Attached files

file filename
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - WESTAR ENERGY INC /KSFinancial_Report.xls
EX-4.B - EXHIBIT - WESTAR ENERGY INC /KSwr-06302014x10qexhibit4b.htm
EX-31.A - EXHIBIT - WESTAR ENERGY INC /KSwr-06302014x10qexhibit31a.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT - WESTAR ENERGY INC /KSwr-06302014x10qexhibit32.htm
EX-31.B - EXHIBIT - WESTAR ENERGY INC /KSwr-06302014x10qexhibit31b.htm


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

FORM 10-Q

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 1-3523

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kansas
 
48-0290150
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612
 
(785) 575-6300
(Address, including Zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    X       No          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes    X      No          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Check one:
Large accelerated filer    X      Accelerated filer            Non-accelerated filer              Smaller reporting company          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes             No    X  
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share
 
129,690,019 shares
(Class)
 
(Outstanding at July 30, 2014)


1



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


2


GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found throughout this report.
Abbreviation or Acronym
 
Definition
2013 Form 10-K
 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013
AFUDC
 
Allowance for funds used during construction
BACT
 
Best Available Control Technology
BTA
 
Best Technology Available
CCB
 
Coal combustion byproduct
CO
 
Carbon monoxide
CO2
 
Carbon dioxide
COLI
 
Corporate-owned life insurance
CSAPR
 
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
CWA
 
Clean Water Act
ECRR
 
Environmental Cost Recovery Rider
EPA
 
Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
 
Earnings per share
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
 
Fitch Ratings
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GHG
 
Greenhouse gas
IRS
 
Internal Revenue Service
JEC
 
Jeffrey Energy Center
KCC
 
Kansas Corporation Commission
KDHE
 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
KGE
 
Kansas Gas and Electric Company
La Cygne
 
La Cygne Generating Station
Moody’s
 
Moody’s Investors Service
MW
  
Megawatt(s)
MWh
 
Megawatt hour(s)
NAAQS
 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NDT
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
NOx
 
Nitrogen oxides
NSPS
 
New Source Performance Standard
PM
 
Particulate matter
PSD
 
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
RECA
  
Retail energy cost adjustment
RSU
 
Restricted share unit
RTO
 
Regional transmission organization
S&P
 
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
SO2
 
Sulfur dioxide
SPP
 
Southwest Power Pool
VIE
 
Variable interest entity
Wolf Creek
 
Wolf Creek Generating Station


3


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are "forward-looking statements." The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we "believe," "anticipate," "target," "expect," "estimate," "intend" and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning matters such as, but not limited to:

-
amount, type and timing of capital expenditures,
-
earnings,
-
cash flow,
-
liquidity and capital resources,
-
litigation,
-
accounting matters,
-
possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,
-
compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,
-
interest rates and dividends,
-
environmental matters,
-
regulatory matters,
-
nuclear operations, and
-
the overall economy of our service area and its impact on our customers' demand for electricity and their ability to pay for service.

What happens in each case could vary materially from what we expect because of such things as:

-
the risk of operating in a heavily regulated industry subject to frequent and uncertain political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments at any level of government that can affect our revenues and costs,
-
the difficulty of predicting the amount and timing of changes in demand for electricity, including with respect to emerging competing services and technologies,
-
weather conditions and their effect on sales of electricity as well as on prices of energy commodities,
-
equipment damage from storms and extreme weather,
-
economic and capital market conditions, including the impact of inflation or deflation, changes in interest rates, the cost and availability of capital and the market for trading wholesale energy,
-
the impact of changes in market conditions on employee benefit liability calculations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on invested plan assets,
-
the impact of changes in estimates regarding our Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek) decommissioning obligation,
-
the existence or introduction of competition into markets in which we operate,
-
the impact of frequently changing laws and regulations relating to air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water emissions, waste management and other environmental matters,
-
risks associated with execution of our planned capital expenditure program, including timing and receipt of regulatory approvals necessary for planned construction and expansion projects as well as the ability to complete planned construction projects within the terms and time frames anticipated,
-
cost, availability and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel we need to operate our business,
-
availability of generating capacity and the performance of our generating plants,
-
changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown or required modification of nuclear generating facilities,
-
additional regulation due to Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversight to ensure the safe operation of Wolf Creek, either related to Wolf Creek's performance, or potentially relating to events or performance at a nuclear plant anywhere in the world,
-
uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal,
-
homeland and information and operating systems security considerations,
-
changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,
-
changes in the energy markets in which we participate resulting from the development and implementation of real time and next day trading markets, and the effect of the retroactive repricing of transactions in such markets following execution because of changes or adjustments in market pricing mechanisms by regional transmission organizations and independent system operators,
-
reduced demand for coal-based energy because of potential climate impacts and development of alternate energy sources,

4


-
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries,
-
other circumstances affecting anticipated operations, electricity sales and costs, political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments at the municipal, state and federal level that can affect us or our industry, including in particular those relating to environmental laws and regulations,
-
the impact of adverse changes in financial markets potentially resulting in the need for additional funding for the nuclear decommissioning and pension trust,
-
cost of fuel used in generation and wholesale electricity prices,
-
conservation and energy efficiency measures which may reduce sales, and
-
other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2013 Form 10-K), including in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and in other reports we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. This report should be read in its entirety and in conjunction with our 2013 Form 10-K. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter and additional information on some matters that could impact our consolidated financial results may be included in our 2013 Form 10-K. The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, as forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.



5


PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Par Values)
(Unaudited)
 
As of
 
As of
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
10,751

 
$
4,487

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,503 and $4,596, respectively
259,205

 
250,036

Fuel inventory and supplies
256,521

 
239,511

Deferred tax assets
41,878

 
37,954

Prepaid expenses
18,058

 
15,821

Regulatory assets
136,809

 
135,408

Other
24,931

 
23,608

Total Current Assets
748,153

 
706,825

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
7,816,120

 
7,551,916

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET
291,253

 
296,626

OTHER ASSETS:
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
599,721

 
620,006

Nuclear decommissioning trust
185,896

 
175,625

Other
230,099

 
246,140

Total Other Assets
1,015,716

 
1,041,771

TOTAL ASSETS
$
9,871,242

 
$
9,597,138

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$

 
$
250,000

Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
28,098

 
27,479

Short-term debt
343,300

 
134,600

Accounts payable
171,162

 
233,351

Accrued dividends
45,182

 
43,604

Accrued taxes
76,592

 
69,769

Accrued interest
55,556

 
80,457

Regulatory liabilities
54,185

 
35,982

Other
85,579

 
80,184

Total Current Liabilities
859,654

 
955,426

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
3,215,805

 
2,968,958

Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
166,720

 
194,802

Deferred income taxes
1,423,021

 
1,363,148

Unamortized investment tax credits
190,702

 
192,265

Regulatory liabilities
307,053

 
293,574

Accrued employee benefits
325,449

 
331,558

Asset retirement obligations
177,755

 
160,682

Other
74,140

 
68,194

Total Long-Term Liabilities
5,880,645

 
5,573,181

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes 10 and 11)


 


EQUITY:
 
 
 
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 275,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 129,272,835 shares and 128,254,229 shares, respective to each date
646,364

 
641,271

Paid-in capital
1,718,017

 
1,696,727

Retained earnings
756,442

 
724,776

Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
3,120,823

 
3,062,774

Noncontrolling Interests
10,120

 
5,757

Total Equity
3,130,943

 
3,068,531

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
9,871,242

 
$
9,597,138


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
REVENUES
$
612,668

 
$
569,589

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
164,779

 
152,700

SPP network transmission costs
55,533

 
44,600

Operating and maintenance
101,839

 
87,999

Depreciation and amortization
70,882

 
67,597

Selling, general and administrative
62,168

 
54,477

Taxes other than income tax
34,738

 
30,704

Total Operating Expenses
489,939

 
438,077

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
122,729

 
131,512

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
Investment earnings
3,175

 
1,690

Other income
5,658

 
13,711

Other expense
(2,287
)
 
(2,354
)
Total Other Income
6,546

 
13,047

Interest expense
47,303

 
45,798

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
81,972

 
98,761

Income tax expense
26,150

 
29,310

NET INCOME
55,822

 
69,451

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,349

 
2,263

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
53,473

 
$
67,188

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See Note 2):
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.41

 
$
0.53

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.40

 
$
0.52

AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
Basic
129,363,382

 
127,311,411

Diluted
131,973,139

 
127,930,395

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.35

 
$
0.34



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

























7



WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
REVENUES
$
1,241,224

 
$
1,115,801

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
338,618

 
304,452

SPP network transmission costs
107,491

 
88,396

Operating and maintenance
193,629

 
172,154

Depreciation and amortization
140,992

 
134,443

Selling, general and administrative
118,653

 
103,422

Taxes other than income tax
69,571

 
61,482

Total Operating Expenses
968,954

 
864,349

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
272,270

 
251,452

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
Investment earnings
5,553

 
5,749

Other income
11,575

 
17,427

Other expense
(7,952
)
 
(7,715
)
Total Other Income
9,176

 
15,461

Interest expense
93,543

 
90,082

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
187,903

 
176,831

Income tax expense
61,111

 
54,123

NET INCOME
126,792

 
122,708

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
4,365

 
4,375

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
122,427

 
$
118,333

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See Note 2):
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.95

 
$
0.93

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.93

 
$
0.92

AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
Basic
129,184,767

 
127,254,250

Diluted
131,778,584

 
127,735,157

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.70

 
$
0.68



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


8


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
126,792

 
$
122,708

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
140,992

 
134,443

Amortization of nuclear fuel
10,304

 
8,631

Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback
(2,748
)
 
(2,748
)
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance
8,712

 
4,138

Non-cash compensation
3,945

 
4,146

Net deferred income taxes and credits
58,097

 
45,409

Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits
544

 
(399
)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
(9,718
)
 
(5,689
)
Changes in working capital items:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(10,586
)
 
(15,271
)
Fuel inventory and supplies
(16,248
)
 
11,780

Prepaid expenses and other
(4,891
)
 
2,396

Accounts payable
(16,199
)
 
(24,838
)
Accrued taxes
8,293

 
16,196

Other current liabilities
(32,477
)
 
(58,624
)
Changes in other assets
1,828

 
(28,048
)
Changes in other liabilities
16,674

 
17,080

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
283,314

 
231,310

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(427,124
)
 
(398,998
)
Purchase of securities - trusts
(4,410
)
 
(59,986
)
Sale of securities - trusts
5,552

 
75,475

Investment in corporate-owned life insurance
(15,903
)
 
(17,408
)
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance
1,773

 
101,085

Proceeds from federal grant

 
876

Investment in affiliated company
1,418

 

Other investing activities
(1,544
)
 
(2,362
)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
(440,238
)
 
(301,318
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Short-term debt, net
208,533

 
70,617

Proceeds from long-term debt
171,785

 
245,813

Retirements of long-term debt
(177,500
)
 
(100,000
)
Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities
(27,305
)
 
(25,474
)
Repayment of capital leases
(1,628
)
 
(1,539
)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
56,577

 
57,948

Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
(1,123
)
 
(100,060
)
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits
(544
)
 
399

Issuance of common stock
20,699

 
2,992

Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests

 
(1,658
)
Cash dividends paid
(84,419
)
 
(80,886
)
Other financing activities
(1,887
)
 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
163,188

 
68,152

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
6,264

 
(1,856
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
4,487

 
5,829

End of period
$
10,751

 
$
3,973



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

9


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock shares
 
Common
stock
 
Paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Non-controlling
interests
 
Total
equity
Balance as of December 31, 2012
126,503,748

 
$
632,519

 
$
1,656,972

 
$
606,649

 
$
14,115

 
$
2,910,255

Net income

 

 

 
118,333

 
4,375

 
122,708

Issuance of stock
95,841

 
479

 
2,513

 

 

 
2,992

Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
335,462

 
1,677

 
3,105

 

 

 
4,782

Tax withholding related to stock compensation

 

 
(2,568
)
 

 

 
(2,568
)
Dividends on common stock
($0.68 per share)

 

 

 
(87,082
)
 

 
(87,082
)
Stock compensation expense

 

 
4,104

 

 

 
4,104

Tax benefit on stock compensation

 

 
399

 

 

 
399

Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
(14,282
)
 
(14,282
)
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 
(1,658
)
 
(1,658
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
126,935,051

 
$
634,675

 
$
1,664,525

 
$
637,900

 
$
2,550

 
$
2,939,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
128,254,229

 
$
641,271

 
$
1,696,727

 
$
724,776

 
$
5,757

 
$
3,068,531

Net income

 

 

 
122,427

 
4,365

 
126,792

Issuance of stock
755,961

 
3,780

 
16,919

 

 

 
20,699

Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
262,645

 
1,313

 
2,899

 

 

 
4,212

Tax withholding related to stock compensation

 

 
(1,887
)
 

 

 
(1,887
)
Dividends on common stock
($0.70 per share)

 

 

 
(90,761
)
 

 
(90,761
)
Stock compensation expense

 

 
3,903

 

 

 
3,903

Tax benefit on stock compensation

 

 
(544
)
 

 

 
(544
)
Other

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
129,272,835

 
646,364

 
1,718,017

 
756,442

 
10,120

 
3,130,943



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

10


WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "the company," "we," "us," "our" and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term "Westar Energy" refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924, alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 697,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy's wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is located at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.


2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2013 Form 10-K.

Use of Management's Estimates

When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.


11


Fuel Inventory and Supplies

We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
 
As of
 
As of
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
(In Thousands)
Fuel inventory
$
83,513

 
$
78,368

Supplies
173,008

 
161,143

Fuel inventory and supplies
$
256,521

 
$
239,511


Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Borrowed funds
$
3,213

 
$
2,583

$
6,944

 
$
5,168

Equity funds
4,712

 
2,943

9,718

 
5,689

Total
$
7,925

 
$
5,526

$
16,662

 
$
10,857

Average AFUDC Rates
6.8
%
 
4.3
%
7.0
%
 
4.3
%

Earnings Per Share

We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).

Under the two-class method, we reduce net income attributable to common stock by the amount of dividends declared in the current period. We allocate the remaining earnings to common stock and RSUs to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. We determine the total earnings allocated to each security by adding together the amount allocated for dividends and the amount allocated for a participation feature. To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of potential issuances of common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method.

    

12


The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income. 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income
$
55,822

 
$
69,451

 
$
126,792

 
$
122,708

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,349

 
2,263

 
4,365

 
4,375

Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.
53,473

 
67,188

 
122,427

 
118,333

 Less: Net income allocated to RSUs
148

 
196

 
336

 
339

Net income allocated to common stock
$
53,325

 
$
66,992

 
$
122,091

 
$
117,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic
129,363,382

 
127,311,411

 
129,184,767

 
127,254,250

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RSUs
164,641

 
53,570

 
122,221

 
45,567

Forward sale agreements
2,445,116

 
565,414

 
2,471,596

 
435,340

Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)
131,973,139

 
127,930,395

 
131,778,584

 
127,735,157

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share, basic
$
0.41

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.95

 
$
0.93

Earnings per common share, diluted
$
0.40

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.93

 
$
0.92

_______________
(a)We had no antidilutive shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
 
 
 
Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized
$
80,373

 
$
73,853

Interest on financing activities of VIEs
6,526

 
7,349

Income taxes, net of refunds
236

 
(86
)
NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment additions
90,395

 
56,187

Property, plant and equipment of VIEs

 
(14,282
)
NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
 
 
 
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
4,212

 
4,782

Deconsolidation of VIE

 
(14,282
)
Assets acquired through capital leases
1,195

 
326


New Accounting Pronouncements

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, regulatory bodies have issued the following new accounting pronouncement that may affect our accounting and/or disclosure.


13


Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that addresses revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance is to establish principles to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application of the standard is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective application or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method or determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements but we do not expect it to be material.
    

3. RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION

KCC Proceedings

In June 2014, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an order to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate discussed below. The new prices were effective in April 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $41.0 million.

In May 2014, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments to comply with environmental requirements during 2013. New prices were effective in June 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $11.0 million.
        
In December 2013, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. New prices were effective in January 2014 and are expected to increase annual retail revenues by approximately $12.7 million.

FERC Proceedings
    
Our transmission formula rate that includes projected 2014 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs became effective January 2014 and is expected to increase annual transmission revenues by approximately $44.3 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request to the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs discussed above.


4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING SECURITIES

Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of the hierarchy and examples are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on public exchanges.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are not quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 2 are typically measured at net asset value, comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities, or priced with models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no transparency. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation. Level 3 includes investments in private equity, real estate securities and other alternative investments, which are measured at net asset value.



14


We record cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and variable rate debt on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. We measure the fair value of fixed rate debt, a level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value.

All of our level 2 investments are held in investment funds that are measured at fair value using daily net asset values. In addition, we maintain certain level 3 investments in private equity, alternative investments and real estate securities that are also measured at fair value using net asset value, but require significant unobservable market information to measure the fair value of the underlying investments. The underlying investments in private equity are measured at fair value utilizing both market- and income-based models, public company comparables, investment cost or the value derived from subsequent financings. Adjustments are made when actual performance differs from expected performance; when market, economic or company-specific conditions change; and when other news or events have a material impact on the security. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments. The fair value of these investments is measured using a variety of primarily market-based models utilizing inputs such as security prices, maturity, call features, ratings and other developments related to specific securities. The underlying real estate investments are measured at fair value using a combination of market- and income-based models utilizing market discount rates, projected cash flows and the estimated value into perpetuity.

We measure fair value based on information available as of the measurement date. The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
(In Thousands)
Fixed-rate debt
$
3,105,000

 
$
3,417,259

 
$
3,102,500

 
$
3,294,209

Fixed-rate debt of VIEs
194,377

 
215,873

 
221,682

 
241,241



15


Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value. 
As of June 30, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
$

 
$
52,848

 
$
6,288

 
$
59,136

International equity

 
33,930

 

 
33,930

Core bonds

 
18,865

 

 
18,865

High-yield bonds

 
13,575

 

 
13,575

Emerging market bonds

 
11,995

 

 
11,995

Other fixed income

 
4,807

 

 
4,807

Combination debt/equity/other funds

 
17,920

 

 
17,920

Alternative investments

 

 
16,446

 
16,446

Real estate securities

 

 
9,026

 
9,026

Cash equivalents
196

 

 

 
196

Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
196

 
153,940

 
31,760

 
185,896

Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity

 
18,450

 

 
18,450

International equity

 
4,607

 

 
4,607

Core bonds

 
12,307

 

 
12,307

Cash equivalents
168

 

 

 
168

Total Trading Securities
168

 
35,364

 

 
35,532

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
364

 
$
189,304

 
$
31,760

 
$
221,428

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
$

 
$
49,957

 
$
5,817

 
$
55,774

International equity

 
31,816

 

 
31,816

Core bonds

 
18,107

 

 
18,107

High-yield bonds

 
12,902

 

 
12,902

Emerging market bonds

 
11,055

 

 
11,055

Other fixed income

 
4,690

 

 
4,690

Combination debt/equity/other funds

 
17,093

 

 
17,093

Alternative investments

 

 
15,675

 
15,675

Real estate securities

 

 
8,511

 
8,511

Cash equivalents
2

 

 

 
2

Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
2

 
145,620

 
30,003

 
175,625

Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity

 
18,075

 

 
18,075

International equity

 
4,519

 

 
4,519

Core bonds

 
12,166

 

 
12,166

Cash equivalents
166

 

 

 
166

Total Trading Securities
166

 
34,760

 

 
34,926

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
168

 
$
180,380

 
$
30,003

 
$
210,551





16


The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
 
Domestic
Equity
 
Alternative
Investments
 
Real Estate
Securities
 
Net
Balance
 
(In Thousands)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
$
5,984

 
$
16,102

 
$
8,812

 
$
30,898

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:


 
 
 


 
 
Regulatory liabilities
447

 
344

 
214

 
1,005

Purchases
46

 

 
89

 
135

Sales
(189
)
 

 
(89
)
 
(278
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
6,288

 
$
16,446

 
$
9,026

 
$
31,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
5,817

 
$
15,675

 
$
8,511

 
$
30,003

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
609

 
771

 
515

 
1,895

Purchases
96

 

 
166

 
262

Sales
(234
)
 

 
(166
)
 
(400
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
6,288

 
$
16,446

 
$
9,026

 
$
31,760


The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
 
Domestic
Equity
 
Alternative
Investments
 
Real Estate
Securities
 
Net
Balance
 
(In Thousands)
Balance as of March 31, 2013
$
4,785

 
$
15,000

 
$
8,027

 
$
27,812

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:


 
 
 


 
 
Regulatory liabilities
229

 
234

 
134

 
597

Purchases
72

 

 
71

 
143

Sales
(72
)
 

 
(71
)
 
(143
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
$
5,014

 
$
15,234

 
$
8,161

 
$
28,409

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
$
4,899

 
$

 
$
7,865

 
$
12,764

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
197

 
234

 
296

 
727

Purchases
135

 
15,000

 
140

 
15,275

Sales
(217
)
 

 
(140
)
 
(357
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
$
5,014

 
$
15,234

 
$
8,161

 
$
28,409




17


Portions of the gains and losses contributing to changes in net assets in the above table are unrealized. The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities.
 
Domestic
Equity
 
Alternative Investments
 
Real Estate
Securities
 
Net
Balance
 
(In Thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2014
$
259

 
$
344

 
$
124

 
$
727

Three months ended June 30, 2013
157

 
234

 
62


453

Six months ended June 30, 2014
375

 
772

 
349

 
1,496

Six months ended June 30, 2013
(20
)
 
234

 
155

 
369


Some of our investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust (NDT) and our trading securities portfolio are measured at net asset value and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations these investments may have redemption restrictions. The following table provides additional information on these investments.
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Fair Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Redemption
Frequency
 
Length of
Settlement
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
$
6,288


$
2,587

 
$
5,817

 
$
2,683

 
(a)
 
(a)
Alternative investments
16,446

 

 
15,675

 

 
(b)
 
(b)
Real estate securities
9,026



 
8,511

 

 
Quarterly
 
80 days
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
31,760

 
2,587

 
30,003

 
2,683

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
18,450

 

 
18,075

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
International equity
4,607

 

 
4,519

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
Core bonds
12,307

 

 
12,166

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
Total Trading Securities
35,364

 

 
34,760

 

 
 
 
 
Total
$
67,124

 
$
2,587

 
$
64,763

 
$
2,683

 
 
 
 
_______________
(a)
This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
(b)
This investment has an initial lock-up period of 24 months. Redemptions are allowed, on a quarterly basis, after 24 months at the sole discretion of the fund's board of directors. A 65-day notice of redemption is required. There is a holdback on final redemptions.

Price Risk

We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as interest rates. Volatility in these markets impacts our costs of purchased power and costs of fuel for our generating plants. We strive to manage our customers' and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities.


18


Interest Rate Risk

We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps.


5. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

We report some of our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below.

Trading Securities

We hold equity and debt investments which we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $35.5 million and $34.9 million, respectively. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded unrealized gains of $1.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, on the assets still held. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded unrealized losses of $6.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, on the assets still held.

Available-for-Sale Securities

We hold investments in a trust for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. As of June 30, 2014, the fair value of available-for-sale bond funds was $49.2 million. The NDT did not have investments in debt securities outside of investment funds as of June 30, 2014.

Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized no gains on our available-for-sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a gain of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we realized gains of $3.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively. We record net realized and unrealized gains and losses in regulatory liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases to regulatory liabilities and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers.

19



The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
 
Security Type
 
Cost
 
Gain
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Allocation
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
 
$
41,327

 
$
17,814

 
$
(5
)
 
$
59,136

 
32
%
International equity
 
27,133

 
6,797

 

 
33,930

 
18
%
Core bonds
 
18,500

 
365

 

 
18,865

 
10
%
High-yield bonds
 
12,652

 
923

 

 
13,575

 
7
%
Emerging market bonds
 
12,262

 

 
(267
)
 
11,995

 
6
%
Other fixed income
 
4,738

 
69

 

 
4,807

 
3
%
Combination debt/equity/other funds
 
14,964

 
3,010

 
(54
)
 
17,920

 
10
%
Alternative investments
 
15,000

 
1,446

 

 
16,446

 
9
%
Real estate securities
 
10,434

 

 
(1,408
)
 
9,026

 
5
%
Cash equivalents
 
196

 

 

 
196

 
<1%

Total
 
$
157,206

 
$
30,424

 
$
(1,734
)
 
$
185,896

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
 
$
40,976

 
$
14,799

 
$
(1
)
 
$
55,774

 
32
%
International equity
 
26,581

 
5,266

 
(31
)
 
31,816

 
18
%
Core bonds
 
18,287

 

 
(180
)
 
18,107

 
10
%
High-yield bonds
 
12,275

 
627

 

 
12,902

 
7
%
Emerging market bonds
 
12,207

 

 
(1,152
)
 
11,055

 
6
%
Other fixed income
 
4,684

 
6

 

 
4,690

 
3
%
Combination debt/equity/other funds
 
14,964

 
2,380

 
(251
)
 
17,093

 
10
%
Alternative investments
 
15,000

 
675

 

 
15,675

 
9
%
Real estate securities
 
10,268

 

 
(1,757
)
 
8,511

 
5
%
Cash equivalents
 
2

 

 

 
2

 
<1%

Total
 
$
155,244

 
$
23,753

 
$
(3,372
)
 
$
175,625

 
100
%


20


The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Thousands)
As of June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
$
105

 
$
(5
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
105

 
$
(5
)
Emerging market bonds

 

 
11,995

 
(267
)
 
11,995

 
(267
)
Combination debt/equity/other funds

 

 
6,463

 
(54
)
 
6,463

 
(54
)
Real estate securities

 

 
9,026

 
(1,408
)
 
9,026

 
(1,408
)
Total
$
105

 
$
(5
)
 
$
27,484

 
$
(1,729
)
 
$
27,589

 
$
(1,734
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity
$
59

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
59

 
$
(1
)
International equity
6,244

 
(31
)
 

 

 
6,244

 
(31
)
Core bonds
18,107

 
(180
)
 

 

 
18,107

 
(180
)
Emerging market bonds
11,055

 
(1,152
)
 

 

 
11,055

 
(1,152
)
Combination debt/equity/other funds
6,283

 
(251
)
 

 

 
6,283

 
(251
)
Real estate securities

 

 
8,511

 
(1,757
)
 
8,511

 
(1,757
)
Total
$
41,748

 
$
(1,615
)
 
$
8,511

 
$
(1,757
)
 
$
50,259

 
$
(3,372
)


6. DEBT FINANCING

In July 2014, KGE issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.30% per annum and maturing July 2044, the proceeds of which were used in July 2014 to retire Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million and stated interest of 6.00% per annum.

In May 2014, Westar Energy issued $180.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.10% per annum and maturing April 2043. These bonds constitute a further issuance of a series of bonds initially issued in March 2013 in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. Proceeds from this issuance were used in June 2014 to redeem three KGE pollution control bond series with an aggregate principal amount of $177.5 million and stated interest rates of 5.30% and 5.00% per annum.

In February 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of the $270.0 million revolving credit facility to February 2017, provided that $20.0 million of this facility will terminate in February 2016. So long as there is no default under the facility, Westar Energy may increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under the facility to $400.0 million, subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facility are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds. As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts or letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility.


7. TAXES

We recorded income tax expense of $26.2 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $29.3 million with an effective income tax rate of 30% for the same period of 2013. We recorded income tax expense of $61.1 million with an effective income tax rate of 33% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $54.1 million with an effective income tax rate of 31% for the same period of 2013. The increases in the effective income tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, were due primarily to less non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance (COLI).

21



As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $2.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively. We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months.

As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had $0.2 million accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits. We accrued no penalties at either June 30, 2014, or December 31, 2013.

As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had recorded $1.5 million for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes.

Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted new regulations released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U. S. Treasury Department regarding deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property, including the tax treatment of, among other things, materials and supplies and the determination of whether expenditures with respect to tangible property are a deductible repair or must be capitalized, and re-proposed regulations regarding dispositions of property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. We continue to evaluate the new regulations, but do not expect them to have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.

Additionally, also effective January 1, 2014, we implemented new accounting guidance regarding the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit. An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent that such deferred tax assets are not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. We adopted this guidance with retrospective application to prior periods and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



22


8. PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
4,055

 
$
5,355

 
$
345

 
$
507

Interest cost
 
10,400

 
9,630

 
1,588

 
1,502

Expected return on plan assets
 
(9,109
)
 
(8,351
)
 
(1,644
)
 
(1,672
)
Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation, net
 

 

 

 
81

Prior service costs
 
131

 
150

 
631

 
631

Actuarial loss, net
 
4,840

 
8,479

 
(185
)
 
281

Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
10,317

 
15,263

 
735

 
1,330

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
4,002

 
783

 
1,124

 
717

Net periodic cost
 
$
14,319

 
$
16,046

 
$
1,859

 
$
2,047

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
8,110

 
$
10,710

 
$
691

 
$
1,014

Interest cost
 
20,800

 
19,260

 
3,175

 
3,004

Expected return on plan assets
 
(18,219
)
 
(16,702
)
 
(3,288
)
 
(3,345
)
Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation, net
 

 

 

 
162

Prior service costs
 
262

 
300

 
1,262

 
1,262

Actuarial loss, net
 
9,681

 
16,957

 
(371
)
 
562

Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
20,634

 
30,525

 
1,469

 
2,659

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
8,003

 
1,567

 
2,247

 
1,434

Net periodic cost
 
$
28,637

 
$
32,092

 
$
3,716

 
$
4,093

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $19.0 million and $17.7 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust.



23


9. WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE's 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1,424

 
$
1,708

 
$
43

 
$
52

Interest cost
 
2,117

 
1,891

 
116

 
103

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,021
)
 
(1,843
)
 

 

Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs
 
14

 
14

 

 

Actuarial loss, net
 
747

 
1,355

 
41

 
66

Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
2,281

 
3,125

 
200

 
221

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
501

 
(203
)
 

 

Net periodic cost
 
$
2,782

 
$
2,922

 
$
200

 
$
221

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
2,847

 
$
3,417

 
$
87

 
$
104

Interest cost
 
4,235

 
3,782

 
232

 
206

Expected return on plan assets
 
(4,042
)
 
(3,686
)
 

 

Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs
 
29

 
28

 

 

Actuarial loss, net
 
1,493

 
2,710

 
82

 
132

Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
4,562

 
6,251

 
401

 
442

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
1,002

 
(406
)
 

 

Net periodic cost
 
$
5,564

 
$
5,845

 
$
401

 
$
442

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we did not fund the Wolf Creek pension plan, and during the six months ended June 30, 2013, we funded $3.7 million of Wolf Creek's pension plan contributions.


10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Federal Clean Air Act

We must comply with the federal Clean Air Act, state laws and implementing federal and state regulations that impose, among other things, limitations on emissions generated from our operations, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), mercury, acid gases and GHG.

Emissions from our generating facilities, including PM, SO2 and NOx, have been determined by regulation to reduce visibility by causing or contributing to regional haze. Under federal laws, such as the Clean Air Visibility Rule, and pursuant to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Kansas State Implementation Plan, we are required to install, operate and maintain controls to reduce emissions found to cause or contribute to regional haze.


24


Under the federal Clean Air Act, the EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain emissions considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of PM, NOx (a precursor to ozone), CO and SO2, which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) proposed to designate portions of the Kansas City area nonattainment for the eight-hour ozone standard, which has the potential to impact our operations. The EPA has not acted on KDHE's proposed designation of the Kansas City area and it is uncertain when, or if, such a designation might occur. The Wichita area also exceeded the eight-hour ozone standard and could be designated nonattainment in the future, potentially impacting our operations.

In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. By the end of 2014, the EPA anticipates making final attainment/nonattainment designations under this rule and expects to issue a final implementation rule. We are currently evaluating the rule and it may have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

In 2010 the EPA strengthened the NAAQS for both NOx and SO2. We continue to communicate with our regulators regarding these standards and are currently evaluating what impact this could have on our operations. If we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, the revised NAAQS could have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

In 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requiring 28 states, including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to further reduce emissions of SO2, NOx and fine particles. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that had vacated CSAPR and remanded CSAPR back to them for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. The timeline for further proceedings related to CSAPR by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is unknown at this time. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to lift the CSAPR stay. The original effective dates under CSAPR presented compliance challenges for us, but while CSAPR was stayed, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities and have projects for additional controls in progress or planned. When CSAPR is reinstated, the EPA is expected to establish new effective dates for compliance with the reduced emission levels required by the rule. We are unable to determine the full impact of reinstatement of CSAPR until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the EPA take further action, the timing for which is unknown.

Environmental Projects

We will continue to make significant capital and operating expenditures at our power plants to reduce regulated emissions. The amount of these expenditures could change materially depending on the timing and nature of required investments, the specific outcomes resulting from existing regulations, new regulations, legislation and the manner in which we operate the plants. In addition to the capital investment, in the event we install new equipment, such equipment may cause us to incur significant increases in annual operating and maintenance expense and may reduce the net production, reliability and availability of the plants. The degree to which we will need to reduce emissions and the timing of when such emissions controls may be required is uncertain. Additionally, our ability to access capital markets and the availability of materials, equipment and contractors may affect the timing and ultimate amount of such capital investments.

In comparison to a general rate review, the environmental cost recovery rider (ECRR) reduces the amount of time it takes to begin collecting in retail prices the costs associated with capital expenditures for qualifying environmental improvements. We are not allowed to use the ECRR to collect approximately $610.0 million of the projected capital investment associated with the environmental upgrades at La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne). In November 2013, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include the investment in the La Cygne environmental upgrades through June 30, 2013, and to reflect cost reductions elsewhere. The new prices are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $30.7 million. To change our prices to collect increased operating and maintenance costs, we must file a general rate review with the KCC.



25


Greenhouse Gases

Under regulations known as the Tailoring Rule, the EPA regulates GHG emissions from certain stationary sources. The regulations are being implemented pursuant to two federal Clean Air Act programs which impose recordkeeping and monitoring requirements and also mandate the implementation of best available control technology (BACT) for projects that cause a significant increase in GHG emissions (defined to be more than 75,000 tons or more per year or 100,000 tons or more per year, depending on various factors). The EPA has issued guidance on what BACT entails for the control of GHGs and individual states are required to determine what controls are required for facilities within their jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the EPA can no longer treat GHG as a pollutant for purposes of defining major emitting facilities and modifications to major emitting facilities under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit Programs. In essence, this ruling invalidates the above mentioned Tailoring Rule, however, it still allows the EPA to apply BACT for GHG in situations where applicability is triggered for another PSD regulated pollutant. We cannot at this time determine the impact of these regulations on our future operations and consolidated financial results as the rule has not been finalized, but we believe the cost of compliance with the regulations could be material.

Water

In May 2014, the EPA issued final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven Best Technology Available (BTA) options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for LaCygne and Wolf Creek plants. We are currently evaluating the rule's impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but do not expect it to be material.
Renewable Energy Standard

Kansas law mandates that we maintain a minimum amount of renewable energy sources. Through 2015 net renewable generation capacity must be 10% of the average peak retail demand for the three prior years, subject to limited exceptions. This requirement increases to 15% for years 2016 through 2019 and 20% for 2020 and thereafter. With our existing wind generation facilities, supply contracts and renewable energy credits, we are able to satisfy the net renewable generation requirement through 2015. With our agreement to purchase the energy produced from 200 megawatts (MW) of installed design capacity of additional wind generation beginning in late 2016, we expect to meet the increased requirements through 2020. If we are unable to meet future requirements, our operations and consolidated financial results could be adversely impacted.
 
EPA Consent Decree

As part of a 2010 settlement of a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA, we are installing selective catalytic reduction equipment on one of three Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) coal units to be completed by the end of 2014, which we estimate will cost approximately $230.0 million. We are installing less expensive NOx reduction equipment on the other two units to satisfy other terms of the settlement. We plan to complete these projects in 2014 and have begun to recover the costs to install these systems through our ECRR, but additional recovery remains subject to the approval of our regulators.

Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Wolf Creek is currently evaluating alternatives for expanding its existing on-site spent nuclear fuel storage to provide additional capacity prior to 2025. We cannot predict when, or if, an off-site storage site or alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek's spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity.


11. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial results. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," and Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information.


26



12. COMMON STOCK

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.7 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $18.3 million to settle certain forward sale transactions pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010. Under that agreement Westar Energy must settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 11.4 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of June 30, 2014, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $330.9 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $29.11 per share. In July 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.3 million shares with a physical settlement amount of approximately $9.1 million pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010.


13. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity's purpose and design, including the nature of the entity's activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trusts holding our 8% interest in JEC, our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and railcars we use to transport coal to some of our power plants are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary.

We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary.

8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center

Under an agreement that expires in January 2019, we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.

50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2

Under an agreement that expires in September 2029, KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE's 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.


27


Railcars

We lease railcars from a trust under an agreement that expires in November 2014. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the railcars and lease them to us, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of this trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include the operation, maintenance and repair of the railcars and our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the railcars at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. We have determined that we will renew the lease when the initial contract expires in November 2014. Upon renewal of the lease contract, we will no longer be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and, accordingly, will deconsolidate the trust.

Financial Statement Impact

We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
 
As of
 
As of
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
(In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net
$
291,253

 
$
296,626

Regulatory assets (a)
7,365

 
6,792

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
28,098

 
$
27,479

Accrued interest (b)
2,962

 
3,472

Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
166,720

 
194,802

_______________
(a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
(b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.

All of the liabilities noted in the table above relate to the purchase of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs' debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We recorded no gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs.

28


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

Certain matters discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis are "forward-looking statements." The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we "believe," "anticipate," "target," "expect," "estimate," "intend" and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals.


INTRODUCTION

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. We produce, transmit and sell electricity at retail in Kansas and at wholesale in a multi-state region in the central U. S. under the regulation of the KCC and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

In Management's Discussion and Analysis, we discuss our operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same periods of 2013, our general financial condition and significant changes that occurred during 2014. As you read Management's Discussion and Analysis, please refer to our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, which contain our operating results.


SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Earnings Per Share

Following is a summary of our net income and basic EPS.
        
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.
 
$
53,473

 
$
67,188

 
$
(13,715
)
 
$
122,427

 
$
118,333

 
$
4,094

Earnings per common share, basic
 
0.41

 
0.53

 
(0.12
)
 
0.95

 
0.93

 
0.02

    
Net income attributable to common stock and basic EPS for the three months ended June 30, 2014, decreased compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to our having recorded approximately $10.0 million less in COLI benefits. Also contributing to this decrease was higher operating and maintenance costs at our generating plants. These decreases were partially offset by higher retail prices.
    
Net income attributable to common stock and basic EPS for the six months ended June 30, 2014, increased slightly compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to higher retail prices resulting from investments we made in our transmission infrastructure and air quality controls at our power plants, higher electricity sales, and increased energy marketing margins. Higher operating expense and lower COLI benefits largely offset these increases.

Current Trends

The following is an update to and is to be read in conjunction with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2013 Form 10-K.


29


Environmental Regulation

Environmental laws and regulations affecting our operations, which relate primarily to air quality, water quality, the use of water, and the handling, disposal and clean-up of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes, continue to evolve and have become more stringent and costly over time. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant capital and other expenditures, and may potentially need to limit the use of some of our power plants, to comply with existing and new environmental laws and regulations. While certain of these costs are recoverable through the ECRR and ultimately we expect all such costs to be reflected in the prices we are allowed to charge, we cannot assure that all such costs will be recovered or that they will be recovered in a timely manner. See Note 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Greenhouse Gases

Under regulations known as the Tailoring Rule, the EPA regulates GHG emissions from certain stationary sources. The regulations are being implemented pursuant to two federal Clean Air Act programs which impose recordkeeping and monitoring requirements and also mandate the implementation of BACT for projects that cause a significant increase in GHG emissions (defined to be more than 75,000 tons or more per year or 100,000 tons or more per year, depending on various factors). The EPA has issued guidance on what BACT entails for the control of GHGs and individual states are required to determine what controls are required for facilities within their jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the EPA can no longer treat GHG as a pollutant for purposes of defining major emitting facilities and modifications to major emitting facilities under the PSD and Title V Operating Permit Programs. In essence, this ruling invalidates the above mentioned Tailoring Rule, however, it still allows the EPA to apply BACT for GHG in situations where applicability is triggered for another PSD regulated pollutant. We cannot at this time determine the impact of these regulations on our future operations and consolidated financial results as the rule has not been finalized, but we believe the cost of compliance with the regulations could be material.

Additionally, in January 2014, the EPA re-proposed a New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) that would limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for new coal and natural gas fueled electric generating units. A final rule is expected in 2014. In addition, the EPA issued proposed CO2 emissions rules for existing, modified and reconstructed power plants in June 2014, and EPA is expected to finalize such rules by June 2015 and require states to submit their implementation plans to the EPA by June 2016. Under the June 2014 proposed power plant rules for existing plants, called the Clean Power Plan, states would be required to meet CO2 emissions targets beginning in 2020, with an expected total U.S. power sector emissions reduction of 30% from 2005 levels by 2030. Moreover, we could be required to make efficiency improvements to our existing facilities, among other things. We are currently evaluating the proposed rules for new, existing, modified and reconstructed electric generating units, but believe these rules if finalized in their current form would likely have a material impact on our operations, future generation plans and/or results of operations.

Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproducts

In the course of operating our coal generation plants, we produce coal combustion byproducts (CCBs), including fly ash, gypsum and bottom ash. We recycle some of our ash production, principally by selling to the aggregate industry. In 2010, the EPA proposed a rule to regulate CCBs, which we believe might impair our ability to recycle ash or require additional CCB handling, processing and storage equipment, or both. The EPA has agreed to issue a final rule by December 2014. While we cannot at this time estimate the impact and costs associated with future regulations of CCBs, we believe the impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results could be material.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the federal Clean Air Act, the EPA sets NAAQS for certain emissions considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of PM, NOx (a precursor to ozone), CO and SO2, which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. The KDHE proposed to designate portions of the Kansas City area nonattainment for the eight-hour ozone standard, which has the potential to impact our operations. The EPA has not acted on KDHE's proposed designation of the Kansas City area and it is uncertain when, or if, such a designation might occur. The Wichita area also exceeded the eight-hour ozone standard and could be designated nonattainment in the future, potentially impacting our operations.


30


In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. By the end of 2014, the EPA anticipates making final attainment/nonattainment designations under this rule and expects to issue a final implementation rule. We are currently evaluating the rule and it may have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

In 2010 the EPA strengthened the NAAQS for both NOx and SO2. We continue to communicate with our regulators regarding these standards and are currently evaluating what impact this could have on our operations. If we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, the revised NAAQS could have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

In 2011, the EPA finalized the CSAPR requiring 28 states, including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to further reduce emissions of SO2, NOx and fine particles. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that had vacated CSAPR and remanded CSAPR back to them for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. The timeline for further proceedings related to CSAPR by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is unknown at this time. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to lift the CSAPR stay. The original effective dates under CSAPR presented compliance challenges for us, but while CSAPR was stayed, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities and have projects for additional controls in progress or planned. When CSAPR is reinstated, the EPA is expected to establish new effective dates for compliance with the reduced emission levels required by the rule. We are unable to determine the full impact of reinstatement of CSAPR until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the EPA take further action, the timing for which is unknown.

Water
    
We discharge some of the water used in our operations. This water may contain substances deemed to be pollutants. Revised rules governing such discharges from coal-fired power plants are expected to be issued by the EPA in September 2015. Although we cannot at this time determine the timing or impact of compliance with any new regulations, more stringent regulations could have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

In May 2014, the EPA issued final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven Best Technology Available (BTA) options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for LaCygne and Wolf Creek plants. We are currently evaluating the rule's impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but do not expect it to be material.
In June 2014, the EPA along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule defining the Waters of the United States. This rulemaking has the potential to impact all programs under the Federal CWA. Expansion of regulated waterways is possible based on initial review of the proposal. Impacts may exist in several permitting programs. Although we cannot at this time determine the timing or impact of compliance with any new regulations, more stringent regulations could have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.

Renewable Energy Standard

Kansas law mandates that we maintain a minimum amount of renewable energy sources. Through 2015 net renewable generation capacity must be 10% of the average peak retail demand for the three prior years, subject to limited exceptions. This requirement increases to 15% for years 2016 through 2019 and 20% for 2020 and thereafter. With our existing wind generation facilities, supply contracts and renewable energy credits, we are able to satisfy the net renewable generation requirement through 2015. With our agreement to purchase the energy produced from 200 megawatts (MW) of installed design capacity of additional wind generation beginning in late 2016, we expect to meet the increased requirements through 2020. If we are unable to meet future requirements, our operations and consolidated financial results could be adversely impacted.



31


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, many of which require estimates and assumptions by management. The policies highlighted in our 2013 Form 10-K have an impact on our reported results that may be material due to the levels of judgment and subjectivity necessary to account for uncertain matters or their susceptibility to change.

From December 31, 2013, through June 30, 2014, we did not experience any significant changes in our critical accounting estimates. For additional information, see our 2013 Form 10-K.

32


OPERATING RESULTS

We evaluate operating results based on EPS. We have various classifications of revenues, defined as follows:

Retail: Sales of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Classification of customers as residential, commercial or industrial requires judgment and our classifications may be different from other companies. Assignment of tariffs is not dependent on classification.

Other retail: Sales of electricity for lighting public streets and highways, net of revenue subject to refund.

Wholesale: Sales of electricity to electric cooperatives, municipalities and other electric utilities, the prices for which are either based on cost or prevailing market prices as prescribed by FERC authority. Revenues from these sales are either included in the RECA or used in the determination of base rates at the time of our next general rate case.

Transmission: Reflects transmission revenues, including those based on tariffs with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).

Other: Miscellaneous electric revenues including ancillary service revenues and rent from electric property leased to others. This category also includes transactions unrelated to the production of our generating assets and fees we earn for services that we provide for third parties.

Electric utility revenues are impacted by things such as rate regulation, fuel costs, technology, customer behavior, the economy and competitive forces. Changing weather also affects the amount of electricity our customers use as electricity sales are seasonal. As a summer peaking utility, the third quarter typically accounts for our greatest electricity sales. Hot summer temperatures and cold winter temperatures prompt more demand, especially among residential and commercial customers, and to a lesser extent industrial customers. Mild weather reduces customer demand. Our wholesale revenues are impacted by, among other factors, demand, cost and availability of fuel and purchased power, price volatility, available generation capacity, transmission availability and weather.


33


Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014, Compared to Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

Below we discuss our operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. Significant changes in results of operations shown in the table immediately below are further explained in the descriptions that follow.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
175,671

 
$
165,302

 
$
10,369

 
6.3

 
$
367,958

 
$
330,678

 
$
37,280

 
11.3

Commercial
178,194

 
165,172

 
13,022

 
7.9

 
339,294

 
313,128

 
26,166

 
8.4

Industrial
106,984

 
92,820

 
14,164

 
15.3

 
201,480

 
183,745

 
17,735

 
9.7

Other retail
(3,033
)
 
2,228

 
(5,261
)
 
(236.1
)
 
(11,557
)
 
(944
)
 
(10,613
)
 
(b)

Total Retail Revenues
457,816

 
425,522

 
32,294

 
7.6

 
897,175

 
826,607

 
70,568

 
8.5

Wholesale
82,434

 
81,783

 
651

 
0.8

 
193,047

 
168,253

 
24,794

 
14.7

Transmission (a)
63,700

 
52,804

 
10,896

 
20.6

 
125,166

 
104,315

 
20,851

 
20.0

Other
8,718

 
9,480

 
(762
)
 
(8.0
)
 
25,836

 
16,626

 
9,210

 
55.4

Total Revenues
612,668

 
569,589

 
43,079

 
7.6

 
1,241,224

 
1,115,801

 
125,423

 
11.2

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
164,779

 
152,700

 
12,079

 
7.9

 
338,618

 
304,452

 
34,166

 
11.2

SPP network transmission costs
55,533

 
44,600

 
10,933

 
24.5

 
107,491

 
88,396

 
19,095

 
21.6

Operating and maintenance
101,839

 
87,999

 
13,840

 
15.7

 
193,629

 
172,154

 
21,475

 
12.5

Depreciation and amortization
70,882

 
67,597

 
3,285

 
4.9

 
140,992

 
134,443

 
6,549

 
4.9

Selling, general and administrative
62,168

 
54,477

 
7,691

 
14.1

 
118,653

 
103,422

 
15,231

 
14.7

Taxes other than income tax
34,738

 
30,704

 
4,034

 
13.1

 
69,571

 
61,482

 
8,089

 
13.2

Total Operating Expenses
489,939

 
438,077

 
51,862

 
11.8

 
968,954

 
864,349

 
104,605

 
12.1

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
122,729

 
131,512

 
(8,783
)
 
(6.7
)
 
272,270

 
251,452

 
20,818

 
8.3

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment earnings
3,175

 
1,690

 
1,485

 
87.9

 
5,553

 
5,749

 
(196
)
 
(3.4
)
Other income
5,658

 
13,711

 
(8,053
)
 
(58.7
)
 
11,575

 
17,427

 
(5,852
)
 
(33.6
)
Other expense
(2,287
)
 
(2,354
)
 
67

 
2.8

 
(7,952
)
 
(7,715
)
 
(237
)
 
(3.1
)
Total Other Income
6,546

 
13,047

 
(6,501
)
 
(49.8
)
 
9,176

 
15,461

 
(6,285
)
 
(40.7
)
Interest expense
47,303

 
45,798

 
1,505

 
3.3

 
93,543

 
90,082

 
3,461

 
3.8

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
81,972

 
98,761

 
(16,789
)
 
(17.0
)
 
187,903

 
176,831

 
11,072

 
6.3

Income tax expense
26,150

 
29,310

 
(3,160
)
 
(10.8
)
 
61,111

 
54,123

 
6,988

 
12.9

NET INCOME
55,822

 
69,451

 
(13,629
)
 
(19.6
)
 
126,792

 
122,708

 
4,084

 
3.3

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,349

 
2,263

 
86

 
3.8

 
4,365

 
4,375

 
(10
)
 
(0.2
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
53,473

 
$
67,188

 
$
(13,715
)
 
(20.4
)
 
$
122,427

 
$
118,333

 
$
4,094

 
3.5

BASIC EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
0.41

 
$
0.53

 
$
(0.12
)
 
(22.6
)
 
$
0.95

 
$
0.93

 
$
0.02

 
2.2

DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
0.40

 
$
0.52

 
$
(0.12
)
 
(23.1
)
 
$
0.93

 
$
0.92

 
$
0.01

 
1.1

_______________
(a) Includes revenue from an SPP network transmission tariff corresponding to our SPP network transmission costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, these costs, less administration fees of $12.8 million and $24.8 million, respectively, were returned to us as revenue. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, these costs, less administration fees of $9.6 million and $18.5 million, respectively, were returned to us as revenue.
(b) Change greater than 1,000%.


34


Gross Margin

Fuel and purchased power costs fluctuate with electricity sales and unit costs. As permitted by regulators, we adjust our retail prices to reflect changes in the costs of fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power costs for wholesale customers are recovered at prevailing market prices or based on a predetermined formula with a price adjustment approved by FERC. As a result, changes in fuel and purchased power costs are offset in revenues with minimal impact on net income. In addition, SPP network transmission costs fluctuate due primarily to investments by us and other members of the SPP for upgrades to the transmission grid within the SPP regional transmission organization (RTO). As with fuel and purchased power costs, changes in SPP network transmission costs are mostly reflected in the prices we charge customers with minimal impact on net income. For these reasons, we believe gross margin is useful for understanding and analyzing changes in our operating performance from one period to the next. We calculate gross margin as total revenues, including transmission revenues, less the sum of fuel and purchased power costs and amounts billed by the SPP for network transmission costs. Accordingly, gross margin reflects transmission revenues and costs on a net basis. The following table summarizes our gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues
$
612,668

 
$
569,589

 
$
43,079

 
7.6
 
$
1,241,224

 
$
1,115,801

 
$
125,423

 
11.2
Less: Fuel and purchased power expense
164,779

 
152,700

 
12,079

 
7.9
 
338,618

 
304,452

 
34,166

 
11.2
SPP network transmission costs
55,533

 
44,600

 
10,933

 
24.5
 
107,491

 
88,396

 
19,095

 
21.6
Gross Margin
$
392,356

 
$
372,289

 
$
20,067

 
5.4
 
$
795,115

 
$
722,953

 
$
72,162

 
10.0

The following table reflects changes in electricity sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. No electricity sales are shown for transmission or other as they are not directly related to the amount of electricity we sell. 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Thousands of MWh)
ELECTRICITY SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
1,416


1,460

 
(44
)
 
(3.0
)
 
3,125

 
3,003

 
122

 
4.1

Commercial
1,842


1,856

 
(14
)
 
(0.8
)
 
3,602

 
3,558

 
44

 
1.2

Industrial
1,447


1,312

 
135

 
10.3

 
2,786

 
2,624

 
162

 
6.2

Other retail
21


21

 

 

 
42

 
43

 
(1
)
 
(2.3
)
Total Retail
4,726

 
4,649

 
77

 
1.7

 
9,555

 
9,228

 
327

 
3.5

Wholesale
2,004

 
2,048

 
(44
)
 
(2.1
)
 
4,481

 
4,093

 
388

 
9.5

Total
6,730

 
6,697

 
33

 
0.5

 
14,036

 
13,321

 
715

 
5.4


Gross margin increased for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to higher retail revenues. The higher retail revenues were due primarily to higher prices resulting from investments we made in our transmission infrastructure and air quality controls at our power plants and to a lesser extent to more electricity sales resulting from increased sales to certain large industrial customers.

Gross margin increased during the six months ended June 30, 2014 , compared to the same period of 2013 due principally to higher retail revenues. The higher retail revenues were mostly a result of higher prices that were due to the same reasons as discussed above for the three month period and due also to more electricity sales resulting principally from cooler winter weather, which particularly impacts residential and commercial electricity sales. As measured by heating degree days, the weather during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 12% cooler than the same period in 2013. Also contributing to the increase in gross margin was increased energy marketing margins of $11.1 million due to pricing conditions in the wholesale markets in which we buy and sell power primarily during the three months ended March 31, 2014.



35


Income from operations is the most directly comparable measure to our presentation of gross margin that is calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our consolidated statements of income. Our presentation of gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income from operations. Additionally, our presentation of gross margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles income from operations with gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Gross margin
$
392,356

 
$
372,289

 
$
20,067

 
5.4

 
$
795,115

 
$
722,953

 
$
72,162

 
10.0
Less: Operating and maintenance expense
101,839

 
87,999

 
13,840

 
15.7

 
193,629

 
172,154

 
21,475

 
12.5
Depreciation and amortization expense
70,882

 
67,597

 
3,285

 
4.9

 
140,992

 
134,443

 
6,549

 
4.9
Selling, general and administrative expense
62,168

 
54,477

 
7,691

 
14.1

 
118,653

 
103,422

 
15,231

 
14.7
Taxes other than income tax
34,738

 
30,704

 
4,034

 
13.1

 
69,571

 
61,482

 
8,089

 
13.2
Income from operations
$
122,729

 
$
131,512

 
$
(8,783
)
 
(6.7
)
 
$
272,270

 
$
251,452

 
$
20,818

 
8.3

Operating Expenses and Other Income and Expense Items

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Operating and maintenance expense
$
101,839

 
$
87,999

 
$
13,840

 
15.7
 
$
193,629

 
$
172,154

 
$
21,475

 
12.5

Operating and maintenance expense increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, due principally to:

higher operating and maintenance costs at our coal fired plants of $9.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively, due primarily to a planned outage at JEC; and,
higher costs at Wolf Creek of $4.3 million and $11.4 million, respectively, attributable to a planned maintenance outage.
                                                                              
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Depreciation and amortization expense
$
70,882

 
$
67,597

 
$
3,285

 
4.9
 
$
140,992

 
$
134,443

 
$
6,549

 
4.9

Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same periods of 2013 due to plant additions, including air quality controls, and transmission facilities as well as increased amortization related primarily to implementing new software systems.


36


 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expense
$
62,168

 
$
54,477

 
$
7,691

 
14.1
 
$
118,653

 
$
103,422

 
$
15,231

 
14.7
    
Selling, general and administrative expense increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to 2013 periods due primarily to:

higher employee benefit costs of $4.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively, due partially to the restructuring of insurance contracts in the same period last year, which resulted in a benefit in that period;
an increase in fees of $0.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related primarily to implementing new software systems; and,
an increase in the allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2.0 million for the six month period due primarily to higher prices and cooler winter weather.
                                                      
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2.014
 
2.013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Taxes other than income tax
$
34,738

 
$
30,704

 
$
4,034

 
13.1
 
$
69,571

 
$
61,482

 
$
8,089

 
13.2

Taxes other than income tax increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to 2013 periods due primarily to increases of $3.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, in property tax expense. These changes are offset in retail revenues.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Other income
$
5,658

 
$
13,711

 
$
(8,053
)
 
(58.7
)
 
$
11,575

 
$
17,427

 
$
(5,852
)
 
(33.6
)

Other income decreased due primarily to our having recorded approximately $10.0 million in lower COLI benefits during the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2014 compared to 2013. This decrease was partially offset by our having recorded $1.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, more in equity AFUDC.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Income tax expense
$
26,150

 
$
29,310

 
$
(3,160
)
 
(10.8
)
 
$
61,111

 
$
54,123

 
$
6,988

 
12.9

Income tax expense decreased for the three month period due principally to lower income before income taxes.

The increase for the six month period was due principally to higher income before income taxes.



37


FINANCIAL CONDITION

A number of factors affected amounts recorded on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Fuel inventory and supplies
$
256,521

 
$
239,511

 
$
17,010

 
7.1

Inventory increased due principally to a $11.9 million increase in materials and supplies due mostly to support environmental upgrades at JEC and La Cygne as well as increases in material for transmission and substation equipment and a $5.9 million increase in coal inventory.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Regulatory assets
$
736,530

 
$
755,414

 
$
(18,884
)
 
(2.5
)
Regulatory liabilities
361,238

 
329,556

 
31,682

 
9.6

Net regulatory assets
$
375,292

 
$
425,858

 
$
(50,566
)
 
(11.9
)

Total regulatory assets decreased due primarily to the following reasons:

a $20.6 million decrease in deferred employee benefit costs;
an $8.2 million decrease in amounts deferred for Wolf Creek refueling outages;
a $3.1 million decrease in amounts deferred for energy efficiency costs; and,
a $2.5 million decrease in amounts due from customers for future income taxes; however,
partially offsetting these decreases was a $16.0 million increase in amounts previously deferred for fuel expense.
    
Total regulatory liabilities increased due primarily to the following reasons:

a $17.8 million increase in our refund obligation related to the RECA;
a $12.7 million increase in jurisdictional AFUDC; and.
the fair value measurement of our NDT assets increasing $10.3 million; however,
partially offsetting these increases was a $5.9 million decrease in amounts collected but not yet spent to dispose of plant assets.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
7,816,120

 
$
7,551,916

 
$
264,204

 
3.5

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, increased due primarily to plant additions for air quality controls, and additional transmission facilities.


38


 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Short-term debt
$
343,300

 
$
134,600

 
$
208,700

 
155.1

Short-term debt increased due to increases in issuances of commercial paper used primarily to purchase capital equipment and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Current maturities of long-term debt
$

 
$
250,000

 
$
(250,000
)
 
(100.0
)
Long-term debt, net
3,215,805

 
2,968,958

 
246,847

 
8.3

Total long-term debt
$
3,215,805

 
$
3,218,958

 
$
(3,153
)
 
(0.1
)

At June 30, 2014, Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million with a maturity date of July 1, 2014, were reclassified as long-term debt from current maturities of long-term debt due to the July 2014 issuance of $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of KGE first mortgage bonds maturing July 2044. The proceeds were used to redeem the Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million with a maturity date of July 1, 2014.
  
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
28,098

 
$
27,479

 
$
619

 
2.3

Long-term debt of variable interest entities
166,720

 
194,802

 
(28,082
)
 
(14.4
)
Total long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
194,818

 
$
222,281

 
$
(27,463
)
 
(12.4
)

Total long-term debt of variable interest entities decreased due to the VIEs that hold the JEC and La Cygne leasehold interests having made principal payments totaling $27.1 million.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Deferred income taxes
$
1,423,021

 
$
1,363,148

 
$
59,873

 
4.4

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities increased due primarily to the use of bonus and accelerated depreciation methods during the period.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Asset retirement obligations
$
177,755

 
$
160,682

 
$
17,073

 
10.6

Asset retirement obligations increased due primarily to a $12.6 million revision for remediation of ash disposal ponds.


39


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Available sources of funds to operate our business include internally generated cash, short-term borrowings under Westar Energy's commercial paper program and revolving credit facilities, and access to capital markets. We expect to meet our day-to-day cash requirements including, among other items, fuel and purchased power, dividends, interest payments, income taxes and pension contributions, using primarily internally generated cash and short-term borrowings. To meet the cash requirements for our capital investments, we expect to use internally generated cash, short-term borrowings, and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities in the capital markets. When such balances are of sufficient size and it makes economic sense to do so, we also use proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity securities to repay short-term borrowings, which are principally related to investments in capital equipment and the redemption of bonds and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Uncertainties affecting our ability to meet cash requirements include, among others, factors affecting revenues described in "—Operating Results" above, economic conditions, regulatory actions, compliance with environmental regulations and conditions in the capital markets.

Short-Term Borrowings

Westar Energy has a commercial paper program pursuant to which it may issue up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any one time of $1.0 billion. This program is supported by Westar Energy's revolving credit facilities described below. Maturities of commercial paper issuances may not exceed 365 days from the date of issuance and proceeds from such issuances will be used to temporarily fund capital expenditures, to repay borrowings under Westar Energy's revolving credit facilities, for working capital and/or for other general corporate purposes. As of July 30, 2014, Westar Energy had issued $355.1 million of commercial paper.

Westar Energy has two revolving credit facilities in the amounts of $730.0 million and $270.0 million. In July 2013, Westar Energy extended the term of the $730.0 million facility to September 2017, and in February 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of the $270.0 million credit facility to February 2017, provided that $20.0 million of this facility will terminate in February 2016. As long as there is no default under the facility, the $730.0 million facility may be extended an additional year and the aggregate amount of borrowings under the $730.0 million and $270.0 million facilities may be increased to $1.0 billion and $400.0 million, respectively, subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facilities are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds. Total combined borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and the commercial paper program may not exceed $1.0 billion at any given time. As of July 30, 2014, no amounts were borrowed and $16.0 million in letters of credit had been issued under the $730.0 million facility. No amounts were borrowed and no letters of credit were issued under the $270.0 million facility as of the same date.

Long-Term Debt Financing

In July 2014, KGE issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.30% per annum and maturing July 2044, the proceeds of which were used in July 2014 to retire Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million and stated interest of 6.00% per annum.

In May 2014, Westar Energy issued $180.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.10% per annum and maturing April 2043. These bonds constitute a further issuance of a series of bonds initially issued in March 2013 in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. Proceeds from this issuance were used in June 2014 to redeem three KGE pollution control bond series with an aggregate principal amount of $177.5 million and stated interest rates of 5.3% and 5.00% per annum.

Debt Covenants

We remain in compliance with our debt covenants.

Impact of Credit Ratings on Debt Financing

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) are independent credit-rating agencies that rate our debt securities. These ratings indicate each agency's assessment of our ability to pay interest and principal when due on our securities.


40


In general, more favorable credit ratings increase borrowing opportunities and reduce the cost of borrowing. Under Westar Energy's revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program, our cost of borrowings is determined in part by credit ratings. However, Westar Energy's ability to borrow under the credit facilities and commercial paper program is not conditioned on maintaining a particular credit rating. We may enter into new credit agreements that contain credit rating conditions, which could affect our liquidity and/or our borrowing costs.

Factors that impact our credit ratings include a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Objective criteria include typical financial ratios, such as total debt to total capitalization and funds from operations to total debt, among others, future capital expenditures and our access to liquidity including committed lines of credit. Subjective criteria include such items as the quality and credibility of management, the political and regulatory environment we operate in and an assessment of our governance and risk management practices.

In January 2014, Moody's upgraded its ratings for Westar Energy and KGE first mortgage bonds to A2 from A3. In April 2014, S&P upgraded its ratings for Westar Energy and KGE first mortgage bonds to A from A-. In June 2014, Fitch revised its rating for Westar Energy's and KGE's outlook to positive from stable. As of July 30, 2014, our ratings with the agencies are as shown in the table below.
 
Westar
Energy
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
 
KGE
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
 
Westar Energy Commercial Paper
 
Rating
Outlook
Moody’s
A2
 
A2
 
P-2
 
Stable
S&P
A
 
A
 
A-2
 
Stable
Fitch
A-
 
A-
 
F2
 
Positive

Common Stock

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.7 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $18.3 million to settle certain forward sale transactions pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010. Under that agreement Westar Energy must settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 11.4 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of June 30, 2014, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $330.9 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $29.11 per share. In July 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.3 million shares with a physical settlement amount of approximately $9.1 million pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010.

Summary of Cash Flows
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
283,314

 
$
231,310

 
$
52,004

 
22.5

Investing activities
 
(440,238
)
 
(301,318
)
 
(138,920
)
 
(46.1
)
Financing activities
 
163,188

 
68,152

 
95,036

 
139.4

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
6,264

 
$
(1,856
)
 
$
8,120

 
437.5

    
Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities increased due principally to our having received $96.6 million more from retail and wholesale customers partially offset by our having paid $40.6 million more for fuel and purchased power.

41


Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities increased due primarily to our having received $99.3 million less in proceeds from our investment in corporate owned life insurance (COLI) and our having invested $28.1 million more in additions to property, plant and equipment.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities increased due principally to our having issued $137.9 million more of commercial paper during the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. Also contributing to the increase was our having repaid $98.9 million less for borrowings against the cash surrender value of COLI. Partially offsetting these increases was our having retired $77.5 million more in long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2014, as well as receiving $74.0 million less proceeds from issuing long-term debt this year compared to the previous year.

Pension Contribution

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we contributed $19.0 million to the Westar Energy pension trust. No payments were made to fund the Wolf Creek pension plan during the same period.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From December 31, 2013, through June 30, 2014, our off balance sheet arrangements did not change materially. For additional information, see our 2013 Form 10-K.


CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

From December 31, 2013, through June 30, 2014, our contractual obligations and commercial commitments did not change materially outside the ordinary course of business. For additional information, see our 2013 Form 10-K.


OTHER INFORMATION

Changes in Prices

KCC Proceedings

In July 2014, we, KCC staff and consumer advocate, joined in a request filed with the KCC to defer depreciation expense and carrying costs related to our capital investment associated with environmental upgrades at La Cygne until new retail prices become effective in a general rate case to be filed in March 2015 pursuant to an agreed upon schedule. The parties requested the order be issued by the end of the third quarter of 2014.
 
In June 2014, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate discussed below. The new prices were effective in April 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $41.0 million.     

In May 2014, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments to comply with environmental requirements during 2013. New prices were effective in June 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $11.0 million.

In December 2013, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. New prices were effective in January 2014 and are expected to increase annual retail revenues by approximately $12.7 million.


42


FERC Proceedings

Our transmission formula rate that includes projected 2014 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs became effective in January 2014 and is expected to increase our annual transmission revenues by approximately $44.3 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request with the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs discussed above.

New Accounting Pronouncements

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, regulatory bodies have issued the following new accounting pronouncement that may affect our accounting and/or disclosure.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that addresses revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance is to establish principles to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application of the standard is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective application or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method or determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements but we do not expect it to be material.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including changes in commodity prices, counterparty credit, interest rates, and debt and equity instrument values. From December 31, 2013, to June 30, 2014, no significant changes occurred in our market risk exposure. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2013 Form 10-K for additional information.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports under the Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2014, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION
 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information on legal proceedings is set forth in Notes 3, 10 and 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Rate Matters and Regulation," "Commitments and Contingencies" and "Legal Proceedings," respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.



43


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

     There were no material changes in our risk factors from December 31, 2013, through June 30, 2014. For additional information, see our 2013 Form 10-K.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
    
Investors should note that we announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on new guidance from the SEC, we may also use the Investor Relations section of our website (http://www.WestarEnergy.com, under “Investors”) to communicate with investors about our company. It is possible that the financial and other information we post there could be deemed to be material information. The information on our website is not part of this document.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
4(a)
 
Purchase Agreement among Kansas Gas and Electric Company and Barclays Capital, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (USA), Inc., as representatives of the Initial Purchaser named therein, dated June 25, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2014)
4(b)
 
Sixty-First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2014, by and among Kansas Gas and Electric Company and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
31(a)
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended June 30, 2014
31(b)
 
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended June 30, 2014
32
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (furnished and not to be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q)
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

44


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
August 6, 2014
 
By:
 
/s/ Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

45