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8-K - FORM 8-K - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628e8vk.htm
EX-99.2 - EX-99.2 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv99w2.htm
EX-99.3 - EX-99.3 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv99w3.htm
EX-12.(B)2 - EX-12.(B)2 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxby2.htm
EX-12.(B)1 - EX-12.(B)1 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxby1.htm
EX-12.(A)1 - EX-12.(A)1 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxay1.htm
EX-12.(B)3 - EX-12.(B)3 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxby3.htm
EX-12.(A)3 - EX-12.(A)3 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxay3.htm
EX-12.(A)2 - EX-12.(A)2 - CONSUMERS ENERGY COk48628exv12wxay2.htm
Exhibit 99.1
CMS Energy Corporation
Consumers Energy Company

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This MD&A is a combined report of CMS Energy and Consumers. It has been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Item 303 of Regulation S-K. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the MD&A contained in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ 2008 Form 10-K.
CMS and Consumers have revised their interim Consolidated Financial Statements for 2009 to reflect the impacts on prior interim periods of a rate order issued on November 2, 2009 by the MPSC. In accordance with the accounting rules that apply to certain adjustments of utility revenue under ratemaking processes, CMS Energy and Consumers have recorded the impacts of the MSPC rate order that are specifically identifiable with prior interim periods of the current year as adjustments to those periods. Accordingly, the revised interim Consolidated Financial Statements for CMS Energy and Consumers reflect a decrease of $6 million to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $1 million to net income for the three months ended June 30, 2009, and an increase of $1 million to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009. CMS Energy and Consumers have also revised this MD&A for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009. All other information in this MD&A remains unchanged. For further information about the rate order, see Note 1, Subsequent Event, and Note 6, Utility Rate Matters.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION
This Form 10-Q and other written and oral statements that CMS Energy and Consumers make contain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of “might,” “may,” “could,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” and other similar words is intended to identify forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainty. This discussion of potential risks and uncertainties is designed to highlight important factors that may impact CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ business and financial outlook. CMS Energy and Consumers have no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements regardless of whether new information, future events, or any other factors affect the information contained in the statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to various factors that could cause CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in these statements. These factors include CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ inability to predict or control:
    the price of CMS Energy Common Stock, capital and financial market conditions, and the effect of these market conditions on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ postretirement benefit plans, interest costs, and access to the capital markets, including availability of financing (including Consumers’ accounts receivable sales program and CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ revolving credit facilities) to CMS Energy, Consumers, or any of their affiliates, and the energy industry;
    the impact of the continued downturn in the economy and the sharp downturn and extreme volatility in the financial and credit markets on CMS Energy, Consumers, or any of their affiliates, including their:
    revenues;
 
    capital expenditure programs and related earnings growth;
 
    ability to collect accounts receivable from customers;
 
    cost of capital and availability of capital; and
 
    Pension Plan and postretirement benefit plans assets and required contributions;

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    changes in the economic and financial viability of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ suppliers, customers, and other counterparties and the continued ability of these third parties, including third parties in bankruptcy, to meet their obligations to CMS Energy and Consumers;
    population growth or decline in the geographic areas where CMS Energy and Consumers conduct business;
    changes in applicable laws, rules, regulations, principles or practices, or in their interpretation, including those related to taxes, the environment, and accounting matters, that could have an impact on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ businesses, including the impact of any future regulations or laws regarding:
    carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, including potential future legislation to establish a cap and trade system;
 
    mercury emissions;
 
    coal ash;
 
    limitations on the use or construction of coal-fueled electric power plants; and
 
    renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency mandates;
    national, regional, and local economic, competitive, and regulatory policies, conditions, and developments;
    adverse regulatory or legal interpretations or decisions, including those related to environmental laws and regulations, and potential environmental remediation costs associated with these interpretations or decisions, including but not limited to those that may affect Bay Harbor or Consumers’ RMRR classification under NSR regulations;
    potentially adverse regulatory treatment or failure to receive timely regulatory orders concerning a number of significant matters affecting Consumers that are presently or potentially before the MPSC, including:
    sufficient and timely recovery of:
    Clean Air Act capital and operating costs and other environmental and safety-related expenditures;
 
    power supply and natural gas supply costs;
 
    operating and maintenance expenses;
 
    additional utility rate-based investments;
 
    increased MISO energy and transmission costs;
 
    costs associated with energy efficiency investments and state or federally mandated renewable resource standards; and
 
    Big Rock decommissioning funding shortfalls;
    actions of regulators with respect to expenditures subject to tracking mechanisms;
 
    actions of regulators to prevent or curtail shutoffs for non-paying customers;
 
    regulatory orders preventing or curtailing rights to self-implement rate requests;
 
    regulatory orders potentially requiring a refund of previously self-implemented rates;
 
    authorization of a new coal-fueled plant; and
 
    implementation of new energy legislation;
    potentially adverse regulatory treatment resulting from pressure on regulators to oppose annual rate increases or to lessen rate impacts upon customers, particularly in difficult economic times;

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    potentially adverse regulatory treatment concerning a number of significant matters affecting Consumers that are presently before the MDEQ, including the approval of Consumers’ air permit application for its proposed coal-fueled plant;
 
    the ability of Consumers to recover its regulatory assets in full and in a timely manner;
 
    the ability of Consumers to recover nuclear fuel storage costs incurred as a result of the DOE’s failure to accept spent nuclear fuel on schedule, and the outcome of pending litigation with the DOE;
 
    loss of customer load to alternative energy suppliers;
 
    the impact of expanded enforcement powers and investigation activities at the FERC;
 
    federal regulation of electric sales and transmission of electricity, including periodic re-examination by federal regulators of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ market-based sales authorizations in wholesale power markets without price restrictions;
 
    effects of weather conditions, such as unusually cool weather during the summer or warm weather during the winter, on sales;
 
    the market perception of the energy industry or of CMS Energy, Consumers, or any of their affiliates;
 
    the credit ratings of CMS Energy or Consumers;
 
    the impact of credit markets, economic conditions, and new banking regulations on EnerBank;
 
    disruptions in the normal commercial insurance and surety bond markets that may increase costs or reduce traditional insurance coverage, particularly terrorism and sabotage insurance, performance bonds, and tax-exempt debt insurance, and stability of insurance providers;
 
    energy markets, including availability of capacity and the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for oil, coal, natural gas, natural gas liquids, electricity, and certain related products due to lower or higher demand, shortages, transportation problems, or other developments, and their impact on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ cash flows and working capital;
 
    changes in construction material prices and the availability of qualified construction personnel to implement Consumers’ construction program;
 
    factors affecting operations, such as unusual weather conditions, catastrophic weather-related damage, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints;
 
    potential disruption or interruption of facilities or operations due to accidents, war, or terrorism, and the ability to obtain or maintain insurance coverage for these events;
 
    technological developments in energy production, delivery, usage, and storage;
 
    achievement of capital expenditure and operating expense goals;

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    the impact of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ integrated business software system on their operations, including utility customer billing and collections;
 
    the effectiveness of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ risk management policies and procedures;
 
    CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ ability to achieve generation planning goals and the occurrence and duration of planned or unplanned generation outages;
 
    adverse outcomes regarding tax positions;
 
    adverse consequences resulting from any past or future assertion of indemnity or warranty claims associated with assets and businesses previously owned by CMS Energy or Consumers, including the F.T. Barr matter and claims resulting from attempts by foreign or domestic governments to assess taxes on past operations or transactions;
 
    the outcome, cost, and other effects of legal or administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, or claims;
 
    earnings volatility resulting from the application of fair value accounting to certain energy commodity contracts, such as electricity sales agreements and interest rate and foreign currency contracts;
 
    changes in financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies, including possible changes to rules involving fair value accounting;
 
    new or revised interpretations of GAAP by regulators, which could affect how accounting principles are applied, and could impact future periods’ financial statements or previously filed financial statements;
 
    a possible future requirement to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards, which differ from GAAP in various ways, including the present lack of special accounting treatment for regulated activities; and
 
    other business or investment matters that may be disclosed from time to time in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ SEC filings, or in other publicly issued documents.
For additional details regarding these and other uncertainties, see the “Outlook” section included in this MD&A, Note 5, Contingencies, Note 6, Utility Rate Matters, and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors.

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EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
CMS Energy is an energy company operating primarily in Michigan and is the parent holding company of several subsidiaries, including Consumers and Enterprises. Consumers is a combination electric and gas utility company serving Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Consumers’ electric utility operations include the generation, purchase, distribution, and sale of electricity. Consumers’ gas utility operations include the purchase, transportation, storage, distribution, and sale of natural gas. Consumers’ customer base includes a mix of residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers. Enterprises, through its equity investments and subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in independent power production.
CMS Energy and Consumers manage their businesses by the nature of services each provides. CMS Energy operates principally in three business segments: electric utility; gas utility; and enterprises, its non-utility investments and operations. Consumers operates principally in two business segments: electric utility and gas utility.
CMS Energy and Consumers earn revenue and generate cash from operations by providing electric and natural gas utility services, electric power generation, gas distribution, transmission and storage, and other energy-related services. Their businesses are affected primarily by:
    weather, especially during the heating and cooling seasons;
    economic conditions;
    regulation and regulatory matters;
    energy commodity prices;
    interest rates; and
    CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ debt credit ratings.
During the past several years, CMS Energy’s business strategy has emphasized improving its consolidated balance sheet and maintaining focus on its core strength, which is Consumers’ utility operations and service.
Consumers’ forecast calls for capital investments in excess of $6 billion from 2009 through 2013, with a key aspect of its strategy being the balanced energy initiative. The balanced energy initiative is a comprehensive energy resource plan to meet Consumers’ projected short-term and long-term electric power requirements with energy efficiency; demand management; expanded use of renewable energy; development of new power plants; pursuit of additional power purchase agreements to complement existing generating sources; and potential retirement of older, less efficient generating units.
Consumers filed an air permit application with the MDEQ in October 2007 for its proposed new 830 MW coal-fueled plant. Consumers expects the MDEQ to act on the application by the end of 2009. Consumers prepared and filed with the MDEQ and the MPSC a needs-and-alternatives analysis that supported Consumers’ current balanced energy initiative and the construction of its proposed power plant. In September 2009, the MPSC staff issued a report to the MDEQ on Consumers’ analysis, concluding that the long-term capacity need was unjustified without the retirement of certain existing coal-fueled power plants from its fleet and that the proposed coal-fueled plant is only one alternative out of a range of alternatives that Consumers may use to fill the projected capacity need.
The 2008 Energy Legislation requires that at least ten percent of Consumers’ electric sales volume come from renewable energy sources by 2015, and includes requirements for specific capacity additions. In compliance with this legislation, Consumers filed a renewable energy plan with the MPSC in February 2009 outlining its plans to build or contract for additional renewable energy capacity of 200 MW by December 31, 2013, and an additional 300 MW of renewable energy capacity by December 31, 2015.

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Consumers’ plan proposed that half of the new renewable capacity would be obtained through long-term agreements to purchase power from third parties, with the remaining capacity to be supplied by facilities built and owned by Consumers. At the same time, Consumers filed an energy optimization plan, also called for by the 2008 Energy Legislation, under which Consumers will promote energy efficiency and provide incentives to reduce customer usage. Consumers’ filings include a request for recovery of the cost of the renewable energy and energy optimization measures. In May 2009, the MPSC approved the energy optimization plan and, with minor exceptions, the renewable energy plan.
In April 2009, Consumers filed tariff sheets indicating that it planned to self-implement an electric rate increase in the annual amount of $179 million based on an 11 percent authorized return on equity, beginning in May 2009. The MPSC issued an order in May 2009 requiring that, if Consumers self-implemented the $179 million electric rate increase, it must simultaneously distribute to customers $36 million of proceeds from the April 2007 sale of Palisades. Accordingly, Consumers self-implemented an annual electric rate increase of $179 million, subject to refund with interest, and also implemented a one-time distribution of $36 million. Consumers received a final order in this rate filing in November 2009. For details of the rate order, see Note 1, Subsequent Event, and Note 6, Utility Rate Matters.
Additionally, in May 2009, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC seeking an annual increase in gas revenue of $114 million based on an 11 percent authorized return on equity. In October 2009, Consumers filed tariff sheets indicating it plans to self-implement a gas rate case in the annual amount of $89 million beginning November 19, 2009. These rate filings include requests for increases in rates to cover various costs, including capital additions under the balanced energy initiative.
In October 2009, the MPSC issued a show-cause order that directed Consumers to present details of its forestry and fossil-fueled plant operation and maintenance expenditures for 2006 through 2008, as well as available detail for 2009 expenditures, and also to explain why Consumers should not be found in violation of the MPSC’s December 2005 order, which required certain minimum operation and maintenance expenditures on these activities.
There is uncertainty associated with federal legislative and regulatory proposals related to the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions, particularly associated with coal-fueled generation. Federal legislation is being considered to establish a cap and trade system, or alternatively, to tax carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, in April 2009, the EPA issued a proposed finding that greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, contribute to air pollution that may endanger the public health and welfare, thus setting the stage for regulation of carbon dioxide emissions under the Clean Air Act. CMS Energy and Consumers are monitoring these developments for potential effects on their plans and operations.
Consumers is developing an advanced metering infrastructure system that will provide enhanced controls over and information about energy usage, as well as timely notification of service interruptions. Consumers is using a phased implementation approach that will allow it to analyze, test, and pilot the new technology prior to widespread investment and deployment. Consumers will also make certain modifications to its software to enable the new system.
In the future, CMS Energy will focus its strategy on:
    investing in Consumers’ utility system;
    growing earnings and operating cash flow while controlling operating and fuel costs; and
    maintaining principles of safe, efficient operations, customer value, fair and timely regulation, and consistent financial performance.

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As CMS Energy and Consumers execute this strategy, they will need to overcome a Michigan economy that has been impacted adversely by the continued downturn and uncertainty in Michigan’s automotive industry marked by the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler. The financial market crisis, the effects of which became evident in a global economic downturn during the fourth quarter of 2008, continues to result in a negative economic outlook. A range of possible outcomes exists due to the uncertain financial market environment and ongoing government policy responses. Consumers expects its annual 2009 weather-adjusted sales to decline by four percent for the electric utility and five percent for the gas utility and it projects slower growth in the longer term. While CMS Energy and Consumers believe that their sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet their requirements, they continue to monitor developments in the financial and credit markets and government policy responses to those developments for potential implications for CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ businesses and their future financial needs.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CMS ENERGY’S CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
    In Millions (except for per share amounts)
Three months ended September 30   2009   2008   Change
 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 67     $ 78     $ (11 )
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.35     $ (0.06 )
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.28     $ 0.33     $ (0.05 )
     
 
                       
Electric Utility
  $ 111     $ 108     $ 3  
Gas Utility
    (12 )     (18 )     6  
Enterprises
    5       5        
Corporate Interest and Other
    (37 )     (18 )     (19 )
Discontinued Operations
          1       (1 )
     
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 67     $ 78     $ (11 )
     
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, net income was $67 million, compared with $78 million for 2008. Combined net income for Consumers’ electric and gas utility segments increased, as the impact of the MPSC’s December 2008 gas rate order, the November 2009 electric rate order that Consumers self-implemented in May 2009, and a favorable sales mix more than offset lower electric deliveries, increased operating expenses, and increased interest expense. The positive impacts from the utility segments on CMS Energy’s consolidated net income offset partially the premiums paid on retirement of debt.
Specific after-tax changes to net income available to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2009 versus 2008 are:
         
    After Tax, In Millions  
      Increase in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due primarily to MPSC rate orders
  $ 30  
      Increase in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due to a favorable sales mix
    11  
      Decrease in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due to decreased deliveries, primarily reflecting unfavorable economic conditions
    (26 )
      Change in corporate interest and other due primarily to premiums paid on the retirement of debt
    (19 )
      Increase in other net expenses at Consumers, primarily reflecting higher pension and OPEB expenses, higher interest expense, and higher plant maintenance expense, partially offset by the absence of an impairment charge on its SERP investments recorded in 2008
    (6 )
      Absence of a gain from discontinued operations due to a reduction to a legal reserve recorded in 2008, related to previously sold assets
    (1 )
 
     
Total change
  $ (11 )
 
     

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    In Millions (except for per share amounts)
Nine months ended September 30   2009   2008   Change
 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 212     $ 224     $ (12 )
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.93     $ 0.99     $ (0.06 )
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.90     $ 0.94     $ (0.04 )
     
 
                       
Electric Utility
  $ 217     $ 232     $ (15 )
Gas Utility
    52       46       6  
Enterprises
    (12 )     13       (25 )
Corporate Interest and Other
    (74 )     (67 )     (7 )
Discontinued Operations
    29             29  
     
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 212     $ 224     $ (12 )
     
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net income was $212 million, compared with $224 million for 2008. Combined net income from Consumers’ electric utility and gas utility segments decreased, reflecting decreased deliveries, the absence of gains from the sale of sulfur dioxide allowances recognized in 2008, and an increase in operating expenses and interest expense. These decreases were offset partially by increased earnings from a June 2008 electric rate order, a December 2008 gas rate order, a November 2009 electric rate order that Consumers self-implemented in May 2009, and a favorable sales mix. CMS Energy’s consolidated net income was also negatively impacted by an increase in projected Bay Harbor remediation costs and higher corporate expenses, which were offset partially by the expiration of an indemnity obligation related primarily to discontinued operations.

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Specific after-tax changes to net income available to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus 2008 are:
             
        After Tax, In Millions  
 
Increase in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due primarily to MPSC rate orders
  $ 94  
 
Increase in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due to a favorable sales mix
    34  
 
Increase from discontinued operations due primarily to a benefit from the expiration of an indemnity obligation
    29  
 
Decrease in electric and gas revenues at Consumers due to decreased deliveries, primarily reflecting unfavorable economic conditions
    (66 )
 
Increase in projected Bay Harbor remediation costs at Enterprises
    (22 )
 
Increase in pension and OPEB expenses at Consumers
    (18 )
 
Increase in other net expenses at Consumers primarily related to higher interest, uncollectible accounts expense, and property taxes
    (16 )
 
Increase in plant maintenance expense at Consumers
    (15 )
 
Absence of gains from the sale of sulfur dioxide credits recognized at Consumers in 2008
    (12 )
 
Absence of resource conservation savings recorded in 2008 related to Consumers’ power purchase agreement with the MCV Partnership
    (10 )
 
Change in corporate interest and other due primarily to premiums paid on the retirement of debt and increased tax-related expenses, offset partially by a gain on the redemption of preferred securities
    (7 )
 
Decrease in revenues at Enterprises due primarily to lower power demand and prices
    (3 )
   
 
     
Total change
  $ (12 )
   
 
     
CONSUMERS’ ELECTRIC UTILITY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
In Millions
September 30   2009   2008   Change
 
Net Income:
                       
Three months ended
  $ 111     $ 108     $ 3  
Nine months ended
  $ 217     $ 232     $ (15 )
     
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2009   September 30, 2009
Reasons for the change:   vs. 2008   vs. 2008
 
Electric deliveries and rate increase
  $ 8     $ 43  
Power supply costs and related revenue
    1       3  
Other income, net of deductions
    8       7  
Maintenance and other operating expenses
    (3 )     (46 )
Depreciation and amortization
    5       2  
General taxes
    (5 )     (8 )
Interest charges
    (5 )     (15 )
Income taxes
    (6 )     (1 )
     
Total change
  $ 3     $ (15 )
     

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Electric deliveries and rate increase: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, electric delivery revenues increased $8 million compared with 2008. The increase resulted from $40 million of additional revenue from the November 2009 MPSC rate order, which Consumers self-implemented in May 2009, other rate-related items, and a $13 million increase in revenues from a favorable sales mix. These increases were offset partially by $40 million in lower deliveries. Deliveries to end-use customers were 9 billion kWh, a decrease of 0.7 billion kWh or 7.2 percent compared with 2008, primarily reflecting unfavorable economic conditions in Michigan. Additionally, surcharge revenues and related reserves decreased $5 million due to the expiration of the electric restructuring implementation plan surcharge of $5 million and a reduction in PA 141 surcharge revenue of $4 million, offset partially by a $4 million increase resulting from the implementation of an energy optimization program in June 2009.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, electric delivery revenues increased $43 million compared with 2008. The increase resulted from a combined $110 million of additional revenue from the June 2008 MPSC rate order, the November 2009 MPSC rate order, which Consumers self-implemented in May 2009, and other rate-related items, net of a $20 million decrease from a new rate design structure that provides lower winter and higher summer rates to encourage conservation. These variances, together with a $44 million increase in revenues from a favorable sales mix, were offset partially by $90 million in lower deliveries. Deliveries to end-use customers were 27 billion kWh, a decrease of 1.8 billion kWh or 6.3 percent compared with 2008, primarily reflecting unfavorable economic conditions in Michigan. Additionally, surcharge revenues and related reserves decreased $21 million, reflecting the absence of $12 million of retirement benefits expense recovered in revenue in 2008. Also contributing to the decrease were the expiration of the electric restructuring implementation plan surcharge of $9 million and a reduction in PA 141 surcharge revenue of $5 million, offset partially by a $5 million increase resulting from the implementation of an energy optimization program in June 2009.
Power supply costs and related revenue: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, PSCR and related revenue increased $1 million compared with 2008, due primarily to an increase in wholesale fuel recovery revenue.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, PSCR and related revenue increased $3 million compared with 2008. The increase reflects the absence of a revenue reduction in 2008 related to amounts excluded from recovery in the 2006 PSCR reconciliation case.
Other income, net of deductions: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, other income increased $8 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to the absence in 2009 of a $6 million impairment charge that recognized an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of Consumers’ SERP investments. Also contributing to the increase was $5 million related to gains from land sales. These increases were offset partially by a decrease in interest income and related items of $3 million, primarily reflecting lower levels of short-term cash investments.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, other income increased $7 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to gains from land sales of $9 million and the absence in 2009 of a $6 million impairment charge that recognized an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of Consumers’ SERP investments. These increases were offset partially by a decrease in interest income and related items of $8 million, primarily reflecting lower levels of short-term cash investments.

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Maintenance and other operating expenses: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, maintenance and other operating expenses increased $3 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to cost increases for plant maintenance of $4 million, and a $5 million increase in OPEB expense due to the unfavorable market performance of retirement benefit plan assets. Also contributing to the increase were the absence in 2009 of $4 million of resource conservation savings recorded in 2008 related to Consumers’ power purchase agreement with the MCV Partnership, higher expenses of $5 million related to forestry and tree-trimming services, and additional expenses of $4 million associated with the implementation of an energy optimization program in 2009. These increases were offset largely by a $6 million decrease in uncollectible accounts expense and a $13 million decrease in storm restoration, outside services, and other net expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, maintenance and other operating expenses increased $46 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to cost increases for plant maintenance of $18 million, the absence of an $18 million benefit from the sale of sulfur dioxide credits recognized in 2008, higher expenses of $18 million related to forestry and tree-trimming services, and $5 million associated with the implementation of an energy optimization program in 2009. Also contributing to the increase was the absence of $16 million of resource conservation savings recorded in 2008 related to Consumers’ power purchase agreement with the MCV Partnership. Additionally, pension and OPEB expenses increased $5 million, as a $17 million expense increase due to the unfavorable market performance of retirement benefit plan assets more than offset the absence of $12 million of expense associated with retirement benefits recovered in revenue in 2008. These increases were offset partially by a $6 million decrease in uncollectible accounts expense and a $28 million decrease in storm restoration, outside services, and other net expenses.
Depreciation and amortization: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $5 million compared with 2008. The decrease was due to a $9 million reduction in amortization expense on certain regulatory assets, offset partially by a $4 million increase in depreciation from higher plant in service.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $2 million compared with 2008. The decrease was due to a $14 million reduction in amortization expense on certain regulatory assets, offset partially by a $12 million increase in depreciation from higher plant in service.
General taxes: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, general taxes increased $5 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, general taxes increased $8 million, due to increased property taxes, primarily reflecting higher capital spending.
Interest charges: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, interest charges increased $5 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, interest charges increased $15 million due primarily to the issuance of debt in 2009.
Income taxes: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, income taxes increased $6 million compared with 2008, reflecting $3 million associated with higher utility earnings in the third quarter of 2009 and a $3 million increase in the MBT.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, income taxes increased $1 million compared with 2008, reflecting a $6 million increase in the MBT, offset partially by $5 million associated with lower earnings in 2009.

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CONSUMERS’ GAS UTILITY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
In Millions
September 30   2009   2008   Change
 
Net Income:
                       
Three months ended
  $ (12 )   $ (18 )   $ 6  
Nine months ended
  $ 52     $ 46     $ 6  
     
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2009   September 30, 2009
Reasons for the change:   vs. 2008   vs. 2008
 
Gas deliveries and rate increase
  $ 13     $ 17  
Gas wholesale and retail services, other gas revenues, and other income
          2  
Other income, net of deductions
    5       5  
Maintenance and other operating expenses
    (5 )     (19 )
Depreciation and amortization
    1       9  
General taxes
    (2 )     (3 )
Interest charges
    (1 )     (3 )
Income taxes
    (5 )     (2 )
     
Total change
  $ 6     $ 6  
     
Gas deliveries and rate increase: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, gas delivery revenue increased $13 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to additional revenue of $3 million from the MPSC’s December 2008 gas rate order. Also contributing to the increase were higher deliveries of $1 million, and $6 million from a combination of a favorable sales mix and lower system losses incurred in 2009. Gas deliveries, including miscellaneous transportation to end-use customers, were 25 bcf, an increase of 1 bcf or 4.2 percent compared with 2008. Additionally, surcharge revenues increased $3 million due to the implementation of an energy optimization program in June 2009.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, gas delivery revenue increased $17 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to additional revenue of $14 million from the MPSC’s December 2008 gas rate order. Also contributing to the increase was $10 million from a favorable sales mix and lower system losses incurred in 2009. These increases were offset partially by lower deliveries of $11 million. Gas deliveries, including miscellaneous transportation to end-use customers, were 196 bcf, a decrease of 8 bcf or 3.9 percent compared with 2008. Additionally, surcharge revenues increased $4 million due to the implementation of an energy optimization program in June 2009.
Gas wholesale and retail services, other gas revenues, and other income: For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, gas delivery revenue increased $2 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to additional revenue from the appliance service plan program and an increase in transmission line revenue.
Other income, net of deductions: For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, other income increased $5 million compared with 2008. The increase was due primarily to the absence in 2009 of an impairment charge that recognized an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of Consumers’ SERP investments.
Maintenance and other operating expenses: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, maintenance and other operating expenses increased $5 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to higher OPEB expense of $3 million, reflecting unfavorable market performance of Consumers’

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retirement benefit plan assets and an expense associated with prior year retirement benefits recovered in revenue in 2009. Also contributing to the increase were additional expenses related to the implementation of an energy optimization program of $3 million, offset partially by a decrease of $1 million in other net expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, maintenance and other operating expenses increased $19 million compared with 2008. The increase was due to higher OPEB expense of $10 million, reflecting unfavorable market performance of Consumers’ retirement benefit plan assets. Also contributing to the increase were higher uncollectible account expense of $8 million and additional expenses of $4 million related to the implementation of an energy optimization program. These increases were offset partially by a decrease of $3 million in other net expenses.
Depreciation and amortization: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1 million compared with 2008. The MPSC’s December 2008 gas rate order reduced amortization expense by $2 million, and delayed collection of an equal amount of amortization in rates. This decrease was offset partially by $1 million of higher depreciation expense due to an increase in plant in service.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $9 million compared with 2008. The MPSC’s December 2008 gas rate order reduced amortization expense by $13 million, and delayed collection of an equal amount of amortization in rates. This decrease was offset partially by $4 million of higher depreciation expense due to an increase in plant in service.
General taxes: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, general taxes increased $2 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, general taxes increased $3 million, due to increased property taxes, primarily reflecting higher capital spending.
Interest charges: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, interest charges increased $1 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, interest charges increased $3 million, due primarily to the issuance of debt in 2009.
Income taxes: For the three months ended September 30, 2009, income taxes increased $5 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, income taxes increased $2 million, due to higher utility earnings in the third quarter of 2009.
ENTERPRISES RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
Net Income:
                       
Three months ended
  $ 5     $ 5     $  
Nine months ended
  $ (12 )   $ 13     $ (25 )
         
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, Enterprises reported no change in net income, as the impact of depressed power demand and prices was offset by higher fuel reimbursement revenue.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Enterprises recorded a net loss of $12 million compared with net income of $13 million in 2008. The change reflects an after-tax expense of $22 million resulting from an increase in projected future environmental remediation costs associated with Bay Harbor, and $3 million of lower earnings due to depressed power demand and prices.

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CORPORATE INTEREST AND OTHER RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
Net Income:
                       
Three months ended
  $ (37 )   $ (18 )   $ (19 )
Nine months ended
  $ (74 )   $ (67 )   $ ( 7 )
         
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, corporate interest and other net expenses increased $19 million, due primarily to a premium paid on the early retirement of debt and the absence of benefits recorded in 2008 related to the reduction of certain tax valuation allowances.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, corporate interest and other net expenses increased $7 million. The increase was due to premiums paid on the early retirement of CMS Energy senior notes, the absence of benefits recorded in 2008 related to the reduction of certain tax valuation allowances, and an increase in tax expense due to legislation related to the MBT. These increases were offset partially by a gain recognized on the early retirement of CMS Energy’s long-term debt — related parties.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, CMS Energy reported no income from discontinued operations. In 2008, income from discontinued operations was $1 million due primarily to a reduction to a legal reserve related to previously sold assets.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, income from discontinued operations was $29 million, due primarily to the expiration of an indemnity obligation related to a 2007 asset sale.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Components of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ cash management plan include controlling operating expenses and capital expenditures and evaluating market conditions for financing opportunities, if needed. Recent major financing transactions and commitments are as follows:
    In February 2009, Consumers retired $200 million FMB at maturity;
 
    In March 2009, Consumers issued $500 million in FMB;
 
    In June 2009, CMS Energy issued $173 million in convertible senior notes and $300 million in senior notes, and early retired $144 million of its $178 million Long-term debt — related parties;
 
    In July 2009, CMS Energy repurchased and retired $233 million principal amount of the senior notes due 2010 and $87 million principal amount of the senior notes due 2011;
 
    In August 2009, Consumers retired $150 million FMB at maturity; and
 
    In September 2009, CMS Energy’s $243 million preferred stock and $140 million 3.375 percent senior notes became convertible at the holders’ option for the fourth quarter of 2009.
Despite the present market volatility, CMS Energy and Consumers expect to continue to have access to the financial and capital markets. Recent and upcoming credit renewals and maturities are as follows:
    Consumers renewed its accounts receivable sales program in April 2009 through February 2010;
 
    Consumers renewed its $150 million 364-day revolving credit facility in September 2009;
 
    Consumers renewed its letter of credit facility in the amount of $30 million in September 2009, effective November 30, 2009;
 
    Consumers’ $500 million revolving credit facility is planned for renewal in 2012;

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    Consumers’ FMB maturities are $250 million in 2010, and $300 million in 2012;
 
    Consumers’ tax-exempt pollution control revenue bond maturities are $58 million in 2010;
 
    CMS Energy’s senior notes maturities are $67 million in 2010, $213 million in 2011, and $150 million in 2012; and
 
    CMS Energy’s $550 million revolving credit facility is planned for renewal in 2012.
CMS Energy and Consumers believe that their present level of cash and their expected cash flows from operating activities, together with access to sources of liquidity, will be sufficient to meet cash requirements. If access to the capital markets were to become diminished or otherwise restricted, CMS Energy and Consumers would implement contingency plans to address debt maturities, which could include reduced capital spending. For additional details, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.
At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy and Consumers were each in compliance with the financial covenants in their respective debt agreements, and no events of default had occurred with respect to any debt covenants.
Cash Position, Investing, and Financing
CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ operating, investing, and financing activities meet their consolidated cash needs. At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy had $213 million of consolidated cash and cash equivalents, which includes $30 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents and $14 million of cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated VIEs. At September 30, 2009, Consumers had $120 million of consolidated cash and cash equivalents, which includes $22 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents.
CMS Energy’s primary ongoing source of cash is dividends and other distributions from its subsidiaries. Consumers paid $233 million in common stock dividends and Enterprises paid $55 million in common stock dividends to CMS Energy for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For details on dividend restrictions, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.
Operating Activities: For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, CMS Energy generated $638 million in cash from operations and Consumers generated $703 million in cash from operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, CMS Energy generated $181 million in cash from operations and Consumers generated $524 million in cash from operations. Specific components of cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are:
                         
CMS Energy, including Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Net income
  $ 229     $ 238     $ (9 )
•      Non-cash transactions (a)
    714       695       19  
     
 
  $ 943     $ 933     $ 10  
•      Sale of gas purchased in prior year
    577       548       29  
•      Purchase of gas in current year
    (654 )     (904 )     250  
•      Electric sales contract termination payment
          (275 )     275  
•      Accounts receivable sales
    (170 )           (170 )
•      Pension contribution
    (206 )           (206 )
•      Change in other core working capital
    275       120       155  
•      Other changes in assets and liabilities, net
    (127 )     (241 )     114  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 638     $ 181     $ 457  
     

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Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Net income
  $ 272     $ 281     $ (9 )
•      Non-cash transactions (a)
    640       650       (10 )
     
 
  $ 912     $ 931     $ (19 )
•      Sale of gas purchased in prior year
    577       548       29  
•      Purchase of gas in current year
    (654 )     (904 )     250  
•      Accounts receivable sales
    (170 )           (170 )
•      Pension contribution
    (199 )           (199 )
•      Change in other core working capital
    278       109       169  
•      Other changes in assets and liabilities, net
    (41 )     (160 )     119  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 703     $ 524     $ 179  
     
 
(a)   Non-cash transactions comprise depreciation and amortization, changes in deferred income taxes, postretirement benefits expense, and other non-cash items.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash provided by operating activities at CMS Energy increased $457 million compared with 2008. This increase was due to the absence in 2009 of a payment made by CMS ERM in 2008 to terminate electricity sales agreements and the changes affecting Consumers’ cash provided by operating activities described in the following paragraph.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash provided by operating activities at Consumers increased $179 million compared with 2008. This increase was due primarily to the impact of lower gas prices on inventory purchased in 2009, collection of increased billings due to recent regulatory actions, and other timing differences. These changes were offset partially by the 2009 pension contribution and the absence of 2008 accounts receivable sales.
Investing Activities: For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in investing activities was $679 million at CMS Energy and $639 million at Consumers. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net cash used in investing activities was $538 million at CMS Energy and $531 million at Consumers. Specific components of cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are:
                         
CMS Energy, including Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Capital expenditures
  $ (621 )   $ (511 )   $ (110 )
•      Increase in non-current notes receivable
    (43 )     (11 )     (32 )
•      Costs to retire property and other
    (15 )     (16 )     1  
     
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (679 )   $ (538 )   $ (141 )
     
                         
Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Capital expenditures
  $ (616 )   $ (510 )   $ (106 )
•      Costs to retire property and other
    (23 )     (21 )     (2 )
     
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (639 )   $ (531 )   $ (108 )
     
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in investing activities at CMS Energy increased $141 million compared with 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in investing activities at Consumers increased $108 million compared with 2008. These increases were due primarily to an increase in Consumers’ capital expenditures.

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Financing Activities: For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash provided by financing activities was $11 million at CMS Energy and net cash used in financing activities was $35 million at Consumers. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net cash provided by financing activities was $171 million at CMS Energy and net cash used in financing activities was $99 million at Consumers. Specific components of cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are:
                         
CMS Energy, including Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Issuance of FMB, convertible senior notes, senior notes and other debt
  $ 1,047     $ 685     $ 362  
•      Borrowings on revolving credit facility
    215       245       (30 )
•      Retirement of debt and other debt maturity payments
    (905 )     (528 )     (377 )
•      Payments on revolving credit facility
    (255 )     (140 )     (115 )
•      Payments of common and preferred stock dividends
    (93 )     (69 )     (24 )
•      Other financing activities
    2       (22 )     24  
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 11     $ 171     $ (160 )
     
                         
Consumers   In Millions  
Nine months ended September 30   2009     2008     Change  
 
•      Issuance of FMB
  $ 500     $ 600     $ (100 )
•      Retirement of debt and other debt maturity payments
    (377 )     (434 )     57  
•      Payments of common stock dividends
    (233 )     (238 )     5  
•      Stockholder’s contribution from CMS Energy
    100             100  
•      Other financing activities
    (25 )     (27 )     2  
     
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (35 )   $ (99 )   $ 64  
     
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash provided by financing activities at CMS Energy decreased $160 million compared with 2008. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in net proceeds from borrowings.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in financing activities at Consumers decreased $64 million compared with 2008. This decrease was due primarily to a stockholder’s contribution from CMS Energy offset partially by a decrease in net proceeds from borrowings.
For additional details on long-term debt activity, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.

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Retirement Benefits
The following table provides the most recent estimates of pension cost and pension cash contributions:
                 
            In Millions
    Pension Cost   Pension Contributions
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
               
2009
  $ 97     $ 206  
2010
    108       92  
2011
    106       118  
 
Consumers
               
2009
  $ 94     $ 199  
2010
    105       89  
2011
    103       114  
 
Based on recent guidance from the federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, IRS notices, and the federal Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, CMS Energy reduced its estimated pension contribution for 2009 by $94 million to $206 million. During the first nine months of 2009, CMS Energy contributed $206 million to its pension fund, which includes a contribution of $199 million by Consumers. Actual future pension cost and contributions will depend on future investment performance, changes in discount rates, and various other factors related to the Pension Plan participants.
For additional details on retirement benefits, see Note 11, Retirement Benefits.
Obligations And Commitments
Revolving Credit Facilities: For details on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ revolving credit facilities, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.
Dividend Restrictions: For details on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ dividend restrictions, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements: CMS Energy, Consumers, and certain of their subsidiaries enter into various arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties. These arrangements include indemnities, surety bonds, letters of credit, and financial and performance guarantees. Indemnities are usually agreements to reimburse a counterparty that may incur losses due to outside claims or breach of contract terms. The maximum payment that could be required under a number of these indemnity obligations is not estimable. While CMS Energy and Consumers believe it is unlikely that they will incur any material losses related to indemnities they have not recorded as liabilities, they cannot predict the impact of these contingent obligations on their liquidity and financial condition. For additional details on these and other guarantee arrangements, see Note 5, Contingencies, “Guarantees.”
Sale of Accounts Receivable: Under Consumers’ revolving accounts receivable sales program, Consumers may sell up to $250 million of accounts receivable, subject to certain eligibility requirements. At September 30, 2009, $250 million of accounts receivable were eligible for sale, and no accounts receivable were sold under the program.

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OUTLOOK
Several business trends and uncertainties may affect CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ financial condition and future results of operations. These trends and uncertainties could have a material impact on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position. For additional details regarding these and other uncertainties, see the “Forward-Looking Statements and Information” section included in this MD&A and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Consumers’ Electric Utility Business Outlook and Uncertainties
Balanced Energy Initiative: Consumers’ balanced energy initiative is a comprehensive energy resource plan designed to meet its projected short-term and long-term electric power requirements through:
    energy efficiency;
 
    demand management;
 
    expanded use of renewable energy;
 
    development of new power plants and pursuit of additional power purchase agreements to complement existing generating sources; and
 
    potential retirement of older, less efficient generating units.
Consumers’ balanced energy initiative includes plans to build an 830 MW coal-fueled plant at its Karn/Weadock generating complex near Bay City, Michigan. Consumers expects the plant to be in operation in 2017 and plans to use five-eighths of the plant’s output to serve its own customers, with the remaining output to be committed to others. The 2008 Energy Legislation provided guidelines with respect to the MPSC’s review and approval of energy resource plans and proposed power plants through the issuance of a certificate of need. Consumers plans to file a new case with the MPSC seeking a certificate of need that conforms to the legislation.
In October 2007, Consumers filed an air permit application with the MDEQ for its proposed coal-fueled plant. The MDEQ published Consumers’ draft air permit for public comment in March 2009 and, in response to public comments, indicated that it would require a needs-and-alternatives analysis. In June 2009, Consumers prepared and filed with the MDEQ and the MPSC a needs-and-alternatives analysis that supported Consumers’ current balanced energy initiative and the construction of its proposed coal-fueled power plant. In September 2009, the MPSC staff issued a report to the MDEQ on Consumers’ analysis, concluding that the long-term capacity need identified by Consumers in its analysis was unjustified without the retirement of certain existing coal-fueled power plants from its fleet. The MPSC staff’s report also stated that the proposed coal-fueled plant is only one alternative out of a range of options that Consumers may use to fill the projected capacity need, and that such options include increased energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Plan: The 2008 Energy Legislation prescribed renewable energy standards for energy and capacity. The energy standard requires that at least ten percent of Consumers’ electric sales volume come from renewable sources by 2015 with interim target requirements. Using the guidelines of the standard, four percent of Consumers’ electric sales volume now comes from renewable sources. The capacity standard requires Consumers to add new renewable energy capacity of 200 MW by December 31, 2013, and an additional 300 MW by December 31, 2015, from owned renewable energy sources or agreements to purchase power.

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In February 2009, Consumers filed its renewable energy plan with the MPSC. The plan detailed how Consumers would meet the renewable energy standards for energy and capacity, with wind generation as Consumers’ primary resource. Consumers’ plan proposed that half of the new renewable capacity would be obtained through long-term agreements to purchase power from third parties, with the remaining capacity to be supplied by facilities built and owned by Consumers. The plan also proposed a schedule of surcharges to be applied over a 20-year period to recover the incremental cost of compliance. Consumers’ plan was approved by the MPSC in May 2009 with minor exceptions. It is subject to biennial review and annual cost and revenue reconciliation proceedings.
Consumers has secured more than 52,000 acres of land easements in Michigan’s Tuscola and Mason Counties for potential wind generation development and is collecting wind speed and other meteorological data at the sites. Consumers will continue to seek opportunities for wind generation development in support of the renewable energy standard. Consumers has also executed agreements with six small-scale renewable energy suppliers for the purchase of 9.4 MW of renewable capacity and an estimated two percent of its long-term renewable energy needs. The MPSC approved these agreements in October, which will enable Consumers to recover the full costs of these contracts from its customers. Additionally, in May 2009, Consumers requested proposals, due in December 2009, for capacity and energy from larger projects to meet its renewable capacity and energy needs through 2015.
Energy Optimization Plan: The 2008 Energy Legislation requires utilities to prepare energy optimization plans and achieve annual sales reduction targets beginning in 2009 through at least 2015. The targets are incremental with the goal of achieving a six percent reduction in customers’ electricity use and a four percent reduction in natural gas use by December 31, 2015. In February 2009, Consumers filed its energy optimization plan with the MPSC. The plan detailed Consumers’ proposals for energy cost savings among all customer classes through incentives to reduce customer usage by offering customer energy audits, rebates and discounts on purchases of highly efficient appliances, and other incentives and programs. The plan also sought recovery of program costs. Consumers’ plan was approved by the MPSC in May 2009. It is subject to biennial review and annual cost and revenue reconciliation proceedings. In July 2009, Consumers launched its energy optimization programs for residential customers.
Electric Customer Revenue: Michigan’s economy has suffered from plant closures, restructurings, and bankruptcies in the automotive sector and from the depressed housing market. The Michigan economy also has been harmed by the present volatility in the financial and credit markets. Although Consumers’ electric utility results are not substantially dependent upon a single customer, or even a few customers, customers in the automotive sector and their direct suppliers represented four percent of Consumers’ total 2008 electric revenue and 2.5 percent of Consumers’ 2008 electric operating income. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact of the Michigan economy on its electric customer revenue.
Electric Deliveries: Consumers expects weather-adjusted electric deliveries to decrease in 2009 by four percent compared with 2008. Consumers’ outlook for 2009 includes continuing growth in deliveries to its largest customer, which produces semiconductor and solar energy components. Excluding this customer’s growth, Consumers expects weather-adjusted electric deliveries in 2009 to decrease six percent compared with 2008. Consumers’ outlook reflects reduced deliveries associated with its investment in energy efficiency programs included in the 2008 Energy Legislation, as well as recent projections of Michigan economic conditions.
Beginning in 2010, Consumers expects economic conditions to stabilize, resulting in modestly growing deliveries of electricity through 2014. This modest growth expectation takes into account the predicted effects of energy efficiency programs. Actual deliveries will depend on:

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    energy conservation measures and results of energy efficiency programs;
 
    fluctuations in weather; and
 
    changes in economic conditions, including utilization and expansion or contraction of manufacturing facilities, population trends, and housing activity.
Electric Supply Resources: Consumers, through its supply resources, which consist of electric generating plants, long-term power purchase contracts, and short-term purchases of capacity and energy, is planning to meet the resource adequacy requirements established by MISO.
Electric Transmission Expenses: Consumers expects the transmission charges it incurs to increase by $47 million in 2009 compared with 2008, due primarily to a 25 percent increase in METC and Wolverine transmission rates. This increase was included in Consumers’ 2009 PSCR plan filed with the MPSC in September 2008. For details on litigation concerning Consumers’ recovery of its electric transmission expense, see Note 5, Contingencies, “Consumers’ Electric Utility Contingencies — Litigation.”
Electric ROA: The Customer Choice Act allows Consumers’ electric customers to buy electric generation service from Consumers or from an alternative electric supplier. However, the 2008 Energy Legislation generally limits alternative electric supply to ten percent of Consumers’ weather-adjusted retail sales of the preceding calendar year. During the third quarter of 2009, customer enrollment in the ROA program reached the ten percent limit. At September 30, 2009, alternative electric suppliers were providing 586 MW of generation service to ROA customers, a 77 percent increase from December 31, 2008. For the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2009, alternative electric supply represented 4.5 percent of Consumers’ weather-adjusted retail sales of the preceding calendar year.
Electric Environmental Estimates: Consumers’ operations are subject to various state and federal environmental laws and regulations. Generally, Consumers has been able to recover, in customer rates, its costs to operate its facilities in compliance with these laws and regulations.
Clean Air Act: Consumers continues to focus on complying with the federal Clean Air Act and numerous state and federal environmental regulations. Consumers estimates expenditures of $1.32 billion from 2009 through 2017 for equipment installation to comply with a number of environmental regulations, including regulations limiting nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions. Consumers expects to recover these costs in customer rates.
It is expected that allowances and installation of pollution control equipment will cover the shortfall in nitrogen oxides emission allowances through 2015. Consumers also plans to purchase sulfur dioxide emission allowances between 2012 and 2015 at an average cost of $5 million per year. Consumers expects to recover emission allowance costs from its customers through the PSCR process.
Clean Air Interstate Rule: In 2005, the EPA adopted the CAIR, which required additional coal-fueled electric generating plant emission controls for nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. The CAIR was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The court initially nullified the CAIR and the CAIR federal implementation plan in its entirety, but subsequently changed course and remanded the rule to the EPA, maintaining the rule in effect pending EPA revision. At this time, the CAIR remains in effect, with 2009 as the first nitrogen oxides compliance year. The EPA must now revise the rule to resolve the court’s concerns. The impacts of this revision are unknown, but stricter regulation is envisioned. A draft rule is expected in 2010.
State and Federal Mercury Air Rules: In 2005, the EPA issued the CAMR, which required initial reductions of mercury emissions from coal-fueled electric generating plants by 2010 and further reductions by 2018. A number of states and other entities appealed certain portions of the CAMR to the

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U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia determined that the rules developed by the EPA were not consistent with the Clean Air Act. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to review this decision. The EPA has initiated the development of a revised rule based on MACT. The rule is expected to be proposed in early 2010, at which time Consumers will have a better understanding of the potential impact.
In 2006, Michigan’s governor proposed a plan that would result in mercury emissions reductions of 90 percent by 2015. In response to the governor’s proposal, the MDEQ promulgated a rule that became effective in October 2009. Consumers has a plan in place to comply with this proposed rule; however, the development of the Federal rule may affect Consumers’ plan. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter until this state regulation can be evaluated with respect to a Federal rule that is under development.
Greenhouse Gases: In June 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which requires reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. The bill proposes to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 3 percent below 2005 levels by 2012, 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and 42 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The bill also contains provisions for the direct granting of substantial free greenhouse gas emission allowances to load-serving entities in order to mitigate price impacts to customers. Consumers considers it likely that Congress will pass greenhouse gas legislation, but the form and timing of any final bill is difficult to predict. These laws, or similar state laws or rules, if enacted, could require Consumers to replace equipment, install additional equipment for emission controls, purchase allowances, curtail operations, arrange for alternative sources of supply, or take other steps to manage or lower the emission of greenhouse gases.
In September 2009, the EPA finalized the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. This rule will require facilities producing 25,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases to collect emissions data under a new reporting system, beginning January 1, 2010. The first reports will be due to the EPA on March 31, 2011. The rule covers carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, and other fluorinated gases. The purpose of the rule is to collect accurate and timely data on greenhouse gas emissions that can be used to inform future climate change policy decisions. In addition, the EPA, through public statements and actions, has signaled that it intends to initiate regulation of greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act.
Although associated capital or operating costs relating to greenhouse gas regulation or legislation could be material, and cost recovery cannot be assured, Consumers expects to have an opportunity to recover these costs and capital expenditures in rates consistent with the recovery of other reasonable costs of complying with environmental laws and regulations.

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Water: In 2004, the EPA issued rules that govern existing electric generating plant cooling water intake systems. These rules require a significant reduction in the number of fish harmed by intake structures at existing power plants. The EPA compliance options in the rule were challenged before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which remanded the bulk of the rule back to the EPA for reconsideration in 2007. In April 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the utility industry’s position that the EPA can rely on a cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards for fish protection. The EPA has announced plans to issue a revised draft rule in early 2010. Consumers estimates capital expenditures of $150 million to comply with these regulations.
Other electric environmental matters, including routine maintenance classification, could have a major impact on Consumers’ outlook. For additional details on these and other electric environmental matters, see Note 5, Contingencies, “Consumers’ Electric Utility Contingencies - Electric Environmental Matters.”
Electric Rate Matters: Rate matters are critical to Consumers’ electric utility business. For details on Consumers’ stranded cost recovery, power supply cost recovery, electric rate case and self-implemented rates, Palisades regulatory proceedings, and Big Rock decommissioning proceedings, see Note 6, Utility Rate Matters, “Consumers’ Electric Utility Rate Matters.”
Consumers’ Gas Utility Business Outlook and Uncertainties
Gas Deliveries: Consumers expects weather-adjusted gas deliveries to decline in 2009 by five percent compared with 2008, due to continuing conservation and overall economic conditions in Michigan. In addition, Consumers expects weather-adjusted gas deliveries to decline an average of two percent annually from 2010 through 2014, which reflects expected effects of energy efficiency programs. Actual delivery levels from year to year may vary from this trend due to:
    fluctuations in weather;
 
    use by independent power producers;
 
    availability and development of renewable energy sources;
 
    changes in gas prices;
 
    Michigan economic conditions including population trends and housing activity;
 
    the price of competing energy sources or fuels; and
 
    energy efficiency and conservation.
Gas Environmental Estimates: Consumers expects to incur investigation and remedial action costs at a number of sites, including 23 former manufactured gas plant sites. For additional details, see Note 5, Contingencies, “Consumers’ Gas Utility Contingencies — Gas Environmental Matters.”
Gas Rate Matters: Rate matters are critical to Consumers’ gas utility business. For details on Consumers’ gas cost recovery, gas depreciation, gas rate case, and lost and unaccounted for gas, see Note 6, Utility Rate Matters, “Consumers’ Gas Utility Rate Matters.”
Enterprises’ Outlook and Uncertainties
The primary focus with respect to CMS Energy’s remaining non-utility businesses is to optimize cash flow and maximize the value of their assets.
Trends and uncertainties that could have a material impact on CMS Energy’s consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position include:

24


 

    the impact of indemnity and environmental remediation obligations at Bay Harbor;
 
    the outcome of certain legal proceedings;
 
    the impact of lower electricity prices, caused primarily by lower natural gas prices, unseasonably cool weather, and decreased industrial production, on the profitability of Enterprises’ generating units;
 
    the impact of representations, warranties, and indemnities provided by CMS Energy or its subsidiaries in connection with the sales of assets;
 
    the impact of changes in commodity prices and interest rates on certain derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting and must be marked to market through earnings; and
 
    the impact of economic conditions in Michigan, including population trends and housing activity.
For additional details regarding Enterprises’ uncertainties, see Note 5, Contingencies and Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Other Outlook and Uncertainties
Advanced Metering Infrastructure: Consumers’ development of an advanced metering infrastructure system is proceeding as planned. This system is designed to provide two-way communications between Consumers and its customers and should allow Consumers to read meters, receive outage and restoration notification, and turn service on and off without visiting the meter. It should enable customers to monitor and manage their energy usage and help reduce demand during critical peak times, resulting in higher energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Due to this system’s complexity and relative market immaturity, Consumers is using a phased implementation approach that will allow it to analyze, test, and pilot the new technology prior to widespread investment and deployment. Consumers will also make certain modifications to its software to enable the new system. Consumers intends to begin mass deployment of the system and installation of new meters in 2012.
Litigation: CMS Energy, Consumers, and certain of their subsidiaries are named as a party in various litigation matters, as well as in administrative proceedings before various courts and governmental agencies arising in the ordinary course of business. For additional details regarding these and other legal matters, see Note 5, Contingencies and Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
EnerBank: EnerBank, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMS Capital that represents one percent of CMS Energy’s net assets, is a state-chartered, FDIC-insured industrial bank providing unsecured home improvement loans. The carrying value of EnerBank’s loan portfolio was $227 million at September 30, 2009. Its loan portfolio was funded primarily by deposit liabilities of $163 million and borrowings from the U.S. Federal Reserve bank of $50 million. Twelve-month rolling average default rates on loans held by EnerBank have risen from 1.4 percent at December 31, 2008 to 2.2 percent at September 30, 2009. Due to the economic downturn, EnerBank expects the level of loan defaults to continue to increase throughout the remainder of 2009 and into 2010, returning to lower levels thereafter.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For details regarding the implementation of new accounting standards and new accounting standards issued that are not yet effective, see Note 3, New Accounting Standards.

25


 

CMS Energy Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                                 
                    In Millions
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
                       
Operating Revenue
  $ 1,265     $ 1,428     $ 4,597     $ 4,977  
 
                               
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investees
    (1 )     5       (2 )     3  
 
                               
Operating Expenses
                               
Fuel for electric generation
    140       173       393       470  
Purchased and interchange power
    318       406       889       1,026  
Cost of gas sold
    123       191       1,294       1,526  
Other operating expenses
    229       218       704       615  
Maintenance
    52       51       163       140  
Depreciation and amortization
    128       135       422       436  
General taxes
    51       47       164       155  
Gain on asset sales, net
    (5 )           (13 )     (8 )
 
    1,036       1,221       4,016       4,360  
 
                               
Operating Income
    228       212       579       620  
 
                               
Other Income (Deductions)
                               
Interest and dividends
    6       5       17       23  
Regulatory return on capital expenditures
    7       9       20       25  
Other income
    4       4       42       10  
Other expense
    (20 )     (15 )     (25 )     (21 )
 
    (3 )     3       54       37  
 
                               
Interest Charges
                               
Interest on long-term debt
    96       88       280       264  
Interest on long-term debt — related parties
    1       3       7       10  
Other interest
    7       8       23       26  
Capitalized interest
    (1 )     (1 )     (3 )     (4 )
 
                       
 
    103       98       307       296  
 
                       
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    122       117       326       361  
Income Tax Expense
    47       36       126       123  
 
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
    75       81       200       238  
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax of $-, $1, $19 and $-
          1       29        
 
                               
Net Income
    75       82       229       238  
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    6       2       9       6  
 
                               
Net Income Attributable to CMS Energy
    69       80       220       232  
Preferred Stock Dividends
    2       2       8       8  
 
                               
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 67     $ 78     $ 212     $ 224  
 
                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

26


 

                                 
            In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
September 30   2009   2008   2009   2008
 
                               
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 67     $ 78     $ 212     $ 224  
 
                               
Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.29     $ 0.34     $ 0.80     $ 0.99  
Income from Discontinued Operations
          0.01       0.13        
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock
  $ 0.29     $ 0.35     $ 0.93     $ 0.99  
 
                               
Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.28     $ 0.32     $ 0.77     $ 0.94  
Income from Discontinued Operations
          0.01       0.13        
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock
  $ 0.28     $ 0.33     $ 0.90     $ 0.94  
 
                               
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
  $ 0.125     $ 0.09     $ 0.375     $ 0.27  
 
                               

27


 

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28


 

CMS Energy Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                 
            In Millions  
Nine Months Ended September 30   2009     2008  
 
           
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 229     $ 238  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    422       436  
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit
    131       115  
Postretirement benefits expense
    136       110  
Regulatory return on capital expenditures
    (20 )     (25 )
Capital lease and other amortization
    31       34  
Bad debt expense
    46       36  
Gain due to expiration of indemnification
    (50 )      
Gain on sale of assets
    (8 )     (8 )
Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt — related parties
    (28 )      
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    17        
Increase in environmental remediation accrual
    35        
Loss (income) from equity method investees
    2       (3 )
Cash distributions from equity method investees
          2  
Postretirement benefits contributions
    (247 )     (38 )
Electric sales contract termination payment
          (275 )
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in accounts receivable and accrued revenues
    205       178  
Decrease (increase) in accrued power supply and gas revenue
    (1 )     39  
Increase in inventories
    (122 )     (393 )
Decrease in deferred property taxes
    122       118  
Decrease in accounts payable
    (55 )     (21 )
Decrease in accrued taxes
    (166 )     (189 )
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (15 )     (42 )
Decrease in other current and non-current assets
    15       11  
Decrease in other current and non-current liabilities
    (41 )     (142 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    638       181  
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures (excludes assets placed under capital lease)
    (621 )     (511 )
Cost to retire property
    (33 )     (22 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    7       1  
Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    8       4  
Increase in non-current notes receivable
    (43 )     (11 )
Other investing activities
    3       1  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (679 )     (538 )
 
               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from issuance of notes, bonds, and other long-term debt
    1,188       845  
Proceeds from (retirement of) EnerBank notes, net
    (12 )     8  
Issuance of common stock
    7       6  
Retirement of bonds and other long-term debt, including related parties
    (1,074 )     (591 )
Payment of common stock dividends
    (85 )     (61 )
Payment of preferred stock dividends
    (8 )     (8 )
Increase in non-current notes payable
    50        
Payment of capital lease and finance lease obligations
    (17 )     (18 )
Debt issuance costs, financing fees, and other
    (38 )     (10 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    11       171  
 
               
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (30 )     (186 )
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    213       348  
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 183     $ 162  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

29


 

CMS Energy Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                 
            In Millions  
    September 30     December 31  
ASSETS   2009     2008  
 
Plant and Property (at cost)
               
Electric utility
  $ 9,374     $ 8,965  
Gas utility
    3,755       3,622  
Enterprises
    395       390  
Other
    33       33  
     
 
    13,557       13,010  
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
    4,515       4,428  
     
 
    9,042       8,582  
Construction work in progress
    524       608  
     
 
    9,566       9,190  
     
 
               
Investments
               
Enterprises
    3       5  
Other
    6       6  
     
 
    9       11  
     
 
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    183       213  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    30       35  
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue, less allowances of $31 in 2009 and $26 in 2008
    665       851  
Notes receivable
    87       95  
Accrued power supply and gas revenue
    8       7  
Inventories at average cost
               
Gas in underground storage
    1,246       1,168  
Materials and supplies
    128       110  
Generating plant fuel stock
    153       127  
Deferred property taxes
    115       165  
Regulatory assets — postretirement benefits
    19       19  
Prepayments and other
    28       37  
     
 
    2,662       2,827  
     
 
               
Non-current Assets
               
Regulatory assets
               
Securitized costs
    378       416  
Postretirement benefits
    1,363       1,431  
Customer Choice Act
    56       90  
Other
    473       482  
Notes receivable, less allowances of $6 in 2009 and $34 in 2008
    227       186  
Other
    154       268  
     
 
    2,651       2,873  
     
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 14,888     $ 14,901  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

30


 

                 
            In Millions  
    September 30     December 31  
STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT AND LIABILITIES   2009     2008  
 
Capitalization
               
Common stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, authorized 350.0 shares; outstanding 227.6 shares in 2009 and 226.4 shares in 2008
  $ 2     $ 2  
Other paid-in capital
    4,555       4,533  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (23 )     (28 )
Accumulated deficit
    (1,904 )     (2,031 )
     
 
    2,630       2,476  
Noncontrolling interests
    53       52  
Preferred stock of subsidiary
    44       44  
Preferred stock
    239       243  
     
Total equity
    2,966       2,815  
 
               
Long-term debt
    5,889       5,837  
Long-term debt — related parties
    34       178  
Non-current portion of capital and finance lease obligations
    193       206  
     
 
    9,082       9,036  
     
 
               
Current Liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt, capital and finance lease obligations
    662       514  
Notes payable
    50        
Accounts payable
    376       466  
Accrued rate refunds
    21       7  
Accrued interest
    79       107  
Accrued taxes
    123       289  
Deferred income taxes
    185       100  
Regulatory liabilities
    107       120  
Other
    236       260  
     
 
    1,839       1,863  
     
 
               
Non-current Liabilities
               
Regulatory liabilities
               
Cost of removal
    1,246       1,203  
Income taxes, net
    528       519  
Other
    158       146  
Postretirement benefits
    1,336       1,502  
Asset retirement obligation
    214       206  
Deferred investment tax credit
    52       54  
Deferred income taxes
    105       55  
Other
    328       317  
     
 
    3,967       4,002  
     
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10)
               
 
               
Total Stockholders’ Investment and Liabilities
  $ 14,888     $ 14,901  
     

31


 

CMS Energy Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                                 
                    In Millions  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Common Stock
                               
At beginning and end of period
  $ 2     $ 2     $ 2     $ 2  
     
 
                               
Other Paid-in Capital
                               
At beginning of period
    4,552       4,525       4,533       4,517  
Common stock issued
    4       4       12       12  
Common stock repurchased
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Conversion option on convertible debt
                11        
     
At end of period
    4,555       4,528       4,555       4,528  
     
 
                               
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
                               
Retirement benefits liability
                               
At beginning of period
    (27 )     (16 )     (27 )     (15 )
Retirement benefits liability adjustments (a)
    1             1       (1 )
     
At end of period
    (26 )     (16 )     (26 )     (16 )
     
 
                               
Investments
                               
At beginning of period
    1       (5 )            
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments (a)
    3       (3 )     4       (8 )
Reclassification adjustments included in net income (a)
          8             8  
     
At end of period
    4             4        
     
 
                               
Derivative instruments
                               
At beginning and end of period
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
     
 
                               
Foreign currency translation
                               
At beginning of period
                      (128 )
Sale of interests in TGN (a)
                      128  
     
At end of period
                       
     
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (23 )     (17 )     (23 )     (17 )
     
 
                               
Accumulated Deficit
                               
At beginning of period
    (1,943 )     (2,128 )     (2,031 )     (2,227 )
Effects of changing the retirement plans measurement date
                               
Service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets for December 1 through December 31, 2007, net of tax
                      (4 )
Additional loss from December 1 through December 31, 2007, net of tax
                      (2 )
Net income attributable to CMS Energy (a)
    69       80       220       232  
Preferred stock dividends declared
    (2 )     (2 )     (8 )     (8 )
Common stock dividends declared
    (28 )     (20 )     (85 )     (61 )
     
At end of period
    (1,904 )     (2,070 )     (1,904 )     (2,070 )
     
 
                               
Noncontrolling Interests
                               
At beginning of period
    338       345       339       347  
Conversion of preferred stock
    (4 )           (4 )     (1 )
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
    2       1       1        
     
At end of period
    336       346       336       346  
     
 
                               
Total Equity
  $ 2,966     $ 2,789     $ 2,966     $ 2,789  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

32


 

                                 
                    In Millions
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
  | | | |
(a) Disclosure of Comprehensive Income:
                               
 
                               
Net income attributable to CMS Energy
  $ 69     $ 80     $ 220     $ 232  
 
Retirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax of $-, $-, $-, and $2, respectively
    1             1       (1 )
 
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax (tax benefit) of $4, $(3), $4, and $(6), respectively
    3       (3 )     4       (8 )
Reclassification adjustments included in net income, net of tax of $-, $5, $-, and $5, respectively
          8             8  
 
                               
Sale of interests in TGN, net of tax of $69
                      128  
     
 
                               
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 73     $ 85     $ 225     $ 359  
     

33


 

Consumers Energy Company
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                                 
                            In Millions  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Operating Revenue
  $ 1,204     $ 1,307     $ 4,420     $ 4,661  
 
                               
Operating Expenses
                               
Fuel for electric generation
    119       128       335       373  
Purchased and interchange power
    315       405       879       1,015  
Purchased power — related parties
    25       20       60       57  
Cost of gas sold
    103       135       1,234       1,368  
Other operating expenses
    205       201       608       565  
Maintenance
    49       44       147       124  
Depreciation and amortization
    125       131       413       425  
General taxes
    51       44       158       146  
Gain on asset sales, net
    (6 )           (9 )      
     
 
    986       1,108       3,825       4,073  
     
 
                               
Operating Income
    218       199       595       588  
 
                               
Other Income (Deductions)
                               
Interest
    6       4       16       20  
Regulatory return on capital expenditures
    7       9       20       25  
Other income
    3       4       11       9  
Other expense
    (2 )     (11 )     (6 )     (17 )
     
 
    14       6       41       37  
     
 
                               
Interest Charges
                               
Interest on long-term debt
    63       56       187       169  
Other interest
    5       6       15       17  
Capitalized interest
    (1 )     (1 )     (3 )     (4 )
     
 
    67       61       199       182  
     
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    165       144       437       443  
 
                               
Income Tax Expense
    64       53       165       162  
     
 
                               
Net Income
    101       91       272       281  
 
                               
Preferred Stock Dividends
    1       1       2       2  
     
 
                               
Net Income Available to Common Stockholder
  $ 100     $ 90     $ 270     $ 279  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

34


 

Consumers Energy Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                 
            In Millions
Nine Months Ended September 30   2009     2008  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 272     $ 281  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    413       425  
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit
    65       87  
Postretirement benefits expense
    132       107  
Regulatory return on capital expenditures
    (20 )     (25 )
Capital lease and other amortization
    19       23  
Bad debt expense
    40       33  
Gain on sale of assets
    (9 )      
Postretirement benefits contributions
    (239 )     (37 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in accounts receivable, notes receivable and accrued revenue
    205       178  
Decrease (increase) in accrued power supply and gas revenue
    (1 )     39  
Increase in inventories
    (119 )     (411 )
Decrease in deferred property taxes
    122       118  
Decrease in accounts payable
    (55 )     (14 )
Decrease in accrued taxes
    (132 )     (127 )
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (11 )     (36 )
Decrease in other current and non-current assets
    29       17  
Decrease in other current and non-current liabilities
    (8 )     (134 )
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    703       524  
     
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures (excludes assets placed under capital lease)
    (616 )     (510 )
Cost to retire property
    (33 )     (22 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    7        
Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    3       1  
     
Net cash used in investing activities
    (639 )     (531 )
     
 
               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    500       600  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (377 )     (434 )
Payment of common stock dividends
    (233 )     (238 )
Payment of capital and finance lease obligations
    (17 )     (18 )
Stockholder’s contribution
    100        
Payment of preferred stock dividends
    (2 )     (2 )
Debt issuance and financing costs
    (6 )     (7 )
     
Net cash used in financing activities
    (35 )     (99 )
     
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    29       (106 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    69       195  
 
               
     
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 98     $ 89  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

35


 

Consumers Energy Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                 
            In Millions
    September 30     December 31  
ASSETS   2009     2008  
 
Plant and Property (at cost)
               
Electric utility
  $ 9,374     $ 8,965  
Gas utility
    3,755       3,622  
Other
    15       15  
     
 
    13,144       12,602  
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
    4,321       4,242  
     
 
    8,823       8,360  
Construction work in progress
    522       607  
     
 
    9,345       8,967  
     
 
               
Investments
               
Stock of affiliates
    25       19  
     
 
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    98       69  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    22       25  
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue, less allowances of $28 in 2009 and $24 in 2008
    647       829  
Notes receivable
    84       93  
Accrued power supply and gas revenue
    8       7  
Accounts receivable — related parties
    1       2  
Inventories at average cost
               
Gas in underground storage
    1,242       1,168  
Materials and supplies
    121       103  
Generating plant fuel stock
    145       118  
Deferred property taxes
    115       165  
Regulatory assets — postretirement benefits
    19       19  
Prepayments and other
    25       30  
     
 
    2,527       2,628  
     
Non-current Assets
               
Regulatory assets
               
Securitized costs
    378       416  
Postretirement benefits
    1,363       1,431  
Customer Choice Act
    56       90  
Other
    473       482  
Other
    100       213  
     
 
    2,370       2,632  
     
 
Total Assets
  $ 14,267     $ 14,246  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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            In Millions  
    September 30     December 31  
STOCKHOLDER’S INVESTMENT AND LIABILITIES    2009     2008  
 
Capitalization
               
Common stockholder’s equity
               
Common stock, authorized 125.0 shares; outstanding 84.1 shares for both periods
  $ 841     $ 841  
Other paid-in capital
    2,582       2,482  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    6       (1 )
Retained earnings
    420       383  
     
 
    3,849       3,705  
Preferred stock
    44       44  
     
Total equity
    3,893       3,749  
 
               
Long-term debt
    4,072       3,908  
Non-current portion of capital and finance lease obligations
    193       206  
     
 
    8,158       7,863  
     
 
               
Current Liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt, capital and finance lease obligations
    365       408  
Accounts payable
    359       444  
Accrued rate refunds
    21       7  
Accounts payable — related parties
    10       14  
Accrued interest
    45       69  
Accrued taxes
    157       289  
Deferred income taxes
    251       277  
Regulatory liabilities
    107       120  
Other
    192       151  
     
 
    1,507       1,779  
     
 
               
Non-current Liabilities
               
Deferred income taxes
    881       792  
Regulatory liabilities
               
Cost of removal
    1,246       1,203  
Income taxes, net
    528       519  
Other
    158       146  
Postretirement benefits
    1,278       1,436  
Asset retirement obligations
    213       205  
Deferred investment tax credit
    52       54  
Other
    246       249  
     
 
    4,602       4,604  
     
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10)
               
 
               
Total Stockholder’s Investment and Liabilities
  $ 14,267     $ 14,246  
     

37


 

Consumers Energy Company
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
(As Revised, See Note 1)
                                 
                            In Millions  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Common Stock
                               
At beginning and end of period (a)
  $ 841     $ 841     $ 841     $ 841  
     
 
                               
Other Paid-in Capital
                               
At beginning of period
    2,582       2,482       2,482       2,482  
Stockholder’s contribution
                100        
     
At end of period
    2,582       2,482       2,582       2,482  
     
 
                               
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
                               
Retirement benefits liability
                               
At beginning of period
    (7 )     (9 )     (7 )     (15 )
Retirement benefits liability adjustments (b)
                      6  
     
At end of period
    (7 )     (9 )     (7 )     (9 )
     
 
                               
Investments
                               
At beginning of period
    10       8       6       15  
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments (b)
    3       (5 )     7       (12 )
Reclassification adjustments included in net income (b)
          6             6  
     
At end of period
    13       9       13       9  
     
 
                               
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
    6             6        
     
 
                               
Retained Earnings
                               
At beginning of period
    423       339       383       324  
Effects of changing the retirement plans measurement date
                               
Service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets for December 1 through December 31, 2007, net of tax
                      (4 )
Additional loss from December 1 through December 31,2007, net of tax
                      (2 )
Net income (b)
    101       91       272       281  
Common stock dividends declared
    (103 )     (70 )     (233 )     (238 )
Preferred stock dividends declared
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (2 )
     
At end of period
    420       359       420       359  
     
 
                               
Preferred Stock
                               
At beginning and end of period
    44       44       44       44  
     
 
                               
Total Equity
  $ 3,893     $ 3,726     $ 3,893     $ 3,726  
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

38


 

                                 
                            In Millions  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
September 30   2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
(a) Number of shares of common stock outstanding was 84,108,789 for all periods presented.
                               
 
                               
(b) Disclosure of Comprehensive Income:
                               
 
Net income
  $ 101     $ 91     $ 272     $ 281  
 
                               
Retirement benefits liability
                               
Retirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax of $-, $-, $-, and $2, respectively
                      6  
 
                               
Investments
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax (tax benefit) of $4, $(3), $4, $(6), respectively
    3       (5 )     7       (12 )
Reclassification adjustments included in net income, net of tax of $-, $3, $-, $3, respectively
          6             6  
     
 
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 104     $ 92     $ 279     $ 281  
     

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CMS Energy Corporation
Consumers Energy Company

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
These interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by CMS Energy and Consumers in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. As a result, CMS Energy and Consumers have condensed or omitted certain information and Note disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. CMS Energy and Consumers have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the presentation in the current year. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 have been updated for amounts previously reported. In management’s opinion, the unaudited information contained in this report reflects all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to ensure the fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ 2008 Form 10-K. Due to the seasonal nature of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ operations, the results presented for this interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be achieved for the fiscal year.
These interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Note disclosures include the evaluation of subsequent events through October 30, 2009, the date of issuance, except for updates to reflect the impacts of the rate order that Consumers received on November 2, 2009, as described in Note 1, Subsequent Event.
1: SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 2, 2009, the MPSC issued a final order in Consumers’ electric rate case, authorizing Consumers to increase its electric rates by $139 million annually, which was $40 million less than the rate increase that Consumers self-implemented in May 2009. The MPSC directed Consumers to refund to customers the difference between the rates it self-implemented in May and the rates authorized in this order, plus interest, subject to a reconciliation proceeding. The order also authorized Consumers to implement an uncollectible accounts expense tracking mechanism, effective January 1, 2009. This tracker will allow Consumers to adjust its rates to collect or refund 80 percent of the difference between actual uncollectible accounts expense for the calendar year and the base level of uncollectible expense in Consumers’ rates. The order contained a number of other provisions, including a decoupling mechanism, that apply prospectively to Consumers’ electric rates.
In accordance with the accounting rules that apply to certain adjustments of utility revenue under ratemaking processes, CMS Energy and Consumers have recorded the impacts of the MSPC rate order that are specifically identifiable with prior interim periods of 2009 as adjustments to those periods, and have revised their financial statements to reflect these effects. All other information in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ financial statements for the interim periods of 2009 remains unchanged.
The effect of the uncollectible accounts expense tracking mechanism on the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was a decrease in Other operating expenses of $5 million, with a corresponding increase to Other Non-current Assets. The effect of the adjustment to Consumers’ self-implemented rates was a decrease in Operating Revenue of $11 million, with a corresponding increase to Other Regulatory liabilities. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the effect of the uncollectible accounts expense tracking mechanism was an increase in Other operating expenses of $1 million, with a corresponding decrease to Other Non-current Assets. The effect of the adjustment to Consumers’ self-

41


 

implemented rates was a decrease in Operating Revenue of $9 million, with a corresponding increase to Current Regulatory liabilities.
Revised amounts as of September 30, 2009 are as follows:
                         
CMS Energy, including Consumers   In Millions (except for per share amounts)
Nine months ended September 30, 2009   As Reported   Adjustment   As Revised
 
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 204     $ (4 )   $ 200  
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 216     $ (4 )   $ 212  
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.95     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.93  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.92     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.90  
     
                         
Three months ended September 30, 2009   As Reported   Adjustment   As Revised
 
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 81     $ (6 )   $ 75  
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 73     $ (6 )   $ 67  
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.32     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.29  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.31     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.28  
     
                         
Consumers   In Millions
Nine months ended September 30, 2009   As Reported   Adjustment   As Revised
 
Net Income
  $ 276     $ (4 )   $ 272  
Net Income Available to Common Stockholder
  $ 274     $ (4 )   $ 270  
     
                         
Three months ended September 30, 2009   As Reported   Adjustment   As Revised
  | | |
Net Income
  $ 107     $ (6 )   $ 101  
Net Income Available to Common Stockholder
  $ 106     $ (6 )   $ 100  
     
For further details on Consumers’ electric rate case, see the “Consumers’ Electric Utility Rate Matters — Electric Rate Case and Self-Implemented Rates” section of Note 6, Utility Rate Matters.
2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Self-Implemented Rates: Consumers is allowed to self-implement new energy rates six months after a new rate case filing if the MPSC has not issued an order in the case. The MPSC then has another six months to issue a final order. If the MPSC does not issue an order, the filed rates are considered approved. If the MPSC issues an order, the rates that Consumers self-implemented may be subject to refund, with interest. Consumers recognizes revenue associated with self-implemented rates. If Consumers considers it probable that it will be required to refund a portion of its self-implemented rates, then Consumers records a provision for revenue subject to refund. For details on Consumers’ self-implemented rates, see Note 6, Utility Rate Matters.
3: NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, codified in ASC 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers July 1, 2009, establishes the ASC as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, except for SEC rules and interpretive releases, which are also authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC supersedes all existing non-

42


 

SEC accounting and reporting standards. CMS Energy and Consumers have included references to the ASC in these consolidated financial statements and notes where appropriate.
SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment to ARB No. 51, codified in ASC 810-10, Consolidation: Under this standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, ownership interests in subsidiaries held by third parties, previously referred to as minority interests, are presented as noncontrolling interests and shown separately on the parent’s balance sheet within equity. In addition, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is included in net income on the income statement. CMS Energy and Consumers have applied these provisions to current and prior periods presented in its consolidated financial statements. The standard also affects the accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest, including deconsolidation of a subsidiary. CMS Energy and Consumers will apply these provisions of the standard to any such future transactions.
SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, codified in ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, requires enhanced disclosures about how and why derivatives are used, how derivatives and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivatives and any related hedged items affect financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The standard did not impact CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position. For additional details on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ derivatives, see Note 10, Derivative Instruments.

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FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled In Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), codified in ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, requires CMS Energy to account for the liability and equity components of its convertible debt securities separately and in a manner that reflects CMS Energy’s borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt. The following table summarizes the effects of adopting this standard on CMS Energy’s consolidated financial statements:
                         
Increases (decreases)   In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts        
Three months ended September 30   2009   2008        
         
Interest on long-term debt
  $ 2     $ 2          
Income tax expense
          (1 )        
     
Net income
  $ (2 )   $ (1 )        
     
 
Earnings Per Average Common Share
                       
Basic
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )        
Diluted
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )        
     
                         
Nine months ended September 30   2009   2008        
         
Interest on long-term debt
  $ 6     $ 7          
Income tax expense
    (2 )     (3 )        
     
Net income
  $ (4 )   $ (4 )        
     
 
                       
Earnings Per Average Common Share
                       
Basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )        
Diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )        
     
                         
Increases (decreases)   December 31, 2008   January 1, 2008        
         
Assets
                       
Non-current deferred income tax assets
  $     $ (12 )        
     
 
Liabilities
                       
Long-term debt
  $ (22 )   $ (30 )        
Non-current deferred income tax liabilities
    9                
     
Total
  $ (13 )   $ (30 )        
     
 
                       
Common Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Other paid-in capital
  $ 37     $ 37          
Accumulated deficit
    24       19          
     
Total
  $ 13     $ 18          
     
The standard had no impact on Consumers’ consolidated financial statements. For additional details on CMS Energy’s convertible debt instruments, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.

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FSP EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities, codified in ASC 260-10, Earnings per Share: Under this standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, share-based payment awards that accrue cash dividends when common shareholders receive dividends are considered participating securities if the dividends are not required to be returned to the company when the employee forfeits the award. The standard applies to CMS Energy’s outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, which are considered participating securities and thus are included in the computation of basic EPS. Implementation of the standard for CMS Energy reduced basic and diluted EPS by $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The standard had no impact on Consumers’ consolidated financial statements.
FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, codified in ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: The standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers April 1, 2009, provides guidance on determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity for an asset or liability and whether quoted prices may reflect distressed transactions. The guidance indicates that entities should not rely on distressed prices in determining fair value, but may instead use alternative valuation techniques, such as discounting future cash flows assuming an orderly transaction. The standard requires quarterly disclosures about the inputs and valuation techniques used in fair value measurements. Previously, these disclosures were required only annually. See Note 4, Fair Value Measurements, for the required disclosures. The standard had no impact on CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position.
FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, codified in ASC 320-10, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities: The standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers April 1, 2009, amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities. Entities no longer need to assert both the intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until recovery to avoid recording an other-than-temporary impairment. Instead, an entity must consider whether it intends to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery. If either of these criteria are met, the full impairment should be recognized in earnings. If neither criterion is met, only impairments due to credit losses should be recorded to earnings, while impairments related to other factors should be recorded to other comprehensive income. The standard also includes additional disclosure requirements. The standard had no impact on CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated financial statements; however, the new guidance will be incorporated in future assessments of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities.
FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, codified in ASC 825-10, Financial Instruments: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers April 1, 2009, requires quarterly disclosures of the fair values of financial instruments. Previously, these disclosures were required only annually. The standard also requires quarterly disclosure of the methods and significant assumptions used in the fair value measurements. The standard did not impact CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position.
EITF Issue 07-5, Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock, codified in ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, establishes new criteria for determining whether freestanding instruments or embedded features are considered “indexed to an entity’s own stock” for the purpose of assessing potential derivative accounting or balance sheet classification. This guidance applies to the equity conversion features in CMS Energy’s contingently convertible senior notes and preferred stock. Under the new criteria, these features remain exempt from derivative accounting, and thus, this standard had no impact on CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated financial statements.

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EITF Issue 08-5, Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement, codified in ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: This standard, which was effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2009, concludes that the fair value measurement of a liability should not consider the effect of a third-party credit enhancement or guarantee supporting the liability. To comply with the standard, CMS Energy and Consumers adjusted the methods they use to determine the fair values of certain long-term debt instruments for their fair value disclosures, resulting in a minor reduction in the fair values disclosed. For the fair value disclosures, see Note 9, Financial Instruments. The standard had no impact on CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET EFFECTIVE
SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140: This standard, which will be effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2010, removes the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE) from guidance relating to transfers of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. It also removes the exceptions from applying guidance relating to VIEs to QSPEs. The standard revises and clarifies when an entity is required to derecognize a financial asset that it has transferred to another entity. It further clarifies how to measure beneficial interests received as proceeds in connection with a transfer of a financial asset, and introduces the concept of a “participating interest,” the conditions of which must be met for a partial asset transfer to qualify for sale accounting treatment. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures related to continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. CMS Energy and Consumers are evaluating the impact of this standard on their consolidated financial statements.
SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R): This standard, which will be effective for CMS Energy and Consumers January 1, 2010, amends the criteria used to determine which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. It replaces the quantitative calculation of risks and rewards with a qualitative approach focused on identifying which enterprise (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity. The standard also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. CMS Energy and Consumers are evaluating the impact of this standard on their consolidated financial statements.
FSP FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets, codified in ASC 715-20, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General: This standard, which will be effective for CMS Energy and Consumers December 31, 2009, requires expanded annual disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. The required disclosures include information about investment allocation decisions, major categories of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used in the fair value measurements, the effects of significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets, and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The standard will not impact CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ consolidated income, cash flows, or financial position.

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4: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. When measuring fair value, CMS Energy and Consumers are required to incorporate all assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. A fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs used to measure fair value according to their observability in the market. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
    Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These markets must be accessible to CMS Energy and Consumers at the measurement date.
 
    Level 2 inputs are observable, market-based inputs, other than Level 1 prices. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in inactive markets, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, credit risks, default rates, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
    Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ own assumptions about how market participants would value their assets and liabilities.
To the extent possible, CMS Energy and Consumers use quoted market prices or other observable market pricing data in valuing assets and liabilities measured at fair value. If this information is unavailable, they use market-corroborated data or reasonable estimates about market participant assumptions. CMS Energy and Consumers classify fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2009:
                                 
In Millions
    Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $ 109     $ 109     $     $  
Restricted cash equivalents
    9       9              
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets
    5       5              
SERP
                               
Equity securities
    47       47              
Debt securities
    27             27        
Derivative instruments (a)
    1             1        
     
Total
  $ 198     $ 170     $ 28     $  
     
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities
  $ 5     $ 5     $     $  
Derivative instruments (b)
    12       2       2       8  
     
Total (c)
  $ 17     $ 7     $ 2     $ 8  
     
Consumers
                               
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $ 51     $ 51     $     $  
Restricted cash equivalents
    4       4              
CMS Energy Common Stock
    25       25              
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets
    4       4              
SERP
                               
Equity securities
    31       31              
Debt securities
    18             18        
     
Total
  $ 133     $ 115     $ 18     $  
     
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities
  $ 4     $ 4     $     $  
     
Total (c)
  $ 4     $ 4     $     $  
     
 
(a)   This amount is gross and excludes the $1 million impact of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements.
 
(b)   This amount is gross and excludes the $1 million impact of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements and the $2 million impact of offsetting cash margin deposits paid by CMS ERM to other parties.
 
(c)   At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy’s liabilities classified as Level 3 represent 47 percent of CMS Energy’s total liabilities measured at fair value. Consumers did not have any assets or liabilities classified as Level 3.

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The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008:
                                 
In Millions
    Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $ 176     $ 176     $     $  
Restricted cash equivalents
    5       5              
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets
    5       5              
SERP
                               
Equity securities
    39       39              
Debt securities
    29             29        
Derivative instruments (a)
    1             1        
     
Total
  $ 255     $ 225     $ 30     $  
     
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities
  $ 5     $ 5     $     $  
Derivative instruments (b)
    20       2       2       16  
     
Total (c)
  $ 25     $ 7     $ 2     $ 16  
     
Consumers
                               
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $ 56     $ 56     $     $  
Restricted cash equivalents
    5       5              
CMS Energy Common Stock
    19       19              
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets
    3       3              
SERP
                               
Equity securities
    25       25              
Debt securities
    19             19        
     
Total
  $ 127     $ 108     $ 19     $  
     
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities
  $ 3     $ 3     $     $  
Derivative instruments
    1             1        
     
Total (c)
  $ 4     $ 3     $ 1     $  
     
 
(a)   This amount is gross and excludes the immaterial impact of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements.
 
(b)   This amount is gross and excludes the immaterial impact of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements and the $2 million impact of offsetting cash margin deposits paid by CMS ERM to other parties.
 
(c)   At December 31, 2008, CMS Energy’s liabilities classified as Level 3 represent 64 percent of CMS Energy’s total liabilities measured at fair value. Consumers did not have any assets or liabilities classified as Level 3.

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Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds with daily liquidity. The funds invest in U.S. Treasury notes, other government-backed securities, and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Treasury notes.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Assets: CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets are invested in various mutual funds. CMS Energy and Consumers value these assets using a market approach, using the daily quoted NAV provided by the fund managers that are the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in each fund. CMS Energy and Consumers report these assets in Other non-current assets on their Consolidated Balance Sheets.
SERP Assets: CMS Energy and Consumers value their SERP assets using a market approach, incorporating prices and other relevant information from market transactions. The SERP equity securities consist of an investment in a Standard & Poor’s 500 Index mutual fund. The fund’s equity securities are listed on an active exchange. The fair value of the SERP equity securities is based on the NAV of the mutual fund, derived from the daily closing prices of the equity securities held by the fund. The NAV is the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the fund.
CMS Energy and Consumers value their SERP debt securities, which are investment grade municipal bonds, using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. The fair value of the SERP debt securities is derived from various observable inputs, including benchmark yields, reported securities trades, broker/dealer quotes, bond ratings, and general information on market movements for investment grade municipal securities normally considered by market participants when pricing such debt securities. CMS Energy and Consumers report their SERP assets in Other non-current assets on their Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional details about SERP securities, see Note 9, Financial Instruments.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Liabilities: CMS Energy and Consumers value their non-qualified deferred compensation plan liabilities based on the fair values of the plan assets, as they reflect what CMS Energy and Consumers owe the plan participants in accordance with their investment elections. CMS Energy reports these liabilities, except for liabilities related to its DSSP, in Other non-current liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets; its DSSP liability is included in Non-current postretirement benefits. Consumers reports all of its nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities in Other non-current liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivative Instruments: CMS Energy and Consumers value their derivative instruments using either a market approach that incorporates information from market transactions, or an income approach that discounts future expected cash flows to a present value amount. They use various inputs to value the derivatives depending on the type of contract and the availability of market data. CMS Energy has exchange-traded derivative contracts that are valued based on Level 1 quoted prices in actively traded markets, as well as derivatives that are valued using Level 2 inputs, including commodity market prices, interest rates, credit ratings, default rates, and market-based seasonality factors. CMS Energy also has derivative instruments that extend beyond time periods in which quoted prices are available. For these instruments, CMS Energy uses modeling methods to project future prices. Such fair value measurements are classified in Level 3 unless modeling was required only for an insignificant portion of the total derivative value.
CMS Energy’s derivatives include an electricity sales agreement held by CMS ERM. This agreement, classified as Level 3, extends beyond the term for which quoted electricity prices are available. To value this agreement, CMS Energy uses a proprietary forward power pricing curve that is based on forward gas prices and an implied heat rate. CMS Energy also increases the fair value of the liability for this agreement by an amount that reflects the uncertainty of its model.

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For all fair values other than Level 1 prices, CMS Energy and Consumers incorporate adjustments for the risk of nonperformance. For derivative assets, a credit adjustment is applied against the asset based on the published default rate for the credit rating that CMS Energy and Consumers assign to the counterparty based on an internal credit-scoring model. This model considers various inputs, including the counterparty’s financial statements, credit reports, trade press, and other information that would be available to market participants. To the extent that the internal ratings are comparable to credit ratings published by independent rating agencies, the resulting credit adjustment is classified within Level 2. If the internal model results in a rating that is outside of the range of ratings given by the independent agencies and the credit adjustment is significant to the overall valuation, the derivative fair value is classified as Level 3. CMS Energy and Consumers adjust their derivative liabilities downward to reflect the risk of their own nonperformance, based on their published credit ratings. Adjustments for credit risk using the approach outlined within this paragraph are not materially different from the adjustments that would result from using credit default swap rates for the contracts presently held. For further details about derivative contracts, see Note 10, Derivative Instruments.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis using Level 3 Inputs
The following table is a reconciliation of changes in the fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities at CMS Energy:
                 
In Millions
Three months ended September 30   2009   2008
 
Balance at July 1
  $ (11 )   $ (24 )
Total gains (losses) (realized and unrealized) Included in earnings (a)
    (1 )     5  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)
    4       1  
     
Balance at September 30
    (8 )     (18 )
     
Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the quarter ended September 30 relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30 (a)
  $ (1 )   $ 6  
     
                 
In Millions
Nine months ended September 30   2009   2008
 
Balance at January 1
  $ (16 )   $ (19 )
Total gains (losses) (realized and unrealized) Included in earnings (a)
    5       (1 )
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)
    3       2  
     
Balance at September 30
    (8 )     (18 )
     
Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30 relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30 (a)
  $ 3     $  
     
 
(a)   CMS Energy records realized and unrealized gains and losses for Level 3 recurring fair values in earnings as a component of Operating Revenue or Operating Expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
5: CONTINGENCIES
CMS ENERGY CONTINGENCIES
Gas Index Price Reporting Investigation: In 2002, CMS Energy notified appropriate regulatory and governmental agencies that some employees at CMS MST and CMS Field Services appeared to have provided inaccurate information regarding natural gas trades to various energy industry publications, which compile and report index prices. CMS Energy cooperated with an investigation by the DOJ regarding this matter. Although CMS Energy has not received any formal notification that the DOJ has

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completed its investigation, the DOJ’s last request for information occurred in 2003, and CMS Energy completed its response to this request in 2004. CMS Energy is unable to predict the outcome of the DOJ investigation and what effect, if any, the investigation will have on its business.
Gas Index Price Reporting Litigation: CMS Energy, along with CMS MST, CMS Field Services, Cantera Natural Gas, Inc. (the company that purchased CMS Field Services) and Cantera Gas Company, are named as defendants in various class action and individual lawsuits arising as a result of alleged inaccurate natural gas price reporting. Allegations include manipulation of NYMEX natural gas futures and options prices, price-fixing conspiracies, and artificial inflation of natural gas retail prices in California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
In 2007, CMS MST settled a master class action suit in California state court for $7 million and the CMS Energy defendants settled four class action suits originally filed in California federal court. In July 2009, CMS MST, as the only remaining defendant in the California state court cases, entered into a settlement of those remaining California state court cases and those cases have been dismissed. The settlement amount is immaterial to CMS Energy.
All CMS Energy defendants were dismissed from the Missouri Public Service Commission case, a state action, and the Breckenridge case, a federal action. An appeal is pending in the Missouri Public Service Commission case. CMS Energy was also dismissed from three federal cases, while the other CMS Energy defendants remain. CMS Energy defendants were also dismissed from a federal case in Wisconsin, but the plaintiffs have filed a motion for reconsideration and refiled the complaint in Michigan federal court. The Michigan case was transferred to the multi-district litigation proceeding in Nevada. In addition, the Tennessee Supreme Court has granted the CMS Energy defendants’ application for leave to appeal the Tennessee class action lawsuit. Other cases in several jurisdictions remain pending.
Another class action complaint was filed in March 2009 in circuit court in Wood County, Wisconsin, against CMS Energy defendants, along with 19 other non-CMS Energy companies, alleging conspiracy to restrain trade through inaccurate natural gas price reporting. Defendants removed the case to federal court in Wisconsin, and it was transferred through the multi-district litigation process to the consolidated actions in Nevada. CMS Energy cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of these matters.
Bay Harbor: As part of the development of Bay Harbor by certain subsidiaries of CMS Energy, and under an agreement with the MDEQ, third parties constructed a golf course and park over several abandoned CKD piles left over from the former cement plant operations on the Bay Harbor site. The third parties also undertook a series of remedial actions, including constructing a leachate collection system at an identified seep. Leachate is produced when water enters into the CKD piles. In 2002, CMS Energy sold its interest in Bay Harbor, but retained its obligations under environmental indemnities entered into at the start of the project.
In 2005, the EPA, along with CMS Land and CMS Capital, voluntarily executed an AOC under Superfund and approved a Removal Action Work Plan to address contamination issues at Bay Harbor. Collection systems required under the plan have been installed and effectiveness monitoring of the systems at the shoreline is ongoing. CMS Land, CMS Capital, and the EPA agreed upon augmentation measures to address areas where pH measurements were not satisfactory. The augmentation measures were implemented and completed in the second quarter of 2009.
In 2008, the MDEQ and the EPA granted permits for CMS Land or its affiliate, Beeland, to construct and operate a deep injection well in Antrim County, Michigan, to dispose of leachate from Bay Harbor. Certain environmental groups, a local township, and a local county filed lawsuits appealing the permits. The legal proceeding was stayed in the third quarter of 2009 and can be renewed by either party at any time. CMS Land and CMS Capital continue to seek a lower cost long-term water disposal option including using deep injection wells, permitted discharge to surface water, and disposal with a local municipal water treatment facility.

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CMS Land and CMS Capital, the MDEQ, the EPA, and other parties are discussing the long-term remedy for the Bay Harbor sites, including:
    the disposal of leachate;
 
    the capping and excavation of CKD;
 
    the location and design of collection lines and upstream diversion of water;
 
    potential flow of leachate below the collection system;
 
    applicable criteria for various substances such as mercury; and
 
    other matters that are likely to affect the scope of remedial work that CMS Land and CMS Capital may be obligated to undertake.
CMS Energy has recorded a cumulative charge related to Bay Harbor, including accretion expense, of $178 million, of which $36 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2009. Several factors contributed to the revised remediation cost estimates in the second quarter of 2009. These factors include increased costs related to the disposal of collected leachate and delays in identifying and securing a long-term water management solution. In addition, CMS Land and CMS Capital are projecting higher costs for operating and maintaining the existing collection system.
At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy had a recorded liability of $85 million for its remaining obligations. CMS Energy calculated this liability based on discounted projected costs, using a discount rate of 4.32 percent and an inflation rate of 1 percent on annual operating and maintenance costs. CMS Energy based the discount rate on the interest rate for 30-year U.S. Treasury securities on June 30, 2009. The undiscounted amount of the remaining obligation is $114 million. CMS Energy expects to pay $29 million in 2009, $11 million in 2010, $4 million in 2011, and the remainder on long-term liquid disposal and operating and maintenance costs.
CMS Energy’s estimate of remedial action costs and the timing of expenditures could change if there are additional major changes in circumstances or assumptions, including but not limited to:
    further increases in water disposal costs;
 
    delays in developing a long-term water disposal option;
 
    an increase in the number of contamination areas;
 
    different remediation techniques;
 
    the nature and extent of contamination;
 
    continued inability to reach agreement with the MDEQ or the EPA over required remedial actions;
 
    delays in the receipt of requested permits;
 
    delays following the receipt of any requested permits due to legal appeals of third parties;
 
    additional or new legal or regulatory requirements; or
 
    new or different landowner claims.
Depending on the size of any indemnity obligation or liability under environmental laws, an adverse outcome of this matter could have a material adverse effect on CMS Energy’s liquidity and financial condition and could negatively affect CMS Energy’s financial results. CMS Energy cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter.
Quicksilver Resources, Inc.: In 2001, Quicksilver sued CMS MST in Texas state court in Fort Worth, Texas, for breach of contract in connection with a base contract for the sale and purchase of natural gas. The jury verdict awarded Quicksilver no compensatory damages but $10 million in punitive damages. In 2007, the trial court nullified the jury award of punitive damages but held that the contract should be rescinded prospectively. The judicial rescission of the contract caused CMS Energy to record a charge in the second quarter of 2007 of $24 million, net of tax. In June 2009, the Texas Court of Appeals ruled in

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favor of CMS MST and, pursuant to a settlement agreement to end the litigation, Quicksilver paid $5 million to CMS MST, which caused CMS Energy to recognize a $5 million credit to Cost of gas sold in the second quarter of 2009. The parties have agreed not to appeal, and this settlement has resolved the Quicksilver matter.
State Street Bank and TSU Litigation: In 1998, CMS Viron installed a number of energy savings measures at TSU. CMS Viron sold the master lease for the project to a third-party, which transferred its interest to State Street Bank. Although TSU accepted the improvements, it refused to pay on the grounds that the Texas Board of Higher Education had not approved the expenditure. As Texas law requires that special approval be obtained from the state legislature before any state agency, including a university, may be sued, State Street Bank did not sue TSU under the master lease. Instead, in 2002, State Street Bank sued CMS Viron in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, claiming primarily a breach of representations and warranties. The plaintiffs are seeking $8 million plus interest from CMS Viron. The plaintiffs have received $2 million from an escrow account, which could have been paid to CMS Viron to compensate it for the cost of some of the improvements. During the same year, CMS Viron filed a counterclaim, as well as a third-party action against TSU for breach of contract and conversion. CMS Viron filed a motion for summary disposition, which was denied. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2009. CMS Viron believes it has a valid defense to the claim, but cannot predict the outcome of this litigation.
Equatorial Guinea Tax Claim: In 2004, CMS Energy received a request for indemnification from the purchaser of CMS Oil and Gas. The indemnity claim relates to the sale of CMS Energy’s oil, gas, and methanol projects in Equatorial Guinea and the claim of the government of Equatorial Guinea that CMS Energy owes $142 million in taxes in connection with that sale. CMS Energy concluded that the government’s tax claim is without merit and the purchaser of CMS Oil and Gas submitted a response to the government rejecting the claim. The government of Equatorial Guinea has indicated that it still intends to pursue its claim. CMS Energy cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter.
Moroccan Tax Claim: In 2007, CMS Energy sold its 50 percent interest in Jorf Lasfar. As part of the sale agreement, CMS Energy agreed to indemnify the purchaser for 50 percent of any tax assessments on Jorf Lasfar attributable to tax years prior to the sale. In 2007, the Moroccan tax authority concluded its audit of Jorf Lasfar for tax years 2003 through 2005. The audit asserted deficiencies in certain corporate and withholding taxes. In January 2009, CMS Energy paid $18 million, which it charged against a tax indemnification liability established when it recorded the sale of Jorf Lasfar, and accordingly, the payment did not affect earnings. The Moroccan tax authority may also assess taxes for 2006. At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy had a recorded liability of $4 million for its potential indemnity obligation for corporate and withholding taxes for 2006. CMS Energy cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter.
Marathon Indemnity Claim regarding F.T. Barr Claim: In 2001, F. T. Barr, an individual with an overriding royalty interest in production from the Alba field, filed a lawsuit in Harris County District Court in Texas against CMS Energy, CMS Oil and Gas and other defendants alleging that his overriding royalty payments related to Alba field production were improperly calculated. CMS Oil and Gas believes that Barr was properly paid on gas sales and that he was not entitled to the additional overriding royalty payment sought. All parties signed a confidential settlement agreement in 2004. The settlement resolved claims between Barr and the defendants, and the involved CMS Energy entities reserved all defenses to any indemnity claim relating to the settlement. Issues exist between Marathon and certain present or former CMS Energy entities as to the existence and scope of any indemnity obligation to Marathon in connection with the matter. In April 2008, Marathon indicated its intent to pursue the indemnity claim, and certain present and former CMS Energy entities and Marathon entered into a one-year agreement tolling the statute of limitations on any claim by Marathon under the indemnity. In April 2009, certain Marathon entities filed a case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Enterprises for indemnification. CMS Energy entities dispute Marathon’s claim, and will vigorously oppose it. CMS Energy entities also will assert that Marathon has suffered minimal, if any, damages.

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CMS Energy cannot predict the outcome of this matter. If Marathon’s claim were sustained, it would have a material effect on CMS Energy’s future earnings and cash flow.
CONSUMERS’ ELECTRIC UTILITY CONTINGENCIES
Electric Environmental Matters: Consumers’ operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations. Generally, Consumers has been able to recover, in customer rates, the costs to operate its facilities in compliance with these laws and regulations.
Cleanup and Solid Waste: Under the NREPA, Consumers will ultimately incur remediation and other response activity costs at a number of sites. Consumers believes that these costs will be recoverable in rates under current ratemaking policies. At September 30, 2009, Consumers had a recorded liability of $1 million, the minimum amount in the range of its estimated probable NREPA liability, in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Consumers is a potentially responsible party at a number of contaminated sites administered under the Superfund. Superfund liability is joint and several. In addition to Consumers, many other creditworthy parties with substantial assets are potentially responsible with respect to the individual sites. Based on its experience, Consumers estimates that its share of the total liability for known Superfund sites will be between $2 million and $8 million. Various factors, including the number of potentially responsible parties involved with each site, affect Consumers’ share of the total liability. At September 30, 2009, Consumers had a recorded liability of $2 million, the minimum amount in the range of its estimated probable Superfund liability, in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
The timing of payments related to Consumers’ remediation and other response activities at its Superfund and NREPA sites is uncertain. Periodically, Consumers receives information about new sites, which leads it to review its cost estimates. Any significant change in the underlying assumptions, such as an increase in the number of sites, different remediation techniques, nature and extent of contamination, and legal and regulatory requirements, could affect its estimates of NREPA and Superfund liability.
Ludington PCB: In 1998, during routine maintenance activities, Consumers identified PCB as a component in certain paint, grout, and sealant materials at Ludington. Consumers removed and replaced part of the PCB material with non-PCB material. Since proposing a plan to take action with respect to the remaining materials, Consumers has had several communications with the EPA. Consumers is not able to predict when the EPA will issue a final ruling and cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter.
Electric Utility Plant Air Permit Issues and Notices of Violation: In 2007, Consumers received a NOV/FOV from the EPA alleging that fourteen utility boilers exceeded the visible emission limits in their associated air permits. The utility boilers are located at the Karn/Weadock Generating Complex, Campbell Plant, Cobb Electric Generating Station, and Whiting Plant, which are all in Michigan. Consumers has responded formally to the NOV/FOV denying the allegations and is awaiting the EPA’s response to its submission.
In addition, the EPA has alleged that some utilities have incorrectly classified major plant modifications as RMRR rather than seeking permits from the EPA to modify their plants. Consumers responded to information requests from the EPA on this subject in 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2008. Consumers believes that it has properly interpreted the requirements of RMRR. In addition, in 2008, Consumers received a NOV for three of its coal-fueled facilities alleging, among other things, violations of NSR and PSD regulations relating to ten projects from 1986 to 1998 allegedly subject to NSR review.
Consumers is engaged in discussions with the EPA on both of these matters. Depending upon the outcome of these discussions, the EPA could bring legal action against Consumers and/or Consumers

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could be required to install additional pollution control equipment at some or all of its coal-fueled electric generating plants, surrender emission allowances, engage in Supplemental Environmental Programs, and/or pay fines. Additionally, Consumers would need to assess the viability of continuing operations at certain plants. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of these matters.
RFC Settlement: In July 2008, Consumers notified the RFC, the reliability organization in the region that includes Consumers’ generating plants, that certain generation equipment covered by the NERC standards for maintenance and testing of certain electrical protection equipment was not covered by Consumers’ Generation Reliability Compliance Program. In February 2009, the RFC issued an initial notice of alleged violation to Consumers. Since notifying RFC, Consumers has submitted and implemented a mitigation plan. In October 2009, Consumers agreed to settle with the RFC for an immaterial amount. The settlement must be approved by the NERC and the FERC. Consumers cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the approval process.
Litigation: The transmission charges Consumers pays to the MISO have been subject to regulatory review and recovery through the annual PSCR process. Michigan’s attorney general has argued that the statute governing the PSCR process does not permit recovery of transmission charges in that manner and that those expenses should be considered in general rate cases. Several decisions of the Michigan Court of Appeals have ruled against the Michigan attorney general’s arguments, but in September 2008, the Michigan Supreme Court granted the Michigan attorney general’s applications for leave to appeal two of those decisions. In May 2009, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order affirming Consumers’ ability to recover transmission costs through the PSCR process. The Michigan attorney general filed a petition for reconsideration/rehearing on this decision, which the Michigan Supreme Court denied in June 2009.
Nuclear Matters:
DOE Litigation: In 1997, a United States Court of Appeals decision confirmed that the DOE was to begin accepting deliveries of spent nuclear fuel for disposal by January 1998. Subsequent United States Court of Appeals litigation, in which Consumers and other utilities participated, has not been successful in producing more specific relief for the DOE’s failure to accept the spent nuclear fuel.
A number of court decisions support the right of utilities to pursue damage claims in the United States Court of Claims against the DOE for failure to take delivery of spent nuclear fuel. Consumers filed a complaint in 2002. If Consumers’ litigation against the DOE is successful, Consumers plans to use any recoveries as reimbursement for the incurred costs of spent nuclear fuel storage during Consumers’ ownership of Palisades and Big Rock. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter. The sale of Palisades and the Big Rock ISFSI did not transfer the right to any recoveries from the DOE related to costs of spent nuclear fuel storage incurred during Consumers’ ownership of Palisades and Big Rock.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Cost: Consumers deferred payment for disposal of spent nuclear fuel used before April 7, 1983. Its DOE liability is $163 million at September 30, 2009. This amount includes interest, and is payable upon the first delivery of spent nuclear fuel to the DOE. Consumers recovered the amount of this liability, excluding a portion of interest, through electric rates. In conjunction with the sale of Palisades and the Big Rock ISFSI in 2007, Consumers retained this obligation and provided a letter of credit to Entergy as security for this obligation.
CONSUMERS’ GAS UTILITY CONTINGENCIES
Gas Environmental Matters: Consumers expects to incur remediation and other response activity costs at a number of sites under the NREPA. These sites include 23 former manufactured gas plant facilities. Consumers operated the facilities on these sites for some part of their operating lives. For some of these sites, it has no current ownership or may own only a portion of the original site. At September 30, 2009,

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Consumers estimated its undiscounted remaining remediation and other response activity costs to be between $36 million and $50 million. Generally, Consumers has been able to recover most of its costs to date through proceeds from insurance settlements and customer rates.
At September 30, 2009, Consumers had a recorded liability of $36 million and a regulatory asset of $65 million that included $29 million of deferred MGP expenditures. The timing of payments related to the remediation and other response activity at Consumers’ former manufactured gas plant sites is uncertain. Consumers expects its remediation and other response activity costs to average $6 million annually over the next five years. Consumers periodically reviews these cost estimates. Any significant change in the underlying assumptions, such as an increase in the number of sites, changes in remediation techniques, or legal and regulatory requirements, could affect Consumers’ estimates of annual response activity costs and MGP liability.
FERC Investigation: In February 2008, Consumers received a data request relating to an investigation the FERC is conducting into possible violations of the FERC’s posting and competitive bidding regulations related to releases of firm capacity on natural gas pipelines. Consumers responded to the FERC’s first data request in the first quarter of 2008. The FERC has also taken depositions and Consumers has responded to additional data requests. In August 2009, Consumers received a letter presenting the preliminary view of the FERC staff that Consumers violated a regulation in connection with certain capacity release transactions from August 2005 through October 2007. Consumers submitted a response and defense of its views to the FERC in September 2009. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter.

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GUARANTEES
The following table describes CMS Energy’s guarantees at September 30, 2009:
                 
In Millions
    Issue   Expiration   Maximum   Carrying
Guarantee Description   Date   Date   Obligation   Amount
Indemnity obligations from asset sales and other agreements (a)
  Various   Various through June 2022   $857(b)   $16
Surety bonds and other indemnity obligations (c)
  Various   Various through May 2022   12  
Guarantees and put options (d)(e)
  Various   Various   3   1
 
      through        
 
      September        
 
      2023        
 
 
(a)     In May 2007, CMS Energy provided an indemnity to TAQA in connection with the sale of its ownership interests in businesses in the Middle East, Africa, and India, and recorded a $50 million provision for the contingent liability. This indemnity expired on May 2, 2009. CMS Energy eliminated the liability from its balance sheet, recognizing a $45 million benefit to Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax and a $5 million benefit to Gain on asset sales, net.
(b)     The majority of this amount arises from stock and asset sales agreements under which CMS Energy indemnified the purchaser for losses resulting from various matters, including claims related to tax disputes, claims related to power purchase agreements, and defects in title to the assets or stock sold to the purchaser by CMS Energy subsidiaries. Except for items described elsewhere in this Note, CMS Energy believes the likelihood of loss to be remote for the indemnity obligations not recorded as liabilities.
(c)     In the normal course of business, CMS Energy issues surety bonds and indemnifications to counterparties to facilitate commercial transactions. CMS Energy would be required to pay a counterparty if it incurred losses due to a breach of contract terms or nonperformance under the contract.
(d)     In 1987, Consumers issued an $85 million guarantee of the MCV Partnership’s performance under a steam and electric power agreement with Dow. In May 2009, the parties mutually terminated the steam and electric power agreement. The termination of the agreement released Consumers from its $85 million guarantee to Dow.
(e)     At September 30, 2009, the carrying amount of CMS Energy’s put option agreements with certain Bay Harbor property owners was $1 million. Additionally, if CMS Energy is required to purchase a Bay Harbor property under a put option agreement, it may sell the property to recover the amount paid under the option.
At September 30, 2009, the maximum obligation and carrying amount for Consumers’ guarantees were immaterial.

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The following table provides additional information regarding CMS Energy’s guarantees:
         
        Events That Would
Guarantee Description   How Guarantee Arose   Require Performance
Indemnity obligations from asset sales and other agreements
  Stock and asset sales agreements   Findings of misrepresentation, breach of warranties, tax claims, and other specific events or circumstances
Surety bonds and other indemnity obligations
  Normal operating activity, permits and licenses   Nonperformance
Guarantees and put options
  Normal operating activity   Nonperformance or non-payment by a subsidiary under a related contract
 
       
 
  Bay Harbor remediation efforts   Owners exercising put options requiring CMS Land and CMS Capital to purchase property
     
CMS Energy and Consumers also enter into various agreements containing tax and other indemnity provisions for which they are unable to estimate the maximum potential obligation. These factors include unspecified exposure under certain agreements. CMS Energy and Consumers consider the likelihood that they would be required to perform or incur substantial losses related to these indemnities to be remote.
OTHER CONTINGENCIES
In addition to the matters disclosed in this Note, CMS Energy, Consumers, and certain other subsidiaries of CMS Energy are parties to certain lawsuits and administrative proceedings before various courts and governmental agencies arising from the ordinary course of business. These lawsuits and proceedings may involve personal injury, property damage, contracts, environmental issues, federal and state taxes, rates, licensing, and other matters. CMS Energy and Consumers believe that the outcome of any one of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on their consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Further, CMS Energy and Consumers occasionally self-report certain regulatory non-compliance matters that may or may not eventually result in administrative proceedings.

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6: UTILITY RATE MATTERS
CONSUMERS’ ELECTRIC UTILITY RATE MATTERS
Stranded Cost Recovery: In 2004, the MPSC approved recovery of Consumers’ Stranded Costs incurred in 2002 and 2003 plus interest through the period of collection through a surcharge on ROA customers. The 2008 Energy Legislation amended the Customer Choice Act and directed the MPSC to approve rates that will allow recovery of Stranded Costs within five years. In January 2009, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC requesting recovery of these Stranded Costs through a surcharge on both full service and ROA customers. The MPSC approved the surcharge in August 2009. At September 30, 2009, Consumers had a regulatory asset for Stranded Costs of $71 million.
Power Supply Cost Recovery: The PSCR process is designed to allow Consumers to recover all of its power supply costs if incurred under reasonable and prudent policies and practices. The MPSC reviews these costs, policies, and practices in annual plan and reconciliation proceedings. Consumers adjusts its PSCR billing factor monthly in order to minimize the over- or underrecovery amount in the annual PSCR reconciliation.
The following table summarizes the PSCR reconciliation filings pending with the MPSC:
                 
        Net Over-   PSCR Cost    
PSCR   Date   (Under)   of Power    
Year   Filed   recovery (a)   Sold   Description
2007
  March 2008   $(42) million (b)   $1.628 billion   In the 2007 PSCR Plan, Consumers expected to offset power supply costs by including a $44 million credit for Palisades sale proceeds due customers. However, the MPSC directed that the Palisades sale proceeds be refunded through bill credits outside of the PSCR process.
 
               
2008
  March 2009   $2 million   $1.670 billion   The overrecovery amount includes accrued interest and reflects an overrecovery for 2008 less underrecoveries from 2007.
 
 
(a)     Amount includes prior year over- or underrecoveries as allowed by the MPSC order in Consumers’ 2007 PSCR plan case.
(b)     In May 2009, the ALJ’s proposal for decision recommended no PSCR recovery for economic development discounts of $3 million and disallowance of $4 million of net replacement power costs associated with a crane incident at Consumers’ Campbell Plant.
2009 PSCR Plan: In September 2008, Consumers submitted its 2009 PSCR plan to the MPSC. The plan seeks approval to apply a uniform maximum PSCR factor of up to $0.02680 per kWh to all classes of customers, which includes recovery of an expected $22 million discount in power supply charges provided to a large industrial customer. The MPSC approved this discount in 2005 to promote long-term investments in the industrial infrastructure of Michigan. In June 2009, the ALJ’s proposal for decision recommended that recovery of this discount should not be included in the PSCR, but should be determined through a general rate case. Consumers cannot predict the outcome of this matter, but will vigorously oppose any attempt to prevent recovery of the $22 million discount already approved by the MPSC.

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Consumers self-implemented the 2009 PSCR charge in January 2009. The November 2009 PSCR billing factor is $0.01216 per kWh. While Consumers expects to recover all of its PSCR costs, it cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of these proceedings.
2010 PSCR Plan: In September 2009, Consumers submitted its 2010 PSCR plan to the MSPC. The plan seeks approval to apply a uniform maximum PSCR factor of up to $0.02257 per kWh to all classes of customers. Consumers expects to self-implement the proposed 2010 PCSR charge in January 2010. While Consumers expects to recover all of its PSCR costs, it cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this proceeding.
Electric Rate Case and Self-Implemented Rates: In November 2008, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC seeking an annual increase in revenue of $214 million based on an 11 percent authorized return on equity. The filing sought recovery of costs associated with new plant investments including Clean Air Act investments, higher operating and maintenance costs, and the approval to recover costs associated with Consumers’ advanced metering infrastructure program.
This was the first electric rate case under the new streamlined regulatory process enacted by the 2008 Energy Legislation. The new provisions generally allow utilities to self-implement rates six months after filing, subject to refund with interest, unless the MPSC finds good cause to prohibit self-implementation. The rate of interest to be charged on refunded amounts is LIBOR plus five percent for the appropriate period. For any portion of a refund that exceeds 25 percent of the annual revenue increase approved by the MPSC in its final order, the rate of interest charged would be Consumers’ authorized rate of return on equity. The new provisions require the MPSC to issue an order 12 months after filing or the rates, as filed, become permanent.
In April 2009, Consumers filed tariff sheets indicating that it planned to self-implement an electric rate increase in the annual amount of $179 million beginning in May 2009. The MPSC issued an order in May 2009 requiring that, if Consumers self-implemented the $179 million electric rate increase, it must simultaneously distribute to customers $36 million of proceeds from the April 2007 sale of Palisades. Accordingly, in May 2009 Consumers self-implemented an annual electric rate increase of $179 million, subject to refund with interest, and also implemented a one-time distribution of $36 million to customers.
In November 2009, the MPSC issued its final order in this case, authorizing Consumers to increase its rates by $139 million annually, $40 million less than the rate increase self-implemented by Consumers. The order reflects an authorized rate of return of 10.7 percent and the exclusion from rate base of amounts associated with an obligation to the DOE for nuclear fuel disposal. The order also requires Consumers to refund the remaining $73 million of proceeds from the April 2007 sale of Palisades. The order adopts a pilot decoupling mechanism that goes into effect December 1, 2009, and which, subject to certain conditions, will allow rates to be adjusted to collect or refund the difference between the level of average sales per customer adopted in the order and actual average sales per customer. The order also adopts an uncollectible expense tracking mechanism, effective January 1, 2009, that will allow rates to be adjusted to collect or refund 80 percent of the difference between the level of uncollectible expense included in rates and actual uncollectible expense.
For details on the impacts of the rate order on the interim periods of 2009, see Note 1, Subsequent Event.
Electric Operation and Maintenance Expenditures Show-Cause Order: In December 2005, the MPSC authorized Consumers to increase its electric rates. In the same order, the MPSC ordered Consumers to spend certain amounts on future tree trimming and line clearing activities, as well as on the operation and maintenance of Consumers’ fossil-fueled power plants. At that time, the MPSC also ordered Consumers to establish mechanisms to track these expenditures and stated that the rate increase was subject to refund with interest if the specified amounts were not spent on these activities.

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In October 2009, the MPSC issued a show-cause order alleging that, in 2007, Consumers spent $14 million less on forestry and fossil-fueled plant operation and maintenance activity than the amount ordered by the MPSC. The October 2009 show-cause order directed Consumers to explain why it should not be found in violation of the MPSC’s December 2005 order and subject to applicable sanctions, and why the refunds required by that order have not yet occurred. Consumers’ response must include the details of its forestry and fossil-fueled plant operation and maintenance expenditures for 2006 through 2008, as well as available data for 2009 expenditures. Consumers expects that the total amounts it will have spent on forestry and fossil-fueled plant operation and maintenance activity for the years 2006 through 2009 will approximate the total amounts included in the December 2005 order for these activities. While it cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding, Consumers does not consider it probable that it will be required to provide a refund to customers. Accordingly, Consumers has not recorded a provision for revenue subject to refund.
Palisades Regulatory Proceedings: The MPSC order approving the Palisades sale transaction required that Consumers credit $255 million of excess sales proceeds and decommissioning amounts to its retail customers by December 2008. There are additional excess sales proceeds and decommissioning fund balances of $135 million above the amount in the MPSC order. The MPSC order in Consumers’ 2007 electric rate case instructed Consumers to offset the excess sales proceeds and decommissioning fund balances with $26 million of transaction costs from the Palisades sale. In addition, the MPSC required Consumers to offset the electric rate increase it self-implemented in May 2009 with $36 million of these funds. Furthermore, the November 2009 electric rate order ordered Consumers to refund the remaining balance of $73 million, as described in the “Electric Rate Case and Self-Implemented Rates” section of this Note.
Big Rock Decommissioning: The MPSC and the FERC regulate the recovery of costs to decommission Big Rock. Subsequent to December 31, 2000, Consumers stopped funding a Big Rock trust fund because the MPSC-authorized decommissioning surcharge collection period expired on that date. The level of funds provided by the trust fell short of the amount needed to complete decommissioning. As a result, Consumers provided $44 million of corporate contributions for decommissioning costs. Consumers also paid $30 million to Entergy to assume ownership and responsibility for the Big Rock ISFSI and paid $55 million for nuclear fuel storage costs incurred as a result of the DOE’s failure to accept spent nuclear fuel on schedule. At September 30, 2009, Consumers has a $129 million regulatory asset recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheets for these costs.
In 2008, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC seeking to recover the $44 million Big Rock decommissioning shortfall from customers. At that time, Consumers also indicated that no action from the MPSC was necessary with respect to the recovery of the nuclear fuel storage costs and the payment to Entergy, as those costs are the subject of litigation in the federal courts. The MPSC staff and other interveners have filed testimony in this case recommending that the MPSC deny Consumers’ request and requesting rate refunds of various amounts up to $107 million. Consumers continues to believe that recovery of its regulatory asset is probable, but it cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this proceeding.

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CONSUMERS’ GAS UTILITY RATE MATTERS
Gas Cost Recovery: The GCR process is designed to allow Consumers to recover all of its purchased natural gas costs if incurred under reasonable and prudent policies and practices. The MPSC reviews these costs, policies, and practices in annual plan and reconciliation proceedings. Consumers adjusts its GCR billing factor monthly in order to minimize the over- or underrecovery amount in the annual GCR reconciliation.
The following table summarizes the GCR reconciliation filings pending with the MPSC:
                 
        Net Over-        
        (Under)   GCR Cost of Gas    
GCR Year   Date Filed   recovery   Sold   Description
2007-2008
  June 2008   $17 million   $1.7 billion   The overrecovery amount reflects an overrecovery of $15 million plus $2 million in accrued interest owed to customers.
2008-2009
  June 2009   $(15) million   $1.8 billion   The underrecovery amount reflects an underrecovery of $16 million less $1 million in accrued interest owed to customers.
 
GCR plan for year 2009-2010: In December 2008, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC seeking approval of a GCR plan for its 2009-2010 GCR plan year. The request proposed the use of a base GCR ceiling factor of $8.10 per mcf, plus a quarterly GCR ceiling price adjustment contingent upon future events. Using the proposed base GCR ceiling factor, Consumers self-implemented the 2009-2010 GCR charge in April 2009. The November 2009 GCR billing factor is $7.41 per mcf. While Consumers expects to recover all of its GCR costs, it cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of these proceedings.
Gas Depreciation: In August 2008, Consumers filed a gas depreciation case using 2007 data with the MPSC-ordered variations on traditional cost-of-removal methodologies. In December 2008, the MPSC approved a partial settlement agreement allowing Consumers to implement the filed depreciation rates, on an interim basis, concurrent with the implementation of settled rates in its 2008 gas rate case. In September 2009, the MPSC ordered that Consumers continue to use the depreciation rates authorized by the December 2008 partial settlement agreement. These depreciation rates have reduced Consumers’ recovery of depreciation expense by $20 million per year. The MPSC also ordered Consumers to adopt certain standard retirement units by January 1, 2010. Consumers estimates that the utilization of these standard retirement units will increase gas revenues and maintenance expense by $10 million in 2010.

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Gas Rate Case: In May 2009, Consumers filed an application with the MPSC seeking an annual increase in revenue of $114 million based on an 11 percent authorized return on equity. The filing seeks recovery of costs associated with ongoing investments in gas utility assets, increases in operating and maintenance costs, and recognition of a decrease in expected sales related to the continued decline in the Michigan economy. The following table details the components of the requested increase in revenue:
         
In Millions  
Components of the increase in revenue        
Recovery of operating and maintenance costs
  $ 25  
Impact of sales declines
    41  
Investment in rate base
    40  
Return on equity
    8  
 
     
Total
  $ 114  
 
Under the new streamlined regulatory process described in the “Consumers’ Electric Utility Rate Matters — Electric Rate Case and Self-Implemented Rates” section of this Note, utilities may be allowed to self-implement rates six months after filing. In October 2009, the MPSC issued an order requiring Consumers to file tariff sheets showing the rate that it intends to self-implement. Accordingly, on October 16, 2009, Consumers filed tariff sheets indicating that it plans to self-implement an annual gas rate increase of $89 million beginning November 19, 2009. If the MPSC were to take action to prevent or delay Consumers’ self-implementation, it could have a materially negative impact on Consumers’ earnings and cash flows. Consumers cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this gas rate case.
Lost and Unaccounted for Gas: Gas utilities typically lose some gas as it is injected into and withdrawn from storage and sent through transmission and distribution systems. Consumers recovers the cost of lost and unaccounted for gas through general rate cases, which have provided for recovery based on an average of the previous five years of actual losses. To the extent that Consumers’ annual lost and unaccounted for gas cost exceeds the previous five-year average, Consumers may be unable to recover these amounts in rates.

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7: FINANCINGS AND CAPITALIZATION
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
                 
In Millions  
    September 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
CMS Energy
               
Senior notes
  $ 1,856     $ 1,703  
Revolving credit facility
    65       105  
 
           
Total — CMS Energy
  $ 1,921     $ 1,808  
Consumers
    4,420       4,297  
Other CMS Energy Subsidiaries
    233       252  
 
           
Total CMS Energy principal amounts outstanding
  $ 6,574     $ 6,357  
Current amounts
    (640 )     (489 )
Net unamortized discount
    (45 )     (31 )
 
           
 
               
Total CMS Energy Long-term debt
  $ 5,889     $ 5,837  
     
Consumers
               
First mortgage bonds
  $ 3,664     $ 3,517  
Senior notes and other
    503       503  
Securitization bonds
    253       277  
 
           
Total Consumers principal amounts outstanding
  $ 4,420     $ 4,297  
Current amounts
    (343 )     (383 )
Net unamortized discount
    (5 )     (6 )
 
           
 
               
Total Consumers Long-term debt
  $ 4,072     $ 3,908  
     
Financings: The following is a summary of significant long-term debt transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2009:
                                 
    Principal     Interest     Issue/Retirement        
    (in millions)     Rate (%)     Date     Maturity Date  
Debt Issuances:
                               
CMS Energy
                               
Convertible senior notes
  $ 173       5.50 %   June 2009   June 2029
Senior notes
    300       8.75 %   June 2009   June 2019
Consumers
                               
First mortgage bonds
    500       6.70 %   March 2009   September 2019
     
Debt Retirements:
                               
CMS Energy
                               
Long-term debt — related parties (a)
  $ 144       7.75 %   June 2009   July 2027
Senior notes (b)
    233       7.75 %   July 2009   August 2010
Senior notes (b)
    87       8.50 %   July 2009   April 2011
Consumers
                               
First mortgage bonds
    200       4.80 %   February 2009   February 2009
First mortgage bonds
    150       4.40 %   August 2009   August 2009
 
 
(a)     CMS Energy retired this debt at a discount, and recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $28 million in Other income in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
(b)     CMS Energy retired this debt at a premium, and recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $17 million in Other expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Revolving Credit Facilities: The following secured revolving credit facilities with banks were available at September 30, 2009:
In Millions
                                     
                        Letters of Credit    
Company   Expiration Date   Amount of Facility   Amount Borrowed   Outstanding   Amount Available
CMS Energy (a)
  April 2, 2012   $ 550     $ 65     $ 3     $ 482  
Consumers
  March 30, 2012     500             335       165  
Consumers (b)
  November 30, 2009     30             30    
Consumers
  August 17, 2010     150                   150  
 
                                     
 
(a)   CMS Energy’s average borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, totaled $70 million, with a weighted average annual interest rate of 1.23 percent, at LIBOR plus 0.75 percent.
 
(b)   Consumers’ secured revolving letter of credit facility. During September 2009, the facility was renewed effective November 30, 2009 in the amount of $30 million, with an expiration date of November 30, 2010.
Sale of Accounts Receivable: Under Consumers’ revolving accounts receivable sales program, Consumers may sell up to $250 million of accounts receivable, subject to certain eligibility requirements. At September 30, 2009, $250 million of accounts receivable were eligible for sale, and no accounts receivable were sold under the program.
Contingently Convertible Securities: At September 30, 2009, the significant terms of CMS Energy’s contingently convertible securities were as follows:
                                 
            Outstanding     Adjusted Conversion     Adjusted Trigger  
Security   Maturity     (In Millions)     Price     Price  
4.50% preferred stock (a) (b)
        $ 243     $ 9.32     $ 11.18  
3.375% senior notes (a) (c)
    2023       140       10.05       12.06  
2.875% senior notes
    2024       288       13.89       16.67  
5.50% senior notes
    2029       173       14.46       18.80  
 
                       
 
(a)   During 20 of the last 30 trading days ended September 30, 2009, the adjusted trigger prices were met for these securities and, as a result, the securities are convertible at the option of the security holders for the three months ending December 31, 2009.
 
(b)   At September 30, 2009, the condition had been met for CMS Energy to exercise its mandatory conversion option for these securities. The required condition is that the price of CMS Energy common stock exceed $12.11 (130 percent of the prevailing conversion price) for 20 of the previous 30 trading days, including the most recent trading day, prior to exercise.
 
(c)   CMS Energy has the option to redeem these securities at par.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2009, no other trigger price contingencies were met that would have allowed CMS Energy or the holders of the convertible securities to convert the securities to cash and equity.

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In September 2009, 84,000 shares of 4.50 percent preferred stock were tendered for conversion. The conversion at $13.37 per share resulted in the issuance of 136,712 shares of common stock and payment of $4 million in October 2009.
Dividend Restrictions: Under provisions of CMS Energy’s senior notes indenture, at September 30, 2009, payment of common stock dividends by CMS Energy was limited to $723 million.
Under the provisions of its articles of incorporation, at September 30, 2009, Consumers had $366 million of unrestricted retained earnings available to pay common stock dividends to CMS Energy. Provisions of the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act appear to restrict dividends payable by Consumers to the amount of Consumers’ retained earnings. Several decisions from the FERC suggest that under a variety of circumstances common stock dividends from Consumers would not be limited to amounts in Consumers’ retained earnings. Any decision by Consumers to pay common stock dividends in excess of retained earnings would be based on specific facts and circumstances and would result only after a formal regulatory filing process.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, CMS Energy received $233 million of common stock dividends from Consumers.

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8: EARNINGS PER SHARE — CMS ENERGY
The following table presents CMS Energy’s basic and diluted EPS computations based on Earnings from Continuing Operations:
                 
    In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts  
    Three months ended  
September 30   2009     2008  
Earnings Available to Common Stockholders
               
Earnings from Continuing Operations
  $ 75     $ 81  
Less Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    (6 )     (2 )
Less Preferred Dividends
    (2 )     (2 )
 
           
Earnings from Continuing Operations Available to Common Stockholders — Basic and Diluted
  $ 67     $ 77  
 
           
Average Common Shares Outstanding
               
Weighted Average Shares — Basic
    227.3       225.8  
Add dilutive impact of Contingently Convertible Securities
    11.1       10.4  
Add dilutive Stock Options and Warrants
    0.1       0.1  
 
           
Weighted Average Shares — Diluted
    238.5       236.3  
 
           
Earnings Per Average Common Share Available to Common Stockholders
               
Basic
  $ 0.29     $ 0.34  
Diluted
  $ 0.28     $ 0.32  
 
           
                 
    In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts  
    Nine months ended  
September 30   2009     2008  
Earnings Available to Common Stockholders
               
Earnings from Continuing Operations
  $ 200     $ 238  
Less Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    (9 )     (6 )
Less Preferred Dividends
    (8 )     (8 )
 
           
Earnings from Continuing Operations Available to Common Stockholders — Basic and Diluted
  $ 183     $ 224  
 
           
Average Common Shares Outstanding
               
Weighted Average Shares — Basic
    227.0       225.5  
Add dilutive impact of Contingently Convertible Securities
    8.6       12.5  
Add dilutive Stock Options and Warrants
    0.1       0.2  
 
           
Weighted Average Shares — Diluted
    235.7       238.2  
 
           
Earnings Per Average Common Share Available to Common Stockholders
               
Basic
  $ 0.80     $ 0.99  
Diluted
  $ 0.77     $ 0.94  
 
           
Contingently Convertible Securities: When CMS Energy has earnings from continuing operations, its contingently convertible securities dilute EPS to the extent that the conversion value of a security, which is based on the average market price of CMS Energy’s common stock, exceeds the principal value of that security. For additional details on contingently convertible securities, see Note 7, Financings and Capitalization.

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Stock Options and Warrants: For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, outstanding options and warrants to purchase 0.5 million shares of CMS Energy common stock had no impact on diluted EPS, since the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common stock. These stock options have the potential to dilute EPS in the future.
Convertible Debentures: For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, there was no impact on diluted EPS from CMS Energy’s 7.75 percent convertible subordinated debentures. Using the if-converted method, the debentures would have:
    increased the numerator of diluted EPS by less then $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, by $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, by $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and by $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from an assumed reduction of interest expense, net of tax; and
 
    increased the denominator of diluted EPS by 0.7 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and by 2.8 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The denominator of diluted EPS would have increased by 4.2 million shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
CMS Energy can revoke the conversion rights if certain conditions are met.
9: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
     The carrying amounts of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ cash, current accounts and notes receivable, short-term investments, and current liabilities approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The cost or carrying amount and fair value of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ long-term financial instruments were as follows:
                                 
                In Millions  
    September 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Cost or Carrying             Cost or Carrying        
    Amount     Fair Value     Amount     Fair Value  
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Securities held to maturity
  $ 3     $ 3     $ 3     $ 3  
Securities available for sale
    66       74       68       68  
Notes receivable, net
    227       239       186       201  
Long-term debt (a)
    6,529       7,004       6,326       5,962  
Long-term debt — related parties
    34       30       178       107  
 
                       
Consumers
                               
Securities available for sale
  $ 51     $ 74     $ 52     $ 63  
Long-term debt (b)
    4,415       4,724       4,291       4,073  
 
                       
 
(a)   Includes current maturities of $640 million at September 30, 2009 and $489 million at December 31, 2008.
 
(b)   Includes current maturities of $343 million at September 30, 2009 and $383 million at December 31, 2008.
Notes receivable, net consist of EnerBank’s fixed-rate installment loans. EnerBank estimates the fair value of these loans using a discounted cash flows technique that incorporates current market interest rates as well as assumptions about the remaining life of the loans and credit risk. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flows or underlying collateral values.
CMS Energy and Consumers estimate the fair value of their long-term debt using quoted prices from

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market trades of the debt, if available. In the absence of quoted prices, CMS Energy and Consumers calculate market yields and prices for the debt using a matrix method that incorporates market data for similarly rated debt. Depending on the information available, other valuation techniques may be used that rely on internal assumptions and models. For its convertible securities, CMS Energy incorporates, as appropriate, information on the market prices of CMS Energy common stock. CMS Energy’s long-term debt includes $287 million principal amount that is supported by third-party insurance or other credit enhancements. Of this amount, $272 million principal amount is at Consumers. The effects of this third-party credit support were excluded from the measurement of fair value at September 30, 2009.
The following table summarizes CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ investment securities:
In Millions
                                                                 
    September 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
            Unrealized     Unrealized                     Unrealized     Unrealized        
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value     Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                                                               
Available for sale:
                                                               
SERP:
                                                               
Equity securities
  $ 40     $ 7     $     $ 47     $ 39     $     $     $ 39  
Debt securities
    26       1             27       29                   29  
Held to maturity:
                                                               
Debt securities
    3                   3       3                   3  
 
   
Consumers
                                                               
Available for sale:
                                                               
SERP:
                                                               
Equity securities
  $ 26     $ 5     $     $ 31     $ 25     $     $     $ 25  
Debt securities
    17       1             18       19                   19  
Common stock of CMS Energy
    8       17             25       8       11             19  
 
   
Equity securities classified as available for sale consist of an investment in a Standard & Poor’s 500 Index mutual fund. Debt securities classified as available for sale consist of investment-grade municipal bonds. Debt securities classified as held to maturity consist of municipal bonds and mortgage-backed securities held by EnerBank.
10: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In order to limit exposure to certain market risks, primarily changes in commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign exchange rates, CMS Energy and Consumers may enter into various risk management contracts, such as forward contracts, futures, and swaps. In entering into these contracts, they follow established policies and procedures, under the direction of an executive oversight committee consisting of senior management representatives and a risk committee consisting of business unit managers. Neither CMS Energy nor Consumers holds any of its derivatives for trading purposes.
The contracts used to manage market risks may qualify as derivative instruments. If a contract is a derivative and does not qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception, the contract is recorded on the balance sheet at its fair value. Each quarter, the resulting asset or liability is adjusted to reflect any change in the fair value of the contract, a practice known as marking the contract to market. Since none of CMS Energy’s or Consumers’ derivatives have been designated as accounting hedges, all mark-to-market gains and losses are reported in earnings. For a discussion of how CMS Energy and Consumers determine the fair value of their derivatives, see Note 4, Fair Value Measurements.

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Commodity Price Risk: In order to support ongoing operations, CMS Energy and Consumers enter into contracts for the future purchase and sale of various commodities, such as electricity, natural gas, and coal. These forward contracts are generally long-term in nature and result in physical delivery of the commodity at a contracted price. Most of these contracts are not subject to derivative accounting because:
    they do not have a notional amount (that is, a number of units specified in a derivative instrument, such as MWh of electricity or bcf of natural gas);
 
    they qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception; or
 
    there is not an active market for the commodity.
CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ coal purchase contracts are not derivatives because there is not an active market for the coal they purchase. If an active market for coal develops in the future, some of these contracts may qualify as derivatives. For Consumers, which is subject to regulatory accounting, the resulting mark-to-market gains and losses would be offset by changes in regulatory assets and liabilities and would not affect net income. For other subsidiaries, CMS Energy does not believe the resulting mark-to-market impact on earnings would be material.
CMS ERM has not designated its contracts to purchase and sell electricity and natural gas as normal purchases and sales and, therefore, CMS Energy accounts for those contracts as derivatives. At September 30, 2009, CMS ERM held a forward contract for the physical sale of 855 GWh of electricity through 2015 on behalf of one of CMS Energy’s non-utility generating plants. CMS ERM also held futures contracts through 2011 as an economic hedge of 47 percent of the generating plant’s natural gas requirements needed to serve a steam sales contract, for a total of 0.92 bcf of natural gas. In its role as a marketer of natural gas for third-party producers, CMS ERM held forward contracts to purchase 7.8 bcf and sell 6.9 bcf of natural gas through 2010 and a financial contract to sell 0.75 bcf of natural gas as an economic hedge of gas storage sales in 2010. At September 30, 2009, CMS ERM held financial contracts through 2010 as an economic hedge of the sale of 260 GWh of electricity and 1.67 bcf of gas.
Interest rate risk: In order to mitigate its exposure to changes in interest rates, Grayling executed an interest rate collar as an economic hedge of the variable interest rate charged on its outstanding revenue bonds. At September 30, 2009, the notional amount of this contract was $15 million.
At September 30, 2009, the fair value of Consumers’ derivative instruments was immaterial. The following table summarizes the fair values of CMS Energy’s derivative instruments:
                                 
                In Millions  
September 30, 2009   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
    Balance Sheet             Balance Sheet        
    Location     Fair Value     Location     Fair Value  
 
CMS Energy
                               
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Commodity contracts (a)
  Other assets   $ 1     Other liabilities   $ (11 )
Interest rate contracts
  Other assets         Other liabilities     (1 )
 
                           
Total CMS Energy Derivatives
          $ 1             $ (12 )
     
 
(a)   Assets and liabilities are presented gross and exclude the $1 million impact of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements. The liability also excludes the $2 million impact of offsetting cash margin deposits paid by CMS ERM to other parties. CMS Energy presents these assets and liabilities net of these impacts on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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The following tables summarize the effect of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ derivative instruments on their Consolidated Statements of Income:
             
        In Millions  
    Location of Gain (Loss)   Amount of Gain (Loss)  
    Recognized in Income on   Recognized in Income on  
Three months ended September 30, 2009   Derivatives   Derivatives  
CMS Energy, including Consumers
           
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
           
Commodity contracts
  Operating Revenue   $ 2  
 
  Fuel for electric generation     (1 )
 
  Cost of gas sold      
 
  Other income     4  
Interest rate contracts
  Other expense      
 
         
Total CMS Energy
      $ 5  
         
Consumers
           
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
           
Commodity contracts
  Other income   $ 4  
         
             
    In Millions  
    Location of Gain (Loss)   Amount of Gain (Loss)  
    Recognized in Income on   Recognized in Income on  
Nine months ended September 30, 2009   Derivatives   Derivatives  
CMS Energy, including Consumers
           
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
           
Commodity contracts
  Operating Revenue   $ 7  
 
  Fuel for electric generation     (3 )
 
  Cost of gas sold     (3 )
 
  Other income     5  
Interest rate contracts
  Other expense      
Foreign exchange contracts (a)
  Other expense     (1 )
 
         
Total CMS Energy
      $ 5  
         
Consumers
           
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
           
Commodity contracts
  Other income   $ 5  
         
 
(a)   This derivative loss relates to a foreign-exchange forward contract CMS Energy held at December 31, 2008. CMS Energy settled this obligation and the related derivative in January 2009.
At September 30, 2009, CMS Energy’s derivative liabilities subject to credit-risk-related contingent features were immaterial.

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11: RETIREMENT BENEFITS
CMS Energy and Consumers provide pension, OPEB, and other retirement benefit plans to employees.
The following tables show the costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations incurred in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans:
                                 
                            In Millions
    Pension
    Three months ended   Nine months ended
September 30   2009   2008   2009   2008
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Service cost
  $ 10     $ 11     $ 30     $ 32  
Interest expense
    24       23       72       71  
Expected return on plan assets
    (22 )     (20 )     (65 )     (61 )
Amortization of:
                               
Net loss
    10       10       31       31  
Prior service cost
    2       1       5       4  
 
                               
Net periodic cost
    24       25       73       77  
Regulatory adjustment
                      4  
 
                               
Net periodic cost after regulatory adjustment
  $ 24     $ 25     $ 73     $ 81  
     
Consumers
                               
Service cost
  $ 9     $ 10     $ 29     $ 30  
Interest expense
    24       23       70       69  
Expected return on plan assets
    (20 )     (20 )     (62 )     (59 )
Amortization of:
                               
Net loss
    9       10       29       30  
Prior service cost
    2       2       5       5  
     
Net periodic cost
  $ 24     $ 25     $ 71     $ 75  
Regulatory adjustment
                      4  
 
                               
Net periodic cost after regulatory adjustment
  $ 24     $ 25     $ 71     $ 79  
     
CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 8.25 percent. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the actual return on pension plan assets was 17.4 percent, and for 2008 the actual return was a negative 23.2 percent. The expected rate of return is an assumption about long-term asset performance that CMS Energy and Consumers review annually for reasonableness and appropriateness.

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                        In Millions
    OPEB
    Three months ended   Nine months ended
September 30   2009   2008   2009   2008
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Service cost
  $ 6     $ 6     $ 19     $ 17  
Interest expense
    20       18       60       54  
Expected return on plan assets
    (12 )     (17 )     (38 )     (50 )
Amortization of:
                               
Net loss
    8       3       25       7  
Prior service credit
    (3 )     (3 )     (8 )     (8 )
     
Net periodic cost
  $ 19     $ 7     $ 58       20  
Regulatory adjustment
                      3  
     
Net periodic cost after regulatory adjustment
  $ 19     $ 7     $ 58     $ 23  
     
Consumers
                               
Service cost
  $ 6     $ 6     $ 18     $ 17  
Interest expense
    20       18       59       54  
Expected return on plan assets
    (11 )     (16 )     (35 )     (49 )
Amortization of:
                               
Net loss
    8       3       25       8  
Prior service credit
    (3 )     (3 )     (8 )     (8 )
     
Net periodic cost
    20       8       59       22  
Regulatory adjustment
                      3  
     
Net periodic cost after regulatory adjustment
  $ 20     $ 8     $ 59     $ 25  
     
12: INCOME TAXES
The actual income tax expense on continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate of 35 percent to income before income taxes, as follows:
                                 
                        In Millions
    Three months ended   Nine months ended
September 30   2009   2008   2009   2008
 
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes less income attributable to noncontrolling interests
  $ 116     $ 115     $ 317     $ 355  
Statutory federal income tax rate
  x 35 %   x 35 %   x 35 %   x 35 %
     
Expected income tax expense
    41       40       111       124  
Increase (decrease) in taxes from:
                               
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit
    7       3       19       7  
Medicare Part D exempt income
    (2 )     (4 )     (5 )     (7 )
Other, net
    1       (3 )     1       (1 )
     
Recorded income tax expense
  $ 47     $ 36     $ 126     $ 123  
     
Effective tax rate
    40.5 %     31.3 %     39.7 %     34.6 %
     
The increase in the effective tax rate from September 30, 2008 to September 30, 2009 was due to increases in the MBT from legislative changes, as well as the recognition, beginning in the second quarter of 2009, of deferred MBT for the electric utility segment of Consumers. The period ended September 30, 2008 also benefitted from the reversal of a valuation allowance related to certain loss carryforwards.

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13: REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
Reportable segments consist of business units defined by the products and services they offer. CMS Energy and Consumers evaluate performance based on the net income of each segment. The reportable segments for CMS Energy and Consumers are:
CMS Energy:
    electric utility, consisting of regulated activities associated with the generation and distribution of electricity in Michigan;
 
    gas utility, consisting of regulated activities associated with the transportation, storage, and distribution of natural gas in Michigan;
 
    enterprises, consisting of various subsidiaries engaging primarily in domestic independent power production; and
 
    other, including corporate interest and other expenses and discontinued operations.
Consumers:
    electric utility, consisting of regulated activities associated with the generation and distribution of electricity in Michigan;
 
    gas utility, consisting of regulated activities associated with the transportation, storage, and distribution of natural gas in Michigan; and
 
    other, including a consolidated special-purpose entity for the sale of accounts receivable.

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The following tables show financial information by reportable segment:
                                 
    In Millions
    Three months ended   Nine months ended
September 30   2009   2008   2009   2008
 
Operating Revenue
                               
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Electric utility
  $ 991     $ 1,074     $ 2,651     $ 2,775  
Gas utility
    213       233       1,769       1,886  
Enterprises
    54       115       158       300  
Other
    7       6       19       16  
     
Total Operating Revenue — CMS Energy
  $ 1,265     $ 1,428     $ 4,597     $ 4,977  
     
Consumers
                               
Electric utility
  $ 991     $ 1,074     $ 2,651     $ 2,775  
Gas utility
    213       233       1,769       1,886  
     
Total Operating Revenue — Consumers
  $ 1,204     $ 1,307     $ 4,420     $ 4,661  
     
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
                               
CMS Energy, including Consumers
                               
Electric utility
  $ 111     $ 108     $ 217     $ 232  
Gas utility
    (12 )     (18 )     52       46  
Enterprises
    5       5       (12 )     13  
Other
    (37 )     (17 )     (45 )     (67 )
     
Total Net Income Available to Common Stockholders — CMS Energy
  $ 67     $ 78     $ 212     $ 224  
     
Consumers
                               
Electric utility
  $ 111     $ 108     $ 217     $ 232  
Gas utility
    (12 )     (18 )     52       46  
Other
    1             1       1  
     
Total Net Income Available to Common Stockholder — Consumers
  $ 100     $ 90     $ 270     $ 279  
     

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    In Millions
    September 30, 2009   December 31, 2008
 
Assets
               
CMS Energy, including Consumers
               
Electric utility (a)
  $ 9,000     $ 8,904  
Gas utility (a)
    4,704       4,565  
Enterprises
    301       313  
Other
    883       1,119  
     
Total Assets — CMS Energy
  $ 14,888     $ 14,901  
     
Consumers
               
Electric utility (a)
  $ 9,000     $ 8,904  
Gas utility (a)
    4,704       4,565  
Other
    563       777  
     
Total Assets — Consumers
  $ 14,267     $ 14,246  
     
 
(a)   Amounts include a portion of Consumers’ other common assets attributable to both the electric and the gas utility businesses.

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