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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
Form 10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________________ to __________________
 
Commission File Number 001-31303
 
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
Incorporated in South Dakota
625 Ninth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota  57701
IRS Identification Number 46-0458824
 
 
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(605) 721-1700
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common stock of $1.00 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes           x           No           o
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes           o           No           x
 
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           o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes           x           No           o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ®
 
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 Exchange Act).
Large accelerated filer    x 
Accelerated filer    o
Non-accelerated filer   o
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes           o           No           x
 
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant.
 
At June 30, 2010                                   $1,102,103,935
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding at January 31, 2011
Common stock, $1.00 par value
39,262,118
 
shares
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement being prepared for the solicitation of proxies in connection with the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 25, 2011, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
  Page
 
 
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEBSITE ACCESS TO REPORTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
ITEMS 1. and 2.
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
SPECIALIZED DISCLOSURES (UNDER PROPOSED RULES)
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEMS 7. and 7A.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Part III
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 

2

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
 
The following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report and have the definitions described below:
 
Acquisition Facility
Our $1.0 billion single-draw, senior unsecured facility from which a $383 million draw was used to provide part of the funding for our Aquila Transaction
AFUDC
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
Annexation Agreement
Agreement with the City of Pueblo, Colorado under which the City of Pueblo annexed the property on which Colorado Electric and Black Hills Colorado IPP are constructing their generation facilities
AOCI
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Aquila
Aquila, Inc.
Aquila Transaction
Our July 14, 2008 acquisition of five utilities from Aquila
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligations
Basin Electric
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Bbl
Barrel
Bcf
Billion cubic feet
Bcfe
Billion cubic feet equivalent
BHC
Black Hills Corporation; the Company
BHC Pension Plan
The Pension Plan of Black Hills Corporation
BHCCP
Black Hills Corporation Credit Policy
BHCRPP
Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures
BHEP
Black Hills Exploration and Production, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
Black Hills Colorado IPP
Black Hills Colorado IPP, LLC a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Black Hills Corporation Plan
Black Hills Corporation Retirement Savings Plan
Black Hills Energy
The name used to conduct the business of Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries
Black Hills Electric Generation
Black Hills Electric Generation, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills Power
Black Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills Utility Holdings
Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills Wyoming
Black Hills Wyoming, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Btu
British thermal unit
CAMR
Clean Air Mercury Rule
CFTC
United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission
CG&A
Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., an independent consulting and engineering firm
Cheyenne Light
Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Cheyenne Light Pension Plan
The Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company Pension Plan
Cheyenne Light Plan
Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company Retirement Savings Plan

3

 

 
City of Gillette
The City of Gillette, Wyoming, affiliate of the JPB. The JPB financed the purchase of 23% of Wygen III power plant for the City of Gillette
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Colorado Electric
Black Hills Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP, (doing business as Black Hills Energy), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
Colorado Gas
Black Hills Colorado Gas Utility Company, LP, (doing business as Black Hills Energy), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
CPUC
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
CT
Combustion turbine
De-designated interest rate swaps
The $250 million notional amount interest rate swaps that were originally designated as cash flow hedges under the accounting for derivatives and hedges but subsequently de-designated in December 2008
Dodd-Frank
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DOE
United States Department of Energy
Dth
Dekatherms
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
EDF
EDF Trading North America, LLC
Enserco
Enserco Energy Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
Enserco Credit Facility
The $250 million committed stand alone credit facility that supports Enserco's marketing and trading operations, which currently expires May 7, 2012
EPA
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Equity forward shares
Public offering of 4,000,000 shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock connected with an Equity Forward Agreement
ERISA
Employee Retirement Income Security Act
EWG
Exempt Wholesale Generator
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
Fitch Ratings
Forward Agreement
Equity Forward Agreement with J. P. Morgan connected to a public offering of 4,000,000 million shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock
Forward Agreements
Equity Forward Agreement with J. P. Morgan connected to a public offering of 4,413,519 million shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock, including the over-allotment shares
FTC
Federal Trade Commission
GAAP
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GCA
Gas Cost Adjustment
GHG
Greenhouse gases
GIS
Geographic information system
Global Settlement
Settlement with the utilities commission where the dollar figure is agreed upon, but the specific adjustments used by each party to arrive at the figure are not specified in public rate orders
GSRS
Gas System Reliability Surcharge
Happy Jack
Happy Jack Wind Farm, LLC, owned by Duke Energy Generation Services
Hastings
Hastings Fund Management Ltd
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange
IGCC
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle
IIF
IIF BH Investment LLC, a subsidiary of an investment entity advised by JPMorgan Asset Management

4

 

 
Iowa Gas
Black Hills Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC, (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
IPP
Independent power production
IPP Transaction
The July 11, 2008 sale of seven of our IPP plants to affiliates of Hastings and IIF
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
IUB
Iowa Utilities Board
J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
JPB
Consolidated Wyoming Municipalities Electric Power System Joint Powers Board. The JPB exists for the purpose of, among other things, financing the electrical system of the City of Gillette.
Kansas Gas
Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility Company, LLC, (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
KCC
Kansas Corporation Commission
kV
Kilovolt
KW
Kilowatt
KWh
Kilowatt-hour
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
LOE
Lease Operating Expense
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technology
MAPP
Mid-Continent Area Power Pool
Mbbl
Thousand barrels of oil
Mcf
Thousand cubic feet
Mcfe
Thousand cubic feet equivalent
MDU
Montana Dakota Utilities Co., a regulated utility division of MDU Resources Group, Inc.
MEAN
Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska
MMBtu
Million British thermal units
MMcf
Million cubic feet
MMcfe
Million cubic feet equivalent
Moody's
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
MSHA
Mine Safety and Health Administration
MTPSC
Montana Public Service Commission
MW
Megawatts
MWh
Megawatt-hours
Native load
Energy required to serve customers within our service territory
NCREIF
National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries
Nebraska Gas
Black Hills Nebraska Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NOx
Nitrogen Oxide
NOL
Net operating loss
NPA
Nebraska Power Association
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPSC
Nebraska Public Service Commission
NQDC
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
NYMEX
New York Mercantile Exchange
OCA
Office of Consumer Advocate
OPEC
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
PCA
Power Cost Adjustment

5

 

PGA
Purchased Gas Adjustment
PPA
Purchase Power Agreement
PPACA
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010
PSCo
Public Service Company of Colorado
PUD
Proved undeveloped reserves
PUHCA 2005
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
PURPA
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
QF
Qualifying Facility
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Revolving Credit Facility
Our $500 million credit facility used to fund working capital needs, issuance of letters of credit and other corporate purposes, expiring April 14, 2013.
RMSA
Retiree Medical Savings Account
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SDPUC
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SEC
U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Silver Sage
Silver Sage Windpower, LLC, owned by Duke Energy Generation Services
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
S&P
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Valencia
Valencia Power, LLC, a former subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings that was sold as part of our IPP Transaction
VEBA
Voluntary Employee Benefit Association
VIE
Variable Interest Entity
WDEQ
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
WECC
Western Electricity Coordinating Council
WPSC
Wyoming Public Service Commission
WRDC
Wyodak Resources Development Corp., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
 
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
ASC 310-10-50
ASC 310-10-50, "Receivables - Disclosures"
ASC 715
ASC 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits"
ASC 805
ASC 805, "Business Combinations"
ASC 810
ASC 810, "Consolidations"
ASC 810-10-15
ASC 810-10-15, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
ASC 815
ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging"
ASC 820
ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures"
ASC 932-10-S99
ASC 932-10-S99, "Extractive Activities - Oil and Gas, SEC Materials"
ASC 940-325-S99
ASC 940-325-S99, "Financial Services - Broker and Dealers, Investments - Other"
 
 

6

 

Website Access to Reports
 
The reports we file with the SEC are available free of charge at our website www.blackhillscorp.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed. In addition, the charters of our Audit, Governance and Compensation Committees are located on our website along with our Code of Business Conduct, Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Finance Officers, Corporate Governance Guidelines of the Board of Directors and Policy for Director Independence. The information contained on our website is not part of this document.
 
 
Forward-Looking Information
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking statements" as defined by the SEC. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-K that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business. Whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of this Form 10-K and the other reports we file with the SEC from time to time, and the following:
 
•    
Macro- and micro-economic changes in the economy and energy industry, including the impact of (i) consolidations and changes in competition, and (ii) general economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates;
 
•    
The timing, volatility and extent of changes in energy and commodity prices, supply or volume, the cost and availability of transportation of commodities, changes in interest or foreign exchange rates, and the demand for our services, any of which can affect our earnings, our financial liquidity and the underlying value of our assets;
 
•    
Our ability to comply, or to make expenditures required to comply, with changes in laws and regulations, particularly those relating to energy markets, taxation, safety and protection of the environment, and our ability to recover those expenditures in customer rates, where applicable;
 
•    
Federal and state laws concerning climate change and air emissions, including emission reduction mandates, carbon emissions and renewable energy portfolio standards, which may materially increase our generation and production costs and could render some of our generating units uneconomical to operate and maintain, or which could require closure of one or more of our generating units;
 
•    
Changes in business, regulatory compliance and financial reporting practices arising from the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequent rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
 
•    
The effect of Dodd-Frank and the regulations to be adopted thereunder on our use of derivative instruments in connection with our energy marketing activities and to hedge our expected production of oil and natural gas and on our use of interest rate derivative instruments;
 
•    
Changes in state laws or regulations that could cause us to curtail our independent power production or exploration and production activities;
 
•    
Our ability to successfully integrate and profitably operate any future acquisitions;
 
•    
Our ability to obtain adequate cost recovery for our utility operations through regulatory proceedings and receive favorable rulings in periodic applications to recover costs for fuel, transportation, transmission and purchased power in our regulated utilities;
 
•    
Our ability to receive regulatory approval to recover in rate base our expenditures for new power generation facilities or other utility infrastructure;

7

 

 
•    
Our ability to recover our borrowing costs, including debt service costs, in our customer rates;
 
•    
The extent of our success in connecting natural gas supplies to gathering, processing and pipeline systems;
 
•    
Our ability to minimize losses related to defaults on amounts due from customers and counterparties, including counterparties to trading and other commercial transactions;
 
•    
The timing and extent of scheduled and unscheduled outages of power generation facilities;
 
•    
Our ability to complete the permitting, construction, start-up and operation of power generating facilities in a cost-effective and timely manner;
 
•    
Our ability to accurately estimate demand from our customers for natural gas;
 
•    
Weather and other natural phenomena;
 
•    
Our ability to meet forecasted production volumes for our oil and gas properties, which may be dependent upon issuance by federal, state and tribal governments, or agencies thereof, of drilling, environmental and other permits, and the availability of specialized contractors, work force and equipment, or the possibility of reductions in our drilling program resulting from the current economic climate and commodity prices, which also may prevent us from maintaining production rates and replacing reserves for our oil and gas properties;
 
•    
The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions;
 
•    
Our ability to effectively use derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity, currency exchange rate and interest rate risks;
 
•    
Our ability to provide accurate estimates of proved oil and gas reserves, coal reserves and future production rates and associated costs;
 
•    
Price risk due to marketable securities held as investments in employee benefit plans;
 
•    
Our ability to successfully maintain our corporate credit rating;
 
•    
Our ability to access revolving credit capacity and comply with loan covenants;
 
•    
Capital market conditions and market uncertainties related to interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms;
 
•    
The amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities or for the repurchase of debt or stock;
 
•    
Our ability to continue paying our regular quarterly dividend;
 
•    
Our ability to obtain permanent financing for capital expenditures on reasonable terms either through long-term debt or issuance of equity;
 
•    
The effect of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies;
 
•    
The accounting treatment and earnings impact associated with interest rate swaps;
 
•    
The possibility that we may be required to take impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of some of our long-lived assets when indicators of impairment emerge;
 
•    
The possibility that we may be required to take impairment charges under the SEC's full cost ceiling test for the accumulated costs of our natural gas and oil reserves;
 
•    
The outcome of any ongoing or future litigation or similar disputes and the impact of any such outcome or related settlements on our financial condition or results of operations;

8

 

 
•    
Additional liabilities for environmental conditions, including remediation and reclamation obligations, under environmental laws;
 
•    
Our ability to successfully complete labor negotiations with labor unions with whom we have collective bargaining agreements and for which we are currently in, or are soon to be in, contract renewal negotiations; and
 
•    
The cost and effect on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions or responses to such actions or events.
 
New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 

9

 

PART I
 
ITEMS 1 AND 2.    
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
 
History and Organization
 
Black Hills Corporation, a South Dakota corporation (together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as the "Company," "we," "us" and "our"), is a diversified energy company headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Our predecessor company, Black Hills Power and Light Company, was incorporated and began providing electric utility service in 1941. It was formed through the purchase and combination of several existing electric utilities and related assets, some of which had served customers in the Black Hills region since 1883. In 1956, the Company began producing, selling and marketing various forms of energy through its non-regulated business.
 
We operate principally in the United States with two major business groups: Utilities and Non-regulated Energy. Our Utilities Group is comprised of our regulated Electric Utilities and regulated Gas Utilities segments, and our Non-regulated Energy Group is comprised of our Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Coal Mining, and Energy Marketing segments, as shown below. At December 31, 2010, we had 2,124 employees, 705 of whom were represented by union locals.
 
Business Group
Financial Segment
 
 
Utilities
Electric Utilities
 
Gas Utilities
 
 
Non-regulated Energy
Oil and Gas
 
Power Generation
 
Coal Mining
 
Energy Marketing
 
Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 201,000 customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana and includes the operations of Cheyenne Light, a combination electric and gas utility, and its approximately 34,500 gas utility customers in Wyoming. Our Gas Utilities segment serves approximately 527,000 natural gas utility customers in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. Our Electric Utilities own 687 MWs of generation and 8,038 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines, and our Gas Utilities own 626 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines and 19,638 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines. Our Electric and Gas Utilities generated income from continuing operations of $74.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and had total assets of $2.6 billion at December 31, 2010.
 
Our Oil and Gas segment engages in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, primarily in the Rocky Mountain region. Our Coal Mining segment produces coal at our coal mine near Gillette, Wyoming, and our Energy Marketing segment is engaged in marketing of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power, environmental products and related services, in the United States and Canada. Our Power Generation segment produces electric power from our generating plants and sells the electric capacity and energy primarily under long-term contracts. In 2008, we sold seven IPP plants previously reported in our Power Generation segment, which resulted in the operations of these plants being reported as discontinued operations. Our Non-regulated Energy Group generated income from continuing operations of $13.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 and had total assets of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2010.
 
Segment Financial Information
 
We discuss our business strategy and other prospective information in Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Financial information regarding our business segments is incorporated herein by reference to Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, particularly Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

10

 

Business Group Overview
 
Utilities Group
 
We conduct electric utility operations and combination electric and gas utility operations through three subsidiaries: Black Hills Power (South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana), Cheyenne Light (Wyoming), and Colorado Electric (Colorado). Our Electric Utilities generate, transmit and distribute electricity to approximately 201,000 customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. Additionally, Cheyenne Light distributes natural gas to approximately 34,500 natural gas utility customers in Wyoming. Our electric generating facilities and purchased power contracts supply electricity principally to our own distribution systems. Additionally, we sell excess power to other utilities and marketing companies, including affiliates.
 
We conduct natural gas utility operations on a state-by-state basis through our Colorado Gas, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas, and Nebraska Gas subsidiaries. Our Gas Utilities distribute and transport natural gas to our customers through our distribution network to approximately 527,000 customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. We also provide related services that include appliance repairs, gas technical services and the sale of temporarily-available, contractual pipeline capacity from our suppliers.
 
In addition to our regulated operations, we also provide services through our Service Guard product line to approximately 63,000 customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Service Guard primarily provides appliance repair services through company technicians and third party service providers.
 
Electric Utilities Segment
 
Capacity and Demand
 
Uninterrupted system peak demands for the Electric Utilities for each of the last three years are listed below:
 
 
System Peak Demand (in MW)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
Summer
Winter
 
Summer
Winter
 
Summer
 
Winter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
396
377
 
387
392
 
409
 
407
 
Cheyenne Light
176
164
 
169
171
 
166
 
168
 
Colorado Electric
384
289
 
365
296
 
306
(a) 
298
(a) 
Total Electric Utilities Peak Demands
956
830
 
921
859
 
881
 
873
 
__________________________
(a)    For the period July 14, 2008 to December 31, 2008.
 

11

 

Regulated Power Plants
 
As of December 31, 2010, our Electric Utilities' ownership interests in electric generation plants were as follows:
 
Unit
Fuel
Type
Location
Ownership
Interest %
Owned Capacity (MW)
Year
Installed
 
 
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power:
 
 
 
 
 
Wygen III (1)
Coal
Gillette, WY
52.0
%
57.2
2010
Neil Simpson II
Coal
Gillette, WY
100.0
%
90.0
1995
Wyodak (2)
Coal
Gillette, WY
20.0
%
72.4
1978
Osage (3)
Coal
Osage, WY
100.0
%
34.5
1948-1952
Ben French
Coal
Rapid City, SD
100.0
%
25.0
1960
Neil Simpson I
Coal
Gillette, WY
100.0
%
21.8
1969
Neil Simpson CT
Gas
Gillette, WY
100.0
%
40.0
2000
Lange CT
Gas
Rapid City, SD
100.0
%
40.0
2002
Ben French Diesel #1-5
Oil
Rapid City, SD
100.0
%
10.0
1965
Ben French CTs #1-4
Gas/Oil
Rapid City, SD
100.0
%
100.0
1977-1979
Cheyenne Light:
 
 
 
 
 
Wygen II
Coal
Gillette, WY
100.0
%
95.0
2008
Colorado Electric (4):
 
 
 
 
 
W.N. Clark #1-2 (5)
Coal
Canon City, CO
100.0
%
42.0
1955, 1959
Pueblo #6
Gas
Pueblo, CO
100.0
%
20.0
1949
Pueblo #5
Gas
Pueblo, CO
100.0
%
9.0
1941, 2001
AIP Diesel
Oil
Pueblo, CO
100.0
%
10.0
2001
Diesel #1-5
Oil
Pueblo, CO
100.0
%
10.0
1964
Diesel #1-5
Oil
Rocky Ford, CO
100.0
%
10.0
1964
Total MW Owned Capacity
 
 
 
686.9
 
________________________
(1)    Construction of Wygen III, a 110 MW mine-mouth coal-fired power plant was completed in April 2010. Black Hills Power operates the plant and owns a 52% interest in the facility, MDU owns a 25% interest and the City of Gillette owns a 23% interest. Our WRDC coal mine furnishes all of the coal fuel supply for the plant.
(2)    Wyodak is a 362 MW mine-mouth coal-fired plant owned 80% by PacifiCorp and 20% by Black Hills Power. This baseload plant is operated by PacifiCorp and our WRDC coal mine furnishes all of the coal fuel supply for the plant.
(3)    Operations at the Osage plant were suspended October 1, 2010 due to the availability of more economical generation alternatives.
(4)    The construction of two 90 MW gas-fired power generation facilities is underway to support the customers of Colorado Electric. These facilities are expected to be completed by December 31, 2011.
(5)    In December 2010, Colorado Electric received a final order from CPUC which approved the retirement of its W.N. Clark coal-fired generation facility by December 31, 2013 and granted a presumption of need in the amount of 42 MW for replacement of the plant. Colorado Electric will file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide justification for an additional 50 MW of generating capacity to allow the construction of a third 92 MW GE LMS100 natural gas-fired generator at the Pueblo Airport Generation Station where two 90 MW facilities are currently under construction.
 

12

 

The following table shows the Electric Utilities' annual average cost of fuel utilized to generate electricity and the average price paid for purchased power (excluding contracted capacity) per MWh (dollars per MWh):
 
Fuel Source
2010
2009
   2008(1)
 
 
 
 
Coal
$
12.77
 
$
13.99
 
$
11.41
 
 
 
 
 
Gas and Oil
$
131.28
 
$
85.52
 
$
88.60
 
 
 
 
 
Total Average Fuel Cost
$
13.57
 
$
15.22
 
$
13.18
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased Power(2)
$
30.23
 
$
28.93
 
$
38.06
 
________________________
(1)    2008 includes Colorado Electric from July 14, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
(2)    Includes Happy Jack commencing in October 2008, and Silver Sage commencing in October 2009.
 
The following table shows our Electric Utilities' power supply, by resource as a percent of the total power supply for our energy needs:
 
Power Supply
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Coal-fired
42
%
39
%
44
%
 
 
 
 
Gas and Oil
 
1
 
1
 
Total Generated
42
 
40
 
45
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased
58
 
60
 
55
 
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
 
Purchased Power. Various agreements have been executed to support our Electric Utilities' capacity and energy needs beyond our regulated power plants' generation. Key contracts include:
 
•    
Black Hills Power's PPA with PacifiCorp expiring in 2023, which provides for the purchase of 50 MW of coal-fired baseload power;
 
•    
Black Hills Power's reserve capacity integration agreement with PacifiCorp expiring in 2012, which makes available 100 MW of reserve capacity in connection with the utilization of the Ben French CT units;
 
•    
Colorado Electric's PPA with PSCo expiring at the end of 2011, whereby Colorado Electric purchases a majority of its power. The contract provides for 300 MW of capacity and energy in 2011;
 
•    
Colorado Electric's 20-year PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP, beginning on January 1, 2012 and expiring in 2031, which will provide 200 MW of power to Colorado Electric from Black Hills Colorado IPP's combined-cycle turbines, which are currently under construction;
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's PPA with Black Hills Wyoming expiring in August 2011 whereby Black Hills Wyoming provides 40 MW of energy and capacity from its Gillette CT.

13

 

 
•    
Cheyenne Light's PPA with Black Hills Wyoming expiring December 31, 2022 whereby Black Hills Wyoming provides 60 MW of unit-contingent capacity and energy from its Wygen I facility. The PPA includes an option for Cheyenne Light to purchase Black Hills Wyoming's ownership interest in the Wygen I facility between 2013 and 2019. The purchase price related to the option is $2.55 million per MW which is equivalent to the estimated initial per MW price of new construction of the Wygen III facility. This price is reduced annually by an amount of annual depreciation assuming a facility life of 35 years;
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's 20-year PPA with Duke Energy, expiring in 2028, which provides up to 29.4 MW of wind energy from the Happy Jack Wind Farm to Cheyenne Light. Under a separate intercompany agreement, Cheyenne Light sells 50% of the facility's output to Black Hills Power;
 
•    
Cheyenne Light and Black Hills Power's Generation Dispatch Agreement requires Black Hills Power to purchase all of Cheyenne Light's excess energy; and
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's 20-year PPA with Duke Energy, expiring in 2029, provides 30 MW of wind energy from the Silver Sage wind farm to Cheyenne Light. Under a separate intercompany agreement, Cheyenne Light sells 20 MW of energy from Silver Sage to Black Hills Power.
 
Power Sales Agreements. Our Electric Utilities have various long-term power sales agreements. Key agreements include:
 
•    
In conjunction with MDU's April 2009 purchase of a 25% ownership interest in Wygen III, an agreement to supply 74 MW of capacity and energy through 2016 was modified. The sales to MDU have been integrated into Black Hills Power's control area and are considered part of our firm native load. MWs from the Wygen III unit are deemed to supply a portion of the required 74 MW. During periods of reduced production at Wygen III, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, MDU will be provided with 25 MW from our other generation facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by MDU;
 
•    
Black Hills Power's agreement with the City of Gillette to dispatch the City of Gillette's 23% of Wygen III's net generating capacity for the life of the plant. Upon the City of Gillette's July 2010 purchase of a 23% ownership interest in Wygen III, a seven year PPA with the City of Gillette that went into effect in April 2010, was terminated. The City of Gillette's 23 MW of Wygen III capacity has been integrated into Black Hills Power's control area and are considered part of our firm native load. During periods of reduced production at Wygen III, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, we will provide the City of Gillette with its first 23 MW from our other generation facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by the City of Gillette. Under this agreement Black Hills Power will also provide the City of Gillette their operating component of spinning reserves;
 
•    
Black Hills Power's agreement to supply 20 MW of energy and capacity to MEAN under a contract that expires in 2023. This contract is unit-contingent based on the availability of our Neil Simpson II and Wygen III plants, with capacity purchase decreasing to 15 MW in 2018, 12 MW in 2020 and 10 MW in 2022. The unit-contingent capacity amounts from Wygen III and Neil Simpson II are as follows:
 
2010-2017
20 MW - 10 MW contingent on Wygen III and 10 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2018-2019
15 MW - 10 MW contingent on Wygen III and 5 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2020-2021
12 MW - 6 MW contingent on Wygen III and 6 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2022-2023
10 MW - 5 MW contingent on Wygen III and 5 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II;
 
•    
Black Hills Power's five-year PPA with MEAN which commenced in May 2010 whereby MEAN will purchase 5 MW of unit-contingent capacity from Neil Simpson II and 5 MW of unit-contingent capacity from Wygen III; and
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's agreement with Basin Electric whereby Cheyenne Light will supply 40 MW of capacity and energy through March 31, 2013 and a separate agreement whereby Cheyenne Light will receive 40 MW of capacity and energy from Basin Electric through March 31, 2013. The agreements become effective on March 14, 2011, and terminate prior agreements under which Cheyenne Light supplies Basin Electric with 80 MW of energy and capacity, and Basin Electric supplies Cheyenne Light with 80 MW of energy and capacity.
 

14

 

Transmission and Distribution. Through our Electric Utilities, we own electric transmission systems composed of high voltage transmission lines (greater than 69 KV) and low voltage lines (69 or fewer KV). We also jointly own high voltage lines with Basin Electric and Powder River Energy Corporation.
 
At December 31, 2010, our regulated Electric Utilities owned or leased the electric transmission and distribution lines shown below:
 
Utility
State
Transmission
(in Line Miles)
Distribution
(in Line Miles)
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
SD, WY
565
 
2,933
 
Black Hills Power - Jointly Owned (1)
SD, WY
47
 
 
Cheyenne Light
SD, WY
25
 
1,176
 
Colorado Electric
CO
260
 
3,032
 
 
(1)    Through Black Hills Power, we own 35% of a DC transmission tie that interconnects the Western and Eastern transmission grids, which are independently-operated transmission grids serving the western United States and eastern United States, respectively. This transmission tie, which is 65% owned by Basin Electric, provides transmission access to both the WECC region in the West and the MAPP region in the East. The transfer capacity of the tie is 200 MW from West to East, and 200 MW from East to West. Black Hills Power's electric system is located in the WECC region. This transmission tie allows us to buy and sell energy in the Eastern grid without having to isolate and physically reconnect load or generation between the two transmission grids, thus enhancing the reliability of our system. It accommodates scheduling transactions in both directions simultaneously, provides additional opportunities to sell excess generation or to make economic purchases to serve our native load and contract obligations, and enables us to take advantage of power price differentials between the two grids.
 
Black Hills Power has firm point-to-point transmission access to deliver up to 50 MW of power on PacifiCorp's transmission system to wholesale customers in the Western region through 2023.
 
Black Hills Power also has firm network transmission access to deliver power on PacifiCorp's system to Sheridan, Wyoming to serve our power sales contract with MDU through 2017, with the right to renew pursuant to the terms of PacifiCorp's transmission tariff.
 
Shared Services Agreement. Black Hills Power, Cheyenne Light, and Black Hills Wyoming are parties to a shared facilities agreement whereby each entity charges for the use of assets used by an affiliate entity. This agreement commenced during 2010.
 
Operating Statistics
 
The following tables summarize sales revenues, quantities and customers for our Electric Utilities. Amounts shown for 2008 include Colorado Electric from our July 14, 2008 acquisition date through December 31, 2008.
 

15

 

Sales Revenues (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Residential:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
$
53,549
 
$
48,586
 
$
46,854
 
Cheyenne Light
29,506
 
29,198
 
31,394
 
Colorado Electric
76,596
 
66,548
 
32,620
 
Total Residential
159,651
 
144,332
 
110,868
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
65,997
 
59,897
 
58,289
 
Cheyenne Light
52,765
 
51,280
 
51,609
 
Colorado Electric
66,490
 
56,002
 
28,531
 
Total Commercial
185,252
 
167,179
 
138,429
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
22,621
 
20,014
 
21,432
 
Cheyenne Light
10,542
 
11,121
 
9,716
 
Colorado Electric
28,812
 
31,067
 
16,280
 
Total Industrial
61,975
 
62,202
 
47,428
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
3,029
 
2,735
 
2,734
 
Cheyenne Light
1,293
 
932
 
973
 
Colorado Electric
10,443
 
4,408
 
2,289
 
Total Municipal
14,765
 
8,075
 
5,996
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Wholesale:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
22,996
 
25,358
 
26,643
 
 
 
 
 
Off-system Wholesale:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
36,354
 
32,212
 
63,770
 
Cheyenne Light
9,750
 
8,565
 
6,105
 
Colorado Electric
10,859
 
14,008
 
11,194
 
Total Off-system Wholesale
56,963
 
54,785
 
81,069
 
 
 
 
 
Other Sales Revenue:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
25,217
 
18,277
 
12,950
 
Cheyenne Light
3,230
 
718
 
394
 
Colorado Electric
2,374
 
4,226
 
1,346
 
Total Other Sales Revenue
30,821
 
23,221
 
14,690
 
 
 
 
 
Total Sales Revenues
$
532,423
 
$
485,152
 
$
425,123
 
 

16

 

Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Generated -
 
 
 
Coal-fired:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
1,987,037
 
1,721,074
 
1,731,838
 
Cheyenne Light
734,241
 
766,943
 
740,051
 
Colorado Electric
257,896
 
252,603
 
138,424
 
Total Coal
2,979,174
 
2,740,620
 
2,610,313
 
 
 
 
 
Gas and Oil-fired:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
19,269
 
46,723
 
61,801
 
Cheyenne Light
 
 
 
Colorado Electric
930
 
2,705
 
306
 
Total Gas and Oil
20,199
 
49,428
 
62,107
 
 
 
 
 
Total Generated:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
2,006,306
 
1,767,797
 
1,793,639
 
Cheyenne Light
734,241
 
766,943
 
740,051
 
Colorado Electric
258,826
 
255,308
 
138,730
 
Total Generated
2,999,373
 
2,790,048
 
2,672,420
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased -
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
1,440,579
 
1,686,455
 
1,703,088
 
Cheyenne Light
696,756
 
651,201
 
590,622
 
Colorado Electric
1,969,896
 
1,991,058
 
1,028,029
 
Total Purchased
4,107,231
 
4,328,714
 
3,321,739
 
 
 
 
 
Total Generated and Purchased
7,106,604
 
7,118,762
 
5,994,159
 
 
 
 

17

 

Quantity (MWh)
 
 
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Residential:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
547,193
 
529,825
 
524,413
 
Cheyenne Light
261,607
 
255,134
 
255,345
 
Colorado Electric
628,553
 
589,526
 
284,294
 
Total Residential
1,437,353
 
1,374,485
 
1,064,052
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
720,119
 
723,360
 
699,734
 
Cheyenne Light
603,323
 
583,986
 
586,151
 
Colorado Electric
726,005
 
666,563
 
330,870
 
Total Commercial
2,049,447
 
1,973,909
 
1,616,755
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
382,562
 
353,041
 
414,421
 
Cheyenne Light
161,082
 
174,792
 
144,179
 
Colorado Electric
347,673
 
452,584
 
235,218
 
Total Industrial
891,317
 
980,417
 
793,818
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
33,908
 
33,948
 
34,368
 
Cheyenne Light
6,477
 
3,456
 
3,669
 
Colorado Electric
113,689
 
37,244
 
19,740
 
Total Municipal
154,074
 
74,648
 
57,777
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Wholesale:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
468,782
 
645,297
 
665,795
 
 
 
 
 
Off-system Wholesale:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
1,163,058
 
1,009,574
 
1,074,398
 
Cheyenne Light
311,524
 
309,122
 
246,542
 
Colorado Electric
274,942
 
373,495
 
230,333
 
Total Off-system Wholesale
1,749,524
 
1,692,191
 
1,551,273
 
 
 
 
 
Total Quantity Sold:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
3,315,622
 
3,295,045
 
3,413,129
 
Cheyenne Light
1,344,013
 
1,326,490
 
1,235,886
 
Colorado Electric
2,090,862
 
2,119,412
 
1,100,455
 
Total Quantity Sold
6,750,497
 
6,740,947
 
5,749,470
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and Company Use:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
131,263
 
159,207
 
83,598
 
Cheyenne Light
86,984
 
91,654
 
94,787
 
Colorado Electric
137,860
 
126,954
 
66,304
 
Total Losses and Company Use
356,107
 
377,815
 
244,689
 
 
 
 
 
Total Energy
7,106,604
 
7,118,762
 
5,994,159
 
 

18

 

Degree Days
 
2010
2009
2008
 
Actual
Variance from
30-Year Average
Actual
Variance from
30-Year Average
Actual
Variance from
30-Year Average
Heating Degree Days:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
7,272
 
1
 %
7,753
 
8
 %
7,676
 
6
 %
Cheyenne Light
7,033
 
(5
)%
7,411
 
 %
7,435
 
1
 %
Colorado Electric
5,518
 
(1
)%
5,546
 
(1
)%
2,204
 
(5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cooling Degree Days:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
532
 
(11
)%
354
 
(41
)%
482
 
(19
)%
Cheyenne Light
345
 
26
 %
203
 
(26
)%
372
 
36
 %
Colorado Electric
1,074
 
16
 %
804
 
(13
)%
500
 
(12
)%
 
A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees.  The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days.  Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another.  Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30 year average. 
 
A cooling degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and low temperature for a day is above 65 degrees.  The warmer the climate, the greater the number of cooling degree days.  Cooling degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative warmth of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another.  Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30 year average. 
 

19

 

Electric Customers at Year-End
 
2010
2009
2008
Residential:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
54,811
 
54,470
 
53,765
 
Cheyenne Light
34,913
 
35,943
 
35,205
 
Colorado Electric
81,902
 
81,622
 
81,561
 
Total Residential
171,626
 
172,035
 
170,531
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
12,779
 
12,261
 
12,213
 
Cheyenne Light
4,132
 
4,932
 
4,563
 
Colorado Electric
11,185
 
11,101
 
11,155
 
Total Commercial
28,096
 
28,294
 
27,931
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
40
 
38
 
40
 
Cheyenne Light
2
 
2
 
2
 
Colorado Electric
63
 
90
 
93
 
Total Industrial
105
 
130
 
135
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Wholesale:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
3
 
3
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
Other Electric Customers:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
309
 
143
 
3,010
 
Cheyenne Light
254
 
13
 
6
 
Colorado Electric
510
 
499
 
480
 
Total Other Electric Customers
1,073
 
655
 
3,496
 
 
 
 
 
Total Customers:
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
67,942
 
66,915
 
69,031
 
Cheyenne Light
39,301
 
40,890
 
39,776
 
Colorado Electric
93,660
 
93,312
 
93,289
 
Total Customers
200,903
 
201,117
 
202,096
 

20

 

Cheyenne Light Natural Gas Distribution
 
Cheyenne Light's natural gas distribution system serves natural gas customers in Cheyenne and other portions of Laramie County, Wyoming. The following table summarizes certain operating information:
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Sales Revenues (in thousands):
 
 
 
Residential
$
22,562
 
$
21,495
 
$
28,059
 
Commercial
10,801
 
9,821
 
13,751
 
Industrial
3,425
 
3,537
 
5,668
 
Other Sales Revenues
803
 
760
 
818
 
Total Sales Revenues
$
37,591
 
$
35,613
 
$
48,296
 
 
 
 
 
Sales Margins (in thousands):
 
 
 
Residential
$
10,004
 
$
10,219
 
$
10,083
 
Commercial
3,376
 
3,266
 
3,177
 
Industrial
427
 
509
 
483
 
Other Sales Margins
720
 
760
 
818
 
Total Sales Margins
$
14,527
 
$
14,754
 
$
14,561
 
 
 
 
 
Volumes Sold (Dth):
 
 
 
Residential
2,636,839
 
2,516,699
 
2,582,248
 
Commercial
1,572,638
 
1,502,002
 
1,501,025
 
Industrial
667,062
 
722,776
 
689,945
 
Total Volumes Sold
4,876,539
 
4,741,477
 
4,773,218
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
34,461
 
33,942
 
33,243
 
 
Gas Utilities Segment
 
At December 31, 2010, our Gas Utilities owned the gas transmission and distribution lines by state shown below (in line miles):
 
 
Intrastate Gas
Transmission Pipelines
Gas Distribution
Mains
Gas Distribution
Service Lines
 
 
 
 
Colorado
122
 
2,967
 
871
 
Nebraska
51
 
3,406
 
3,462
 
Iowa
170
 
2,753
 
2,313
 
Kansas
283
 
2,578
 
1,288
 
Total
626
 
11,704
 
7,934
 
 

21

 

Operating Statistics
 
The following tables summarize revenues, sales margins, volumes, degree days and customers for our Gas Utilities. Amounts shown for 2008 include Gas Utilities from our July 14, 2008 acquisition date through December 31, 2008.
Revenues (in thousands)
2010
2009
2008
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
Colorado
$
55,211
 
$
62,732
 
$
27,928
 
Nebraska
120,365
 
127,120
 
60,624
 
Iowa
105,255
 
113,781
 
47,338
 
Kansas
69,859
 
70,848
 
31,456
 
Total Residential
350,690
 
374,481
 
167,346
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Colorado
11,880
 
13,357
 
6,356
 
Nebraska
40,720
 
43,472
 
20,705
 
Iowa
46,762
 
54,587
 
26,003
 
Kansas
21,953
 
22,629
 
10,092
 
Total Commercial
121,315
 
134,045
 
63,156
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Colorado
1,409
 
1,348
 
1,495
 
Nebraska
3,126
 
3,425
 
1,640
 
Iowa
2,243
 
2,191
 
1,581
 
Kansas
14,312
 
11,057
 
14,667
 
Total Industrial
21,090
 
18,021
 
19,383
 
 
 
 
 
Other Sales Revenue:
 
 
 
Colorado
97
 
100
 
39
 
Nebraska
1,960
 
2,077
 
907
 
Iowa
836
 
1,073
 
457
 
Kansas
3,451
 
3,213
 
1,600
 
Total Other Sales Revenue
6,344
 
6,463
 
3,003
 
 
 
 
 
Total Distribution:
 
 
 
Colorado
68,597
 
77,537
 
35,818
 
Nebraska
166,171
 
176,094
 
83,876
 
Iowa
155,096
 
171,632
 
75,379
 
Kansas
109,575
 
107,747
 
57,815
 
Total Distribution
499,439
 
533,010
 
252,888
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation:
 
 
 
Colorado
784
 
732
 
278
 
Nebraska
11,289
 
10,569
 
4,703
 
Iowa
3,708
 
3,876
 
1,609
 
Kansas
5,471
 
5,389
 
2,409
 
Total Transportation
21,252
 
20,566
 
8,999
 
 
 
 
 
Total Regulated:
 
 
 
Colorado
69,381
 
78,269
 
36,096
 
Nebraska
177,460
 
186,663
 
88,579
 
Iowa
158,804
 
175,508
 
76,988
 
Kansas
115,046
 
113,136
 
60,224
 
Total Regulated Revenues
520,691
 
553,576
 
261,887
 
 
 
 
 
Non-regulated Services
30,016
 
26,736
 
15,189
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
550,707
 
$
580,312
 
$
277,076
 

22

 

 
Sales Margins (in thousands)
2010
2009
2008
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
Colorado
$
18,153
 
$
17,443
 
$
5,984
 
Nebraska
49,074
 
44,638
 
19,460
 
Iowa
44,269
 
42,734
 
16,335
 
Kansas
29,591
 
28,999
 
12,436
 
Total Residential
141,087
 
133,814
 
54,215
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Colorado
3,215
 
3,176
 
1,131
 
Nebraska
11,965
 
11,785
 
4,952
 
Iowa
11,616
 
12,749
 
5,210
 
Kansas
6,544
 
6,484
 
2,693
 
Total Commercial
33,340
 
34,194
 
13,986
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Colorado
360
 
375
 
232
 
Nebraska
379
 
431
 
173
 
Iowa
235
 
244
 
105
 
Kansas
1,878
 
1,766
 
1,041
 
Total Industrial
2,852
 
2,816
 
1,551
 
 
 
 
 
Other Sales Margins:
 
 
 
Colorado
97
 
101
 
39
 
Nebraska
1,960
 
2,077
 
907
 
Iowa
836
 
1,073
 
457
 
Kansas
2,722
 
2,312
 
1,177
 
Total Other Sales Margins
5,615
 
5,563
 
2,580
 
 
 
 
 
Total Distribution:
 
 
 
Colorado
21,825
 
21,095
 
7,386
 
Nebraska
63,378
 
58,931
 
25,492
 
Iowa
56,956
 
56,800
 
22,107
 
Kansas
40,735
 
39,561
 
17,347
 
Total Distribution
182,894
 
176,387
 
72,332
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation:
 
 
 
Colorado
784
 
732
 
278
 
Nebraska
11,289
 
10,569
 
4,703
 
Iowa
3,708
 
3,876
 
1,609
 
Kansas
5,470
 
5,389
 
2,409
 
Total Transportation
21,251
 
20,566
 
8,999
 
 
 
 
 
Total Regulated:
 
 
 
Colorado
22,609
 
21,827
 
7,664
 
Nebraska
74,667
 
69,500
 
30,195
 
Iowa
60,664
 
60,676
 
23,716
 
Kansas
46,205
 
44,950
 
19,756
 
Total Regulated Sales Margins
204,145
 
196,953
 
81,331
 
 
 
 
 
Non-regulated Services
12,845
 
11,643
 
3,895
 
 
 
 
 
Total Sales Margins
$
216,990
 
$
208,596
 
$
85,226
 
 

23

 

 
 
Volumes (in Dth)
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
Colorado
6,284,559
 
6,355,275
 
2,344,549
 
Nebraska
12,210,574
 
12,619,682
 
5,115,805
 
Iowa
10,556,045
 
10,976,268
 
4,126,150
 
Kansas
6,926,928
 
6,878,243
 
2,682,850
 
Total Residential
35,978,106
 
36,829,468
 
14,269,354
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Colorado
1,473,924
 
1,444,360
 
563,169
 
Nebraska
5,009,105
 
5,189,630
 
2,133,433
 
Iowa
6,061,954
 
6,597,035
 
2,749,234
 
Kansas
2,673,805
 
2,696,870
 
1,063,356
 
Total Commercial
15,218,788
 
15,927,895
 
6,509,192
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Colorado
259,985
 
263,134
 
164,112
 
Nebraska
544,457
 
581,892
 
248,256
 
Iowa
354,435
 
333,324
 
196,841
 
Kansas
2,718,767
 
2,524,126
 
1,586,306
 
Total Industrial
3,877,644
 
3,702,476
 
2,195,515
 
 
 
 
 
Other Volumes:
 
 
 
Colorado
 
 
 
Nebraska
1,341
 
1,400
 
320
 
Iowa
69,306
 
68,290
 
18,301
 
Kansas
120,445
 
141,909
 
60,917
 
Total Other Volumes
191,092
 
211,599
 
79,538
 
 
 
 
 
Total Distribution:
 
 
 
Colorado
8,018,468
 
8,062,769
 
3,071,830
 
Nebraska
17,765,477
 
18,392,604
 
7,497,814
 
Iowa
17,041,740
 
17,974,917
 
7,090,526
 
Kansas
12,439,945
 
12,241,148
 
5,393,429
 
Total Distribution
55,265,630
 
56,671,438
 
23,053,599
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation:
 
 
 
Colorado
808,859
 
807,999
 
347,822
 
Nebraska
27,327,173
 
25,311,501
 
12,930,165
 
Iowa
17,422,525
 
14,915,602
 
6,312,050
 
Kansas
14,320,893
 
14,069,182
 
7,215,038
 
Total Transportation
59,879,450
 
55,104,284
 
26,805,075
 
 
 
 
 
Total Volumes:
 
 
 
Colorado
8,827,327
 
8,870,768
 
3,419,652
 
Nebraska
45,092,650
 
43,704,105
 
20,427,979
 
Iowa
34,464,265
 
32,890,519
 
13,402,576
 
Kansas
26,760,838
 
26,310,330
 
12,608,467
 
Total Volumes
115,145,080
 
111,775,722
 
49,858,674
 
 
 

24

 

Degree Days
 
2010
2009
2008
 
Actual
Variance From
30-Year Average
Actual
Variance From
30-Year Average
Actual *
Variance From
30-Year Average *
Heating Degree Days:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colorado
5,803
 
(9
)%
6,299
 
2
 %
2,376
 
(7
)%
Nebraska
6,222
 
(5
)%
6,238
 
5
 %
2,458
 
 %
Iowa
6,934
 
(1
)%
7,279
 
6
 %
2,909
 
3
 %
Kansas
4,918
 
 %
4,989
 
 %
1,897
 
(3
)%
Combined
6,101
 
(3
)%
6,285
 
(11
)%
2,471
 
 %
___________
* Gas Utilities acquired on July 14, 2008.
 
A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees.  The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days.  Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another.  Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30 year average.  For service areas that have weather normalization operations, normal degree days are used instead of actual degree days in computing the total number of heating degree days.  The combined heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state. 
 

25

 

The following table summarizes the Gas Utilities' customers as of December 31:
 
Customers
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
Colorado
66,766
 
65,586
 
64,601
 
Nebraska
176,244
 
179,873
 
177,432
 
Iowa
134,782
 
133,712
 
133,442
 
Kansas
97,844
 
97,446
 
96,593
 
Total Residential
475,636
 
476,617
 
472,068
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Colorado
3,620
 
3,590
 
3,579
 
Nebraska
15,221
 
15,218
 
15,034
 
Iowa
15,300
 
15,403
 
15,467
 
Kansas
9,469
 
9,510
 
9,463
 
Total Commercial
43,610
 
43,721
 
43,543
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial:
 
 
 
Colorado
208
 
207
 
208
 
Nebraska
149
 
149
 
149
 
Iowa
93
 
90
 
84
 
Kansas
1,394
 
1,351
 
1,267
 
Total Industrial
1,844
 
1,797
 
1,708
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation:
 
 
 
Colorado
22
 
22
 
21
 
Nebraska
4,270
 
4,579
 
4,758
 
Iowa
392
 
389
 
397
 
Kansas
1,054
 
1,077
 
1,174
 
Total Transportation
5,738
 
6,067
 
6,350
 
 
 
 
 
Other:
 
 
 
Colorado
 
 
 
Nebraska
2
 
2
 
2
 
Iowa
68
 
71
 
69
 
Kansas
8
 
8
 
8
 
Total Other
78
 
81
 
79
 
 
 
 
 
Total Customers:
 
 
 
Colorado
70,616
 
69,405
 
68,409
 
Nebraska
195,886
 
199,821
 
197,375
 
Iowa
150,635
 
149,665
 
149,459
 
Kansas
109,769
 
109,392
 
108,505
 
Total Customers
526,906
 
528,283
 
523,748
 

26

 

Business Characteristics
 
Seasonal Variations of Business
 
Our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities are seasonal businesses and weather patterns may impact their operating performance. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as market price. In particular, demand is often greater in the summer and winter months for cooling and heating, respectively. Because our Electric Utilities have a diverse customer and revenue base and we have historically optimized the utilization of our electric power supply resources, the impact on our operations may not be as significant when weather conditions are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer in comparison to other investor-owned electric utilities. Conversely, for our Gas Utilities, natural gas is used primarily for residential and commercial heating, so the demand for this product depends heavily upon weather patterns throughout our service territories, and as a result, a significant amount of natural gas revenues are normally recognized in the heating season consisting of the first and fourth quarters.
 
Competition
 
We face competition from other utilities and non-affiliated IPP companies for the right to provide power and capacity for Colorado Electric. However, we generally have limited competition for the retail distribution of electricity and natural gas in our service areas. In the past, various restructuring and competitive initiatives have been discussed in several of the states in which our utilities operate, but none of these initiatives have been adopted to date with the exception of Montana. Although we face competition from independent marketers for the sale of natural gas to our industrial and commercial customers, in instances where independent marketers displace us as the seller of natural gas, we still collect a distribution charge for transporting the gas through our distribution network. In Colorado, our electric utility is subject to rules which require competitive bidding for generation supply.
 
Regulation and Rates
 
State Regulation
 
Our utilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the public utilities commissions in the states where they operate. The commissions oversee services and facilities, rates and charges, accounting, valuation of property, depreciation rates and various other matters. The public utility commissions determine the rates our utilities are allowed to charge for their services. Rate decisions are influenced by many factors, including the cost of providing service, capital expenditures, the prudence of our costs, views concerning appropriate rates of return, the rates of other utilities, general economic conditions and the political environment. Certain commissions also have jurisdiction over the issuance of debt or securities, and the creation of liens on property located in their state to secure bonds or other securities.
 
We distribute natural gas in five states. All of our Gas Utilities, and Cheyenne Light's natural gas distribution, have gas cost adjustments that allow us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of gas through to the customer. In Kansas and Nebraska, we are also allowed to recover the portion of uncollectible accounts related to gas costs through the gas cost adjustments. In Kansas, we have a weather normalization tariff that provides a pass-through mechanism for weather margin variability that occurs from the level used to establish base rates to be paid by the customer. In Kansas, we also have tariffs that provide for more timely recovery for certain capital expenditures and fluctuations in property taxes. In Nebraska, legislation was passed in 2009 to authorize the NPSC to provide for more timely recovery from our customers for certain capital expenditures between rate cases.
 
We produce and distribute power in four states. The regulatory provisions for recovering the costs to produce electricity vary by state. In South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, we have cost adjustment mechanisms for our Electric Utilities that serve a purpose similar to the cost adjustment mechanisms in our Gas Utilities. At Cheyenne Light, our pass-through mechanism relating to transmission, fuel and purchased power costs is subject to a $1.0 million threshold: we collect or refund 95% of the increase or decrease that exceeds the $1.0 million threshold, and we absorb the increase or retain the savings for changes above or below the threshold.
 

27

 

Until April 1, 2010 South Dakota had three adjustment mechanisms: transmission, steam plant fuel (coal) and conditional energy cost adjustment. The transmission and steam plant fuel adjustment clauses required an annual adjustment to rates for actual costs, therefore any savings or increased costs were passed on to the South Dakota customers. The conditional energy cost adjustment related to purchased power and natural gas used to generate electricity. These costs were subject to calendar year $2.0 million and $1.0 million thresholds where Black Hills Power absorbed the first $2.0 million of increased costs or retained the first $1.0 million in savings. Beyond these thresholds, costs or savings were passed on to South Dakota customers through annual calendar-year filings.
 
In South Dakota beginning April 1, 2010, the steam plant fuel and conditional energy cost adjustment were combined into a single cost adjustment called the Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment clause. The Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Clause provides for the direct recovery of increased fuel and purchased power costs incurred to serve South Dakota customers. As of April 1, 2010, the Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment clause was modified in the rate case settlement to contain a power marketing operating income sharing mechanism in which South Dakota customers will receive a credit equal to 65% of power marketing operating income. The modification also adjusts the methodology to directly assign renewable resources and firm purchases to the customer load. In Wyoming beginning June 1, 2010 a similar Fuel and Purchase Power Cost Adjustment was instituted.
 
In Colorado, we have a cost adjustment for increases or decreases in purchased power and fuel costs and a transmission cost adjustment. The cost adjustment clause provides for the direct recovery of increased purchased power and fuel costs or the issuance of credits for decreases in purchased power and fuel costs. The transmission cost adjustment is a rider to the customer's bill which allows the utility to earn an authorized return on new transmission investment and recovery of operations and maintenance costs related to transmission.
 
In Colorado, beginning in November 2010, the CPUC approved the implementation of a Purchased Capacity Cost Adjustment, the purpose of which is to recover the increase in capacity cost related to Colorado Electric's purchase power agreement with PSCo.
 
The above mechanisms allow the utilities to collect, or refund, the difference between the cost of commodities and certain services embedded in our base rates and the actual cost of the commodities and certain services without filing a general rate case. In some instances, such as the transmission cost adjustment in Colorado, the utility has the opportunity to earn its authorized return on new capital investment.
 
Certain states where we conduct electric utility operations have adopted renewable energy portfolio standards that require or encourage our Electric Utilities to source, by a certain future date, a minimum percentage of the electricity delivered to customers from renewable energy generation facilities. At December 31, 2010, we were subject to the following renewable energy portfolio standards or objectives:
 
•    
South Dakota. South Dakota has adopted a renewable portfolio objective that encourages utilities to generate, or cause to be generated, at least 10% of their retail electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2015. Absent a specific renewable energy mandate in South Dakota, our current strategy is to prudently incorporate renewable energy into our resource supply, seeking to minimize associated rate increases for our utility customers.
 
•    
Montana. Montana established a renewable portfolio standard that requires Black Hills Power to obtain a percentage of its retail electric sales in Montana from eligible renewable resources according to the following schedule: (i) 5% for compliance years 2008-2009; (ii) 10% for compliance years 2010-2014; and (iii) 15% for compliance year 2015 and thereafter. Utilities can meet this standard by entering into long-term purchase contracts for electricity bundled with renewable-energy credits, by purchasing the renewable-energy credits separately, or by a combination of both. The law includes cost caps that limit the additional cost utilities must pay for renewable energy and allows cost recovery from ratepayers for contracts pre-approved by the MTPSC. We are currently in compliance with applicable standards.
 
•    
Colorado. Colorado has adopted a renewable energy standard that requires our Colorado Electric subsidiary to generate, or cause to be generated, electricity from renewable energy sources equaling: (i) 12% of retail sales from 2011 to 2014 (ii) 20% of retail sales from 2015 to 2019; and (iii) 30% of retail sales by 2020. Of these amounts, 3% must be generated from renewable resources with one-half of the renewable resources being located at customer facilities. The law limits the net annual incremental retail rate impact from these renewable resource acquisitions (as compared to non-renewable resources) to 2% and encourages the CPUC to consider earlier and timely cost recovery for utility investment in renewable resources, including the use of a forward rider mechanism. Our current strategy is to incorporate renewable energy as required to comply with the standards.
 

28

 

Wyoming is also exploring the implementation of renewable energy portfolio standards. Mandatory portfolio standards have increased, and may continue to increase the power supply costs of our electric utility operations. Although we will seek to recover these higher costs in rates, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure full recovery of the costs we pay to be in compliance with standards or objectives.
 
In connection with the Aquila Transaction, the CPUC, NPSC, IUB and KCC approved orders or settlement agreements providing that, among other things, (i) our utilities in those jurisdictions cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and (ii) neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor its utility subsidiaries can extend credit to the Company except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. In addition to the restrictions described above, each state in which we conduct utility operations imposes restrictions on affiliate transactions, including inter-company loans.
 
Federal Regulation
 
Energy Policy Act. Black Hills Corporation is a holding company whose assets consist primarily of investments in our subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that are public utilities and holding companies regulated by FERC under the Federal Power Act and PUHCA 2005.
 
Federal Power Act. The Federal Power Act gives FERC exclusive ratemaking jurisdiction over wholesale sales of electricity and the transmission of electricity in interstate commerce. Pursuant to the Federal Power Act, all public utilities subject to FERC's jurisdiction must maintain tariffs and rate schedules on file with FERC that govern the rates, terms, and conditions for the provision of FERC-jurisdictional wholesale power and transmission services. Public utilities are also subject to accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements administered by FERC. FERC also places certain limitations on transactions between public utilities and their affiliates. Our public utility subsidiaries provide FERC-jurisdictional services subject to FERC's oversight.
 
Our Electric Utilities and our two of our non-regulated subsidiaries, Black Hills Wyoming and Enserco, are authorized by FERC to make wholesale sales of electric capacity and energy at market-based rates under tariffs on file with FERC. As a condition of their market-based rate authority, each files Electric Quarterly Reports with FERC. Black Hills Power owns and operates FERC-jurisdictional interstate transmission facilities and provides open access transmission service under tariffs on file with FERC. Our Electric Utilities are subject to routine audit by FERC with respect to their compliance with FERC's regulations.
 
The Federal Power Act gave FERC authority to certify and oversee a national electric reliability organization with authority to promulgate and enforce mandatory reliability standards applicable to all users, owners, and operators of the bulk-power system. FERC has certified NERC as the electric reliability organization. NERC has promulgated mandatory reliability standards, and NERC, in conjunction with regional reliability organizations that operate under FERC's and NERC's authority and oversight, enforce those mandatory reliability standards.
 
PUHCA 2005. PUHCA 2005 gives FERC authority with respect to the books and records of a utility holding company. As a utility holding company with centralized service company subsidiaries, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings, we are subject to FERC's authority under PUHCA 2005.
 

29

 

The following summarizes our recent state and federal rate case and surcharge activity (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved Capital Structure
 
Type of Service
Date Requested
Date Effective
Amount Requested
Amount Approved
Return on Equity
Equity
Debt
Nebraska Gas (1)
Gas
12/2009
9/2010
$
12.1
 
$
8.3
 
10.1
%
52.0
%
48.0
%
Iowa Gas
Gas
6/2008
7/2009
$
13.6
 
$
10.8
 
10.1
%
51.4
%
48.6
%
Iowa Gas (2)
Gas
6/2010
2/2011
$
4.7
 
$
3.4
 
Global Settlement
 
Global Settlement
 
Global Settlement
 
Colorado Gas
Gas
6/2008
4/2009
$
2.7
 
$
1.4
 
10.3
%
50.5
%
49.5
%
Kansas Gas
Gas
5/2009
10/2009
$
0.5
 
$
0.5
 
10.2
%
50.7
%
49.3
%
Black Hills Power (3)
Electric
9/2008
1/2009
$
4.5
 
$
3.8
 
10.8
%
57.0
%
43.0
%
Black Hills Power (4)
Electric
9/2009
4/2010
$
32.0
 
$
15.2
 
Global Settlement
 
Global Settlement
 
Global Settlement
 
Black Hills Power (5)
Electric
10/2009
6/2010
$
3.8
 
$
3.1
 
10.5
%
52.0
%
48.0
%
Colorado Electric (6)
Electric
1/2010
8/2010
$
22.9
 
$
17.9
 
10.5
%
52.0
%
48.0
%
 
(1)    
On December 1, 2009, Nebraska Gas filed with the NPSC a $12.1 million rate case requesting a gas revenue increase to recover operating costs and distribution system investments. The proposed increase in revenue was approximately 6.5%. Interim rates, subject to refund for the entire amount of the proposed increase, went into effect on March 1, 2010. On August 18, 2010, NPSC issued a decision approving an annual revenue increase of approximately $8.3 million, based on a return on equity of 10.1% with a capital structure of 52% equity effective September 1, 2010. A plan for refund has been approved by the NPSC. An appeal was filed by the OCA relating to the entire rate case decision. However, the NPSC denied this appeal. Subsequently, the OCA filed an appeal in September 2010 appealing a portion of the Commission's order addressing our affiliate transactions. The appeal is still outstanding.
 
(2)    
On June 8, 2010, Iowa Gas filed a request with the IUB for a $4.7 million revenue increase to recover the cost of capital investments made in our gas distribution system and other expense increases incurred since December 2008. Interim rates, subject to refund, equal to a $2.6 million increase in revenues went into effect on June 18, 2010. In August 2010, we reached a settlement with the OCA for a revenue increase of $3.4 million. This settlement agreement was modified and re-filed on January 11, 2011. The modified settlement excludes the integrity investment tracker and the three-year rate moratorium included in the original settlement agreement filed on September 1, 2010, which was not approved by the IUB. Approval from the IUB was received on February 10, 2011.
 
(3)    
On February 10, 2009, FERC approved a formulaic approach to the method used to determine the revenue component of Black Hills Power's open access transmission tariff, and increased the utility's annual transmission revenue requirement by approximately $3.8 million. The revenue requirement is based on an equity return of 10.8%, and a capital structure consisting of 57% equity and 43% debt. New annual rates went into effect on January 1, 2009.
 
(4)    
On September 30, 2009, Black Hills Power filed a rate case with the SDPUC requesting an electric revenue increase to recover costs associated with Wygen III and other generation, transmission and distribution assets and increased operating expenses incurred during the past four years. In March 2010, the SDPUC approved a $24.1 million increase in interim rates, subject to refund, effective April 1, 2010 for South Dakota customers. On July 7, 2010, the SDPUC approved a final revenue increase of $15.2 million and a base rate increase of $22.0 million with an effective date of April 1, 2010. The approved capital structure and return on equity are confidential. A refund was provided to customers in the third quarter of 2010.
 
As part of the settlement stipulation, Black Hills Power agreed: (1) to credit customers 65% of off-system sales margins with a minimum credit of $2.0 million per year; (2) that rates will include a South Dakota Surplus Energy Credit of $2.5 million in year one (fiscal year ending March 2011), $2.25 million in fiscal year two, $2.0 million in fiscal year three and zero thereafter; and (3) a moratorium until April 2013 for any base rate increase excluding any extraordinary events as defined in the stipulation agreement; while (4) the SDPUC agreed to adjust the off-system sales portion of the Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Clause for the methodology to directly assign renewable resources and firm purchases to the customer load

30

 

 
(5)    
On October 19, 2009, Black Hills Power filed a rate case with the WPSC requesting a $3.8 million electric revenue increase to recover costs associated with Wygen III and other generation, transmission and distribution assets and increased operating expenses incurred since 1995. On May 4, 2010, Black Hills Power filed a settlement stipulation agreement with the WPSC for a $3.1 million increase in annual revenues. On May 13, 2010, WPSC approved these new rates based on a return on equity of 10.5% with a capital structure of 52% equity and 48% debt. New rates went into effect on June 1, 2010.
 
(6)    
On January 6, 2010, Colorado Electric filed a rate case with CPUC requesting a $22.9 million electric revenue increase to recover increased operating expenses associated with electricity supply contracts, as well as recovery for investment in equipment and electricity distribution facilities necessary to maintain and strengthen the reliability of the electric delivery system in Colorado. On August 5, 2010, the CPUC approved a settlement agreement for $17.9 million in annual revenues with a return on equity of 10.5% and a capital structure of 52% equity and 48% debt. New rates were effective August 6, 2010.
 
Included in the rate case order was a provision that off-system sales margins be shared with customers commencing August 6, 2010. The percentage of margin to be shared with the customers was not resolved at the time of the rate case settlement. The CPUC has therefore required that the off-system sales margins earned beginning August 6, 2010 be deferred on the balance sheet until settlement of the sharing mechanism. Colorado Electric is preparing a proposal for a sharing mechanism to be filed with the CPUC.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and the safety and health of personnel and the public. These laws and regulations affect a broad range of our utility activities, and generally regulate: (i) the protection of air and water quality; (ii) the identification, generation, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, record-keeping, labeling, reporting of, and emergency response in connection with hazardous and toxic materials and wastes, including asbestos; and (iii) the protection of plant and animal species and minimization of noise emissions.
 
Based on current regulations, technology and plans, the following table contains our current estimates of capital expenditures expected to be incurred over the next three years to comply with current environmental laws and regulations as described below, including regulations that cover water, air, soil and other pollutants. The ultimate cost could be significantly different from the amounts estimated.
 
Environmental Expenditure Estimates
Total
(in millions)
 
 
2011
$
12.7
 
2012
3.8
 
2013
0.6
 
Total
$
17.1
 
 
Water Issues
 
Our facilities are subject to a variety of state and federal regulations governing existing and potential water/wastewater discharges and protection of surface waters from oil pollution. Generally, such regulations are promulgated under the Clean Water Act and govern overall water/wastewater discharges through NPDES and Stormwater permits. All of our facilities that are required to have such permits have those permits in place and are in compliance with discharge limitations and plan implementation requirements. We are not aware of any proposed regulations that will have a significant impact on our operations. Additionally, the EPA regulates surface water oil pollution through its oil pollution prevention regulations. All of our facilities under this program have their required plans in place. Also, the EPA is scheduled to issue updated regulations for wastewater discharge for electric generating units late in 2011, which could have a significant impact on all of our generating fleet.
 

31

 

Air Emissions
 
Our generation facilities are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of air quality. These laws and regulations cover, among other pollutants, carbon monoxide, SO2, NOx, mercury particulate matter, and as of June 23, 2010, Greenhouse Gases. Power generating facilities burning fossil fuels emit each of the foregoing pollutants and, therefore, are subject to substantial regulation and enforcement oversight by various governmental agencies.
 
Clean Air Act
 
Title IV of the Clean Air Act created an SO2 allowance trading program as part of the federal acid rain program. Each allowance gives the owner the right to emit one ton of SO2, and certain facilities are allocated allowances based on their historical operating data. At the end of each year, each emitting unit must have enough allowances to cover its emissions for that year. Allowances may be traded so affected units that expect to emit more SO2 than their allocated allowances may purchase allowances in the open market.
 
Title IV applies to several of our generation facilities, including the Neil Simpson II, Neil Simpson CT, Lange CT, Wygen II, Wygen III and Wyodak plants. Without purchasing additional allowances, we currently hold sufficient allowances to satisfy Title IV at all such plants through 2040. For future plants, we plan to secure the requisite number of allowances by reducing SO2 emissions through the use of low sulfur fuels, installation of "back end" control technology, use of banked allowances, and if necessary, the purchase of allowances on the open market. We expect to integrate the cost of obtaining the required number of allowances needed for future projects into our overall financial analysis of such new projects.
 
Title V of the Clean Air Act requires that all of our generating facilities obtain operating permits. All of our existing facilities have received Title V permits, with the exception of Wygen II and Wygen III. Those facilities are allowed to operate under their construction permit until the Title V permits are issued by the state. The Title V application for Wygen II was submitted in 2008, with the permit expected early in 2011. The Wygen III Title V application was submitted in January 2011, with the permit expected in late 2011. Both applications were filed in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
On April 29, 2010, the EPA published proposed Industrial and Commercial Boiler regulations, which provide for hazardous air pollutant-related emission limits and monitoring requirements for both major and area sources of hazardous air pollutants. The final rule has a court ordered deadline of February 21, 2011 and we will evaluate once final. If issued as proposed, will have a significant impact on our Neil Simpson I, Osage, Ben French and W.N. Clark facilities. The regulation currently has a three year compliance window and will require engineering evaluations to determine economic viability of continued operations of these units. In our current opinion, the regulations as proposed on April 29, 2010 will lead to retirement of these units within three years of the effective date of the final rule.
 
The EPA is obligated under a court-approved consent decree to sign a proposed electric utility hazardous air pollutant rule (Utility MACT) by March 16, 2011 and sign its notice of final rule making by November 16, 2011. It is anticipated that affected units will have three years from the rule effective date to be in compliance. In 2010, we participated in the EPA's effort to gather data for rule development. Certain requirements of that regulation could have significant impacts on the Neil Simpson II, Wygen II, Wygen III and Wyodak plants.
 
On June 23, 2010, the EPA published in the Federal register the GHG Tailoring Rule, implementing regulations of GHG for permitting purposes. This rule will impact us in the event of a major modification at an existing facility or in the event of a new major source. Existing permitted facilities will see monitoring and reporting requirements incorporated into their operating permits upon renewal. New projects or major modifications to existing projects will result in a Best Available Control Technology review that could result in more stringent emission control practices and technologies. As Wyoming state law prohibits regulation of greenhouse gases, the EPA will review and develop requirements for that portion of a new source construction permit or for a major modification of an existing source. It is anticipated this additional process will add several months to the permitting process.
 

32

 

In the 2010 legislative session, the State of Colorado passed House Bill 1365, the Colorado Clean Air Clean Jobs Act, a coordinated utility plan to reduce air emissions from coal fired power plants and promote the use of natural gas and other low emitting resources. This act has a significant impact on our W.N. Clark facility and on October 29, 2010, Colorado Electric filed testimony with the CPUC that included a proposal recommending retirement of the W.N. Clark facility within three years of promulgation of the EPA's proposed Industrial and Commercial Boiler Hazardous Air Pollutant Regulation, or in the absence of such regulation, to retire the units by the end of 2017. On December 15, 2010 the CPUC issued an order approving closure of the W.N. Clark plant by December 31, 2013. On January 7, 2011 the State Air Quality Control Commission adopted the CPUC order into the Colorado State Implementation Plan which, after legislative approval, will be a state regulation and will be submitted to EPA Region VIII for approval.
 
In June 2011, the EPA is scheduled to issue proposed Electric Utility New Source Performance Standards for greenhouse gases. As the regulations are not yet proposed we cannot ascertain their impacts but we anticipate they will be applicable to Wygen III. In 2011 it is anticipated the EPA will finalize a more stringent ozone ambient air standard. If the lower range of the proposed standard is selected, it is anticipated that Campbell County, Wyoming would be a non-attainment area. Under those conditions, the State of Wyoming would evaluate Neil Simpson II, Wygen II and Wygen III for further reductions in NOx emissions.
 
Mercury regulations
 
Approximately 60% of our electric generating capacity is coal-fired. The EPA is scheduled to propose the Utility MACT rule by March 16, 2011 which will, among other pollutants, address mercury emissions at Neil Simpson II, Wygen II and Wygen III.
 
The effects of any new rules regarding mercury reduction cannot be determined at this time and may require us to make significant investments at our power generating facilities. The state air permit for Wygen II and Wygen III provides mercury emission limits and monitoring requirements with which we are in compliance. Wygen II has been utilized for study and review of mercury emission control technology and has mercury monitors in place. In 2009, we added mercury monitors to our Neil Simpson II plant. The Wygen III plant, which commenced operations in 2010, also has mercury monitors. Federal multi-pollutant legislation is also being considered that would require reductions similar to the EPA rules and may add requirements for the reduction of GHG emissions.
 
Greenhouse Gas Regulations
 
We utilize a diversified energy portfolio of assets that includes wind sources and a fuel mix of coal and natural gas. Of these fuels, coal-fired power plants are the most significant sources of CO2 emissions. Although we cannot predict specifically how, if or when, greenhouse gases will be regulated, any federally mandated GHG reductions or limits on CO2 emissions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In 2011, we will be reporting 2010 GHG emissions from our Power Generation and Gas Utilities, in order to comply with the EPA's GHG Annual Inventory regulation, issued in 2009. In addition to federal legislative activity, greenhouse gas regulations have been proposed in various states and alleged climate change issues are the subject of a number of lawsuits, the outcome of which could impact the utility industry. We will continue to review GHG impacts as legislation or regulation develops and litigation is resolved.
 
New or more stringent regulations or other energy efficiency requirements could require us to incur significant additional costs relating to, among other things, the installation of additional emission control equipment, the acceleration of capital expenditures, the purchase of additional emissions allowances or offsets, the acquisition or development of additional energy supply from renewable resources, and the closure of certain generating facilities. To the extent our regulated fossil-fuel generating plants are included in rate base, we will attempt to recover costs associated with complying with emission standards or other requirements. We will also attempt to recover the emission compliance costs of our non-regulated fossil-fuel generating plants from utility and other purchasers of the power generated by our non-regulated power plants, including utility affiliates. Any unrecovered costs could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, future changes in environmental regulations governing air emissions could render some of our power generating units more expensive or uneconomical to operate and maintain.
 

33

 

In connection with GHG initiatives, many states have enacted, and others are considering, renewable energy portfolio standards that require electric utilities to meet certain thresholds for the production or use of renewable energy. Colorado Electric is subject to renewable energy portfolio standards in Colorado. Black Hills Power is subject to mandatory renewable energy portfolio standards in Montana and voluntary standards in South Dakota. In the near future, we expect similar (if not more challenging) renewable energy portfolio standards to be mandated at the federal level or in other state jurisdictions in which we operate. Federal legislation for renewable energy portfolio standards is also under consideration. We anticipate significant additional costs to comply with any federally or state mandated renewable energy standards, which we would expect to pass on to our customers. However, we cannot at this time reasonably forecast the potential costs associated with any new renewable energy standards that have been or may be proposed at the federal or state level.
 
Solid Waste Disposal
 
Various materials used at our facilities are subject to disposal regulations. Under appropriate state permits, we dispose of all solid wastes collected as a result of burning coal at our power plants in approved solid waste disposal sites. Ash and waste from flue gas and sulfur removal from the Wyodak, Neil Simpson I, Ben French, Neil Simpson II, Wygen II and Wygen III plants are deposited in mined areas at the WRDC coal mine. These disposal areas are located below some shallow water aquifers in the mine. In 2009, the State of Wyoming confirmed their past approval of this practice but may re-evaluate and limit ash disposal to mined areas that are above future groundwater aquifers. This change would increase disposal costs, which cannot be quantified until the exact requirements are known. None of the solid waste from the burning of coal is currently classified as hazardous material, but the waste does contain minute traces of metals that could be perceived as polluting if such metals leached into underground water. We conducted investigations which concluded that the wastes are relatively insoluble and will not measurably affect the post-mining ground water quality. We have suspended operations at the Osage power plant as of October 1, 2010. It has an on-site ash impoundment that is near capacity. An application to close the impoundment was filed with the State of Wyoming on November 3, 2010 and any future ash disposal will be at the Wyodak coal mine. Our W.N. Clark plant sends coal ash to a permitted, privately-owned landfill. While we do not believe that any substances from our solid waste disposal activities will pollute underground water, we can provide no assurance that pollution will not occur over time. In this event, we could incur material costs to mitigate any resulting damages. Agreements are in place that require PacifiCorp and MEAN to be responsible for any such costs related to the solid waste from their ownership interest in the Wyodak plant and Wygen I plant, respectively.
 
Additional unexpected material costs could also result in the future if any regulator determines that solid waste from the burning of coal contains a hazardous material that requires special treatment, including previously disposed solid waste. In that event, the regulatory authority could hold entities that disposed of such waste responsible for remedial treatment. On June 21, 2010, the EPA published in the Federal Register the proposed coal combustion residuals regulations. The regulations are complex and contain various options for ash management that the EPA will be selecting from to form the final version of the rule. We cannot determine the likely impact on our operations until the final version of the rule is known, which is currently expected to be mid-2011. However, if ash becomes subject to regulations as a hazardous waste, implementation requirements could have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Past Operations
 
Some federal and state laws authorize the EPA and other agencies to issue orders compelling potentially responsible parties to clean up sites that are determined to present an actual or potential threat to human health or the environment.
 
As a result of the Aquila Transaction, we acquired whole and partial liabilities for several former manufactured gas processing sites. In 2010, we undertook a third party review to obtain an updated estimate of remedial costs. From that review, obligations are estimated at between $3.6 million and $6.8 million. The acquisition also provided for a $1.0 million insurance recovery, now valued at $1.1 million, which will be used to help offset remediation costs. The remediation cost estimate could change materially due to results of further investigations, actions of environmental agencies or the financial viability of other responsible parties.
 
We have received rate orders that enable us to recover environmental cleanup costs in certain jurisdictions. In other jurisdictions, there is regulatory precedent for recovery of these costs. We are also pursuing recovery or agreements with other potentially responsible parties when and where permitted.
 

34

 

 
Non-regulated Energy Group
 
Our Non-regulated Energy Group, which operates through various subsidiaries, produces natural gas and crude oil primarily in the Rocky Mountain region; produces and sells electric capacity and energy through ownership of a portfolio of generating plants; produces and stores coal; and engages in natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental marketing. The Non-regulated Energy Group consists of four business segments for reporting purposes:
 
•    
Oil and Gas;
 
•    
Power Generation;
 
•    
Coal Mining; and
 
•    
Energy Marketing.
 
Oil and Gas Segment
 
Our Oil and Gas segment, which conducts business through BHEP and its subsidiaries, acquires, explores for, develops and produces natural gas and crude oil for sale into commodity markets. As of December 31, 2010, the principal assets of our Oil and Gas segment included: (i) operating interests in oil and natural gas properties, including properties in the San Juan Basin (primarily New Mexico, including holdings within the tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache and Southern Ute Nations), the Powder River Basin (Wyoming) and the Piceance Basin (primarily in Colorado); (ii) non-operated interests in oil and natural gas properties including wells located in the Williston (Bakken Shale primarily in North Dakota), Wind River (Wyoming), Bearpaw Uplift (Montana), Arkoma (Oklahoma), Anadarko (Texas) and Sacramento (California) basins; and (iii) a 44.7% ownership interest in the Newcastle gas processing plant and associated gathering system located in Weston County, Wyoming. The plant, operated by Western Gas Partners, LP, is adjacent to our producing properties in that area, and BHEP's production accounts for the majority of the facility's throughput. We also own natural gas gathering, compression and treating facilities serving the operated San Juan and Piceance Basin properties and working interests in similar facilities serving our non-operated Montana and Wyoming properties.
 
At December 31, 2010, we had total reserves of approximately 131 Bcfe, of which natural gas comprised 73% and oil comprised 27% of total reserves. The majority of our reserves are located in select oil and natural gas producing basins in the Rocky Mountain region. Approximately 28% of our reserves are located in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico, primarily in the East Blanco Field of Rio Arriba County, 26% are located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, primarily in the Finn-Shurley Field of Weston and Niobrara counties and 25% are located in the Piceance Basin of western Colorado.
 
Delivery Commitments
 
None of our oil and gas production is sold under long-term product delivery commitments.
 
Summary Oil and Gas Reserve Data
 
The summary information presented concerning our estimated proved developed and undeveloped oil and gas reserves and the 10% discounted present value of estimated future net revenues is based on reports prepared by CG&A, an independent consulting and engineering firm located in Fort Worth, Texas. Reserves in 2010 and 2009 were determined consistent with SEC requirements using a 12-month average price calculated using the first-day-of-the-month price for each of the 12 months in the reporting period held constant for the life of the properties. Estimates of economically recoverable reserves and future net revenues are based on a number of variables, which may differ from actual results. Our 2008 reserves were determined based on the previous guidelines utilizing the price on the last day of the reporting period. (Oil (in Mbbl) is multiplied by six to convert to MMcfe). Additional information on our oil and gas reserves, related financial data and the SEC requirements can be found in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

35

 

The Company believes it maintains adequate and effective internal controls over the reserve estimation process as well as the underlying data upon which reserve estimates are based. The primary inputs to the reserve estimation process are comprised of technical information, financial data, ownership interest and production data. All field and reservoir technical information, which is updated annually, is assessed for validity when the reservoir engineers hold technical meetings with geoscientists, operations and land personnel to discuss field performance and to validate future development plans. The Company's internal engineers and our independent reserve engineering firm, CG&A, work independently and concurrently to develop reserve volume estimates. Current revenue and expense information is obtained from the Company's accounting records, which are subject to external quarterly reviews, annual audits and internal controls over financial reporting. All current financial data such as commodity prices, lease operating expenses, production taxes and field commodity price differentials are updated in the reserve database and then analyzed to ensure that they have been entered accurately and that all updates are complete. The Company's current ownership in mineral interests and well production data are also subject to the aforementioned internal controls over financial reporting, and they are incorporated in the reserve database as well and verified to ensure their accuracy and completeness. Once the reserve database has been entirely updated with current information, and all relevant technical support materials have been assembled, CG&A meets with the Company's technical personnel to review field performance and future development plans in order to further verify their validity. Following these reviews the reserve database, including updated cost, price and ownership data, is furnished to CG&A so that they can prepare their independent reserve estimates and final report. Access to the Company's reserve database is restricted to specific members of the engineering department.
 
CG&A is a Texas Registered Engineering Firm. Our primary contact at CG&A is Mr. Zane Meekins. Mr. Meekins has been practicing consulting petroleum engineering since 1989. Mr. Meekins is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and has over 22 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering and over 20 years experience in the estimation and evaluation of reserves. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. Mr. Meekins meets or exceeds the education, training and experience requirements set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers; he is proficient in judiciously applying industry standard practices to engineering and geoscience evaluations as well as applying SEC and other industry reserves definitions and guidelines.
 
BHEP's Manager of Planning and Analysis is the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing our third party reserve estimates. He has over 30 years of Exploration and Production industry experience as a geologist. He has over 20 years of experience working closely with internal and third party qualified reserve estimators in major and mid-sized oil and gas companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a Masters in Business Administration.
 
The following tables set forth summary information concerning our estimated proved developed and undeveloped reserves, by basin, as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
 
Proved Reserves
 
December 31, 2010
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Developed -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
67,656
 
11,475
 
36,281
 
679
 
10,180
 
9,041
 
Oil (Mbbl)
4,434
 
 
11
 
508
 
3,891
 
24
 
Total Developed (MMcfe)
94,260
 
11,475
 
36,347
 
3,727
 
33,526
 
9,185
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undeveloped -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
27,800
 
21,777
 
620
 
1,820
 
 
3,583
 
Oil (Mbbl)
1,506
 
 
 
1,506
 
 
 
Total Undeveloped (MMcfe)
36,836
 
21,777
 
620
 
10,856
 
 
3,583
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MMcfe
131,096
 
33,252
 
36,967
 
14,583
 
33,526
 
12,768
 
 

36

 

Proved Reserves
 
December 31, 2009
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Developed -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
74,911
 
14,247
 
39,276
 
237
 
10,711
 
10,440
 
Oil (Mbbl)
4,274
 
 
7
 
162
 
4,068
 
37
 
Total Developed (MMcfe)
100,555
 
14,247
 
39,318
 
1,209
 
35,119
 
10,662
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undeveloped -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
12,749
 
5,054
 
3,030
 
768
 
460
 
3,437
 
Oil (Mbbl)
1,000
 
 
 
516
 
484
 
 
Total Undeveloped (MMcfe)
18,749
 
5,054
 
3,030
 
3,864
 
3,364
 
3,437
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MMcfe
119,304
 
19,301
 
42,348
 
5,073
 
38,483
 
14,099
 
 
 
Proved Reserves
 
December 31, 2008
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Developed -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
88,701
 
18,194
 
48,168
 
303
 
10,303
 
11,733
 
Oil (Mbbl)
4,429
 
 
13
 
220
 
4,163
 
33
 
Total Developed (MMcfe)
115,275
 
18,194
 
48,246
 
1,623
 
35,281
 
11,931
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undeveloped -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (MMcf)
65,731
 
36,728
 
16,090
 
508
 
421
 
11,984
 
Oil (Mbbl)
756
 
 
 
303
 
444
 
9
 
Total Undeveloped (MMcfe)
70,267
 
36,728
 
16,090
 
2,326
 
3,085
 
12,038
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MMcfe
185,542
 
54,922
 
64,336
 
3,949
 
38,366
 
23,969
 
 
The following table summarizes quantities of proved developed and undeveloped reserves by basin, estimated using SEC-defined product prices, as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
 
Oil
December 31, 2010
(in Mbbl)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
5,274
 
 
7
 
678
 
4,552
 
37
 
Production
(376
)
 
(2
)
(84
)
(280
)
(10
)
Additions - acquisitions
(13
)
 
 
 
 
(13
)
Additions - extensions and discoveries
1,145
 
 
 
1,099
 
46
 
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(90
)
 
6
 
321
 
(427
)
10
 
Balance at end of year
5,940
 
 
11
 
2,014
 
3,891
 
24
 
 

37

 

Natural Gas
December 31, 2010
(in MMcf)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
87,660
 
19,301
 
42,306
 
1,005
 
11,171
 
13,877
 
Production
(8,484
)
(1,077
)
(5,056
)
 
(314
)
(2,037
)
Additions - acquisitions
(377
)
 
 
 
 
(377
)
Additions - extensions and discoveries
1,710
 
 
372
 
1,334
 
 
4
 
Revisions to previous estimates
14,947
 
15,028
 
(721
)
160
 
(677
)
1,157
 
Balance at end of year
95,456
 
33,252
 
36,901
 
2,499
 
10,180
 
12,624
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
Total MMcfe
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
119,304
 
19,301
 
42,348
 
5,073
 
38,483
 
14,099
 
Production
(10,740
)
(1,077
)
(5,068
)
(504
)
(1,994
)
(2,097
)
Additions - acquisitions
(455
)
 
 
 
 
(455
)
Additions - extensions and discoveries
8,580
 
 
372
 
7,928
 
276
 
4
 
Revisions to previous estimates
14,407
 
15,028
 
(685
)
2,086
 
(3,239
)
1,217
 
Balance at end of year
131,096
 
33,252
 
36,967
 
14,583
 
33,526
 
12,768
 
 
Oil
December 31, 2009
(in Mbbl)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
5,185
 
 
13
 
523
 
4,607
 
42
 
Production
(366
)
 
(3
)
(32
)
(321
)
(10
)
Additions - acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
152
 
 
 
152
 
 
 
Revisions to previous estimates
303
 
 
(3
)
35
 
266
 
5
 
Balance at end of year
5,274
 
 
7
 
678
 
4,552
 
37
 
 
Natural Gas
December 31, 2009
(in Mbbl)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
154,432
 
54,922
 
64,258
 
811
 
10,724
 
23,717
 
Production
(9,710
)
(1,263
)
(5,571
)
 
(297
)
(2,579
)
Additions - acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
2,560
 
 
2,135
 
222
 
 
203
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(59,622
)
(34,358
)
(18,516
)
(28
)
744
 
(7,464
)
Balance at end of year
87,660
 
19,301
 
42,306
 
1,005
 
11,171
 
13,877
 
 

38

 

 
December 31, 2009
Total MMcfe
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
185,542
 
54,922
 
64,336
 
3,949
 
38,366
 
23,969
 
Production
(11,906
)
(1,263
)
(5,589
)
(192
)
(2,223
)
(2,639
)
Additions - acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
3,472
 
 
2,135
 
1,134
 
 
203
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(57,804
)
(34,358
)
(18,534
)
182
 
2,340
 
(7,434
)
Balance at end of year
119,304
 
19,301
 
42,348
 
5,073
 
38,483
 
14,099
 
 
Oil
December 31, 2008
(in Mbbl)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
5,807
 
 
3
 
243
 
5,504
 
57
 
Production
(387
)
 
(5
)
(27
)
(339
)
(16
)
Additions - acquisitions
2
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
438
 
 
 
280
 
19
 
139
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(675
)
 
15
 
27
 
(577
)
(140
)
Balance at end of year
5,185
 
 
13
 
523
 
4,607
 
42
 
 
Natural Gas
December 31, 2008
(in MMcf)
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
172,964
 
64,887
 
77,770
 
386
 
13,201
 
16,720
 
Production
(10,704
)
(980
)
(6,448
)
 
(347
)
(2,929
)
Additions - acquisitions
3,352
 
 
 
 
 
3,352
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
4,037
 
218
 
 
438
 
135
 
3,246
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(15,217
)
(9,203
)
(7,064
)
(13
)
(2,265
)
3,328
 
Balance at end of year
154,432
 
54,922
 
64,258
 
811
 
10,724
 
23,717
 
 
 
December 31, 2008
Total MMcfe
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
207,806
 
64,887
 
77,788
 
1,844
 
46,225
 
17,062
 
Production
(13,026
)
(980
)
(6,478
)
(162
)
(2,381
)
(3,025
)
Additions - acquisitions
3,364
 
 
 
 
 
3,364
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
6,665
 
218
 
 
2,118
 
249
 
4,080
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(19,267
)
(9,203
)
(6,974
)
149
 
(5,727
)
2,488
 
Balance at end of year
185,542
 
54,922
 
64,336
 
3,949
 
38,366
 
23,969
 
 

39

 

Production Volumes
 
 
December 31, 2010
Location
Oil (in Bbl)
Natural Gas (Mcfe)
Total (Mcfe)
 
 
 
 
San Juan
2,403
 
5,055,635
 
5,070,053
 
Piceance
 
1,111,724
 
1,111,724
 
Powder River
280,351
 
842,385
 
2,524,491
 
Williston
84,472
 
 
506,832
 
All other properties
8,419
 
2,036,755
 
2,087,269
 
Total Volume
375,645
 
9,046,499
 
11,300,369
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
Location
Oil (in Bbl)
Natural Gas (Mcfe)
Total (Mcfe)
 
 
 
 
San Juan
2,547
 
5,570,741
 
5,586,023
 
Piceance
 
1,298,924
 
1,298,924
 
Powder River
320,752
 
818,709
 
2,743,221
 
Williston
32,311
 
 
193,866
 
All other properties
10,342
 
2,578,498
 
2,640,550
 
Total Volume
365,952
 
10,266,872
 
12,462,584
 
 
 
December 31, 2008
Location
Oil (in Bbl)
Natural Gas (Mcfe)
Total (Mcfe)
 
 
 
 
San Juan
5,095
 
6,447,964
 
6,478,534
 
Piceance
 
1,003,062
 
1,003,062
 
Powder River
338,797
 
829,949
 
2,862,731
 
Williston
26,754
 
 
160,524
 
All other properties
16,781
 
2,928,428
 
3,029,114
 
Total Volume
387,427
 
11,209,403
 
13,533,965
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves as a percentage of total proved reserves on an MMcfe basis
72
%
84
%
 
 
 
Proved undeveloped reserves as a percentage of total proved reserves on an MMcfe basis
28
%
16
%
 
 
 
Present value of estimated future net revenues, before tax (in thousands)
$
196,554
 
$
134,322
 
 

40

 

The following table reflects average wellhead pricing used in the determination of the reserves:
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Gas per Mcf
$
3.45
 
$
3.21
 
$
3.50
 
$
3.57
 
$
3.62
 
$
3.79
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil per Bbl
$
70.82
 
$
 
$
66.36
 
$
69.32
 
$
71.62
 
$
68.52
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Gas per Mcf
$
2.52
 
$
1.57
 
$
2.58
 
$
4.84
 
$
2.72
 
$
3.82
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil per Bbl
$
53.59
 
$
 
$
52.31
 
$
52.64
 
$
53.77
 
$
49.16
 
 
Drilling Activity
 
The following tables reflect the wells completed through our drilling activities for the last three years. In 2010, we participated in drilling 21 gross (9 net) development and exploratory wells, with a net well success rate of 100%. A development well is a well drilled within a proved area of a reservoir known to be productive. An exploratory well is a well drilled to find and/or produce oil or gas in an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a previously productive field or to extend a known reservoir. Gross wells represent the total wells we participated in, regardless of our ownership interest, while net wells represent our fractional ownership interests within those wells.
 
Year ended December 31,
2010
2009
2008
Net Development wells
Productive
Dry
Productive
Dry
Productive
Dry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Piceance
 
 
 
 
3.62
 
 
San Juan
5.60
 
 
3.00
 
 
6.70
 
1.00
 
Williston
0.67
 
 
0.04
 
 
0.31
 
0.14
 
Powder River
2.66
 
 
 
 
3.75
 
 
Other
 
 
4.37
 
1.04
 
10.17
 
2.18
 
Total net developed wells
8.93
 
 
7.41
 
1.04
 
24.55
 
3.32
 
 
Year ended December 31,
2010
2009
2008
Net Exploratory wells
Productive
Dry
Productive
Dry
Productive
Dry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Piceance
 
 
0.91
 
 
 
 
San Juan
 
 
 
 
2.00
 
 
Williston
 
 
0.03
 
 
0.76
 
 
Powder River
 
 
 
0.50
 
0.75
 
 
Other
 
 
0.50
 
0.37
 
 
 
Total net exploratory wells
 
 
1.44
 
0.87
 
3.51
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2010, we were participating in the drilling of 6 gross (0.75 net) wells, which had been commenced but not yet completed.
 

41

 

Recompletion Activity
 
Recompletion activities for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were insignificant to our overall oil and gas operations.
 
Productive Wells
 
The following table summarizes our gross and net productive wells at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Gross Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
463
 
1
 
2
 
38
 
418
 
4
 
Natural Gas
828
 
88
 
225
 
 
7
 
508
 
Total
1,291
 
89
 
227
 
38
 
425
 
512
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
312.09
 
 
1.91
 
2.46
 
307.23
 
0.49
 
Natural Gas
355.90
 
66.23
 
214.82
 
 
0.73
 
74.12
 
Total
667.99
 
66.23
 
216.73
 
2.46
 
307.96
 
74.61
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Gross Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
454
 
1
 
2
 
29
 
416
 
6
 
Natural Gas
860
 
86
 
220
 
 
20
 
534
 
Total
1,314
 
87
 
222
 
29
 
436
 
540
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
314.47
 
 
1.91
 
2.51
 
309.40
 
0.65
 
Natural Gas
355.20
 
65.93
 
210.21
 
 
2.50
 
76.56
 
Total
669.67
 
65.93
 
212.12
 
2.51
 
311.90
 
77.21
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2008
 
Total
Piceance
San Juan
Williston
Powder River
Other
Gross Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
414
 
1
 
2
 
12
 
395
 
4
 
Natural Gas
682
 
74
 
158
 
 
7
 
443
 
Total
1,096
 
75
 
160
 
12
 
402
 
447
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Productive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
314.65
 
 
1.91
 
1.78
 
310.45
 
0.51
 
Natural Gas
287.20
 
55.00
 
152.11
 
 
0.87
 
79.22
 
Total
601.85
 
55.00
 
154.02
 
1.78
 
311.32
 
79.73
 
 

42

 

Acreage
 
The following table summarizes our undeveloped, developed and total acreage by location as of December 31, 2010:
 
 
Undeveloped
Developed
Total
 
Gross
Net *
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Piceance
40,881
 
31,347
 
35,497
 
31,460
 
76,378
 
62,807
 
San Juan
40,908
 
39,489
 
27,232
 
24,136
 
68,140
 
63,625
 
Williston
26,078
 
3,875
 
16,756
 
1,874
 
42,834
 
5,749
 
Powder River
54,113
 
38,074
 
27,389
 
17,110
 
81,502
 
55,184
 
Bearpaw Uplift (MT)
417,753
 
73,940
 
100,364
 
18,845
 
518,117
 
92,785
 
Other
68,735
 
45,420
 
30,200
 
5,988
 
98,935
 
51,408
 
Total
648,468
 
232,145
 
237,438
 
99,413
 
885,906
 
331,558
 
        
* Approximately 5.3% (43,135 gross and 12,232 net acres) and 4.3% (46,935 gross and 10,048 net acres) and 14.4% (122,688 gross and 33,473 net acres) of our net undeveloped acreage could expire in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, if production is not established on the leases or further action is not taken to extend the associated lease terms. Decisions on extending leases are based on expected exploration or development potential under the prevailing economic conditions.
 
Competition. The oil and gas industry is highly competitive. We compete with a substantial number of companies ranging from those that have greater financial resources, personnel, facilities and in some cases technical expertise, to a multitude of smaller, aggressive new start-up companies. Many of these companies explore for, produce and market oil and natural gas. The primary areas in which we encounter considerable competition are in recruiting and maintaining high quality staff, locating and acquiring leasehold acreage for drilling and development activity, locating and acquiring producing oil and gas properties, locating and obtaining sufficient drilling rig and contractor services and securing purchasers and transportation for the oil and natural gas we produce.
 
Seasonality of Business. Weather conditions affect the demand for, and prices of, natural gas and can also temporarily inhibit production and delay drilling activities, which in turn impacts our overall business plan. The demand for natural gas is typically higher in the fourth and first quarters of our fiscal year, which sometimes results in higher natural gas prices. Due to these seasonal fluctuations, results of operations on a quarterly basis may not reflect results which may be realized on an annual basis.
 
Regulation. Crude oil and natural gas development and production activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing a wide variety of matters. Regulations often require multiple permits and bonds to drill or operate wells, and establish rules regarding the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties on which wells are drilled, the timing of when drilling and construction activities can be conducted relative to various wildlife stipulations and the plugging and abandoning of wells. We are also subject to various mineral conservation laws and regulations, including the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing/proration units, the density of wells that may be drilled in a given field and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties. Some states allow the forced pooling or integration of tracts to facilitate exploration, when voluntary pooling of lands and leases cannot be accomplished. The effect of these regulations may limit the number of wells or the locations where we can drill.
 
Various federal agencies within the United States Department of the Interior, particularly the Bureau of Land Management, the Office of Natural Resources Revenue and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with each Native American tribe, promulgate and enforce regulations pertaining to oil and natural gas operations and administration of royalties on federal onshore and tribal lands. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and each Native American tribe promulgate and enforce additional regulations pertaining to oil and natural gas operations and administration of taxes on tribal lands. These regulations include such matters as lease provisions, drilling and production requirements, environmental standards and royalty considerations. Each Native American tribe is a sovereign nation possessing the power to enforce laws and regulations independent from federal, state and local statutes and regulations. These tribal laws and regulations include various taxes, fees and other conditions that apply to lessees, operators and contractors conducting operations on tribal lands. One or more of these factors may increase our cost of doing business on tribal lands and impact the expansion and viability of our gas, oil and gathering operations on such lands.
 

43

 

In addition to being subject to federal and tribal regulations, we must also comply with state and county regulations, which have been going through significant change over the last several years. For example, in 2008 new state regulations were implemented in New Mexico which increased the regulatory requirements associated with drilling pits. Colorado legislation in 2007 changed the structure of the oil and gas commission, which has subsequently developed and approved significant changes to oil and gas regulations which were implemented in 2009. Changes such as these have increased costs and added uncertainty with respect to the timing and receipt of permits. We expect additional changes of this nature to occur in the future.
 
Environmental. Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the discharge of materials into, and the protection of the environment. We must account for the cost of complying with environmental regulations in planning, designing, drilling, operating and abandoning wells. In most instances, the regulatory requirements relate to the handling and disposal of drilling and production waste products, water and air pollution control procedures (such as spill prevention, control and countermeasure plans, storm water pollution prevention plans, state air quality permits and underground injection control disposal permits), chemical storage and use and the remediation of petroleum-product contamination. Certain states, such as Colorado, impose storm water requirements more stringent than the EPA's and are actively implementing and enforcing these requirements. We take a proactive role in working with these agencies to ensure compliance.
 
Under state, federal and tribal laws, we could also be required to remove or remediate previously disposed waste, including waste disposed of or released by us, or prior owners or operators, in accordance with current laws, or to otherwise suspend or cease operations in contaminated areas, or to perform remedial well plugging operations or clean up to prevent future contamination. We generate waste that is already subject to the RCRA and comparable state statutes. The EPA and various state agencies limit the disposal options for those wastes. It is possible that certain oil and gas wastes which are currently exempt from treatment as RCRA wastes may in the future be designated as wastes under RCRA or other applicable statutes.
 
Greenhouse Gas Regulations. The Oil and Gas segment is impacted by regulation in the state of New Mexico where legislation was passed requiring the tracking and reporting of GHG emissions, beginning with calendar year 2008. The EPA published an amendment to its GHG reporting requirements in the November 30, 2010 Federal Register, adding Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems to the mandatory reporting requirements. Data gathering commenced on January 1, 2011, with the final report to the EPA due in 2012. Other states may implement their own such programs in the future.
 
Power Generation Segment
 
Our Power Generation segment, which operates through Black Hills Electric Generation and its subsidiaries, acquires, develops and operates our non-regulated power plants. As of December 31, 2010, we held varying interests in independent power plants operating in Wyoming and Idaho with a total net ownership of 120 MW. In January 2011, we sold our ownership interests in the Idaho partnerships which own the Idaho facilities.
 
During 2008, we sold seven IPP plants with 974 MW of capacity to affiliates of Hastings and IIF for a purchase price of $840 million, subject to customary adjustments. We completed the sale in July 2008 and received net cash proceeds of $756 million, including the effects of estimated working capital adjustments and other costs and net of the required payoff of $67.5 million of project debt. See Notes 1 and 22 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Portfolio Management
 
We sell capacity and energy under a combination of mid- to long-term contracts, which mitigates the impact of a potential downturn in future power prices. We currently sell a substantial majority of our non-regulated generating capacity under contracts having terms greater than one year. We sell additional power into the wholesale power markets from our generating capacity when it is available and economical.
 

44

 

As of December 31, 2010, the power plant ownership interests held by our Power Generation segment included:
 
Power Plants(1)
Fuel Type
Location
Ownership
Interest
Owned
Capacity
(MW)
Start Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gillette CT
Gas
Gillette, Wyoming
100.0
%
40.0
 
2001
Wygen I(2)
Coal
Gillette, Wyoming
76.5
%
68.9
 
2003
Glenns Ferry Cogeneration (3)
Gas
Glenns Ferry, Idaho
50.0
%
5.5
 
1996
Rupert Cogeneration (3)
Gas
Rupert, Idaho
50.0
%
5.5
 
1996
_________________________
(1)    
We are currently constructing two 100 MW combined-cycle gas-fired power generation facilities in Colorado. These facilities are expected to be completed by December 31, 2011.
(2)    
In January 2009, we sold a 23.5% ownership interest in this plant to MEAN. See Note 22 of Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further description of the transaction.
(3)    
On January 18, 2011, we sold our ownership interest in the partnerships which owns the Glenns Ferry and Rupert Cogeneration facilities.
 
Gillette CT. The Gillette CT is a simple-cycle, gas-fired combustion turbine located at our Gillette, Wyoming energy complex. The facility's energy and capacity is sold to Cheyenne Light under a 10-year power purchase agreement that expires in August 2011.
 
Wygen I. The Wygen I generation facility is a mine-mouth, coal-fired power plant with a total nameplate capacity of 90 MW located at our Gillette, Wyoming energy complex. We own 76.5% of the plant. We sell 60 MW of unit contingent capacity and energy from this plant to Cheyenne Light under a PPA that expires on December 31, 2022. The PPA includes an option for Cheyenne Light to purchase Black Hills Wyoming's ownership interest in the Wygen I facility between 2013 and 2019. The purchase price related to the option is $2.55 million per MW which is equivalent to the estimated initial per MW price of new construction of the Wygen III facility. This price is reduced annually by an amount of annual depreciation assuming a facility life of 35 years.
 
Idaho Cogeneration Facilities. Through partnership investments, at December 31, 2010, we owned a 50% interest in two QFs in Rupert and Glenns Ferry, Idaho. Rupert and Glenns Ferry are both 11 MW combined-cycle, gas-fired power plants. Our investments in the partnerships have been accounted for under the equity method of accounting. On January 18, 2011, we sold our ownership interests in the partnerships which own the Idaho facilities.
 
Black Hills Colorado IPP. During 2009, we began planning and purchasing equipment for the construction of two 100 MW combined-cycle gas-fired power generation facilities to fulfill a 20-year PPA signed with Colorado Electric. Construction of the facilities commenced in July 2010, and these facilities are expected to be completed by December 31, 2011.
 
Competition. The independent power industry is replete with strong and capable competitors, some of which may have more extensive operating experience, larger staffs or greater financial resources than we possess.
 
With respect to the merchant power sector, FERC has taken steps to increase access to the national transmission grid by utility and non-utility purchasers and sellers of electricity, and foster competition within the wholesale electricity markets. In addition, the deregulation efforts that caused some vertically integrated utilities to separate their generation, transmission, and distribution businesses have slowed considerably since the merchant energy crisis in 2001. Our Power Generation business could face greater competition if utilities are permitted to robustly invest in power generation assets. However, regulatory pressures for utilities to competitively bid generation resources may provide their own upside opportunity for independent power producers in some regions.
 
Regulation. Many of the environmental laws and regulations applicable to our regulated Electric Utilities also apply to our Power Generation operations. See the discussion under the "Environmental" and "Regulation" captions for the Utilities Group for additional information on certain laws and regulations described below.
 

45

 

The Energy Policy Act of 1992. The passage of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 encouraged independent power production by providing certain exemptions from regulation for EWGs. EWGs are exclusively in the business of owning or operating, or both owning and operating, eligible power facilities and selling electric energy at wholesale. EWGs are subject to FERC regulation, including rate regulation. We own two EWGs: Wygen I and Gillette CT. Our EWGs have been granted market-based rate authority, which allows FERC to waive certain accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements imposed on public utilities with cost-based rates.
 
Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act impacts our Power Generation business in a manner similar to the impact disclosed for our regulated Electric Utilities. Our Gillette CT and Wygen I facilities are subject to Titles IV and V of the Clean Air Act and have the required permits in place. As a result of SO2 allowances credited to us from the installation of sulfur removal equipment at our jointly owned Wyodak plant, we hold sufficient allowances for our Gillette CT and Wygen I plants through 2040, without purchasing additional allowances. The EPA's pending Utility MACT described in the Utilities Group section will apply to Wygen I. The EPA's GHG Tailoring Rule described in the Utilities Group section will apply to the Gillette CT and Wygen I, upon a major modification or upon operating permit renewal.
 
Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act impacts our Power Generation business in a manner similar to the impact described above for our regulated Electric Utilities. Each of our facilities required to have NPDES permits have those permits and are in compliance with discharge limitations. Also, as the EPA regulates surface water oil pollution prevention through its oil pollution prevention regulations, each of our facilities regulated under this program have the requisite plans in place.
 
Solid Waste Disposal. We dispose of all Wygen I coal ash and scrubber wastes in mined areas at our WRDC coal mine under the terms and conditions of a state permit. The factors discussed under this caption for the Utilities Group also impact our Power Generation segment in a similar manner.
 
Greenhouse Gas Regulations. The factors discussed under this caption for the Utilities Group also apply to our Power Generation segment.
 
 
Coal Mining Segment
 
Our Coal Mining segment operates through our WRDC subsidiary. We mine, process and sell low-sulfur coal at our coal mine near Gillette, Wyoming. The WRDC coal mine, which we acquired in 1956 from Homestake Gold Mining Company, is located in the Powder River Basin. The Powder River Basin contains one of the largest coal reserves in the United States. We produced approximately 5.9 million tons of coal in 2010. In a basin characterized by thick coal seams, our overburden ratio, a comparison of the cubic yards of dirt removed to a ton of coal uncovered, has in recent years trended towards a ratio of approximately 2.3:1, where it is expected to remain for the next several years.
 
Mining rights to the coal are based on four federal leases and one state lease. We pay federal and state royalties of 12.5% and 9.0%, respectively, of the selling price of all coal. As of December 31, 2010, we had coal reserves of approximately 261.9 million tons, based on internal engineering studies. The reserve life is equal to approximately 40 years at expected production levels.
 
Substantially all of our coal production is currently sold under mid- and long-term contracts to:
 
•    
Our regulated electric utilities, Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light;
 
•    
The 362 MW Wyodak power plant owned 80% by PacifiCorp and 20% by Black Hills Power;
 
•    
PacifiCorp for the Dave Johnston power plant located near Casper, Wyoming and served by rail;
 
•    
The 110 MW Wygen III power plant owned 52% by Black Hills Power, 25% by MDU and 23% by the City of Gillette;
 
•    
Our 90 MW non-regulated mine-mouth power plant, Wygen I owned 76.5% by Black Hills Wyoming and 23.5% by MEAN; and
 
•    
Certain regional industrial customers served by truck.
 

46

 

Our Coal Mining segment sells coal to Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light for all of their requirements under agreements that limit earnings from these affiliate coal sales to a specified return on our coal mine's cost-depreciated investment base. The return is 4% (400 basis points) above A-rated utility bonds, to be applied to our coal mining investment base as determined each year. Black Hills Power made a commitment to the SDPUC, the WPSC and the City of Gillette that coal for Black Hills Power's operating plants would be furnished and priced as provided by that agreement for the life of the Neil Simpson II plant, which was placed into service in 1995. The agreement with Cheyenne Light provides coal for the life of the Wygen II plant, which was placed into service January 1, 2008.
 
We increased our coal production to supply additional mine-mouth power generating capacity related to the 110 MW Wygen III plant, which began commercial operations in April 2010. Coal supply agreements provide WRDC will supply the coal to Wygen III through June 1, 2060 under an agreement that limits earnings from these affiliate coal sales to a specified return on our coal mines' cost-depreciated investment base. The return is 4% (400 basis points) above A-rated utility bonds, to be applied to our coal mining investment base as determined each year.
 
The price for unprocessed coal sold to PacifiCorp for its 80% interest in the Wyodak plant is determined by a coal supply agreement which terminates in 2022. The price for coal sold to PacifiCorp for its Dave Johnston plant is determined by a coal supply agreement which terminates in December 2011.
 
Competition. Our primary strategy is to sell the majority of our coal production to on-site, mine-mouth generation facilities under long-term supply contracts. Historically our off-site sales have been to consumers within a close proximity to our mine. There are limitations on our ability to economically transport our lower-heat content coal, but we are reviewing new opportunities to market our coal.
 
Environmental Regulation. The construction and operation of coal mines are subject to extensive environmental protection and land use regulation in the United States. These laws and regulations often require a lengthy and complex process of obtaining licenses, permits and approvals from federal, state and local agencies. Many of the environmental issues and regulations discussed under the Utilities Group also apply to our Coal Mining segment.
 
Operations at WRDC must, and regularly do attend to issues arising due to the proximity of the mine disturbance boundary to the City of Gillette and to related residential and industrial development. The impacts from mining are routinely viewed negatively by the general public and increasing complaints and challenges to the permits may occur as mining operations move closer to the development areas. Specific concerns include fugitive dust emissions and vibration and nitrous oxide fumes from blasting. To mitigate these concerns, WRDC is actively pursuing the establishment of buffer zones through land purchases and long-term leases.
 
Ash from our South Dakota and Wyoming power plants, as well as PacifiCorp's Wyodak Power Plant, is disposed of in the mine and is utilized for backfill to meet permitted post-mining contour requirements. The EPA has proposed national disposal regulations that include multiple options, one of which regulates coal ash as a hazardous waste. The public comment period ended on November 19, 2010, and a final rule is expected in late 2011 or early 2012. While the proposed combustion residuals regulations do not address mine backfill, it is widely expected that the U.S. Office of Surface Mining will collaborate with the EPA to address mine backfill in the near future. If the ash is regulated as a hazardous waste, implementation requirements could have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Mine Reclamation. Under applicable law, we must submit applications to, and receive approval from, the WDEQ for any mining and reclamation plan that provides for orderly mining, reclamation, and restoration of the WRDC mine. We have approved mining permits and are in compliance with other permitting programs administered by various regulatory agencies. The WRDC coal mine is permitted to operate under a five year mining permit issued by the State of Wyoming. The current permit expires in April 2011 and an application for renewal has been timely filed. Based on extensive reclamation studies, we have accrued approximately $17.6 million for reclamation costs as of December 31, 2010. If additional requirements or changes to current requirements are imposed in the future, we may experience a material increase in reclamation costs. The mining operation must also meet specific environmental performance standards regulated by the WDEQ through permit commitments and statutes. Failure to achieve these standards could potentially delay the release of the bonds and/or result in increased mitigation costs.
 
Energy Marketing Segment
 
Through our subsidiary, Enserco, we engage in natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental marketing and trading in the United States and Canada. Our marketing operations are headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with a satellite sales office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

47

 

 
Our energy marketing business seeks to provide services to producers and end-users of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products and to capitalize on market volatility by employing certain risk-managed commodity trading strategies. The diversity of the commodities portfolio that we market helps us optimize value for shareholders. The service provider focus of our energy marketing activities largely differentiates us from other energy marketers. Through our producer services group, we assist mostly small- to medium-sized independent producers throughout the Western United States with marketing and transporting their crude oil and natural gas. Through our origination services, we work with utilities, municipalities and industrial users of natural gas to provide customized delivery services, as well as to support their efforts to optimize their transportation and storage positions. Our coal marketing team assists small utility and industrial coal consumers manage their coal procurement and transportation functions. Similarly, our power marketing experts help both buyers and sellers of electricity, as well as assisting customers with the monetization of emissions or other environmental products.
 
Our natural gas marketing focuses primarily on producer services and wholesale marketing. It includes the purchase, sale, storage and transportation of natural gas, as well as a variety of services including asset optimization, price risk management and customized offerings to producer and end-use clients. Producer services margins are typically fee-based, limited risk, recurrent transactions with long-term customers. Additionally, the producer services division has captured increased opportunities for growth with the recent shale natural gas discoveries. The team's wholesale efforts are focused in the Rocky Mountain, Western and Mid-Continent regions of the United States, the entirety of Canada, and expanding into the eastern United States.
 
Our crude oil marketing focuses on providing optimization services to both producers and end-use markets in the Rocky Mountain States with an emphasis in the Bakken Shale of North Dakota. With exclusive trucking arrangements and access to all major Rockies pipelines, Enserco extends to its customers the benefit of established relationships with premium markets and transportation options via pipeline, truck and rail. Enserco is continuing to build out its truck unloading stations and currently has six strategically located stations in North Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado as well as crude oil storage in Wyoming. Enserco's crude oil marketing team provides us with a low risk, recurring margin stream.
 
Enserco began marketing coal in June 2010 with the acquisition of a coal marketing business. Our coal marketing team currently participates in financial and physical coal markets, primarily focused in coal basins west of the Mississippi River. Our presence spans the physical coal supply chain from sourcing, storage and delivery. We leverage extensive experience and partnering arrangements to meet the challenges facing the physical markets. Further, we maintain long-term supply positions from multiple sources in multiple basins, including Wyoming's Powder River and Uinta Basins that allow us to perform beyond the role of a traditional merchant participant and closer to a primary supplier via supply sourcing flexibility and security.
 
Enserco began power and environmental marketing late in the third quarter of 2010. FERC approval was received for power marketing in December 2010 with an effective date of September 1, 2010. The power marketing focuses on origination and customer business with an emphasis on a diversified portfolio of short, mid- and long-term transactions. The marketing effort primarily involves execution of financial transactions, at liquid trading hubs in day-ahead markets. The geographic scope encompasses the United States.
 
Environmental marketing focuses on producer services and customized solutions for all aspects of the renewable business. This strategy encompasses short, mid- and longer term origination efforts with end users. Our marketers monetize Renewable Energy Credits, carbon and other emissions as well as optimize renewable assets including solar, wind and biomass. The focus is on opportunities within the United States, both in mandatory and elective markets.
 
Our average daily marketing physical volumes for the year ended December 31, 2010 were approximately 1.6 million MMBtu of gas, approximately 18,455 Bbls of oil and approximately 33,250 tons of coal.
 

48

 

Our total gross margin recognized for each of the following years was derived from our marketing strategies according to the following (in millions):
 
 
2010
 
Realized Gain (Loss)
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Total Gain (Loss)
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (storage)
$
20.6
 
$
0.2
 
$
20.8
 
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (transportation)
5.5
 
(7.9
)
(2.4
)
Producer services (natural gas)
3.8
 
(0.5
)
3.3
 
Producer services (crude oil)
8.9
 
1.6
 
10.5
 
Coal marketing *
1.6
 
2.0
 
3.6
 
Power marketing *
(2.5
)
(1.4
)
(3.9
)
Environmental marketing *
 
 
 
 
37.9
 
(6.0
)
31.9
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale trading (proprietary and other)
(5.4
)
1.5
 
(3.9
)
Total gross margin
$
32.5
 
$
(4.5
)
$
28.0
 
_________________________
* Includes coal marketing commencing in June 2010 and power and environmental marketing commencing in the third quarter of 2010.
 
2009
 
Realized Gain (Loss)
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Total Gain (Loss)
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (storage)
$
2.2
 
$
(1.7
)
$
0.5
 
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (transportation)
10.9
 
5.5
 
16.4
 
Producer services (natural gas)
4.3
 
0.4
 
4.7
 
Producer services (crude oil)
11.3
 
(8.2
)
3.1
 
 
28.7
 
(4.0
)
24.7
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale trading (proprietary and other)
12.7
 
(24.0
)
(11.3
)
Total gross margin
$
41.4
 
$
(28.0
)
$
13.4
 
 
 
2008
 
Realized Gain (Loss)
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Total Gain (Loss)
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (storage)
$
6.6
 
$
4.0
 
$
10.6
 
Natural Gas Wholesale trading (transportation)
13.7
 
4.1
 
17.8
 
Producer services (natural gas)
6.0
 
(0.2
)
5.8
 
Producer services (crude oil)
1.0
 
6.6
 
7.6
 
 
27.3
 
14.5
 
41.8
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale trading (proprietary and other)
(7.7
)
25.2
 
17.5
 
Total gross margin
$
19.6
 
$
39.7
 
$
59.3
 
 
 

49

 

The tables below summarize our realized and unrealized gross margins by product and strategy. Producer Services and Other Recurrent are marketing strategies that are typically fee-based, limited risk, recurrent transactions with long-term customers.
Asset based strategies are marketing strategies that involve trading around assets, commonly of the storage and transportation variety. These strategies typically have limited and quantifiable downside and higher upside potential.
 
2010
 
Natural Gas
Crude Oil
Coal *
Power *
Environmental *
Total
Realized -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
$
3.8
 
$
5.7
 
$
1.1
 
$
 
$
 
$
10.6
 
Asset Based
23.8
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
27.0
 
Proprietary and Other
(3.0
)
 
0.4
 
(2.5
)
 
(5.1
)
Total realized
24.6
 
8.9
 
1.5
 
(2.5
)
 
32.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
(0.5
)
2.9
 
1.4
 
 
 
3.8
 
Asset Based
(7.7
)
(1.3
)
 
 
 
(9.0
)
Proprietary and Other
1.4
 
0.1
 
0.6
 
(1.4
)
 
0.7
 
Total unrealized
(6.8
)
1.7
 
2.0
 
(1.4
)
 
(4.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
3.3
 
8.6
 
2.5
 
 
 
14.4
 
Asset Based
16.1
 
1.9
 
 
 
 
18.0
 
Proprietary and Other
(1.6
)
0.1
 
1.0
 
(3.9
)
 
(4.4
)
Total
$
17.8
 
$
10.6
 
$
3.5
 
$
(3.9
)
$
 
$
28.0
 
_________________________
* Includes coal marketing commencing in June 2010 and power and environmental marketing commencing in the third quarter of 2010.
 
 
2009
 
Natural Gas
Crude Oil
Total
Realized -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
$
4.3
 
$
8.4
 
$
12.7
 
Asset Based
13.2
 
2.9
 
16.1
 
Proprietary and Other
12.6
 
 
12.6
 
Total realized
30.1
 
11.3
 
41.4
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
0.4
 
(6.8
)
(6.4
)
Asset Based
3.8
 
(1.5
)
2.3
 
Proprietary and Other
(23.9
)
 
(23.9
)
Total unrealized
(19.7
)
(8.3
)
(28.0
)
 
 
 
 
Total -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
4.7
 
1.6
 
6.3
 
Asset Based
17.0
 
1.4
 
18.4
 
Proprietary and Other
(11.3
)
 
(11.3
)
Total
$
10.4
 
$
3.0
 
$
13.4
 
 

50

 

 
2008
 
Natural Gas
Crude Oil
Total
Realized -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
$
6.0
 
$
3.1
 
$
9.1
 
Asset Based
20.3
 
(2.1
)
18.2
 
Proprietary and Other
(7.7
)
 
(7.7
)
Total realized
18.6
 
1.0
 
19.6
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
(0.2
)
4.4
 
4.2
 
Asset Based
8.1
 
2.2
 
10.3
 
Proprietary and Other
25.2
 
 
25.2
 
Total unrealized
33.1
 
6.6
 
39.7
 
 
 
 
 
Total -
 
 
 
Producer Services and Other Recurrent
5.8
 
7.5
 
13.3
 
Asset Based
28.4
 
0.1
 
28.5
 
Proprietary and Other
17.5
 
 
17.5
 
Total
$
51.7
 
$
7.6
 
$
59.3
 
 
We have various long-term natural gas transportation and storage positions in our marketing portfolio that enhance our potential for long-term earnings growth by providing upside potential and definable downside risk. Of these contractual positions, 62% include a right-of-first-refusal provision that provides us the opportunity to extend or renew favorable positions as their terms expire.
 
The total volumes of transportation capacity rights we held by region at December 31, 2010 were as follows:
 
 
Term Until Expiration
 
 
 
Region
Less than 2 Years
(2011 and 2012)
2 to 4 Years
(2013 - 2016)
Greater than 4 Years
(2017 and beyond)
Total Volume
 
 
(Bcf of natural gas)
 
 
Rockies
46.59
 
47.67
 
3.49
 
97.75
 
West
89.24
 
9.00
 
8.63
 
106.87
 
MidContinent
7.86
 
 
 
7.86
 
Total Capacity
143.69
 
56.67
 
12.12
 
212.48
 
 
The firm storage capacity rights we held by region at December 31, 2010 included:
 
Region
Volume (Bcf)
Term
 
MidContinent/Upper Midwest
1.0
 
1/11-3/17
 
MidContinent/Upper Midwest
1.0
 
1/11-3/12
*
MidContinent/Upper Midwest
1.0
 
1/11-3/13
*
MidContinent/Upper Midwest
1.0
 
1/11-3/12
 
MidContinent/Upper Midwest
0.3
 
1/11-3/13
 
West/Northwest
1.0
 
1/11-3/12
 
___________________________
*    Indicates right-of-first-refusal to extend the capacity right following the expiration of the current term.
 

51

 

The following table summarizes the gas, oil and coal inventory at our Energy Marketing segment at December 31. In most cases, these commodities are being held in inventory to capture the price differential between the time purchased and a subsequent sales date in the future. In some cases, volumes are held to meet operational requirements. A high percentage of the inventory has been sold forward or hedged forward to lock in a margin upon future withdrawal.
 
 
2010
2009
Gas inventory volumes (MMBtu)
14,922,353
 
12,177,802
 
Crude inventory volumes (Bbl)
198,052
 
69,045
 
Coal inventory volumes (Ton)
1,529
 
 
 
Competition. The energy marketing industry is characterized by numerous large competitors, some of which may have more extensive operating experience, larger staffs or greater financial resources than we possess.
 
Seasonality. Weather conditions affect the demand for natural gas and can create volatility in natural gas prices. The impact of these conditions typically occurs in the fourth and first quarters of our fiscal year, resulting in higher margin opportunities. Due to these seasonal fluctuations in demand and prices, results of operations on a quarterly basis may not reflect results which may be realized on an annual basis.
 
Working Capital Practices. The natural gas storage component of the business requires significant working capital investment in the form of inventory. Those investment levels vary as market opportunities change but have historically been higher in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year.
 
Regulation. Enserco is subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC, FTC and CFTC with respect to its marketing activities.  With respect to its import and export of commodities, Enserco is also subject to the jurisdiction of the US Department of Energy, the US Department of Commerce, Canada's National Energy Board, and Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board, as well as US and Canadian Customs.
 
 
Other Properties
 
We own an eight-story, 67,000 square foot office building in Rapid City, South Dakota, where our corporate headquarters is located. Also in Rapid City, we own an office building consisting of approximately 36,000 square feet, and a warehouse building and shop with approximately 30,410 square feet. Our Gas Utilities own various office, service center and warehouse space totaling over 170,000 square feet throughout their service territories in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado and Kansas. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, we own a business office with approximately 13,400 square feet, and a service center and garage with an aggregate of approximately 28,300 square feet. We also own other offices and warehouses located within our service areas.
 
In addition to our owned properties, we lease the following properties:
 
•    
Approximately 8,800 square feet for an operations and customer call center in Rapid City, South Dakota;
 
•    
Approximately 62,160 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska;
 
•    
Approximately 37,600 square feet for a customer call center in Lincoln, Nebraska;
 
•    
Approximately 47,430 square feet of office space in Denver, Colorado; and
 
•    
Other offices and warehouse facilities located within our service areas.
 
Substantially all of the tangible utility properties of Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light are subject to liens securing first mortgage bonds issued by Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light, respectively.
 
We are currently constructing an office building in Papillion, Nebraska totaling approximately 36,000 square feet which is expected to be completed in May 2011.
 

52

 

Employees
 
At December 31, 2010, we had 2,124 full-time employees. Approximately 33% of the Company's employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. Out of a total of six collective bargaining agreements, three of these agreements are either currently in negotiations or planned for renewal negotiations during the first quarter of 2011. We have experienced no labor stoppages in recent years. At December 31, 2010, approximately 22% of our Utilities Group employees were eligible for regular or early retirement.
 
The following table sets forth the number of employees by business group:
 
 
Number of Employees
 
 
Corporate
367
 
Utilities
1,505
 
Non-regulated Energy
252
 
Total
2,124
 
 
At December 31, 2010, 705 employees (all within the Utilities Group), were covered by the following collective bargaining agreements:
 
Utility
Number of Employees
Union Affiliation
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Power
174
 
IBEW Local 1250
March 31, 2012
Cheyenne Light
56
 
IBEW Local 111
June 30, 2011
Colorado Electric
147
 
IBEW Local 667
April 15, 2011
Iowa Gas
139
 
IBEW Local 204
April 27, 2010
Kansas Gas
24
 
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO Local 6407
December 31, 2011
Nebraska Gas
165
 
IBEW Local 244
December 31, 2009
Total
705
 
 
 
 
 
 

53

 

ITEM 1A.    
RISK FACTORS
 
The nature of our business subjects us to a number of uncertainties and risks. The following risk factors and other risk factors that we discuss in our periodic reports filed with the SEC should be considered for a better understanding of our Company. These important factors and other matters discussed herein could cause our actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements.
 
Regulatory commissions may refuse to approve some or all of the utility rate increases we have requested or may request in the future, or may determine that amounts passed through to customers were not prudently incurred and are, therefore, not recoverable.
 
Our regulated electric and gas utility operations are subject to cost-of-service regulation and earnings oversight from federal and state utility commissions. This regulatory treatment does not provide any assurance as to achievement of desired earnings levels. Our retail electric and gas utility rates are regulated on a state-by-state basis by the relevant state regulatory authorities based on an analysis of our costs, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. The rates that we are allowed to charge may or may not match our related costs and allowed return on invested capital at any given time. While rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that the state public utility commissions will judge all of our costs, including our borrowing and debt service costs, to have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that produce a full recovery of our costs and the return on invested capital allowed by the applicable state public utility commission.
 
To some degree, each of our gas and electric utilities in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas are permitted to recover certain costs (such as increased fuel and purchased power costs, as applicable) without having to file a rate case. To the extent we are able to pass through such costs to our customers and a state public utility commission subsequently determines that such costs should not have been paid by the customers, we may be required to refund such costs. Any such costs not recovered through rates, or any such refund, could negatively affect our revenues, cash flows and results of operations.
 
We have deferred a substantial amount of income tax related to various tax planning strategies including the deferral of a gain associated with the assets sold in the IPP Transaction. If the Internal Revenue Service successfully challenges these tax positions, our results of operations, financial position or liquidity could be adversely affected.
 
We have deferred a substantial amount of tax payments through various tax planning strategies, including the deferral of approximately $125 million in taxes associated with the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction.  We had previously deferred approximately $185 million in taxes associated with the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction, and in the third quarter of 2010, we reached an agreement with the Appeals Division of the IRS that resulted in a decrease in the amount of such deferral from $185 million to $125 million. The decrease represents the downward adjustment to tax depreciation allowed on certain assets sold, which resulted in a decrease to the gain realized on the sale of those assets and ultimately a decrease in deferred taxes. The remaining $125 million in deferred taxes relating to the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction continues to be subject to IRS review.
 
We cannot be certain that the IRS will accept our tax positions.  If the IRS successfully sought to assert contrary tax positions, we could be required to pay a significant amount of these deferred taxes earlier than currently forecasted.  In certain circumstances, the IRS may assess penalties when challenging our tax positions.  If we were unsuccessful in defending against these penalties, it may have a material impact on our results of operations.
 

54

 

We could incur additional and substantial write-downs of the carrying value of our natural gas and oil properties, which would adversely impact our earnings.
 
We review the carrying value of our natural gas and oil properties under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC on a quarterly basis. This quarterly review is referred to as a ceiling test. Under the ceiling test, capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, may not exceed an amount equal to the sum of the present value of estimated future net revenues (adjusted for cash flow hedges) less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves, less any related income tax effects. In calculating future net revenues, SEC-defined commodity prices and recent costs are utilized. Such prices and costs are utilized except when different prices and costs are fixed and determinable from applicable contracts for the remaining term of those contracts. Two primary factors in the ceiling test are natural gas and oil reserve levels and SEC-defined oil and gas prices, both of which impact the present value of estimated future net revenues. Revisions to estimates of natural gas and oil reserves, or an increase or decrease in prices, can have a material impact on the present value of estimated future net revenues. Any excess of the net book value, less deferred income taxes, is generally written off as an expense.
 
We recorded non-cash impairment charges in the first quarter of 2009 and fourth quarter of 2008 due to the full cost ceiling limitations. We may have to record additional non-cash impairment charges in the future if commodity prices drive the SEC-defined prices below levels that precipitated the 2009 and 2008 impairments. See Note 12 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Estimates of the quantity and value of our proved oil and gas reserves may change materially due to numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating oil and natural gas reserves.
 
There are many uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and their values. The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves requires interpretation of available technical data and various assumptions, including assumptions relating to economic factors. Significant inaccuracies in interpretations or assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves. The accuracy of reserve estimates is a function of the quality of available data, engineering and geological interpretations and judgment, and the assumptions used regarding quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves, future capital expenditures and prices for oil and natural gas. Actual prices, production, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves may vary from those assumed in our estimates. These variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could cause the actual quantity of our reserves, and future net cash flow, to be materially different from our estimates. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production, changes in future capital expenditures and fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices after the date of the estimate may result in substantial upward or downward revisions.
 
Estimates of the quality and quantity of our coal reserves may change materially due to numerous uncertainties inherent in three dimensional structural modeling.
 
There are many uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of coal reserves. The process of coal volume estimation requires interpretations of drill hole log data and subsequent computer modeling of the intersected deposit. Significant inaccuracies in interpretation or modeling could materially affect the quantity and quality of our reserve estimates. The accuracy of reserve estimates is a function of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment of known data, assumptions used regarding structural limits and mining extents, conditions encountered during actual reserve recovery and undetected deposit anomalies. Variance from the assumptions used and drill hole modeling density could result in additions or deletions from our volume estimates. In addition, future environmental, economic or geologic changes may occur or become known that require reserve revisions either upward or downward from prior reserve estimates.
 
Municipal governments may seek to limit or deny franchise privileges.
 
Municipal governments within our utility service territories possess the power of condemnation, and could establish a municipal utility within a portion of our current service territories by limiting or denying franchise privileges for our operations, and exercising powers of condemnation over all or part of our utility assets within municipal boundaries. Although condemnation is a process that is subject to constitutional protections requiring just compensation, as with any judicial procedure, the outcome is uncertain. If a municipality sought to pursue this course of action, we cannot assure that we would secure adequate recovery of our investment in assets subject to condemnation.
 

55

 

Our current or future development, expansion and acquisition activities may not be successful, which could impair our ability to execute our growth strategy.
 
Execution of our future growth plan is dependent on successful ongoing and future development, expansion and acquisition activities. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to complete development projects or acquisitions we undertake or continue to develop attractive opportunities for growth. Factors that could cause our activities to be unsuccessful include:
 
•    
Our inability to obtain required governmental permits and approvals;
 
•    
Our inability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all;
 
•    
The possibility that one or more rating agencies would downgrade our issuer credit rating to below investment grade, thus increasing our cost of doing business;
 
•    
Our inability to successfully integrate any businesses we acquire;
 
•    
Our inability to retain management or other key personnel;
 
•    
Our inability to negotiate acceptable acquisition, construction, fuel supply, power sales or other material agreements;
 
•    
The trend of utilities building their own generation or looking for developers to develop and build projects for sale to utilities under turnkey arrangements;
 
•    
Lower than anticipated increases in the demand for utility services in our target markets;
 
•    
Changes in federal, state, local or tribal laws and regulations, particularly those which would make it more difficult or costly to fully develop our coal reserves and our coal-fired generation capacity;
 
•    
Fuel prices or fuel supply constraints;
 
•    
Pipeline capacity and transmission constraints; and
 
•    
Competition.
 
We can provide no assurance that results from any acquisition will conform to our expectations. There may be additional risks associated with the operation of any newly acquired assets.
 
Acquisitions are subject to a number of uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Factors which may cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results include:
 
•    
Delay in, and restrictions imposed as part of, any required governmental or regulatory approvals;
 
•    
The loss of management or other key personnel;
 
•    
The diversion of our management's attention from other business segments; and
 
•    
Integration and operational issues.
 
Construction, expansion, refurbishment and operation of power generating and transmission and resource extraction facilities involve significant risks which could reduce revenues or increase expenses.
 
The construction, expansion, refurbishment and operation of power generating and transmission and resource extraction facilities involve many risks, including:
 
•    
The inability to obtain required governmental permits and approvals along with the cost of complying with or satisfying conditions imposed upon such approvals;

56

 

 
•    
Contractual restrictions upon the timing of scheduled outages;
 
•    
Cost of supplying or securing replacement power during scheduled and unscheduled outages;
 
•    
The unavailability or increased cost of equipment;
 
•    
The cost of recruiting and retaining or the unavailability of skilled labor;
 
•    
Supply interruptions, work stoppages and labor disputes;
 
•    
Capital and operating costs to comply with increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations;
 
•    
Opposition by members of public or special-interest groups;
 
•    
Weather interferences;
 
•    
Unexpected engineering, environmental and geological problems; and
 
•    
Unanticipated cost overruns.
 
The ongoing operation of our facilities involves many of the risks described above, in addition to risks relating to the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes and performance below expected levels of output or efficiency. New plants may employ recently developed and technologically complex equipment, including newer environmental emission control technology. Any of these risks could cause us to operate below expected capacity levels, which in turn could reduce revenues, increase expenses or cause us to incur higher maintenance costs and penalties. While we maintain insurance, obtain warranties from vendors and obligate contractors to meet certain performance levels, the proceeds of such insurance and our rights under warranties or performance guarantees may not be timely or adequate to cover lost revenues, increased expenses or liquidated damage payments.
 
Our operating results can be adversely affected by variations from normal weather conditions.
 
Our utility businesses are seasonal businesses and weather patterns can have a material impact on our operating performance. Demand for electricity is typically greater in the summer and winter months associated with cooling and heating. Because natural gas is primarily used for residential and commercial heating, the demand for this product depends heavily upon winter weather patterns throughout our service territory and a significant amount of natural gas revenues are recognized in the first and fourth quarters related to the heating seasons. Accordingly, our utility operations have historically generated lower revenues and income when weather conditions are cooler than normal in the summer and warmer than normal in the winter. Unusually mild summers and winters therefore could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Because prices for some of our products and services and operating costs for our business are volatile, our revenues and expenses may fluctuate.
 
A substantial portion of our net income in recent years was attributable to sales of contract and off-system wholesale electricity and natural gas into a robust market. Energy prices are influenced by many factors outside our control, including, among other things, fuel prices, transmission constraints, supply and demand, weather, general economic conditions, and the rules, regulations and actions of system operators in those markets. Moreover, unlike most other commodities, electricity cannot be stored and therefore must be produced concurrently with its use. As a result, wholesale power markets are subject to significant, unpredictable price fluctuations over relatively short periods of time.
 
The success of our oil and gas operations is affected by the prevailing market prices of oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas prices and markets historically have also been, and are likely to continue to be, volatile. A decrease in oil or natural gas prices would not only reduce revenues and profits, but would also reduce the quantities of reserves that are commercially recoverable, and may result in charges to earnings for impairment of the net capitalized cost of these assets. Oil and natural gas prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty, and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. A decline in oil and natural gas price volatility could also affect our revenues and returns from Energy Marketing, which historically tend to increase when markets are volatile.
 

57

 

Our mining operation requires a reliable supply of replacement parts, explosives, fuel, tires and steel-related products. If the cost of any of these increase significantly, or if a source of these supplies or mining equipment was unavailable to meet our replacement demands, our productivity and profitability could be lower than our current expectations. In recent years, industry-wide demand growth exceeded supply growth for certain surface mining equipment and off-the-road tires. As a result, lead times for some items generally increased to several months and prices for these items increased significantly.
 
Our hedging activities that are designed to protect against commodity price and financial market risks may cause fluctuations in reported financial results.
 
We use various financial contracts and derivatives, including futures, forwards, options and swaps, to manage commodity price and financial market risks. The timing of the recognition of gains or losses on these economic hedges in accordance with GAAP does not always match up with the gains or losses on the commodities or assets being hedged. The difference in accounting can result in volatility in reported results, even though the expected profit margin may be essentially unchanged from the dates the transactions were consummated.
 
Derivatives regulations included in current financial reform legislation could impede our ability to manage business and financial risks by restricting our use of derivative instruments as hedges against fluctuating commodity prices and interest rates.
In July 2010, Dodd-Frank was passed by Congress and signed into law. Dodd-Frank contains significant derivatives regulations, including a requirement that certain transactions be cleared on exchanges and a requirement to post cash collateral (commonly referred to as "margin") for such transactions. Dodd-Frank provides for a potential exception from these clearing and cash collateral requirements for commercial end-users and it includes a number of defined terms that will be used in determining how this exception applies to particular derivative transactions and the parties to those transactions. Dodd-Frank requires the CFTC to promulgate rules to define these terms, however we do not yet know the rules that the CFTC will actually promulgate or whether the rules or exceptions thereto will apply to us.
 
We use crude oil and natural gas derivative instruments in conjunction with our Energy Marketing activities and to hedge the sales price for a portion of our expected oil and gas production. We also use interest rate derivative instruments to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations. Depending on the regulations adopted by the CFTC, we could be required to post additional collateral with our dealer counterparties for our commitments and interest rate derivative transactions. Such a requirement could have a significant impact on our business by reducing our ability to execute derivative transactions to reduce commodity price and interest rate uncertainty and to protect cash flows. Requirements to post collateral may cause significant liquidity issues by reducing our ability to use cash for investment or other corporate purposes, or may require us to increase our level of debt. In addition, a requirement for our counterparties to post collateral could result in additional costs being passed on to us, thereby decreasing our profitability.
 
Our use of derivative financial instruments could result in material financial losses.
 
From time to time, we have sought to limit a portion of the potential adverse effects resulting from changes in commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates by using derivative financial instruments and other hedging mechanisms, and by the activities we conduct in our trading operations. To the extent that we hedge our commodity price and interest rate exposures, we forego the benefits we would otherwise experience if commodity prices or interest rates were to change in our favor. In addition, even though they are closely monitored by management, our hedging and trading activities can result in losses. Such losses could occur under various circumstances, including if a counterparty does not perform its obligations under the hedge arrangement, the hedge is economically imperfect, commodity prices or interest rates move unfavorably related to our physical or financial positions, or hedging policies and procedures are not followed.
 
Our Energy Marketing and Utility operations rely on storage and transportation assets owned by third parties to satisfy their obligations.
 
Our energy marketing operations involve contracts to buy and sell natural gas, crude oil, coal and other commodities, many of which are settled by physical delivery. We depend on pipelines and other storage and transportation facilities owned by third parties to satisfy our delivery obligations under these contracts. Our Gas Utilities also rely on pipeline companies and other owners of gas storage facilities to deliver natural gas to ratepayers and to hedge commodity costs. If storage capacity is inadequate or transportation is disrupted, our ability to satisfy our obligations may be hindered. As a result, we may be responsible for damages incurred by our counterparties, such as the additional cost of acquiring alternative supply at then-current market rates, or for penalties imposed by state regulatory authorities.

58

 

 
We may be adversely affected if we fail to achieve or maintain compliance with existing or future governmental regulations or requirements, or by the potentially high cost of complying with such requirements or addressing environmental liabilities.
 
Our business is subject to extensive energy, environmental and other laws and regulations of federal, state, tribal and local authorities.  We generally must obtain and comply with a variety of regulations, licenses, permits and other approvals in order to operate, which can require significant capital expenditure and operating costs.  If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to civil or criminal liability and the imposition of penalties, liens or fines, claims for property damage or personal injury, or environmental clean-up costs.  In addition, existing regulations may be revised or reinterpreted, and new laws and regulations may be adopted or become applicable to us or our facilities, which could require additional unexpected expenditures or cause us to reevaluate the feasibility of continued operations at certain sites, and have a detrimental effect on our business.
 
In connection with certain acquisitions, we assumed liabilities associated with the environmental condition of certain properties, regardless of when such liabilities arose, whether known or unknown, and in some cases agreed to indemnify the former owners of those properties for environmental liabilities.  Future steps to bring our facilities into compliance or to address contamination from legacy operations, if necessary, could be expensive and could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.  We expect our environmental compliance expenditures to be substantial in the future due to the continuing trends toward stricter standards, greater regulation, more extensive permitting requirements and an increase in the number of assets we operate.
 
Our energy marketing segment may be subject to increased regulation.
 
In January 2010, the CFTC proposed regulations aimed at establishing speculative position limits on energy commodities.  The proposed regulations would apply to all CFTC-regulated exchanges and would cap the number of contracts a market participant can hold at the NYMEX or Intercontinental Exchange.  The position limit would restrict the amount of contracts a market participant can hold at any one time.  This proposal is intended to curb excessive speculation in the energy markets and is part of a wider push to overhaul the financial markets.  Due to uncertainty as to the final outcome of any rulemaking or legislation, we cannot definitively estimate the effect of increased regulation on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
 
Our financial performance depends on the successful operations of our facilities.
 
Operating electric generating facilities, the coal mine and electric and natural gas distribution systems involves risks, including:
 
•    
Operational limitations imposed by environmental and other regulatory requirements.
 
•    
Interruptions to supply of fuel and other commodities used in generation and distribution. The Gas Utilities purchase fuel from a number of suppliers. Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by disruptions in the delivery of fuel due to various factors, including but not limited to, transportation delays, labor relations, weather, and environmental regulations which could limit the Gas Utilities' ability to operate their facilities.
 
•    
Breakdown or failure of equipment or processes.
 
•    
Inability to recruit and retain skilled technical labor.
 
•    
Labor relations. Approximately 33% of our employees are represented by a total of six collective bargaining agreements. We are currently in contract renewal negotiations on two of these agreements. Three separate arbitration proceedings have been initiated by the respective union locals concerning changes we made to our pension plans.
 
•    
Disrupted transmission and distribution. We depend on transmission and distribution facilities, including those operated by unaffiliated parties, to deliver the electricity and gas that we sell to our retail and wholesale customers. If transmission is interrupted, our ability to sell or deliver product and satisfy our contractual obligations may be hindered.
 
•    
Operating hazards such as leaks, mechanical problems and accidents, including explosions, affecting our natural gas distribution system which could impact public safety, reliability and customer confidence.
 

59

 

We may be vulnerable to cyber attacks and terrorism.
 
Man-made problems such as computer viruses, terrorism, theft and sabotage, may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results. We operate in a highly regulated industry that requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Our technology systems may be vulnerable to disability, failures or unauthorized access due to hacking, viruses, acts of war or terrorism and other causes. If our technology systems were to fail or be breached and we were unable to recover in a timely manner, we may be unable to fulfill critical business functions and sensitive, confidential and other data could be compromised, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, our generation plants, fuel storage facilities, transmission and distribution facilities may be targets of terrorist activities that could disrupt our ability to produce or distribute some portion of our energy products.
 
Federal and state laws concerning greenhouse gas regulations and air emissions may materially increase our generation and production costs and could render some of our generating units uneconomical to operate and maintain.
We own and operate regulated and non-regulated fossil-fuel generating plants in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. We recently completed another fossil-fuel generating plant in Wyoming and are constructing others in Colorado. Recent developments under federal and state laws and regulations governing air emissions from fossil-fuel generating plants will likely result in more stringent emission limitations, which could have a material impact on our costs or operations. Various pending or final state and EPA regulations that will impact our facilities are also discussed in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Environmental Matters."
On April 29, 2010, the EPA published proposed Industrial and Commercial Boiler regulations, which provide for hazardous air pollutant-related emission limits and monitoring requirements for both major and area sources of hazardous air pollutants. The final rule has a court-ordered deadline of February 21, 2011 and we will evaluate once final. If issued as proposed, will have significant impact at our Neil Simpson I, Osage, Ben French and W.N. Clark facilities. The regulation currently has a three year compliance window and will require an engineering evaluation to determine economic viability of continued operations at these units. We currently expect that, the adoption of these regulations will lead to retirement of these units within three years of the effective date of the final rule.
The EPA is obligated under a court-approved consent decree to sign a proposed electric utility hazardous air pollutant rule (Utility MACT rule) by March 16, 2011 and sign its notice of final rulemaking by November 16, 2011. We expect that affected units will have three years from effective date to be in compliance with the new rules. In 2010, we participated in the EPA's efforts to gather data for rule development. Certain requirements of that regulation could have significant impacts on the Neil Simpson II, Wygen I, Wygen II, Wygen III and Wyodak facilities.
On June 23, 2010, the EPA published in the Federal Register the GHG Tailoring Rule, implementing regulations of GHG for permitting purposes. This rule will impact us in the event of a major modification at an existing facility or in the event of a new major source. Existing permitted facilities will see monitoring reporting requirements incorporated into their operating permits upon renewal. New projects or major modifications to existing projects will result in a Best Available Control Technology review that could result in more stringent emissions control practices and technologies.
In 2010, the State of Colorado enacted House Bill 1365, the Colorado Clean Air, Clean Jobs Act, a coordinated utility plan to reduce air emissions from coal fired power plants and promoting the use of natural gas and other low emitting resources. This act has a significant impact on our W.N. Clark facility and on October 29, 2010, Colorado Electric filed testimony with the CPUC that recommended retirement of the W.N. Clark facility to comply with House Bill 1365 within three years of promulgation of the EPA's proposed Industrial and Commercial Boiler Hazardous Air Pollutant Regulations, or in the absence of such regulation, to retire the units by the end of 2017. On December 16, 2010, the CPUC issued an order approving the closure of the W.N. Clark generation facility by December 31, 2013, and granted a presumption of need for replacement of the plant. Colorado Electric proposed to construct a third 92 MW General Electric LMS100 natural gas-fired turbine at its Pueblo Airport Generation Station. Colorado Electric will file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in the first quarter of 2011 that will provide additional justification for the incremental 50 MW generation capacity.
Due to uncertainty as to the final outcome of federal climate change legislation, or regulatory changes under the Clean Air Act, we cannot definitively estimate the effect of GHG regulation on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The impact of GHG legislation or regulation upon our company will depend upon many factors, including but not limited to the timing of implementation, the GHG sources that are regulated, the overall GHG emissions cap level, and the availability of technologies to control or reduce GHG emissions. If a "cap and trade" structure is implemented, the impact will also be affected by the degree to which offsets are allowed, the allocation of emission allowances to specific sources, and the effect of carbon regulation on natural gas and coal prices.

60

 

New or more stringent regulations or other energy efficiency requirements could require us to incur significant additional costs relating to, among other things, the installation of additional emission control equipment, the acceleration of capital expenditures, the purchase of additional emissions allowances or offsets, the acquisition or development of additional energy supply from renewable resources, and the closure of certain generating facilities. To the extent our regulated fossil-fuel generating plants are included in rate base, we will attempt to recover costs associated with complying with emission standards or other requirements. We will also attempt to recover the emission compliance costs of our non-regulated fossil-fuel generating plants from utility and other purchasers of the power generated by our non-regulated power plants. Any unrecovered costs could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, future changes in environmental regulations governing air emissions could render some of our power generating units more expensive or uneconomical to operate and maintain.
Governmental authorities may assess penalties on us if it is determined that we have not complied with environmental laws and regulations.
 
If we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond our control, that failure may result in the assessment of civil or criminal penalties and fines against us. Recent lawsuits by the EPA and various states filed against others within industries in which we operate, including enforcement actions under the EPA's New Source Review rule, highlight the environmental risks faced by generating facilities, in general, and coal-fired generating facilities in particular.
 
The characteristics of coal may make it difficult for coal users to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion or utilization. As a result, coal users may switch to other fuels, which could affect the volume of our sales and the price of our products.
 
Coal contains impurities, including but not limited to sulfur, mercury, chlorine, carbon and other elements or compounds, many of which are released into the air when coal is burned. Stricter environmental regulations of emissions from coal-fueled power plants could increase the costs of using coal thereby reducing demand for coal as a fuel source and the volume and price of our coal sales. Stricter regulations could make coal a less attractive fuel alternative in the planning and building of power plants in the future.
 
Proposed reductions in emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or greenhouse gases may require the installation of costly emission control technology or the implementation of other measures. For example, in order to meet the federal Clean Air Act limits for SO2 emission from power plants, coal users may need to install scrubbers, use SO2 emission allowances (some of which they may purchase), blend high-sulfur coal with low-sulfur coal or switch to other fuels. Reductions in mercury emission required by certain states will likely require some power plants to install new equipment, at substantial cost, or discourage the use of certain coals containing higher levels of mercury. Existing or proposed legislation focusing on emissions enacted by the United States or individual states could make coal a less attractive fuel alternative for our customers and could impose a tax or fee on the producer of the coal. If our customers decrease the volume of coal they purchase from us or switch to alternative fuels as a result of existing or future environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions, our operations and financial results could be adversely impacted.
 
Our energy production, transmission and distribution activities involve numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs.
 
Inherent in our natural gas distribution activities, as well as our production, transportation and storage of crude oil and natural gas and our coal mining operations, are a variety of hazards and operating risks, such as leaks, blow-outs, fires, releases of hazardous materials, explosions and mechanical problems that could cause substantial adverse financial impacts. These events could result in injury or loss of human life, significant damage to property or natural resources (including public parks), environmental pollution, impairment of our operations, and substantial losses to us. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations. Particularly for our distribution lines located near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers, industrial sites and other public gathering areas, the damages resulting from any such events could be great.
 

61

 

Increased risks of regulatory penalties could negatively impact our business.
 
Business activities in the energy sector are heavily regulated, primarily by agencies of the federal government. Agencies that historically sought voluntary compliance, or issued non-monetary sanctions, now employ mandatory civil penalty structures for regulatory violations. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 increased FERC's civil penalty authority for violation of FERC statutes, rules and orders. FERC may now impose penalties of $1.0 million per violation, per day. The CFTC, EPA, OSHA and MSHA also impose civil penalties to enforce compliance requirements relative to our business. In addition, FERC has delegated certain aspects of authority for enforcement of electric system reliability standards to the NERC, with similar penalty authority for violations. If a serious regulatory violation did occur, and penalties were imposed by FERC or another federal agency, this action could have a material adverse effect on our operations or our financial results.
 
Ongoing changes in the United States electric utility industry, including state and federal regulatory changes, a potential increase in the number or geographic scale of our competitors or the imposition of price limitations to address market volatility, could adversely affect our profitability.
 
The United States electric utility industry is experiencing increasing competitive pressures as a result of:
 
•    
Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the repeal of the PUHCA;
 
•    
Industry consolidation;
 
•    
Consumer demands;
 
•    
Transmission constraints;
 
•    
Renewable resource supply requirements;
 
•    
Resistance to the siting of utility infrastructure or to the granting of right-of-ways;
 
•    
Technological advances; and
 
•    
Greater availability of natural gas-fired power generation, and other factors.
 
FERC has implemented and continues to propose regulatory changes to increase access to the nationwide transmission grid by utility and non-utility purchasers and sellers of electricity. Industry deregulation in some states led to the disaggregation of vertically integrated utilities into separate generation, transmission and distribution businesses. Deregulation initiatives in a number of states may encourage further disaggregation. As a result, significant additional competitors could become active in the generation, transmission and distribution segments of our industry, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In addition, the independent system operators who oversee many of the wholesale power markets have in the past imposed, and may in the future continue to impose, price limitations and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility in these markets. These price limitations and other mechanisms may adversely affect the profitability of generating facilities that sell energy into the wholesale power markets. Given the extreme volatility and lack of meaningful long-term price history in some of these markets, and the imposition of price limitations by independent system operators, we may not be able to operate profitably in all wholesale power markets.
 
The recent global financial crisis made the credit markets less accessible and created a shortage of available credit. Should a similar financial crisis occur in the future, we may be unable to obtain the financing needed to refinance debt, fund planned capital expenditures or otherwise execute our operating strategy.
 
Our ability to execute our operating strategy is highly dependent upon our access to capital. Historically, we have addressed our liquidity needs (including funds required to make scheduled principal and interest payments, refinance debt and fund working capital and planned capital expenditures) with operating cash flow, borrowings under credit facilities, proceeds of debt and equity offerings and proceeds from asset sales. Our ability to access the capital markets and the costs and terms of available financing depend on many factors, including changes in our credit ratings, changes in the Federal or state regulatory environment affecting energy companies, volatility in commodity or electricity prices and general economic and market conditions.
 

62

 

In addition, given that we are a holding company and that our utility assets are owned by our subsidiaries, if we are unable to adequately access the credit markets, we could be required to take additional measures designed to ensure that our utility subsidiaries are adequately capitalized to provide safe and reliable service.  Possible additional measures would be evaluated in the context of then-prevailing market conditions, prudent financial management and any applicable regulatory requirements.
 
The global financial crisis has affected our counterparty credit risk.
 
As a consequence of the global financial crisis, the creditworthiness of many of our contractual counterparties (particularly financial institutions) has deteriorated.
 
We have established guidelines, controls and limits to manage and mitigate credit risk. For our energy marketing, production and generation activities, we seek to mitigate our credit risk by conducting a majority of our business with investment grade companies, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining netting agreements and securing our credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parent company guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit and other security agreements. Although we aggressively monitor and evaluate changes in our counterparties' credit quality and adjust the credit limits based upon such changes, our credit guidelines, controls and limits may not fully protect us from increasing counterparty credit risk. To the extent the economic conditions causes our credit exposure to contractual counterparties to increase materially, such increased exposure could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
 
National and regional economic conditions may cause increased late payments and uncollectible accounts, which would reduce earnings and cash flows.
 
The continued recessionary environment and any future recession may lead to an increase in late payments from retail, commercial and industrial utility customers, as well as our non-utility customers (including marketing counterparties). If late payments and uncollectible accounts increase, earnings and cash flows from our continuing operations may be reduced.
 
Our credit ratings could be lowered below investment grade in the future. If this were to occur, it could impact our access to capital, our cost of capital and our other operating costs.
 
Our issuer credit rating is "Baa3" (stable outlook) by Moody's; "BBB-" (stable outlook) by S&P; and "BBB" (stable outlook) by Fitch. Reduction of our credit ratings could impair our ability to refinance or repay our existing debt and to complete new financings on acceptable terms, or at all. A downgrade could also result in counterparties requiring us to post additional collateral under existing or new contracts or trades. In addition, a ratings downgrade would increase our interest expense under some of our existing debt obligations, including borrowings under our credit facilities.
 
We rely on cash distributions from our subsidiaries to make and maintain dividends and debt payments. Our subsidiaries may not be able or permitted to make dividend payments or loan funds to us.
 
We are a holding company. Our investments in our subsidiaries are our primary assets. Our operating cash flow and ability to service our indebtedness depend on the operating cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by them to us in the form of dividends or advances. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities that have no obligation to make any funds available for that purpose, whether by dividends or otherwise. In addition, each subsidiary's ability to pay dividends to us depends on any applicable contractual or regulatory restrictions that may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of cash, working capital or debt service funds.
 
Our utility operations are regulated by state utility commissions in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. In connection with the Aquila Transaction, the settlement agreements or acquisition orders approved by the CPUC, IUB, KCC and NPSC provide that, among other things, (i) our utilities in those jurisdictions cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and (ii) neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor any of its utility subsidiaries can extend credit to us except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. In addition to the restrictions described above, each state in which we conduct utility operations imposes restrictions on affiliate transactions, including intercompany loans. If our utility subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends or advance funds to us as a result of these conditions, or if the ability of our utility subsidiaries to make dividends or advance funds to us is further restricted, it could materially and adversely affect our ability to meet our financial obligations or pay dividends to our shareholders.
 

63

 

We expect to continue our policy of paying regular cash dividends. However, there is no assurance as to the amount of future dividends because they depend on our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial conditions, and are subject to declaration by the Board of Directors. Our operating subsidiaries have certain restrictions on their ability to transfer funds in the form of dividends or loans to us. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" within Management's Discussion and Analysis in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding these restrictions and their impact on our liquidity.
 
Increasing costs associated with our defined benefit retirement plans may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
 
We have multiple defined benefit pension and non-pension postretirement plans that cover certain employees. Assumptions related to future costs, return on investments, interest rates and other actuarial assumptions have a significant impact on our funding requirements related to these plans. These estimates and assumptions may change based on actual return on plan assets, changes in interest rates and any changes in governmental regulations.
 
Increasing costs associated with our health care plans may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
 
The costs of providing health care benefits to our employees and retirees have increased substantially in recent years. We believe that our employee benefit costs, including costs related to health care plans for our employees and former employees, will continue to rise. The increasing costs and funding requirements associated with our health care plans may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
 
In March 2010, the President of the United States signed PPACA as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the “2010 Acts”). The 2010 Acts will have a substantial impact on health care providers, insurers, employers and individuals. The 2010 Acts will impact employers and businesses differently depending on the size of the organization and the specific impacts on a company’s employees. Certain provisions of the 2010 Acts became effective during our open enrollment period (November 1, 2010) while other provisions of the 2010 Acts will be effective in future years. Although the constitutional validity of the 2010 Acts is the subject of numerous lawsuits now pending in the federal courts, the outcome of which is uncertain, the 2010 Acts could require, among other things, changes to our current employee benefit plans and in our administrative and accounting processes. The ultimate extent and cost of these changes cannot be determined at this time and are being evaluated and updated as related regulations and interpretations of the 2010 Acts become available, and as the results of pending litigation become final.
 
An effective system of internal control may not be maintained, leading to material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
 
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires management to make an assessment of the design and effectiveness of internal controls. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to the effectiveness of these controls. During their assessment of these controls, management or our independent registered public accounting firm may identify areas of weakness in control design or effectiveness, which may lead to the conclusion that a material weakness in internal control exists. Any control deficiencies we identify in the future could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports or have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business or access sources of liquidity.
 

64

 

We have recorded a substantial amount of goodwill associated with the Aquila Transaction. Any significant impairment of our goodwill related to these utilities would cause a decrease in our assets and a reduction in our net income and shareholders' equity.
 
We had approximately $354.8 million of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. A substantial portion of the goodwill is related to the Aquila Transaction. If we make changes in our business strategy or if market or other conditions adversely affect operations in any of these businesses, we may be forced to record a non-cash impairment charge, which would reduce our reported assets and net income. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including future business operating performance, changes in economic, regulatory, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations, changes in competition or changes in technologies. Any changes in key assumptions, or actual performance compared with key assumptions, about our business and its future prospects could affect the fair value of one or more business segments, which may result in an impairment charge.
 
ITEM 1B.    
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 
ITEM 3.    
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Information regarding our legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference to the "Legal Proceedings" sub caption within Item 8, Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies", of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
ITEM 4.    SPECIALIZED DISCLOSURES (UNDER PROPOSED RULES)
 
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of Dodd-Frank is included in Exhibit 99.1 of this Annual Report.
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.    
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BKH. As of December 31, 2010, we had 4,667 common shareholders of record and approximately 24,000 beneficial owners, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 6 foreign countries.
 
We have paid a regular quarterly cash dividend each year since the incorporation of our predecessor company in 1941 and expect to continue paying a regular quarterly dividend for the foreseeable future. At its January 27, 2011 meeting, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.365 per share, equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.46 per share, marking 2011 as the 41st consecutive annual dividend increase for the Company.
 
For additional discussion of our dividend policy and factors that may limit our ability to pay dividends, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" under Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report on Form 10-K."
 

65

 

Quarterly dividends paid and the high and low prices for our common stock, as reported in the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions, for the last two years were as follows:
 
Year ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
Common stock prices
 
 
 
 
High
$
30.83
 
$
34.49
 
$
33.31
 
$
33.42
 
Low
$
25.65
 
$
27.34
 
$
27.79
 
$
29.32
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
Common stock prices
 
 
 
 
High
$
27.84
 
$
23.45
 
$
26.90
 
$
27.98
 
Low
$
14.63
 
$
17.36
 
$
22.57
 
$
23.16
 
 
 
UNREGISTERED SECURITIES ISSUED DURING 2010
 
There were no unregistered securities sold during 2010, except as were previously reported in our periodic and current reports to the SEC.
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
October 1, 2010 –October 31, 2010
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 1, 2010 –November 30, 2010
761
 
$
32.42
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 1, 2010 –December 31, 2010
3,222
 
$
30.75
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
3,983
 
$
31.07
 
 
 
_________________________
(1)    Shares were acquired from certain officers and key employees under the share withholding provisions of the Omnibus Incentive Plan for payment of taxes associated with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options.
 

66

 

ITEM 6.    
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
Years Ended December 31,
2010
 
2009
 
2008
(1)
2007
 
2006
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets 
$
3,711,509
 
 
$
3,317,698
 
 
$
3,379,889
 
 
$
2,469,634
 
 
$
2,241,798
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total property, plant and equipment
$
3,359,762
 
 
$
2,975,993
 
 
$
2,705,492
 
 
$
1,847,435
 
 
$
1,661,028
 
Accumulated depreciation and depletion
(864,329
)
 
(815,263
)
 
(683,332
)
 
(509,187
)
 
(462,557
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
$
496,990
 
 
$
347,819
 
 
$
1,304,352
 
(2)
$
267,047
 
 
$
308,450
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities
$
5,181
 
 
$
35,245
 
 
$
2,078
 
 
$
130,326
 
 
$
4,249
 
Notes payable
249,000
 
 
164,500
 
 
703,800
 
 
37,000
 
 
145,500
 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
1,186,050
 
 
1,015,912
 
 
501,252
 
 
503,301
 
 
554,411
 
Common stock equity
1,100,270
 
 
1,084,837
 
 
1,050,536
 
 
969,855
 
 
790,041
 
Total capitalization
$
2,540,501
 
 
$
2,300,494
 
 
$
2,257,666
 
 
$
1,640,482
 
 
$
1,494,201
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt, including current maturities
10.0
%
 
8.7
%
 
31.3
%
 
10.2
%
 
10.0
%
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
46.7
%
 
44.2
%
 
22.2
%
 
30.7
%
 
37.1
%
Common stock equity
43.3
%
 
47.1
%
 
46.5
%
 
59.1
%
 
52.9
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
$
1,307,251
 
 
$
1,269,578
 
 
$
1,005,790
 
 
$
574,838
 
 
$
542,585
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Available for Common Stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities
$
74,563
 
 
$
57,071
 
 
$
43,904
 
 
$
31,633
 
 
$
24,188
 
Non-regulated Energy
13,616
 
 
579
 
(4)
(23,345
)
(5)
49,897
 
 
37,098
 
Corporate expenses and intersegment eliminations
(19,494
)
(3)
21,106
 
(3)
(72,596
)
(3)
(5,872
)
 
(5,514
)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
68,685
 
 
78,756
 
 
(52,037
)
 
75,658
 
 
55,772
 
Discontinued operations(6)
 
 
2,799
 
 
157,247
 
 
23,491
 
 
25,757
 
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
 
 
(130
)
 
(377
)
 
(510
)
Net income available for common stock
$
68,685
 
 
$
81,555
 
 
$
105,080
 
 
$
98,772
 
 
$
81,019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
$
56,467
 
 
$
55,151
 
 
$
53,663
 
 
$
50,300
 
 
$
43,960
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Data(7) (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares outstanding, average
38,916
 
 
38,614
 
 
38,193
 
 
37,024
 
 
33,179
 
Shares outstanding, average diluted
39,091
 
 
38,684
 
 
38,193
 
 
37,414
 
 
33,549
 
Shares outstanding, end of year
39,269
 
 
38,969
 
 
38,636
 
 
37,796
 
 
33,369
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock (in dollars) (7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per average share -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.76
 
 
$
2.04
 
 
$
(1.37
)
 
$
2.04
 
 
$
1.68
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
0.07
 
 
4.12
 
 
0.63
 
 
0.77
 
Non-controlling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Total
$
1.76
 
 
$
2.11
 
 
$
2.75
 
 
$
2.66
 
 
$
2.44
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per average share -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.76
 
 
$
2.04
 
 
$
(1.37
)
 
$
2.02
 
 
$
1.66
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
0.07
 
 
4.12
 
 
0.63
 
 
0.77
 
Non-controlling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Total
$
1.76
 
 
$
2.11
 
 
$
2.75
 
 
$
2.64
 
 
$
2.42
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Declared per Share
$
1.44
 
 
$
1.42
 
 
$
1.40
 
 
$
1.37
 
 
$
1.32
 
 

67

 

Years ended December 31,
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Value Per Share, End of Year
$
28.02
 
 
$
27.84
 
 
$
27.19
 
 
$
25.66
 
 
$
23.68
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on Average Common Stock Equity (year-end)
6.3
%
 
7.6
%
 
10.4
%
 
11.2
%
 
10.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generating capacity (MW):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities (owned generation)
687
 
 
630
 
 
630
 
 
435
 
 
435
 
Utilities (purchased capacity)
440
 
 
430
 
 
420
 
 
50
 
 
50
 
Independent power generation(8)
120
 
 
120
 
 
141
 
 
983
 
 
989
 
Total generating capacity
1,247
 
 
1,180
 
 
1,191
 
 
1,468
 
 
1,474
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MWh sold:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail electric
4,532,191
 
 
4,403,459
 
 
3,532,402
 
 
2,636,425
 
 
2,552,290
 
Contracted wholesale
468,782
 
 
645,297
 
 
665,795
 
 
652,931
 
 
647,444
 
Wholesale off-system
1,749,524
 
 
1,692,191
 
 
1,551,273
 
 
678,581
 
 
942,045
 
Total MWh sold
6,750,497
 
 
6,740,947
 
 
5,749,470
 
 
3,967,937
 
 
4,141,779
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utilities:(1) (9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas sold (Dth)
55,265,630
 
 
56,671,438
 
 
23,053,599
 
 
 
 
 
Transport volumes (Dth)
59,879,450
 
 
55,104,284
 
 
26,805,075
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas production sold (MMcfe)
11,300
 
 
12,463
 
 
13,534
 
 
14,627
 
 
14,414
 
Oil and gas reserves (MMcfe)
131,096
 
 
119,304
 
 
185,542
 
 
207,806
 
 
199,092
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons of coal sold (thousands of tons)
5,931
 
 
5,955
 
 
6,017
 
 
5,049
 
 
4,717
 
Coal reserves (thousands of tons)
261,860
 
 
268,000
 
 
274,000
 
 
280,000
 
 
285,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average daily marketing volumes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas physical sales (MMBtu)
1,586,000
 
 
1,974,300
 
 
1,873,400
 
 
1,743,500
 
 
1,598,200
 
Crude oil physical sales (Bbls)
18,455
 
 
12,400
 
 
7,880
 
 
8,600
 
 
8,800
 
Coal physical sales (Tons)(10)
33,250
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________________
(1)    Includes electric and gas utilities acquired on July 14, 2008.
(2)     Includes $938.4 million for the Aquila acquisition.
(3)    2010 and 2008 includes a $9.9 million and a $61.4 million after-tax unrealized mark-to-market loss related to certain interest rate swaps; while 2009 includes a $36.2 million after-tax unrealized mark-to-market gain related to certain interest rate swaps.
(4)     Includes a $27.8 million after-tax ceiling test impairment charge to our crude oil and natural gas properties taken in 2009 and a $16.9 million after-tax gain on sale of 23.5% ownership interest in Wygen I.
(5)    Includes a $59.0 million after-tax ceiling test impairment charge to our crude oil and natural gas properties taken in 2008.
(6)    2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 include the operations of the assets sold in the IPP Transaction.
(7)    During February 2007, we issued 4.2 million shares of common stock, which dilutes our earnings per share in subsequent periods.
(8)    2007 and 2006 include 825 MW which have been reported as "Discontinued operations."
(9)    Excludes Cheyenne Light.
(10) Represents coal marketing operations which began June, 2010.
 
Certain items related to 2007 and 2006 have been restated from prior year presentation to reflect the classification of the 2008 IPP Transaction as discontinued operations and non-controlling interest (see Notes 1 and 22 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
For additional information on our business segments see - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

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ITEMS 7 &    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
and 7A.    OF OPERATIONS AND QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK
 
We are an integrated energy company operating principally in the United States with two major business groups - Utilities and Non-regulated Energy. We report for our business groups in the following financial segments:
 
Business Group
Financial Segment
 
 
Utilities
Electric Utilities
 
Gas Utilities
Non-regulated Energy
Oil and Gas
 
Power Generation
 
Coal Mining
 
Energy Marketing
 
Our Utilities Group consists of our Electric and Gas utility segments. Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 201,000 customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana and includes the operations of Cheyenne Light and its approximately 34,500 gas utility customers in Wyoming. Our Gas Utilities segment serves approximately 527,000 natural gas customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Our Non-regulated Energy Group engages in the production of coal, natural gas, crude oil and coal; the production of electric power through ownership of a portfolio of generating plants and the sale of electric power and capacity primarily under mid- and long-term wholesale contracts; and in the marketing of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products and related services primarily in the United States and Canada.
 
Industry Overview
 
The United States energy industry experienced another tumultuous year in 2010. The global economic crisis that commenced in late 2008, and continued through 2010, reduced energy demand. Energy commodity prices, which were near historic highs in mid-2008, experienced dramatic declines in early 2009. While crude oil prices recovered notably through 2009 and in 2010, natural gas prices have remained low. Domestic crude oil prices continued to be influenced by global factors, including foreign economic conditions (especially in China and Asia), the policies of OPEC and other large foreign oil producers, and political tensions and conflict in many regions.
 
However, the proliferation of domestic natural gas shale plays in recent years has provided the market an abundant new supply of natural gas. Combined with demand destruction from the economic downturn, this new and abundant supply source has created record volumes of natural gas in storage, and reduced domestic natural gas prices. In fact, the ratio of crude oil to natural gas prices is at all time highs, far in excess of the six to one heating value equivalent ratio. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future given the expected further development of domestic shale gas reserves.
 
Coal prices have also been volatile during the past year. Powder River Basin Spot prices (8800 Btu per pound) were $6.61 per ton in late 2009, but have been quite volatile during 2010, trading as high as $14.84 per ton. Toward the end of 2010, pricing pulled back and Power River Basin coal was trading around $13.00 per ton.
 
Like other United States industries, the energy industry is faced with numerous uncertainties, both short and long-term. Many utilities have large capital spending needs over the next few years to replace aging infrastructure, and add new assets such as transmission lines and renewable energy resources. Utility companies generally are less impacted by economic downturns, but the prolonged, severe recession has affected the demand for energy and the ability of customers to pay their utility bills, particularly in certain parts of the country. The recession also impacted the ability of companies to obtain the capital necessary for infrastructure expansion. In 2010, the United States economy appears to have initiated a slow recovery from the deep recession. For credit-worthy companies, equity and debt financings were successfully undertaken throughout 2010.
 

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The state utility regulatory climate in 2010 remained relatively constructive among government, industry and consumer representatives. In the seven-state region encompassing our utility operations, regulators were willing to establish rates based on multi-year considerations, including fuel and other reasonable cost adjustments, justifiable capital expenditures for maintenance and expansion of energy systems, and a response to environmental concerns through demand management and energy efficiency programs. Challenges remain, however, in obtaining satisfactory rate recovery for utility investments due to the general state of the economy and concern by regulators in various states that utility rate increases may cause further harm to local economies.
 
At the federal level, the passage of a major economic stimulus package by Congress in 2009, and the bailout of several "too large to fail" financial firms and automobile manufacturers, set the stage for an emphasis on increased regulation and government oversight of industry, which continued into 2010. In addition, in late 2009, Congress focused on the passage of major healthcare reform legislation. The EPA is likely to pass rules in 2011 that will likely require the potential closure of many older coal burning power plants. State legislatures also remained active on environmental issues in 2010, with a majority of states now having adopted some form of renewable energy standard, including some in which we operate. In addition, several states have passed greenhouse gas emissions legislation, which places limits on the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. These known and potential legislative actions could have significant macroeconomic consequences, as the associated cost increases may cause a dramatic increase in consumer costs for products and services, including rates for electricity and other energy in the mid- to long-term.
 
The November 2010 elections caused a significant change in the domestic political environment, and a dramatic shift in domestic policy. The passage in December of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, extends through 2012 lower tax rates introduced in 2001 and 2003, reduces the estate tax, extends unemployment benefits, reduces the Social Security portion of payroll taxes for employees, and extends bonus depreciation. A benefit to our investors, the bill extends through 2012 the lower capital gains tax rate introduced by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Additionally, the bill extends the 100% bonus depreciation for business property acquired after September 8, 2010 and placed into service prior to January 1, 2012. This provision will provide positive tax benefits for the Colorado Electric and Colorado IPP generation projects currently under construction.
 
The energy marketplace continues to respond to the increased oversight and enforcement activity of FERC, and increased environmental and emissions reviews and mandates. In recent years, several state regulatory agencies allowed electric utilities to construct and operate power plants in vertically integrated structures after years of discouraging or prohibiting such activity.
 
Over the last decade, the corporate structure of many energy companies underwent evaluation and change, in large part due to efforts to create additional shareholder value. Since before the economic crisis, a number of companies contemplated or implemented a realignment of business lines, reflecting a shift in long-term strategies. Some divested certain energy properties to focus on core businesses, such as exiting non-regulated power production, or energy marketing in favor of more stable utility operations. Others engaged in mergers and acquisitions with a goal to improve economies of scale and returns to investors. While mergers and acquisition activity in the utility industry essentially stopped during much of the past two years, several transactions have been announced in late 2010 and early 2011 which may signal a resumption of utility transactions. Private equity investors continued to play a role in the changing composition of energy ownership.
 
Many industry analysts cite the need for expanded energy capacity and delivery systems. They continue to foresee an increase in capital investment across a wide spectrum of energy companies. Many electric and gas utilities must replace aging plant and equipment, and regulators appear willing to provide acceptable rate treatment for additional utility investment, although the current state of the economy makes rate recovery more challenging in the short run. Oil and gas producers will continue to explore for new reserves, particularly natural gas, which will be the primary fuel of choice in light of concern regarding GHG emissions and the need to provide backup generation for renewable energy resources. The growing focus on environmental regulation made it increasingly more difficult to obtain drilling permits, particularly on public and Native American lands. However, current low natural gas prices prompted some companies to curtail projects in order to conserve cash during a period of low cash flow and constrained capital markets.
 
Fossil fuel combustion continues to be a contentious domestic and international public policy issue, as many nations, including United States allies, advocate reductions in CO2 and other emissions. Many states now encourage the energy industry to invest in renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar power, or the use of bio-mass as a fuel. In many instances, renewable energy use is mandated by state regulators. Several years ago, the State of California mandated that future imports of power must come from power plants with emission levels no greater than combined-cycle natural gas-fired plants. Such restrictions may alter transmission flow of power in western states, as a large percentage of current power generation in the western grid comes from coal sources.
 

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The power generation industry continues to make improvements in emissions control, voluntarily and in response to regulatory mandates. Emissions from new coal-fired plants are now a small fraction of those produced by power plants built a generation ago. With similar technological progress, coal can and likely will remain an important, domestically available, and economical national energy resource that is vital to meet growing energy demand. In that regard, the DOE is beginning to take positive steps toward ensuring the future of coal through research funding for "clean coal" technologies and methods of carbon capture and sequestration.
 
Energy providers, government authorities and private interests continue to address issues concerning electric transmission, power generation capacity, the use of renewable and other diversified sources of energy, oil and natural gas pipelines and storage, and other infrastructure requirements. In the short-term, prevailing economic conditions will reduce industrial and retail energy consumption. Despite public and private efforts to promote conservation and efficiency, however, the demand for energy is expected to increase steadily over the long-term. To meet this demand growth, the industry will need to provide capital, resources and innovation to serve customers cost effectively, and to achieve suitable returns on investment.
 
We believe that we are well-positioned in this industry setting, and able to proceed with our key business objectives. Along with industry counterparts, we are preparing to address the challenges discussed in this overview, such as new environmental regulations and mandates, renewable portfolio standards, CO2-related taxes or trading practices, credit market conditions, inflation, or other factors that may affect energy demand and supply. In particular, we are sensitive to additional costs that can negatively affect our customers or our profitability. To that end, we intend to work closely with regulators and industry leaders to assure that cost-conscious proposals and solutions are carefully explored in public policy proceedings.
 
Business Strategy
 
We are a customer-focused integrated energy company. Our business is comprised of electric and natural gas utility operations, power generation, and fuel assets and services, including the production of crude oil, natural gas and coal, and the marketing of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products. Our focus on customers - whether they are utility customers or non-regulated generation, fuel or marketing customers - provides opportunities to expand our businesses by constructing additional rate base assets to serve our utility customers and expand our non-regulated energy holdings to provide additional products and services to our wholesale customers.
 
The diversity of our energy operations reduces reliance on any single business segment to achieve our strategic objectives. It mitigates our overall corporate risk and enhances our ability to earn stronger returns for shareholders over the long-term. Despite challenging conditions in the capital markets over the past few years, we have demonstrated our ability to access the debt and equity markets, resulting in sufficient liquidity and solid cash flows. Consequently, our financial foundation is sound and capable of supporting an expansion of operations in both the near and long-term.
 
During 2010, we focused on completing the integration of the five utility properties acquired from Aquila in mid-2008 and the achievement of certain operating efficiencies made possible by the acquisition. During 2010 we built upon the successful 2009 consolidation of our customer information system by unifying our employee pay and benefits programs and completing substantially all of our major systems consolidations, including our human resource and financial systems, GIS mapping system, work management system and SCADA system.
 
Our long-term strategy focuses on growing both our utility and non-regulated energy businesses, primarily by increasing our customer base and providing superior service to both utility and non-regulated energy customers. In our natural gas and electric utilities, we intend to significantly grow our asset base to serve projected customer demand and to comply with environmental mandates in our existing utility service territories through expansion of infrastructure and construction of new rate-based power generation facilities. We also plan to pursue acquisitions of additional utility properties, primarily in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the country. By maintaining our high customer service and reliability standards in a cost-efficient manner, our goal is to secure appropriate rate recovery to provide solid economic returns on our utility investments.
 
We will continue to prudently grow and develop our existing inventory of oil and gas reserves, while we strive to maintain strong relationships with mineral owners, landowners and regulatory authorities. We intend to focus our near-term efforts on proving up the shale gas potential of our San Juan and Piceance Basin properties, while continuing our participation in the Bakken oil shale play and other oil-related exploration opportunities. Given increased regulatory emphasis on wind and solar power generation, and potential environmental regulations and legislation that may limit construction of new coal-fired power plants, natural gas will be the fuel of choice for power generation. Additional gas-fired peaking resources will also be required to provide critical back-up supplies for renewable technologies.

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We will continue efforts to develop additional markets for our coal production, including the development of additional power plants at our mine site. We also intend to utilize the newly acquired coal marketing expertise within our energy marketing operations to develop additional rail-served sales opportunities for our coal. Nearly 50% of all electricity generated in the United States is currently supplied from coal-fired power plants. It will take decades and significant expense before this generation can be replaced with alternative technologies. As a result, coal-fired resources will remain a necessary component of the nation's electric supply for the foreseeable future. Potential greenhouse gas legislation may limit construction of new conventional coal-fired power plants, but technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration should provide for the long-term economic use of coal. We are investigating the possible deployment of these technologies at our mine site in Wyoming.
 
We have expertise in permitting, constructing and operating power generation facilities. These skills, combined with our understanding of electric resource planning and regulatory procedures, provide a significant opportunity for us to add long-term shareholder value. We intend to grow our non-regulated power generation business by continuing to focus on long-term contractual relationships with other load-serving utilities.
 
The expertise of our energy marketing business should provide continued long-term profitability through a risk-managed and disciplined approach to the marketing of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products. We will continue to utilize our marketing expertise to enhance the value of our other energy assets, particularly our fuel and power generation assets. During 2010, in an effort to lessen the dependence of our energy marketing earnings on natural gas, we added coal, power and environmental products to our marketing portfolio.
 
Key Elements of our Business Strategy
 
•    
Provide stable long-term rates for customers and increase earnings by efficiently planning, constructing and operating rate-base power generation facilities needed to serve our electric utilities;
 
•    
Proactively integrate alternative and renewable energy into our utility energy supply while mitigating and remaining mindful of customer rate impacts;
 
•    
Expand utility operations through selective acquisitions of electric and gas utilities consistent with our regional focus and strategic advantages;
 
•    
Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale power customers of both our utilities and non-regulated power generation businesses;
 
•    
Selectively grow our non-regulated power generation business in targeted regional markets by developing assets and selling most of the capacity and energy production through mid- and long-term contracts primarily to load-serving utilities;
 
•    
Exploit our fuel cost advantages and our operating and marketing expertise to produce and sell power at attractive margins;
 
•    
Increase the value of our oil and gas properties by prudently growing our reserves and increasing our production of natural gas and crude oil;
 
•    
Expand our energy marketing operations opportunistically in the area of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products as market conditions warrant;
 
•    
Diligently manage the credit, price and operational risks inherent in buying and selling energy commodities; and
 
•    
Maintain an investment grade credit rating and ready access to debt and equity capital markets.
 

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Provide stable long-term rates for customers and increase earnings by efficiently planning, constructing and operating rate-base power generation facilities needed to serve our electric utilities. Our Company began as a vertically integrated electric utility, and this business model remains a core strength and strategy today, as we invest in and operate efficient power generation resources to cost effectively transmit and distribute electricity to our customers. We provide power at reasonable and stable rates to our customers, and earn competitive returns for our investors. Rate-base generation assets offer several advantages for consumers, regulators and investors. First, since the generating assets are included in the utility rate base and reviewed and approved by government authorities, customer rates are more stable than if the power was purchased from the open market through wholesale contracts that are renegotiated over time. Second, regulators participate in a planning process where long-term investments are designed to match long-term energy demand. Third, investors are assured that a long-term, reasonable, stable rate of return may be earned on their investment. A lower risk profile may also improve credit ratings which, in turn, can benefit both consumers and investors by lowering our cost of capital.
 
Examples of our progress include the January 2008 completion of Wygen II to serve the customers of Cheyenne Light and the April 2010 completion of Wygen III to serve the customers of Black Hills Power. During 2009, our Colorado Electric subsidiary completed a comprehensive resource planning process, through which we received approval to construct a 180 MW gas-fired power plant as a rate base asset to serve the customers of Colorado Electric. Construction commenced on this facility in July 2010 and its projected commercial operation date is December 31, 2011. Existing legislation in Colorado will require the retirement of Colorado Electric's W.N. Clark plant by December 31, 2013. Pending EPA regulations covering hazardous air pollutants may necessitate the early retirement of several of our older coal-fired power plants, including Black Hills Power's Osage, Ben French and Neil Simpson I plants and Colorado Electric's W.N. Clark plant. Although we are still evaluating alternatives, it is likely that we will recommend replacing these facilities with rate-based natural gas fired power plants.
 
Using reasonable assumptions, we have also carefully evaluated our coal-fired generating facilities and the potential future economic impact of a carbon tax or cap-and-trade regime intended to reduce CO2 emissions. For customers in states without renewable or CO2 mandates, such as South Dakota and Wyoming, we believe it is in our utility customers' long-term interest to construct new mine-mouth, coal-fired generating facilities, such as our Wygen II generation facility (completed in January 2008) and our Wygen III generation facility (completed in April 2010). Constructing these state-of-the-art, cost-efficient, coal-fired facilities allows us to plan for the future retirement of older, less efficient plants with higher emissions and keep rates reasonable for customers. In addition, we are actively evaluating alternative coal-fired generation technologies, including IGCC and carbon capture and sequestration, though both appear cost prohibitive in the near term. These technologies may become cost effective in the future if regulatory or legislative actions place a sufficiently high price on CO2 emissions or further technological advancements reduce the costs of those technologies. The location of our coal mine and power plant complex in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming provides key strategic advantages for carbon capture and sequestration projects, such as readily available saline aquifers for the injection and sequestration of CO2, as well as a potential CO2 market for use in enhanced oil recovery projects. Additionally, the Wyoming legislature has been proactive in passing legislation to address pore space ownership, injection regulations and other legal issues associated with the underground sequestration of CO2.
 
Proactively integrate alternative and renewable energy into our utility energy supply while mitigating and remaining mindful of customer rate impacts. The energy and utility industries face tremendous uncertainty related to the potential impact of legislation and regulation intended to reduce GHG emissions and increase the use of renewable and other alternative energy sources. To date, many states have enacted and others are considering some form of mandatory renewable energy standard, requiring utilities to meet certain thresholds of renewable energy use. Additionally, many states have either enacted or are considering legislation setting GHG emissions reduction targets. Federal legislation for both renewable energy standards and GHG emission reductions is also under consideration.
 
Mandates for the use of renewable energy or the reduction of GHG emissions will likely produce substantial increases in the prices for electricity and natural gas. At the same time, however, as a regulated utility we are responsible for providing safe, reasonably priced, reliable sources of energy to our customers. As a result, we have developed a customer-centered strategy for renewable energy standards and GHG emission reductions that balances our customers' rate concerns with environmental considerations and legislative mandates. We attempt to strike this balance by prudently and proactively incorporating renewable energy into our resource supply, while seeking to minimize the magnitude and frequency of rate increases for our utility customers. Examples of our balanced approach include:
 
•    
In states such as South Dakota and Wyoming that currently have no legislative mandate on the use of renewable energy, we have proactively integrated cost-effective renewable energy into our generation supply based upon our expectation that there will be mandatory renewable energy standards in the future. For example, under two 20-year PPAs we purchase a total of 60 MW of wind energy from wind farms located near Cheyenne, Wyoming for use at Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light;
 

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•    
Colorado and Montana have legislative mandates regarding the use of renewable energy, therefore we aggressively pursue cost-effective initiatives with the regulators that will allow us to meet our renewable energy requirements. In Colorado for instance, we filed an electric resource plan that includes enough renewable energy additions and GHG emission reductions to permit us to satisfy the State's requirement that 30% of a utility's distributed energy must be supplied by renewable energy resources by 2020. To the extent practical, we intend to construct renewable generation resources as rate base assets, which will help mitigate the long-term customer rate impact of adding renewable energy supplies; and
 
•    
In all states in which we conduct electric utility operations, we are exploring other potential biomass, solar and wind energy projects, particularly wind generation sites located near our utility service territories.
 
Expand utility operations through selective acquisitions of electric and gas utilities consistent with our regional focus and strategic advantages. For nearly 128 years we have provided reliable utility services, delivering quality and value to our customers. Our tradition of accomplishment supports efforts to expand our utility operations into other markets, most likely in areas that permit us to take advantage of our intrinsic competitive advantages, such as baseload power generation, system reliability, superior customer service, community involvement and a relationship-based approach to regulatory matters. The 2005 acquisition of Cheyenne Light and the 2008 Aquila Transaction are examples of such expansion efforts. Utility operations also enhance other important business development, including gas transmission pipelines and storage infrastructure, which could promote other non-regulated energy operations. Utility operations can contribute substantially to the stability of our long-term cash flows, earnings and dividend policy.
 
Through our recently completed integration of the utilities we acquired in mid-2008, we have a platform of systems and processes which are very scalable, which would simplify the integration of potential future utility acquisitions. Although we do not expect to make any significant utility acquisitions in the near term, merger and acquisition activity has increased in recent months. We believe that impacts of the current recession may produce opportunities for healthy utility companies to acquire utility assets and operations of less creditworthy companies upon attractive terms and conditions. We would expect to consider such opportunities if we believe they would further our long-term strategy and help maximize shareholder value.
 
Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale power customers of both our utilities and non-regulated power generation business. We strive to build strong relationships with other utilities, municipalities and wholesale customers and believe we will continue to be a primary provider of electricity to wholesale utility customers. We further believe that these entities will continue to need products, such as capacity, in order to reliably serve their customers. By providing these products under long-term contracts, we are able to help our customers meet their energy needs. Through this approach, we also believe we can earn more stable revenues and greater returns over the long term than we could by selling energy into more volatile spot markets. In addition, relationships that we've established with wholesale power customers have developed into other opportunities. MEAN and MDU, both wholesale power customers, are now also joint owners in two of our power plants, Wygen I and Wygen III, respectively.
 
Selectively grow our non-regulated power generation business in targeted regional markets by developing assets and selling most of the capacity and energy production through mid- and long-term contracts primarily to load-serving utilities. In mid-2008, we divested of seven IPP plants for a total of $840 million. While much of our recent power plant development has been for our regulated utilities, we intend to continue to expand our non-regulated power generation business by developing and operating power plants in regional markets based on prevailing supply and demand fundamentals in a manner that complements our existing fuel assets and marketing capabilities. We intend to grow this business through a combination of the development of new power generation facilities and disciplined acquisitions primarily in the western region where our detailed knowledge of market and electric transmission fundamentals provides us a competitive advantage, and, consequently increases our ability to earn attractive returns. We expect to prioritize small-scale facilities that serve incremental growth or provide critical back up to renewable resources, and are typically easier to permit and construct than large-scale generation projects.
 
Most of the energy and capacity from our non-regulated power facilities is sold under mid- and long-term contracts. When possible, we structure long-term contracts as tolling arrangements, whereby the contract counterparty assumes the fuel risk. Going forward, we will continue to focus on selling a majority of our non-regulated capacity and energy primarily to load-serving utilities under long-term agreements that have been reviewed or approved by state utility commissions. An example of this strategy is the 200 MW of combined-cycle gas-fired generation being constructed by our non-regulated power generation subsidiary to serve our Colorado Electric utility subsidiary beginning January 1, 2012, under a 20-year tolling agreement.
 

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With respect to our current power sale agreements, two of our long-term power contracts provide for the sale of capacity and energy to Cheyenne Light from our Gillette CT and Wygen I plants. The Gillette CT contract expires in 2011, and as part of our integrated resource planning efforts, the company is evaluating a potential extension of the contract. The Wygen I contract was extended during 2009 and now expires in 2022, but provides an option for Cheyenne Light to purchase and rate base a portion of Wygen I.
 
Exploit our fuel cost advantages and our operating and marketing expertise to produce and sell power at attractive margins. We expect to selectively expand our portfolio of power plants which have relatively low marginal costs of producing energy and related products and services. We intend to utilize a competitive power production strategy, together with access to coal and natural gas reserves, to be competitive as a power generator. Competitive production costs can result from a variety of factors, including low fuel costs, efficiency in converting fuel into energy, and low per unit operation and maintenance costs. In addition, we typically operate our plants with high levels of availability, as compared to industry benchmarks. We aggressively manage each of these factors with the goal of achieving low production costs.
 
One of our primary competitive advantages is our WRDC coal mine, which is located in reasonably close proximity to our electric utility service territories. We leverage this competitive advantage by building additional state-of-the-art mine-mouth coal-fired generating capacity, which allows us to substantially eliminate fuel transportation and storage costs. This strengthens our position as a low-cost producer because transportation costs often represent the largest component of the delivered cost of coal for many other utilities.
 
Increase the value of our oil and gas properties by prudently growing our reserves and increasing our production of natural gas and crude oil. Our strategy is to cost-effectively grow our reserves and increase our production of natural gas and crude oil through both organic growth and acquisitions. While consistent growth remains our objective, we realize the necessity of managing for value creation over managing for growth as follows:
 
•    
Through detailed reservoir analysis, apply proven technologies to our existing assets to maximize value;
 
•    
Participate in a limited number of selective and meaningful exploration prospects;
 
•    
Primarily focus on the Rocky Mountain region, where we can more easily integrate new opportunities with our existing oil and natural gas operations as well as our fuel marketing and/or power generation activities. Specifically, we intend to focus our near term efforts on fully evaluating the shale gas potential of our San Juan and Piceance Basin properties, continuing our participation in the Bakken oil shale play and participating in select oil exploration prospects with substantial upside opportunities;
 
•    
Support the future capital requirements of our drilling program by stabilizing cash flows with a hedging program that mitigates commodity price risk for a substantial portion of our established production for up to two years in the future; and
 
•    
Enhance our oil and gas production activities with the construction or acquisition of mid-stream gathering, compression and treating facilities in a manner that maximizes the economic value of our operations.
 
Expand our energy marketing operations opportunistically in the area of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products as market conditions warrant. Our energy marketing business seeks to provide services to producers and end-users of natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products and to capitalize on market volatility by employing certain risk-managed commodity trading strategies. The diversity of the commodities portfolio that we market helps us optimize value for shareholders. The service provider focus of our energy marketing activities largely differentiates us from other energy marketers. Through our producer services group, we assist mostly small- to medium-sized independent producers throughout the Western United States with marketing and transporting their crude oil and natural gas. Through our origination services, we work with utilities, municipalities and industrial users of natural gas to provide customized delivery services, as well as to support their efforts to optimize their transportation and storage positions. Our coal marketing team assists small utility and industrial coal consumers manage their coal procurement and transportation functions. Similarly, our power marketing experts helps both buyers and sellers of electricity, as well as assisting customers with the monetization of emissions or other environmental products.
 

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Diligently manage the credit, price and operational risks inherent in buying and selling energy commodities. All of our operations require effective management of counterparty credit risk. We mitigate this risk by conducting business with a diverse group of creditworthy counterparties. In certain cases where creditworthiness merits security, we require prepayment, secured letters of credit or other forms of financial collateral. We establish counterparty credit limits and employ continuous credit monitoring, with regular review of compliance under our credit policy by our Executive Credit Committee. Our oil and gas, power generation and energy marketing operations require effective management of price and operational risks related to adverse changes in commodity prices and the volatility and liquidity of the commodity markets. To mitigate these risks, we implemented risk management policies and procedures, particularly for our marketing operations. Our oversight committees monitor compliance with these policies. We also limit exposure to energy marketing risks by maintaining an energy marketing credit facility separate from our corporate credit facility.
 
Maintain an investment grade credit rating and ready access to debt and equity capital markets. Access to capital has been and will continue to be critical to our success. We will require access to the capital markets to fund our planned capital investments or, when possible, to make strategic acquisitions that prudently grow our businesses. Our access to adequate and cost-effective financing depends upon our ability to maintain our investment grade issuer credit rating.
 
Disruption in worldwide capital markets over the past few years has reduced liquidity in the debt capital markets and caused significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk, and the failure of certain financial institutions. Despite actions of the United States government, these events contributed to a general economic decline that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets, and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital, particularly in late 2008 and 2009. Our acquisition of additional utility properties in 2008, combined with the divestiture of seven IPP plants, reduced our overall corporate risk profile. Even so, our access to capital markets was negatively impacted by the conditions described above, particularly during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.
 
Notwithstanding these adverse market conditions, in addition to several financings during 2009, in 2010 we completed additional key financings on reasonable terms, including a net $125.1 million equity offering, a $200 million senior unsecured corporate bond offering, a $100 million term loan, and renewal of our Revolving Credit Facility.
 

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Prospective Information
 
We expect to generate long-term growth through the expansion of integrated and diverse energy operations. We recognize that sustained growth requires continued capital deployment. Our diversified energy portfolio with an emphasis on regulated utilities provides growth opportunities, yet avoids concentrating business risk. We expect much of our growth in the next few years will come from major capital investments at our existing segments. As capital market conditions improved in 2010, we were able to complete several key debt and equity financings. We are confident in our ability to obtain additional financing to continue our growth plans. We will remain focused on managing our operations cautiously and maintaining our overall liquidity to meet our operating, capital and financing needs, as well as execute our long-term strategic plan.
 
Utilities Group
 
The Utilities Group successfully completed four rate cases in 2010 and completed integration activities subsequent to the Aquila Transaction which establishes a growth platform that delivers value to our shareholders. During 2010, the Utilities Group unified the GIS mapping system and integrated the SCADA systems and along with our Non-Regulated group, completed conversion to a single human resources, inventory management and accounting system.
 
Electric Utilities
 
We benefited from an increase in rates resulting from three rate cases. An approved revenue increase of $15.2 million went into effect April 1, 2010 for South Dakota customers, an approved annual revenue increase of $3.1 million went into effect June 1, 2010 for Wyoming customers, and an approved annual revenue increase of $17.9 million went into effect on August 6, 2010 for our Colorado Electric customers. Included in the Colorado Electric rate case order was a provision that off-system sales margins be shared with customers commencing August 6, 2010. The percentage of margin to be shared with the customers was not resolved at the time of the rate case settlement. The CPUC has therefore required that the off-system sales margins earned beginning August 6, 2010 be deferred on the balance sheet until settlement of the sharing mechanism. Colorado Electric is preparing a proposal for a sharing mechanism to be filed with the CPUC.
 
Business at Black Hills Power remained relatively strong in 2010. Construction of the Wygen III power plant was completed and the plant commenced commercial operation on April 1, 2010. A 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III plant was sold to the City of Gillette for $62.0 million. Black Hills Power now owns 52% of the facility with the City of Gillette owning 23% and MDU owning the remaining 25%.
 
We continue to focus on Colorado Electric's Energy Resource Plan. In July 2010, construction commenced on a 180 MW gas-fired generation facility that will serve Colorado Electric customers upon expiration of the current PPA with PSCo. Construction is expected to cost between $250 million and $260 million and commercial operations are expected to begin by January 1, 2012. The addition of these plants to our utility rate base and a successful approval of our proposed rate case will have a significant positive impact on our financial results. We plan to file a rate case that anticipates the inclusion of new generation and transmission assets in customer rates beginning upon the commencement of commercial operation of the plants.
 
In December 2010, Colorado Electric received a final order from the CPUC which approved the retirement of its W.N. Clark coal-fired generation facility by December 31, 2013 and granted a presumption of need in the amount of 42 MW for replacement of the plant with gas-fired generation. Colorado Electric will file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide justification for an additional 50 MW of generating capacity to allow the construction of a 92 MW natural gas-fired facility.
 
The expiration and replacement of the PSCo contract at Colorado Electric requires additional capacity and energy needs of approximately 200 MW. The remaining capacity and energy needed was acquired through a competitive bidding process including other power producers. Our Power Generation segment participated in this bidding process, and in September 2009, our Power Generation segment was awarded the bid to provide 200 MW of capacity and energy to Colorado Electric through a 20-year PPA.
 
Our Electric Utilities are receiving funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to install 149,000 smart meters. We have completed 100% of the installations and expect to have expended all grant funds by the end of 2011.
 

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Gas Utilities
 
Our Gas Utilities are focused on the continued investment in our gas distribution network and related technology such as automated meter reading and mobile data terminals. We received approval for rate increases of $8.3 million at Nebraska Gas and filed a rate request for an increase in revenues of $4.7 million at Iowa Gas. In August 2010, we reached a settlement with the OCA for a revenue increase at Iowa Gas of $3.4 million. This settlement agreement was modified and re-filed on January 11, 2011. The modified settlement excludes the integrity investment tracker and the three-year rate moratorium included in the original settlement agreement filed on September 1, 2010, which was not approved by the IUB. Approval of the modified settlement was received from the IUB on February 10, 2011. We continually monitor our investments and costs of operations in all states to determine when additional rate case or other rate filings will be necessary.
 
Non-regulated Energy Group
 
Power Generation
 
Our Power Generation segment was awarded the bid to provide 200 MW of power to our Colorado Electric subsidiary through a 20-year PPA. Construction of two 100 MW combined cycle natural gas-fired power generation facilities in Colorado commenced in July 2010. Construction is expected to cost between $250 million and $260 million and commercial operations are expected to commence prior to December 31, 2011.
 
We plan to continue evaluating opportunities to bid on the construction of generation resources, both new and existing, for other regional electric utilities for their energy and capacity needs.
 
Coal Mining
 
Production from the Coal Mining segment primarily serves mine-mouth generation plants and select regional customers with long-term fuel needs. Total annual production is estimated to be approximately 6.5 million tons in 2011. Our primary strategy is to sell the majority of our coal production to on-site, mine-mouth generation facilities under long-term supply contracts. Historically our off-site sales have been to consumers within a close proximity to our mine. We have recently extended two smaller volume off-site sales contracts and anticipate continued off-site sales to PacifiCorp's Dave Johnson power plant through a contract which expires at the end of 2011. There are some limitations in regards to transporting our lower-heat content coal, but we are reviewing new opportunities to market our coal.
 
Oil and Gas
 
During 2010 we initiated a review of our oil and gas strategy and assets that will continue until at least mid-2011. BHEP's mission in 2010 was to identify future investment opportunities while conserving capital and strictly controlling costs. This task will continue into 2011, in anticipation of providing attractive oil and gas investment opportunities as more capital becomes available following completion and commissioning of the plants under construction by Colorado Electric and Colorado IPP.
 
Energy Marketing
 
We have a marketing portfolio with a significant amount of optionality that can provide opportunities to create economic value over the next several years. While we expect to derive earnings from these contracts over many years, market conditions and the required methods of accounting for these transactions could result in additional earnings volatility during the term of these contracts.
 
During 2009 and continuing into 2010, there was a significant contraction in the availability of capital. Despite these challenges, we entered into a two year committed Enserco Credit Facility on May 8, 2010.
 
In June 2010, our Energy Marketing segment expanded the commodities it markets to include coal through an acquisition of a coal marketing business for $2.25 million and the addition of six new employees. The business focuses on sourcing coal from Wyoming's Powder River Basin for delivery to customers in the western United States. Our average daily marketing physical volumes since the acquisition were approximately 33,250 tons of coal. In the fourth quarter of 2010, our Energy Marketing segment expanded into power and environmental marketing through the addition of four experienced employees.
 

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Corporate
 
During 2010, we completed two long-term financings including a $200.0 million senior unsecured bond offering which is being used to fund construction of generation facilities to serve our Colorado Electric customers and a forward equity offering of 4,413,519 shares. We also entered into a new $500 million Revolving Credit Facility and a $100 million term loan to fund our working capital needs and for other corporate purposes.
 
We have substantially completed the integration of processes and systems resulting from our acquisition of five utility properties in mid-2008. The unified systems and processes provide us with a scalable platform for future growth.
 
As of December 31, 2010, we had interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $250.0 million, which do not currently qualify for "hedge accounting" treatment provided by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges. Accordingly, all mark-to-market adjustments on these swaps are recorded through the income statement. As of December 31, 2010, the mark-to-market value of these swaps was a liability of $54.0 million. In 2010, we recorded an unrealized mark-to-market after-tax loss of $9.9 million on these swaps. Fluctuations in interest rates create volatility in the fair value of these swaps which will likely have an impact on our 2011 earnings as we record the associated unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses within our income statement.
 
 
Results of Operations
 
Executive Summary and Overview
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
Utilities
$
1,120,721
 
$
1,100,204
 
$
749,250
 
Non-regulated Energy
186,530
 
169,374
 
256,540
 
 
$
1,307,251
 
$
1,269,578
 
$
1,005,790
 
 
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations:
 
 
 
Utilities
$
74,563
 
$
57,071
 
$
43,904
 
Non-regulated Energy
13,616
 
579
 
(23,345
)
Corporate
(19,494
)
21,106
 
(72,596
)
 
$
68,685
 
$
78,756
 
$
(52,037
)
 
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Net income:
 
 
 
Utilities
$
74,563
 
$
57,071
 
$
43,904
 
Non-regulated Energy
13,616
 
1,938
 
(5,312
)
Corporate
(19,494
)
22,546
 
66,488
 
 
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,080
 
 
The following business group and segment information does not include discontinued operations or intercompany eliminations. Amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.
 

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2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $68.7 million, or $1.76 per share, in 2010 compared to $78.8 million, or $2.04 per share, in 2009. The 2010 Income from continuing operations includes gains on sale of $5.8 million after-tax of a 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III plant and assets sold by Nebraska Gas after the annexation of a service area by the City of Omaha, Nebraska; and a $9.9 million after-tax non-cash mark-to-market loss on certain interest rate swaps. The 2009 Income from continuing operations includes a gain on sale of $16.9 million after-tax of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I plant; a $36.2 million after-tax non-cash mark-to-market gain on certain interest rate swaps; and a $27.8 million after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment at our Oil and Gas segment.
 
Net income available to common stock was $68.7 million, or $1.76 per share, in 2010 compared to Net income available to common stock of $81.6 million, or $2.11 per share, in 2009. In addition to the items mentioned above in Income from continuing operations, the 2009 Net income also includes $2.8 million after-tax income from discontinued operations related to the operations sold in the IPP Transaction.
 
Highlights of our business groups are as follows:
 
Utilities Group
 
The Utilities Group's Income from continuing operations was $74.6 million in 2010, compared to Income from continuing operations of $57.1 million in 2009. Our Electric Utilities were positively impacted by approved rate cases and an increase in off-system sales margins. Our Gas Utilities recorded increased margins due to the impact of rate increases that were not in effect for the entire year of 2009. Additional highlights of the Utilities Group include the following:
 
•    
New and interim rates were implemented in five utility jurisdictions increasing annual revenues $47.1 million:
 
Utility
State
Effective Date
Annual Revenue Increase (in millions)
Black Hills Power
SD
4/1/2010
$
15.2
 
 
Black Hills Power
WY
6/1/2010
$
3.1
 
 
Colorado Electric
CO
8/6/2010
$
17.9
 
 
Nebraska Gas
NE
9/1/2010
$
8.3
 
 
Iowa Gas (a)
IA
6/18/2010
$
2.6
 
 
 
 
 
$
47.1
 
 
(a) In June 2010, Iowa Gas filed a request for a $4.7 million increase in annual revenues with the IUB. Interim rates reflecting an annual revenue increase of $2.6 million went into effect on June 18, 2010. In August 2010, we reached a settlement with the OCA for a revenue increase of $3.4 million. This settlement agreement was modified and re-filed on January 11, 2011. The modified settlement excludes the integrity investment tracker and the three-year rate moratorium included in the original settlement agreement filed on September 1, 2010, which was not approved by the IUB. Approval of the modified settlement was received from the IUB on February 10, 2011.
 
•    
Construction of gas-fired generation to serve Colorado Electric customers is moving forward to start providing energy by January 1, 2012. The 180 MW generation project, including transmission, is expected to cost between $250 million and $260 million, of which $182.8 million has been expended through December 31, 2010. Construction commenced in July 2010 subsequent to the City of Pueblo annexing our site into the city and the receipt of the final air permit from the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment;
 
•    
The Wygen III generating facility commenced commercial operations on April 1, 2010. In July 2010, Black Hills Power sold a 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III power generation facility to the City of Gillette for $62.0 million. A gain of $6.2 million was recognized on the sale;
 
•    
On October 1, 2010 Black Hills Power suspended the operations of its 62 year old, 34.5 MW coal-fired Osage Power Plant located in Osage, Wyoming. We now have more economical power supply alternatives available to provide for present customer energy demands; however, the plant's operating permits will be retained so that full operations can be restored if needed;

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•    
Our Electric Utilities reached agreement with the DOE for smart grid funding through matching grants totaling $20.7 million, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As of December 31, 2010, we have completed 100% of the installations related to these meters;
 
•    
Due to the annexation of an outlying suburb by the City of Omaha, Nebraska, Nebraska Gas transferred assets serving approximately 3,000 customers to Metropolitan Utilities District on March 2, 2010. Nebraska Gas received $6.1 million in cash and recognized a $2.7 million gain on the sale of assets in the first quarter of 2010; and
 
•    
In December 2010, Colorado Electric received a final order from the CPUC regarding its plan to comply with the Colorado Clean Air, Clean Jobs Act. The order approved the retirement of the utility's 42 MW W.N. Clark coal-fired generation facility, and granted a presumption of need for replacement of the plant. The utility proposes to construct a third 92 MW General Electric LMS100 natural gas-fired turbine at the site of our Pueblo Airport Generation Station currently under construction. Colorado Electric will file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in the first quarter of 2011 that will provide additional justification for the incremental 50 MW of generation capacity.
  
Non-regulated Energy Group
 
Income from continuing operations was $13.6 million in 2010 for the Non-regulated Energy Group compared to Income from continuing operations of $0.6 million in the same period in 2009. Highlights of the Non-regulated Energy Group include the following:
 
•    
Construction of gas-fired generation at Black Hills Colorado IPP to serve a 20-year PPA with Colorado Electric is moving forward to start providing energy by January 1, 2012. The 200 MW project is expected to cost between $250 million and $260 million, of which $162.6 million has been expended through December 31, 2010. Construction commenced in July 2010 subsequent to the City of Pueblo annexing our site into the city and the receipt of the final air permit from the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment;
 
•    
In May 2010, Enserco entered into a two-year $250 million committed stand-alone credit facility. The new facility includes a $100 million accordion feature which allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase commitments under the facility to $350 million;
 
•    
In June 2010, Enserco expanded the commodities it markets through the acquisition of a coal marketing business for $2.25 million. Late in the third quarter of 2010, Enserco further expanded business lines to include power and environmental marketing. Our risk tolerances and capital allocated to the energy marketing segment are expected to remain the same;
 
•    
The first quarter of 2009 included a $16.9 million after-tax gain at our Power Generation segment on the sale to MEAN of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility; and
 
•    
The first quarter of 2009 included a $27.8 million after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment charge due to a write-down in value of our natural gas and crude oil properties resulting from low quarter-end prices for the commodities at our Oil and Gas segment.
 
Corporate
 
Loss from continuing operations was $19.5 million in 2010 compared to Income from continuing operations of $21.1 million in the same period in 2009. The Corporate activities include the following:
 
•    
We recognized a non-cash unrealized mark-to-market loss related to certain interest rate swaps of $15.2 million in 2010 compared to a $55.7 million unrealized gain on these swaps for the same period in 2009;
 
•    
In April 2010, we entered into a new three-year $500 million Revolving Credit Facility, which includes a $100 million accordion feature which allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase the capacity of the new facility to $600 million. The Revolving Credit Facility will be used to fund working capital needs and for other corporate purposes;

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•    
In July 2010, we completed a public offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due July 15, 2020. The notes were priced at par and carry an interest rate of 5.875%;
 
•    
In November 2010, we entered into an equity forward offering for 4,000,000 shares. The offering will provide net proceeds of approximately $113.4 million. In December 2010, the underwriters exercised their option and purchased 413,519 additional shares netting an additional $11.7 million, bringing the total net proceeds to $125.1 million. We may settle the equity forward instruments at any time up to the maturity date of November 11, 2011;
 
•    
In December 2010, we entered into a $100 million unsecured one-year term loan. The cost of borrowings under the loan is based on a spread of 137.5 basis points over LIBOR; and
 
•    
We recorded a $2.4 million reduction in tax expense reflecting a re-measurement of a tax position in accordance with accounting for uncertain tax positions. Approximately $2.0 million of this benefit was recorded in the Corporate segment. The re-measurement was prompted by a settlement agreement that was reached with the IRS Appeals Division primarily in regards to tax depreciation method changes.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Income from continuing operations was $78.8 million, or $2.04 per share, in 2009 compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $52.0 million, or $1.37 per share for 2008. The 2009 Income from continuing operations includes a gain on sale of $16.9 million after-tax of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I plant; a $36.2 million unrealized after-tax non-cash mark-to-market gain on certain interest rate swaps; and a $27.8 million after-tax impact of a non-cash ceiling test impairment at our Oil and Gas segment. Results also reflect a full year of operations for the utilities purchased in the Aquila Transaction. The 2008 Loss from continuing operations includes a $61.4 million unrealized after-tax non-cash mark-to-market loss on certain interest rate swaps; and a $59.0 million after-tax loss of a non-cash ceiling test impairment at our Oil and Gas segment.
 
Net income available for common stock was $81.6 million, or $2.11 per share, in 2009 compared to $105.1 million or $2.75 per share for 2008. In addition to the items mentioned in Income from continuing operations, the 2008 Net income includes $157.2 million after-tax income from discontinued operations including a substantial gain on the completion of the IPP Transaction.
 
Highlights of our business groups are as follows:
 
Utilities Group
 
The Utilities Group's Income from continuing operations for 2009 was $57.1 million in 2009, compared to $43.9 million in 2008. Income from continuing operations at the Electric Utilities was impacted $7.6 million by low off-system sales margins due to low commodity prices while income from continuing operations at the Gas Utilities was strong due to favorable weather. In addition, 2009 Utilities Group highlights include the following:
 
•    
New and interim rates were implemented in four utility jurisdictions increasing annual revenues by $16.5 million:
 
Utility
State
Effective Date
Annual Revenue Increase (in millions)
Black Hills Power
SD/WY
1/1/2009
$
3.8
 
 
Iowa Gas
IA
7/31/2009
$
10.8
 
 
Colorado Gas
CO
4/1/2009
$
1.4
 
 
Kansas Gas
NE
10/1/2009
$
0.5
 
 
 
 
 
$
16.5
 
 
 
•    
Construction of the Wygen III generation facility project continued in 2009. A 25% ownership interest in this generation facility was sold in April 2009. AFUDC increased $4.0 million related to this construction;

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•    
Colorado Electric continued plans and purchases to construct 180 MW of utility-owned, gas-fired generation. AFUDC increased $1.2 million due to this construction activity;
 
•    
Black Hills Power completed a first mortgage bond for $180.0 million. The bonds carry an interest rate of 6.125% and mature in November 2039. Interest from this debt and other debt transactions increased interest expense by $12.7 million;
 
•    
We completed the repayment of $383.0 million of borrowings on our Acquisition Facility which was used to finance the Aquila Transaction on July 14, 2008; and
 
•    
We completed our first full year of operations for Colorado Electric and the Gas Utilities acquired in the Aquila Transaction.
 
Non-Regulated Energy Group
 
Income from continuing operations was $0.6 million in 2009 for the Non-regulated Group compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $23.3 million in 2008. Our Energy Marketing and Oil and Gas segments were impacted significantly by low commodity prices. In addition, 2009 Non-regulated Energy Group highlights include the following:
 
•    
Oil and Gas recorded a $27.8 million non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment loss in 2009 compared to a $59.0 million non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment loss in 2008;
 
•    
Power Generation's improved earnings reflect a gain of $26.0 million for the sale of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility to MEAN;
 
•    
Our Coal Mining segment executed a site lease agreement with the owners of the Wygen III plant increasing earnings $2.9 million for rental revenue in 2009;
 
•    
Energy Marketing completed a one-year $300 million committed stand-alone credit facility in May 2009, to replace its previously uncommitted $300.0 million credit facility;
 
•    
Black Hills Wyoming completed $120.0 million in project financing in December 2009. The loan matures in December 2016 with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum; and
 
•    
Black Hills Colorado IPP was selected to provide power to Colorado Electric and began planning and purchasing to build 200 MW of natural gas-fired electric generation to sell to Colorado Electric through a 20-year PPA.
 
Corporate
 
•    
We recorded an unrealized mark-to-market gain related to certain interest rate swaps of $55.7 million in 2009 compared to a $94.4 million loss recognized in 2008; and
 
•    
We completed a $250.0 million public offering of senior notes due in 2014 in May 2009. The notes were priced at par and carry an interest rate of 9%.
 
A discussion of operating results from our business segments follows.
 

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Utilities Group
 
Electric Utilities
 
Operating results for the years ended December 31 for the Electric Utilities were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue - electric
$
532,423
 
$
485,152
 
$
425,123
 
 
Revenue - Cheyenne Light gas
37,591
 
35,613
 
48,296
 
 
Total revenue
570,014
 
520,765
 
473,419
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power - electric
269,747
 
260,150
 
222,826
 
 
Purchased gas - Cheyenne Light
23,064
 
20,859
 
33,735
 
 
Total fuel and purchased power
292,811
 
281,009
 
256,561
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin - electric
262,676
 
225,002
 
202,297
 
 
Gross margin - Cheyenne Light gas
14,527
 
14,754
 
14,561
 
 
Total gross margin
277,203
 
239,756
 
216,858
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and maintenance
136,873
 
125,150
 
101,344
 
 
Gain on sale of operating asset
(6,238
)
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
47,276
 
43,638
 
37,648
 
 
Total operating expenses
177,911
 
168,788
 
138,992
 
 
Operating income
99,292
 
70,968
 
77,866
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
37,043
 
33,012
 
23,294
 
 
Other income
(3,215
)
(7,869
)
(3,984
)
 
Income tax expense
18,012
 
13,126
 
18,882
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations and net income
$
47,452
 
$
32,699
 
$
39,674
 
 
__________________________
(a)    2008 results include the operations of Colorado Electric acquired on July 14, 2008.
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Regulated power plant fleet availability:
 
 
 
Coal-fired plants
93.9
%
92.1
%
93.7
%
Other plants
96.2
%
96.9
%
91.4
%
Total availability
94.8
%
94.0
%
92.8
%
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $47.5 million in 2010 compared to $32.7 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Gross margin: Gross margin increased $37.4 million primarily due to a $25.5 million increase related to the impact of the outcome of the Black Hills Power and Colorado Electric rate cases, an increase of $3.4 million for updated transmission cost adjustments at Colorado Electric, an increase of $4.6 million in off-system sales margin as a result of a change in the methodology used at Black Hills Power to allocate the cost of renewable resources and firm purchases, and increased intercompany revenues of $4.3 million due to a new shared services agreement related to resources utilized by affiliated entities.

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Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses increased $11.7 million primarily due to additional costs of $6.8 million associated with the operations of Wygen III, which commenced commercial operation on April 1, 2010, increased intercompany costs of $1.6 million related to a new shared services agreement, and costs of $2.0 million associated with a major overhaul at the Ben French plant.
 
Gain on sale of operating assets: A $6.2 million gain on sale was recognized on the sale of a 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III generating facility to the City of Gillette.
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization increased $3.6 million primarily due to the addition of the Wygen III plant placed into service on April 1, 2010.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $4.0 million due to higher net interest expense of $8.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year due to debt incurred for plant construction and as a result of higher rates associated with long-term financings in 2010 compared to rates on short-term debt held in 2009, partially offset by an increase in AFUDC-borrowed of $4.6 million. AFUDC-borrowed increased $6.7 million at Colorado Electric for the plant construction, offset by a decrease in AFUDC-borrowed at Black Hills Power of $2.1 million due to the commencement of commercial operations of Wygen III.
 
Other income: Other income decreased $4.7 million primarily due to lower AFUDC-equity of $3.1 million, which decreased upon the placement of Wygen III into commercial operations on April 1, 2010. Additionally, 2009 included a gain of $1.1 million from the sale of SO2 emission credits.
 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate decreased primarily as a result of a $2.2 million tax benefit for a rate case settlement related to expensing certain items that had been capitalized for income tax purposes, partially offset by lower benefit from AFUDC-equity which decreased upon commercial operations of Wygen III.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
2009 results include a full year of operations at Colorado Electric, which was acquired on July 14, 2008.
 
Income from continuing operations was $32.7 million in 2009 compared to $39.7 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
Gross margin: Gross margins reflect the acquisition of Colorado Electric in July 2008 in addition to a $7.6 million decrease in margins from off-system sales reflecting the lower margins available in the current low energy price environment partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in other margins primarily due to an increase in transmission rates effective January 1, 2009 at Black Hills Power.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to the acquisition of Colorado Electric in July 2008.
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization costs increased $6.0 million primarily due to additional depreciation associated with the acquisition of Colorado Electric in July 2008.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $9.7 million primarily due to additional debt associated with the acquisition of Colorado Electric, additional long-term project debt at Black Hills Power, and inter-segment debt restructuring at Colorado Electric, partially offset by AFUDC-borrowed.
 
Other income: Other income increased $3.9 million primarily due to an increase in AFUDC-equity of $2.1 million from the construction of Wygen III in 2009 and the sale of SO2 emission credits of $1.1 million by Black Hills Power.
 

85

 

Gas Utilities
 
Operating results for the years ended December 31 for the Gas Utilities were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
For the Period
July 14, 2008 to December 31, 2008
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
Natural gas - regulated
$
520,691
 
$
553,576
 
$
261,887
 
Other - non-regulated
30,016
 
26,736
 
15,189
 
Total sales
550,707
 
580,312
 
277,076
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales:
 
 
 
Natural gas - regulated
316,546
 
356,623
 
180,556
 
Other - non-regulated
17,171
 
15,093
 
11,294
 
Total cost of sales
333,717
 
371,716
 
191,850
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin:
 
 
 
Natural gas - regulated
204,145
 
196,953
 
81,331
 
Other non-regulated
12,845
 
11,643
 
3,895
 
Total gross margin
216,990
 
208,596
 
85,226
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and maintenance
125,447
 
123,296
 
56,196
 
Gain on sale of operating assets
(2,683
)
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
25,258
 
30,090
 
14,142
 
Total operating expenses
148,022
 
153,386
 
70,338
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
68,968
 
55,210
 
14,888
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
27,455
 
17,100
 
8,125
 
Other expense (income)
(47
)
285
 
86
 
Income tax expense
14,449
 
13,453
 
2,447
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations and net income
$
27,111
 
$
24,372
 
$
4,230
 
 

86

 

2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $27.1 million in 2010 compared to $24.4 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Gross margin: Gross margin increased $8.4 million primarily due to new and interim rates at Iowa Gas, Nebraska Gas and Colorado Gas, and an approved Gas System Reliability surcharge at Kansas Gas, which were not effective for a full year in 2009, partially offset by lower volumes as a result of milder weather.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses increased $2.2 million primarily due to increases in employee benefit costs, workers compensation insurance and litigation related accruals.
 
Gain on sale of operating assets: A $2.7 million gain on sale was recognized on assets transferred by Nebraska Gas to the City of Omaha, Nebraska after a portion of Nebraska Gas' service territory was annexed by the City.
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization decreased $4.8 million primarily due to assets becoming fully depreciated during 2009 and 2010.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $10.4 million primarily due to higher interest rates within the assigned capital structure.
 
Other expense: Other expense was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate for 2010 was comparable to the effective tax rate in the prior year.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
The Gas Utilities located in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas were acquired on July 14, 2008. Income from continuing operations was $24.4 million in 2009, compared to $4.2 million in 2008. The increase was primarily due to a full year of Gas Utilities operation in 2009 compared to the partial year in 2008. Natural gas demand is typically higher in the first and fourth quarters as gas is used for residential and commercial heating. The Gas Utilities have GCAs that allow them to pass through the cost of gas to customers. For this reason, we believe gross margins are a more useful performance measure than revenues as fluctuations in the cost of gas are passed through to revenues.
 
In addition to a full year of operations at the Gas Utilities, results were impacted by favorable weather as well as rate increases from general rate cases in Colorado ($1.4 million annual increase effective April 1, 2009), general rate cases in Iowa ($10.8 million annual increase effective July 27, 2009), and from cost tracking riders in Kansas ($0.5 million annual increase effective September 14, 2009).
 

87

 

Non-regulated Energy Group
 
 
Oil and Gas
 
Oil and Gas operating results for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
74,164
 
$
70,684
 
$
106,347
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and maintenance
39,299
 
40,224
 
47,204
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
30,283
 
29,680
 
38,549
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
43,301
 
91,782
 
Total operating expenses
69,582
 
113,205
 
177,535
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
4,582
 
(42,521
)
(71,188
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
5,372
 
4,673
 
5,092
 
Other income
(722
)
(350
)
(611
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
(425
)
(21,016
)
(26,001
)
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss)
$
357
 
$
(25,828
)
$
(49,668
)
 
The following tables provide certain operating statistics for the Oil and Gas segment:
 
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Bbls of oil sold
375,650
 
366,000
 
387,400
 
Mcf of natural gas sold
9,046,500
 
10,266,900
 
11,209,600
 
Mcf equivalent sales
11,300,400
 
12,462,900
 
13,534,000
 
 
Average Price Received (a)
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas/Mcf(b)
$
4.85
 
 
$
4.71
 
 
$
6.44
 
 
Oil/Bbl
$
75.59
 
 
$
59.19
 
 
$
79.35
 
 
__________________________
(a)    Net of hedge settlement gains/losses
(b)    Exclusive of gas liquids
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Depletion expense/Mcfe*
$
2.36
 
$
2.16
 
$
2.68
 
__________________________
*    The average depletion rate per Mcfe is a function of capitalized costs, future development costs and the related underlying reserves in the periods presented. The 2009 rate was particularly impacted by a lower asset base as a result of previous asset impairment charges. This impact was partially offset by persistent low product prices during the year, which resulted in lower oil and gas reserve quantities.
 

88

 

The following is a summary of certain annual average operating expenses per Mcfe at December 31:
 
 
2010
 
LOE
Gathering Compression and Processing (a)
Production Taxes
Total
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan
$
1.30
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.54
 
$
2.18
 
Piceance
0.68
 
0.64
 
(0.09
)
1.23
 
Powder River
1.20
 
 
1.02
 
2.22
 
Williston
0.92
 
 
1.03
 
1.95
 
All other properties
0.92
 
 
0.25
 
1.17
 
Total
$
1.13
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.55
 
$
1.90
 
 
 
2009
 
LOE
Gathering Compression and Processing (a)
Production Taxes
Total
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan
$
1.27
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.47
 
$
2.02
 
Piceance
1.06
 
0.41
 
0.25
 
1.72
 
Powder River
1.36
 
 
0.72
 
2.08
 
Williston
0.67
 
 
0.88
 
1.55
 
All other properties
1.08
 
0.04
 
0.25
 
1.37
 
Total
$
1.22
 
$
0.18
 
$
0.46
 
$
1.86
 
 
 
2008
 
LOE
Gathering Compression and Processing (a)
Production Taxes
Total
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan
$
1.47
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.94
 
$
2.65
 
Piceance
1.29
 
0.77
 
0.45
 
2.51
 
Powder River
1.52
 
 
1.44
 
2.96
 
Williston
1.09
 
 
0.99
 
2.08
 
All other properties
0.88
 
0.11
 
0.49
 
1.48
 
Total
$
1.33
 
$
0.20
 
$
0.91
 
$
2.44
 
______________________
(a) During the first quarter of 2010, our Oil and Gas segment transferred midstream assets to a new subsidiary in our Energy Marketing segment. As a result, 2009 and 2008 Gathering, Compression and Processing have been modified to reflect the removal of these assets for comparative purposes.
 
At the East Blanco Field in New Mexico and our Piceance Basin assets in Colorado, we own and operate gas gathering systems, including associated compression and treating facilities.
 

89

 

The following is a summary of our proved oil and gas reserves at December 31:
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Bbls of oil (in thousands)
5,940
 
5,274
 
5,185
 
MMcf of natural gas
95,456
 
87,660
 
154,432
 
Total MMcfe
131,096
 
119,304
 
185,542
 
 
Reserves are based on reports prepared by an independent consulting and engineering firm. The reports were prepared by CG&A. Reserves were determined using SEC-defined product prices. Such reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and may be subject to revisions as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. The current estimate takes into account 2010 production of approximately 10.7 Bcfe, additions from extensions, discoveries and acquisitions of 8.6 Bcfe and positive revisions to previous estimates of 14.4 Bcfe, primarily due to higher product prices.
 
Reserves reflect SEC-defined pricing held constant for the life of the reserves, as follows:
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil (1)
 
Gas (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX prices
$
79.43
 
 
$
4.38
 
 
$
61.18
 
 
$
3.87
 
 
$
44.60
 
 
$
5.71
 
Well-head reserve prices
$
70.82
 
 
$
3.45
 
 
$
53.59
 
 
$
2.52
 
 
$
32.74
 
 
$
4.44
 
__________________________
(1) On December 31, 2008, the SEC issued final rules amending its oil and gas reserve reporting requirements effective for years ending on or after December 31, 2009. The final rule changed the use of prices at the end of each reporting period to an average of the first day of the month for the preceding twelve months held constant for the life of production. Previously, the rule required the use of the spot price on the last day of the reporting period, held constant for the life of production.
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $0.4 million in 2010 compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $25.8 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenue increased $3.5 million primarily due to a 28% and 3% increase in the annual average hedged price of oil and gas, respectively, and a 3% increase in oil production, partially offset by a decrease of 12% in gas production. The increase in oil production is primarily due to production of new wells in our ongoing Bakken drilling program. The decrease in natural gas production was largely driven by natural production declines from producing properties, and reduced capital deployment during 2010 and 2009.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses decreased $0.9 million primarily as a result of cost containment efforts.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets: 2009 results reflect a $43.3 million non-cash ceiling test impairment charge taken during the first quarter of 2009. The write-down in the net carrying value of our natural gas and crude oil properties resulted from low March 31, 2009 quarter-end natural gas prices for the commodities. The write-down of gas and oil properties was based on period end NYMEX prices of $3.63 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.23 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas and $49.66 per barrel, adjusted to $45.32 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased $0.6 million primarily due to an increased depletion rate per Mcfe resulting from increasing investment in our ongoing Bakken formation drilling program, partially offset by a decrease in volumes sold.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $0.7 million primarily due to increased interest rates.
 
Other Income: Other income was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

90

 

 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate in 2010 includes a tax benefit related to percentage depletion and a $0.4 million re-measurement of a previously recorded uncertain tax position prompted by a settlement with the IRS Appeals Division. The tax position related to tax depreciation method changes. The effective tax rate in 2009 was impacted by a tax benefit of $3.8 million related to a positive adjustment of a previously recorded tax position.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Loss from continuing operations was $25.8 million compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $49.7 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenue decreased $35.7 million primarily due to a 25% and 27% decrease in the annual average hedged price of oil and gas received, respectively, and a 6% and 8% decrease in oil and gas production, respectively. The decrease in natural gas production is due to a lower level of capital spending than in prior years and a voluntary shut-in of production at properties with the highest operating costs. Shut-ins reduced production for the year ended December 31, 2009 by approximately 458 MMcfe.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses decreased $7.0 million primarily due to decreased LOE of $2.8 million as a result of lower production and cost reduction efforts and decreased production taxes of approximately $6.6 million primarily due to lower oil and natural gas prices. General and administrative costs increased $3.2 million primarily due to increased costs associated with full employment levels and the associated compensation expense.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets: A 43.3 million non-cash ceiling test impairment charge was taken during the first quarter of 2009. The write-down in the net carrying value of our natural gas and crude oil properties resulted from low March 31, 2009 quarter-end natural gas prices for the commodities. The write-down of gas and oil properties was based on period end NYMEX prices of $3.63 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.23 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas and $49.66 per barrel, adjusted to $45.32 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil. This compares to a $91.8 million non-cash ceiling test impairment charge taken during the fourth quarter 2008. The write-down in value of our natural gas and crude oil properties in 2008 resulted from low year-end prices for the commodities. The write-down of gas and oil properties was based on year end NYMEX prices of $5.71 per Mcf, adjusted to $4.44 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas and $44.60 per barrel, adjusted to $32.74 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased $8.9 million primarily due to reduced depletion rate caused by a lower asset base as a result of previous asset impairment charges and lower production.
 
Interest expense, net; Interest expense, net is comparable to the same period in prior year.
 
Other Income: Other income was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate for 2009 was impacted by a $3.8 million income tax benefit related to an adjustment of a previously recorded tax position.
 
 
 
 
 

91

 

Power Generation
 
Our Power Generation segment operating results for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
30,349
 
$
30,575
 
$
38,181
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and maintenance
16,210
 
12,631
 
19,339
 
Depreciation and amortization
4,466
 
3,860
 
4,627
 
Gain on sale of operating asset
 
25,971
 
 
Total operating expenses
20,676
 
(9,480
)
23,966
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
9,673
 
40,055
 
14,215
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
8,110
 
9,388
 
11,649
 
Other (income) expense
(854
)
(1,091
)
(3,698
)
Income tax expense
266
 
11,097
 
3,013
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations and net income
$
2,151
 
$
20,661
 
$
3,251
 
 
The following table provides certain operating statistics for the Power Generation segment at December 31:
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Independent power capacity:
 
 
 
MW of independent power capacity in service
120
 
120
 
141
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted fleet plant availability:
 
 
 
Gas-fired plants
99.9
%
92.0
%
96.2
%
Coal-fired plants
98.5
%
96.1
%
95.3
%
Total
99.1
%
94.4
%
95.9
%
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $2.2 million in 2010 compared to $20.7 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenue in 2010 was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expense increased $3.6 million primarily due to maintenance costs for a major overhaul and extended outage at Wygen I and increased transmission costs.
 
Gain on sale of operating assets: The gain on sale of operating assets in 2009 of $26.0 million represented the sale of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility;
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization were comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 

92

 

Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net decreased $1.3 million primarily due to a decrease in debt from an intercompany debt restructuring partially offset by interest expense associated with the $120 million project financing at Black Hills Wyoming.
 
Other income: Other income in 2010 was comparable to other income in 2009.
 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate for 2010 decreased compared to 2009 primarily due to the effect of research and development tax credits.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Income from continuing operations was $20.7 million in 2009 compared to $3.3 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenues decreased $7.6 million primarily from replacing a 20-year PPA with an operating and site lease agreement related to MEAN's purchase of a 23.5% ownership interest in Wygen I.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance decreased $6.7 million primarily due to 2008 operating expenses including $3.1 million of allocated indirect costs relating to the IPP assets sold and not reclassified to discontinued operations in accordance with accounting guidance for discontinued operations and a decrease of $1.9 million reflecting net earnings impact of replacing a 20 MW PPA with operating and site lease agreements related to MEAN's purchase of a 23.5% ownership interest in Wygen I.
 
Gain on sale of operating assets: The gain on sale of operating assets of $26.0 million represents the sale of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility;
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.8 million primarily due to the impact of selling 23.5% ownership in the Wygen I plant.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net decreased $2.3 million primarily due to interest expense in 2008 including $8.7 million of allocated net interest expense relating to the IPP assets sold and not reclassified to discontinued operations in accordance with accounting guidance for discontinued operations partially offset in 2009 by an increase in interest expense of $6.4 million primarily due to a change in intersegment debt to equity capital structure.
 
Other (income) expenses: Other income decreased $2.6 million primarily due to the inclusion of a $2.7 million gain on the sale of excess emission credits in 2008, which were made available by the decommissioning of the Ontario facility.
 
Income tax expense: The 2008 effective tax rate was impacted by the sale of seven IPP facilities in July 2008.
 

93

 

Coal Mining
 
Coal Mining operating results for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
57,842
 
$
58,490
 
$
56,901
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and maintenance
34,028
 
40,312
 
43,159
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
19,083
 
13,123
 
9,449
 
Total operating expenses
53,111
 
53,435
 
52,608
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
4,731
 
5,055
 
4,293
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income, net
(3,180
)
(1,452
)
(1,346
)
Other income
(2,149
)
(3,475
)
(584
)
Income tax expense
2,379
 
3,234
 
2,190
 
Income from continuing operations
$
7,681
 
$
6,748
 
$
4,033
 
 
The following table provides certain operating statistics for the Coal Mining segment (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Tons of coal sold
5,931
 
5,955
 
6,017
 
 
 
 
 
Cubic yards of overburden moved
15,679
 
14,539
 
12,203
 
 
 
 
 
Coal reserves
261,860
 
268,000
 
274,000
 
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $7.7 million in 2010 compared to $6.7 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenue decreased $0.6 million primarily due to a lower price on coal contracts. There was a slight decrease in volumes sold primarily due to customer plant outages and lower demand for coal, offset by sales to Wygen III, which commenced commercial operations in April 2010.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses decreased $6.3 million. During 2010, the company received approval from the State of Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality for a revised post-mining topography plan. The new plan includes a more efficient method of conducting final reclamation of the mine site by re-assessing the handling of overburden. Accordingly, a higher percentage of our overburden removal activities also qualify as reclamation backfill activities. This change resulted in lower operations expense and a related increase in depletion of reclamation costs. Cubic yards of overburden moved increased 8%.
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $6.0 million primarily due to an increase in depletion of reclamation costs as discussed in Operations and Maintenance.
 
Interest income, net: Interest income, net increased $1.7 million primarily due to increased lending to affiliates at higher interest rates.
 
Other income: Other income decreased $1.3 million primarily due to lower rental income related to the Wygen III site lease. The site lease was entered into in the third quarter of 2009 with billings back to March 2008.

94

 

 
Income tax expense: The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to an increased tax benefit generated by percentage depletion.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Income from continuing operations was $6.7 million in 2009 compared to $4.0 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
Revenue: Revenue increased $1.6 million primarily due to a higher average price received, partially offset by lower coal volumes sold. The higher average price received includes the impact of sales prices to our regulated utility subsidiaries that are determined in part by a return on investment base.
 
Operations and maintenance: Operations and maintenance expenses decreased $2.8 million primarily due to lower estimated future reclamation costs.
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $3.7 million primarily due to an increased asset base and usage.
 
Interest income, net: Interest income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 
Other income: Other income increased $2.9 million primarily due to rental income related to the Wygen III site lease. The site lease was entered into in the third quarter of 2009 with billings back to March 2008.
 
Income taxes: The effective tax rate was lower primarily due to the tax benefit generated by percentage depletion.

95

 

Energy Marketing
 
Our Energy Marketing operating results for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Revenue and gross margin:
 
 
 
Realized gas marketing gross margin
$
24,536
 
$
30,134
 
$
18,593
 
Unrealized gas marketing gross margin
(6,777
)
(19,777
)
33,247
 
Realized oil marketing gross margin
8,888
 
11,278
 
1,038
 
Unrealized oil marketing gross margin
1,663
 
(8,254
)
6,432
 
Realized coal marketing gross margin (a)
1,541
 
 
 
Unrealized coal marketing gross margin (a)
2,012
 
 
 
Realized power marketing margin (b)
(2,467
)
 
 
Unrealized power marketing margin (b)
(1,397
)
 
 
Realized environmental marketing margin (b)
 
 
 
Unrealized environmental marketing margin (b)
 
 
 
Total revenue and gross margins
27,999
 
13,381
 
59,310
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
20,213
 
13,279
 
28,486
 
Depreciation and amortization
527
 
525
 
689
 
Total operating costs
20,740
 
13,804
 
29,175
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
7,259
 
(423
)
30,135
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
2,199
 
1,547
 
254
 
Other (income) expense
(152
)
(22
)
12
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
1,895
 
(460
)
10,180
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss)
$
3,317
 
$
(1,488
)
$
19,689
 
_________________
(a) Coal margins include activity beginning June 1, 2010, the acquisition date of the coal marketing portfolio.
(b) Power and environmental marketing margins include activity from the commencement of operations late in the third quarter of 2010.
 
The following table provides certain operating statistics for the Energy Marketing segment:
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Natural gas average daily physical sales - MMBtu
1,586,000
 
1,974,300
 
1,873,400
 
Crude oil average daily physical sales - Bbls
18,455
 
12,400
 
7,880
 
Coal average daily physical sales - Tons
33,250
 
 
 
 

96

 

2010 Compared to 2009
 
Income from continuing operations was $3.3 million in 2010 compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $1.5 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
Revenue and gross margin: Revenue and gross margin increased $14.6 million primarily due to higher incremental margins in the areas of natural gas and oil marketing. Coal marketing, which was acquired in June 2010, produced positive incremental margins, partially offset by losses in power marketing.
 
Operations: Operations expense increased $6.9 million primarily due to higher provisions for incentive compensation expense related to increased gross margins, increased bank fees as a result of higher letters of credit due to a higher utilization level, and increased costs associated with employee additions required for marketing commodities added in 2010.
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization were comparable to the same period in prior year.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $0.7 million primarily due to decreased interest income partially offset by decreased amortization expense related to the credit facility costs.
 
Other (income) expense: Other (income) expense was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense: Tax expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a tax benefit for the same period in the prior year.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Loss from continuing operations was $1.5 million in 2009 compared to Income from continuing operations of $19.7 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
Revenue and gross margin: Revenue and gross margin decreased $45.9 million due to a $67.7 million decrease in unrealized marketing margins, primarily due to prevailing conditions in natural gas markets affecting both transportation and storage strategies. Unrealized mark-to-market gains in 2008 were driven by accelerated margins within our proprietary trading portfolio and narrowing basis differentials at year end that resulted in unrealized mark-to-market gains on our hedged transportation positions. Those positions were settled and the margins realized primarily in 2009 and to a lesser extent in 2010. The decrease in margins was partially offset by a $21.8 million increase in realized marketing margins primarily due to settlement of trades which produced unrealized gains in the previous year; and
 
Operations: Operations costs decreased $15.2 million primarily due to a lower provision for incentive compensation.
 
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization were comparable to the same period in prior year.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net increased $1.3 million primarily due to increased credit facility costs for the new committed credit facility.
 
Other (income) expense: Other (income) expense was comparable to the same period in prior year.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense: The tax benefit for the year ended 2009 increased due to a 2008 tax true-up adjustment recorded in 2009.
 
 

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Corporate
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Loss from continuing operations was $19.5 million in 2010 compared to Income from continuing operations of $21.1 million in 2009 as a result of:
 
•    
A $15.2 million unrealized mark-to-market loss in 2010 related to certain interest rate swaps that are no longer designated as hedges for accounting purposes compared to a $55.7 million unrealized mark-to-market gain in 2009; and
 
•    
A $1.4 million increase in net interest expense primarily due to interest settlements of the de-designated interest rate swaps.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Income from continuing operations was $21.1 million in 2009 compared to a Loss from continuing operations of $72.6 million in 2008 as a result of:
 
•    
A $55.7 million unrealized mark-to-market gain in 2009 related to certain interest rate swaps that are no longer designated as hedges for accounting purposes compared to an unrealized mark-to-market loss of $94.4 million in 2008; and
 
•    
2008 included $10.6 million in integration and acquisition costs related to the Aquila Transaction.
 
Partially offsetting these was:
 
•    
A $14.2 million increase in net interest expense primarily due to interest settlements of the de-designated interest rate swaps and amortization of amendment fees to extend the mandatory early termination dates of these swaps through the end of 2010.
 
 
 

98

 

Critical Accounting Estimates
 
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management's judgment in application. There are also areas which require management's judgment in selecting among available GAAP alternatives. We are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results may differ from our estimates and to the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. We believe the following accounting estimates are the most critical in understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with our Audit Committee.
 
The following discussion of our critical accounting estimates should be read in conjunction with Note 1, "Business Description and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
 
We evaluate for impairment, the carrying values of our long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, whenever indicators of impairment exist and at least annually for goodwill as required by accounting standards.
 
For long-lived assets with finite lives, this evaluation is based upon our projections of anticipated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) from the assets being evaluated. If the sum of the anticipated future cash flows over the expected useful life of the assets is less than the assets' carrying value, then a permanent non-cash write-down equal to the difference between the assets' carrying value and the assets' fair value is required to be charged to earnings. In estimating future cash flows, we generally use a probability weighted average expected cash flow method with assumptions based on those used for internal budgets. The determination of future cash flows, and, if required, fair value of a long-lived asset is by its nature a highly subjective judgment. Significant assumptions are required in the forecast of future operating results used in the preparation of the long-term estimated cash flows. Changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the evaluation of our long-lived assets.
 
According to accounting standards, goodwill and other intangibles are required to be evaluated whenever indicators of impairment exist and at least annually. We conduct our annual evaluations during the fourth quarter. The standard requires a two-step process be performed to analyze whether or not goodwill has been impaired. The first step of this test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of the impairment. The underlying assumptions used for determining fair value are susceptible to change from period to period and could potentially result in a material impact to the income statement. Management's assumptions about future revenues and operating costs, the amount and timing of anticipated capital expenditures for power generating facilities, discount rates, inflation rates, and economic conditions, require significant judgment.
 
We have $354.8 million in goodwill as of December 31, 2010, of which $339.7 million relates to our Black Hills Energy utilities. Colorado Electric carries 69% of the Black Hills Energy goodwill. For the Colorado Electric impairment analysis, we estimate the fair value of the goodwill using a discounted cash flows methodology. This analysis requires the input of several critical assumptions in building our risk-adjusted discount rate and cash flow projections including future growth rates, operating cost escalation rates, amount and timing of growth capital expenditures, timing and level of success in regulatory rate proceedings, and the cost of debt and equity capital. We believe the goodwill amount reflects the value of the opportunity to build a significant amount of rate-base generation and transmission in the next several years followed by the relatively stable, long-lived cash flows of the regulated utility business, considering the regulatory environment and market growth potential. The results of the analysis show Colorado Electric with a carrying value of $566.0 million as of November 30, 2010, compared to a fair value of $982.9 million. The fair value exceeds the carrying value by 73.7%; therefore we do not have an impairment.
 

99

 

The Gas Utilities carry the remaining 31% of the Black Hills Energy goodwill. We tested this goodwill for impairment using an EBITDA multiple method and a discounted cash flows method at each reporting unit. The analysis required the input of several critical assumptions in determining EBITDA, the multiple to apply to EBITDA, cash flow projections and risk-adjusted discount rate. These assumptions include future growth rates, operating cost escalation rates, timing and level of success in regulatory rate proceedings, and long-term earnings and merger multiples for comparable companies. The results of the analysis show the Gas Utilities with a carrying value of $527.4 million as of November 30, 2010, compared to a fair value of $899.3 million. The fair value exceeds the carrying value by 70.5%; therefore we do not have an impairment.
 
Full Cost Method of Accounting for Oil and Gas Activities
 
Accounting for oil and gas activities is subject to special, unique rules. Two generally accepted methods of accounting for oil and gas activities are available - successful efforts and full cost. We account for our oil and gas activities under the full cost method whereby all productive and nonproductive costs related to acquisition, exploration and development drilling activities are capitalized. These costs are amortized using a unit-of-production method based on volumes produced and proved reserves. Any conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of the properties with no gain or loss recognized. Net capitalized costs are subject to a ceiling test that limits such costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues of proved reserves and the lower of cost or fair value of unproved properties. This method values the reserves based upon SEC-defined prices for oil and gas as of the end of each reporting period adjusted for contracted price changes. The prices, as well as costs and development capital, are assumed to remain constant for the remaining life of the properties. If the net capitalized costs exceed the full-cost ceiling, then a permanent non-cash write-down is required to be charged to earnings in that reporting period. Under these SEC-defined product prices, our net capitalized costs were more than the full cost ceiling at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 which required a write-down of $27.8 million after-tax and $59.0 million after-tax, respectively. Under the SEC-defined product prices at December 31, 2010, no additional write-down was required. Reserves in 2010 and 2009 were determined consistent with SEC requirements using a 12-month average price calculated using the first-day-of-the-month price for each of the 12 months in the reporting period held constant for the life of the properties. Given the fluctuations in natural gas and oil prices, we can provide no assurance that future write-downs will not occur depending on oil and gas prices at that point in time.
 
Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Estimates
 
Estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves are based on the quantities of oil and natural gas that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. An independent petroleum engineering company prepares reports that estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves annually. The accuracy of any oil and natural gas reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. For example, we must estimate the amount and timing of future operating costs, severance taxes, development costs and workover costs, all of which may in fact vary considerably from actual results. In addition, as oil and gas prices and cost levels change from year to year, the estimate of proved reserves may also change. Any significant variance in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of our reserves.
 
Despite the inherent imprecision in estimating our oil and natural gas reserves, the estimates are used throughout our financial statements. For example, since we use the unit-of-production method of calculating depletion expense, the amortization rate of our capitalized oil and gas properties incorporates the estimated unit-of-production attributable to the estimates of proved reserves. The net book value of our oil and gas properties is also subject to a "ceiling" limitation based in large part on the quantity of our proved reserves. Finally, these reserves are the basis for our supplemental oil and gas disclosures.
 
Risk Management Activities
 
In addition to the information provided below, see Note 3, "Risk Management Activities" and Note 4, "Fair Value Measurement," of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

100

 

Derivatives
 
Accounting standards for derivatives require the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and their measurement at fair value. Our policy for recognizing the changes in fair value of derivatives varies based on the designation of the derivative. The changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings. Derivatives may be designated as hedges of expected future cash flows or fair values. The effective portion of changes in fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) until it is reclassified into earnings in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in current earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recognized in current earnings along with fair value changes of the underlying hedged item.
 
We currently use derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, forwards and other contractual commitments for both non-trading (hedging) and trading purposes. Our typical non-trading (hedging) transactions relate to contracts we enter into to fix the price received for anticipated future production at our Oil and Gas segment, or to fulfill the annual winter hedging plan for our Gas Utilities segment (see below), and for interest rate swaps we enter into to convert a portion of our variable rate debt, or associated variable rate interest payments, to a fixed rate. Our Energy Marketing operations utilize various physical and financial contracts to effectively manage our marketing and trading portfolios.
 
Fair values of derivative instruments and energy trading contracts are based on actively quoted market prices or other external source pricing information, where possible. If external market prices are not available, fair value is determined based on other relevant factors and pricing models that consider current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments or commodities, as well as time value and yield curve or volatility factors underlying the positions.
 
Pricing models and their underlying assumptions impact the amount and timing of unrealized gains and losses recorded, and the use of different pricing models or assumptions could produce different financial results. At our Energy Marketing segment, changes in the commodity markets will impact our estimates of fair value in the future. To the extent financial contracts have extended maturity dates, our estimates of fair value may involve greater subjectivity due to the lack of transparent market data available upon which to base modeling assumptions. A 20% change to the estimated fair value prices would have affected 2010 net income by approximately $3.2 million.
 
We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We have interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $250.0 million that are not designated as hedge instruments. Accordingly, mark-to-market changes in value on the swaps are recorded within the income statement. A one basis point move in the interest rate curves over the term of the swaps would have a pre-tax impact of approximately $0.3 million. These swaps have remaining terms of eight and 18 years and have amended mandatory early termination dates ranging from December 15, 2011 to December 29, 2011.
 
Counterparty Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Our largest counterparties consist primarily of financial institutions and major energy companies. This concentration of counterparties may materially impact our exposure to credit risk resulting from market, economic or regulatory conditions. We seek to minimize counterparty credit risk through an evaluation of their financial condition and credit ratings and by imposing collateral requirements under certain circumstances, including the use of master netting agreements in our energy marketing segment.
 
We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that we have identified. The allowances provided are estimated and may be impacted by economic, market and regulatory conditions, which could have an effect on future allowance requirements and significantly impact future results of operations. While most credit losses have historically been within our expectations and established provisions, we can provide no assurance that our actual credit losses will be consistent with our estimates.
 

101

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
The Company, as described in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has three defined benefit pension plans and three defined post-retirement healthcare plans. Accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations involves numerous assumptions, the most significant of which relate to the discount rate for measuring the present value of future plan obligations; expected long-term rates of return on plan assets; rate of future increases in compensation levels; and healthcare cost projections. The determination of our obligation and expenses for pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent on the assumptions used by actuaries in calculating the amounts. Although we believe our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other postretirement obligations and our future expense.
 
The pension benefit cost for 2011 for our non-contributory funded pension plan is expected to be $8.0 million compared to $10.0 million in 2010. The estimated discount rate used to determine annual benefit cost accruals will be 5.5% in 2011; the discount rate used in 2010 was 6.0%. In selecting the discount rate, we consider cash flow durations for each Plan's liabilities and returns on high credit quality fixed income yield curves for comparable durations.
 
Our pension plan assets are held in trust and consist of equity, fixed income and real estate securities. In 2010, our target long-term investment allocations were 65% equity and 35% fixed income. At December 31, 2010, our investment allocation was 65% equities, 32% fixed income/cash and 3% real estate.
 
We do not pre-fund our non-qualified pension plans or two of the three postretirement benefit plans. The table below shows the expected impacts of a 1% increase or decrease to our healthcare trend rate for our Retiree Healthcare Plans (in thousands):
 
Change in Assumed Trend Rate
 
Impact on December 31, 2010 Accumulated Postretirement
Benefit Obligation
 
Impact on 2010 Service
and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
Increase 1%
 
$
2,437
 
 
$
301
 
Decrease 1%
 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
(239
)
 
Contingencies
 
When it is probable that an environmental or other legal liability has been incurred, a loss is recognized when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of the probability and the amount of loss are made based on currently available facts. Accounting for contingencies requires significant judgment regarding the estimated probabilities and ranges of exposure to potential liability. Our assessment of our exposure to contingencies could change to the extent there are additional future developments, or as more information becomes available. If actual obligations incurred are different from our estimates, the recognition of the actual amounts could have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
 
We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized, at currently enacted income tax rates, to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The amount of deferred tax assets recognized is limited to the amount of the benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.
 
In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and provides any necessary valuation allowances as required. If we determine that we will be unable to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. Although we believe our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretations of tax laws and the resolution of current and any future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements.
 

102

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
 
Information about our financial position as of December 31 is presented in the following table (dollars, in thousands):
 
Financial Position Summary
2010
2009
Percentage
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,438
 
$
112,901
 
(71.3
)%
Restricted cash
$
4,260
 
$
17,502
 
(75.7
)%
Short-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt
$
254,181
 
$
199,745
 
27.3
 %
Long-term debt
$
1,186,050
 
$
1,015,912
 
16.7
 %
Stockholders' equity
$
1,100,270
 
$
1,084,837
 
1.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Ratios
 
 
 
Long-term debt ratio
51.9
%
48.4
%
7.2
 %
Total debt ratio
56.7
%
52.8
%
7.4
 %
 
We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund our ongoing operating requirements, debt maturities, anticipated dividends, and anticipated capital expenditures during the next twelve months.
 
Liquidity
 
Historically, our principal sources of short-term liquidity have been our revolving credit facilities and cash from operations. We have utilized availability under our revolving credit facilities to manage our cash flow needs, which are affected by the seasonality of our businesses. Our principal sources for our long-term capital needs have been proceeds raised from public and private offerings of equity and long-term debt securities issued by the Company and its subsidiaries. We have also managed liquidity needs through hedging activities, primarily in connection with seasonal needs of our utility operations (including seasonal peaks in fuel requirements), interest rate movements, and commodity price movements.
 
At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $32.4 million of unrestricted cash on hand in addition to availability under our credit facilities. We had the following borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and available capacity (in millions):
 
Credit Facility
 
Expiration
Maximum
Capacity
Borrowings at
December 31, 2010
Letters of Credit at December 31, 2010
Available Capacity at December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
April 14, 2013
$
500.0
 
$
149.0
 
$
46.9
 
$
304.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enserco Facility
 
May 7, 2012
$
250.0
 
$
 
$
166.9
 
$
83.1
 
 
Working Capital
 
The most significant items impacting working capital are our capital expenditures, the purchase of natural gas for our regulated Gas Utilities, payment of dividends to shareholders and funding energy marketing activities. We could experience significant working capital requirements during peak months of the winter heating season due to higher natural gas consumption and during periods of high natural gas prices. We anticipate using a combination of credit capacity available under our corporate revolver and cash on hand to meet our peak winter working capital requirements.
 

103

 

Our Energy Marketing segment engages in trading activities which carry working capital requirements, notably natural gas storage. The level of these requirements varies depending on market circumstances, marketing activities and counterparty liquidity requirements. In addition, Enserco's Credit Facility contains working capital requirements for each borrowing base election level.
 
Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
On April 15, 2010, we terminated our $525 million Corporate Credit Facility and entered into a new $500 million Revolving Credit Facility expiring April 14, 2013. The new facility contains an accordion feature which allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase the capacity of the new facility to $600 million and can be used for the issuance of letters of credit, to fund working capital needs and for other corporate purposes. Borrowings are available under a base rate option or a Eurodollar option. The cost of borrowings or letters of credit is determined based upon our credit ratings. At current ratings levels, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings and letters of credit are 1.75%, 2.75% and 2.75%, respectively at December 31, 2010. The new facility contains a commitment fee to be charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility. Based upon current credit ratings, the fee is 0.5%.
 
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, such as limitations on the creation of new indebtedness and on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions, and maintenance of the following financial covenants: (i) consolidated net worth in an amount of not less than the sum of $625 million and 50% of our aggregate consolidated net income, if positive, beginning January 1, 2005 and (ii) a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenants would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding. We were in compliance with the covenants at December 31, 2010.
 
Our consolidated net worth was $1,100.3 million at December 31, 2010, which was approximately $241.0 million in excess of the net worth we were required to maintain under the credit facility. At December 31, 2010, our long-term debt ratio was 51.9%, our total debt leverage ratio (long-term debt and short-term debt) was 56.7%, and our recourse leverage ratio was approximately 57.5%.
 
Our ratios are calculated as required under the Revolving Credit Facility.  Our consolidated net worth requirement is calculated by taking $625 million plus 50% of the net income, if positive, of the Company since January 1, 2005.  Our long-term debt ratio is the ratio of our long-term debt over long-term debt plus our net worth.  Our total debt leverage ratio is the same as our long-term debt ratio with the addition of current maturities of long-term debt and notes payable in the calculation.  Our recourse leverage ratio is the ratio of our recourse debt, letters of credit (except letters of credit issued by our marketing subsidiary up to $250 million) and guarantees issued over our total capital which includes the balance in the numerator plus our net worth.
 
In addition to covenant violations, an event of default under the credit facility may be triggered by other events, such as a failure to make payments when due or a failure to make payments when due in respect of, or a failure to perform obligations relating to, other debt obligations of $35 million or more. Subject to applicable cure periods (none of which apply to a failure to timely pay indebtedness), an event of default would permit the lenders to restrict our ability to further access the credit facility for loans or new letters of credit, and could require both the immediate repayment of any principal and interest outstanding and the cash collateralization of outstanding letter of credit obligations.
 
The credit facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends if a default or an event of default exists prior to, or would result after giving effect to such action.
 
Enserco Credit Facility
 
In May 2010, Enserco entered into an agreement for a two-year, $250 million committed credit facility. The facility includes a $100 million accordion feature which allows Enserco, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase commitments under the facility. Societe Generale and BNP Paribas are co-lead arranger banks. The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA (Rabobank), Credit Agricole, RZB Finance LLC and U.S. Bank are participating banks. This Enserco Credit Facility replaced the $300 million credit facility which expired on May 7, 2010. Maximum borrowings under the facility are subject to a sublimit of $50 million. Borrowings under this facility are available under a base rate option or a Eurodollar option. Margins for base rate borrowings are 1.75% and for Eurodollar borrowings are 2.50%. Enserco was in compliance with its covenants as of December 31, 2010.
 

104

 

In September 2010, the Enserco Credit Facility was amended to allow for trading of electric power, renewable energy credits and emissions credits.
 
Corporate Term Loan
 
In December 2010, we entered into a $100.0 million one-year term loan (the "Loan") with J.P. Morgan and Union Bank due in December 2011. The cost of the borrowings under the Loan is based on a spread of 137.5 basis points over LIBOR (which equates to 1.6875% at December 31, 2010). Borrowings under the Loan may be prepaid without penalty. The proceeds were used to reduce borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. The covenants are substantially the same as under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
$200 Million Debt Offering
 
In July 2010, pursuant to a public offering, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal of senior unsecured notes due in 2020. The notes were priced at par and carry a fixed interest rate of 5.875%. We received proceeds of $198.7 million, net of underwriting fees. Deferred financing costs of $1.7 million are being amortized over the 10-year term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense. Proceeds were used to pay down a portion of borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and to reduce issued letters of credit.
 
Black Hills Power
 
In February 2010, the Black Hills Power Series 8.06% AC bonds matured. These were paid in full for $30.0 million of principal plus accrued interest of $1.2 million.
 
In March 2010, Black Hills Power completed redemption of its Series Y 9.49% bonds in full. The bonds were originally due in 2018. A total of $2.7 million was paid on March 31, 2010, which includes the principal balance of $2.5 million plus accrued interest and an early redemption premium of 2.618%. The early redemption premium was recorded in unamortized loss on reacquired debt which is included in Regulatory assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and is being amortized over the remaining term of the original bonds.
 
In June 2010, Black Hills Power completed redemption of its Series Z 9.35% bonds in full. The bonds were originally due in 2021. A total of $21.8 million was paid on June 1, 2010, which included the principal balance of $20.0 million plus accrued interest and an early redemption premium of 4.675%. The early redemption premium was recorded in unamortized loss on reacquired debt which is included in Regulatory assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and is being amortized over the remaining term of the original bonds.
 
In October 2009, we completed a $180 million first mortgage bond issuance. The bonds were priced at 99.931% of par and a reoffer yield of 6.13%. The bonds mature November 1, 2039 and carry an annual interest rate of 6.125%, which is scheduled to be paid semi-annually. We received proceeds net of underwriting fees of $178.3 million which were used to repay intercompany borrowings under the Utility Money Pool agreement, primarily incurred to fund the construction of Wygen III and repayment of bonds. Deferred financing costs of approximately $2.2 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the bonds.
 
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
 
In September 2009, Cheyenne Light completed a $17 million weekly variable rate refunding bond issuance. The new issue replaced existing debt and converted the bond credit support structure from an AMBAC Financial Group insurance policy to a direct-pay letter of credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank. Laramie County, Wyoming was the tax-exempt conduit issuer for this transaction. The bonds were issued in two series: a $10.0 million series maturing March 1, 2027, and a $7.0 million series maturing September 1, 2021. The principal amounts and maturity dates did not change from the original financing. Including the letter of credit fees and other issuance costs, the current all-in rate as of December 31, 2010, was approximately 2.77%.
 
Under the terms of an agreement with the letter of credit provider, Cheyenne Light is required to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00 and an interest coverage ratio greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00. If Cheyenne Light fails to meet these covenants, subject to a 30-day cure period, it would constitute an event of default and the bank would have the right to cause the bonds and related outstanding obligations to become immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2010, Cheyenne Light's capitalization and interest coverage ratios, calculated in accordance with the agreement, were 0.42 to 1.0 and 5.3 to 1.0, respectively. Cheyenne Light was in compliance with the requirements at December 31, 2010.
 

105

 

Acquisition Facility
 
In July 2008, in conjunction with the closing of the Aquila Transaction, we borrowed $382.8 million under our $1 billion bridge acquisition credit facility dated May 7, 2007. The Acquisition Facility was structured as a single-draw term loan facility for the sole purpose of financing the Aquila Transaction. During 2009, we repaid the Acquisition Facility with proceeds of $30.2 million from the sale of 25% of the Wygen III plant to MDU, net proceeds from the $250 million public debt offering, and a borrowing of $104.6 million on our Corporate Credit Facility.
 
Black Hills Wyoming Project Financing
 
In December, 2009, our subsidiary Black Hills Wyoming issued $120.0 million in project financing debt. The loan amortizes over a seven-year term and matures on December 9, 2016, at which time the remaining balance of $78.8 million is due. Principal and interest payments are made on a quarterly basis with the scheduled principal payments based on projected cash flows available for debt service. Additional quarterly principal payments are required based upon actual cash flows available for debt service. Interest is charged at LIBOR plus 3.25% (3.54% at December 31, 2010). Proceeds were used to repay borrowings on the Corporate Credit Facility. Deferred financing costs were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the debt. Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, the Parent of Black Hills Wyoming, must maintain minimum equity of $100.0 million as a covenant of the financing. We were in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2010.
 
Our Black Hills Wyoming project financing is secured by our ownership interest in the Wygen I plant and by the Gillette CT plant. The financing places restrictions on dividends or the loaning of funds by Black Hills Wyoming, which are permitted only in limited circumstances when cash flows for the projects exceed project debt service and reserve requirements.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We have interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $250.0 million that are not designated as hedge instruments. Accordingly, mark-to-market changes in value on the swaps are recorded within the income statement. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded a $15.2 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market non-cash loss on the swaps. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a $55.7 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market non-cash gain on the swaps. The mark-to-market value on these swaps was a liability of $54.0 million at December 31, 2010. Subsequent mark-to-market adjustments could have a significant impact on our results of operations. A one basis point move in the interest rate curve over the term of the swaps would have a pre-tax impact of approximately $0.3 million. These swaps are for terms of eight and 18 years and have amended mandatory early termination dates ranging from December 15, 2011 to December 29, 2011. We have continued to maintain these swaps in anticipation of our upcoming financing needs, particularly our upcoming holding company debt maturities, which are $225 million and $250 million in years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Alternatively, we may choose to cash settle these swaps at their fair value prior to their mandatory early termination dates, or unless these dates are extended, we will cash settle these swaps for an amount equal to their fair value on the stated termination dates.
 
In addition, we have $150.0 million notional amount floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, having a maximum term of 6 years. These swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges and accordingly, their mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The mark-to-market value of these swaps was a liability of $21.8 million at December 31, 2010.
 
Cross-Default Provisions
 
Our Revolving Credit Facility contains cross-default provisions that would result in an event of default under the credit facility upon: (i) a failure by us or certain of our subsidiaries (including, among others, Enserco and most of our Utility subsidiaries) to timely pay indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of $35 million or more, or (ii) the occurrence of a default under any agreement under which we or certain of our subsidiaries (including, among others, Enserco and most of our Utility subsidiaries) may incur indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of $35 million or more, and such default continues for a period of time sufficient to permit an acceleration of the maturity of such indebtedness or a mandatory prepayment of such indebtedness. In addition, our Revolving Credit Facility contains default provisions under which an event of default would result if we or certain of our subsidiaries (including, among others, Enserco and most of our Utility subsidiaries) fail to timely make certain payments, such as ERISA funding obligations or payments in satisfaction of judgments, in an aggregate principal amount of $35 million or more.

106

 

Forward Equity Transaction
 
In November 2010, we entered into a Forward Agreement with J.P. Morgan in connection with a public offering of 4,000,000 shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock. Under the Forward Agreement on November 10, 2010, we agreed to issue to J.P. Morgan 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at an initial forward price of $28.70875 per share.
 
On December 7, 2010, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 413,519 shares. In conjunction with the underwriters' exercise of the 413,519 share over-allotment option, an additional Equity Forward Agreement was entered into with J.P. Morgan for the over-allotment shares, having the same terms as the original Forward Agreement (together with the Forward Agreement, the "Forward Agreements").
 
The forward price used to determine cash proceeds due Black Hills Corporation at settlement of the equity forward instruments will be calculated based on the November 2010 public offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, adjusted for underwriting fees, interest rate adjustments as specified in the Forward Agreement, and expected dividends on our common stock during the period the instrument is outstanding. We may settle the equity forward instrument at any time up to the maturity date of November 10, 2011. We may also unilaterally elect to cash or net share settle at any date up to maturity, for all or a portion of the equity forward shares.
 
The equity forward instrument held by J.P. Morgan, underlying the Forward Agreements, was accounted for as equity in accordance with accounting for Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity, and recorded at fair value at the execution of the Forward Agreements, and will not be subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value until settlement. Since the initial pricing of the equity forward instrument of $28.70875 per share was determined based on the November 2010 offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, less underwriting fees of $1.04 per share, no premium on the transaction was due J.P. Morgan related to the Forward Agreements at execution, and no fair value was recorded to equity for the instrument. Proceeds or payments due at settlement of all or portions of the equity forward instrument will be recorded with appropriate adjustments to additional paid in capital and common stock, depending on the method of settlement.
 
At December 31, 2010, the equity forward instrument could have been settled with physical delivery of 4,413,519 shares to J.P. Morgan in exchange for cash of $125.1 million. Assuming required notices were given and actions taken, the forward instruments could have also been cash or net settled at December 31, 2010 with respective delivery of cash of approximately $8.8 million or approximately 291,000 shares of common stock to J.P. Morgan.
 
The use of a forward sale agreement allowed us to avoid equity market uncertainty by pricing a stock offering under the current market conditions, while mitigating share dilution by postponing the issuance of stock until funds are needed. Underwriting discount fees totaled $4.6 million which will be deducted from the proceeds upon settlement.
 
Collateral
 
We had posted with counterparties the following amounts of collateral in the form of cash or letters of credit at December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
 
2009
Trading positions (energy marketing)
$
170,260
 
 
133,805
 
Utility cash collateral requirements
10,355
 
 
3,789
 
Letters of credit on Revolving Credit Facility
46,865
 
 
44,752
 
Total Funds on Deposit
$
227,480
 
 
$
182,346
 
 
Collateral requirements for our trading positions will fluctuate based on the movement in commodity prices and our credit rating. Changes in collateral requirements will vary depending on the magnitude of the price movement and the current position of our energy marketing trading portfolio. As these trading positions settle in the future, the collateral will be returned.
 
At our Gas Utilities and Energy Marketing segments, we are required to post collateral with certain commodity and pipeline transportation vendors. This amount will fluctuate depending on gas prices and projected volumetric deliveries.
 

107

 

Utility Money Pool
 
As a utility holding company, we are required to establish a cash management program to address lending and borrowing activities between our utility subsidiaries and the Company. We have established utility money pool agreements which address these requirements. These agreements are on file with the FERC and appropriate state regulators. Under the utility money pool agreements, our utilities may at their option borrow and extend short-term loans to our other utilities via a utility money pool at market-based rates (3.01% at December 31, 2010). While the utility money pool may borrow funds from the Company (as ultimate parent company), the money pool arrangement does not allow loans from our utility subsidiaries to the Company (as ultimate parent company) or to non-regulated affiliates.
 
At December 31 money pool balances included (in thousands):
 
 
Borrowings From
(Loans To) Money Pool Outstanding
 
2010
2009
Subsidiary:
 
 
Black Hills Utility Holdings
$
168,867
 
$
128,357
 
Black Hills Power
$
(39,454
)
$
(59,309
)
Cheyenne Light
$
(14,527
)
$
(1,182
)
Total Money Pool borrowings from Parent
$
114,886
 
$
67,866
 
 
Registration Statements
 
The Company has an effective automatic shelf registration statement on file with the SEC under which we may issue, from time to time, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants and other securities. Although the shelf registration statement does not limit our issuance capacity, our ability to issue securities is limited to the authority granted by our Board of Directors, certain covenants in our finance arrangements and restrictions imposed by federal and state regulatory authorities. Our current automatic shelf registration expires on May 6, 2011. Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 100 million shares of common stock, $1 par value, and 25 million shares of preferred stock, no-par value. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 39.3 million shares of common stock outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. In addition, pursuant to the Forward Agreements, we expect to issue an additional 4,413,519 shares of common stock on or prior to the November 10, 2011 maturity date.
 
Anticipated Financing Plans
 
We have substantial capital expenditures projected in 2011, primarily due to the construction of additional utility and IPP generation to serve our Colorado Electric Utility. Our capital requirements are expected to be financed through a combination of operating cash flows, borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and long-term financings. We may complete an additional long-term senior unsecured debt financing at the holding company level in 2011. We intend to maintain a consolidated debt-to-capitalization level in the range of 50% to 55%; however, during the construction period of our new generation facilities in Colorado, we may exceed this level on a temporary basis. We expect to complete a portion of the permanent financing through the settlement of the Forward Equity Agreement in order to maintain our target debt-to-capitalization level. We do not currently anticipate any difficulty accessing debt or equity markets.
 
Factors Influencing Liquidity
 
Many of our operations are subject to seasonal and market-driven fluctuations in cash flow. We have traditionally sourced variations in the working capital needs of our subsidiaries with cash on hand and capacity available under our credit facilities, and have sourced the capital expenditures of our subsidiaries through a combination of internally generated cash, equity contributions and borrowings by our subsidiaries from us (financed primarily with net proceeds of equity and long-term debt issuances by us) and, in limited instances, debt offerings by our subsidiaries. Increased volatility in commodity prices and interest rates has led to increased variability in our liquidity needs.
 

108

 

As a utility holding company which owns several regulated utilities, we are subject to various regulations that could influence our liquidity. For example, the issuance of debt by our utility subsidiaries (including the ability of Black Hills Utility Holdings to issue debt) and the use of our utility assets as collateral generally requires the prior approval of the state regulators in the state in which the utility assets are located. As a result of our holding company structure, our right as a common shareholder, to receive assets of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries upon a subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization, is junior to the claims against the assets of such subsidiaries by their creditors. Therefore, our holding company debt obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future claims of the creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debt holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, and guarantee holders.
 
Due to market conditions, the funding status of our pension plans is subject to multiple variables, many of which are beyond our control, including changes to the fair value of the pension assets and changes in actuarial assumptions (in particular, the discount rate used in determining the projected benefit obligation). As a result, we may be required to contribute material amounts to our pension plans in 2011 and future periods, which could materially affect our liquidity and results of operations.
 
Dividend Restrictions
 
Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our shareholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result of certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements, we could have restrictions on the amount of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries.
 
Our credit facilities and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. An event of default would be deemed to have occurred if we did not meet certain financial covenants. The most restrictive financial covenants of our Revolving Credit Facility include the following: a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00 and a minimum consolidated net worth of $625 million plus 50% of aggregate consolidated net income since January 1, 2005. As of December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
In connection with the Aquila Transaction, the CPUC, NPSC, IUB and KCC approved orders or settlement agreements providing that, among other things, (i) our utilities in those jurisdictions cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and (ii) neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor its utility subsidiaries can extend credit to the Company except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. Covenants within Cheyenne Light's financing agreements require Cheyenne Light to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. In addition to the restrictions described above, each state in which we conduct utility operations imposes restrictions on affiliate transactions, including inter-company loans. Additionally, our utility subsidiaries are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed by state regulatory authorities to be paid to us as a utility holding company and also may have further restrictions under the Federal Power Act. As of December 31, 2010, the restricted net assets at our Electric and Gas Utilities were approximately $196.8 million.
 
Our Enserco credit facility is a borrowing base credit facility, the structure of which requires certain levels of tangible net worth and net working capital to be maintained for a given borrowing base election level. In order to maintain a borrowing base election level, Enserco may be restricted from making dividend payments to its parent company. Enserco's restricted net assets at December 31, 2010 were $93.0 million compared to $205.8 million at December 31, 2009. Covenant changes under the new Enserco Credit Facility allowed for a reduction in capital investments in Enserco of more than $40 million in 2010.
 
As a covenant of the Black Hills Wyoming project financing, Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings has restricted assets of $100.0 million. In addition, Black Hills Wyoming holds $4.3 million of restricted cash associated with the project financing requirements. Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings is the parent of Black Hills Electric Generation which is the parent of Black Hills Wyoming.
 

109

 

Credit Ratings
 
Credit ratings impact our ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financing, and vendor payment terms, including collateral requirements. As of December 31, 2010, our senior unsecured credit ratings, as assessed by the three major credit rating agencies, were as follows:
 
Rating Agency
Rating
Outlook
Moody's
Baa3
Stable
S&P
BBB-
Stable
Fitch
BBB
Stable
 
In addition, the first mortgage bonds issued by Black Hills Power were rated at December 31, 2010 as follows:
 
Rating Agency
Rating
Outlook
Moody's
A3
Stable
S&P
BBB+
Stable
Fitch
A-
Stable
 
We do not have any trigger events (i.e., an acceleration of repayment of outstanding indebtedness, an increase in interest costs or the posting of additional cash collateral) tied to our stock price and have not executed any transactions that require us to issue equity based on our credit ratings or other trigger events. If our senior unsecured credit rating should drop below investment grade, pricing under our credit agreements would be affected, increasing annual interest expense by approximately $1.0 million pre-tax based on our December 31, 2010 debt balances.
 
We have an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $50.0 million which has collateral requirements based upon our corporate credit ratings. At our current credit ratings, we would be required to post collateral for any amount by which the swap's negative mark-to-market fair value exceeds $20.0 million. If our senior unsecured credit rating would drop to BB+ or below by S&P, or Ba1 or below by Moody's, we would be required to post collateral for the entire amount of the swap's negative mark-to-market fair value.
 

110

 

Capital Requirements
 
Our primary capital requirements for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
Acquisition costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payment for acquisition of net assets, net of cash acquired
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
938,423
 
(1) 
Property additions (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
232,466
 
(3) 
241,963
 
(3) 
186,237
 
(3) 
Gas Utilities
51,363
 
 
43,005
 
 
19,337
 
(4) 
Non-regulated Energy -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
40,345
 
 
20,522
 
 
89,169
 
(5) 
Power Generation
148,191
 
(6) 
20,537
 
(6) 
5,105
 
 
Coal Mining
17,053
 
 
11,765
 
 
25,190
 
 
Energy Marketing
390
 
 
220
 
 
22
 
 
Corporate
7,182
 
 
9,807
 
 
11,033
 
 
 
496,990
 
 
347,819
 
 
336,093
 
 
Discontinued operations investing activities
 
 
 
 
29,836
 
(7) 
Total expenditures for property, plant and equipment
496,990
 
 
347,819
 
 
1,304,352
 
 
Common stock dividends
56,467
 
 
55,151
 
 
53,663
 
 
Maturities/redemptions of long-term debt
59,926
 
 
2,173
 
 
130,297
 
 
Discontinued operations financing activities
 
 
 
 
73,928
 
 
 
$
613,383
 
 
$
405,143
 
 
$
1,562,240
 
 
____________________________
(1)    Cash paid for the Aquila properties, net of cash acquired.
(2)     Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment.
(3)    Includes (a) $13.1 million, $119.9 million, and $99.3 million for Wygen III construction in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. During 2010 and 2009, we received reimbursement of $59.1 million and $58.0 million from the joint owners of the Wygen III facility. We own 52% of the Wygen III coal-fired plant that went into service on April 1, 2010; (b) $134.7 million and $48.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively for construction associated with our Colorado Electric Energy Resource Plan, including transmission and (c) $28.0 million, $21.1 million and $24.0 million in new transmission projects in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
(4)    The Gas Utilities were acquired on July 14, 2008.
(5)    Includes $16.9 million for acquisition of a non-operated interest in Wyoming in 2008.
(6)    Includes $146.2 million and $16.4 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively for construction of two 100 MW natural gas-fired power generation facilities at Colorado IPP.
(7)    Includes $27.8 million in 2008 for the construction of the Valencia plant, which was sold in the IPP Transaction.
 
 

111

 

Forecasted Capital Expenditures
 
Forecasted capital requirements for maintenance capital and development capital are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities(1)
$
197,600
 
 
$
170,300
 
 
$
138,900
 
Gas Utilities
65,200
 
 
55,800
 
 
47,600
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
48,900
 
 
61,500
 
 
93,300
 
Power Generation(2)
112,700
 
 
4,200
 
 
4,400
 
Coal Mining
12,500
 
 
16,000
 
 
16,700
 
Energy Marketing
2,400
 
 
3,400
 
 
3,400
 
Corporate
6,950
 
 
11,630
 
 
6,650
 
 
$
446,250
 
 
$
322,830
 
 
$
310,950
 
__________________________
(1)    
Capital expenditures for our Electric Utilities include expenditures associated with our Colorado Electric Energy Resource Plan. The construction of two natural gas-fired combustion turbine facilities at Colorado Electric is expected to cost approximately $250 million to $260 million; construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. The planned expenditures included in this table reflect the mid-point of this range. We expect to spend approximately $67 million to $77 million in 2011 for this construction.
(2)    
Capital expenditures for our Power Generation segment include construction of two 100 MW natural gas-fired generation facilities at Black Hills Colorado IPP. The total construction cost is expected to be approximately $250 million to $260 million; construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. The planned expenditures included in this table reflect the mid-point of this range. We expect to spend approximately $87 million to $97 million in 2011 on this construction.
 

112

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments
 
The following information is provided to summarize our cash obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2010. Actual future costs of estimated obligations may differ materially from these amounts.
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
(in thousands)
Contractual Obligations
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
4-5
Years
 
After 5
Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt(a)(b)
$
1,191,420
 
 
$
5,181
 
 
$
231,446
 
 
$
269,437
 
 
$
685,356
 
Unconditional purchase obligations(c)
1,116,494
 
 
333,000
 
 
297,806
 
 
251,140
 
 
234,548
 
Operating lease obligations(d)
13,478
 
 
2,610
 
 
4,860
 
 
2,422
 
 
3,586
 
Other long-term obligations(e)
42,517
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42,517
 
Employee benefit plans(f)
190,690
 
 
9,720
 
 
79,580
 
 
51,760
 
 
49,630
 
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions(g)
50,135
 
 
 
 
17,557
 
 
4,345
 
 
28,233
 
Notes Payable
249,000
 
 
249,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total contractual cash obligations(h)
$
2,853,734
 
 
$
599,511
 
 
$
631,249
 
 
$
579,104
 
 
$
1,043,870
 
_________________________
(a)    
Long-term debt amounts do not include discounts or premiums on debt.
(b)    
The following amounts are estimated for interest payments on long-term debt over the next five years: $77.8 million in 2011, $77.6 million in 2012, $70.2 million in 2013, $51.3 million in 2014 and $39.7 million in 2015. Estimated interest payments on variable rate debt are calculated by utilizing the applicable rates as of December 31, 2010.
(c)    
Unconditional purchase obligations include the capacity costs associated with our power purchase agreement with PacifiCorp, the capacity and energy costs associated with our power purchase agreement with PSCo, and certain transmission, gas purchase and gas transportation and storage agreements. The energy charge under the PPA and the commodity price under the gas purchase contract are variable costs, which for purposes of estimating our future obligations, were based on costs incurred during 2010 and price assumptions using existing prices at December 31, 2010. The pricing for the PSCo power purchase agreement is based on annual contracted capacity and an 85% load factor at current FERC approved rates. Our transmission obligations are based on filed tariffs as of December 31, 2010.
(d)    
Includes operating leases associated with several office buildings, warehouses and call centers, equipment and vehicles.
(e)    
Includes estimated asset retirement obligations associated with our Oil and Gas, Coal Mining, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments as discussed in Note 10 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(f)    
Represents estimated employer contributions to employee benefit plans through the year 2020.
(g)    
Years 1-3 include an estimated reversal of approximately $7.9 million associated with the gain deferred from the tax treatment related to the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction. The income tax refund receivable was reversed as a result of an agreement reached with the IRS in 2010.
(h)    
Amounts in the above table exclude: (1) any obligation that may arise from our derivatives, including interest rate swaps and commodity related contracts that have a negative fair value at December 31, 2010. These amounts have been excluded as it is impracticable to reasonably estimate the final amount and/or timing of any associated payments; and (2) contracts related to the construction of the 180 MW power generation facility by our Colorado Electric utility and 200 MW power generation facility by our Power Generation segment. We are in the process of procuring or have procured contracts for the turbines, building construction and labor. As of December 31, 2010, committed contracts for equipment purchases and for construction were 100% and 84% complete, respectively, for the Colorado Electric utility and 100% and 71% complete, respectively, for the Power Generation segment. Construction is expected to be completed at both facilities by December 31, 2011 with expenditures during 2011 of $67 million to $77 million for Colorado Electric and $87 million to $97 million for Black Hills Colorado IPP.
 

113

 

Dividends
 
Our dividend payout ratio for the year ended December 31, 2010, was 82% compared to 67% and 51% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Dividends paid on our common stock totaled $1.44 per share in 2010, as compared to $1.42 per share in 2009 and $1.40 per share in 2008. Our three-year annualized dividend growth rate was 1.7%, and all dividends were paid out of available operating cash flows.
 
In January 2011, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.365 per share or an annualized equivalent dividend rate of $1.46 per share. The determination of the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid will depend upon, among other things, our financial condition, funds from operations, the level of our capital expenditures, restrictions under our credit facilities and our future business prospects.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Guarantees
 
We provide various guarantees supporting certain of our subsidiaries under specified agreements or transactions. At December 31, 2010, we had outstanding guarantees as indicated in the table below. Of the $116.5 million, $12.6 million was related to performance obligations under subsidiary contracts and $11.6 million was related to indemnification for reclamation and surety bonds of subsidiaries. For more information on these guarantees, see Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
As of December 31, 2010, we had the following guarantees in place (in thousands):
 
 
Outstanding at
 
 
Nature of Guarantee
December 31, 2010
 
Year Expiring
 
 
 
 
Guarantee obligations of Enserco under an agency agreement
$
7,000
 
 
2011
Guarantees for payment of obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions by Black Hills Utility Holdings
70,000
 
 
Ongoing
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for four gas turbines for Black Hills Colorado IPP
7,134
 
 
2012
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for two gas turbines for Colorado Electric
5,455
 
 
2012
Indemnification for subsidiary reclamation/surety bonds
11,564
 
 
Ongoing
Guarantee of payment obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for purchase of new office building
6,026
 
 
2011
Guarantee for payment obligations arising from natural gas transportation, storage and services agreement for Black Hills Utility Holdings
9,300
 
 
2011
 
$
116,479
 
 
 
 
 

114

 

Cash Flow Activities
 
The following table summarizes our cash flows during 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Cash provided by (used in)
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
147,752
 
$
270,502
 
$
145,641
 
Investing activities
$
(389,168
)
$
(269,823
)
$
(457,052
)
Financing activities
$
160,953
 
$
(56,310
)
$
398,688
 
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities of $147.8 million which was $122.8 million less than in 2009. Our operating cash flow decline was primarily attributable to:
•    
Cash earnings (net income plus adjustments to reconcile income) were consistent with prior year. Net income results were negatively impacted by mark-to-market losses in 2010 on interest rate swaps but positively impacted by mark-to-market gains on interest rate swaps in 2009, offset by a ceiling test impairment in 2009, which do not impact cash flows from operations;
•    
A $30.0 million contribution in 2010 to our defined benefit plans compared to $16.9 million in 2009;
•    
Outflows from operating assets and liabilities of $97.8 million as a result of:
•    
Outflows from changes in accounts receivable primarily from an increase in our Energy Marketing receivables;
•    
Materials, supplies and fuel used funds of $26.3 million primarily from the purchases of gas and oil by our Energy Marketing segment;
•    
Inflows from changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities primarily from our Energy Marketing segment; and
•    
Outflows of $23.9 million from higher use of funds in regulatory assets primarily related to energy efficiency rebates.
 
Investing Activities:
Cash used in investing activities was $389.2 million in 2010, which is $119.3 million more than in 2009. The increase primarily reflects higher capital additions partially offset by cash proceeds of $62.0 million for the sale of a portion of Wygen III to the City of Gillette. During 2010, cash outflows for property, plant and equipment additions totaled $472.7 million. Significant additions during 2010 included partial completion of construction of 180 MW of natural gas-fired electric generation at Colorado Electric and on our 200 MW of natural gas-fired electric generation at Black Hills Colorado IPP, new transmission at the Electric Utilities, the completion of construction of Wygen III and oil and gas property maintenance capital and development drilling.
 
Financing Activities:
Cash provided by financing activities was $161.0 million in 2010, which was an increase of $217.3 million from 2009. During 2010, we issued $200.0 million in long-term debt and retired $59.9 million of long-term debt. During 2010, we paid $56.5 million of cash dividends on common stock.
 
2009 Compared to 2008
 
Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities was $270.5 million in 2009, which was $124.9 million higher than in 2008. Our operating cash flow increase was primarily attributable to:
•    
Higher cash earnings of $28.6 million (net income plus adjustments to reconcile income). Operating results were impacted by mark-to-market changes on interest rate swaps which do not impact cash flows from operations;
•    
A $16.9 million contribution in 2009 to our defined benefit plans compared to $0.5 million in 2008;
•    
Inflows from operating assets and liabilities of $124.4 million as a result of:
•    
Inflows from changes in accounts receivable primarily from our Energy Marketing receivables;
•    
Materials, supplies and fuel used funds of $13.4 million primarily relating to natural gas held in storage by our Energy Marketing segment;
•    
Outflows from changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities primarily from Energy Marketing; and
•    
A $39.0 million increase in cash flows from changes in regulatory assets primarily related to deferred gas

115

 

adjustments for our Gas Utilities.
 
Investing Activities:
Cash used in investing activities was $269.8 million in 2009, which was $187.2 million lower than in 2008. The decrease resulted from an increase for capital additions in 2009, partially offset by cash proceeds in 2008 of $835.6 million from the sale of the IPP assets and the 2008 use of $938.4 million to purchase the Aquila assets. During 2009, cash outflows for property, plant and additions totaled $346.9 million. Significant additions during 2009 included Wygen III, partial completion of construction of 180 MW of natural gas-fired electric generation at Colorado Electric and 200 MW of natural-gas fired generation at Colorado IPP.
 
Financing Activities:
Cash used in financing activities was $56.3 million in 2009 compared to cash proceeds from financing activities in 2008 of $398.7 million. During 2009, we issued $543.1 million in long-term debt including proceeds of $248.5 million from the issuance of senior unsecured five year notes, proceeds of $180.0 million from the issuance of first mortgage bonds, and proceeds of $114.6 million from our Black Hills Wyoming project financing. Substantially all of the net proceeds were used to repay short-term borrowings and fund our capital additions. During 2009, we paid $55.2 million of cash dividends on common stock.
 
Market Risk Disclosures
 
Our activities expose us to a number of risks in the normal operation of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and counterparty risk. We have developed policies, processes, systems, and controls to manage and mitigate these risks.
 
Market risk is the potential loss that might occur as a result of an adverse change in market price or rate. We are exposed to the following market risks:
 
•    
Commodity price risk associated with our marketing business, our natural long position with crude oil and natural gas reserves and production, and fuel procurement for certain of our gas-fired generation assets;
 
•    
Interest rate risk associated with our variable rate credit facilities and our project financing floating rate debt as described in Notes 8 and 9 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and
 
•    
Foreign currency exchange risk associated with our natural gas marketing business transacted in Canadian dollars.
 
Our exposure to these market risks is affected by a number of factors including the size, duration, and composition of our energy portfolio, the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices, the volatility of these prices and rates, and the liquidity of the related interest rate and commodity markets.
 
To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures. These policies have been approved by our Executive Risk Committee and reviewed by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. These policies relate to numerous matters including governance, control infrastructure, authorized commodities and trading instruments, prohibited activities, and employee conduct. The Executive Risk Committee, which includes senior level executives, meets on a regular basis to review our business and credit activities and to ensure that these activities are conducted within the authorized policies.
 
Utilities
 
We produce, purchase and distribute power in four states, and purchase and distribute natural gas in five states. All of our gas distribution utilities have PGA provisions that allow them to pass the prudently-incurred cost of gas through to the customer. To the extent that gas prices are higher or lower than amounts in our current billing rates, adjustments are made on a periodic basis to "true-up" billed amounts to match the actual natural gas cost we incurred. These adjustments are subject to periodic prudence reviews by the state utility commissions. In South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, we have a mechanism for our regulated electric utilities that serves a purpose similar to the PGAs for our regulated gas utilities. To the extent that our fuel and purchased power energy costs are higher or lower than the energy cost built into our tariffs, the difference (or a portion thereof) is passed through to the customer.
 

116

 

As allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into certain exchange-traded natural gas futures, options and basis swaps to reduce our customers' underlying exposure to volatility of natural gas prices. These transactions are considered derivatives and are marked-to-market. Gains or losses, as well as option premiums on these transactions, are recorded in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities.
 
The fair value of our Gas Utilities derivative contracts are summarized below (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative liabilities
$
(7,188
)
 
$
(1,511
)
Cash collateral
10,355
 
 
3,789
 
 
$
3,167
 
 
$
2,278
 
 
Trading Activities
 
Energy Marketing
 
We have a natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental marketing business specializing in producer services, end-use origination and wholesale marketing that conducts business in the United States and Canada. For producer services our main objective is to provide value in the supply chain by acting as the producer's "marketing arm" for wellhead purchases, scheduling services, imbalance management, risk management services and transportation management. We accomplish this goal through industry experience, extensive contacts, transportation and risk management expertise, trading skills and personal attention. Our end-use origination efforts focus on supplying and providing electricity generators and industrial customers with flexible options to procure their energy inputs and asset optimization services to these large end-use consumers of natural gas. Our wholesale marketing activity has two functions: support the efforts of producer services and end-use origination groups, and marketing and trading natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products.
 
To effectively manage our producer services, end-use origination and wholesale marketing portfolios, we enter into forward physical commodity contracts, financial derivative instruments including over-the-counter swaps and options, and storage and transportation agreements.
 
We conduct our energy marketing business activities within the parameters as defined and allowed in the BHCRPP and further delineated in the energy marketing Risk Management Policies and Procedures as approved by our Executive Risk Committee.
 
Monitoring and Reporting Market Risk Exposures
 
We use a number of quantitative tools to measure, monitor and limit our exposure to market risk in our natural gas, oil, coal, power and environmental marketing portfolio. We limit and monitor our market risk through established limits on the nominal size of positions based on type of trade, location and duration. Such limits include those on fixed price, basis, index, storage, transportation and foreign exchange positions.
 
Our market risk limits are monitored by our Risk Management function to ensure compliance with our stated risk limits. The Risk Management function operates independently from our Energy Marketing Group. The limits are measured, monitored and regularly reported to and reviewed by our Executive Risk Committee.
 
Daily risk management activities include reviewing positions in relation to established position limits, assessing changes in daily mark-to-market and other non-statistical risk management techniques.
 
The contract or notional amounts, terms and mark-to-market values of our natural gas, crude oil, coal, emissions credits and energy marketing and derivative commodity instruments at December 31, 2010 and 2009, are set forth in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

117

 

Fair Value of Energy Marketing Positions
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of activity in our marketing portfolio that has been recorded at fair value in accordance with GAAP during the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
 
Total fair value of energy marketing positions marked-to-market at December 31, 2009
$
19,521
 
(a) 
Net cash settled during the period on positions that existed at December 31, 2009
(7,589
)
 
Change in fair value due to change in assumptions
 
 
Unrealized gain on new positions entered during the period and still existing at December 31, 2010
16,766
 
 
Realized gain on positions that existed at December 31, 2009 and were settled during the period
(5,643
)
 
Change in cash collateral
1,230
 
 
Unrealized loss on positions that existed at December 31, 2009 and still exist at December 31, 2010
(867
)
 
 
 
 
Total fair value of energy marketing positions at December 31, 2010
$
23,418
 
(a) 
_____________________________
(a)    The fair value of energy marketing positions consists of the mark-to-market values of derivative assets/liabilities and market value adjustments to natural gas inventory that has been designated as a hedged item as part of a fair value hedge, as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
Net derivative assets
$
28,524
 
$
17,084
 
Cash collateral
3,958
 
2,728
 
Market adjustment recorded in material, supplies and fuel
(9,064
)
(291
)
 
 
 
Total fair value of energy marketing positions marked-to-market
$
23,418
 
$
19,521
 
 
To value the assets and liabilities for our outstanding derivative contracts, we use the fair value methodology outlined in accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The sources of fair value measurements were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Maturities
Source of Fair Value
 
Less than 1 year
 
1 - 2 years
 
Total Fair Value
Level 1
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
Level 2
 
22,276
 
 
735
 
 
23,011
 
Level 3
 
3,188
 
 
2,325
 
 
5,513
 
Cash collateral
 
3,958
 
 
 
 
3,958
 
Market value adjustment for inventory (see footnote (a) above)
 
(9,064
)
 
 
 
(9,064
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fair value of our energy marketing positions
 
$
20,358
 
 
$
3,060
 
 
$
23,418
 
 

118

 

GAAP restricts mark-to-market accounting treatment primarily to those contracts that meet the definition of a derivative under accounting standards for derivatives and hedges. Therefore, the above reconciliation does not present a complete picture of our overall portfolio of trading activities or our expected cash flows from energy trading activities. In our marketing operations, we often employ strategies that include utilizing derivative contracts along with inventory, storage and transportation positions to accomplish the objectives of our marketing groups. Except in circumstances when we are able to designate transportation, storage or inventory positions as part of a fair value hedge, accounting standards for derivatives generally do not allow us to mark our inventory, transportation or storage positions to market. The result is that while a significant majority of our energy marketing positions are fully economically hedged, we are required to mark some parts of our overall strategies (the derivatives) to market value, but are generally precluded from marking the rest of our economic hedges (transportation, inventory or storage) to market. Volatility in reported earnings and derivative positions should be expected given these accounting requirements. The table below references non-GAAP measures that quantify these positions.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of our energy marketing positions recorded at fair value under GAAP to a non-GAAP measure of the fair value of our energy marketing forward book wherein all forward trading positions are marked-to-market (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
2010
December 31,
2009
Fair value of our energy marketing positions marked-to-market in accordance with GAAP (see footnote (a) above)
$
23,418
 
$
19,521
 
Market value adjustments for inventory, storage and transportation positions that are not marked-to-market under GAAP
(25,736
)
(2,916
)
 
 
 
Fair value of all forward positions (non-GAAP)
(2,318
)
16,605
 
Cash collateral included in GAAP fair value
(3,958
)
(2,728
)
 
 
 
Fair value of all forward positions excluding cash collateral (non-GAAP)*
$
(6,276
)
$
13,877
 
_____________________________
*    We consider this measure a Non-GAAP financial measure. This measure is presented because we believe it provides a more comprehensive view to our investors of our energy trading activities and thus a better understanding of these activities than would be presented by the GAAP measure alone.
 
Activities Other than Trading
 
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
 
We produce natural gas and crude oil through our exploration and production activities. Our reserves are natural "long" positions, or unhedged open positions, and introduce commodity price risk and variability in our cash flows. We employ risk management methods to mitigate this commodity price risk and preserve our cash flows. We have adopted guidelines covering hedging for our natural gas and crude oil production. These guidelines have been approved by our Board of Directors.
 
To mitigate commodity price risk and preserve cash flows, we primarily use over-the-counter swaps and options. Our hedging policy allows up to 90% of our natural gas and 100% of our crude oil production from proven producing reserves to be hedged for a period up to two years in the future. Our hedging strategy is conducted from an enterprise-wide risk perspective; accordingly, we might not externally hedge a portion of our natural gas production when we have offsetting price risk for the fuel requirements of certain of our power generating activities.
 
The Company has entered into agreements to hedge a portion of its estimated 2011 and 2012 natural gas and crude oil production. The hedge agreements in place as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:
 

119

 

Natural Gas
 
Location
 
Transaction Date
 
Hedge Type
 
Term
 
Volume
(MMBtu/day)
 
Price
CIG
 
1/26/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
2,000
 
$
6.00
 
NWR
 
1/26/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
2,000
 
$
6.05
 
San Juan El Paso
 
1/26/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
5,000
 
$
6.38
 
San Juan El Paso
 
2/13/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
2,500
 
$
6.16
 
AECO
 
3/4/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
1,000
 
$
5.95
 
San Juan El Paso
 
6/2/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
5,000
 
$
5.99
 
AECO
 
6/2/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
800
 
$
5.89
 
NWR
 
6/2/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
1,500
 
$
5.54
 
San Juan El Paso
 
6/25/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
2,500
 
$
5.55
 
CIG
 
6/25/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
1,750
 
$
5.33
 
CIG
 
9/2/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
500
 
$
5.32
 
NWR
 
9/2/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
500
 
$
5.32
 
San Juan El Paso
 
9/2/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
2,500
 
$
5.54
 
CIG
 
9/25/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
500
 
$
5.59
 
NWR
 
9/25/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
1,000
 
$
5.59
 
AECO
 
9/25/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
500
 
$
5.76
 
San Juan El Paso
 
9/25/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
5,000
 
$
5.91
 
San Juan El Paso
 
10/23/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
2,500
 
$
6.23
 
NWR
 
10/23/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
1,500
 
$
6.12
 
San Juan El Paso
 
10/23/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
1,000
 
$
6.59
 
AECO
 
12/11/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
500
 
$
6.27
 
CIG
 
12/11/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
1,500
 
$
6.03
 
San Juan El Paso
 
12/11/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
5,000
 
$
6.15
 
San Juan El Paso
 
1/8/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
2,500
 
$
6.38
 
NWR
 
1/8/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
1,500
 
$
6.47
 
AECO
 
1/8/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
500
 
$
6.32
 
CIG
 
1/8/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
1,500
 
$
6.43
 
San Juan El Paso
 
1/25/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
5,000
 
$
6.44
 
San Juan El Paso
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
500
 
$
5.19
 
San Juan El Paso
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
7,000
 
$
5.27
 
CIG
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
1,500
 
$
5.17
 
NWR
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
1,500
 
$
5.20
 
AECO
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
250
 
$
5.15
 
San Juan El Paso
 
6/28/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
3,500
 
$
5.19
 
NWR
 
6/28/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
1,500
 
$
5.01
 
CIG
 
6/28/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
1,500
 
$
4.98
 
 
 

120

 

Crude Oil
Location
 
Transaction Date
 
Hedge Type
 
Term
 
Volume
(Bbls/month)
 
Price
NYMEX
 
1/26/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
5,000
 
$
60.90
 
NYMEX
 
2/13/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
5,000
 
$
60.05
 
NYMEX
 
3/4/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
5,000
 
$
57.00
 
NYMEX
 
4/8/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
5,000
 
$
68.80
 
NYMEX
 
4/23/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
5,000
 
$
65.10
 
NYMEX
 
6/2/2009
 
Swap
 
01/11 - 03/11
 
5,000
 
$
75.05
 
NYMEX
 
6/2/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
5,000
 
$
75.86
 
NYMEX
 
6/4/2009
 
Put
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
5,000
 
$
67.00
 
NYMEX
 
9/2/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
5,000
 
$
75.10
 
NYMEX
 
9/2/2009
 
Put
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
5,000
 
$
63.00
 
NYMEX
 
9/29/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
5,000
 
$
74.00
 
NYMEX
 
10/6/2009
 
Put
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
5,000
 
$
65.00
 
NYMEX
 
10/9/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
5,000
 
$
79.35
 
NYMEX
 
10/23/2009
 
Put
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
5,000
 
$
75.00
 
NYMEX
 
11/19/2009
 
Swap
 
04/11 - 06/11
 
1,000
 
$
85.35
 
NYMEX
 
11/19/2009
 
Swap
 
07/11 - 09/11
 
1,500
 
$
85.95
 
NYMEX
 
11/19/2009
 
Swap
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
5,000
 
$
87.50
 
NYMEX
 
1/8/2010
 
Put
 
10/11 - 12/11
 
6,000
 
$
75.00
 
NYMEX
 
1/8/2010
 
Put
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
5,000
 
$
75.00
 
NYMEX
 
1/25/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
5,000
 
$
83.30
 
NYMEX
 
2/26/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
5,000
 
$
83.80
 
NYMEX
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
01/12 - 03/12
 
5,000
 
$
83.80
 
NYMEX
 
3/19/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
5,000
 
$
84.00
 
NYMEX
 
3/31/2010
 
Put
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
5,000
 
$
75.00
 
NYMEX
 
5/13/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
5,000
 
$
87.85
 
NYMEX
 
6/28/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
5,000
 
$
83.80
 
NYMEX
 
8/17/2010
 
Swap
 
04/12 - 06/12
 
3,000
 
$
82.60
 
NYMEX
 
8/17/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
5,000
 
$
82.85
 
NYMEX
 
9/16/2010
 
Swap
 
07/12 - 09/12
 
5,000
 
$
84.60
 
NYMEX
 
11/9/2010
 
Swap
 
10/12 - 12/12
 
5,000
 
$
91.10
 
 
The hedge agreements entered into by the Company as of December 31, 2010 had a fair value of approximately $3.4 million as of December 31, 2010.
 

121

 

Wholesale Power
 
A potential risk related to power sales is the price risk arising from the sale of wholesale power that exceeds our generating capacity. These short positions can arise from unplanned plant outages or from unanticipated load demands. To control such risk, we restrict wholesale off-system sales to amounts by which our anticipated generating capabilities and purchased power resources exceed our anticipated load requirements plus a required reserve margin.
 
Financing Activities
 
We engage in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations. At December 31, 2010, we had $150.0 million of notional amount floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, having a maximum term of 6 years. These swaps have been designated as hedges in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedges and accordingly their mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
We also have interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $250.0 million which were entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate movements that would impact long-term financings that were originally expected to occur in 2008. The swaps were originally designated as cash flow hedges and the mark-to-market value was recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Based on credit market conditions that transpired during the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined it was probable that the forecasted long-term debt financings would not occur in the time period originally specified and as a result, the swaps were no longer effective hedges and the hedge relationships were de-designated. Mark-to-market adjustments on the swaps are now recorded within the income statement and during 2010 we recorded a $15.2 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market loss, in 2009 we recorded a $55.7 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market gain to earnings, while in 2008 we recorded a $94.4 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market charge to earnings. These swaps are eight and 18 year swaps which have amended mandatory early termination dates ranging from December 15, 2011 to December 29, 2011.
 
We have continued to maintain these swaps in anticipation of our upcoming financing needs, particularly our upcoming holding company debt maturities, which are $225 million and $250 million in years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Alternatively, we may choose to cash settle these swaps at their fair value prior to their mandatory early termination dates, or unless these dates are extended, we will cash settle these swaps for an amount equal to their fair value on the stated termination dates.
 
Further details of the swap agreements are set forth in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
On December 31, 2010 and 2009, our interest rate swaps and related balances were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2010
Notional
 
Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate
 
Maximum Terms in Years
 
Current Assets
 
Non- current Assets
 
Current Liabilities
 
Non- current Liabilities
 
Pre-tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Pre-tax Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
150,000
 
 
5.04
%
 
6.0
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
6,823
 
 
$
14,976
 
 
$
(21,799
)
 
$
 
Interest rate swaps
250,000
 
 
5.67
%
 
1.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
53,980
 
 
 
 
 
 
(15,193
)
 
$
400,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
60,803
 
 
$
14,976
 
 
$
(21,799
)
 
$
(15,193
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
150,000
 
 
5.04
%
 
7.00
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
6,342
 
 
$
9,075
 
 
$
(15,417
)
 
$
 
Interest rate swaps
250,000
 
 
5.67
%
 
1.00
 
 
 
 
 
 
38,787
 
 
 
 
 
 
55,653
 
 
$
400,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
45,129
 
 
$
9,075
 
 
$
(15,417
)
 
$
55,653
 
 
Based on December 31, 2010 market interest rates and balances, a loss of approximately $6.8 million would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next twelve months. Estimated and realized losses will likely change during the next twelve months as market interest rates change.

122

 

 
The table below presents principal (or notional) amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our long-term debt obligations, including current maturities (dollars in thousands):
 
 
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Thereafter
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate(a)
$
162
 
$
72
 
$
225,000
 
$
256,450
 
$
 
$
577,200
 
$
1,058,884
 
Average interest rate
13.66
%
13.66
%
6.5
%
8.89
%
%
6.27
%
6.96
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate
$
5,019
 
$
2,401
 
$
3,973
 
$
6,023
 
$
6,964
 
$
108,156
 
$
132,536
 
Average interest rate
3.54
%
3.54
%
3.54
%
3.54
%
3.54
%
3.11
%
3.19
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total long-term debt
$
5,181
 
$
2,473
 
$
228,973
 
$
262,473
 
$
6,964
 
$
685,356
 
$
1,191,420
 
 Average interest rate
3.86
%
3.83
%
6.45
%
8.77
%
3.54
%
5.77
%
6.54
%
_________________________
(a)    
Excludes unamortized premium or discount.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty. We have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Credit Policy that establishes guidelines, controls, and limits to manage and mitigate credit risk within risk tolerances established by the Board of Directors. In addition, our Executive Credit Committee, which includes senior executives, meets on a regular basis to review our credit activities and to monitor compliance with the adopted policies.
 
For our energy marketing, production, and generation activities, we seek to mitigate our credit risk by conducting a majority of our business with investment grade companies, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining netting agreements, and securing our credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit, and other security agreements.
 
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current creditworthiness, as determined by our review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that we have identified. While most credit losses have historically been within our expectations and provisions established, we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past, or that an investment grade counterparty will not default sometime in the future.
 
At December 31, 2010, approximately 75% of our credit exposure (exclusive of retail customers of our regulated utilities) was with investment grade companies. The remaining credit exposure is with non-investment grade or non-rated counterparties, of which a portion was supported through letters of credit, prepayments, or parental guarantees.
 
Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Our energy marketing subsidiary conducts its business in the United States and Canada. Transactions in Canada are generally transacted in Canadian dollars, which creates exchange rate risk. To mitigate this risk, we enter into forward currency exchange contracts to offset earnings volatility from changes in exchange rates between the Canadian and United States dollars. At December 31, 2010, we had outstanding forward exchange contracts to purchase approximately $15.0 million Canadian dollars. These contracts had a fair value of $(0.1) million at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009, we had no outstanding forward exchange contracts.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on new accounting standards adopted in 2010 or pending adoption.
 

123

 

ITEM 8.    
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2010
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2010
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2010
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 

124

 

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
 
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on our evaluation we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.
 
Deloitte & Touche, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of Black Hills Corporation's financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of Black Hills Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Deloitte & Touche LLP's report on Black Hills Corporation's internal control over financial reporting is included herein.
 
Black Hills Corporation
 

125

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Black Hills Corporation
Rapid City, South Dakota
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Black Hills Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company's change in an accounting principle.
 
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 25, 2011
 

126

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Black Hills Corporation
Rapid City, South Dakota
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Black Hills Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, common stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Black Hills Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed certain items related to its oil and gas operations in 2009.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 25, 2011
 
 

127

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
 
 
 
Utilities
$
1,120,721
 
$
1,100,204
 
$
749,250
 
Non-regulated energy
186,530
 
169,374
 
256,540
 
Total revenues
1,307,251
 
1,269,578
 
1,005,790
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Utilities -
 
 
 
Fuel, purchased power and cost of gas sold
626,528
 
652,725
 
448,411
 
Operations and maintenance
251,375
 
241,995
 
152,424
 
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance
88,891
 
85,938
 
113,210
 
Gain on sale of operating assets
(8,921
)
(25,971
)
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
126,894
 
121,297
 
107,263
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
43,301
 
91,782
 
Taxes - property, production and severance
27,602
 
22,231
 
27,684
 
Other operating expenses
980
 
1,230
 
9,139
 
Total operating expenses
1,113,349
 
1,142,746
 
949,913
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
193,902
 
126,832
 
55,877
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest charges -
 
 
 
Interest expense (including amortization of debt expense, premiums and discounts, realized amount on interest rate swaps)
(107,790
)
(90,878
)
(58,252
)
Allowance for funds used during construction - borrowed
10,689
 
5,839
 
2,811
 
Capitalized interest
4,381
 
349
 
1,318
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
(15,193
)
55,653
 
(94,440
)
Interest income
694
 
1,612
 
2,176
 
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity
2,996
 
5,891
 
3,835
 
Other expense
(176
)
(513
)
(187
)
Other income
2,921
 
5,943
 
1,064
 
Total other income (expense)
(101,478
)
(16,104
)
(141,675
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before non-controlling interest and income taxes
92,424
 
110,728
 
(85,798
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
1,559
 
1,343
 
4,366
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
(25,298
)
(33,315
)
29,395
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
68,685
 
78,756
 
(52,037
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
2,799
 
157,247
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
68,685
 
81,555
 
105,210
 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
(130
)
Net income available for common stock
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,080
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
 
 
 
Basic -
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.76
 
$
2.04
 
$
(1.37
)
Discontinued operations
 
0.07
 
4.12
 
Total
$
1.76
 
$
2.11
 
$
2.75
 
Diluted -
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.76
 
$
2.04
 
$
(1.37
)
Discontinued operations
 
0.07
 
4.12
 
Total
$
1.76
 
$
2.11
 
$
2.75
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
38,916
 
38,614
 
38,193
 
Diluted
39,091
 
38,684
 
38,193
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

128

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
 
(in thousands, except share amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,438
 
$
112,901
 
Restricted cash
4,260
 
17,502
 
Accounts receivable, net
328,811
 
274,489
 
Materials, supplies and fuel
139,677
 
123,322
 
Derivative assets, current
56,572
 
37,747
 
Income tax receivable
 
2,031
 
Deferred income taxes, net
17,113
 
4,523
 
Regulatory assets, current
66,429
 
25,085
 
Other current assets
25,571
 
27,270
 
Total current assets
670,871
 
624,870
 
 
 
 
Investments
17,780
 
18,524
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
3,359,762
 
2,975,993
 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion
(864,329
)
(815,263
)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
2,495,433
 
2,160,730
 
Other assets:
 
 
Goodwill
354,831
 
353,734
 
Intangible assets, net
4,069
 
4,309
 
Derivative assets, non-current
9,260
 
3,777
 
Regulatory assets, non-current
138,405
 
135,578
 
Other assets
20,860
 
16,176
 
Total other assets
527,425
 
513,574
 
TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,711,509
 
$
3,317,698
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
$
279,069
 
$
229,352
 
Accrued liabilities
170,301
 
151,504
 
Derivative liabilities, current
79,167
 
57,166
 
Accrued income tax
779
 
 
Regulatory liabilities, current
3,943
 
7,092
 
Notes payable
249,000
 
164,500
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
5,181
 
35,245
 
Total current liabilities
787,440
 
644,859
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
1,186,050
 
1,015,912
 
 
 
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
 
 
Deferred income taxes, non-current
277,136
 
262,034
 
Derivative liabilities, non-current
21,361
 
11,999
 
Regulatory liabilities, non-current
84,611
 
42,458
 
Benefit plan liabilities
124,709
 
140,671
 
Other deferred credits and other liabilities
129,932
 
114,928
 
Total deferred credits and other liabilities
637,749
 
572,090
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 18, 19 and 20)
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
Common stock equity-
 
 
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 39,280,048 shares at 2010 and 38,977,526 shares at 2009
39,280
 
38,978
 
Additional paid-in capital
598,805
 
591,390
 
Retained earnings
486,075
 
473,857
 
Treasury stock at cost - 10,962 shares at 2010 and 8,834 shares at 2009
(309
)
(224
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(23,581
)
(19,164
)
Total stockholders' equity
1,100,270
 
1,084,837
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
3,711,509
 
$
3,317,698
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

129

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,210
 
(Income) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(2,799
)
(157,247
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
68,685
 
78,756
 
(52,037
)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities -
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
126,894
 
121,297
 
107,263
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
43,301
 
91,782
 
Gain on sale of operating assets
(8,921
)
(25,971
)
 
Stock compensation
5,849
 
3,983
 
2,657
 
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss on interest rate swaps
15,193
 
(55,653
)
94,440
 
Earnings of associated companies
(1,559
)
(1,343
)
(2,581
)
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity
(2,996
)
(5,891
)
(3,835
)
Derivative fair value adjustments
10,873
 
27,362
 
(36,847
)
Deferred income taxes
19,206
 
39,743
 
2,058
 
Employee benefit plans
16,342
 
16,349
 
7,779
 
Other adjustments
(3,218
)
4,036
 
6,720
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities-
 
 
 
Materials, supplies and fuel
(25,265
)
1,078
 
14,525
 
Accounts receivable and other current assets
(51,443
)
78,886
 
(50,955
)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
30,772
 
(53,157
)
(21,453
)
Regulatory assets
(21,283
)
2,598
 
(36,400
)
Regulatory liabilities
50
 
1,265
 
526
 
Contributions to defined pension plans
(30,015
)
(16,945
)
(500
)
Other operating activities
(1,412
)
7,892
 
4,446
 
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
147,752
 
267,586
 
127,588
 
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
 
2,916
 
18,053
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
147,752
 
270,502
 
145,641
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment additions
(472,681
)
(346,872
)
(328,922
)
Payment for acquisition of net assets, net of cash acquired
(2,250
)
 
(938,423
)
Proceeds from sale of business operations
 
 
835,592
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
70,357
 
84,661
 
 
Working capital adjustment - Aquila Transaction
 
7,880
 
 
Other investing activities
15,406
 
(15,492
)
4,537
 
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
(389,168
)
(269,823
)
(427,216
)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
 
 
(29,836
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(389,168
)
(269,823
)
(457,052
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends paid on common stock
(56,467
)
(55,151
)
(53,663
)
Common stock issued
3,246
 
4,819
 
2,683
 
Decrease in short-term borrowings
(770,000
)
(1,125,300
)
(483,500
)
Increase in short-term borrowings
854,500
 
586,000
 
1,150,300
 
Long-term debt - issuance
200,000
 
543,069
 
 
Long-term debt - repayments
(59,926
)
(2,173
)
(130,297
)
Other financing activities
(10,400
)
(7,574
)
(12,907
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations
160,953
 
(56,310
)
472,616
 
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations
 
 
(73,928
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
160,953
 
(56,310
)
398,688
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(80,463
)
(55,631
)
87,277
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
112,901
 
168,532
 
81,255
 
Cash and cash equivalents end of year
$
32,438
 
$
112,901
 
$
168,532
 
See Note 16 for supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

130

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands except share amounts)
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
Value
Shares
Value
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained Earnings
AOCI
Total
Balance at December 31, 2007
37,842,221
 
$
37,842
 
45,916
 
$
(1,347
)
$
560,475
 
$
397,393
 
$
(24,508
)
$
969,855
 
Net income available for common stock
 
 
 
 
 
105,080
 
 
105,080
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,725
 
5,725
 
Dividends on common stock
 
 
 
 
 
(53,663
)
 
(53,663
)
Share-based compensation
207,461
 
207
 
(5,733
)
(45
)
3,423
 
 
 
3,585
 
Tax effect of share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
432
 
 
 
432
 
Stock issued under earn-out litigation
593,804
 
594
 
 
 
19,100
 
 
 
19,694
 
Other stock transactions
32,568
 
33
 
 
 
1,152
 
 
 
1,185
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 
 
 
 
 
(1,357
)
 
(1,357
)
Balance at December 31, 2008
38,676,054
 
$
38,676
 
40,183
 
$
(1,392
)
$
584,582
 
$
447,453
 
$
(18,783
)
$
1,050,536
 
Net income available for common stock
 
 
 
 
 
81,555
 
 
81,555
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
(381
)
(381
)
Dividends on common stock
 
 
 
 
 
(55,151
)
 
(55,151
)
Share-based compensation
158,140
 
159
 
(31,349
)
1,168
 
4,830
 
 
 
6,157
 
Tax effect of share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
(120
)
 
 
(120
)
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan
143,332
 
143
 
 
 
2,098
 
 
 
2,241
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
38,977,526
 
$
38,978
 
8,834
 
$
(224
)
$
591,390
 
$
473,857
 
$
(19,164
)
$
1,084,837
 
Net income available for common stock
 
 
 
 
 
68,685
 
 
68,685
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,417
)
(4,417
)
Dividends on common stock
 
 
 
 
 
(56,467
)
 
(56,467
)
Share-based compensation
195,915
 
196
 
2,128
 
(85
)
4,706
 
 
 
4,817
 
Tax effect of share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
(33
)
 
 
(33
)
Equity forward
 
 
 
 
(288
)
 
 
(288
)
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan
106,231
 
106
 
 
 
3,035
 
 
 
3,141
 
Other stock transactions
376
 
 
 
 
(5
)
 
 
(5
)
Balance at December 31, 2010
39,280,048
 
$
39,280
 
10,962
 
$
(309
)
$
598,805
 
$
486,075
 
$
(23,581
)
$
1,100,270
 
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
For the year ended
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(in thousands)
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Net income
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,210
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (see Note 15)
(4,417
)
(381
)
5,725
 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
(130
)
Consolidated comprehensive income
$
64,268
 
$
81,174
 
$
110,805
 
 
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

131

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
 
(1)    BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Business Description
 
Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. We are a holding company that, through our subsidiaries, operates in two primary business groups: Utilities and Non-regulated Energy. The Utilities Group includes two financial reporting segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Electric Utilities include the operating results of the regulated electric utility operations of Black Hills Power and Colorado Electric, and the electric and natural gas utility operations of Cheyenne Light. Gas Utilities consist of the operating results of the regulated natural gas utility operations of Colorado Gas, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas and Nebraska Gas all doing business as Black Hills Energy.
 
The Non-regulated Energy Group includes four financial reporting segments: Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Coal Mining and Energy Marketing. Oil and Gas, which is conducted through BHEP and its subsidiaries, engages in oil and natural gas exploration and production activities. Power Generation, which is conducted through Black Hills Electric Generation and its subsidiaries, engages in independent power generation activities. Coal Mining, which is conducted through WRDC, engages in coal mining activities. Energy Marketing, which is conducted through Enserco, engages in marketing natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental products. These businesses are aggregated for reporting purposes as Non-regulated Energy.
 
For further descriptions of our reportable business segments, see Note 17.
 
On July 14, 2008, we completed the acquisition of an electric utility in Colorado and gas utilities in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska from Aquila. Effective as of the acquisition date, the assets and liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of these acquired utilities are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 23 for additional information.
 
On July 11, 2008, we completed the sale of seven IPP plants. For all periods presented, amounts associated with the divested IPP plants have been classified as discontinued operations on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 22 for additional information.
 
Use of Estimates and Basis of Presentation
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The significant accounting policies that we believe include management estimates that are critical in understanding our financial results relate to market value of derivatives, intangible asset valuations and useful lives, long-lived asset values and useful lives, proved oil and gas reserve volumes, actuarially determined employee benefit costs, valuation of deferred taxes and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
Certain prior years' data presented in the financial statements has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The format of the consolidated statements of income for the prior periods has been modified to reflect the retrospective application of a change in the presentation of the statement of income. This change was made to enhance our statement of income presentation to reflect our segment reporting. Additionally, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been modified within the "Net cash provided by operating activities" to display the amounts of non-cash "Employee benefit plan" activity and cash "Contributions to defined benefit plans" previously recorded within "Other operating activities."
 

132

 

Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Black Hills Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Generally, we use the equity method of accounting for investments in which we own between 20% and 50% and investments in partnerships under 20% if we exercise significant influence. In May 2003, our subsidiary, Black Hills Wyoming, entered into an agreement with Wygen Funding, LP (a VIE), to lease the Wygen I plant. We were considered the primary beneficiary of the plant and therefore, consolidated Wygen Funding under ASC 805-10. In June 2008, we purchased the Wygen I plant. Since the plant was previously consolidated into our financial statements, the transaction had minimal impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation except for revenues and expenses associated with regulated intercompany energy and fuel sales, and shared assets in accordance with accounting standards for regulated operations. For additional information on intercompany revenues, see Note 17.
 
Our consolidated statements of income include operating activity of acquired companies beginning with their acquisition date.
 
We use the proportionate consolidation method to account for our working interests in oil and gas properties and for our ownership interest in the jointly owned Black Hills Power transmission tie, the Wyodak power plant, the Wygen I power plant, the Wygen III power plant, and the BHEP gas processing plant. See Note 7 for additional information.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Restricted Cash
 
The Black Hills Wyoming project financing, completed in December 2009, requires that cash accounts are maintained for various specified purposes. We do not readily have access to these accounts and can only withdraw funds upon meeting certain requirements. Therefore, we have classified these amounts as restricted cash.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts which reflects our best estimate of potentially uncollectible trade receivables. We regularly review our trade receivable allowances by considering such factors as historical experience, credit worthiness, the age of the receivable balances and current economic conditions that may affect collectibility.
 
Accounts receivable for our Utilities Group consists of sales to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and other customers all of which do not bear interest. These accounts receivable are stated at billed amounts net of write-offs or payment received. Approximately 18% of the accounts receivable balance consists of unbilled revenue.
Accounts receivable for our Non-regulated Energy Group consists of amounts due from sales of coal, oil and gas, and from our trading activities. Our Energy Marketing segment utilizes master netting agreements which is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. When the right of offset exists, accounting standards permit the netting of receivables and payables under a legally enforceable master netting agreement between counterparties. Accounting standards also permit offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim, or the obligation to return, cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty.
 
In specific cases where we are aware of a customer's inability or reluctance to pay, we record an allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net receivable balance to the amount we reasonably expect to collect. However, if circumstances change, our estimate of the recoverability of accounts receivable could be affected. Circumstances which could affect our estimates include, but are not limited to, customer credit issues, the level of commodity prices, customer deposits and general economic conditions. Accounts are written off once they are deemed to be uncollectible or the time allowed for dispute under the contract has expired.

133

 

Following is a summary of accounts receivable as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
2010
Accounts Receivable, Trade
Unbilled Revenues
Total Accounts Receivable
Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable, net
Electric
$
51,005
 
$
19,572
 
$
70,577
 
$
(708
)
$
69,869
 
Gas
41,970
 
40,376
 
82,346
 
(1,425
)
80,921
 
Oil and Gas
6,213
 
 
6,213
 
(161
)
6,052
 
Coal Mining
2,420
 
 
2,420
 
 
2,420
 
Energy Marketing
157,064
 
 
157,064
 
(69
)
156,995
 
Power Generation
307
 
 
307
 
 
307
 
Corporate
12,247
 
 
12,247
 
 
12,247
 
Total
$
271,226
 
$
59,948
 
$
331,174
 
$
(2,363
)
$
328,811
 
 
2009
Accounts Receivable, Trade
Unbilled Revenues
Total Accounts Receivable
Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable, net
Electric
$
43,497
 
$
15,014
 
$
58,511
 
$
(1,227
)
$
57,284
 
Gas
39,962
 
46,373
 
86,335
 
(2,456
)
83,879
 
Oil and Gas
5,687
 
 
5,687
 
 
5,687
 
Coal Mining
1,493
 
 
1,493
 
 
1,493
 
Energy Marketing
123,322
 
 
123,322
 
(938
)
122,384
 
Power Generation
585
 
 
585
 
 
585
 
Corporate
3,177
 
 
3,177
 
 
3,177
 
Total
$
217,723
 
$
61,387
 
$
279,110
 
$
(4,621
)
$
274,489
 
 
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a fixed or determinable price, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
 
Utility revenues are based on authorized rates approved by the state regulatory agencies and the FERC. Revenues related to the sale, transmission and distribution of energy delivery service are generally recorded when service is rendered or energy is delivered to customers. However, the determination of the energy sales to individual customers is based on systematic meter readings throughout a month. Meters that are not read during a given month are estimated and trued-up to actual use in a future period. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of their last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded in Accounts receivable, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
In addition, in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, certain energy marketing activities are recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date and net gains or losses resulting from the revaluation of these contracts to fair value are recognized currently in the results of operations. All energy marketing contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative have been accounted for under the accrual method of accounting.
 
We present our operating revenues from energy marketing operations in accordance with the accounting standards for energy trading contracts. Accordingly, gains and losses (realized and unrealized) on transactions at our energy marketing operations are presented on a net basis in operating revenues, whether or not settled physically.
 
For long-term power sales agreements, revenue is recognized either in accordance with accounting standards for revenue recognition for regulated operations, or in accordance with accounting standards for leases, as appropriate. Under accounting standards for revenue recognition for a regulated operation, revenue is generally recognized as the lesser of the amount billed or the average rate expected over the life of the agreement.
 

134

 

Materials, Supplies and Fuel
 
The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
Materials and supplies
$
31,749
 
$
31,535
 
Fuel - Electric Utilities
9,687
 
7,128
 
Natural gas in storage - Gas Utilities
21,691
 
24,053
 
Gas, oil and coal held by Energy Marketing*
76,550
 
60,606
 
 
 
 
Total materials, supplies and fuel
$
139,677
 
$
123,322
 
________________________
*    As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, market adjustments related to gas held by Energy Marketing and recorded in inventory as part of fair value hedge transactions, were $(9.1) million and $(0.3) million, respectively.
 
Natural gas in storage at our regulated Gas Utilities primarily represents gas purchased for use by our customers and is valued at the weighted-average cost of the gas. The value of our natural gas in storage fluctuates with seasonal volume requirements of our business and the commodity price of natural gas.
 
Gas, oil and coal held by Energy Marketing primarily consists of gas held in storage and gas imbalances held on account with pipelines. Gas imbalances represent the differences that arise between volumes of gas received into the pipeline versus gas delivered off of the pipeline. Natural gas and oil inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market on a weighted-average cost basis. To the extent that gas and oil held by Energy Marketing has been designated as the underlying hedged item in a fair value hedge transaction, those volumes are stated at market value using published industry quotations. See Note 3 for further discussion of Energy Marketing trading activities.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Included in the cost of regulated construction projects is AFUDC, which represents the approximate composite cost of borrowed funds and a return on equity used to finance a project. In addition, we also capitalize interest, when applicable, on undeveloped leasehold costs and certain non-regulated construction projects. The amounts capitalized are included in Property, plant and equipment on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
AFUDC represents the approximate composite cost of borrowed funds and a return on equity used to finance a utility project. Capitalized interest is an offset to Interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
The amount of AFUDC and capitalized interest was as follows (in thousands):
 
Years ended
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
AFUDC - borrowed
$
10,689
 
$
5,839
 
$
2,811
 
AFUDC - equity
$
2,996
 
$
5,891
 
$
3,835
 
Capitalized interest
$
4,381
 
$
349
 
$
1,318
 
 
The cost of regulated utility property, plant and equipment retired, or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Removal costs associated with non-legal obligations related to our regulated properties are reclassified from accumulated depreciation and reflected as regulatory liabilities. Retirement or disposal of all other assets, except for oil and gas properties as described below, results in gains or losses recognized as a component of operating income. Ordinary repairs and maintenance of property are charged to operations as incurred.
 
Depreciation provisions for property, plant and equipment are generally computed on a straight-line basis. Capitalized coal mining costs and coal leases are amortized on a unit-of-production method based on volumes produced and estimated reserves. For certain non-utility power plant components, a unit-of-production methodology based on plant hours run is used.
 

135

 

Oil and Gas Operations
 
We account for our oil and gas activities under the full cost method. Under the full cost method, costs related to acquisition, exploration and estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing proved reserves as well as estimated reclamation and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values are capitalized. These costs are amortized using a unit-of-production method based on volumes produced and proved reserves. Any conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonment of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of the properties with no gain or loss recognized.
 
Costs directly associated with unproved properties and major development projects, if any, are excluded from the costs to be amortized. These excluded costs are subsequently included within the costs to be amortized when it is determined whether or not proved reserves can be assigned to the properties. The properties excluded from the costs to be amortized are assessed for impairment at least annually and any amount of impairment is added to the costs to be amortized. These costs are generally expected to be included in costs to be amortized within the term of the underlying lease agreement which varies in length.
 
Under the full cost method, net capitalized costs are subject to a ceiling test which limits these costs to the present value of future net cash flows discounted at 10%, net of related tax effects, plus the lower of cost or fair value of unproved properties included in the net capitalized costs. Future net cash flows are estimated based on SEC-defined end-of-period commodity prices adjusted for contracted price changes and held constant for the life of the reserves. Effective for the 2009 fiscal year end, a twelve month average price is calculated using the price at the first day of each month for each of the preceding twelve months. If the net capitalized costs exceed the full cost "ceiling" at period end, a permanent non-cash write-down would be charged to earnings in that period. No ceiling test write-downs were recorded in 2010.
 
As a result of lower natural gas prices at March 31, 2009, we recorded a non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas long-lived assets included in the Oil and Gas segment. The lower prices at March 31, 2009 resulted in a $43.3 million pre-tax decrease in the full cost accounting method's ceiling limit for capitalized oil and gas property costs. The write-down in the net carrying value of our natural gas and crude oil properties was recorded as Impairment of long-lived assets and was based on the March 31, 2009 NYMEX price of $3.63 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.23 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas; and NYMEX price of $49.66 per barrel, adjusted to $45.32 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
Also, at December 31, 2008, as a result of low crude oil and natural gas prices, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of our oil and gas long-lived assets totaling $91.8 million. The write-down of gas and oil properties was based on December 31, 2008 NYMEX spot prices of $5.71 per Mcf, adjusted to $4.44 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas; and $44.60 per barrel, adjusted to $32.74 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Under accounting standards for goodwill and intangible assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but the carrying values are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets with a finite life continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives. We perform this annual review of goodwill and intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each year (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise).
 
The substantial majority of our goodwill and intangible assets are contained within the Utilities Group relating to the 2008 purchase of utility properties in the Aquila Transaction.
 
On July 14, 2008, we completed the acquisition of one regulated electric and four regulated gas utilities from Aquila. As of December 31, 2008, $344.5 million was recorded to goodwill for this transaction. Intangible assets represent easements, rights-of-way and trademarks and are amortized using a straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 20 years. Goodwill was adjusted for tax adjustments in 2010 in the amount of $0.8 million and for final working capital and tax adjustments during 2009 in the amount of $5.6 million. Final allocation of the purchase price included $339.0 million of goodwill and $4.9 million of intangible assets. Less than $0.1 million of the intangible assets have an indefinite life while the remaining amount of $4.8 million is being amortized over twenty years. Amortization expense for existing intangible assets is expected to be $0.2 million per year through 2015.
 

136

 

Changes to goodwill during the years ended December 31 relating to taxes, were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
353,734
 
$
359,290
 
$
11,482
 
Additions (adjustments)
1,097
 
(5,556
)
347,808
 
Ending balance
$
354,831
 
$
353,734
 
$
359,290
 
 
Changes to intangible assets were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
4,309
 
$
4,884
 
$
3
 
Additions (adjustments)
 
(365
)
4,919
 
Amortization expense
(240
)
(210
)
(38
)
Ending balance
$
4,069
 
$
4,309
 
$
4,884
 
 
We performed our annual goodwill impairment tests during the fourth quarter. We estimated the fair value of the goodwill using discounted cash flow methodology and an analysis of comparable transactions. This analysis required the input of several critical assumptions, including future growth rates, cash flow projections, operating cost escalation rates, rates of return, a risk-adjusted discount rate, timing and level of success in regulatory rate proceedings, the cost of debt and equity capital, and long-term earnings and merger multiples for comparable companies. We believe that the goodwill amount reflects the value of the relatively stable, long-lived cash flows of the regulated gas utility business, considering the regulatory environment and market growth potential and the value of the significant rate base growth opportunities at our electric utility in Colorado.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
We initially record liabilities for the present value of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation, with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost. The asset is then depreciated or depleted over the appropriate useful life and the liability is accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation. Any difference in the actual cost of the settlement of the liability and the recorded amount is recognized as a gain or loss in the results of operations at the time of settlement. For the Oil and Gas segment, differences in the settlement of the liability and the recorded amount are generally reflected as adjustments to the capitalized cost of oil and gas properties and depleted pursuant to our use of the full cost method. Additional information is included in Note 10.
 
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
 
The accounting standards for derivatives and hedging require that derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, and that changes in the derivative instrument's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met and designated accordingly.
 
Accounting standards for derivatives and hedging require that the unrealized gains or losses on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a fair value hedging instrument as well as the offsetting unrealized loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk be recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period. Conversely, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument must be reported as a component of other comprehensive income and be reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.
 

137

 

Weather Hedges
 
As approved in the State of Iowa, Iowa Gas may use weather derivatives to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather, but not for trading or speculative purposes. Accounting standards for derivatives and hedging require that weather hedges are accounted for by the intrinsic value method which records an asset or liability for the difference between the actual and contracted threshold cooling or heating degree days in the period, multiplied by the contract price. Any gains or losses recorded on these contracts are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities, respectively. Weather hedges were not purchased in 2010, and there was no weather hedge in place at December 31, 2010. Anticipated settlements for 2009 totaling $1.8 million are included in Accounts receivable, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009.
 
Currency Adjustments
 
Our functional currency for all operations is the United States dollar. Through Enserco, we engage in natural gas marketing transactions in Canada and accordingly, have various transactions that have been denominated in Canadian dollars. These Canadian denominated transactions/balances are adjusted to United States dollars for financial reporting purposes using the year-end exchange rate for balance sheet items and an average exchange rate during the period for income statement items. Gains or losses on currency transactions executed in Canadian dollars are recorded in Revenues, Non-regulated energy on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred.
 
Deferred Financing Costs
 
Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt.
 
Development Costs
 
According to accounting standards for business combinations, we expense, when incurred, development and acquisition costs associated with corporate development activities prior to acquiring or beginning construction of a project. Expensed development costs are included in Other operating expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Legal Costs
 
Litigation liabilities, including potential settlements, are recorded when it is both probable that a liability or settlement has been incurred, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs related to ongoing litigation are expensed as incurred.
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
Under accounting standards for variable interest entities, we were considered the primary beneficiary of the agreement with Wygen Funding, LP to lease the Wygen I plant. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income represents the non-affiliated equity investors' interest in Wygen Funding, L.P., a VIE. In June 2008, at the end of the lease term, we purchased the Wygen I plant.
 
Earnings attributable to minority ownership are shown on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income on a pre-tax basis as the entity with the non-controlling investor is a limited partnership which pays no tax at the corporate level.
 
Regulatory Accounting
 
Our Utilities Group is subject to regulation by various state and federal agencies. The accounting policies followed are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC. These accounting policies differ in some respects from those used by our non-regulated businesses.
 
Our financial statements follow accounting standards for regulated operations and reflect the effects of the numerous rate-making principles followed by the various jurisdictions regulating the utilities. If rate recovery becomes unlikely or uncertain due to competition or regulatory action, these accounting standards may no longer apply. Our regulatory assets represent amounts for which we will recover the cost, but are not allowed a return. In the event we determine that Black Hills Power, Cheyenne Light, Iowa Gas, Nebraska Gas, Kansas Gas, Colorado Gas or Colorado Electric no longer meet the criteria for following accounting standards for regulated operations, the accounting impact to the Company could be an extraordinary non-cash charge to operations, which could be material.
 

138

 

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands):
 
 
 
As of
As of
 
Recovery or Settlement Period
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
Regulatory assets
 
 
 
Deferred energy and fuel costs adjustments - current
less than one year
$
30,298
 
$
30,590
 
Deferred gas cost adjustments and gas price derivatives
less than one year
39,407
 
11,496
 
AFUDC
Up to 45 years
13,391
 
13,935
 
Employee benefit plans
Up to 13 years
83,144
 
86,818
 
Environmental
Subject to approval
2,353
 
2,268
 
Asset retirement obligations
Up to 44 years
3,066
 
2,912
 
Bond issue cost
Through November 2037
3,847
 
3,990
 
Renewable energy standard adjustment
Up to 5 years
14,254
 
4,435
 
Flow through accounting
Up to 35 years
7,491
 
564
 
Other regulatory assets
Various
7,583
 
3,655
 
 
 
$
204,834
 
$
160,663
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
 
 
 
Deferred energy and gas costs
Less than one year
$
1,200
 
$
1,932
 
Employee benefit plans
Up to 13 years
36,155
 
 
Cost of removal
Up to 44 years
39,638
 
35,983
 
Revenue subject to refund
Less than one year
1,016
 
3,938
 
Other regulatory liabilities
Various
10,545
 
7,697
 
 
 
$
88,554
 
$
49,550
 
 
Regulatory assets are primarily recorded for the probable future revenues to recover the costs associated with a regulated utilities' defined benefit postretirement plans, future income taxes related to the deferred tax liability for the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction of utility assets and unrecovered energy and fuel costs.
 
Deferred Energy and Fuel Cost Adjustments - Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity delivered to our electric utility customers in excess of current rates and which will be recovered in future rates. Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments are recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the appropriate state commission.
 
Deferred Gas Cost Adjustment and Gas Price Derivatives - Our regulated gas utilities have PGA provisions that allow them to pass the cost of gas on to their customers. In addition, as allowed by state utility commissions, we have entered into certain exchange-traded natural gas futures and options to reduce our customers' underlying exposure to fluctuations in gas prices. Cheyenne Light files monthly with the WPSC a GCA to be included in tariff rates. The GCA is based on forecasts of the upcoming gas costs and recovery or refund of prior under-recovered or over-recovered costs. To the extent that gas costs are under-recovered or over-recovered, they are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability, respectively. Our Gas Utilities file periodic estimates of future gas costs based on market forecasts.
 
AFUDC - The equity component of AFUDC is considered a permanent difference for tax purposes with the tax benefit being flowed through to customers as prescribed or allowed by regulators. If, based on a regulator's action, it is probable the utility will recover the future increase in taxes payable represented by this flow-through treatment through a rate revenue increase, a regulatory asset is recognized. This regulatory asset itself is a temporary difference for which a deferred tax liability must be recognized. Accounting standards for income taxes specifically address AFUDC-equity, and require a gross-up of such amounts to reflect the revenue requirement associated with a rate-regulated environment.

139

 

 
Employee Benefit Plans - Employee benefit plans include the unrecognized prior service costs and net actuarial loss associated with our defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans in regulatory assets rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
Environmental - Environmental is associated with manufactured gas plant sites. The amortization of this asset is first offset by recognition of insurance proceeds and settlements with other third parties. Any remaining recovery will be requested in future rate filings. Recovery has not yet been approved by the applicable commission or board and therefore, the recovery period is unknown.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations - Asset retirement Obligations represent the estimated recoverable costs for legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset. See Note 10 for additional details.
 
Bond Issue Costs - Bond issue costs are recovered over the remaining life of the original issue or, if refinanced, over the life of the new issue.
 
Renewable Energy Standard Adjustment - The renewable energy standard adjustment is associated with incentives for our Colorado Electric customers to install renewable energy equipment at their location. These incentives are recovered over time with an additional rider charged on customers' bills.
 
Flow-Through Accounting - Under flow-through accounting, the income tax effects of certain tax items are reflected in our cost of service for the customer in the year in which the tax benefits are realized and result in lower utility rates. This regulatory treatment was applied to the tax benefit generated by repair costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes in a rate case settlement that was reached with respect to Black Hills Power in 2010. In this instance, the agreed upon rate increase was less than it would have been absent the flow-through treatment. A regulatory asset was established to reflect that future increases in taxes payable will be recovered from customers as the temporary differences reverse.
 
Regulatory liabilities represent items we expect to refund to customers through probable future decreases in rates.
 
Deferred Energy and Gas Costs - Deferred energy costs related to over-recovery in purchased power, transmission and natural gas costs charged to Cheyenne Light customers through a PCA and GCA mechanism.
 
Employee Benefit Plans - Employee benefit plans represent the cumulative excess of pension costs recovered in rates over pension expense recorded in accordance with accounting standards for compensation - retirements.
 
Cost of Removal - Cost of removal for utility plant represents the estimated cumulative net provisions for future removal costs included in depreciation expense for which there is no legal obligation for removal. Liabilities will be settled and trued up following completion of the related activities.
 
Revenues Subject To Refund - Revenues subject to refund represent a portion of the revenues collected from customers based on approved interim rates which are contingent on the outcome of final rate orders.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns. Income taxes for consolidated subsidiaries are allocated to the subsidiaries based on separate company computations of taxable income or loss.
 
We use the liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted income tax rates, to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Such temporary differences are the result of provisions in the income tax law that either require or permit certain items to be reported on the income tax return in a different period than they are reported in the financial statements. We classify deferred tax assets and liabilities into current and non-current amounts based on the nature of the related assets and liabilities.
 

140

 

We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with accounting standards for income taxes. The unrecognized tax benefit is classified in Other deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 14 for additional information.
 
Earnings per Share of Common Stock
 
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations is computed by dividing "Income (loss) from continuing operations" by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during a period.
 
A reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations and basic and diluted share amounts is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
(Loss)Income
Average Shares
(Loss)Income
Average Shares
(Loss) Income
Average Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic - Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
68,685
 
38,916
 
$
78,756
 
38,614
 
$
(52,037
)
38,193
 
Dilutive effect of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
14
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock
 
107
 
 
66
 
 
 
Equity forward instrument
 
29
 
 
 
 
 
Other dilutive effects
 
25
 
 
4
 
 
 
Diluted - Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
68,685
 
39,091
 
$
78,756
 
38,684
 
$
(52,037
)
38,193
 
 
The following outstanding securities were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
 
 
 
 
Options to purchase common stock
158
 
462
 
 
Restricted stock
1
 
3
 
4
 
Other
1
 
45
 
26
 
 
160
 
510
 
30
 
 
Equity Forward Instrument
 
In November 2010, we entered into a Forward Agreement with J.P. Morgan in connection with a public offering of 4,000,000 equity forward shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock. Under the Forward Agreement on November 10, 2010, we agreed to issue to J.P. Morgan 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at an initial forward price of $28.70875 per share.
 
On December 7, 2010, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option for an additional 413,519 shares. The terms for the over-allotment shares are the same as the equity forward shares. Disclosures regarding the Forward Agreement are in Note 11.
 

141

 

(2)    RECENTLY ADOPTED AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
Disclosures About the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, ASC 310-10-50
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 310-10-50, Receivables - Disclosures. The guidance requires additional disclosures that will facilitate a financial statement user's evaluation of the nature of credit risk inherent in financing receivables, how that risk is analyzed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses, and the reason for any changes in the allowance for credit losses. These disclosures should be provided on a disaggregated basis but exempts trade receivables that have a contractual maturity of one year or less, receivables measured at lower of cost or fair value, and receivables measured at fair value with the changes in fair value reported in earnings. The additional disclosures are presented in Note 1. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010.
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, ASC 820
 
The ASC for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. This does not expand the application of fair value accounting to any new circumstances, but applies the framework to other applicable GAAP that requires or permits fair value measurement. We apply fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, primarily commodity derivatives within our Energy Marketing and Oil and Gas segments, interest rate swap instruments, and other miscellaneous financial instruments.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance related to improving disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires separate disclosures of the amounts of transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, disclosure of inputs and techniques used in valuation and a description of the reason for such transfers. In the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements are required to be presented separately. These disclosures are required for interim and annual reporting periods and were effective for us January 1, 2010, except the disclosures related to purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward activity of Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective January 1, 2011. The guidance requires additional disclosures, but did not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The additional disclosures are included in Note 4.
 
In accordance with the ASC for Fair Value Measurements, on January 1, 2008, we discontinued our use of a "liquidity reserve" in valuing the total forward positions within our energy marketing portfolio. This impact was accounted for prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and resulted in a $1.2 million after-tax benefit in 2008 that was recorded within our unrealized marketing margins. Unrealized margins are presented as a component of Revenues, Non-regulated energy on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Disclosures regarding the level of pricing observability associated with instruments carried at fair value are provided in Note 4.
 
Extractive Activities — Oil and Gas Reserves (SEC Release #33-8995), ASC 932-10-S99
 
The FASB issued an accounting standards update which aligns the oil and gas reserve estimation and disclosure requirements with the SEC released Final Rule, "Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting" which amended the existing Regulation S-K and Regulation S-X reporting requirements to align with current industry practices and technology advances. Key revisions include the ability to include non-traditional resources in reserves, the use of new technology for determining reserves, permitting disclosure of probable and possible reserves, and changes to the oil and gas prices used to determine reserves from the period-end price to a 12-month average price. The average is calculated using the first-day-of-the-month price for each of the 12 months before the end of the reporting period. The amendment was effective for reporting periods ending on or after December 31, 2009. The implementation of this SEC requirement resulted in additional depletion expense of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, ASC 810-10-15
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued a revision regarding consolidations. The amendment requires a company to consider whether an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting should be consolidated. It requires additional disclosures about the involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. This standard is effective for annual periods that begin after November 15, 2009 with ongoing re-evaluation. The adoption of this standard in January 2010 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
 

142

 

Consolidation of Non-Controlling Interest, ASC 810
 
The ASC for Consolidation of Non-Controlling Interest establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest, and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The ASC establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. These standards and disclosure requirements were effective January 1, 2009.
 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income represents a non-affiliated equity investors' interest in Wygen Funding LP, a VIE. In June 2008, we purchased the non-controlling share retiring $128.3 million of Wygen I project debt. Presentation of a non-controlling interest that we held until June 2008 was retrospectively applied as required, and had an immaterial overall effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Derivative and Hedging, ASC 815
 
Accounting standards for Derivatives and Hedging require enhanced disclosures about derivatives and hedging activities and their effect on an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Accounting standards for derivatives and hedging encourages, but does not require, disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. Required disclosures for periods subsequent to January 1, 2009 are provided in Note 3 and Note 4.
 
Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, ASC 715
 
The ASC for Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans requires the recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position, recognition of changes in the funded status in comprehensive income, measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the date of the year-end statement of financial position and provides for related disclosures. Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, this accounting standard required the measurement of the funded status of the plan to coincide with the date of the year-end statement of financial position. Therefore, the measurement date for the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans was changed to December 31 in 2009 from September 30. ASC 715 also provides guidance on an employer's disclosure about plan assets for a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. These disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The additional disclosures are provided in Note 18.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Legislation
 
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
 
In March 2010, the President of the United States signed into law comprehensive healthcare reform legislation under the PPACA as amended by the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act. The potential impact on the Company, if any, cannot be determined until regulations are promulgated under the PPACA.  Included among the provisions of the PPACA is a change in the tax treatment of the Medicare Part D subsidy (the "subsidy") which affects our Non-Pension Postretirement Benefit Plan. Internal Revenue Code Section 139A has been amended to eliminate the deduction of the subsidy in reducing income for years beginning after December 31, 2012. The impact of this change in the tax treatment of the subsidy had an immaterial effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company will continue to assess the accounting implications of the PPACA as related regulations and interpretations become available. 
 

143

 

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
 
In July 2010, the President of the United States signed into law comprehensive financial reform legislation under Dodd-Frank. Title VII of Dodd-Frank effectively regulates many derivative transactions in the United States that were previously unregulated, including swap transactions in the over-the-counter market. Among other things, Dodd-Frank (i) mandates the clearing of some swaps through regulated central clearing organizations and the trading of clearing swaps through regulated exchanges or swap execution facilities, in each case subject to certain key exemptions, and (ii) authorizes regulators to establish collateral and margin requirements for certain swap transactions that are not cleared. Dodd-Frank provides for a potential exception from these clearing and cash collateral requirements for commercial end-users, and it includes a number of defined terms that will be used in determining how this exception applies to particular derivative transactions and the parties to those transactions. Significant rule-making by numerous governmental agencies, particularly the CFTC with respect to non-security commodities, will be required over the next several months to implement the restrictions, limitations, and requirements contemplated by Dodd-Frank, and we will continue to evaluate the impact as these rules become available.
 
 
(3)    RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 
Our activities in the regulated and non-regulated energy sectors expose us to a number of risks in the normal operations of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and counterparty risk. We have developed policies, processes, systems, and controls to manage and mitigate these risks.
 
Market risk is the potential loss that may occur as a result of an adverse change in market price or rate. We are exposed to the following market risks, including, but not limited to:
 
•    
Commodity price risk associated with our marketing businesses, our natural long position with crude oil and natural gas reserves and production, fuel procurement for certain of our gas-fired generation assets and variability in revenue due to changes in gas usage at our regulated Gas Utilities segment resulting from commodity price changes;
 
•    
Interest rate risk associated with variable rate credit facilities and project financing floating rate debt as described in Notes 8 and 9; and
 
•    
Foreign currency exchange risk associated with natural gas marketing business transacted in Canadian dollars.
 
Our exposure to these market risks is affected by a number of factors including the size, duration, and composition of our energy portfolio, the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices, the volatility of these prices and rates, and the liquidity of the related interest rate and commodity markets.
 
Trading Activities
 
Energy Marketing
 
We have a natural gas, crude oil, coal, power and environmental marketing business specializing in producer services, end-use origination and wholesale marketing that conducts business in the United States and Canada.
 
Contracts and other activities at our energy marketing operations are accounted for under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging and energy trading contracts. As such, all of the contracts and other activities at our energy marketing operations that meet the definition of a derivative are accounted for at fair value. The fair values are recorded as either Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net gains or losses are recorded as Revenues, Non-regulated energy in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. ASC 940-325-S99 precludes mark-to-market accounting for energy trading contracts that are not defined as derivatives. As part of our energy marketing operations, we often employ strategies that include derivative contracts along with inventory, storage and transportation positions to accomplish the objectives of our producer services, end-use origination and wholesale marketing groups. Except in limited circumstances when we are able to designate transportation, storage or inventory positions as part of a fair value hedge, accounting standards for derivatives and hedging generally do not allow us to mark inventory, transportation or storage positions to market. The result is that while a high percentage of our energy marketing positions are economically hedged, we are required to mark a portion of our overall strategies (the derivatives) to market value, but are generally precluded from marking the rest of our economic hedges (transportation, inventory or storage) to market. Volatility in reported earnings and derivative positions results from these accounting requirements.
 

144

 

To effectively manage our portfolios, we enter into forward physical commodity contracts, financial derivative instruments, including over-the-counter swaps and options and storage and transportation agreements. The business activities of our Energy Marketing segment are conducted within the parameters as defined and allowed in the BHCRPP and further delineated in the energy marketing Risk Management Policies and Procedures as approved by our Executive Risk Committee. Our contracts do not include credit risk-related contingent features.
 
We use a number of quantitative tools to measure, monitor and limit our exposure to market risk in our energy marketing portfolio. We limit and monitor our market risk through established limits on the nominal size of positions based on type of trade, location and duration. Such limits include those on fixed price, basis, storage, transportation and foreign exchange positions.
 
Daily risk management activities include reviewing positions in relation to established position limits, assessing changes in daily mark-to-market and other non-statistical risk management techniques.
 
The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas, crude oil, coal and power marketing and derivative commodity instruments as of December 31 are set forth below:
 
 
2010
2009
 
Notional Amounts
Latest expiration (months)
Notional Amounts
Latest expiration (months)
Natural Gas (thousands of MMBtu):
 
 
 
 
Natural gas basis swaps purchased
399,128
 
22
 
231,703
 
22
 
Natural gas basis swaps sold
426,903
 
22
 
232,673
 
22
 
Natural gas fixed-for-float swaps purchased
135,005
 
33
 
60,927
 
16
 
Natural gas fixed-for-float swaps sold
150,803
 
22
 
72,904
 
25
 
Natural gas physical purchases
144,948
 
36
 
120,680
 
27
 
Natural gas physical sales
143,021
 
36
 
124,830
 
27
 
Natural gas options purchased
 
 
 
 
Natural gas options sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil (thousands of Bbls):
 
 
 
 
Crude oil physical purchases
5,628
 
16
 
5,048
 
12
 
Crude oil physical sales
6,921
 
16
 
4,998
 
12
 
Crude oil swaps purchased
20
 
3
 
 
 
Crude oil swaps sold
240
 
4
 
69
 
2
 
 
 
2010
 
 
Notional
Amounts
Latest
Expiration
(months)
 
Coal (thousands of tons): *
 
 
 
Coal fixed-for-float swaps purchased
4,060
 
36
 
 
Coal fixed-for-float swaps sold
3,720
 
36
 
 
Coal physical purchases
24,634
 
48
 
 
Coal physical sales
9,046
 
36
 
 
Coal options purchased
2,835
 
48
 
 
Coal options sold
270
 
12
 
 
__________
*    Coal contracts represent the contractual positions of the coal marketing business which was acquired on June 1, 2010 and subsequent contracts arising from trading activity.
 

145

 

 
2010
 
Notional Amounts
Latest expiration (months)
Power (thousands of MWh): **
 
 
Power fixed-for-float swap purchases
902
 
11
 
Power fixed-for-float swap sales
902
 
11
 
__________
** Power contracts represent the contractual positions of the power marketing business which commenced in the third quarter of 2010.
 
Our derivatives and certain energy marketing activities are marked to fair value, and the associated gains and/or losses recognized in earnings. The amounts related to the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Current assets
$
43,862
 
$
25,366
 
Non-current assets
$
6,635
 
$
3,090
 
Current liabilities
$
14,550
 
$
9,377
 
Non-current liabilities
$
3,464
 
$
(733
)
Cash collateral receivables/(payables) included in derivative assets/liabilities(a)
$
3,958
 
$
2,728
 
Unrealized gain
$
28,525
 
$
17,084
 
____________________________
(a)    
When the right of offset exists, accounting standards permit the netting of receivables and payables under a legally enforceable master netting agreement between counterparties. A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. Accounting standards also permit offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim, or the obligation to return, cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty.
 
In addition, certain volumes of natural gas inventory have been designated as the underlying hedged item in a fair value hedge transaction. These volumes include market adjustments based on published industry quotations. Market adjustments are recorded in inventory on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related unrealized gain/loss on the Consolidated Statements of Income effectively offsetting the earnings impact of the unrealized gain/loss recognized on the associated derivative asset or liability described above. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the market adjustments recorded in inventory were $(9.1) million and $(0.3) million, respectively.
 
Activities Other than Trading
 
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
 
We produce natural gas and crude oil through our exploration and production activities. Our natural "long" positions, or unhedged open positions, introduce commodity price risk and variability in our cash flows. We employ risk management methods to mitigate this commodity price risk and preserve cash flows and we have adopted guidelines covering hedging for our natural gas and crude oil production. These guidelines have been approved by our Board of Directors.
 
Over-the-counter swaps and options are used to mitigate commodity price risk and preserve cash flows. These derivative instruments fall under the purview of accounting standards for derivatives and hedges and we generally elect to utilize hedge accounting as allowed under this standard.
 
We held a portfolio of swaps and options to hedge portions of our crude oil and natural gas production for which we elected hedge accounting on the over-the-counter swaps and options. These transactions were designated at inception as cash flow hedges, properly documented and initially met prospective effectiveness testing. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.
 

146

 

The derivatives were marked to fair value and were recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives was reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion was reported in earnings.
 
We had the following swaps, options and related balances as of December 31 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
Crude oil swaps/options
Natural gas swaps
Crude oil swaps/options
Natural gas swaps
 
 
 
 
 
Notional*
424,500
 
6,821,800
 
472,500
 
9,602,300
 
Maximum duration in years**
0.25
 
0.25
 
0.25
 
0.75
 
Current assets
$
248
 
$
7,675
 
$
3,345
 
$
5,994
 
Non-current assets
$
19
 
$
2,606
 
$
136
 
$
551
 
Current liabilities
$
3,814
 
$
 
$
1,220
 
$
1,435
 
Non-current liabilities
$
1,301
 
$
 
$
2,502
 
$
391
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(5,313
)
$
10,281
 
$
(862
)
$
4,719
 
Earnings
$
465
 
$
 
$
621
 
$
 
_________________________
*    Crude in Bbls, gas in MMBtu.
**    Refers to the term of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the timing of the hedged transaction and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument.
 
The majority of our crude oil and natural gas hedges are deemed highly effective, resulting in limited earnings impact prior to realization. We estimate that a portion of the unrealized earnings currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be realized in earnings during the next twelve months. Based on December 31, 2010 market prices, a $3.4 million gain would be realized and reported in earnings during 2011. Estimated and actual realized gains will likely change during 2011 as market prices fluctuate.
 
Gas Utilities
 
Our Gas Utilities purchase natural gas and distribute it in four states. During the winter heating season, our gas customers are exposed to potential price volatility; therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into certain exchange-traded natural gas futures, options and basis swaps to reduce our customers' underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging and mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses, as well as option premiums, on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in accordance with accounting standards for regulated operations. Accordingly, the earnings impact is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of PGA costs when the related costs are recovered through our rates as part of PGA costs in operating revenue.
 
The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held by our Gas Utilities as of December 31 were as follows:
 
 
2010
2009
 
Notional*
Latest Expiration
Notional*
Latest Expiration
 
 
(months)
 
(months)
Natural gas futures purchased
6,670,000
 
15
 
6,220,000
 
15
 
Natural gas options purchased
1,730,000
 
3
 
1,910,000
 
3
 
Natural gas basis swaps purchased
 
 
225,000
 
3
 
___________________________
*    Gas in MMBtu
 

147

 

Our Gas Utilities held the following derivative-related balances as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Current derivative assets(a)
$
4,787
 
$
3,042
 
Non-current derivative assets
$
 
$
 
Current derivative liabilities
$
 
$
 
Non-current derivative liabilities
$
1,620
 
$
764
 
Regulatory assets
$
8,030
 
$
2,578
 
Cash collateral included in derivative assets/liabilities(b)
$
10,355
 
$
3,789
 
Option premium (a)
$
842
 
$
1,067
 
__________________________
(a)    Current derivative assets include option premiums which will be recorded as a regulatory asset upon settlement of the options.
(b)    A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. When the right of offset exists, accounting standards permit the netting of receivables and payables under a legally enforceable master netting agreement between counterparties. Accounting standards also permit offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim or the obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement.
 
Electric Utilities
 
At our Electric Utilities, we occasionally hold natural gas in storage for use as fuel for generating electricity with our gas-fired combustion turbines. To minimize associated price risk and seasonal storage level requirements, we occasionally utilize various derivative instruments. These transactions are marked-to-market, designated as cash flow hedges, and recorded in Derivative liabilities, current and Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains or losses on these transactions will be recorded in gross margins upon settlement.
 
We had the following swaps and related balances as of December 31 (dollars, in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
Notional*
 
232,500
 
Maximum terms in months
 
10
 
Current derivative liability
$
 
$
5
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
 
$
(5
)
__________________________________
*    Gas in MMBtu
 
Financing Activities
 
We engage in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations.
 
•    
At December 31, 2010, we had $150.0 million of notional amount floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging and accordingly, the mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
•    
We also had $250.0 million notional amount interest rate swaps which were entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate movements that would impact long-term financings that were originally expected to occur in 2008. The swaps were originally designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and the mark-to-market values were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on credit market conditions that transpired during the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined it was probable that the forecasted long-term debt financings would not occur in the time period originally specified and as a result, the swaps were no longer effective hedges and the hedge relationships were de-designated.
 

148

 

Mark-to-market adjustments on the swaps are now recorded within the income statement. During 2010 we recorded a $15.2 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market loss, in 2009 we recorded a $55.7 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market gain, while in 2008 we recorded a $94.4 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market charge to earnings. These swaps are eight and 18 year swaps which have amended mandatory early termination dates ranging from December 15, 2011 to December 29, 2011. We have continued to maintain these swaps in anticipation of our upcoming financing needs, particularly as they relate to our planned capital requirements to build gas-fired power generation facilities to serve our Colorado Electric customers and our upcoming holding company debt maturities, which are $225 million and $250 million in years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Alternatively, we may choose to cash settle these swaps at their fair value prior to their mandatory early termination dates, or unless these dates are extended, we will cash settle these swaps for an amount equal to their fair value on the stated termination dates.
 
Our interest rate swaps and related balances were as follows as of December 31 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
Interest Rate Swaps
De-designated Interest Rate Swaps (a)
Interest Rate Swaps
De-designated Interest Rate Swaps (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Notional
$
150,000
 
$
250,000
 
$
150,000
 
$
250,000
 
Weighted average fixed interest rate
5.04
%
5.67
%
5.04
%
5.67
%
Maximum terms in years
6.0
 
1.0
 
7.0
 
1.0
 
Current derivative assets
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
Non-current derivative assets
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
Current derivative liabilities
$
6,823
 
$
53,980
 
$
6,342
 
$
38,787
 
Non-current derivative liabilities
$
14,976
 
$
 
$
9,075
 
$
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
$
(21,799
)
$
 
$
(15,417
)
$
 
Pre-tax gain (loss)
$
 
$
(15,193
)
$
 
$
55,653
 
_________________________
(a)    The maximum term in years reflects the amended mandatory early termination dates of the eight and 18 year swaps in 2010 and nine and 19 year swaps in 2009. If the mandatory early termination dates are not extended, the swaps will require cash settlement based on the swap value on the termination date.
 
Based on December 31, 2010 market interest rates and balances, a loss of approximately $6.8 million would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next 12 months associated with our interest rate swaps that have been designated as hedges. Estimated and realized losses will change during the next 12 months as market interest rates fluctuate.
 
Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Our Energy Marketing Segment conducts its gas marketing in the United States and Canada. Transactions in Canada are generally transacted in Canadian dollars and create exchange risk for us. To mitigate this risk, we enter into forward currency exchange contracts to offset earnings volatility from changes in exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and United States dollar.
 
The outstanding forward exchange contracts have been recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We had the following outstanding forward contracts included in Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
Notional Amounts
Latest Expiration (months)
Notional Amounts
Latest Expiration (months)
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian dollars purchased
$
15,000
 
1
 
$
 
 
 

149

 

Our outstanding foreign exchange contracts had a fair value as of December 31 as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Fair Value
$
(143
)
$
 
 
Currency transaction gains or losses on transactions executed in Canadian dollars are recorded in Revenues, Non-regulated energy on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred. We recognized the following gains and losses in Revenues, Non-regulated energy on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)
$
458
 
$
195
 
$
289
 
Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)
$
(501
)
$
1,902
 
$
(1,433
)
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty. We adopted the BHCCP for the purpose of establishing guidelines, controls, and limits to manage and mitigate credit risk within risk tolerances established by our Board of Directors. In addition, we have a credit committee which includes senior executives that meet on a regular basis to review our credit activities and monitor compliance with our credit policies.
 
For energy marketing, production, and generation activities, we attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with investment grade companies, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements, and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit, and other security agreements.
 
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that is identified.
 
As of December 31, 2010, our credit exposure (exclusive of retail customers of the regulated utilities) was concentrated primarily among investment grade companies. Approximately 75% of the credit exposure was with investment grade companies. The remaining credit exposure was with non-investment grade or non-rated counterparties, of which a portion was supported through letters of credit, prepayments or parental guarantees.
 
(4)    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Accounting standards for fair value measurements require, among other things, enhanced disclosures regarding assets and liabilities carried at fair value and also provide a single definition of fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As permitted under accounting standards for fair value measurements, we utilize a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing a significant portion of the assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value.
 
Disclosures are required based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). We are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of inputs.
 

150

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities. This level primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded securities and listed derivatives.
 
Level 2 — Pricing inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
Level 3 — Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs reflect management's best estimate of fair value using their own judgments about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Counterparty
Netting and
Cash
Collateral (a)
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives - Energy Marketing
$
 
$
166,405
 
$
7,976
 
$
(124,049
)
$
50,332
 
Commodity derivatives - Oil and Gas
 
10,281
 
266
 
 
10,547
 
Commodity derivatives - Regulated Utilities
 
(5,568
)
 
10,355
 
4,787
 
Money market fund
8,050
 
 
 
 
8,050
 
Foreign currency
 
166
 
 
 
166
Total
$
8,050
 
$
171,284
 
$
8,242
 
$
(113,694
)
$
73,882
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives - Energy Marketing
$
 
$
143,537
 
$
2,463
 
$
(128,007
)
$
17,993
 
Commodity derivatives - Oil and Gas
 
5,115
 
 
 
5,115
 
Commodity derivatives - Regulated Utilities
 
1,620
 
 
 
1,620
 
Foreign currency
 
21
 
 
 
21
Interest rate swaps
 
75,779
 
 
 
75,779
 
Total
$
 
$
226,072
 
$
2,463
 
$
(128,007
)
$
100,528
 
 

151

 

 
December 31, 2009
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Counterparty
Netting and
Cash
Collateral (a)
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
$
 
$
154,205
 
$
4,879
 
$
(117,560
)
$
41,524
 
Money market fund
6,000
 
 
 
 
6,000
 
Total
$
6,000
 
$
154,205
 
$
4,879
 
$
(117,560
)
$
47,524
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
$
 
$
133,604
 
$
5,435
 
$
(124,078
)
$
14,961
 
Interest rate swaps
 
54,204
 
 
 
54,204
 
Total
$
 
$
187,808
 
$
5,435
 
$
(124,078
)
$
69,165
 
________________________
(a)    Cash collateral on deposit in margin accounts at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 totaled a net $14.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively.
 
The following tables present the changes in level 3 recurring fair value (in thousands):
 
 
Commodity Derivatives
 
December 31, 2010
Balance at beginning of year
$
(556
)
Unrealized losses
(2,827
)
Unrealized gains
7,482
 
Purchases
 
Issuances
 
Settlements
(1,179
)
Transfers in to level 3(a)
1,457
 
Transfers out of level 3 (b)
1,402
 
Balance at year end
$
5,779
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized (losses) gain relating to instruments still held as of year end
$
776
 
 
 
Commodity Derivatives
 
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
Balance at beginning of year
$
16,398
 
$
6,422
 
Realized and unrealized (losses) gains
(10,709
)
11,059
 
Purchases, issuance and (settlements)
(164
)
(1,083
)
Transfers in and/or (out) of level 3(a) (b)
(6,081
)
 
Balance at year end
$
(556
)
$
16,398
 
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized (losses) gains relating to instruments still held as of year end
$
(1,836
)
$
1,886
 
__________________________
(a)    Transfers into level 3 represent existing assets and liabilities that were previously categorized as a higher level for which the inputs became unobservable.
(b)    Transfers out of level 3 represent existing assets and liabilities that were previously classified as level 3 for which the lowest significant input became observable during the period.

152

 

 
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) for level 3 commodity derivatives totaling $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, are included in Operating revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income while ($0.3) million was recorded through AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2010. Commodity derivatives classified as level 3, may be economically hedged as part of a total portfolio of instruments that may be classified in level 1 or 2, or with instruments that may not be accounted for at fair value. Accordingly, gains and losses associated with level 3 balances may not necessarily reflect trends occurring in the underlying business. Further, unrealized gains and losses for the period from level 3 items may be offset by unrealized gains and losses in positions classified in level 1 or 2, as well as positions that have been realized during the period.
 
Fair Value Measures
 
As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements. Further, the amounts do not include net cash collateral of $14.3 million and $6.5 million on deposit in margin accounts at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively to collateralize certain financial instruments, which are included in Derivative assets - current. Therefore, the gross balances are not indicative of either our actual credit exposure or net economic exposure. Additionally, the amounts below will not agree with the amounts presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor will they agree to the fair value measurements presented in Note 3.
 
The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value of Asset Derivatives
Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - current
$
10,952
 
$
1,452
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - non-current
48
 
71
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - current
 
45
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - non-current
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - current
 
6,823
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - non-current
 
14,976
 
Total derivatives designated as hedges
 
$
11,000
 
$
23,367
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - current
$
149,936
 
$
113,364
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - non-current
12,382
 
3,099
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - current
20,588
 
42,865
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - non-current
978
 
7,363
 
Foreign currency
Derivative assets - current
166
 
21
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - current
 
53,980
 
Total derivatives not designated as hedges
 
$
184,050
 
$
220,692
 
 

153

 

 
 
December 31, 2009
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value of Asset Derivatives
Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - current
$
4,163
 
$
2,977
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - non-current
72
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - current
16
 
801
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - non-current
 
55
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - current
 
6,342
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - non-current
 
9,075
 
Total derivatives designated as hedges
 
$
4,251
 
$
19,250
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - current
$
135,807
 
$
103,035
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative assets - non-current
6,490
 
2,785
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - current
19,089
 
33,069
 
Commodity derivatives
Derivative liabilities - non-current
946
 
3,815
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities - current
 
38,787
 
Total derivatives not designated as hedges
 
$
162,332
 
$
181,491
 
 
A description of our derivative activities is discussed in Note 3. The following tables present the impact that derivatives had on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Fair Value Hedges
 
The impact of commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges and the related hedged items on our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income is presented as follows (in thousands):
 
Derivatives in Fair Value
Hedging Relationships
Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
Commodity derivatives
Revenues
$
9,015
 
$
8,148
 
Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item
Revenues
(8,772
)
(9,064
)
Total
 
$
243
 
$
(916
)
 

154

 

Cash Flow Hedges
 
The impact of cash flow hedges on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Balance Sheets for the years ended are presented as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain/ (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(13,527
)
Interest expense
$
(7,609
)
 
$
 
Commodity derivatives
15,456
 
Revenues
14,339
 
Revenues
 
Total
$
1,929
 
 
$
6,730
 
 
$
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain/ (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
12,818
 
Interest expense
$
(3,292
)
 
$
 
Commodity derivatives
(21,070
)
Revenues
23,102
 
Revenues
(1,394
)
Total
$
(8,252
)
 
$
19,810
 
 
$
(1,394
)
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedge Instruments
 
The impact of derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedging instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Revenues
$
(151
)
Interest rate swaps - unrealized
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap
(15,193
)
Interest rate swaps - realized
Interest expense
(13,312
)
Foreign currency contracts
Revenues
142
 
 
 
$
(28,514
)
 

155

 

 
 
December 31, 2009
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives
Revenue
$
(27,280
)
Interest rate swap
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap
55,653
 
Interest rate swaps - realized
Interest expense
(9,816
)
Foreign currency contracts
Revenue
227
 
 
 
$
18,784
 
 
(5)    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,438
 
$
32,438
 
$
112,901
 
$
112,901
 
Restricted cash
$
4,260
 
$
4,260
 
$
17,502
 
$
17,502
 
Derivative financial instruments - assets
$
65,832
 
$
65,832
 
$
41,524
 
$
41,524
 
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities
$
100,528
 
$
100,528
 
$
69,165
 
$
69,165
 
Notes payable
$
249,000
 
$
249,000
 
$
164,500
 
$
164,500
 
Long-term debt, including current maturities
$
1,191,231
 
$
1,290,519
 
$
1,051,157
 
$
1,123,703
 
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of our financial instruments.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
 
Restricted Cash
 
Restricted cash accounts as of December 31, 2010 represent amounts required by Black Hills Wyoming project financing agreements. Of this total, $3.6 million is held in 30-day Guaranteed Investment Certificates.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
These instruments are carried at fair value. The Company's fair value measurements are developed using a variety of inputs by its risk management group, which is independent of the trading function. These inputs include unadjusted quoted prices where available; prices published by various third-party providers; and, when necessary, internally developed adjustments. In many cases, the internally developed prices are corroborated with external sources. Certain Company transactions take place in markets with limited liquidity and limited price visibility. Descriptions of the various instruments we use and the valuation methods employed are included in Notes 3 and 4.
 
Notes Payable
 
The carrying amount of our notes payable approximates fair value due to their variable interest rates with short reset periods.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market rates for debt instruments having similar maturities and similar debt ratings.

156

 

(6)    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
Utilities Group
2010
2009
 
Electric Utilities
 
Weighted Average Useful Life
 
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric plant:
 
 
 
 
 
Production
$
679,165
 
47
$
537,263
 
48
20-65
Transmission
154,936
 
47
101,223
 
47
35-65
Distribution
543,498
 
43
541,611
 
43
15-65
Plant acquisition adjustment
4,870
 
32
4,870
 
32
32
General
103,455
 
20
98,610
 
20
3-50
Total electric plant
1,485,924
 
 
1,283,577
 
 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
357,774
 
 
337,600
 
 
 
Electric plant net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,128,150
 
 
945,977
 
 
 
Construction work in progress
234,985
 
 
277,274
 
 
 
Electric plant, net
$
1,363,135
 
 
$
1,223,251
 
 
 
 
 
2010
2009
 
Gas Utilities
 
Weighted Average Useful Life
 
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas plant:
 
 
 
 
 
Production
$
35
 
37
$
35
 
37
37
Transmission
15,704
 
48
13,923
 
48
30-57
Distribution
406,914
 
45
380,149
 
45
36-56
General
68,315
 
19
63,930
 
19
14-22
Total gas plant
490,968
 
 
458,037
 
 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
47,292
 
 
33,700
 
 
 
Gas plant net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
443,676
 
 
424,337
 
 
 
Construction work in progress
11,392
 
 
5,228
 
 
 
Gas plant, net
$
455,068
 
 
$
429,565
 
 
 
 
 

157

 

2010
Non-regulated Energy
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Construction Work in Progress
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coal Mining
$
135,157
 
$
65,465
 
$
69,692
 
$
10,228
 
$
79,920
 
11
3-40
Oil and Gas
680,407
 
357,979
 
322,428
 
 
322,428
 
26
3-27
Energy Marketing
7,931
 
3,699
 
4,232
 
163
 
4,395
 
4
2-20
Power Generation
134,616
 
30,982
 
103,634
 
163,291
 
266,925
 
36
2-40
 
$
958,111
 
$
458,125
 
$
499,986
 
$
173,682
 
$
673,668
 
 
 
 
 
2009
Non-regulated Energy
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Construction Work in Progress
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coal Mining
$
115,400
 
$
56,646
 
$
58,754
 
$
3,962
 
$
62,716
 
11
2-39
Oil and Gas
668,383
 
352,509
 
315,874
 
 
315,874
 
25
3-26
Energy Marketing
2,545
 
2,302
 
243
 
50
 
293
 
4
3-10
Power Generation
131,717
 
26,262
 
105,455
 
16,947
 
122,402
 
36
3-40
 
$
918,045
 
$
437,719
 
$
480,326
 
$
20,959
 
$
501,285
 
 
 
 
2010
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Construction Work in Progress
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
2,198
 
$
1,138
 
$
1,060
 
$
2,502
 
$
3,562
 
6
2-30
 
2009
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Construction Work in Progress
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Weighted Average Useful Life
Lives
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
8,736
 
$
6,244
 
$
2,492
 
$
4,137
 
$
6,629
 
6
2-10
 

158

 

(7)    JOINTLY OWNED FACILITIES
 
Oil and Gas
 
•    
Through our BHEP subsidiary, we own a 44.7% non-operating interest in the Newcastle Gas Plant (the Gas Plant). The natural gas processing facility gathers and processes gas, primarily from the Finn-Shurley Field in Wyoming. We receive our proportionate share of the Gas Plant's net revenues and are committed to pay our proportionate share of additions, replacements and operating and maintenance expenses. As of December 31, 2010, our investment in the Gas Plant included $4.2 million in plant and equipment which is included in Property, plant and equipment on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. This asset is included in the asset pool being depleted and therefore accumulated depreciation is not separated by asset. These items are included in the corresponding categories of operating revenues and expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Our share of the Gas Plant for the year ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Revenues
$
3,088
 
$
2,259
 
$
4,131
 
Direct expenses
$
503
 
$
442
 
$
440
 
 
Utility Plant
 
•    
Our subsidiary, Black Hills Power, owns a 20% interest in the Wyodak Plant, a 362 MW coal-fired electric generating station located in Campbell County, Wyoming. PacifiCorp owns the remaining 80% and operates the Wyodak Plant. Black Hills Power receives 20% of the Plant's capacity and is committed to pay 20% of its additions, replacements and operating and maintenance expenses. Black Hills Power's share of direct expenses of the Wyodak Plant is included in the corresponding categories of Operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition to supplying Black Hills Power with coal for its share of the Wyodak Plant, our Coal Mining subsidiary, WRDC, supplies PacifiCorp's share of the coal to the Wyodak Plant under an agreement expiring in 2022. This coal supply agreement is collateralized by a mortgage on and a security interest in some of WRDC's coal reserves. Under the coal supply agreement, PacifiCorp is obligated to purchase a minimum of 1.5 million tons of coal each year of the contract term, subject to adjustment for planned outages.
 
Our share of the Wyodak Plant direct expenses and the total amount of coal sales from WRDC to the Wyodak Plant for the year ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Direct expenses
$
8,546
 
$
8,021
 
$
8,000
 
 
 
 
 
WRDC coal sales to Wyodak Plant
$
21,958
 
$
22,814
 
$
23,276
 
 
•    
Black Hills Power also owns a 35% interest in, and is the operator of, the Converter Station Site and South Rapid City Interconnection (the transmission tie), an AC-DC-AC transmission tie. Basin Electric owns the remaining 65%. The transmission tie provides an interconnection between the Western and Eastern transmission grids, which provides us with access to both the WECC region and the MAPP region. The total transfer capacity of the tie is 400 MW - 200 MW West to East and 200 MW from East to West. Black Hills Power is committed to pay 35% of the additions, replacements and operating and maintenance expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, Black Hills Power's share of direct expenses was $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

159

 

 
•    
On April 1, 2010, the 110 MW Wygen III coal-fired generation facility began commercial operations. Black Hills Power owns 52% of this facility.
 
On April 9, 2009, Black Hills Power sold to MDU a 25% undivided ownership interest in the 110 MW Wygen III generation facility which was under construction at that time. At closing, MDU made a payment to us for its 25% share of the costs to date on the ongoing construction of the facility and subsequently reimbursed Black Hills Power for 25% of the total costs paid to complete the project.
 
On July 14, 2010, Black Hills Power sold a 23% ownership interest in Wygen III to the City of Gillette. The purchase terminates the current PPA with the City of Gillette, and the Wygen III Participation Agreement has been amended to include the City of Gillette. We retain responsibility for plant operations following the transaction. The Participation Agreement provides that the City of Gillette will pay Black Hills Power for administrative services and share in the costs of operating the plant for the life of the facility.
 
Our share of Wygen III plant expenses, included in the corresponding categories of Operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, for the year ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
Direct expenses
$
7,618
 
 
•    
In January 2009, Black Hills Wyoming sold a 23.5% undivided ownership interest in its 90 MW Wygen I Plant to MEAN and in conjunction with the sale, we entered into agreements with MEAN under which it is obligated to make payments for costs associated with administrative services, plant operations and coal supply provided by our Coal Mining subsidiary during the life of the facility. We retain responsibility for plant operations following the transaction. Black Hills Wyoming's share of direct expenses of the Wygen I Plant are included in Operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Our share of the Wygen I plant expenses for the years ended December 31, was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
Direct expenses
$
14,406
 
$
11,000
 
 
 
At December 31, 2010, our interests in jointly-owned generating facilities and transmission systems were (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Ownership %
Plant in Service
Construction Work in Progress
Accumulated Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
Wyodak Plant
20.0
%
$
82,466
 
$
21,687
 
$
54,108
 
Transmission Tie
35.0
%
19,644
 
 
4,111
 
Wygen I
76.5
%
104,166
 
620
 
20,147
 
Wygen III
52.0
%
129,340
 
194
 
2,282
 
 
 
$
335,616
 
$
22,501
 
$
80,648
 
 

160

 

(8)    LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt outstanding at December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Senior unsecured notes:
 
 
Senior unsecured notes at 6.5% due 2013
$
225,000
 
$
225,000
 
Unamortized discount on notes due 2013
(70
)
(99
)
Senior unsecured notes at 9.0% due 2014
250,000
 
250,000
 
Senior unsecured notes at 5.875% due in 2020
200,000
 
 
Total senior unsecured notes
674,930
 
474,901
 
 
 
 
First mortgage bonds:
 
 
Electric Utilities
 
 
Black Hills Power:
 
 
8.06% due 2010
 
30,000
 
9.49% due 2018
 
2,520
 
9.35% due 2021
 
19,980
 
7.23% due 2032
75,000
 
75,000
 
6.125% due 2039
180,000
 
180,000
 
Unamortized discount on 6.125% bonds
(119
)
(124
)
Cheyenne Light:
 
 
6.67% due 2037
110,000
 
110,000
 
Industrial development revenue bonds due 2021, variable rate, at 0.4% (a)
7,000
 
7,000
 
Industrial development revenue bonds due 2027, variable rate, at 0.4% (a)
10,000
 
10,000
 
Total first mortgage bonds
381,881
 
434,376
 
 
 
 
Other long-term debt:
 
 
Pollution control revenue bonds at 4.8% due 2014
6,450
 
6,450
 
Pollution control revenue bonds at 5.35% due 2024
12,200
 
12,200
 
Other long-term debt
3,089
 
3,230
 
Total other long-term debt
21,739
 
21,880
 
 
 
 
Project financing floating rate debt:
 
 
Black Hills Wyoming project financing due 2016, variable rate debt at 3.54% (a)
112,681
 
120,000
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
1,191,231
 
1,051,157
 
Less current maturities
(5,181
)
(35,245
)
Net long-term debt
$
1,186,050
 
$
1,015,912
 
_______________
(a)    Interest rates are presented as of December 31, 2010.
 

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Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding amortization of premiums or discounts, for the next five years and thereafter are (in thousands):
 
2011
$
5,181
 
2012
2,473
 
2013
228,973
 
2014
262,473
 
2015
6,964
 
Thereafter
685,356
 
Total
$
1,191,420
 
 
Certain debt instruments of the Company and its subsidiaries contain restrictions and covenants, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with at December 31, 2010.
 
Substantially all of the tangible utility property of Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light is subject to the lien of indentures securing their first mortgage bonds. First mortgage bonds of Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light may be issued in amounts limited by property, earnings and other provisions of the mortgage indentures. The first mortgage bonds issued by Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light are either currently not callable or are subject to make-whole provisions which would eliminate any economic benefit for us to call the bonds.
 
Black Hills Power Series AC Bonds
 
In February 2010, the Black Hills Power Series 8.06% AC bonds matured. These were paid in full for $30.0 million of principal plus accrued interest of $1.2 million.
 
Black Hills Power Series Y Bonds
 
In March 2010, Black Hills Power completed redemption of its Series Y 9.49% bonds in full. The bonds were originally due in 2018. A total of $2.7 million was paid on March 31, 2010, which includes the principal balance of $2.5 million plus accrued interest and an early redemption premium of 2.618%. The early redemption premium was recorded in unamortized loss on reacquired debt which is included in Regulatory assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and is being amortized over the remaining term of the original bonds.
 
Black Hills Power Series Z Bonds
 
In June 2010, Black Hills Power completed redemption of its Series Z 9.35% bonds in full. The bonds were originally due in 2021. A total of $21.8 million was paid on June 1, 2010, which included the principal balance of $20.0 million plus accrued interest and an early redemption premium of 4.675%. The early redemption premium was recorded in unamortized loss on reacquired debt which is included in Regulatory assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and is being amortized over the remaining term of the original bonds.
 
$200 Million Debt Offering
 
In July 2010, pursuant to a public offering, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal of senior unsecured notes due in 2020. The notes were priced at par and carry a fixed interest rate of 5.875%. We received proceeds of $198.7 million, net of underwriting fees. Deferred financing costs of $1.7 million are being amortized over the 10-year term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.
 
$250 Million Debt Offering
 
In May 2009, we issued a $250 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in 2014 pursuant to a public offering. The notes were priced at par and carry a fixed interest rate of 9%. We received proceeds, net of underwriting fees, of $248.5 million. Proceeds were used to pay down the Acquisition Facility. Deferred financing costs capitalized are being amortized over the term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.
 

162

 

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
 
In September 2009, Cheyenne Light completed a $17 million weekly variable rate refunding bond issuance. The new issue replaced existing debt and converted the bond credit support structure from an AMBAC Financial Group insurance policy to a direct-pay letter of credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank. Laramie County, Wyoming was the tax-exempt conduit issuer for this transaction. The bonds were issued in two series: a $10.0 million series maturing March 1, 2027 and a $7.0 million series maturing September 1, 2021. The principal amounts and maturity dates did not change from the original financing. Including the letter of credit fees and other issuance costs, the all-in rate as of December 31, 2010 was approximately 2.77%.
 
Under the terms of our Reimbursement Agreement with the letter of credit provider, Cheyenne Light is required to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00 and a interest coverage ratio greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00. If Cheyenne Light fails to meet these covenants, subject to a 30-day cure period, it would constitute an event of default and the bank would have the right to cause the bonds and related outstanding obligations to become immediately due and payable.
 
Black Hills Power Bond Issuance
 
In October 2009, Black Hills Power completed a $180 million first mortgage bond issuance. The bonds were priced at 99.931% of par with a re-offer yield of 6.13%. The bonds mature on November 1, 2039 and carry an annual interest rate of 6.125%, which is paid semi-annually. We received proceeds net of underwriting fees of $178.3 million which were used to repay intercompany borrowings under the Utility Money Pool agreement, primarily incurred to fund the construction of Wygen III and repayment of bonds. Deferred financing costs of approximately $2.2 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the bonds.
 
Black Hills Wyoming
 
On December 9, 2009, Black Hills Wyoming issued $120 million in project financing debt. Proceeds were used to pay down short-term borrowings on our Corporate Credit Facility. The loan amortizes over a seven year term and matures on December 9, 2016, at which time the remaining unamortized balance of $78.8 million is due. Principal and interest payments are made on a quarterly basis with the principal payments based on projected cash flows available for debt service. Additional quarterly principal payments are required based upon actual cash flows available for debt service. Interest is charged at LIBOR plus 3.25%. Deferred financing costs capitalized are being amortized over the term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.
 
Our Black Hills Wyoming project financing is secured by our ownership interest in the Wygen I plant and by the Gillette CT generation facility. The financing places restrictions on dividends or the loaning of funds by Black Hills Wyoming, and allows dividends or loans only in limited circumstances when cash flows for the projects exceed project debt service and reserve requirements.
 
Under the terms of the Black Hills Wyoming project financing, Black Hills Wyoming was required to become a party to hedging agreements fixing the interest rate on $75 million of the principal amount of the debt.  To accomplish this, two existing swap agreements with notional amounts totaling $75 million were amended so that BHC and Black Hills Wyoming are now both jointly and severally liable for the full amount of the obligations under the swap agreements.    As of January 15, 2010, the mark to market liability associated with the two swaps was transferred from BHC to Black Hills Wyoming.  The balance in AOCI as of January 15, 2010 on BHC was frozen at that point in time and is being amortized over the remaining life of the swaps through the quarterly settlement process.
 

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Amortization Expense
 
Our deferred financing costs and associated amortization expense were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Deferred Financing Costs Remaining on Balance Sheet at
Amortization Expense for the years ended December 31,
 
December 31, 2010
2010
2009
2008
Senior unsecured notes at 6.5% due 2013
$
528
 
$
218
 
$
218
 
$
218
 
Senior unsecured notes at 9% due 2014
$
1,559
 
$
462
 
$
289
 
$
 
Senior unsecured notes at 5.875% due in 2020
$
1,595
 
$
77
 
$
 
$
 
Black Hills Power first mortgage bonds at 7.23% due 2032
$
717
 
$
33
 
$
33
 
$
33
 
Black Hills Power first mortgage bonds at 6.125% due 2039
$
2,189
 
$
76
 
$
12
 
$
 
Cheyenne Light 6.67% due 2037
$
828
 
$
31
 
$
31
 
$
31
 
Black Hills Wyoming project financing due 2016
$
5,226
 
$
1,036
 
$
60
 
$
 
Other
$
886
 
$
74
 
$
67
 
$
149
 
 
(9)    NOTES PAYABLE
 
Our credit facilities and debt securities contain certain restrictive financial covenants including, among others, interest expense coverage ratios, recourse leverage ratios and consolidated net worth ratios. At December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all of these financial covenants. None of our facilities or debt securities contain default provisions pertaining to our credit ratings.
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
On April 15, 2010, we terminated our $525 million Corporate Credit Facility and entered into a new $500 million Revolving Credit Facility expiring April 14, 2013. The new facility contains an accordion feature which allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase the capacity of the new facility to $600 million and can be used for the issuance of letters of credit, to fund working capital needs and other corporate purposes. The covenants and events of default are substantially the same as the prior facility, except the minimum interest expense coverage ratio covenant was eliminated. Borrowings are available under a base rate option or a Eurodollar option. The cost of borrowings or letters of credit is determined based upon our credit ratings. At current ratings levels, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings and letters of credit are 1.75%, 2.75% and 2.75%, respectively at December 31, 2010. The new facility contains a commitment fee to be charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility. Based upon current credit ratings, the fee is 0.5%.
 
We had $149.0 million of borrowings and $46.9 million of letters of credit and $164.5 million of borrowings and $44.8 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility and Corporate Credit Facility at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Deferred financing costs are being amortized over the three-year term of the Revolving Credit Facility and are included in Interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Deferred Financing Costs Remaining on Balance Sheet as of
Amortization Expense for the years ended December 31,
 
December 31, 2010
2010
2009
2008
Amortization expense (a)
$
3,389
 
$
1,340
 
$
495
 
$
489
 
__________
(a)    Amortization expense for 2010 relates to our new Revolving Credit Facility, while 2009 and 2008 relates to the Corporate Credit Facility which was terminated in April 2010.
 

164

 

The Revolving Credit Facility includes the following covenants that we must comply with at the end of each quarter (dollars, in thousands). We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2010.
 
 
Actual
Covenant Requirement
Consolidated net worth
$
1,100,270
 
$
859,266
 
Recourse leverage ratio
57.5
%
65.0
%
 
Corporate Term Loan
 
In December 2010, we entered into a one-year $100.0 million term loan (the "Loan) with J.P. Morgan and Union Bank due in December 2011. The cost of borrowings under the Loan was based on a spread of 137.5 basis points over LIBOR (1.69%% at December 31, 2010). The proceeds were used to reduce borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. The covenants are substantially the same as the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
Enserco Credit Facility
 
In May 2010, Enserco entered into an agreement for a two-year $250.0 million committed credit facility. The facility contains an accordion feature which allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent, to increase commitments under the facility to $350 million. This facility replaced the $300 million credit facility which expired on May 7, 2010. Borrowings under the Enserco Credit Facility are subject to a sub-limit of $50 million. Borrowings under this facility are available under a base rate option or a Eurodollar option. Margins for base rate borrowings are 1.75% and for Eurodollar borrowings are 2.50%.
 
At December 31, 2010, $166.9 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility and there were no cash borrowings outstanding.
 
Deferred financing costs capitalized are being amortized over the term of the Enserco Credit Facility. Amortization of deferred financing costs included in Interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Deferred Financing Costs Remaining on Balance Sheet as of
Amortization Expense for the years ended December 31,
 
December 31, 2010
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization expense
$
1,520
 
$
1,514
 
$
1,394
 
$
559
 
 
The June 1, 2010 coal marketing acquisition (see Note 23) included certain contractual positions that caused Enserco to temporarily not be in compliance with one of the non-financial covenants to the Enserco Credit Facility as of June 30, 2010. The Enserco Credit Facility limited the net fixed price volume of coal. As of June 30, 2010, Enserco was above that limit. In July, the participating banks waived the non-compliance with this covenant and increased the permitted net fixed price volume of coal allowed. Enserco was in compliance with covenants as of December 31, 2010.
    
In September 2010, the Enserco Credit Facility was amended to allow for trading of electric power, renewable energy credits and emissions credits.
 
Acquisition Facility
 
In July 2008, in conjunction with the closing of the Aquila Transaction, we borrowed $382.8 million under our $1 billion bridge acquisition credit facility dated May 7, 2007. The Acquisition Facility was structured as a single-draw term loan facility for the sole purpose of financing the Aquila Transaction. During 2009, we repaid the Acquisition Facility with proceeds of $30.2 million from the sale of 25% of the Wygen III plant to MDU, net proceeds from the $250 million public debt offering, and with a borrowing of $104.6 million on our Corporate Credit Facility.
 

165

 

(10)    ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
 
Accounting standards for asset retirement obligations associated with long-lived assets require that the present value of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation be recorded as liabilities with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost and depreciated over an appropriate period. The liability is then accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation to the liability. The associated ARO accretion expense is included within Depreciation, depletion and amortization on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The recording of the obligation for regulated operations has no income statement impact due to the deferral of the adjustments through the establishment of a regulatory asset pursuant to accounting standards for regulated operations. We have identified legal retirement obligations related to plugging and abandonment of natural gas and oil wells in the Oil and Gas segment, reclamation of coal mining sites at the Coal Mining segment and removal of fuel tanks, asbestos and transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls at the regulated Electric Utilities segment and asbestos at our regulated Gas Utilities segment.
 
The following tables present the details of ARO which are included on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other deferred credits and other liabilities (in thousands):
 
 
12/31/09
Liabilities Incurred
Liabilities Settled
Accretion
Revisions to Prior Estimates
12/31/10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
$
21,233
 
$
570
 
$
(2,078
)
$
1,280
 
$
658
 
$
21,663
 
Coal Mining
15,285
 
18,094
 
(15,207
)
1,246
 
(1,858
)
17,560
 
Electric Utilities
2,904
 
 
 
135
 
 
3,039
 
Gas Utilities
241
 
 
 
14
 
 
255
 
Total
$
39,663
 
$
18,664
 
$
(17,285
)
$
2,675
 
$
(1,200
)
$
42,517
 
 
 
 
12/31/08
Liabilities Incurred
Liabilities Settled
Accretion
Revisions to Prior Estimates
12/31/09
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
$
19,623
 
$
192
 
$
(239
)
$
1,226
 
$
431
 
$
21,233
 
Coal Mining
17,699
 
7,909
 
(5,414
)
1,118
 
(6,027
)
15,285
 
Electric Utilities
2,616
 
 
 
288
 
 
2,904
 
Gas Utilities
222
 
 
 
19
 
 
241
 
Total
$
40,160
 
$
8,101
 
$
(5,653
)
$
2,651
 
$
(5,596
)
$
39,663
 
 
We also have legally required asset retirement obligations related to certain assets within our electric and gas utility transmission and distribution systems. These retirement obligations are pursuant to an easement or franchise agreement and are only required if we discontinue our utility service under such easement or franchise agreement. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a time period when these obligations could be settled and therefore, a value for the cost of these obligations cannot be measured at this time.
 
(11)    COMMON STOCK
 
Equity Compensation Plans
 
Our 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan allows for the granting of stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and performance shares. We had 1,125,958 shares available to grant at December 31, 2010.
 

166

 

Compensation expense is determined using the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of accounting standards for stock compensation and is recognized over the vesting periods of the individual awards. As of December 31, 2010, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards was $7.0 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. Stock-based compensation expense included in Operations and maintenance on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income was as follow (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
$
5,848
 
$
3,983
 
$
1,345
 
 
Stock Options
 
We have granted options with an option exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the day of the grant. The options granted vest one-third each year for three years and expire ten years after the grant date.
 
A summary of the status of the stock options at December 31, 2010 was as follows:
 
 
Shares
 Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
 Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
(in thousands)
 
(in years)
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
336
 
$
32.28
 
 
 
Granted
 
 
 
 
Forfeited/cancelled
 
 
 
 
Expired
(58
)
35.81
 
 
 
Exercised
(43
)
24.05
 
 
 
Balance and exercisable at December 31, 2010
235
 
$
32.92
 
2.24
 
$
(289
)
 
The table below provides details of our option plans (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Summary of Stock Options
 
 
 
Option granted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized compensation expense
$
 
$
 
$
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised (a)
$
234
 
$
255
 
$
1,195
 
Net cash received from exercise of options
$
1,034
 
$
1,740
 
$
2,267
 
Tax benefit realized from exercise of shares (b)
$
82
 
$
89
 
$
418
 
_______
(a)    The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price of the option.
(b)    The tax benefit realized from the exercise of shares granted was recorded as an increase in equity.
 
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards equals the market price of our stock on the date of grant.
 
The shares carry a restriction on the ability to sell the shares until the shares vest. The shares substantially vest one-third per year over three years, contingent on continued employment. Compensation cost related to the awards is recognized over the vesting period.

167

 

 
A summary of the status of the restricted stock and non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2010 was as follows:
 
 
Restricted Stock and Stock Units
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
186
 
$
29.92
 
Granted
181
 
27.30
 
Vested
(78
)
31.92
 
Forfeited
(19
)
27.22
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
270
 
$
27.78
 
 
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted and the total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31 was as follows:
 
 
 Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total Fair Value of Shares Vested
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
2010
$
27.30
 
$
2,212
 
2009
$
26.76
 
$
1,799
 
2008
$
32.39
 
$
2,061
 
 
As of December 31, 2010, there was $4.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and non-vested restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
 
Performance Share Plan
 
Certain officers of the Company and its subsidiaries are participants in a performance share award plan, a market-based plan. Performance shares are awarded based on the Company's total shareholder return over designated performance periods as measured against a selected peer group and can range from 0% to 175% of target. In addition, certain stock price performance must be achieved for a payout to occur. The final value of the performance shares will vary according to the number of shares of common stock that are ultimately granted based upon the actual level of attainment of the performance criteria.
 
 
Outstanding Performance Periods at December 31 were as follows (shares in thousands):
 
Grant Date
Performance Period
Target Grant of Shares
 
 
 
January 1, 2008
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
26
January 1, 2009
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2011
75
January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
75
 
The performance awards are paid 50% in cash and 50% in common stock. The cash portion accrued is classified as a liability and the stock portion is classified as equity. In the event of a change-in-control, performance awards are paid 100% in cash. If it is determined that a change-in-control is probable, the equity portion of $1.6 million at December 31, 2010 would be reclassified as a liability.
 

168

 

A summary of the status of the Performance Share Plan at December 31 was as follows:
 
 
Equity Portion
Liability Portion
 
Shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Shares
Weighted-Average December 31, 2010
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
66
 
$
33.67
 
66
 
 
Granted
38
 
24.26
 
38
 
 
Forfeited
(3
)
32.20
 
(3
)
 
Vested
(14
)
34.16
 
(14
)
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
87
 
$
29.47
 
87
 
$
27.41
 
 
The grant date fair values for the performance shares granted in 2010, 2009 and 2008 were determined by Monte Carlo simulation using a blended volatility of 31%, 39% and 23%, respectively, comprised of 50% historical volatility and 50% implied volatility and the average risk-free interest rate of the three-year United States Treasury security rate in effect as of the grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance share awards granted in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows:
 
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
 
2010
$
24.26
 
2009
$
29.20
 
2008
$
46.00
 
 
Performance plan payouts have been as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):
 
Performance Period
Year of Payment
Stock Issued
Cash Paid
Total Intrinsic Value
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009
2010
 
$
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008
2009
 
$
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007
2008
35
 
$
1,526
 
$
3,051
 
 
On January 26, 2011, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determined that the plan criteria for the January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010 performance period was not met. As a result, there will be no payout for this performance period.
 
As of December 31, 2010, there was $2.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding performance share plans that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
 

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Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
 
We have a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan under which shareholders may purchase additional shares of common stock through dividend reinvestment and/or optional cash payments at 100% of the recent average market price. We have the option of issuing new shares or purchasing the shares on the open market. In March 2009, we began issuing new shares.
 
A summary of the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan was as follows (shares in thousands):
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
 
Shares Issued
106
 
143
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Price
$
29.57
 
$
21.63
 
 
 
 
Unissued Shares Available at December 31
190
 
196
 
 
Other Plans
 
We issued 9,625 fully-vested shares of common stock with an intrinsic value of $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 to certain key employees under the Short-term Annual Incentive Plan, a performance-based plan. The payout was fully accrued at December 31, 2009. We issued 47,331 and 32,568 shares of common stock in 2009 and 2008, respectively, under the Short-term Annual Incentive Plan.
 
In addition, we will issue common stock with an intrinsic value of approximately $0.2 million in 2011 for the 2010 Short-term Annual Incentive Plan.
 
Forward Equity Issuance
 
In November 2010, we entered into a Forward Agreement with J.P. Morgan in connection with a public offering of 4,000,000 shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock. Under the Forward Agreement on November 10, 2010, we agreed to issue to J.P. Morgan 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at an initial forward price of $28.70875 per share.
 
On December 7, 2010, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 413,519 shares. In conjunction with the underwriters' exercise of the 413,519 share over-allotment option, an additional Equity Forward Agreement was entered into with J.P. Morgan for the over-allotment shares, having the same terms as the original Forward Agreement (together with the Forward Agreement, the "Forward Agreements").
 
The forward price used to determine cash proceeds due Black Hills Corporation at settlement of the equity forward instruments underlying the Forward Agreement will be calculated based on the November 2010 public offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, adjusted for underwriting fees, and interest rate adjustments as specified in the Forward Agreements and expected dividends on our common stock during the period the instrument is outstanding. We may settle the equity forward instrument at any time up to the maturity date of November 10, 2011. We may also unilaterally elect to cash or net share settle for any date up to maturity, for all or a portion of the equity forward shares.
 
The equity forward instrument held by J.P. Morgan, underlying the Forward Agreements, was accounted for as equity in accordance with accounting for Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity, and recorded at fair value at the execution of the Forward Agreements, and will not be subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value until settlement. Since the initial pricing of the equity forward instrument of $28.70875 per share was determined based on the November 2010 offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, less under writing fees of $1.04 per share, no premium on the transaction was due J.P. Morgan related to the Forward Agreements at execution, and no fair value was recorded to equity for the instrument. Proceeds or payments due at settlement of all or portions of the equity forward instrument will be recorded with appropriate adjustments to additional paid in capital and common stock, depending on the method of settlement.
 

170

 

Based on the closing Black Hills Corporation common stock price of $30.00 on December 31, 2010, and the forward price on that date for the equity forward and over-allotment shares of $28.34, the fair value net cash settlement of the 4,000,000 equity forward instrument and 413,519 over-allotment shares was approximately $7.3 million. The Forward Agreements require a 60 day notice prior to settlement for cash or net share settlements. Forward prices and volume-weighted average market prices for the period between when notice is provided and settlement are used to calculate cash and net share settlement amounts.
 
At December 31, 2010, the equity forward instrument could have been settled with physical delivery of 4,413,519 shares to J.P. Morgan in exchange for cash of $125.1 million. Assuming required notices were given and actions taken, the forward instruments could have also been net settled at December 31, 2010 with delivery of cash of approximately $8.8 million or approximately 291,000 shares of common stock to J.P. Morgan.
 
Dividend Restrictions
 
Our credit facilities and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. An event of default would be deemed to have occurred if we did not meet certain financial covenants. The most restrictive financial covenants of our Revolving Credit Facility include the following: a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00 and a minimum consolidated net worth of $625 million plus 50% of aggregate consolidated net income since January 1, 2005. As of December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our shareholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result, certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements could affect the levels of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries. The following restrictions on distributions from our subsidiaries existed at December 31, 2010:
 
•    
In connection with the Aquila Transaction, the CPUC, NPSC, IUB and KCC approved orders or settlement agreements providing that, among other things, (i) our utilities in those jurisdictions cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and (ii) neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor its utility subsidiaries can extend credit to the Company except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. Covenants within Cheyenne Light's financing agreements require Cheyenne Light to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. In addition to the restrictions described above, each state in which we conduct utility operations imposes restrictions on affiliate transactions, including inter-company loans. Additionally, our utility subsidiaries are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed by state regulatory authorities to be paid to us as a utility holding company and also may be subject to further restrictions under the Federal Power Act. As of December 31, 2010, the restricted net assets at our regulated Electric and regulated Gas Utilities were approximately $196.8 million.
 
•    
Our Enserco credit facility is a borrowing base credit facility, the structure of which requires certain levels of tangible net worth and net working capital to be maintained for a given borrowing base election level. In order to maintain a borrowing base election level, Enserco may be restricted from making dividend payments to its parent company. Restricted net assets at Enserco totaled $93.0 million for this stand-alone Enserco Credit Facility at December 31, 2010.
 
•    
Pursuant to a covenant in the Black Hills Wyoming project financing, Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings has restricted assets of $100.0 million. In addition, Black Hills Wyoming holds $4.25 million of restricted cash in accordance with project financing requirements. Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings is the parent of Black Hills Electric Generation which is the parent of Black Hills Wyoming.
 

171

 

(12)    IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS
 
Oil and Gas Segment
 
As a result of lower natural gas prices at March 31, 2009, we recorded a $43.3 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas assets included in the Oil and Gas segment. The write-down in the net carrying value of our natural gas and crude oil properties was recorded in Impairment of long-lived assets on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and was based on the March 31, 2009 NYMEX price of $3.63 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.23 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas; and NYMEX price of $49.66 per barrel, adjusted to $45.32 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
Also, as a result of low crude oil and natural gas prices at the end of 2008, we recorded a $91.8 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment charge of oil and gas assets included in the Oil and Gas segment. The write-down in the net carrying value of our natural gas and crude oil property was recorded in Impairment of long-lived assets on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and was based on the December 31, 2008 NYMEX price of $5.71 per Mcf, adjusted to $4.44 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas; and $44.60 per barrel, adjusted to $32.74 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
 
(13)    OPERATING LEASES
 
We have entered into lease agreements for vehicle and office facilities. Rental expense incurred under these operating leases for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Rent expense
$
4,962
 
$
4,512
 
$
3,453
 
 
The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the operating lease agreements for the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
 
2011
$
2,610
 
2012
2,003
 
2013
1,488
 
2014
1,369
 
2015
1,239
 
Thereafter
4,769
 
 
$
13,478
 
 

172

 

(14)    INCOME TAXES
 
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 was (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Current:
 
 
 
Federal
$
1,396
 
$
(6,124
)
$
(215,957
)
State
4,442
 
(222
)
(1,330
)
Foreign(1)
254
 
(82
)
1,179
 
 
6,092
 
(6,428
)
(216,108
)
Deferred:
 
 
 
Federal
22,250
 
40,219
 
185,614
 
State
(2,707
)
(108
)
1,414
 
Tax credit amortization
(337
)
(368
)
(315
)
 
19,206
 
39,743
 
186,713
 
 
 
 
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
25,298
 
$
33,315
 
$
(29,395
)
__________________________
(1)    Foreign taxes represent income taxes incurred through our Canadian activities.
 
2008 amounts reflect income tax impacts associated with our like-kind exchange tax planning structure. The tax planning structure allowed us to defer approximately $185 million of income taxes related to the IPP Transaction which would have been payable for the 2008 tax year without such a structure. In the third quarter of 2010, we reached an agreement with the Appeals Division of the IRS that resulted in a decrease of the amount of such deferral from $185 million to $125 million. The decrease represents the downward adjustment to tax depreciation allowed on certain assets sold, which resulted in a decrease to the gain realized on the sale of those assets and ultimately a decrease in deferred taxes. The remaining $125 million in deferred taxes relating to the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction continues to be subject to IRS review.
 

173

 

The temporary differences, which gave rise to the net deferred tax liability, for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
2010
2009
Deferred tax assets, current:
 
 
Asset valuation reserves
$
1,797
 
$
1,651
 
Mining development and oil exploration
594
 
779
 
Unbilled revenue
 
581
 
Employee benefits
4,375
 
4,993
 
Items of other comprehensive loss
3,076
 
3,872
 
Derivative fair value adjustments
19,304
 
12,596
 
Deferred costs
342
 
 
Other deferred tax assets, current
5,607
 
2,940
 
Total deferred tax assets, current
35,095
 
27,412
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities, current:
 
 
Asset valuation reserves
(312
)
 
Prepaid expenses
(2,454
)
(2,121
)
Derivative fair value adjustments
(4,680
)
(3,740
)
Items of other comprehensive loss
(2,754
)
(3,273
)
Deferred costs
(4,621
)
(5,132
)
Other deferred tax liabilities, current
(3,161
)
(8,623
)
Total deferred tax liabilities, current
(17,982
)
(22,889
)
 
 
 
Net deferred tax asset, current
$
17,113
 
$
4,523
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets, non-current:
 
 
Employee benefits
$
11,543
 
$
17,191
 
Regulatory liabilities
23,910
 
22,844
 
Deferred revenue
273
 
526
 
Deferred costs
 
471
 
State net operating loss
9,777
 
2,813
 
Items of other comprehensive income
22,306
 
10,535
 
Foreign tax credit carryover
3,352
 
2,966
 
Net operating loss (net of valuation allowance)
63,521
 
8,023
 
Asset impairment
47,033
 
47,557
 
Derivative fair value adjustments
3,038
 
902
 
Other deferred tax assets, non-current
11,076
 
16,413
 
Total deferred tax assets, non-current
195,829
 
130,241
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities, non-current:
 
 
Accelerated depreciation, amortization and other plant-related differences
(314,728
)
(237,578
)
Regulatory assets
(16,050
)
(34,097
)
Mining development and oil exploration
(99,709
)
(101,407
)
Deferred costs
(17,534
)
(9,491
)
Derivative fair value adjustments
 
(1,254
)
Items of other comprehensive income
(4,402
)
(2,657
)
State deferred tax liability
(11,613
)
(5,791
)
Other deferred tax liabilities, non-current
(8,929
)
 
Total deferred tax liabilities, non-current
(472,965
)
(392,275
)
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liability, non-current
$
(277,136
)
$
(262,034
)
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liability
$
(260,023
)
$
(257,511
)
 

174

 

The following table reconciles the change in the net deferred income tax liability from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010 to deferred income tax expense (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
 Net change in net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) from the preceding table
$
2,512
 
$
44,148
 
Deferred taxes associated with other comprehensive loss (income)
1,915
 
(941
)
Deferred taxes related to net operating loss from acquisition
(312
)
 
Deferred taxes related to regulatory assets and liabilities
25,370
 
(3,565
)
Deferred taxes related to acquisition
(784
)
7,992
 
Deferred taxes associated with property basis differences
(10,121
)
(9,013
)
Other net deferred income tax liability
626
 
1,122
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax expense for the period
$
19,206
 
$
39,743
 
 
The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31 as follows:
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory rate
35.0
 %
35.0
 %
(35.0
)%
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)
1.1
 
(0.2
)
 
Amortization of excess deferred and investment tax credits
(0.4
)
(0.3
)
(0.4
)
Percentage depletion in excess of cost
(1.5
)
(0.8
)
 
Equity AFUDC
(1.0
)
(1.7
)
(1.4
)
Tax credits
(2.9
)
 
 
Accounting for uncertain tax positions adjustment
1.1
 
(2.1
)
 
Flow-through adjustments *
(4.2
)
 
 
Other tax differences
(0.3
)
(0.2
)
0.8
 
 
26.9
 %
29.7
 %
(36.0
)%
_________________________
*    The flow-through adjustments relate primarily to an accounting method change for tax purposes that was filed with the 2008 tax return and for which consent was received from the IRS in September 2009. The effect of the change allows us to take a current tax deduction for repair costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes. These costs will continue to be capitalized for book purposes. We recorded a deferred income tax liability in recognition of the temporary difference created between book and tax treatment and we flowed the tax benefit through to our customers in the form of lower rates as a result of a rate case settlement that occurred during 2010. A regulatory asset was established to reflect the recovery of future increases in taxes payable from customers as the temporary differences reverse. Due to this regulatory treatment, we recorded an income tax benefit that was attributable to the 2008 through 2010 tax years. For years prior to 2008, we did not record a regulatory asset for the repairs deduction as the tax benefit was not flowed through to customers.
 
At December 31, 2010, we have federal and state NOL carryforwards of $182.6 million and $174.3 million, respectively, which will expire at various dates as follows (in thousands):
 
Expiration Years
 
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
 
 
 
2013-2018
 
$
1,148
 
2019-2024
 
$
78,177
 
2025-2030
 
$
277,560
 
 

175

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had a valuation allowance of $1.2 million against the federal NOL carryforwards and $0.5 million against the state NOL carryforwards. Ultimate usage of these NOL's depends upon our future tax filings. If the valuation allowance is adjusted due to higher or lower than anticipated utilization of the NOL's, the offsetting amount will affect tax expense.
 
The following table reconciles the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period included in Other deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance at January 1
$
107,088
 
$
120,022
 
$
75,770
 
 
 
 
 
Additions for prior year tax positions
19,592
 
5,752
 
5,015
 
Reductions for prior year tax positions
(76,545
)
(18,686
)
(72,948
)
Additions for current year tax positions
 
 
112,185
 
Settlements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance at December 31
50,135
 
107,088
 
120,022
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax refund receivable related to uncertain tax positions above
 
(59,136
)
(60,612
)
 
 
 
 
Net liability for uncertain tax positions
$
50,135
 
$
47,952
 
$
59,410
 
 
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is approximately $1.7 million.
 
It is our continuing practice to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax expense. We recognized the following interest expense for the years ended December 31 as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Interest expense
$
2,300
 
$
1,200
 
$
500
 
 
We had approximately $3.1 million and $0.8 million accrued for interest payable associated with income taxes at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
We file income tax returns with the IRS, various state jurisdictions and Canada. We are currently under examination by the IRS for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years. We remain subject to examination by Canadian income tax authorities for tax years as early as 1999.
 
An agreement was reached during 2010 with the IRS for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 tax years. The agreement involved primarily tax depreciation-related issues with respect to certain assets and resulted in the reversal of the refund receivable related to such issues as indicated above in the tabular roll forward. Instead, the agreement is expected to produce a refund of approximately $16.0 million (including interest) to be received in 2011. We do not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to the settlement of any audits or the expiration of statute of limitations prior to December 31, 2011.
 

176

 

Excess foreign tax credits have been generated and are available to offset United States federal income taxes. At December 31, 2010, we had the following remaining foreign tax credit carryforwards (in thousands):
 
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
 
Expiration Year
 
 
 
$
31
 
 
2014
$
694
 
 
2015
$
940
 
 
2016
$
1,433
 
 
2017
$
254
 
 
2020
 
(15)    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The following table displays the related tax effects allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
2010
Pre-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net-of-tax Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum pension liability adjustments
$
(2,306
)
 
$
785
 
 
$
(1,521
)
Fair value adjustment of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
1,972
 
 
(636
)
 
1,336
 
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income
(6,730
)
 
2,498
 
 
(4,232
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(7,064
)
 
$
2,647
 
 
$
(4,417
)
 
2009
Pre-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net-of-tax Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum pension liability adjustments
$
6,922
 
 
$
(2,431
)
 
$
4,491
 
Fair value adjustment of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
(27,442
)
 
9,961
 
 
(17,481
)
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income
19,810
 
 
(7,201
)
 
12,609
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(710
)
 
$
329
 
 
$
(381
)
 
2008
Pre-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net-of-tax Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum pension liability adjustments
$
(12,343
)
 
$
4,331
 
 
$
(8,012
)
Fair value adjustment of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
(15,353
)
 
5,224
 
 
(10,129
)
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income
42,710
 
 
(14,949
)
 
27,761
 
Reclassification adjustments for cash flow hedges settled and included in regulatory assets
(5,992
)
 
2,097
 
 
(3,895
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
9,022
 
 
$
(3,297
)
 
$
5,725
 
 

177

 

Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
Employee Benefit Plans
 
Amount from Equity-method Investees
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2010
$
(12,437
)
 
$
(11,142
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(23,581
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2009
$
(9,462
)
 
$
(9,636
)
 
$
(66
)
 
$
(19,164
)
 
(16)    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
Years ended December 31,
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities-
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities
$
48,879
 
 
$
24,571
 
 
$
23,067
 
Issuance of common stock for earn-out settlement
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
19,694
 
Refunding bond issuance — Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (see Note 8)
$
 
 
$
17,000
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for-
 
 
 
 
 
Interest (net of amount capitalized)
$
(104,290
)
 
$
(71,891
)
 
$
(55,864
)
Income taxes refunded (paid)
$
315
 
 
$
23,231
 
 
$
(32,988
)
 
Cash included in cash balances for discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
2010
December 31,
2009
December 31,
2008
December 31,
2007
 
 
 
 
 
Ending cash balance includes cash from discontinued operations
$
 
$
 
$
41
 
$
4,366
 
 
(17)    BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business groups due to differences in products, services and regulation. With the exception of our energy marketing operations in Canada, all of our operations and assets are located within the United States.
 
The Company conducts its operations through the following six reportable segments:
 
Utilities Group -
 
•    
Electric Utilities, which supply regulated electric utility service to areas in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana and natural gas utility services to Cheyenne, Wyoming and vicinity; and
 
•    
Gas Utilities, which supply regulated gas utility service to Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. The regulated Gas Utilities were acquired in July 2008 as described in Note 23.
 

178

 

Non-regulated Energy Group -
 
•    
Oil and Gas, which produces, explores and operates oil and natural gas interests located in Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wyoming, Texas and California;
 
•    
Power Generation, which produces and sells power and capacity to wholesale customers. During 2010, the power plants were located in Wyoming and Idaho. In 2009 our Power Generation segment entered into a 20-year PPA to supply Colorado Electric with 200 MW of capacity and energy from power plants under construction in Colorado, which are expected to be placed in service by December 31, 2011. Additionally, in January 2011, we sold our ownership interests in the partnerships which own the Idaho facilities ;
 
•    
Coal Mining, which engages in the mining and sale of coal from its mine near Gillette, Wyoming; and
 
•    
Energy Marketing, which provides natural gas, crude oil, coal, power, environmental marketing and related services primarily in the United States and Canada.
 
On July 11, 2008, we sold entities that owned seven IPP plants. The financial information related to these plants was previously reported in the Power Generation segment and has been reclassified to discontinued operations. Our remaining IPP assets continue to be reported in the Power Generation segment.
 
On July 14, 2008, we purchased an electric utility and four gas utilities in the Aquila Transaction. The following tables for 2008 report amounts from the acquisition date of July 14, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

179

 

Detail for our segments as of and for the year ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
Total assets
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
1,834,019
 
$
1,659,375
 
Gas Utilities
722,287
 
684,375
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
Oil and Gas
349,991
 
338,470
 
Power Generation
293,334
 
161,856
 
Coal Mining
96,962
 
76,209
 
Energy Marketing
314,930
 
321,207
 
Corporate
99,986
 
76,206
 
Total assets
$
3,711,509
 
$
3,317,698
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures and asset acquisitions
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
232,466
 
$
241,963
 
Gas Utilities
51,363
 
43,005
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
Oil and Gas
40,345
 
20,522
 
Power Generation
148,191
 
20,537
 
Coal Mining
17,053
 
11,765
 
Energy Marketing
390
 
220
 
Corporate
7,182
 
9,807
 
Total capital expenditures and asset acquisitions (a)
$
496,990
 
$
347,819
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
1,720,909
 
$
1,560,851
 
Gas Utilities
502,360
 
463,265
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
Oil and Gas
680,407
 
668,383
 
Power Generation
297,907
 
148,664
 
Coal Mining
145,385
 
119,362
 
Energy Marketing
8,094
 
2,595
 
Corporate
4,700
 
12,873
 
Total property, plant and equipment
$
3,359,762
 
$
2,975,993
 
        
(a) Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment.
 
 

180

 

 
2010
2009
2008
Revenues
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
565,577
 
$
519,892
 
$
472,174
 
Gas Utilities
550,707
 
580,312
 
277,076
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
74,164
 
70,684
 
106,347
 
Power Generation
4,297
 
4,445
 
11,893
 
Coal Mining
31,285
 
31,459
 
31,842
 
Energy Marketing
28,109
 
13,867
 
58,660
 
Corporate
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
1,254,139
 
$
1,220,659
 
$
957,992
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany revenues
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
4,437
 
$
873
 
$
1,245
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
Power Generation
26,052
 
26,130
 
26,288
 
Coal Mining
26,557
 
27,031
 
25,059
 
Energy Marketing
(110
)
(486
)
650
 
Corporate
 
 
267
 
Intercompany eliminations
(3,824
)
(4,629
)
(5,711
)
Total intercompany revenues(a)
$
53,112
 
$
48,919
 
$
47,798
 
_________________________
(a)    In accordance with the accounting standards for regulated operations, intercompany fuel and energy sales to our regulated utilities are not eliminated.
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
47,276
 
$
43,638
 
$
37,648
 
Gas Utilities
25,258
 
30,090
 
14,142
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
30,283
 
29,680
 
38,549
 
Power Generation
4,466
 
3,860
 
4,627
 
Coal Mining
19,083
 
13,123
 
9,449
 
Energy Marketing
527
 
525
 
689
 
Corporate
1
 
381
 
2,159
 
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization
$
126,894
 
$
121,297
 
$
107,263
 
 
 

181

 

 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
99,292
 
(a) 
$
70,968
 
 
$
77,866
 
 
Gas Utilities
68,968
 
(b) 
55,210
 
 
14,888
 
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
4,582
 
 
(42,521
)
(c) 
(71,188
)
(c) 
Power Generation
9,673
 
 
40,055
 
(d) 
14,215
 
 
Coal Mining
4,731
 
 
5,055
 
 
4,293
 
 
Energy Marketing
7,259
 
 
(423
)
 
30,135
 
 
Corporate
(713
)
 
(1,998
)
 
(13,682
)
 
Intercompany eliminations
110
 
 
486
 
 
(650
)
 
Total operating income
$
193,902
 
 
$
126,832
 
 
$
55,877
 
 
_________________________
(a)    Includes $6.2 million pre-tax gain on sale to the City of Gillette of a 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III power generation facility (See Note 22).
(b)    Includes $2.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of operating assets at Nebraska Gas (See Note 22).
(c)    As a result of lower natural gas prices at March 31, 2009, we recorded a $43.3 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas assets in the first quarter of 2009. As a result of low crude oil and natural gas prices at the end of 2008, we recorded a $91.8 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas assets (see Note 12).
(d)    Includes $26.0 million pre-tax gain on sale to MEAN of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility (See Note 22).
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Interest income
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
6,812
 
$
1,818
 
$
2,041
 
Gas Utilities
1,472
 
264
 
376
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
8
 
10
 
215
 
Power Generation
1,193
 
1,856
 
8,951
 
Coal Mining
3,357
 
1,476
 
1,392
 
Energy Marketing
251
 
787
 
1,345
 
Corporate
54,374
 
27,222
 
47,425
 
Intercompany eliminations
(66,773
)
(31,821
)
(59,569
)
Total interest income
$
694
 
$
1,612
 
$
2,176
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest charges
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
43,855
 
$
34,830
 
$
25,335
 
Gas Utilities
28,927
 
17,364
 
8,501
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
5,380
 
4,683
 
5,307
 
Power Generation
9,303
 
11,244
 
20,600
 
Coal Mining
177
 
24
 
46
 
Energy Marketing
2,450
 
2,334
 
1,599
 
Corporate
69,401
 
46,032
 
52,304
 
Intercompany eliminations
(66,773
)
(31,821
)
(59,569
)
Total interest charges
$
92,720
 
$
84,690
 
$
54,123
 
 
 

182

 

 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
Income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
18,012
 
 
$
13,126
 
 
$
18,882
 
 
Gas Utilities
14,449
 
 
13,453
 
 
2,447
 
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
(425
)
 
(21,016
)
 
(26,001
)
 
Power Generation
266
 
 
11,097
 
 
3,013
 
 
Coal Mining
2,379
 
 
3,234
 
 
2,190
 
 
Energy Marketing
1,895
 
 
(460
)
 
10,180
 
 
Corporate
(11,278
)
 
13,881
 
 
(40,106
)
 
Intercompany eliminations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
25,298
 
 
$
33,315
 
 
$
(29,395
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Utilities
$
47,452
 
(a) 
$
32,699
 
 
$
39,674
 
 
Gas Utilities
27,111
 
(b) 
24,372
 
 
4,230
 
 
Non-regulated Energy:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas
357
 
 
(25,828
)
(c) 
(49,668
)
(c) 
Power Generation
2,151
 
 
20,661
 
(d) 
3,251
 
 
Coal Mining
7,681
 
 
6,748
 
 
4,033
 
 
Energy Marketing
3,317
 
 
(1,488
)
 
19,689
 
 
Corporate
(19,494
)
(e) 
21,106
 
(e) 
(72,596
)
(e) 
Intercompany eliminations
110
 
 
486
 
 
(650
)
 
Total income (loss) from continuing operations
$
68,685
 
 
$
78,756
 
 
$
(52,037
)
 
_________________________
(a)    Includes $4.1 million after-tax gain on sale to the City of Gillette of a 23% ownership interest in the Wygen III power generation facility (See Note 22).
(b)    Includes $1.7 million after-tax gain on sale of operating assets at Nebraska Gas (See Note 22).
(c)    As a result of lower natural gas prices at March 31, 2009, we recorded a $27.8 million after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas assets in the first quarter of 2009 and as a result of low crude oil and natural gas prices at the end of 2008, we recorded a $59.0 million after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of oil and gas assets (see Note 12).
(d)    Includes $16.9 million after-tax gain on sale to MEAN of a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I power generation facility (See Note 22).
(e)    Includes $9.9 million after-tax net mark-to-market loss for the year ended December 31, 2010, $36.2 million after-tax net mark-to-market gain for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $61.4 million after-tax net mark-to-market loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 for certain interest rate swaps.
 
(18)    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
We sponsor a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Participants in the Plan may elect to invest a portion of their eligible compensation to the Plan up to the maximum amounts established by the IRS. The Plan provides employees the opportunity to invest up to 50% of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. The Plan provides for Company matching contributions and Company Retirement Contributions for certain eligible participants. Vesting of Company contributions ranges from immediate vesting to graduated vesting at 20% per year with full vesting when the participant has five years of service with the Company.
 

183

 

Funded Status of Benefit Plans
 
The funded status of postretirement benefit plans is required to be recognized in the statement of financial position. The funded status for pension plans is measured as the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. The funded status for all other benefit plans is measured as the difference between the accumulated benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. A liability is recorded for an amount by which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets or an asset is recorded for any amount by which the fair value of plan assets exceeds the benefit obligation. Except for our regulated utilities, the unrecognized net periodic benefit cost is recorded within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. For our regulated utilities, we applied accounting standards for regulated operations, and accordingly, the unrecognized net periodic benefit cost was alternatively recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability, net of tax. As of December 31, 2010, the funded status of our Defined Benefit Pension Plan was $61.0 million; the funded status of our Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan was $25.0 million; and the funded status of our Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plan was $42.0 million.
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
We have three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans (the Pension Plans).
•    
The Black Hills Corporation Pension Plan covers eligible employees of Black Hills Service Company, Black Hills Power, WRDC and BHEP. Effective January 1, 2010, this Plan (with the exception of bargaining unit participants) froze all new non-bargaining unit employees from participation in the Plan and froze the benefits of current non-bargaining participants except for the following group: those non-bargaining unit participants who are both 1) age 45 or older as of December 31, 2009 and have 10 years or more of credited service as of January 1, 2010; and 2) elect to continue to accrue additional benefits under the pension plan and consequently forego the additional age- and points-based employer contribution under the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan. The assets and obligations for the Black Hills Corporation Plan were revalued July 31, 2009 in conjunction with the freeze of the plan and we recognized a pre-tax curtailment expense of approximately $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. In September 2010, the bargaining unit participants in the BHC Pension Plan voted to freeze all new bargaining unit employees from participation in the Plan and to freeze the benefits of current bargaining unit participants except for the following group: those bargaining unit participants who are both 1) age 45 or older as of December 31, 2010 and have 10 years or more of credited service as of January 1, 2011; and 2) elect to continue to accrue additional benefits under the pension plan and consequently fore-go the additional age and points based employer contribution under the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan. This change to the BHC Pension Plan is effective January 1, 2011. As a result of this freeze, Black Hills Power recognized a pre-tax curtailment expense of less than $0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. BHC Plan benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels during the highest five consecutive years of the last ten years of service.
•    
The Cheyenne Light Pension Plan covers the bargaining unit employees of Cheyenne Light and benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels during the highest three consecutive 12-month periods of service, reduced by the vested benefits under the predecessor plans, if any. In 2009, the Cheyenne Light Plan was amended to freeze the benefits of non-bargaining unit employees. The valuation of the Cheyenne Light Pension Plan at December 31, 2009, resulted in recognition of a pre-tax curtailment expense of less than $0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
•    
The Black Hills Energy Pension Plan covers eligible employees of our utility subsidiaries doing business as Black Hills Energy. Benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels during the highest four consecutive years of the last ten years of service. In 2009, the Black Hills Energy Plan was amended to freeze the Plan to all new participants and froze the benefits of current participants except for the following group: 1) age 45 or older as of December 31, 2009 and have 10 years or more of credited service as of January 1, 2010; and 2) elect to continue to accrued additional benefits under the pension plan and consequently fore-go the additional age and points based employer contributions under the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan.
 
Our Pension Plan funding policy is in accordance with the federal government's funding requirements. The Pension Plans' assets are held in trust and consist primarily of equity and fixed income investments. We use a December 31 measurement date for the Pension Plans.
 

184

 

The Investment Policy for the Pension Plans is to seek to achieve the following long-term objectives: 1) a rate of return in excess of the annualized inflation rate based on a five year moving average; 2) a rate of return that meets or exceeds the assumed actuarial rate of return as stated in the Plan's actuarial report; 3) a rate of return on investments, net of expenses, that is equal to or exceeds various benchmark rates on a moving three year average, and 4) maintenance of sufficient income and liquidity to pay monthly retirement benefits. The policy strategy seeks to prudently invest in a diversified portfolio of predominately equity and fixed income assets. The policy contains certain prohibitions on transactions in separately managed portfolios in which the Pension Plans may invest, including prohibitions on short sales.
 
The Pension Plans' expected long-term rate of return on assets assumptions are based upon the weighted-average expected long-term rate of return for each individual asset class. The asset class weighting is determined using the target allocation for each class in the Plan portfolio. The expected long-term rate of return for each asset class is determined primarily from adjusted long-term historical returns for the asset class. It is anticipated that long-term future returns will not achieve historical results.
 
The expected long-term rate of return for equity investments was 9.25% and 9.50% for the 2010 and 2009 plan years. For determining the expected long-term rate of return for equity assets, we reviewed annual 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-year returns on the S&P 500 Index, which were, at December 31, 2010, 9.1%, 10.8%, 10.1% and 9.7%, respectively. Fund management fees were estimated to be 0.18% for S&P 500 Index assets and 0.45% for other assets. The expected long-term rate of return for real estate investments was 6.75%; the return was based on five-year forward-looking return projections from our investment manager for the NCREIF index. The expected long-term rate of return on fixed income investments was 5.75%; the return was based upon historical returns on 10-year treasury bonds of 6.9% from 1962 to 2009, and adjusted for recent declines in interest rates. The expected long-term rate of return on cash investments was estimated to be 1.0%, which was based upon current one-year LIBOR rates plus a credit spread.
 
Plan Assets
 
The percentages of total plan asset fair value by investment category for our Pension Plans at December 31 were as follows:
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Equity
65
%
65
%
Real estate
3
 
3
 
Fixed income
31
 
28
 
Cash
1
 
4
 
Total
100
%
100
%
 
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
We have various supplemental retirement plans for key executives of the Company. The plans are non-qualified defined benefit plans. We use a December 31 measurement date for the plans. Effective January 1, 2010, we eliminated a non-qualified pension plan, in which some of our officers participated, due to the partial freeze of our qualified pension plans. We also amended the NQDC, which was adopted in 1999. The NQDC is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that provides executives with an opportunity to elect to defer compensation and receive benefits without reference to the limitations on contributions in the Black Hills Corporation Retirement Savings Plan or those imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The amended NQDC provides for non-elective non-qualified restoration benefits to certain officers who are not eligible to continue accruing benefits under the Defined Benefit Pension Plans and associated non-qualified pension restoration plans. All contributions to the NQDC plan are subject to a graded vesting schedule at 20% per year over five years with vesting credit beginning with service in the plan on and after January 1, 2010.
 
Plan Assets
 
The NQDC plans have no assets. We fund on a cash basis as benefits are paid.
 

185

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
We sponsor three retiree healthcare plans (the Plans): the Black Hills Corporation Postretirement Healthcare Plan, the Healthcare Plan for Retirees of Cheyenne Light, and the Black Hills Energy Postretirement Healthcare Plan. Employees who participate in the Black Hills Corporation Postretirement Healthcare Plan and who retire from the Company on or after attaining age 55 after completing at least five years of service with the Company are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits. Employees who participate in the Healthcare Plan for Retirees of Cheyenne Light and who retire from Cheyenne Light on or after attaining age 55 and after completion of a number of consecutive years of service, which when added to the employee's age totals 90, are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits. Employees who are participants in the Black Hills Energy Postretirement Healthcare Plan and who retire from the Company on or after attaining age 55 after completing at least five years of service with the Company are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits. In July 2009, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the BHC Retiree Healthcare Plan and the Black Hills Energy Plan which changed the structure of the Plans for non-union employees and participating union employees to an RMSA and expanded eligibility of plan participants, effective January 1, 2010. The bargaining unit employees in the Black Hills Corporation Plan voted to change the structure of their benefits to an RMSA effective January 1, 2011.
 
The benefits for all of the plans are subject to premiums, deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. We may amend or change the plans periodically. We are not pre-funding the Black Hills Corporation or Cheyenne Light Retiree Healthcare plans. A portion of Black Hills Energy's Postretirement Healthcare Plan is pre-funded via VEBAs, and the assets are held in trust. We use a December 31 measurement date for the Plans. It has been determined that the post-65 retiree prescription drug plans are actuarially equivalent and qualify for the Medicare Part D subsidy.
 
Plan Assets
 
The Black Hills Corporation and Cheyenne Light Retiree Healthcare plans have no assets. We fund on a cash basis as benefits are paid. The Black Hills Energy Plan provides for partial pre-funding via VEBAs. Assets of $4.6 million related to this pre-funding are held in trust and are for the benefit of the union and non-union employees of Black Hills Energy located in the states of Kansas and Iowa. We do not pre-fund the Postretirement Healthcare Plan for those employees outside Kansas and Iowa.
 
Plan Contributions
 
Contributions to the Healthcare Plans and the Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions to our employee benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
Defined Benefit Plans
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
$
30,015
 
$
16,945
 
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
$
5,198
 
$
5,113
 
Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
$
894
 
$
891
 
 
 
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
 
Company Retirement Contribution
$
2,022
 
$
 
Matching contributions - Defined Contribution Plans
$
7,900
 
$
5,800
 
 
We expect to make contributions to our employee benefit plans in 2011 as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2011
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
$
5,190
 
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
$
3,590
 
Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
$
940
 
 

186

 

Fair Value Measurements
 
Accounting standards for Compensation - Retirement Benefits provide a single definition of fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and also requires disclosures and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The pension plans and VEBA are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of inputs.
 
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 - Pricing inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
Level 3 - Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources.
 
As required by accounting standards for Compensation - Retirement Benefits, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
December 31, 2010
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Registered Investment Companies
$
54,614
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
54,614
 
103-12 Investment Entities
 
 
11,247
 
 
 
 
11,247
 
Common Collective Trust
 
 
146,080
 
 
6,126
 
 
152,206
 
Insurance Contracts
 
 
2,097
 
 
 
 
2,097
 
Total investments measured at fair value
$
54,614
 
 
$
159,424
 
 
$
6,126
 
 
$
220,164
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
December 31, 2009
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Registered Investment Companies
$
39,446
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
39,446
 
103-12 Investment Entities
 
 
10,611
 
 
 
 
10,611
 
Common Collective Trust
 
 
120,602
 
 
5,844
 
 
126,446
 
Total investments measured at fair value
$
39,446
 
 
$
131,213
 
 
$
5,844
 
 
$
176,503
 
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
December 31, 2010
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust
$
 
 
$
4,564
 
 
$
 
 
$
4,564
 
Total investments measured at fair value
$
 
 
$
4,564
 
 
$
 
 
$
4,564
 

187

 

 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plan
December 31, 2009
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust
$
 
 
$
4,717
 
 
$
 
 
$
4,717
 
Total investments measured at fair value
$
 
 
$
4,717
 
 
$
 
 
$
4,717
 
 
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan's level 3 assets for the period ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
5,844
 
$
8,300
 
Unrealized gain (loss)
282
 
(2,456
)
Balance, end of period
$
6,126
 
$
5,844
 
 
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the employee benefit plan obligations, fair value of assets and amounts recognized in the statement of financial position for 2010 and 2009, components of the net periodic expense for the years ended 2010, 2009 and 2008 and elements of accumulated other comprehensive income for 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
 
Benefit Obligations
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
256,400
 
$
242,545
 
 
$
21,611
 
$
22,862
 
 
$
46,396
 
$
36,940
 
Service cost
6,131
 
7,587
 
 
685
 
469
 
 
1,509
 
1,061
 
Interest cost
15,091
 
14,715
 
 
1,284
 
1,376
 
 
2,446
 
2,202
 
Actuarial (gain) loss
13,663
 
9,200
 
 
2,039
 
(1,150
)
 
961
 
12,830
 
Amendments
261
 
258
 
 
 
22
 
 
(2,239
)
(3,732
)
Benefits paid
(9,949
)
(9,002
)
 
(894
)
(891
)
 
(5,198
)
(5,113
)
Plan curtailment reduction
 
(8,081
)
 
 
(1,077
)
 
 
 
Reduction in liability plan freeze
(974
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medicare Part D accrued
 
 
 
 
 
 
559
 
555
 
Equitable asset
 
(822
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan participants' contributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,870
 
1,653
 
Net increase (decrease)
24,223
 
13,855
 
 
3,114
 
(1,251
)
 
(92
)
9,456
 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
280,623
 
$
256,400
 
 
$
24,725
 
$
21,611
 
 
$
46,304
 
$
46,396
 
 

188

 

A reconciliation of the fair value of Plan assets (as of the December 31 measurement date) was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning market value of plan assets
$
176,503
 
$
136,899
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
4,717
 
$
4,950
 
Investment income
23,595
 
33,024
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
336
 
Employer contributions
30,015
 
16,945
 
 
 
 
 
2,493
 
2,608
 
Retiree contributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,205
 
 
Benefits paid
(9,949
)
(9,002
)
 
 
 
 
(3,847
)
(3,177
)
Plan administrative expenses
 
(496
)
 
 
 
 
(5
)
 
Equitable asset
 
(867
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending market value of plan assets
$
220,164
 
$
176,503
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
4,564
 
$
4,717
 
 
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of (in thousands):
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory asset
$
54,202
 
$
53,768
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
7,896
 
$
8,660
 
Current liability
$
 
$
 
 
$
943
 
$
891
 
 
$
2,999
 
$
3,124
 
Non-current asset
$
 
$
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
 
$
 
Non-current liability
$
60,451
 
$
79,897
 
 
$
23,782
 
$
20,719
 
 
$
38,561
 
$
38,554
 
Regulatory liability
$
 
$
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
1,050
 
$
 
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation - Black Hills Corporation
$
90,301
 
$
77,948
 
 
$
19,153
 
$
17,205
 
 
$
12,101
 
$
13,108
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation - Black Hills Energy
$
160,217
 
$
142,012
 
 
$
454
 
$
445
 
 
$
25,080
 
$
26,329
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation - Cheyenne Light
$
4,462
 
$
3,849
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
$
9,121
 
$
6,959
 
 

189

 

Components of Net Periodic Expense
 
(in thousands)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
6,131
 
$
7,587
 
$
4,720
 
 
$
685
 
$
469
 
$
447
 
 
$
1,509
 
$
1,060
 
$
721
 
Interest cost
15,091
 
14,715
 
9,130
 
 
1,284
 
1,376
 
1,277
 
 
2,446
 
2,202
 
1,488
 
Expected return on assets
(14,493
)
(14,281
)
(10,627
)
 
 
 
 
 
(208
)
(226
)
(97
)
Amortization of prior service cost
99
 
127
 
163
 
 
3
 
1
 
10
 
 
(309
)
(23
)
 
Amortization of transition obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60
 
59
 
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
3,126
 
2,720
 
 
 
285
 
589
 
569
 
 
636
 
(27
)
(81
)
Curtailment expense
57
 
322
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic expense
$
10,011
 
$
11,190
 
$
3,386
 
 
$
2,257
 
$
2,435
 
$
2,303
 
 
$
4,074
 
$
3,046
 
$
2,090
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
In accordance with accounting standards for defined benefit plans, amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after-tax, that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss
$
6,545
 
$
6,436
 
 
$
4,544
 
$
3,429
 
 
$
2,172
 
$
2,131
 
Prior service cost
121
 
144
 
 
14
 
16
 
 
(2,276
)
(2,510
)
Transition obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
$
6,666
 
$
6,580
 
 
$
4,558
 
$
3,445
 
 
$
(104
)
$
(379
)
 
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income, regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities, after-tax, expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during calendar year 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
2,951
 
 
$
332
 
 
$
440
 
Prior service cost
65
 
 
2
 
 
(312
)
Transition obligation
 
 
 
 
 
Total net periodic benefit cost expected to be recognized during calendar year 2011
$
3,016
 
 
$
334
 
 
$
128
 
 

190

 

Assumptions
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
5.48
%
6.03
%
6.20
%
 
4.95
%
5.58
%
6.20
%
 
5.03
%
5.68
%
6.10
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
3.79
%
4.20
%
4.25
%
 
5.00
%
5.00
%
5.00
%
 
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for plan year:
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Black Hills Corporation
6.05
%
6.25
%
6.35
%
 
6.10
%
6.20
%
6.35
%
 
5.90
%
6.10
%
6.35
%
Black Hills Energy
6.00
%
6.25
%
7.00
%
 
5.05
%
5.00
%
5.00
%
 
5.15
%
6.10
%
6.75
%
Cheyenne Light
6.05
%
6.20
%
6.35
%
 
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
6.00
%
6.10
%
6.35
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected long-term rate of return on assets*
8.00
%
8.50
%
8.50
%
 
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
5.00
%
5.00
%
5.00
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
4.20
%
4.20
%
4.34
%
 
5.00
%
5.00
%
N/A
 
NA
N/A
N/A
_____________________________
*    The expected rate of return on plan assets changed to 7.75% for the calculation of the 2011 net periodic pension cost.
 
The healthcare benefit obligation was determined at December 31, 2010, using an initial healthcare trend rate of 9.51% grading down to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2027, and at December 31, 2009, using an initial healthcare trend rate of 10.0% trending down to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2027.
 
We do not pre-fund our non-qualified pension plans or two of the three postretirement benefit plans. The table below shows the expected impacts of a 1% increase or decrease to our healthcare trend rate for our Retiree Healthcare Plans (in thousands):
 
Change in Assumed Trend Rate
 
Impact on December 31, 2010 Accumulated Postretirement
Benefit Obligation
 
Impact on 2010 Service
and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
Increase 1%
 
$
2,437
 
 
$
301
 
Decrease 1%
 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
(239
)
 

191

 

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
 
Expected Gross Benefit Payments
 
Expected Medicare Part D Drug Benefit Subsidy
 
Expected Net Benefit Payments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
$
11,387
 
 
$
943
 
 
$
4,210
 
 
$
(343
)
 
$
3,867
 
2012
12,036
 
 
950
 
 
4,428
 
 
(383
)
 
4,045
 
2013
12,895
 
 
957
 
 
4,435
 
 
(423
)
 
4,012
 
2014
13,799
 
 
1,084
 
 
4,399
 
 
(461
)
 
3,938
 
2015
14,723
 
 
1,222
 
 
4,365
 
 
(504
)
 
3,861
 
2016-2020
88,740
 
 
6,975
 
 
21,096
 
 
(846
)
 
20,250
 
 
(19)    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Power Purchase and Transmission Services Agreements
 
Through our subsidiaries, we have the following significant long-term power purchase contracts with non-affiliated third-parties:
 
•    
Black Hills Power's PPA with PacifiCorp, expiring in 2023, for the purchase of 50 MW of electric capacity and energy from PacifiCorp's system. The price paid for the capacity and energy is based on the operating costs of one of PacifiCorp's coal-fired electric generating plants.
 
•    
Colorado Electric's PPA with PSCo, expiring in 2011, for 300 MW in 2011. Pricing for the PPA is based on annual contracted capacity and an 85% load factor at current FERC approved rates.
 
•    
Black Hills Power has a firm point-to-point transmission service agreement with PacifiCorp that expires in December 2023. The agreement provides 50 MW of capacity and energy to be transmitted annually by PacifiCorp through 2023.
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's PPA with Duke Energy's Happy Jack wind site, expiring in September 2028, provides up to 29.4 MW of wind energy from Happy Jack to Cheyenne Light. Under a separate intercompany agreement, Cheyenne Light sells 50% of the facility output to Black Hills Power.
 
•    
Cheyenne Light's PPA with Duke Energy's Silver Sage wind site, expiring in 2029, for 30 MW of wind energy. Under a separate intercompany agreement, Cheyenne Light has agreed to sell 20 MW of energy from Silver Sage to Black Hills Power.
 

192

 

Costs under these power purchase contracts for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
PPA with PacifiCorp
$
12,936
 
$
11,862
 
$
11,571
 
PPA with PSCo
$
110,575
 
$
97,899
 
$
57,303
 
Transmission services agreement with PacifiCorp
$
1,215
 
$
1,215
 
$
1,215
 
PPA with Happy Jack
$
2,815
 
$
2,078
 
$
628
 
PPA with Silver Sage
$
1,723
 
$
713
 
$
 
 
Our Gas Utilities also purchase natural gas, including transportation capacity to meet customers' needs, under short-term and long-term purchase contracts. These contracts extend to 2017. On September 29, 2009, FERC approved an extension of a PPA between our subsidiaries, Black Hills Wyoming and Cheyenne Light. The PPA for 60 MW of capacity and energy from Black Hills Wyoming's Wygen I generating facility, which was scheduled to expire in 2013, has been extended through December 31, 2022. The agreement includes an option for Cheyenne Light to purchase Black Hills Wyoming's ownership in the Wygen I facility between 2013 and 2019. The purchase price related to the option is $2.55 million per MW which is the equivalent per MW of the estimated price of new construction of the Wygen III plant. This option purchase price is reduced annually by an amount equal to annual depreciation, assuming a facility life of 35 years.
 
Long-Term Power Sales Agreements
 
Through our subsidiaries, we have the following significant long-term power sales contracts with non-affiliated third-parties:
 
•    
In conjunction with MDU's April 2009 purchase of 25% ownership interest in Wygen III, an agreement to supply 74 MW of capacity and energy through 2016 was modified. The sales to MDU have been integrated into Black Hills Power's control area and are considered part of our firm native load. MWs from the Wygen III unit are deemed to supply a portion of the required 74 MW. During periods of reduced production at Wygen III, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, MDU will be provided with 25 MW from our other generation facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by MDU;
 
•    
In March 2010, Black Hills Power entered into a seven-year PPA and Purchase Option Agreement with the City of Gillette effective April 2010 that replaces a previous agreement. This PPA provided the City of Gillette, with an option to purchase a 23% ownership interest in Black Hills Power's Wygen III facility which commenced commercial operations on April 1, 2010. The City of Gillette exercised its option to purchase the 23% ownership interest in Wygen III and the transaction closed in July 2010. The PPA terminated upon the closing of the transaction. We retain responsibility for operations of the facility with a life-of-plant lease and agreement for operations and coal supply. Black Hills Power entered into an agreement with the City of Gillette to dispatch the City of Gillette's first 23% of net generating capacity. MWs from the Wygen III unit are deemed to supply a portion of the City of Gillette's capacity and energy annually. During periods of reduced production at Wygen III, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, we will provide the City of Gillette with its first 23% from our other generating facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by the City of Gillette. Under this agreement, Black Hills Power will also provide the City of Gillette their operating component of spinning reserves;
 
•    
We have a purchase agreement with Basin Electric for the supply of 80 MW of capacity and energy through 2012 and a separate agreement to receive 80 MW of capacity and energy through 2012. The agreements were entered into with Basin Electric to accommodate delivery of electricity to Cheyenne Light's service territory. This contract is scheduled to terminate with the commercial operation date of Basin's Dry Fork Generation Station which is scheduled to occur on or about June 30, 2011;
 
•    
Black Hills Power has a five-year PPA with MEAN, which commenced on April 1, 2010. Under this contract, MEAN purchases 5 MW of unit-contingent capacity from Neil Simpson II and 5 MW of unit-contingent capacity from Wygen III; and

193

 

 
•    
In March 2009, our 10-year power sales contract between MEAN and Black Hills Power that originally would have expired in 2013 was re-negotiated and extended until 2023. MEAN will purchase 20 MW of unit-contingent capacity from the Neil Simpson II and Wygen III plants, with capacity purchase decreasing to 15 MW in 2018, 12 MW in 2020 and 10 MW in 2022. The unit-contingent capacity amounts from Wygen III and Neil Simpson II plants are as follows:
 
2010-2017
20 MW - 10 MW contingent on Wygen III and 10 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2018-2019
15 MW - 10 MW contingent on Wygen III and 5 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2020-2021
12 MW - 6 MW contingent on Wygen III and 6 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
2022-2023
10 MW - 5 MW contingent on Wygen III and 5 MW contingent on Neil Simpson II
 
Reclamation Liability
 
Under its mining permit, WRDC is required to reclaim all land where it has mined coal reserves. The reclamation liability is recorded at the present value of the estimated future cost to reclaim the land with an equivalent amount added to the asset costs. Accrued reclamation costs included in Other deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were approximately $17.6 million and $15.3 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The asset is depreciated over the appropriate time period and the liability is accreted over time using an interest method of allocation. The amount of accretion expense and depreciation expense for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Accretion expense
$
1,246
 
$
1,118
 
$
639
 
Depreciation expense
$
6,519
 
$
1,993
 
$
580
 
 
Legal Proceedings
 
In the normal course of business, we are subject to various lawsuits, actions, proceedings, claims and other matters asserted under laws and regulations. We believe the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable contingencies. However, there can be no assurance that the actual amounts required to satisfy alleged liabilities from various legal proceedings, claims and other matters discussed, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations, will not exceed the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. As such, costs, if any, that may be incurred in excess of those amounts provided as of December 31, 2010, cannot be reasonably determined and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position.
 
FERC Compliance Investigation
 
During 2007, following an internal review of natural gas marketing activities conducted within the Energy Marketing segment, we identified possible instances of noncompliance with regulatory requirements applicable to those activities. We notified the enforcement staff of the FERC of our findings and shared information with the purpose of resolving any potential enforcement concerns. On August 24, 2009, the FERC entered its Order approving a stipulation and consent agreement between the FERC Office of Enforcement and Enserco Energy Inc., which settled all matters presented to the FERC in the 2007 self-report. Pursuant to the Agreement and Order, we agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1.4 million, and submit semi-annual monitoring reports to FERC's Office of Enforcement for one year. The final report was submitted in October 2010. No further enforcement action was taken or is expected relative to the matters presented to the Office of Enforcement. The settlement of this matter, including the payment of a civil penalty by Enserco Energy Inc., did not have a material impact upon our overall consolidated results of operations and cash flows.
 
 

194

 

(20)    GUARANTEES
 
We have entered into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries. The agreements include guarantees of debt obligations, contractual performance obligations and indemnification for reclamation and surety bonds.
 
We had the following guarantees in place (in thousands):
 
 
Outstanding at
 
Nature of Guarantee
December 31, 2010
Year Expiring
 
 
 
Guarantee obligations of Enserco under an agency agreement (1) 
$
7,000
 
2011
Guarantees of payment obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions by Black Hills Utility Holdings (2)
70,000
 
Ongoing
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for four gas turbines for Black Hills Colorado IPP (3)
7,134
 
2012
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for two gas turbines for Colorado Electric (4)
5,455
 
2012
Indemnification for subsidiary reclamation/surety bonds (5) 
11,564
 
Ongoing
Guarantee of payment obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for purchase of new office building (6)
6,026
 
2011
Guarantee for payment obligations arising from natural gas transportation, storage and services agreement for Black Hills Utility Holdings (7)
9,300
 
2011
 
$
116,479
 
 
 
(1)    We have guaranteed up to $7.0 million of the obligations of Enserco under an agency agreement whereby Enserco provides services to structure up to $100.3 million United States dollars (converted from $100.0 million Canadian dollars as of December 31, 2010) of certain transactions involving the buying, selling, transportation and storage of natural gas on behalf of another energy company. The agency agreement terminated on December 31, 2010, but the guarantee remains in place until all obligations have been fulfilled, which is expected in early 2011.
 
(2)    We have guaranteed some of the obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for payment obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions with BP Energy Company and/or BP Canada Energy Marketing Corp. These commodity transactions secure natural gas supply for our regulated gas utilities. The guarantee is a continuing guarantee that may be terminated upon 30 days written notice to the counterparty.
 
We have guaranteed some of the obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for payment obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions with Northern Natural Gas Company. These commodity transactions secure natural gas supply for our regulated gas utilities. The guarantee is a continuing guarantee that may be terminated upon 30 days written notice to the counterparty.
 
We have guaranteed some of the obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for payment obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions with PSCo. These commodity transactions secure natural gas supply for our regulated gas utilities. The guarantee is a continuing guarantee that may be terminated upon 30 days written notice to the counterparty.
 
(3)    We have issued four guarantees to GE for payment obligations arising from contracts to purchase four LM6000 gas turbines for Black Hills Colorado IPP. These are continuous guarantees which terminate upon payment in full of the purchase price to GE. Payments are scheduled based upon estimated construction milestone dates and completion of the project is scheduled for December 31, 2011. The guarantees will terminate upon settlement of all obligations, which is expected in early 2012.

195

 

 
(4)    We have issued two guarantees to GE for payment obligations arising from a contract to purchase two LMS100 natural gas turbine generators by Colorado Electric, which will be used in meeting a portion of the capacity and energy needs of our Colorado Electric customers. These are continuing guarantees which terminate upon payment in full of the purchase price to GE. Payments are scheduled based upon estimated construction milestone dates and completion of the project is scheduled for December 31, 2011. The guarantee will terminate upon settlement of all obligations, which is expected in early 2012.
 
(5)    We have guarantees in place for reclamation and surety bonds for our subsidiaries. The guarantees were entered into in the normal course of business. To the extent liabilities are incurred as a result of activities covered by the surety bonds, such liabilities are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
(6)    We issued a guarantee for a payment obligation arising from a contract to construct and purchase a new office building by Black Hills Utility Holdings. The office building is a 36,000 square foot office building located in Papillion, Nebraska. The guarantee will expire upon purchase of the building which is expected to be completed in 2011.
 
(7)    We issued a guarantee to Colorado Interstate Gas Company for payment obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings related to natural gas transportation, storage and services agreements. The guarantee expires July 31, 2011.
 
(21)    OIL AND GAS RESERVES AND RELATED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
 
BHEP has operating and non-operating interests in 1,314 developed oil and gas wells in ten states and holds leases on approximately 406,200 net acres.
 
Costs Incurred
 
Following is a summary of costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Acquisition of properties:
 
 
 
Proved
$
 
$
 
$
15,710
 
Unproved
3,846
 
3,443
 
1,290
 
Exploration costs
8,159
 
5,962
 
13,703
 
Development costs
25,264
 
10,133
 
49,441
 
Asset retirement obligations incurred
1,228
 
623
 
5,029
 
 
$
38,497
 
$
20,161
 
$
85,173
 
 

196

 

Reserves
 
The following table summarizes BHEP's quantities of proved developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves, estimated using SEC-defined product prices, as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, and a reconciliation of the changes between these dates. These estimates are based on reserve reports by CG&A. Such reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and may be subject to revisions as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. The current estimate takes into account 2010 production of approximately 10.7 Bcfe, additions from extensions and discoveries of 8.6 Bcfe and positive revisions to previous estimates of 14.4 Bcfe, including approximately 19.8 Bcfe due to higher crude oil and natural gas prices.
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
Oil
Gas
Oil *
Gas *
Oil
Gas
 
(in thousands of Bbls of oil and MMcf of gas)
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
5,274
 
87,660
 
5,185
 
154,432
 
5,807
 
172,964
 
Production
(376
)
(8,484
)
(366
)
(9,710
)
(387
)
(10,704
)
Additions - acquisitions (sales)
(13
)
(377
)
 
 
2
 
3,352
 
Additions - extensions and discoveries
1,145
 
1,710
 
152
 
2,560
 
438
 
4,037
 
Revisions to previous estimates
(90
)
14,947
 
303
 
(59,622
)
(675
)
(15,217
)
Balance at end of year
5,940
 
95,456
 
5,274
 
87,660
 
5,185
 
154,432
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves at end of year included above
4,434
 
67,656
 
4,274
 
74,911
 
4,429
 
88,701
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX prices *
$
79.43
 
$
4.38
 
$
61.18
 
$
3.87
 
$
44.60
 
$
5.71
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Well-head reserve prices
$
70.82
 
$
3.45
 
$
53.59
 
$
2.52
 
$
32.74
 
$
4.44
 
_________________________
*    On December 31, 2008, the SEC issued final rules amending its oil and gas reserve reporting requirements effective for years ended on or after December 31, 2009. The final rule changes the use of prices at the end of each reporting period to prices that are an average of the first day of the month for the preceding twelve months held constant for the life of production.
 
Reserve additions totaled 8.6 Bcfe, replacing 80% of production. The addition is a result of the development drilling in Williston, San Juan and Powder River basins. Drilling in Williston Basin (Bakken Shale) and San Juan accounted for 8.3 Bcfe of the additions. Williston Basin drilling is planned through 2015. Capital spending in 2010 was increased as Williston Basin drilling resumed. Additionally, exploratory investments were made in 2010 to develop future opportunities. Future capital spending rates are anticipated to increase with improved product prices, resulting in higher anticipated production replacement ratios.
 
Overall there was an upward revision to reserves totaling 14.4 Bcfe. Most of this revision was a positive 19.8 Bcfe related to higher crude oil and natural gas prices. We experienced positive revisions in the Piceance Basin (15.1 Bcfe) due to higher natural gas prices in the current year compared to the prior year. Additionally, there were positive price revisions in the San Juan, Powder River and other smaller basins in which we have assets. A reduction of lease operating expenses was offset by an increase in future capital costs resulting in a negative revision of 0.8 Bcfe due to costs. We experienced downward revisions due to well performance of 4.6 Bcfe. This performance revision represents approximately 3.5% of the year-end 2010 reserve total. The majority of the downward performance revisions were caused by the elimination of uneconomic PUD locations in the Powder River Basin and Big Horn Basin. In addition, we eliminated uneconomic PUD locations in the San Juan Basin and had minor performance revisions in Piceance, San Juan and Powder River Basins. Partially offsetting the performance-based downward revisions was better than expected drilling results of 2.0 Bcfe from the 2010 development of the Williston Basin.
 

197

 

The SEC adopted new guidelines for reporting reserves in 2009 which amended existing reporting requirements. Characteristics of our reporting are:
 
•    
The pricing used to determine reserves must be an average of the first-of-the-month prices over twelve-months instead of a one-day price at the end of the reporting period.
 
•    
The SEC established a new definition of "reliable technology" which broadens the technology that a company may use to establish reserves and categories. The new definition permits the use of any reliable technology to establish reserve volumes in addition to those established by production and flow test data. This new definition eliminates previous restrictions limiting allowable PUDs to be booked only one location away from a producing well. We elected to continue with our existing methodology for 2009 and 2010.
 
•    
Companies are now permitted but not required to disclose probable and possible reserves. We have elected not to report on these additional reserve categories for 2009 and again in 2010.
 
•    
Companies are required to include a narrative disclosure of the total quantity of PUDs at year end, any material changes in PUDs during the year, and investment and progress made in converting the PUDs during the year commencing prospectively from 2009. In 2010, we invested approximately $7.3 million to drill and develop 9 PUD locations from our 2009 inventory totaling approximately 3.6 Bcfe in proved developed reserve recognition. This represents approximately 2.3 Bcfe in PUD conversions with the difference being an upward revision from our 2009 PUD estimates for these same properties based on actual performance. Most of the reserves developed were in the Williston (1.9 Bcfe) and San Juan (1.6 Bcfe) Basins. We have 132 gross PUD locations as of December 31, 2010 located in five basins. These locations represent proved reserves of approximately 36.8 Bcfe, primarily in the Piceance Basin (21.8 Bcfe, 29 gross locations) and Williston Basin (10.9 Bcfe, 28 gross locations). Future development costs associated with these locations are approximately $72.4 million. None of our PUD locations have been reflected in our reserves for five or more years. Consistent with the new SEC guidance, these PUD locations will be monitored and reported each year until they are drilled or revised.
 
Capitalized Costs
 
Following is information concerning capitalized costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Unproved oil and gas properties
$
28,160
 
$
29,351
 
$
31,507
 
Proved oil and gas properties
592,978
 
582,276
 
561,779
 
 
621,138
 
611,627
 
593,286
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization and valuation allowances
(334,955
)
(335,605
)
(267,893
)
Net capitalized costs
$
286,183
 
$
276,022
 
$
325,393
 
 

198

 

Results of Operations
 
Following is a summary of results of operations for producing activities for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Sales Revenues
$
74,164
 
$
70,684
 
$
106,347
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
21,922
 
21,653
 
31,909
 
Depreciation, depletion & amortization and valuation provisions*
29,013
 
72,338
 
129,597
 
Total costs
50,935
 
93,991
 
161,506
 
 
23,229
 
(23,307
)
(55,159
)
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
(8,014
)
8,041
 
19,306
 
Results of operations from producing activities (excluding general and administrative costs and interest costs)
$
15,215
 
$
(15,266
)
$
(35,853
)
__________________________
*    Includes pre-tax ceiling test impairment charges of $43.3 million and $91.8 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
 
Following is a summary of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows and changes relating to proved oil and gas reserves for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Future cash inflows
$
764,585
 
$
519,867
 
$
875,926
 
Future production costs
(256,455
)
(207,783
)
(309,169
)
Future development costs
(73,805
)
(34,961
)
(130,632
)
Future income tax expense
(111,666
)
(51,287
)
(100,791
)
Future net cash flows
322,659
 
225,836
 
335,334
 
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows
(154,551
)
(96,728
)
(156,108
)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
$
168,108
 
$
129,108
 
$
179,226
 
 

199

 

The following are the principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
Standardized measure - beginning of year
$
129,108
 
$
179,226
 
$
322,898
 
Sales and transfers of oil and gas produced, net of production costs
(40,282
)
(26,836
)
(78,342
)
Net changes in prices and production costs
57,380
 
(40,786
)
(191,784
)
Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery, less related costs
17,076
 
3,324
 
7,961
 
Changes in future development costs
(17,125
)
83,000
 
11,756
 
Development costs incurred during the period
4,975
 
4,620
 
14,306
 
Revisions of previous quantity estimates
27,513
 
(104,556
)
(41,861
)
Accretion of discount
13,434
 
19,596
 
42,485
 
Net change in income taxes
(23,233
)
11,520
 
85,218
 
Purchases of reserves
 
 
6,592
 
Sales of reserves
(738
)
 
(3
)
Standardized measure - end of year
$
168,108
 
$
129,108
 
$
179,226
 
 
Changes in the standardized measure from "revisions of previous quantity estimates, changes in production rates, changes in timing and other," are driven by reserve revisions, modifications of production profiles and timing of future development. For all years presented, we had minimal net reserve revisions to prior estimates due to performance. Production forecast modifications are generally made at the well level each year through the reserve review process. These production profile modifications are based on incorporation of the most recent production information and applicable technical studies. Timing of future development investments are reviewed each year and are often modified in response to current market conditions for items such as permitting, and service availability.
 
(22)    SALE OF OPERATING ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
Sale of Operating Assets
 
Sale of Gas Assets
 
In March 2010, Nebraska Gas sold assets to Metropolitan Utilities District as a result of annexation proceedings by the City of Omaha, Nebraska. Nebraska Gas received $6.1 million in cash and recognized a $2.7 million gain on the sale.
 
Partial Sale of Wygen III
 
On July 14, 2010, Black Hills Power sold a 23% ownership interest in Wygen III to the City of Gillette for $62.0 million. The transaction entitles the City of Gillette to an ownership interest of approximately 25.3 MW in the plant. The purchase terminates the current PPA with the City of Gillette, and the Wygen III Participation Agreement has been amended to include the City of Gillette. The Participation Agreement provides that the City of Gillette will pay Black Hills Power for administrative services and share in the costs of operating the plant for the life of the facility. The estimated amount of net fixed assets sold totaled $55.8 million. Black Hills Power recognized a gain on the sale of $6.2 million.
 
Partial Sale of Wygen I to MEAN
 
During August 2008, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell a 23.5% ownership interest in the Wygen I plant to MEAN. The sale was completed in January 2009 for a price of $51.0 million, which was based on the then-current replacement cost for the coal-fired plant. We realized an after-tax gain of $16.9 million on the sale, and our property, plant and equipment was reduced by $25.0 million. We retain responsibility for operations of the plant, and at closing entered into a site lease, and operating agreements with MEAN for coal supply and operations. In addition, we terminated a 10-year PPA requiring MEAN to purchase 20 MW of power annually from Wygen I.
 

200

 

Partial Sale of Wygen III to MDU
 
On April 9, 2009, Black Hills Power sold to MDU a 25% ownership interest in its Wygen III generation facility. At closing, MDU made a payment to us for its 25% share of the costs to date on the ongoing construction of the facility. Proceeds of $32.8 million were received of which $30.2 million was used to pay down a portion of the Acquisition Facility. MDU continued to reimburse Black Hills Power for its 25% of the total costs paid to complete the project. The Wygen III generation facility began commercial operations in April 2010. In conjunction with the sales transaction, we also modified a 2004 PPA between Black Hills Power and MDU. The PPA with MDU now provides that once in commercial operations, the first 25 MW of MDU's required 74 MW will be supplied from its ownership interest in Wygen III. During periods of reduced production at Wygen III, or during periods when Wygen III is offline, MDU will be provided with its 25 MW from our other generation facilities or from system purchases.
 
Discontinued Operations
 
Results of operations and the related charges for discontinued operations have been classified as Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. For comparative purposes, all prior periods presented have been restated to reflect the reclassifications on a consistent basis.
 
IPP Transaction
 
On April 29, 2008, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell seven IPP plants to affiliates of Hastings and IIF for $840 million, subject to certain working capital adjustments. The transaction was completed July 11, 2008. Under the agreement, we received net pre-tax cash proceeds of $756 million, including the effects of estimated working capital adjustments and other costs and our required payoff of approximately $67.5 million of associated project level debt. The after-tax gain recorded on the asset sale was approximately $142.2 million of which $2.4 million was recorded in 2009 and $139.7 million was recorded in 2008 in discontinued operations. For business segment reporting purposes, results were previously included in the Power Generation segment.
 
Revenues and net income from the discontinued operations associated with the divested IPP plants at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2009
  2008 *
 
 
 
Operating revenues
$
 
$
59,572
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax income from discontinued operations
1,190
 
27,140
 
Gain on sale
 
233,599
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
1,249
 
(103,758
)
Net income from discontinued operations
$
2,439
 
$
156,981
 
_______________________
*    In accordance with GAAP, during the second quarter of 2008, the Company ceased recording depreciation and amortization expense on the IPP facilities.
 
The indirect corporate costs and inter-segment interest expense related to the IPP assets sold and not reclassified to discontinued operations were $11.8 million for the year ended 2008. These allocated costs remain in the Power Generation segment.
 
Interest expense included within the operations of the discontinued entities was recorded pursuant to accounting standards for discontinued operations and included interest expense on debt which was required to be repaid as a result of the sale transaction. Interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of the assets sold to total Company net assets, excluding the known debt repayment. For the year ended 2008, interest expense allocated to discontinued operations was $4.7 million.
 

201

 

(23)    ACQUISITIONS
 
Coal Marketing Acquisition
 
On June 1, 2010, Enserco expanded the commodities it markets through the acquisition of a coal marketing business from EDF for $2.25 million. Substantially all of the value of the net assets acquired was related to the portfolio of coal marketing contracts. On the June 1, 2010 acquisition date, the fair value of the net assets was approximately $2.4 million which was recorded in Derivative assets and Derivative liabilities. Additionally, we recognized a $0.2 million gain from bargain purchase, which was recorded in Other income on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Since the acquisition, Enserco has recognized $3.6 million of unrealized and realized gains, from coal marketing activities. Further information regarding these coal marketing contracts and activities is included in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Aquila Transaction
 
On July 14, 2008, we acquired one regulated electric utility in Colorado and four regulated gas utilities in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa from Aquila for $940 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. Based on working capital, capital expenditure and other adjustments, we paid $908.8 million in cash to Aquila. Additionally, approximately $29.6 million of fees and other costs were capitalized as part of the purchase price. The purchase price was financed through our Acquisition Facility and from cash proceeds generated from the IPP Transaction.
 
The acquisition of the Aquila assets has been accounted for under purchase accounting, whereby the purchase price of the transaction was allocated to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values. The estimates of the fair values recorded were determined based on accounting standards for fair value and reflect significant assumptions and judgments. We comply with the accounting standards for regulated operations and thus the assets and settlement of liabilities are subject to cost-based regulatory rate-setting processes. Accordingly, the historical carrying values of a majority of our assets and liabilities were deemed to represent fair values. In accordance with accounting standards for business combinations, adjustments to the purchase price allocation and subsequently goodwill occurred through July 14, 2009.
 
Adjustments to the purchase price allocation during 2009 included working capital and tax adjustments of $5.4 million. Allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
 
Current assets
$
113,486
 
Property, plant and equipment
542,094
 
Derivative assets
4,695
 
Goodwill(a)
339,028
 
Intangible assets(b)
4,884
 
Deferred assets
76,143
 
 
$
1,080,330
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
95,257
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities
54,550
 
 
$
149,807
 
 
 
Net assets
$
930,523
 
__________________________
(a)    $245.1 million and $93.9 million of goodwill was allocated to the regulated Electric Utilities and to the regulated Gas Utilities, respectively. All of this goodwill is expected to be fully tax deductible.
(b)    Intangible assets include $3.9 million of easements and right-of-ways and $1.0 million of trademark and trade names. This amount is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years.
 
The results of operations of the acquired regulated utilities have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements since the acquisition date.
 

202

 

The following unaudited pro-forma consolidated results of operations have been prepared as if the acquisition of the regulated utilities had occurred on January 1, 2008 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
December 31, 2008
 
 
Operating revenues
$
1,548,688
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
(27,640
)
Net income
129,477
 
(Loss) earnings per share -
 
Basic:
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.73
)
Total
$
3.39
 
Diluted:
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.73
)
Total
$
3.39
 
 
The above pro-forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated at that time; nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.
 

203

 

(24)    QUARTERLY HISTORICAL DATA (Unaudited)
 
The Company operates on a calendar year basis. The following tables set forth selected unaudited historical operating results and market data for each quarter of 2010 and 2009.
 
 
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth Quarter
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts, dividends and common stock prices)
2010
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
$
442,332
 
$
271,291
 
$
264,355
 
$
329,273
 
Operating income (a)
69,702
 
30,835
 
47,942
 
45,423
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations (b)
31,434
 
(8,659
)
12,390
 
33,520
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) available for common stock
31,434
 
(8,659
)
12,390
 
33,520
 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic —
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.81
 
$
(0.22
)
$
0.32
 
$
0.86
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
Total
$
0.81
 
$
(0.22
)
$
0.32
 
$
0.86
 
Diluted —
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.81
 
$
(0.22
)
$
0.32
 
$
0.85
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
Total
$
0.81
 
$
(0.22
)
$
0.32
 
$
0.85
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.36
 
Common stock prices
 
 
 
 
High
$
30.83
 
$
34.49
 
$
33.31
 
$
33.42
 
Low
$
25.65
 
$
27.34
 
$
27.79
 
$
29.32
 
__________________________
(a)    Includes pre-tax gain on sale of operating assets of $2.7 million ($1.7 million after-tax) and $6.2 million ($4.1 million after-tax) in the first and third quarters, respectively.
(b)    Includes unrealized mark-to-market gain (loss) for interest rate swaps of $(2.0) million, $(16.2) million, $(8.9) million, and $17.2 million after-tax in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.
 
 
 

204

 

 
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts, dividends and common stock prices)
2009
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
$
437,943
 
$
257,349
 
$
225,799
 
$
348,487
 
Operating income (c)
33,469
 
25,814
 
16,909
 
50,640
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations (d)
25,625
 
24,581
 
(3,853
)
32,403
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
766
 
 
1,673
 
360
 
Net income (loss) available for common stock
26,391
 
24,581
 
(2,180
)
32,763
 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic —
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.67
 
$
0.64
 
$
(0.10
)
$
0.83
 
Discontinued operations
0.02
 
 
0.04
 
0.01
 
Total
$
0.69
 
$
0.64
 
$
(0.06
)
$
0.84
 
Diluted —
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.66
 
$
0.64
 
$
(0.10
)
$
0.84
 
Discontinued operations
0.02
 
 
0.04
 
0.01
 
Total
$
0.68
 
$
0.64
 
$
(0.06
)
$
0.85
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
$
0.355
 
Common stock prices
 
 
 
 
High
$
27.84
 
$
23.45
 
$
26.90
 
$
27.98
 
Low
$
14.63
 
$
17.36
 
$
22.57
 
$
23.16
 
__________________________
(c)    Includes ceiling test impairment of $43.3 million pre-tax ($27.8 million after-tax) in first quarter. Includes pre-tax gain on sale of operating assets of $26.0 million ($16.9 million after-tax) in the first quarter.
(d)    Includes unrealized mark-to-market income (loss) for interest rate swaps of $9.6 million, $20.6 million, $(5.6) million and $11.6 million after-tax in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.
 
ITEM 9.    
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.    
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure controls and procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of December 31, 2010. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Internal control over financial reporting
 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is presented on Page 125 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
During our fourth fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 

205

 

ITEM 9B.    
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None
 
 

206

 

PART III
 
ITEM 10.    
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Information required under this item with respect to directors and information required by Items 401, 405, 406, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Executive Officers
 
David R. Emery, age 48, was elected Chairman in April 2005 and has been President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors since January 2004. Prior to that, he was our President and Chief Operating Officer — Retail Business Segment from April 2003 to January 2004 and Vice President — Fuel Resources from January 1997 to April 2003. Mr. Emery has 21 years of experience with the Company.
 
Scott A. Buchholz, age 49, has been our Senior Vice President — Chief Information Officer since the close of the Aquila Transaction in July 2008. Prior to joining the Company, he was Aquila's Vice President of Information Technology from June 2005 until July 2008, Six Sigma Deployment Leader/Black Belt from January 2004 until June 2005, and General Manager, Corporate Information Technology from February 2002 until January 2004. He was employed with Aquila for 28 years.
 
Anthony S. Cleberg, age 58, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2008. He was an independent investor, developer and consultant with companies in Colorado and Wyoming from 2002 until joining the Company in 2008. Prior to his consulting role, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of two publicly-traded companies: Washington Group, International, Inc., a large engineering and construction company involved in power plant construction and mining operations, and Champion Enterprises, a builder of factory-built housing. Before his CFO roles, he spent 15 years in various senior financial positions with Honeywell International, Inc., and eight years in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Mr. Cleberg currently sits on the board of directors of CNA Surety.
 
Linden R. Evans, age 48, has been President and Chief Operating Officer — Utilities since October 2004. Mr. Evans served as the Vice President and General Manager of our former communication subsidiary from December 2003 to October 2004, and served as our Associate Counsel from May 2001 to December 2003. Mr. Evans has nine years of experience with the Company.
 
Steven J. Helmers, age 54, has been our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer since January 2008. He served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel since January 2004 and our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Helmers has 10 years of experience with the Company.
 
Robert A. Myers, age 53, has been our Senior Vice President — Chief Human Resource Officer since January 2009 and served as our Interim Human Resources Executive since June 2008. He was a partner with Strategic Talent Solutions, a human resources consulting firm, from October 2006 until December 2008, Senior Vice President — Chief Human Resource Officer for Devon Energy from March 2006 until September 2006, and Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Reebok International, Ltd from November 2003 until January 2006. He has over 28 years of service in key human resources leadership roles.
 
Thomas M. Ohlmacher, age 59, has been the President and Chief Operating Officer of our Non-regulated Energy Group since November 2001. He served as Senior Vice President — Power Supply and Power Marketing from January 2001 to November 2001 and Vice President — Power Supply from 1994 to 2001. Prior to that, he held several positions with our Company since 1974. Mr. Ohlmacher has 36 years of experience with the Company. Mr. Ohlmacher has announced his retirement effective March 30, 2011.
 
Lynnette K. Wilson, age 51, has been our Senior Vice President — Communications and Investor Relations since the close of the Aquila acquisition in July 2008. Prior to joining the Company, she was Aquila's Vice President of Communications and Investor Relations from June 2006 until July 2008 and Issues Strategist for the Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 2002 until May 2006. She was employed with Aquila for 11 years.
 

207

 

ITEM 11.    
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information required under this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.    
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 
The following table includes information as of December 31, 2010 with respect to our equity compensation plans. These plans include the 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Stock Option Plan, the 2001 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
415,533
 
(1) 
 
$
32.92
 
(1) 
1,125,958
 
(2) 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
415,533
 
 
 
$
32.92
 
 
1,125,958
 
 
_________________________
 
(1)    Includes 186,572 full value awards outstanding as of December 31, 2010, comprised of restricted stock units, performance shares and Director common stock units. The weighted average exercise price does not include the restricted stock units, performance shares or common stock units. In addition, 265,908 shares of unvested restricted stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2010, which are not included in the above table because they have already been issued.
 
(2)    Shares available for issuance are from the 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards and other stock based awards.
 
ITEM 13.    
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.    
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting to Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 

208

 

PART IV
 
ITEM 15.    
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)
1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements required under this item are included in Item 8 of Part II.
 
 
 
 
2.
Schedules
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II — Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
 
 
 
 
 
All other schedules have been omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
 

209

 

SCHEDULE I
 
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2010
2009
2008
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
$
 
$
 
$
 
Operating expenses
735
 
524
 
8,978
 
Operating loss
(735
)
(524
)
(8,978
)
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
88,627
 
57,394
 
174,230
 
Interest expense
(14,985
)
(17,786
)
(1,604
)
Interest rate swap
(15,193
)
55,653
 
(94,440
)
Interest income
22
 
10
 
153
 
Other income
34
 
28
 
10
 
Total other income (expense)
58,505
 
95,299
 
78,349
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
57,770
 
94,775
 
69,371
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
10,915
 
(13,025
)
36,586
 
Income from continuing operations
68,685
 
81,750
 
105,957
 
Loss from discontinued operations
 
(195
)
(877
)
Net income available for common stock
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,080
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

210

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
At December 31,
2010
2009
ASSETS
(in thousands)
Current assets:
 
 
Cash
$
219
 
$
2,273
 
Accounts receivable — affiliates
869
 
2,226
 
Notes receivable — affiliates
201,497
 
160,160
 
Deferred income taxes
21,137
 
15,403
 
Other current assets
15,173
 
16,096
 
Total current assets
238,895
 
196,158
 
 
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
1,269,123
 
1,101,240
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable long-term — affiliate
575,000
 
475,000
 
Deferred tax assets
44,587
 
14,501
 
Other long-term assets
3,889
 
500
 
Total other assets
623,476
 
490,001
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,131,494
 
$
1,787,399
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
$
1,613
 
$
1,827
 
Derivative liabilities, current
57,343
 
45,129
 
Notes payable
249,000
 
164,500
 
Notes payable — affiliate
25,232
 
 
Other current liabilities
12,109
 
7,130
 
Total current liabilities
345,297
 
218,586
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities, non-current
7,360
 
9,075
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
674,930
 
474,901
 
Note payable long-term — affiliate
3,637
 
 
Total long-term debt
678,567
 
474,901
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equity
1,100,270
 
1,084,837
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
2,131,494
 
$
1,787,399
 
 
The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
 

211

 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Years ended December 31,
2010
2009
2008
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
68,685
 
$
81,555
 
$
105,080
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
195
 
877
 
Income from continuing operations
68,685
 
81,750
 
105,957
 
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities —
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
(88,627
)
(57,394
)
(174,230
)
Stock compensation
5,849
 
3,983
 
2,657
 
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss on certain interest rate swaps
15,193
 
(55,653
)
94,440
 
Derivative fair value adjustments
(6,384
)
1,461
 
 
Deferred income taxes
(34,452
)
19,224
 
(32,606
)
Other adjustments
2,296
 
(329
)
(926
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities —
 
 
 
Accounts receivable and other current assets
2,198
 
41,237
 
(33,342
)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
4,846
 
(22,906
)
5,360
 
Other operating activities
3,784
 
1,399
 
20
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of continuing operations
(26,612
)
12,772
 
(32,670
)
Net cash used by operating activities of discontinued operations
 
(195
)
(877
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(26,612
)
12,577
 
(33,547
)
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment additions
 
 
 
Increase in advances to affiliate
(216,337
)
(115,731
)
(189,524
)
Other investing activities
 
 
(13,500
)
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
(216,337
)
(115,731
)
(203,024
)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
(216,337
)
(115,731
)
(203,024
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends paid on common stock
(56,467
)
(55,151
)
(53,663
)
Common stock issued
3,246
 
4,819
 
2,683
 
Decrease in short-term borrowings
(770,000
)
(742,500
)
(483,500
)
Increase in short-term borrowings
854,500
 
631,075
 
788,459
 
Notes payable to affiliate
14,995
 
 
 
Long-term debt — issuance
200,000
 
248,500
 
 
Other financing activities
(5,379
)
1,500
 
(2,066
)
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations
240,895
 
88,243
 
251,913
 
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations
 
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
240,895
 
88,243
 
251,913
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(2,054
)
(14,911
)
15,342
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
Beginning of year
2,273
 
17,184
 
1,842
 
End of year
$
219
 
$
2,273
 
$
17,184
 
 

212

 

 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2010
2009
2008
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities-
 
 
 
Non-cash adjustment to notes receivable from affiliate
$
62,019
 
$
66,034
 
$
34,473
 
Non-cash adjustment to notes payable to affiliate
$
13,874
 
$
 
$
 
Non-cash dividend from affiliates
$
 
$
225,000
 
$
225,000
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid (received) during the period for-
 
 
 
Interest
$
(56,464
)
$
(19,878
)
$
(1,376
)
Income taxes refunded
$
(504
)
$
6,667
 
$
2,278
 
 
The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
 

213

 

NOTES TO BLACK HILLS CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY) CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1)     BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
Pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC, the unconsolidated condensed financial statements of Black Hills Corporation do not reflect all of the information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Dividends paid to Black Hills Corporation (the Parent) from its subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
2008
Cash Dividends paid to Parent from subsidiaries
$
6,298
 
$
 
$
 
Non-Cash Dividends paid to Parent from subsidiaries
$
 
$
225,000
 
$
225,000
 
 
(2)    NOTES PAYABLE
 
Black Hills Corporation had a committed line of credit with various banks totaling $500.0 million at December 31, 2010 and $525 million at December 31, 2009, respectively. Our credit line is a revolving credit facility, which expires April 14, 2013. We had $149.0 million of borrowings and $46.9 million of letters of credit and $164.5 million of borrowings and $44.8 million of letters of credit issued under the facility at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The cost of borrowings or letters of credit issued under the facility is determined based on our credit ratings. At current ratings levels, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings and letters of credit are 1.75%, 2.75% and 2.75%, respectively at December 31, 2010. The new facility contains a commitment fee to be charged on the unused amount of the facility. Based upon current credit ratings, the fee is 0.5%.
 
Corporate Term Loan
 
In December 2010, we entered into a one-year $100.0 million term loan (the "Loan) with J.P. Morgan and Union Bank. The cost of borrowings under the Loan is based on a spread of 137.5 basis points over LIBOR (1.6875% at December 31, 2010). The proceeds were used to reduce borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. The covenants are substantially the same as the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
(3)    LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt outstanding at December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
2009
 
 
 
Senior unsecured notes at 6.5% due 2013
$
225,000
 
$
225,000
 
Unamortized discount on notes due 2013
(70
)
(99
)
Senior unsecured notes at 9.0% due 2014
250,000
 
250,000
 
Senior unsecured notes at 5.875% due 2020
200,000
 
 
Total senior unsecured notes
$
674,930
 
$
474,901
 
 
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding amortization of premium or discount, for the next five years are: $225.0 million in 2013 and $250.0 million in 2014.
 

214

 

$200 Million Debt Offering
 
In July 2010, pursuant to a public offering, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal of senior unsecured notes due in 2020. The notes were priced at par and carry a fixed interest rate of 5.875%. We received proceeds of $198.7 million, net of underwriting fees. Deferred financing costs of $1.7 million are being amortized over the 10-year term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense. Proceeds were used to pay down a portion of borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and to reduce issued letters of credit.
 
$250 Million Debt Offering
 
In May 2009, we issued a $250 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in 2014 pursuant to a public offering. The notes were priced at par and carry a fixed interest rate of 9%. We received proceeds, net of underwriting fees, of $248.5 million. Proceeds were used to pay down the Acquisition Facility. Deferred financing costs capitalized are being amortized over the term of the debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.
 
Certain debt instruments of the Company contain restrictions and covenants, all of which we were in compliance with at December 31, 2010.
 
(4)     GUARANTEES
 
We have entered into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries. The agreements include guarantees of debt obligations, contractual performance obligations and indemnification for reclamation and surety bonds.
 
As of December 31, 2010, we had the following guarantees in place (in thousands):
 
Nature of Guarantee
December 31, 2010
 
Year Expiring
 
 
 
 
Guarantee obligations of Enserco under an agency agreement
$
7,000
 
 
2011
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from commodity-related physical and financial transactions by Black Hills Utility Holdings
70,000
 
 
Ongoing
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for four gas turbines for Black Hills Colorado IPP
7,134
 
 
2012
Guarantees for payment obligations arising from purchase contracts for two gas turbines for Colorado Electric
5,455
 
 
2012
Indemnification for subsidiary reclamation/surety bonds
11,564
 
 
Ongoing
Guarantee of payment obligations of Black Hills Utility Holdings for purchase of new office building
6,026
 
 
2011
Guarantee for payment obligations arising from natural gas transportation, storage and services agreement for Black Hills Utility Holdings
9,300
 
 
2011
 
$
116,479
 
 
 
 
(5)    RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 
We engage in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations.
 
•    
At December 31, 2010, we have $150.0 million of notional amount floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and accordingly, the mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Condensed Balance Sheets of this Schedule I. The swaps have a maximum term of six years.

215

 

 
•    
We also have interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $250.0 million which were entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate movements that would impact long-term financings that were originally expected to occur in 2008. The swaps were originally designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and the mark-to-market values were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Condensed Balance Sheets of this Schedule I. Based on credit market conditions that transpired during the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined it was probable that the forecasted long-term debt financings would not occur in the time period originally specified and as a result, the swaps were no longer effective hedges and the hedge relationships were de-designated. Mark-to-market adjustments on the swaps are now recorded within the income statement and during 2010 we recorded a $15.2 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market loss to earnings, in 2009 we recorded a $55.7 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market gain to earnings and in 2008 we recorded a $94.4 million pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market loss to earnings. These swaps are eight and 18 year swaps which have amended mandatory early termination dates ranging from December 15, 2011 to December 29, 2011.
 
On December 31 our interest rate swaps and related balances were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
Interest Rate Swaps
De-designated Interest Rate Swaps
 
Interest Rate Swaps
De-designated Interest Rate Swaps
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notional *
$
75,000
 
$
250,000
 
 
$
150,000
 
$
250,000
 
Weighted average fixed interest rate
4.97
%
5.67
%
 
4.97
%
5.67
%
Maximum terms in years
6.0
 
1.0
 
 
7.0
 
1.0
 
Current derivative assets
$
 
$
 
 
$
 
$
 
Non-current derivative assets
$
 
$
 
 
$
 
$
 
Current derivative liabilities
$
3,363
 
$
53,980
 
 
$
6,342
 
$
38,787
 
Non-current derivative liabilities
$
7,360
 
$
 
 
$
9,075
 
$
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
$
(10,723
)
$
 
 
$
(15,417
)
$
 
Pre-tax gain (loss)
$
 
$
(15,193
)
 
$
 
$
55,653
 
            
*    Under the terms of the Black Hills Wyoming project financing, Black Hill Wyoming was required to become a party to hedging agreements fixing the interest rate on $75MM of the principal amount of the debt.  To accomplish this, two existing swap agreements were amended so that the Parent and Black Hills Wyoming are now both jointly and severally liable for the full amount of the obligations under the swap agreements.  As of January 15, 2010, the mark to market liability associated with the two swaps with a notional value of $75.0 million was transferred from the Parent to Black Hills Wyoming.  The balance in AOCI as of January 15, 2010 of the Parent was frozen at that point in time and is being amortized over the remaining life of the swaps through the quarterly settlement process.
 
Based on December 31, 2010 market interest rates and balances, a loss of approximately $3.4 million would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next 12 months. Estimated and realized losses will change during the next 12 months as market interest rates fluctuate.
 
 
 

216

 

Fair Value Measures
 
Accounting standards for fair value measurements require, among other things, enhanced disclosures regarding assets and liabilities carried at fair value and also provide a single definition of fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Disclosures are required based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). We are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of inputs.
 
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities. This level primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded securities and listed derivatives.
 
Level 2 — Pricing inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
Level 3 — Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs reflect management's best estimate of fair value using their own judgments about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
Liabilities:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
 
$
64,703
 
$
 
$
64,703
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
 
$
54,204
 
$
 
$
54,204
 
 
 
The following table presents the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments as of December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2009
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value of Liability Derivative
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liability - current
$
3,363
 
6,342
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liability - non-current
7,360
 
9,075
 
 
 
$
10,723
 
$
15,417
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liability - current
$
53,980
 
$
38,787
 
 
 
$
53,980
 
$
38,787
 
 

217

 

The impact of our cash flow hedges on our Condensed Statement of Income and Balance Sheets for the years ended are presented as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2010
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain/ (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(5,352
)
Interest expense
$
(3,662
)
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
12,818
 
Interest expense
$
(3,228
)
 
The impact of derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedging instruments on our Condensed Statements of Income for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Interest rate swaps - unrealized
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap
(15,193
)
Interest rate swaps - realized
Interest expense
(13,312
)
 
 
$
(28,505
)
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Interest rate swaps - unrealized
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap
55,653
 
Interest rate swaps - realized
Interest expense
(9,816
)
 
 
$
45,837
 
 
(6)    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
219
 
$
219
 
 
$
2,273
 
$
2,273
 
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities
$
64,703
 
$
64,703
 
 
$
54,204
 
$
54,204
 
Notes payable
$
249,000
 
$
249,000
 
 
$
164,500
 
$
164,500
 
Long-term debt
$
674,930
 
$
743,738
 
 
$
474,901
 
$
524,673
 
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
These instruments are carried at fair value. Additional descriptions of these instruments are included in Note 5 of these Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements on Schedule I.

218

 

 
Notes Payable
 
The carrying amount approximates fair value due to their variable interest rates with short reset periods.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market rates for our debt instruments, when available, or debt instruments having similar maturities and similar debt ratings.
 
(7)    COMMON STOCK
 
Forward Equity Issuance
 
In November 2010, we entered into a Forward Agreement with J.P. Morgan in connection with a public offering of 4,000,000 shares of Black Hills Corporation common stock. Under the Forward Agreement on November 10, 2010, we agreed to issue to J.P. Morgan 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at an initial forward price of $28.70875 per share.
 
On December 7, 2010, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 413,519 shares. In conjunction with the underwriters' exercise of the 413,519 share over-allotment option, an additional Equity Forward Agreement was entered into with J.P. Morgan for the over-allotment shares, having the same terms as the original Forward Agreement (together with the Forward Agreement, the "Forward Agreements").
 
The forward price used to determine cash proceeds due Black Hills Corporation at settlement of the equity forward instruments underlying the Forward Agreements will be calculated based on the November 2010 public offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, adjusted for underwriting fees, and interest rate adjustments as specified in the Forward Agreements and expected dividends on our common stock during the period the instrument is outstanding. We may settle the equity forward instrument at any time up to the maturity date of November 10, 2011. We may also unilaterally elect to cash or net share settlement for any date up to maturity, for all or a portion of the equity forward shares.
 
The equity forward instrument held by J.P. Morgan, underlying the Forward Agreements, was accounted for as equity in accordance with accounting for Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity, and recorded at fair value at the execution of the Forward Agreements, and will not be subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value until settlement. Since the initial pricing of the equity forward instrument of $28.70875 per share was determined based on the November 2010 offering price of our common stock of $29.75 per share, less underwriting fees of $1.04 per share, no premium on the transaction was due J.P. Morgan related to the Forward Agreements at execution, and no fair value was recorded to equity for the instrument. Proceeds or payments due at settlement of all or portions of the equity forward instrument will be recorded with appropriate adjustments to additional paid in capital and common stock, depending on the method of settlement.
 
Based on the closing Black Hills Corporation common stock price of $30.00 on December 31, 2010, and the forward price on that date for the equity forward and over-allotment shares of $28.34, the fair value net cash settlement of the 4,000,000 equity forward instrument and 413,519 over-allotment shares was approximately $7.3 million. The Forward Agreements require a 60 day notice prior to settlement for cash or net share settlements. Forward prices and volume-weighted average market prices for the period between when notice is provided and settlement are used to calculate cash and net share settlement amounts.
 
At December 31, 2010, the equity forward instrument could have been settled with physical delivery of 4,413,519 shares to J.P. Morgan in exchange for cash of $125.1 million. Assuming required notices were given and actions taken, the forward instruments could have also been settled at December 31, 2010 with delivery of cash of approximately $8.8 million or approximately 291,000 shares of common stock to J.P. Morgan.
 
(8)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation which arise in the ordinary course of operations. In the opinion of management, the amount of liability, if any, with respect to these actions would not materially affect the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
 

219

 

 
SCHEDULE II
 
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2009, AND 2008
 
Description
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
 
Adjustments(a)
 
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses
 
Other Additions(b)
 
Deductions(c)
 
Balance at End of Year
 
 
(in thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010
 
$
4,621
 
 
$
 
 
$
1,930
 
 
$
2,196
 
 
$
(6,383
)
 
$
2,364
 
2009
 
$
6,751
 
 
$
 
 
$
3,428
 
 
$
3,229
 
 
$
(8,787
)
 
$
4,621
 
2008
 
$
4,588
 
 
$
3,910
 
 
$
3,262
 
 
$
1,789
 
 
$
(6,798
)
 
$
6,751
 
_________________________
(a)    Opening balance of assets acquired in the Aquila Transaction
(b)    Recoveries
(c)    Uncollectible accounts written off
 

220

 

3.    
Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
3.1*
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2004).
 
 
3.2*
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010).
 
 
4.1*
Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010).
 
 
4.2*
Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669).
 
 
4.3*
Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2000).
 
 
10.1*†
Amended and Restated Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation dated November 6, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K/A for 2001). First Amendment to Pension Equalization Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2002). Grandfather Amendment to the Amended and Restated Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.2*†
2005 Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.3*†
Restoration Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.4†
Black Hills Corporation Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2011.
 
 
10.5*†
Black Hills Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Omnibus Plan") (filed as Appendix A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement filed April 13, 2005). First Amendment to the Omnibus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008). Second Amendment to the Omnibus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2010).
 
 
10.6*†
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 

221

 

10.7*†
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after December 10, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2007). Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.8*†
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.9*†
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2009).
 
 
10.10*†
Form of Short-term Incentive for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2010. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010).
 
 
10.11*†
Form of Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2004).
 
 
10.12*†
Indemnification Agreement dated as of May 3, 2010, between Black Hills Corporation and John B. Vering (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010).
 
 
10.13*†
Change in Control Agreement dated September 7, 2010 between Black Hills Corporation and David R. Emery (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 10, 2010).
 
 
10.14*†
Form of Change in Control Agreements between Black Hills Corporation and its non-CEO Senior Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 10, 2010).
 
 
10.15*†
Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.16†
First Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2011.
 
 
10.17*†
Independent Contractor Agreement dated May 3, 2010, between Black Hills Corporation and Lone Mountain Investment, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010).
 
 
10.18*†
Consulting Services Agreement between Black Hills Corporation, Thomas M. Ohlmacher and T.O.P., LLC dated December 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2010).
 
 
10.19*
Credit Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2010 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc. in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other financial institutions party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2010).
 
 
10.20*
Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2010 among Black Hills Corporation as Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto, as Banks, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as Administrative Agent, and JPMorgan Securities LLC and Union Bank of California N.A., as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runner (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010).
 
 
 
 

222

 

10.21*
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective May 8, 2009, among Enserco Energy Inc., as borrower, Fortis Capital Corp., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Societe Generale as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas as documentation agent, U.S. Bank National Association, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch and the other financial institutions which may become parties thereto ("Enserco Credit Agreement") (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2009). Joinder Agreements dated May 27, 2009 to the Enserco Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2009). First Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective August 25, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). Second Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective December 30, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2009). Third Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective May 7, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed May 13, 2010). Joinder Agreement dated May 28, 2010 to the Enserco Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2010). Fourth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective May 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed June 3, 2010). Fifth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective July 12, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2010). Sixth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective September 21, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010).
 
 
10.22*
Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Black Hills Generation, Inc., as Seller, and Southwest Generation Operating Company, LLC, as Buyer, dated as of April 29, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2008).
 
 
10.23*
Coal Leases between WRDC and the Federal Government
     -Dated May 1, 1959 (filed as Exhibit 5(i) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989)
     -Dated April 1, 1961 (filed as Exhibit 5(j) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989)
     -Dated October 1, 1965 (filed as Exhibit 5(k) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989).
 
 
10.24*
Assignment of Mining Leases and Related Agreement effective May 27, 1997, between WRDC and Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1997).
 
 
10.25*
Confirmation dated November 10, 2010 between the Registrant and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as agent for JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2010). Amendment dated November 15, 2010 to Confirmation dated November 10, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 1.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2010). Confirmation dated December 7, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2010).
 
 
21
List of Subsidiaries of Black Hills Corporation.
 
 
23.1
Independent Auditors' Consent.
 
 
23.2
Consent of Petroleum Engineer and Geologist.
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
99
Report of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc.
 
 
99.1
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data

223

 

101
Financials in XBRL Format
________________________
*    Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.
†    Indicates a board of director or management compensatory plan.
(a)See (a) 3. Exhibits above.
(b)See (a) 2. Schedules above.

224

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
 
 
David R. Emery, Chairman, President
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Dated:
February 25, 2011
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
Director and
February 25, 2011
David R. Emery, Chairman, President
Principal Executive Officer
 
and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
Principal Financial and
February 25, 2011
Anthony S. Cleberg, Executive Vice President
Accounting Officer
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ DAVID C. EBERTZ
Director
February 25, 2011
David C. Ebertz
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ JACK W. EUGSTER
Director
February 25, 2011
Jack W. Eugster
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ JOHN R. HOWARD
Director
February 25, 2011
John R. Howard
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ KAY S. JORGENSEN
Director
February 25, 2011
Kay S. Jorgensen
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ STEPHEN D. NEWLIN
Director
February 25, 2011
Stephen D. Newlin
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ GARY L. PECHOTA
Director
February 25, 2011
Gary L. Pechota
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ WARREN L. ROBINSON
Director
February 25, 2011
Warren L. Robinson
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ JOHN B. VERING
Director
February 25, 2011
John B. Vering
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ THOMAS J. ZELLER
Director
February 25, 2011
Thomas J. Zeller
 
 

225

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
3.1*
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2004).
 
 
3.2*
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010).
 
 
4.1*
Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010).
 
 
4.2*
Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669).
 
 
4.3*
Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2000).
 
 
10.1*†
Amended and Restated Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation dated November 6, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K/A for 2001). First Amendment to Pension Equalization Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2002). Grandfather Amendment to the Amended and Restated Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.2*†
2005 Pension Equalization Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.3*†
Restoration Plan of Black Hills Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.4†
Black Hills Corporation Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2011.
 
 
10.5*†
Black Hills Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Omnibus Plan") (filed as Appendix A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement filed April 13, 2005). First Amendment to the Omnibus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008). Second Amendment to the Omnibus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2010).
10.6*†
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.7*†
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after December 10, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2007). Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 

226

 

 
10.8*†
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.9*†
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2009).
 
 
10.10*†
Form of Short-Term Incentive for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2010. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010).
 
 
10.11*†
Form of Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2004).
 
 
10.12*†
Indemnification Agreement dated as of May 3, 2010, between Black Hills Corporation and John B. Vering (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010).
 
 
10.13*†
Change in Control Agreement dated September 7, 2010 between Black Hills Corporation and David R. Emery (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 10, 2010).
 
 
10.14*†
Form of Change in Control Agreements between Black Hills Corporation and its non-CEO Senior Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 10, 2010).
 
 
10.15*†
Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2008).
 
 
10.16†
First Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2011.
 
 
10.17*†
Independent Contractor Agreement dated May 3, 2010, between Black Hills Corporation and Lone Mountain Investment, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010).
 
 
10.18*†
Consulting Services Agreement between Black Hills Corporation, Thomas M. Ohlmacher, and T.O.P. LLC dated December 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2010).
 
 
10.19*
Credit Agreement, dated April 15, 2010, among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other financial institutions party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2010).
 
 
10.20*
Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2010 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto, as Banks, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as Administrative Agent, and JP Morgan Securities LLC and Union Bank of California, N.A., as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010).
 
 
 
 

227

 

10.21*
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective May 8, 2009, among Enserco Energy Inc., as borrower, Fortis Capital Corp., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Societe Generale as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas as documentation agent, U.S. Bank National Association, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch and the other financial institutions which may become parties thereto ("Enserco Credit Agreement") (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2009). Joinder Agreements dated May 27, 2009 to the Enserco Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2009). First Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective August 25, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). Second Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective December 30, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2009). Third Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective May 7, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed May 13, 2010). Joinder Agreement dated May 28, 2010 to the Enserco Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2010). Fourth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective May 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed June 3, 2010). Fifth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective July 12, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2010). Sixth Amendment to the Enserco Credit Agreement effective September 21, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010).
 
 
10.22*
Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Black Hills Generation, Inc., as Seller, and Southwest Generation Operating Company, LLC, as Buyer, dated as of April 29, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2008).
 
 
10.23*
Coal Leases between WRDC and the Federal Government
-Dated May 1, 1959 (filed as Exhibit 5(i) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
-Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989)
-Dated April 1, 1961 (filed as Exhibit 5(j) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
-Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989)
-Dated October 1, 1965 (filed as Exhibit 5(k) to the Registrant's Form S-7, File No. 2-60755)
-Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1989).
 
 
10.24*
Assignment of Mining Leases and Related Agreement effective May 27, 1997, between WRDC and Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 1997).
 
 
10.25*
Confirmation dated November 10, 2010 between the Registrant and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as agent for JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2010). Amendment dated November 15, 2010 to Confirmation dated November 10, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 1.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2010). Confirmation dated December 7, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2010).
 
 
21
List of Subsidiaries of Black Hills Corporation.
 
 
23.1
Independent Auditors' Consent.
 
 
23.2
Consent of Petroleum Engineer and Geologist.
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
99
Report of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc.
 
 

228

 

99.1
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data
 
 
101
Financials in XBRL Format
__________________________
*    Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.
†    Indicates a board of director or management compensatory plan.

229