 2004 than 2003, reflecting the greater number of starts the Facility was asked to perform. Under EITF 91-6, as it applies to our power purchase agreement, fixed capacity revenues are reflected on the straight-line basis over the life of the power purchase agreement. Differences between the actual capacity payments and the straight-line method are recorded as deferred revenue.

 

General and administrative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2004 were $1.8 million, compared with $1.9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The decrease in 2004 is due to lower legal expense.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on the bond proceeds was $6.6 million, compared to $6.7 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The decrease in 2004 is due to payments of bond principal resulting in a lower interest calculation.

 

19



 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were approximately $41.1 million compared to $37.9 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. This amount consists of capacity payments of approximately $4.0 million per month in 2004 and $4.0 million per month in 2003. During February 2004, Williams paid approximately $1.1 million in respect of 2003 availability bonus. This amount was included with operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The remainder of the operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 consists of fuel conversion payments, start-up payments and heat rate bonus payments in the amount of $2.1 million, $1.6 million and $57 thousand, respectively. There was an increase in fuel conversion services in 2004 primarily because we were dispatched for approximately 1,267 hours during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and approximately 781 hours for the comparable period of the prior calendar year; and greater payments were received for fuel conversion and start-up payments in 2004 than 2003. Under EITF 91-6, as it applies to our power purchase agreement, fixed capacity revenues are reflected on the straight-line basis over the life of the power purchase agreement. Differences between the actual capacity payments and the straight-line method are recorded as deferred revenue.

 

Operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $3.3 million, compared with $4.8 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. Other operating costs include, but are not limited to, fuel paid for Facility testing, non-dispatch payments, heat rate penalty, emissions allowances and maintenance items. The decrease in 2004 is primarily due to higher costs paid for fuel, heat rate and non- dispatch penalties during 2003. We are required to perform an annual winter capability test during the months of December through February. If the Facility is dispatched during those months, we can perform the test during a two hour period at base load. By performing the test during such a period, we are not required to pay for fuel used during the test, as fuel is supplied by Williams in such circumstances. During 2004 the plant was dispatched and we performed the test accordingly. During the same period in 2003, the Facility was not dispatched, and we were obligated to perform the test at our cost. The cost of fuel used for the test was $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to approximately $828 thousand for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. Non-dispatch payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $211 thousand compared to approximately $464 thousand for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. Additionally, we performed outage work on one of our combustion turbines in May 2003. There was no such outage in the period ended September 30, 2004. The cost of the 2003 outage was approximately $600 thousand.

 

General and administrative costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $5.7 million, compared with $6.4 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. During 2003 unexpired prepaid insurance costs of approximately $450 thousand were expensed during a conversion of policies. Additionally, during 2004 Siemens Westinghouse paid $150 thousand with respect of certain warranty items. These funds were applied against outstanding accounts receivable that had an allowance for bad debt associated with the receivable. The transaction resulted in a reduction to bad debt expense of approximately $129 thousand.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, other income was $15 thousand compared to $240 thousand for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The decrease in 2004 is due to heat rate and interim rebates invoiced to Siemens Westinghouse in the first quarter of 2003. The rebates ended in March 2003 with the granting of final acceptance.

 

20



 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, interest expense on the bond proceeds was $19.9 million, compared to $20.3 million for the comparable period of the prior calendar year. The decrease in 2004 is due to payments of bond principal resulting in a lower interest calculation.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The minimum cash flow from Williams under the power purchase agreement is approximately $4.0 million per month or approximately $48 million annually. Net operating cash outflows are approximately $1.3 million per month. The balance left will provide for senior debt interest and principal payments. We expect that current dispatch scenarios from Williams will yield cash flows in 2004 similar to 2003. Consistent with our revenue recognition policy discussed in Note 2 to the condensed financial statements, a portion of the amount collected has been deferred. Additionally, a significant monthly expenditure is for payment of our long term service agreement with Siemens Westinghouse. This agreement provides that we pay approximately $400 per gas turbine per equivalent operating hour. In the event we do not operate the Facility, there is no charge. While operating, the estimated monthly payment for the long term service agreement could be as much as $500 thousand. We believe that cash flows from the sale of electricity under the power purchase agreement will be sufficient to pay ongoing project costs, including principal and interest on the senior secured bonds. After the power purchase agreement expires, we will depend on market sales of electricity.

 

In order to provide liquidity in the event of cash flow shortfalls, the debt service reserve account contains an amount equal to the debt service reserve account required balance through cash funding, issuance of the debt service reserve letter of credit or a combination of the two. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 cash provided from operating activities was approximately $12.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively.  Additions to net income to arrive at cash provided from operating activities include such non-cash expenses as depreciation and amortization of deferred financing costs.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 depreciation expense was $8.1 million for each period and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $102 thousand for each period.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 net cash used in investing activities was $1.9 million compared $594 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in cash used in investing in 2004 was due in part to a greater amount of withdrawals from restricted cash in 2003.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 net cash used in financing activities was approximately $6.2 million compared to $4.7 million for the nine months year ended September 30, 2003.  The increase in cash used in 2004 was due for the most part to higher payments on project debt.

 

We believe that cash flows from the sale of electricity and/or minimum capacity payments under the power purchase agreement and funds available to be drawn under the debt service reserve letter of credit and the power purchase letter of credit will be sufficient to pay project costs, including ongoing expenses and principal and interest on our senior secured bonds as described above and fund costs of our commercial operations.  These beliefs are subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including those set forth above under the caption “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and there can be no assurances.

 

21



 

Cash balances at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

Unrestricted Cash (balance in 000’s)

 

September 30,
2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

Checking account – general

 

$

25

 

$

21

 

Cash Management Account

 

584

 

389

 

Revenue Account

 

5,693

 

1,953

 

Distribution Account

 

3

 

3

 

Total Unrestricted Cash

 

$

6,305

 

$

2,366

 

 

Restricted Cash (balances in 000’s)

 

September 30,
2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

Bond Interest Account

 

$

2,215

 

$

2,241

 

Bond Principal Payment Account

 

538

 

535

 

Operating and Maintenance Account

 

1,047

 

1,047

 

Major Maintenance Reserve Account

 

709

 

707

 

Debt Reserve LOC Account

 

26

 

26

 

Fuel Conversion Volume Rebate Account

 

71

 

0

 

Total Restricted Cash

 

$

4,606

 

$

4,556

 

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Williams currently is our sole customer for purchases of capacity, ancillary services and energy, and the sole source for fuel. Williams’ payments under the power purchase agreement are expected to provide all of our revenues during the term of the power purchase agreement. It is uncertain whether we would be able to find another purchaser or fuel supplier on similar terms for the Facility if Williams were not performing under the power purchase agreement. Any material failure by Williams to make capacity and fuel conversion payments or to supply fuel under the power purchase agreement would have a severe impact on our operations. The payment obligations of Williams under the power purchase agreement are guaranteed by The Williams Companies, Inc. The Guaranty by The Williams Companies, Inc., dated June 25, 1999 indicated the total aggregate liability to be approximately $408 million; as reduced from time to time as provided by a reduction schedule described in the guaranty (“Guaranty Cap”). At September 30, 2004, this amount was approximately $399 million.

 

Under the power purchase agreement, in the event that S&P or Moody’s rate the long-term senior unsecured debt of The Williams Companies, Inc. lower than investment grade, The Williams Companies, Inc., or an affiliate thereof, is required to replace The Williams Companies, Inc. guaranty with an alternative security that is acceptable to us. According to published sources, on July 23, 2002, S&P lowered the long term senior unsecured debt rating of The Williams Companies, Inc. to a below investment grade rating of “BB-”.  As of May 23, 2003, S&P’s rating of the debt remains below investment grade at “B+” with a negative outlook.  Also according to published sources, on July 24, 2002, Moody’s lowered the long term senior unsecured debt rating of The Williams Companies to a below investment rating of “B1”.  As of June 4, 2003, Moody’s rating of the debt

 

22



 

remains below investment grade at “B2”. Accordingly, the Williams Companies, Inc.’s long-term senior unsecured debt is currently rated below investment grade by both S&P and Moody’s.

 

In an action related to the ratings downgrade of The Williams Companies, Inc., S&P lowered its ratings on our senior secured bonds to “BB-” from “BBB-” on July 26, 2002, and placed the rating on credit watch.  Currently the ratings remain at “BB-”with a negative outlook. On November 27, 2002, Moody’s lowered its ratings on our senior secured bonds to “B2” from “Ba2”.  We do not believe that such ratings downgrades will have any other direct or immediate effect as none of the other financing documents or project contracts have provisions that are triggered by a reduction of the ratings of the bonds.

 

To satisfy the requirements of the power purchase agreement, on September 20, 2002, Citibank, N.A. issued a $35 million Irrevocable Letter of Credit (the “Letter of Credit”) on behalf of Williams. The Letter of Credit does not alter, modify, amend or nullify the guaranty issued by The Williams Companies, Inc. in favor of us and is considered to be additional security to the security amounts provided by such guaranty. The Letter of Credit became effective on September 20, 2002 and expired upon the close of business on July 10, 2003; except that the Letter of Credit will be automatically extended without amendment for successive one year periods from the present or any future expiration date hereof, unless Citibank, N.A. provides written notice of its election not to renew the Letter of Credit at least thirty days prior to any such expiration date. On July 2, 2004, Citibank, N.A. notified us that the letter of credit will be extended to July 10, 2005. Additionally, in a Letter Agreement dated September 20, 2002, Williams agreed to (a) provide Eligible Credit Support prior to the stated expiration date of the Letter of Credit and (b) replenish any portion of the Letter of Credit or Eligible Credit Support that is drawn, reduced, cashed or redeemed, at any time, with an equal amount of Eligible Credit Support. Within twenty days prior to the expiration of the Letter of Credit and/or any expiration date of eligible credit support posted by Williams, Williams shall post eligible credit support to us in place of the Letter of Credit and/or any expiring eligible credit support unless The Williams Companies, Inc. regains and maintains its investment grade status, in which case the Letter of Credit or eligible credit support shall automatically terminate and no additional eligible credit support shall be required. We and Williams acknowledge that the posting of such Letter of Credit and Williams’ agreement and performance of the requirements of (a) and (b) as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be in full satisfaction of Williams’ obligations contained in Section 19.3 of the power purchase agreement to provide replacement security due to the downgrade of The Williams Companies, Inc. falling below investment grade status.

 

Our dependence on The Williams Companies, Inc. and its affiliates under the power purchase agreement exposes us to possible loss of revenues and fuel supply, which in turn could negatively impact cash flow and financial condition and could result in a default under the senior secured bonds. There can be no assurance as to our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover operating expenses or debt service obligations in the absence of a long term power purchase agreement with Williams or its affiliates.

 

Business Strategy and Outlook

 

Our overall business strategy is to market and sell all of our net capacity, fuel conversion and ancillary services to Williams during the 20-year term of the power purchase agreement. After expiration or in the event of an early termination of the power purchase agreement, we anticipate

 

23



 

selling our Facility’s capacity, ancillary services and energy in the spot market or under a short or long term power purchase agreement or into the Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Maryland power pool market. We intend to cause our Facility to be managed, operated, and maintained in compliance with the project contracts and all applicable legal requirements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

General

 

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The significant accounting policies which we believe are most critical to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:  Revenue Recognition; Property Plant and Equipment and Contingencies.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We generate energy revenues under our power purchase agreement with Williams. During the 20-year term of the agreement, we expect to sell electric energy and capacity produced by the Facility, as well as ancillary and fuel conversion services. Under the power purchase agreement, we also generate revenues from meeting (1) base electrical output guarantees and (2) heat rate bonuses through efficient electrical output. Revenues from the sales of electric energy are recorded based on output delivered at rates as specified under contract terms. Revenues from capacity are recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. Amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue.  Revenues for ancillary and other services are recorded when the services are rendered.

 

Upon its expiration, or in the event that the power purchase agreement is terminated prior to its 20 year term, we would seek to generate energy revenues from the sale of electric energy and capacity into the merchant market or under new short- or long-term power purchase or similar agreements. There can be no assurances as to whether such efforts would be successful.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and is depreciated over its useful life. The plant is depreciated using a ten percent salvage value based on estimates from a third party engineer. We believe a 10% salvage value to be reasonable and appropriate, and we intend to periodically re-evaluate this percentage. The estimated lives of our generation facilities range from 5 to 40 years. A significant decrease in the estimated useful life of a material amount of our property, plant or equipment could have a material adverse impact on our operating results in the period in which the estimate is revised and subsequent periods.

 

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Description of
Asset

 

Depreciable
Life

 

Net Book Value at
September 30, 2004

 

Net Book Value at
December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

Plant

 

40

 

$

220,445

 

$

224,627

 

Buildings

 

40

 

817

 

833

 

Land Improvements

 

40

 

10,440

 

10,643

 

Equipment

 

40

 

1,991

 

2,023

 

Rotable Turbine Parts

 

7-28

 

44,071

 

46,992

 

Development Costs

 

25

 

21,703

 

22,513

 

Furniture & Fixtures

 

15

 

659

 

696

 

Data Processing Equipment

 

7

 

379

 

440

 

Vehicles

 

5

 

195

 

228

 

Payments under long term maintenance agreement

 

na

 

3,691

 

1,934

 

Spare Parts

 

na

 

2,702

 

2,406

 

 

 

 

 

$

307,093

 

$

313,335

 

 

Contingencies

 

We had ongoing disputes, including arbitrations with Williams, relating to the power purchase agreement.  The most recent arbitration was bifurcated into two phases, and an award was issued on Phase I on February 3, 2004.  The primary issue in Phase I related to various aspects of the availability of the Facility for the year ended December 31, 2002, including disputes over the amount of any availability bonus or penalty.  Phase II of the arbitration involved a dispute concerning the proper duration of Facility start-ups and shutdowns, including fuel used during start-ups and shutdowns.  While Phase I of the arbitration was limited to billing disputes in 2002, many of the same issues are disputed between the parties for 2003 billings.

 

The arbitral panel’s award on Phase I of the arbitration was in support of the our position regarding how to treat Facility availability and the applicable rules of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., a regional transmission organization that plays a vital role in the United States electric system, in the billing dispute with us over the availability of the Facility.  The panel declined, however, to decide the Facility’s availability during 43 disputed maintenance events.  Instead, it encouraged the parties to reach a mutual resolution of the disputed events by applying the correct PJM rule and, failing mutual agreement, to submit the dispute to a third party engineer for resolution.  The parties are currently discussing possible resolution of the disputed events, and anticipate submitting any events that cannot be resolved by mutual agreement to a third party.  Until the matter is fully resolved, the availability of the Facility, and certain payments that are calculated based on availability, cannot be determined.  However, based on the panel’s award and our negotiations with Williams, we anticipate we will be paid some portion of our claimed availability bonus for 2002 and 2003 and that we do not owe an amount for annual availability capacity adjustment or fuel conversion volume rebate. In February 2004, Williams paid the Company approximately $1.1 million in respect of the Company’s claimed availability bonus for 2003. This amount is included in operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Also as a result of the panel’s Phase I Award, we have pre-funded a cash account on a quarterly basis to reflect the maximum amount of a fuel conversion volume rebate that might be payable to Williams if the Facility operates the requisite number of hours to earn the maximum rebate available under the power purchase agreement.  The maximum theoretical amount of the fuel conversion volume rebate is $1.7 million, but the account will not be fully funded during the course of the year

 

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if the Facility is not operated a sufficient number of hours to achieve the maximum fuel conversion volume rebate.  Depending on the amount of Facility operation, we may be entitled to withdraw some of the funds deposited into the account during the second half of our fiscal year.  Based on the arbitral award, no payment for a fuel conversion volume rebates were due for 2002 or 2003. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, we determined that approximately $71 thousand should be deposited into this account. On April 1, 2004, we deposited $71 thousand. This amount is included with restricted cash. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 we determined that no additional liability has occurred and no additional amount has been deposited into the account. We will reassess this funding requirement for each subsequent quarter to determine the liability. The funding was accomplished by transferring funds from an unrestricted cash account to the restricted account. No expense was recorded at this time with respect to this transfer.

 

On March 12, 2004 the parties settled Phase II of the arbitration between Williams and us, which involved Williams’ claims that the duration of start-ups and shutdowns should be shortened, with a corresponding reduction in the volume of fuel consumed during such operations.  The settlement resolves and releases, without any payment by us, Williams’ claim that it should be reimbursed retroactively to the date of commercial operation for excess fuel allegedly consumed during start-ups and shutdowns.  An agreed order of dismissal was submitted requesting the arbitral panel to dismiss Phase II of the arbitration with prejudice.  The settlement of Phase II has no impact on Phase I of the arbitration.  The parties continue to negotiate in an effort to settle issues left unresolved by the Award in Phase I.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, the parties discovered a discrepancy between the measurement of fuel gas metering systems.  The discrepancy results in a higher than normal heat rate for the Facility which impacts the determination of a number of billing calculations including but not limited to heat rate bonus and penalty and non-dispatch payments.  Currently Williams is setting off the costs of the heat rate penalty and the parties are working together to resolve the issue.  Should amicable resolution not be achieved, this discrepancy could possibly enter the dispute resolution process.

 

We will continue to discuss with Williams the calculation of these amounts but are unable to predict the outcome of these discussions and their potential impact on our ability to collect these revenue items either for 2004 or in the future.

 

Commitments

 

 Bonds

 

Interest on the bonds is payable quarterly in arrears.  Quarterly principal payments on the bonds commenced on February 28, 2002.  The final maturity date for the bonds is November 30, 2025.

 

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Repayments subsequent to September 30, 2004 are as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Year

 

Principal

 

Interest

 

Total

 

2004

 

$

1,589

 

$

6,576

 

$

8,165

 

2005

 

7,032

 

25,931

 

32,963

 

2006

 

7,156

 

25,304

 

32,460

 

2007

 

9,132

 

24,605

 

33,737

 

2008

 

11,352

 

23,723

 

35,075

 

2009-2025

 

260,744

 

222,316

 

483,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total payments

 

$

297,005

 

$

328,455

 

$

625,460

 

 

Operations Agreement

 

We entered into a Development and Operations Services Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, with AES Prescott, L.L.C. (AES Prescott) by which AES Prescott is providing development and construction management services and, after the commercial operation date, operating and maintenance services for our Facility for a period of 27 years. Under the operations agreement, AES Prescott is responsible for, among other things, preparing plans and budgets related to start-up and commercial operation of our Facility, providing qualified operating personnel, making repairs, purchasing consumables and spare parts (not otherwise provided under the maintenance services agreement) and providing other services as needed according to industry standards. The fee paid to AES Prescott, L.L.C. is adjusted annually by the change in Gross Domestic Product, Implicit Price Deflator.  Total fees paid by us for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $1.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively.  Under the services agreement between AES Prescott and The AES Corporation, The AES Corporation provides to AES Prescott all of the personnel and services necessary for AES Prescott to comply with its obligations under the operations agreement.

 

The following table is an estimate of management fees paid through the end of the contract, using an annual inflation rate of 2.7% (in thousands):

 

Payments subsequent to September 30, 2004 are as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Year

 

Management Fee

 

2004

 

$

1,303

 

2005

 

5,356

 

2006

 

5,501

 

2007

 

5,649

 

2008

 

5,802

 

2009-2025

 

126,424

 

Total payments

 

$

150,035

 

 

Maintenance Agreement

 

The Company, as assignee of AES Ironwood, Inc., has entered into the Maintenance Program Parts, Shop Repairs and Scheduled Outage TFA Services Contract, dated as of September 23, 1998, with Siemens Westinghouse by which Siemens Westinghouse will provide the Company with, among

 

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other things, combustion turbine parts, shop repairs and scheduled outage technical field assistance services.

 

The maintenance services agreement became effective on the date of execution and unless terminated early, must terminate upon completion of shop repairs performed by Siemens Westinghouse following the eighth scheduled outage of the applicable combustion turbine or 10 years from initial synchronization of the applicable combustion turbine, whichever occurs first.

 

The maintenance services agreement provides that we will pay a fixed amount for each equivalent operating hour, adjusted by inflation over the term, of the agreement. The plant has typically been dispatched during the months of June, July, August, and September. The remaining months have typically seen little or no activity. The amounts shown in the table under maximum indicate dispatching the plant at base load for approximately 85% of the year. We do not believe this will be a likely occurrence:

 

Payments subsequent to September 30, 2004 are as follows:

(000’s)

 

Year

 

Minimum

 

Maximum

 

2004

 

$

-0

-

$

1,345

 

2005

 

-0

-

5,978

 

2006

 

-0

-

6,139

 

2007

 

-0

-

6,305

 

2008

 

-0

-

6,475

 

2009

 

-0

-

6,650

 

2010

 

-0

-

6,829

 

Total payments

 

$

-0

-

$

39,721

 

 

Item 3.                                   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no changes since the filing of the 2003 10K. Refer to that filing for details.

 

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 chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15-d-15 (e) as required by paragraph (b) of the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15) as of September 30, 2004.  The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, 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 system’s objectives will be met.

 

Based upon the controls evaluation performed, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of September 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 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

 

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make changes to improve and enhance controls.  Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO 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 third quarter ended September 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, 2005, 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 management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for our Company, (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) management’s 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 management’s 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.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                                   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company has ongoing disputes, including arbitration with Williams, relating to the parties power purchase agreement.  The arbitration was bifurcated into two phases, and an award was issued on Phase I on February 3, 2004.  The primary issue in Phase I related to various aspects of the availability of the Facility for the year ended December 31, 2002, including disputes over the amount of any availability bonus or penalty.  Phase II of the arbitration involved a dispute concerning the proper duration of Facility start-ups and shutdowns, including fuel used during start-ups and shutdowns.  While Phase I of the arbitration was limited to billing disputes in 2002, many of the same issues are disputed between the parties for 2003 billings. Refer to Note 7 of the condensed financial statements.

 

The parties are currently in discussions to resolve the Facility’s fuel gas metering discrepancy as discussed in Note 7.  Should an amicable resolution not be achieved, this discrepancy could possibly enter the dispute resolution process.

 

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Item 6.                                   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)          Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer required by Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification by Chief Financial Officer required by Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

 

32

 

Certification required by Rules 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

(b)          Reports on Form 8-K

The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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 IRONWOOD, L.L.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 12, 2004

By:

/s/ A.W. Bergeron

 

 

 

A.W. Bergeron

 

 

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 12, 2004

By:

/s/ Michael Carlson

 

 

 

Michael Carlson

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

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